I'M BACK!!!

It feels SO good to be writing this!  I AM BACK!!!!!  I haven't posted in almost a year but I finally feel ready.  I really just needed time to figure everything out.  Don't worry I'll tell you guys all about it soon.  This is mostly just an announcement post but I have LOTS of content and ideas coming.  I should probably tell you what to look forward to since I've been away for FOREVER.  We'll be talking about music, fashion, makeup, food, and so much more!  My first "official" post will be a 50 question get to know me.  It will going up on Monday.  I plan on posting 2-3 times a week.  I don't want to put too much pressure on myself.  If you have anything you want me to post about then you can email me or tweet me.  I'm always open to suggestions!  I'm really excited to start this new adventure and be blogging again!

My 2018 Reading List

Every new year I always set one goal that I want to accomplish.  My goal is that I want to read 12 books within the year.  Seems simple right?  It's only a book a month!  By the end of the year I'm nowhere near my goal.  Last year I only read ONE BOOK!!!!!  This year I've decided to try a new strategy.  The hardest part for me is committing to the book I want to read.  So I wrote down all 12 months and picked a book for each one.  It could still change depending on what books are coming out this year.  I decided that I wanted to share my list with you all so you could follow along if you wanted.  Should we start a book club?  Let me know!  What books are you reading this year?

January: Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

February: Once And For All by Sarah Dessen

March: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

April: Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

May: Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

June: In The Unlikely Event by Judy Blume

July: Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

August: Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

September: After You by Jojo Moyes

October: Good As Gone by Amy Gentry

November: How To Stop Time by Matt Haig

December: Journey Back To Christmas by Leigh Duncan

Life Update: Did I Quit Blogging?

Have you guys missed me???  I've missed my blog SO much!!!!  I have just been extremely busy so I thought do a little update to let you all know where I've been and what I have been up to.  The biggest thing is my little sister got engaged on Christmas Eve!  I actually knew and it was very hard to keep it a secret.  As the Maid Of Honor, I've been going dress shopping, organizing all the showers, and of the bachelorette party.  On top of all that, I got an invitation to my 10 year high school reunion.  How has it been 10 years????  This year is full of other weddings as well.  I'm also in the process of getting a new wheelchair as well.  It's much more time consuming than I thought!  I'm pretty much gone every weekend which is why I haven't posted much.  I've been pretty active on Instagram so be sure to follow me to see all the craziness!  On Saturday, I turn 28 and I am feeling very overwhelmed!  I'm sure be doing a post all about that.  The point is I wanted to let you guys know that I'm officially back!  Let me know what you would like to see!  It can be fashion, books, beauty, or pretty much anything.  You can leave me a comment or shoot me an email with your requests!

My March Playlist!

How is it already April tomorrow???  March was a bit of a rough patch for me.  I just had too much going on.  I feel much more relaxed now though.  Now I just wish it would stop raining and be sunny!!!  I discovered a lot of new music this month and a few throwbacks as well.  I'm still in love with February's playlist too!  What songs are you loving?


1. Cold by Maroon 5
Favorite lyric: Distant when we're kissing Feel so different Baby, tell me how did you get so Cold enough to chill my bones? It feels like I don't know you anymore I don't understand why you're so cold to me With every breath you breathe I see there's something going on I don't understand why you're so cold, yeah

2. Stay by Zedd feat. Alessia Cara
Favorite lyric: Make it on your own, but we don't have to grow up We can stay forever young Living on my sofa, drinking rum and cola Underneath the rising sun I could give a thousand reasons why But you're going, and you know that All you have to do is stay a minute Just take your time The clock is ticking, so stay All you have to do is wait a second Your hands on mine The clock is ticking, so stay

3. Issues by Julia Michaels
Favorite lyric: 'Cause I got issues But you got 'em too So give 'em all to me And I'll give mine to you
Bask in the glory Of all our problems 'Cause we got the kind of love It takes to solve 'em Yeah, I got issues And one of them is how bad I need you

4. Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur
Favorite lyric: When you looked over your shoulder For a minute, I forget that I'm older I wanna dance with you right now, oh And you look as beautiful as ever And I swear that every day you'll get better You make me feel this way somehow

5. Everyday by Ariana Grande feat. Future
Favorite lyric: Anytime, anywhere, baby boy, I can misbehave Breathe me in, breathe me out, feel me I'm running through your veins

6. Perfect by Ed Sheeran
Favorite lyric: Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms Barefoot on the grass listening to our favorite song When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight

