Welcome to 2015

How do you want to feel this year?

You know what you want to do. You want to lose 15 pounds. You want to travel. You want to read 100 books or start exercising more or get married.

But those things aren't important.

This year, don't focus on what you want to do. Focus on how you want to feel.

Instead of trying to lose ten pounds, focus on doing things that make you feel healthy. Maybe that's drinking more water or cutting fast food out of your diet.

Instead of telling yourself you're going to write a book, focus on doing things that make you feel creative. That could entail writing every day, reading more or taking a writing class.

Instead of telling yourself you want to get married, focus on doing things that make you feel love. Maybe that doesn't mean getting married just yet. Maybe it just means spending more time with your partner.

The problem with setting New Year's Resolutions is that by the end of January they usually fade and we give them up. You miss a day of running and you immediately feel guilty. Guilt has no place in your goals.

So instead of goals, focus on feelings. How do you want to feel? If you're having trouble picking out how you want to feel this year, I recommend picking up The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte. It's an excellent resource for figuring out your desired feelings.

This year I want to feel creative, connected, centered and electric.

What about you?

What I Learned from Not Writing a Book

As many of you know, I spent the month of November participating in Nanowrimo, National Novel Writing Month.

It feels like November 1st was yesterday. I still remember huddling up in my room and typing the first few words of my novel.

But then something happened.

I lost interest.

Losing interest is typical when writing a long piece. I continued to move forward, writing detailed scenes and long patches of dialogue. I was up on the word count I was doing well.

Until I woke up one morning and realized that my resistance to writing the novel didn't have to do with procrastination or writer's block.

My resistance had everything to do with passion.

I didn't like what I was writing. Although the concept excited me, as I started the piece every word felt like a struggle. I felt like I was lying to my readers. My characters lacked strength and my writing lacked soul.

I know now that I have to write what sets my soul on fire. Unfortunately, that novel was not it. But I am convinced that I am a better, more organized writer because of it. In the future, my aim is to truly write words that will inspire you, my readers, to live lives that you love.

I hope you are spending your time today doing something that sets your soul on fire.

Surviving the Holidays

I love the holidays. I love opening presents on Christmas Day, eating good food on Thanksgiving and spending time with my friends and family. However, not all of us love the holiday season. Many people work through the holidays or don't live near family or friends that they can spend time with. With the cold weather and grey skies, some people feel down during the holiday season and don't want to get out of bed. Thankfully, there are some ways to give yourself a little boost during this time of year.

Give yourself something to look forward to.

Is there an event coming up that you are planning on attending? Maybe there's a new movie or video game coming out that you can't wait for, or maybe you can't wait until the break so you can fly home to see your family. Set your sights on something fun.

Embrace the holiday cheese.

I'm not talking about the food. I'm talking about the cheesy aspects of the holiday that always pop up this time of year. One of my favorite things to do is watch Hallmark movies with my Mom. They are usually horrible, but that makes it even more fun. Sing some goofy Christmas carols, make a paper turkey or sit down and watch a holiday classic.

Look for free opportunities.

If you look in your local paper, there is usually a section highlighting all of the events going on in your state or city. Pick out some that look fun and go to them! There are usually a bunch of free events going on during the season where you can do something new and get some good food.

Amp up the atmosphere.

Put on some holiday music when you're at home. Light a warm fire. Wrap yourself up in a warm blanket and drink apple cider. Do all of the holiday things you've always wanted to do.

Decorate.

Go to your local Dollar Store and go crazy with decorations. Whether it be tiny turkeys, green and red streamers or mini Christmas trees, your house (or room) deserves to be festive!

Pamper your pets.

Your pets deserve presents, too! Buy your furry friend a holiday outfit or his/her favorite treat to put in a little stocking. Give your pets some extra love during the holidays.

Get together with some friends.

If you have friends in the area, call them up and plan a holiday party! Have each person bring a different holiday treat or have everyone wear a tacky sweater. Better yet, if your friends are all alone for the holidays, get together for a gift swap or a potluck dinner.

Practice gratitude.

Sometimes what you need is a little perspective. Take time this season to think about all of the things in your life that you are thankful for. Write it down and hang it up somewhere where you can see it and add to it everyday.

Buy yourself a present.

You worked hard this year! 2014 is almost over, and you survived! Splurge a little bit and buy yourself that gift you have always wanted. You deserve it.

Take care of yourself.

Remember to do the little things this season, like brush your teeth, wash your face and do your laundry. Listen to your body and make sure to take care of it. Take medicine when you need to, settle down with a hot bath and a good book or take that nap you desperately need. The holidays can be hard for a lot of people. If you're feeling down this season, don't hesitate to put yourself first.


How do you survive the holiday season? Let me know in the comments below!

Dealing with Jealousy

When is the last time you were jealous of someone? Was it someone on television or was it someone you knew personally? Has jealousy ever ruined a friendship in your life or caused you to hurt someone's feelings?

Jealousy can be a horrible thing. A touch of envy can turn into a storm that you can't control. Try some of these tips below to stop the flow of jealousy. Don't let it run your life.

Practice Gratitude

One of the best ways to combat jealousy is to start appreciating what you already have. Every day write down 10 things you are grateful for. They can be as simple as getting to pet your cat or having a good commute to work. Start becoming aware of all the good things in your life instead of focusing on the things you don't have.

