JJ Starling

What are you passionate about?

April 27, 2015 by JJ Starling

Hello sweet friends!

I hope you all are doing well and have had the most wonderful April! I’ve been somewhat MIA this month and for many reasons but I’ll be getting into more of that over the next few weeks :)

One of those reasons though (as you can see!) is my new blog design! Vaida at Don’t Tell Anyone Designs gave me exactly what I asked for and was so easy to work with. My first blog design was a premade template I found on her etsy site. After working with her a little there and seeing all her beautiful custom work on her webpage, I knew I wanted to use her again.

Simple&gentle. A clean slate with the breath of personality. Lighthearted, yet contemplative.

This design embodies everything I am about right now as well as this blog. I want this space to be a place for the heart above all else. Not just my heart though, yours too.

I’ve recently been asked (by myself and others) what it is I am passionate about. I’ve been stumped. That sucks to be (exactly today!) one month away from your 25th birthday and feel like you have no passion in life….but the more I contemplated…the more I realized that I do have passion in life. It’s just not a typical ‘career’ type of mindset.

I’m passionate about kindness. I love being kind to others and seeing others be kind.

I’m passionate about compassion. Towards all living souls. And it makes my heart happy being around others who feel the same way.

I’m passionate about joy&happiness and spreading it. Making someone smile and feel special is the absolute best.

I’m passionate about allowing others to be themselves and discover who that even is, without judgment.

I’m passionate about Love. And that’s what I’m here to share.

So, no, with this new design does not come fewer grammatical errors or run on sentences. Sorry. ha! I can say though that much like the new life Spring breathes into us all, my heart has been renewed over this last month and I am so happy to share it with you. I’ve added a new page up at the top titled “The Journey” that tells a little more about me and the blog, my journey.

There may still be a few kinks to work out so bare with me. I’m always trying to do stuff myself and making a mess of things so forgive me! I’ve also got a few more new additions coming soon but surely over the next couple of days everything will be as it should be.

I hope you feel loved today! If you don’t, if you’re going through some things and want to chat, check out my contact page and please send me an email. I would love to love on you and whereas I might not have any answers for what you’re going through, I can send some good energy for sure and it never hurts to feel like you’ve got some support when winds are rough :)

love to you all.

Confusion, Belief and Grace.

March 25, 2015 by JJ Starling

Does anyone ever feel like they are awesome at helping other people stay organized but terrible at keeping their own life together? What does that say about me, that I feel that way. I’m always so interested in the science behind our brain and how it works altogether but on an individual level as well. Like- how our brains work partnered with who we are.

I’ve said before that I’m a very go with the flow kind of person and I am, but I believe in balance in all things and I just feel like I’m trying to learn the art of stability at 24 years old. It’s a task that I believe is 1000 times more confusing as an adult than as a child in this culture with all the unimportant bullshit shoved down our throats by all sorts of media outlets on the regular. But I suppose, what isn’t more difficult to learn as an adult than as a child. Come to think of it…be careful what you’re letting your kids watch and listen to because they’re being fed bs too…

but that’s a different blog post.

I don’t know. The way I feel right now, it’s all very confusing. I’m challenging myself in more ways than one in my life right now and I have this overwhelming anxiety that I won’t be able to keep up…with myself? I don’t know.

Perhaps I’m learning a lesson in believing in myself, but also how to give myself grace.

Time will tell right? Or maybe not.

Ugh. Here I go again..

Year in Review

March 20, 2015 by JJ Starling

I had intentions on completing this questionnaire I found a while back in January. I wanted Andre and I to do it together but words aren’t really his thing so I decided I would do it on my own then just never did. I beat up on myself for a while for it but then I decided, why not still do it? The first 40 questions are to review 2014 but by this point, I’ve let that year go…but there are still 10 questions left. 10 questions that prompt you to look to the future. I know it’s already March and there have been some bumps in the road so far but I still have time left in this year to make it count.

I said I wanted to use this space as accountability for my own self. As an encouragement but also as an aid. To remind myself of what I’ve committed to so that I might become the best version of myself possible. A woman my husband is proud to call his wife and that my future children would be proud to call mother. Some things are farther in the future than others but every journey in life is one step at a time and you’ve got to start somewhere.