7. Heavy by Linkin Park feat. Kiiara
Favorite lyric: I'm holding on Why is everything so heavy Holding on To so much more than I can carry I keep dragging around what's bringing me down If I just let go, I'd be set free Holding on Why is everything so heavy

8. Play That Song by Train
Favorite lyric: Play that song The one that makes me go all night long The one that makes me think of you That's all you gotta do Hey Play that song The one that makes me stay out til dawn The one that makes me go ooh That's all you gotta do

9. Call On Me by Starley
Favorite lyric: You know you can call on me When you need somebody You know you can call on me When you can't stop the tears from falling down (Down) You know you can call on me Call on me darling You know you can call on me You can't stop the tears from falling down

10. Everything About You by One Direction
Favorite lyric: It's everything about you, you, you Everything that you do, do, do From the way that we touch, baby To the way that you kiss on me It's everything about you, you, you The way you make it feel, new, new, new Like every party is just us two And there's nothing I could point to It's everything about you, you, you Everything about you, you, youIt's everything that you do, do, do It's everything about you

Cooking Corner: Toffee Chip Brownies

I'm back!!!!  I took some time off to just enjoy the start of the new year.  What a better way to come back then with a baking post.  Today I'm sharing the recipe for Heath Brownies!!!  I'm SO obsessed with these.  I know you are all probably eating healthy but a cheat day is fine.  We all deserve it!  I found this on the back of the toffee chip bag and I am SO glad I tried it.  I will be making these a lot!  If you make it tweet me pictures or tag me on instagram.  Enjoy!!!

What You Will Need:

1/3 cup butter or margarine

3 sections (1/2 oz. each) HERSHEY’S Unsweetened Chocolate Baking Bar

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/3 cups (8-oz. pkg.) HEATH Milk Chocolate Toffee Bits

Directions:

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom of 8-inch square baking pan.

Melt butter and chocolate in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Stir in sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to chocolate mixture, stirring until well blended. Spread batter in prepared pan.

Bake 20 minutes or until brownie begins to pull away from sides of pan. Remove from oven; sprinkle with toffee bits. Cover tightly with foil. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Remove foil; cut into squares.

My 2017 Goals

Happy 2017 everybody!!!!!!  I'm honestly really excited for the new year because 2016 sucked.  I had THE worst year and I'm not exaggerating.  I was in the hospital, broke my knee, and had tooth surgery.  Those are just the highlights.  For the last few years I set goals for the new year.  I didn't really do so well last year but I'm going to try harder.  If you want to see what my 2016 goals were click here.  What are your goals?

Read 12 books: One book a month shouldn't be too hard since I joined a blogger book club.  You can join too if you would like.

Blog 3-5 times a day: I want to really share more with you guys.  If you have any ideas then let me know.

Worry less: I have bad anxiety so I really want to work on that this year.

Watch more movies: I didn't really watch many movies because I was so sick.  I love movies!

Be more social: I am a pretty shy person so I want to get out more and socialize.

Work with more brands:  Now that I redid my blog I hope more opportunities will come my way.

Book Haul

Winter is my favorite time to read.  I just find it so relaxing during all the hustle and bustle.  Plus what a better to spend a snowy night.  So I recently decided to buy some new books.  It's been awhile since I did a haul so I thought this would be the perfect time.  Maybe you will discover some new books.  I will link to a summary so nothing gets ruined.  What books are you loving?  Let me know!

First up is Girl Online Going Solo by Zoe Sugg.  This is the third and final book in the series.  I just love Zoe so of course I had to have the book.  I'm currently reading the second one so I can't wait to read this.  For a summary click here.

This is Two By Two by Nicholas Sparks.  I mean do I really have to explain???  His books are my obsession!  I have read every single book.  This one looks like a total tearjerker just by looking at the cover.  For a summary click here.

This is Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.  I can't say too much about this but if you want to find out the secret make sure you follow my blog.  It will be revealed next week!  For a summary click here.

This is Bloom: Navigating Life And Style by Estee Lolonde.  I love Estee SO much!!  She is probably my favorite Youtuber so when she announced her book I immediately bought it.  I can't wait to read this.   For a summary click here.

Lastly is Good As Gone by Amy Gentry.  I had heard nothing about this book until I stumbled on it.  It was compared to Gone Girl which is one of my favorite books.  Plus this cover just draws me in for some reason.  For a summary click here.