Work for What you Want

The majority of people who have nice things worked hard to get them. If you want that new purse or want to travel the world, start working for it. That friend you have that got to go to Greece over the summer? Stop staring at her Facebook photos and take action. Take measurable, conscious steps toward your goal. When you work hard for the things that you want, it feels so much better when you finally get it.

You Will Never Be _______ (and that's okay)

Kate Winslet is my favorite actress. I think she is insanely talented and gorgeous. Unfortunately, no matter how much I try, I will never be Kate Winslet, and neither will you. No matter how much you idolize someone, you will never be them. You will, however, always be you. Embrace who you are. Embrace your flaws and talents and realize that it is okay to be you.

People are just People

Let's get real for a minute here: everybody poops. Sorry, but it's true. The actors, models and musicians that you love and idolize. The girl in your class who seems to always get the guy. The guy who just got that brand new sports car. At the end of the day, we really aren't that different.

Things are just Things

A few years ago there was this big trend of wearing these small, multi-colored bracelets that came in all different color combinations and styles. I remember going with a friend of mine and picking up two or three, each of them about $12 each, and sporting them proudly on my arm. Do I still have those bracelets? Yes. Do I still wear them? Not really. The trend is over, and my taste has changed. Things go out of style and things break. Before you shell out $400 on a purse you saw an actress wear on the red carpet, maybe you need to take a few days to assess if you really need another 'thing' in your life.


How do you deal with jealousy? Let me know in the comments below!

10 Holiday Gift Ideas for 10 Dollars or Less

Buying presents for the holidays can be a pain. You want to get everyone something great, but you don't want to spend a lot of money doing it. I've gathered up this list of cute items (all for $10 or less) that will have your friends, family (and your wallet) smiling!

Truffle Shuffle Salt & Pepper Shaker Set
ModCloth, $7.99

Truffle Shuffle Shaker. Say that five times fast.

As Good As Gold Bracelet
Baublebar, $10.00

Ooh, look, shiny!

Itty Bit White Plush Bunny
Francesca's, $10.00

Get the little ones in your life this insanely soft bunny.
Or get it for yourself. No judgement here.

Smashbox Lashes & Lips
Ulta Beauty, $10.00

Because you can never have enough makeup.

Kitten Canvas Tote Bag
Forever 21, $3.90

Carry around your stuff in this cat tote.
Or carry around your cat in this cat tote.

Secret Ingredient Spoon
ModCloth, $9.99

Heart shaped spoons, for those of us who can actually cook.
Or just use it for decoration.

Layered Chain Headband
Forever 21, $4.90

Glamorous gold chain headband.
You fancy, huh?

Cultivate Organization Scarf Hanger
ModCloth, $9.99

Buy one of these to hang up your 30 scarves.
You have too many scarves.

Drumstick Pens
Uncommon Goods, $8.00

Annoy your friends, family and teachers!

Marvel Enamel Keychain
ThinkGeek, $4.99

I don't think you can actually fight crime with this.






What are you planning for the holidays? Are you ready to splurge on some goodies or are you taking the cheaper route? Let me know in the comments!

Wednesday Whimsy

This might be the cutest thing in the world.

I officially have a new blog design! Although this design has been up for the past couple of weeks, I have to give a shout out to Ready to Blog Designs for their amazing work. If you ever need a new blog design, use them. They work with you one on one to create a design that really reflects you and your brand. I can't brag about them enough. I mean, just look at this design. It's amazing!

This beautiful rainbow showed up at work the other day. We all immediately ran outside to take pictures.

Thankfully, I am not addicted to my phone. However, I know a lot of people that are. Check out these awesome tips from Yes and Yes so you can be slightly less addicted.

The time is now! Prep your blog or your business for the holiday season with tips from Allyssa Barnes!

Did you know that right now advertising on Jacklyn-Lee.com is absolutely free? That means you can get your cute little button on my sidebar for no cost. AND I'll even write up a little blog post talking about how awesome you are. This is a win-win-win situation. Winning all around.

The eternal question we bloggers always ask ourselves: How can I get more blog traffic?

I just bought this adorable calendar from Tiffany Han. I honestly can't wait until 2015 so I can put it up in my room.

How do you transition your blog from a lifestyle to a business? If you're looking to make the move and you're not sure where to start, Kyla Roma can help.

Let's Get Together

Would you like your blog to be advertised on Jacklyn-Lee.com?

We can do that.

In the past month, Jacklyn-Lee.com has seen a boom in viewers. It has received over 21,000 views since opening.

My most popular post, Stop Second-Guessing Yourself, has been viewed over 5,300 times.

The best part about these numbers?

They are rising so fast I can't keep up with them.

Everyday I'm gaining a new reader, which means that everyday is a new chance for your website or business to be featured on this website.

Now is the time.

Do you want your readers to be filled with inspiration?
Do you want to delight your readers?
Do you want your readers to live the best possible lives they can?

Just click here to send me an e-mail and we can talk about a lovely space just for you on my website.

For a limited time, advertising on Jacklyn-Lee.com is absolutely, incredibly FREE.

Did I mention that I'll also write a kick-ass blog post highlighting your blog or business when you advertise with me?

Don't let this opportunity go to waste! There are limited spaces left!

What are you waiting for?

Let's get started.

jacklynlee31 (at) gmail (dot) com