What do you want the overarching theme for your 2015 to be?

I mentioned this in a past post but my “word” or “theme” for this year is growth. I want to see a growth in my character, self esteem, my faith…just all around.

What do you want to see, discover, explore?

I guess I would have to say my new area. After living in a town your whole life where you pretty much know how to get everywhere to totally new surroundings..it feels weird for sure. My dream travel goal right now would be a driving trip from my state (NC) to Alaska but if I was going to choose something more immediate I would say my new town!

Who do you want to spend more time with in 2015?

I’d like to spend more time with my husband. We see each other everyday and we do spend time together but I would like to make it more intentional. Even if that’s just a walk in the evenings on his nights off. We’ve been caught up in the “work work work!” “gotta do!” I think a little much and I’d like to get back to the organic pleasure we get out of just being around each other rather than focusing on the “business” partnership a marriage can become.

What skills do you want to learn, improve or master?

I would really like to expand my yoga practice and I would like to see improvement in my sign language. I took a class last year and really felt like I was getting somewhere (I’ve explored this as a career option) but then “work” took over and I didn’t make it a priority to immerse myself in the culture of the deaf community. That is key because just like anything else, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Speaking of which, I would also like to get back into music. I used to sing all the time. Then I stopped because of some of the emotional things I went through a while back just really took the spark out of it for me. I felt undeserving (of anything in general really) so I just shut down almost everything. I’m feeling more alive than ever and I want to find that spark again. I can feel it’s still there. I’ve also convinced myself I can teach myself to play the piano. I’ve even borrowed a keyboard and instruction book from my bff Alicia! I guess we’ll see! ha! There was also talk between Andre and I of juggling…may or may not follow through on that one.

Which personal quality do you want to develop or strengthen?

Confidence. It’s just recently come to my attention that I have little to no confidence. I have always known that I have a love for myself somewhere, but I want to find that oasis and drink up!

What do you want your everyday life to be like?

I would like to find a routine. Something I do everyday that I can count on. Even if that’s just having a cup of tea (no coffee please!) every morning or something. I’ve never felt like I’ve known stability. Not even as a child (with my parents not being together and whatnot) so I guess I would like everyday life to not necessarily be “routine” but I would like it to feel stable. solid.

Which habits do you want to change, cultivate or get rid of?

I suppose I have a really bad habit of giving in to defeat. Not really like, trying something and failing though, because most of the time I will give in to the spirit of defeat before I’ve even really began something and I will call it “overwhelmed”. I know getting “overwhelmed” happens but I know that I can differentiate and I would like to start making an effort to do that.

What do you want to achieve career-wise?

Well this is a tough one for me because…get ready for it…I want to be a stay at home mom when I grow up, but we aren’t “family planning” at the moment. I have never really had anything else I’ve wanted to do. You can say I’m not very ambitious if you want but I really don’t care. Some people have ambitions of making all the money in the world and to me that is absolutely crazy. To make a goal surrounding something that in a day could all be gone. I suppose you could say the same for a child or a family but there is an energy there that can never die. And should you be blessed to have your children outlive you, there is legacy in that. Not all people choose careers based on money, there are people who choose based off passion and they leave a legacy in that which is wonderful. I suppose I’m just most passionate about family. And I’m not at all saying that all people who have money have no love in their life or that people who stay at home can’t make money. I’m just saying I’ve always known I wanted to be a stay at home mom and the motivation money can provide has never changed that. I suppose if I had to choose a career goal it would probably be to make some decisions on something I can do to bring in some income from home. I know blogging can turn into that but I think maybe I would like to write a Children’s book. I’ve had an idea for years now and I just might look into how to get that going. I may have already started ;)

How do you want to remember the year 2015 when you look back on it 10/20/50 years from now?

Oh wow. Um. I guess as a cornerstone. A moment in time where I shook loose all the chains of my past and took steps towards a new chapter in life. A caged bird truly freed.

What is your number one goal for 2015?

My number one goal. Geeze. That’s tough. If I had to choose just one (because there are many) it would be to grow in love so much that others can’t help but feel loved even from simply being around me. I think I truly believe in love and it’s power. Love for others. Love for the environment. Love for yourself. So I guess my number one goal for this year is to Grow. But mainly to grow in love. I think that’s the key to watching everything fall into place.