Weekly Obsession!

Sorry I took a break again!  I'm back now I promise!  I love sharing my obsessions with you so don't worry.  My weekly obsession is........Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Facial Mask!!!!!!!!  When I have a stressful week I love to pamper myself.  This is perfect for that!  I just started getting into skin care and I can't get enough.  Before applying this I used a facial scrub to remove any dirt or dead skin.  This mask really makes your skin feel extremely smooth.  It's very affordable as well which is always nice.  I love pretty much anything coconut currently so I knew I would love this.  My skin still feels soft after 4 days.  It's amazing!!!!  Tell me some masks you love and maybe I'll try them.

Life Update: Where Have I Been?????

Did you guys miss me?  It's been FOREVER since I put a blog post up but I'm back now!  2016 has not been so great for me far.  I kept getting sick and I just passed it off as a cold.  Then I got strep and so I got treated and thought I'd be all better.  Maybe a week later I started throwing up and thought I had the flu.  My mom thought I should go to the ER and thankfully I did.

I had Acute Pancreatitis.  I spent a whole week in the hospital getting fluids and healing.  I feel SO much better now as long as I watch what I eat.  I took time off blogging to rest and get my life back together.  I'm sorry I was gone so long but I had to take care of myself first.  I'm back though so if you have any requests just let me know!




xo,
Jerica

Life Update: New Series Is Coming!!!

Guess what?  I'm sick AGAIN!!!!  This time I have strep which really sucks.  Did I mention it's also finals week?  Welcome to my life!  I figured I would write an update since all week I've been sleeping and drinking juice.  I wanted to let you know about a new series coming to this blog.

I haven't come up with an actual name so leave suggestions.  It's basically going to be life/beauty/girl hacks.  Any topic you want hacks for I'll do for you all.  I want to do topics you want though so this is where you come in.  Send me an email with topics you want hacks for.  Also let me know how often you want them posted.

That's all for now!  I'll be back next week.  I'm going back to bed with my soup and juice.  Talk to you guys later and I can't wait for your suggestions.




xo,
Jerica

My Galentine's Day Outfit

In case you didn't know Galentine's Day is celebrated on February 13.  Basically it's just hanging out with all your girlfriends with no boys around.  I went to a party where we ate dinner, played games, and watched movies.  I thought I would share my outfit because I loved it!

I'll start with my hair.  I did two braids and then used my perfect bun to put my hair in a bun.  I wanted to do an updo because it looks like you took a lot of time when you really didn't.  It took maybe 10 minutes.

Next we'll talk about my nails.  I knew I wanted to do pink because of Valentine's Day.  When I saw this grey color I knew it would be perfect.  I just did hearts and dots.  It turned out pretty well.

Now it's time for my outfit.  My leather jacket is from boohoo.  It's super light and soft.  My sweater is a coral color with a chevron heart.  It's from kohls and I like it because it's dressy but casual.  I wore my faux leather leggings from kohls.  Lastly I wore my tan booties which I'm obsessed with.  They are from kohls also.





xo,
Jerica

Life Update: Broken Back???

You guys are probably wondering why I haven't posted very much.  It's been a while since I've done a life update so here it is!

Back in November I hurt back.  I'm not entirely sure how but I've been dying from pain.  I kept thinking it would get better but I was wrong.  Finally on Thursday my mom made me go see a back and spine doctor.  Basically, I pulled a muscle and it won't relax.  I'll be doing some therapy so hopefully my back will be better soon!

I've also been SUPER busy with school.  Even though I only have 3 classes they require a lot of work.  The semester ends in about 3 weeks and I can't wait!  I'm SO over my classes and honestly just school in general.

I will hopefully be posting more regularly.  I can't guarantee anything because I need to focus on healing my back.  I will definitely do more updates for you guys though!






xo,
Jerica

People With Disabilities Matter

Today's post is something very personal to me.  I experienced something that was extremely rude a few days ago and I wanted to speak up.  If you want to know more about my disability then read this post.  I've been in a wheelchair my entire life but I don't see myself that way.  I never have and never will.  I feel like I need to stand up for people who can't do it themselves.

Let's talk about the situation that I mentioned.  In December I graduated from college with a Computer Science degree.  I decided to go back for Computer Programming this fall.  I was having trouble with my Financial Aid so I decided to call the office.  I obviously can't drive on my own or take care of myself.  The lady basically said if I'm that incapable how am I taking classes and I should sign my rights over to somebody else.  I was EXTREMELY hurt and offended.  I reported her as well.