I’m really glad to have completed that. It feels good to look forward with hope. Although times will undoubtedly be tough at one point or another, it feels good to look forward with hope.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I’m sending you lots of good energy and love :)

***Linking up with Miranda today for Coffee Chat!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! : A Dirty Dancing Recast

March 17, 2015 by JJ Starling

Ok so I was debating on waiting to post this until August for two reasons:

1. The anniversary of the movie’s release date

2. The star’s birthday

But when thinking about if I had anything to write about for St. Patrick’s day, I thought it would be cool to switch things up a little so I decided to post this Dirty Dancing recast on St. Patrick’s Day in dedication to one of my favorite Patricks of all time, Patrick Swayze. May he rest in peace!

Via

So the idea behind this recast is a scene for scene, line for line, step for step recreation of our beloved Dirty Dancing with new faces playing the same characters. Andrew and I came up with this one night and we still think it’s brilliant. Maybe you will too. It’s star studded so beware, this is pretty Alist-tastic but it’s all good because this is for fuuuuunnnn!

Johnny Castle: Channing Tatum

Via

This was certainly the hardest choice for me because no one will ever be Pat Sway, but Andrew (after MUCH lobbying) convinced me that he would be the best choice. I suppose. He can dance, we all know that. But can he really be the bad boy? The misunderstood boy, yea, ok. But Johnny Castle bad? Andre seems convinced but I think I would have to see an audition tape. Buut then again, that might just be my Patrick Swayze bias so I will have faith in Andrew’s casting here.

Baby Houseman: Lea Michele

Via

If you disagree with me on this, we pretty much can’t be friends. Ok only kidding but seriously, this would be perfection! Although baby doesn’t sing, we know Lea can dance too and she’s a natural born performer who can pull off that “innocent feistiness” with ease.

Jake Houseman (Baby’s dad): Tom Selleck

Via

Andrew and I both agree this guy could step up to the task of playing Dr. Houseman. Oh and the mustache stays.

Marjorie Houseman (Baby’s mom): Susan Sarandon

Via

This is a no brainer right? She’s got the look, beautiful, amazing actress. I think she would be on everyone’s Dirty Dancing recast list!

Lisa Houseman (Baby’s sister): Sarah Silverman

Via

The character of Lisa is actually pretty hilarious. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Lisa is practicing for the talent show. It makes me laugh out loud every time. And how she’s still singing even after Johnnys walked up on stage and all the other music has stopped. Ha! I love it. I know she could slay this part.

Penny Johnson : Allison Holker

Via

Allison is super awesome. I’m a huge fan. I fell in love with her back in her So You Think You Can Dance days. Not only does she have the “Penny” look, but she also has the moves. If you need proof check out this routine she performed with her husband (and former SYTYCD alum as well!) Stephen “Twitch” Boss on Dancing with the Stars…where she’s now a pro! Did anyone else watch the premier last night?! If you did, you saw her rocking it out as usual. Just youtube her. She’s amazing.

Neil Kellerman: Dave Franco

Via

Andrew and I went back and forth about this one because he said Dave Franco is too good looking but even though that’s totally true (he is very good looking) he can also be a goofball and not take himself too seriously which I think is the most important thing to have if you’re going to play this part because Neil was definitely a goober who took himself way too seriously in a hilarious but not over the top kinda way.

Max Kellerman: Tom Wilkinson

Via

I think he would actually be pretty hilarious as Max. He may have to wear contacts though ;)

Tito Suarez (band leader): Snoop Dogg

Via

So, Snoop is not as old as Tito’s character but Andrew was really excited about this casting choice and I can’t help but agree, it would be awesome. This may ~~or may not~~ have been the inspiration behind this entire recast.

Billy Kostecki (Johnny’s cousin): Thomas Mann

Via

My favorite Billy scene is in the end when he’s dancing with Lisa. I love it. Am I slowly figuring out that Lisa is in fact my favorite Dirty Dancing character?!

Robbie Gould: Joshua Bowman

Via

He is just so. ahh. Not only is he handsome, totally looks the part, but we already know he can play a spoiled brat (with a totally convincing American accent) because of his (amazing) job as Daniel on Abc’s Revenge!

Vivian Pressman: Catherine Zeta Jones

Via

CZJ is such a timeless beauty. There’s no doubt that the character of Vivian was beautiful…but I’m pretty sure Catherine wouldn’t have any trouble playing the saucy, vindictive vixen role either…

Dirty Dancers: There are about 8 credited Dirty Dancers and I think I found some pretty qualified people..

Twitch&Sasha I know I already shared a Twitch video earlier with Allison but I had to show this one because Sasha is in it too and I would choose the two of them just based on this dance. I love the concept of hip hop to slower music. This dance was so fun to watch and it has a little bit of “dirty dancing” in it as well so theres that :)

And any one of these people

or these people !!

So there you have it. My dirty dancing star studded recast. I’ll have you know I was drinking a beer while putting this post together and I’m probably drinking one as you’re reading this!

***Have a wonderful day of drinking should you so choose but please remember to be responsible by not getting yourself into dangerous situations (especially alone or around people you don’t know) and taking cabs! If you want to put your own life in jeopardy then really that’s your own choice but please don’t put someone else’s life at risk adult or child by getting behind the wheel under the influence.

Love to you all and HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!

Snow Day!

March 3, 2015 by JJ Starling

I titled this post Snow Day but it really should be called Snow Week!

After our trip to my hometown the week before last (which I still haven’t written about and I need to because I have another thing to cross off my bucket list…!) we got back to our house and it was like the Universe just wanted to tell us to slow down because the weather started going crazy!

It may not be alot to some of you, but my little beach bum heart swells so much at the sight of snow. I’ve seen it before and participated in snow sport trips but I’ve never walked out my own front door to a straight up winder wonderland!

(And for those of you wondering, I didn’t edit that photo to make it blue, my sweet husband woke me up at the crack of dawn so I could see all the snowy goodness in my favorite light of day. Everything turns this blue hue in the evenings as well and I just love it! I loved seeing the earth look like this with all that untouched snow. It was so serene. Cold. But serene.)

We got back from our trip late Saturday night (we originally planned to leave Sunday morning but thought we’d get an early start), had a chill day Sunday preparing for the week of getting back into our routine (lol), Andrew worked Monday then was off Tuesday because the snow started! It was off and on then we got a load of about 6 or 7 inches on Wednesday night and it covered the ground well into the weekend. It was awesome.

We made a snowman with my brother in law’s fiancé who was here visiting for a few days and got snowed in! yay!

Some of these photos are blurry because I didn’t think to wipe off my iphone camera ha! also because- iphone4s camera.

Me, right smack in the middle looking like a giant goofball! I was so excited about the snow!

After she went in for a nap (she’s from up north so I think she was getting the biggest kick out of me and Andrew being so excited haha!), Andrew and I had an adventure around our property and pretended we were in Narnia (which we watched later that day of course).

I can’t lie, I had soo much fun and it was so beautiful but by the weekend I was ready for the warm weather and routine to find it’s way back into our lives! I hope you guys had a great week last week and weekend. I’m looking forward to sharing about my trip back home although I took like…zero pictures. I promise I’m working on that..as you can see by today’s photo overload ;)

Love to all of you!!

Sunday Brunch// 003

March 1, 2015 by JJ Starling

If you follow me on instagram (@jlynnjustad) you know that I have been away from the computer and out in the SNOW! Yep. That’s right. My newly relocated beach bum heart was getting filled up to the top with playtime in the snow with my fam and cozy cuddles with my husband (who was off work for 3 days because of the weather and whatnot). It was SO much fun. It even snowed a little bit in my hometown! It never really snows there so any little white patch on the ground is amazing. I’m glad they got some snowflakes too! I’m trying to get back into my routine now that my vacation time here at my new home is melting… ;) I did have some time to enjoy some posts from some of my favorite blogs this week. Here are some of my favorite articles from this week! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and have a beautiful week!