I have a brain that works.  I have my own thoughts and opinions.  I am a human being.  So my legs don't work and I can't use my arms, who cares?  I am still a person and deserve to be treated like everybody else.  Some disabilities aren't as noticeable as mine but they still matter.  Next time you see somebody who is in a wheelchair, deaf, blind, or even have down syndrome say hello.  Trust me it will make them feel happy.  Don't pity us because we don't pity ourselves.



xo,
Jerica

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are probably wondering where my weekly obsession post is.  Don't worry it will be back next Wednesday.  Today is a special day though!  Today I am 26 years old!  It's crazy how fast time flies!  I remember when I thought being 10 was old.  Today I thought I would talk about what I've learned about me within this past year.  I really wanted to reflect on this point my life.  Also I want to be able to look back next year to see if I've changed.

Most people think 25 is a pretty boring age.  To be honest, I thought the same thing.  Looking back now I realize it's a pretty important time.  I really discovered who I was as a person.  My whole life I've been the shy quiet girl until you get to know me.  I never stood up for what I believe is right because I never felt heard.  I also never spoke my opinion because I was worried I'd hurt somebody's feelings.  That has all changed now.

I've realized that I really don't care what people think of me.  I wasted SO much time worrying about other people and now I'm just like who cares!  I really wish I could go back and tell my 15 year old self this information.  The only opinions that matter are yourself and God's.  That's it!  Be who YOU want to be!  That is what being 25 taught me.

It was also just I great year!  I met Aaron Carter which was SO cool.  I discovered that if you go to the movies on Tuesday it's only $5.  No matter what time which I took full advantage of for about a month straight!  I graduated college with a degree in Computer Science!  I wasn't even supposed to live past 3 due to my Muscular Dystrophy so it was a pretty big deal.  I started blogging more which I hope you guys enjoy.  Overall, I really just enjoyed time with my family and friends.

Now that I'm 26 I do have things I want to do as well.  I'd love to travel more to anywhere really.  I'm also going back to school to study Computer Programming.  I don't really want to make too many plans because life is supposed to be unexpected.  I do have some exciting things coming up so stay tuned!!  Now I'm going to enjoy my day.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



xo,
Jerica

Quiz Tuesday: Are You More Optimistic, Pessimistic, Or Realistic?

Happy Tuesday!!!  I hope you all had a great 4th.  I did but I'm still exhasusted!  It's quiz time!!!!  Today's quiz is called Are You More Optimistic, Pessimistic, Or Realistic?  I thought this would be quite interesting.  In my mind I think I'm optimistic.  I've always also been told I'm a very optimistic person so I thought I would see if it's true.  If you want to take this quiz as well just click here.  Let me know what your results are!

I got Optimistic!  The description says: You are upbeat and always see the positive side of life. You have a firm grip on reality, and maintain a cheery attitude even when things aren’t going your way. It’s hard to keep you down because you see setbacks as temporary and use them as tools to get better.

I find that to be very accurate.  I don't like being negitive because it just makes be feel sad.  I try to see the good in every situation.  It really makes life so much better.  Maybe I'll do a whole post on it.


xo,
Jerica

10 Things That Make Me Happy

Lately when you turn on the news all you see is sadness.  It can be very depressing and make you feel unhappy.  I was trying to decide what I should blog about when an idea came to me.  Why don't I share things that make me happy?  We should be spreading love and happiness.  I want to know what makes you happy!  Also be sure to check out my new series idea and send me some topics!

1. Cupcakes

I mean do I really need an explanation?  I just can't ever say no!

2. One Tree Hill

This is honestly my favorite series of ALL TIME.  I've watched it over 50 times and I can't get enough.

3. Summer

I love being outside.  As a kid, I would be outside from 8 AM until 8 PM.  Life was so simple back then.  Now I have things to do but I get outside at least once a day.

4. Elephants

They are my spirit animal.  I just love them SO much!

5. Donuts

If I'm having a bad day this solves everything.  Especially if my grandma makes her homemade recipe.  I'm in heaven!

6. Glitter

This is very random I know.  I just love everything about it!

7. Concerts

This just takes music to a whole different level.  There's just something so thrilling about being in the same room as somebody you idolize.

8. Peace Signs

This has always been my thing for some reason.  I can't resist buying something if it has a peace sign.  Even my shower curtain is peace sign.