Politics365: Why I have a problem with Kylie Jenner’s dreadlocks

Not sure if you heard about what went on with Giuliana Rancic’s comments about Zendaya’s locs at the Oscars (I think it was a party, not the actual awards ceremony) but if you haven’t, a quick google search will get you up to speed. Do your own research of course but I would encourage you to consider this perspective. I think this article is beautifully expressed. You can feel the sadness and the frustration. It wasn’t in response to the comments made about Zendaya specifically, but it answers some questions (I think) about the anger of the comparison (By Giuliana Rancic) of Kylie Jenner’s “edgy” dreadlocks classification vs. Zendaya’s “oil&weed smell” classification.

Afternoons with you: Friday Thoughts.

I love this girl’s blog. She always comes across to me as so real and genuine. When she shows up to her space, It’s because she wants to write. I don’t ever feel like she has any other agenda other than just to share and connect. I loved her words and little reminders on anxiety this week and I needed them! Thanks to Ashley for this encouragement!!

My New Lines: Whole 30 Results

This woman has such a sweet heart. Her posts are always so full of love but I must say, I was so excited to see this pop up on my bloglovin feed! I’ve been thinking about doing this program so I loved reading about Sharlee’s experience with it!

Along Abbey Road: 5 Magical Movies to Watch on Netflix

I love these Netflix lists Abbey posts! I love her blog in general but I always end up watching at least a couple things she puts on these lists and enjoy them! I’ve got Claire Danes and Sandra Bullock movies calling my name when I get my next bit of down time. You should also check out her A Random Thing or Two-sday posts because they are always hilarious and fun.

Ok so I only have four today but that’s ok because Monday or Tuesday I will make it up by overloading you with pictures of snow.

Yay!!

LOVE YOU!

Sunday Brunch // A Series Intro

Sunday Brunch // 002

Back from Home!

February 22, 2015 by JJ Starling

Hello all!

I hope you had a fabulous week! No Sunday Brunch today as I was visiting my hometown these past few days and was so busy, I had zero time to read any blog posts. That means I have a lot of catching up to do! In between all that I’ll be working on a post about my trip but I must warn you…I was an epic failure at taking photos so I think I have like…3. UGH I HAVE GOT TO GET BETTER AT REMEMBERING TO TAKE PICTURES! ha!!

Anyway- I hope you all are doing well and whether you are tuning in to The Oscars or The Walking Dead tonight, I hope you enjoy!

Love you all!

Sunday Brunch // 002

February 15, 2015 by JJ Starling

I’m soooo late posting this today (hello 4pm!) but my brother in law and his fiancée got back from South America this week so I was slackin’ on getting this post ready. I still had 5 of my favorite articles from this week in mind though and here they are!

A Southern Style: Blushing Valentine
I love Zelle’s blog. Her style is classic, fresh and always classy. As soon as I saw her animal print heels in this post, I immediately thought of sweet Nikita.

Refinery 29: Why Taylor Swift’s Etsy crackdown feels so wrong
This isn’t related to Valentine’s Day at all but when I read it, I knew I had to include it. I have a post of my own coming about my falling out of love with her experience, but this is a good read and is all so true. Come to think of it, maybe I should skip writing a post and just write a song. (audience laughter)

Coley’s Opinion: Quotes about love (to make your day lovelier)
This sweet girl is always posting inspirational and encouraging things! Not only was this a great Valentine’s day post, but it’s also just a good any day post for a smile :)

A Pinch of Jasmine: Proposal Story
What is Valentine’s week without a beautiful engagement story?! I’ve enjoyed reading Jasmine’s blog for a bit now and couldn’t be happier for her. Love this story! Ordinary people? Ah! Swoon!

Life Could Be A Dream: Homemade Chocolate Syrup
Umm…yes please! I love Jana’s blog but her food posts are quickly becoming my favorite! Check out her Chocolate Mousse and Knife Skills posts too!

Last week:

Sunday Brunch // A Series Intro

Love to all of you in the upcoming week!!

Sunday Brunch // A Series

February 8, 2015 by JJ Starling

Hello loved ones!! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are looking to the upcoming with positivity! I’m super excited about this so I want to get right to it!