9. My Nieces

Being an Aunt is the best.  Even though they drive me crazy sometimes I still love them.

10. Reading

I love getting lost in other worlds.  It really expands your mind.

xo,

Jerica

New Series Idea

Hey guys!  I want to thank all of you for following my blog.  It really means a lot to me!  Today's post is all about all you!  I really want to start a series where we can discuss any topics. I've been watching a TON of videos like this on YouTube so I thought it would be perfect to blog about.  I want to be a debate/discussion series. I love thought provoking topics and it will help me get to know you guys better. It can be about life, pop culture, or just anything really. If you have suggestions leave a comment or email me at jerica.berner@gmail.com.  I really look forward to hearing all your topic ideas!


xo,
Jerica

My Thoughts On Bruce Jenner

This is a post I've been wanting to do for awhile.  I have watched the 20/20 special and the Kardashian special as well.  I now feel ready to share my opinions about Bruce being transgender.

To be honest, I originally wanted to watch the 20/20 interview because I thought it was all for publicity.  I just could not believe that Bruce Jenner was going to be a woman.  After about 5 minutes in I realized just how real it was.  I personally have never met a person who was transgender.  Watching the interview gave some really great insight.  I feel like I understand what it really means now.

I watched it with my mom who I thought would hate it.  She is very Christian and isn't very open minded with topics like this.  Surprisingly she felt the same way I did.  I felt bad that he lived his life with such a huge secret.  Nobody should ever have to do that.  I know that people can be extremely brutal to that community which makes it harder to come out.  I think that Bruce can really help the community and make a difference.

I have watched the Kardashians for years and I always wondered why he allowed them to be so rude to him.  Watching that special made me cry.  He loves his family SO much that he thinks his decision will hurt them.  I think they are just scared because they have no idea what to expect.  I would feel the same way.  It showed that they are human and they do have feelings.  I really liked how they never mentioned their image being ruined.  They love and support him no matter what.

The hardest part for me was his conversation with Kris.  I cried a lot.  She is hurt that he couldn't share these feelings with him.  Being together 25 years, she now feels it was all a lie.  It wasn't though.  He has been living with this secret since he was 8.  That is why he never shared how he was feeling.  He will still be the same person but free.  I'm so glad that now he can finally be her.

I want to know what you guys think.  I find it very inspiring.  Be who you are, not who the world wants you to be.  Also, be respectful of the LGBTQ community.  They are humans just like us.  Remember that different is a good thing.



xo,
Jerica

Life Update: Mouth Problems

Hey guys!  I've decided to try out a new type of posts.  I love reading life updates on other peoples blogs so I decided to give it a try.  If you want more of these types of posts then let me know.

I don't even know where to begin!  So, back around Christmas I had terrible pain on the right side of my face.  I honestly thought I had the mumps or measles but I've been vaccinated.  Then on New Years Eve my mouth just randomly started bleeding!  So I called my dentist and he thought it was probably just my wisdom teeth.  I have seen WAY to many wisdom tooth videos so I was slightly freaking out.  I told him I was having pain but the earliest I could get in was February 13.  A whole month away!

Well I went to my appointment and it was a fail.  It was not my wisdom teeth at all!  He saw that I needed two teeth pulled but didn't actually pull them.  Makes sense right?  So a few days later the pain returned obviously.  So I went back to his office and he referred me to a oral surgeon.  He also put me on an antibiotic and pain meds.

I went to the oral surgeon with pretty high hopes.  I thought for sure within a few days he would pull them.  WRONG!  The next available appointment isn't until the 27 of this month.  So basically I'm in a lot of pain and have to take a lot of meds.  I'll try to keep posting regularly but I mostly sleep.  I'm gonna try my hardest though!


xo.
Jerica

Movie Review: The Judge

It has been snowing like crazy here in Nebraska.  So I have been using this time to catch up on movies.  This week I watched The Judge.

I'm not sure how to describe it without giving too much away.  This is what IMDB says: Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his father, the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth and, along the way, reconnects with his estranged family.  I fell absolutely in love with with this movie!

I had very high expectations for this film.  Every one in my family had nothing but great things to say about it.  It totally lived up to the hype!  It was very emotional so prepare yourselves.  I feel like I learned so much about myself as well.  I can't give examples or else it will give it away.  This is one of the best films I've seen in awhile!  Have you seen it?  Share your thoughts!


xo,
Jerica