Well! The idea for this Sunday Brunch series came during (read: because of) football season. I’m not one of those girls that loves the game but I’m also not one that despises it and won’t watch. Now, would I rather be sipping mimosas or a bloody Mary with my girlfriends over perfectly toasted croissants? Totally. Unfortunately that wasn’t a possibility every Sunday so I found myself hanging out catching up on blog posts on Sunday afternoons once I grew tired of the game(s).

With football season over, I will undoubtedly be getting some of my husbands attention back but we do set aside some time for ourselves usually…even if that just means snuggling up on the couch with a drink, me reading my blogs, him reading his cracked articles. Those are actually pretty good. Maybe I’ll use some of them on here as well! ha!

In reality this is a ‘blogroll’ of sorts. I thought maybe on Sundays, I would post my 5 favorite articles from that week, from the some of the blogs that frequent my blogroll and the Sunday Brunch series was born. Maybe someone will discover a good read that maybe they need to see or are just excited about. I thought about using posts from that specific day (posted on Monday…Tuesday…so on) but we’ll see. I mainly just want to showcase some of my favorite bloggers/writers/posts/articles…however you want to say it! So here ya go! My first Sunday Brunch blogroll!

Miranda Writes: Vanilla Chai Tea Smoothie
I haven’t made this yet but I am planning to this week. It sounds so good. Even as I am typing this, my mouth is watering. Seriously.

Making Mrs. M: Big Picture Instalinkup
I love this idea so much and one of the super cool things about it is that you don’t have to be a blogger to participate. I love it when people create new ways to connect&spread positivity!

Simplicity Relished: How to make almond milk (and a little chat about almonds)
This was so informative and really made me feel like I could do this! I know nothing about the kitchen but I am excited to try this out!

Mother: Grown up Valentine’s day cards
These are hilarious! My favorite is definitely the underwear one ha!

Be More With Less: Maybe variety isn’t the spice of life
This is definitely thought provoking and has given me some motivation&tools to get some stress out of my life and simplify for sure.

So there you have it! 5 of my favorite articles from last week. Hope you enjoy those reads and find some motivation and inspiration!

Love you!

Procrastination

February 6, 2015 by JJ Starling

I’ve joked before about my procratination issues, but I think it’s something serious I’m ready to deal with. When I sat back trying to think of a way to do that, I figured I should first try to figure out why I struggle with it so much. I think (at least in my case) that any issues with procrastination are a direct result of me working against the natural flow of my thought process. I’m tired of jamming days full of “things to do” instead of asking myself questions like:

What do I want to do?

What do I need to do?

What can I do?

So I blow myself off because I’m not working with the natural energy of my personality. I think making what to do with my time a dialogue with myself instead of a list of life’s demands might make completing tasks easier and more fun.

Structure is wonderful and I believe in the benefits of it but if your mind is more free-flowing, you should allow for that some in your life. I feel like if you don’t, you’ll be constantly working against yourself, potentially setting yourself back. I guess it’s in the same way someone who is more structure oriented shouldn’t “go with the flow” if it makes them uncomfortable and unable to work or succeed.

Everyone is different. I’ve known that. So I don’t know why I keep creating these boxes to sit in. I’m not a sit in the box kind of person. For those of you who are, more power to you! Be you! That’s exactly what I’m trying to say. I think I just need to allow myself to be…myself. I think if I do that instead of beat myself up all the time, calling myself “immature” simply because serious structure just isn’t my thing, I might start making some progress on life’s projects and find this ‘maturity’ I speak of, in my own sense of self.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not getting rid of lists! I love making lists. Crossing things off of them especially. I just mean I want to work on being more in tune with myself instead of tuning in to all the buzz. So instead of making “to do lists” I think I’ll start making a “list of things I want to do” because no, maybe I don’t always want to do laundry, but I do want my husband to have clean clothes. So…ultimately, I do want to do laundry! Who would have thought!

I hope my thoughts encourage you to find your own flow. Sit in your box if you want, break out if you want, just do you and BE KIND TO YOURSELF!

Love to all of you!

The Starling's Journey

Author: JJ Starling

What are you passionate about?

Confusion, Belief and Grace.

Year in Review

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! : A Dirty Dancing Recast

Snow Day!

Sunday Brunch// 003

Back from Home!

Sunday Brunch // 002

Sunday Brunch // A Series

Procrastination