JMG Gallery + Giveaway

canvas can be purchased at South Boutique

Jenny Garrett of JMG Gallery is a dear friend of mine and a fantastic co-worker. This year she started putting out amazing paintings and they have really taken off. 

For Thanksgiving we have teamed up together to host a giveaway for one of her hand painted Christmas Ornaments. 

But first, I've asked Jenny to answer a few questions so you can all get to know this amazing woman I call friend...

When did you decide to start JMG Gallery?

I am a full time nurse in the CVICU at Children's of Alabama.  Through the ups and downs with the job, I use my God-gifted talent as an outlet. Painting is my first passion and after a lifetime of dreaming of becoming a professional artist, I started my "side" business a little over a year and a half ago. Currently, I sell my artwork in boutiques throughout the state of Alabama as well as creating several commissioned pieces that have been delivered spanning

Since starting JMG Gallery, I have been commissioned to paint several larger pieces that have been delivered throughout the southeast. I also currently sell smaller gift items in boutiques that span the state of Alabama.

What inspires you to paint? Do you listen to music or is it completely quiet?

I am inspired by everything- sometimes work, sometimes my personal life.  Although I enjoy painting specific requests for clients, I especially love to sit in my studio and create something from scratch.  I typically have some music on when I am painting. Artists like NEEDTOBREATHE and Amos Lee keep me up-beat and happy.  If I am working on a deadline- I usually like the silence-it keeps me focused. :)

What is your favorite style of painting? What style are you using? 

My favorite style of work is textured abstract. I use a medium called molding paste which allows me to create objects and textures that actually come off the canvas. I love being able to feel my art-work.  Most of my pieces aren't complete without a little bit of liquid gold leaf.

What is your favorite time of the year? 

It sounds cliché, but the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite times of the year.  We should always be thankful for our blessings- but I love that these seasons remind us to put it into practice in very intentional ways.  We typically cook more, love more, and give more.  I love being the hands and feet of Christ while also remembering why we are all here to begin with- "For unto us a child is born..." Isaiah 9:6   

 

Where can we buy your paintings?

My paintings are available at South boutique in Huntsville, Trussville and Highway 280 and Nona Ruth's in Trussville, Al.

You can also purchase or commission a piece through my website (www.jmg.gallery) or through Instagram @jmg.gallery

Jenny and I are teaming up to giveaway this Christmas tree ornament! Check out our individual Instagram accounts HERE and HERE to enter! If you don't get lucky and win you can purchase these ornaments at Nona Ruth's in Trussville, AL. 

Photos of Jenny and her work were taken by the talented Grace Bedsole 

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Stitch Fix Unboxing

Loveappella Zola Knit Dress - Returned

Ultimately, I loved the way this dress fit on me, however it was a little tight in the back. 

All about that bass, what can I say? Also a little too summer-y for me. 

Lysse Keeley Faux Leather Legging - Returned

Market & Spruce Catareena Mixed Material Zipper Detail Pullover - Kept

The olive sweater was a hit for me. I love that it can be worn in almost all occasions and the zipper detail just adds the perfect touch. 

I seriously loved the leggings, they fit perfectly and looked great on. Unfortunately I already have a similar pair and my budget just wasn't going to allow me to keep them. So I kissed them, put them back in the box, and bid them farewell and safe travels. 

Liverpool Anita Skinny Pant -Returned

RD Style Harriette Cowl Neck Sweater - Kept

Holla if you love a chunky sweater! HOLLA! I had to keep it. The grey marble and the cowl neck sold it for me. I specifically asked for a knit sweater and Kelly delivered! 

I had to return the pants because they were so long, they fit well but I didn't want to deal with getting them altered. 

Great fix and can't wait for my next one! 

Try Stitch Fix Here or click the banner below! 

Happy Weekend! 

This post contains affiliate links that I may be compensated for.

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Hello, November

I was going to title this post "black + camo" but that is just too misleading. I kid, I kid. I almost NEVER wear black. I can count on one hand how many items of black clothing I have. 

If you asked my friend Carly the same question she probably wouldn't be able to count how many items of black clothing she has. And that is called Friendship Balance. 

So here you see I am trying on the black outfit and so far, I don't hate it. 

Happy Monday! 

shoes: target // shirt: thrifted// bomber jacket: le tote // pants: liverpool jeans

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What I bought on Amazon in 2016

Since Amazon is one of my favorite places to shop I thought it would be fun to show you a year in shopping. These are a *few* of the items I've bought since January 2016. 

1. Further Hand Soap - this stuff is seriously worth the splurge on hand soap. It is such beautiful packaging and smells amazing. 

2. Chaco Women's Shoe - I am a nurse and these are chaco shoes. Need I say more? These little bright ladies are so comfortable! I highly suggest them.

3. DeLonghi Double Walled Espresso Cups - We just bought a new Nespresso machine and these double walled cups are so awesome. They keep your drink warm and your hands cool. I also love these double walled coffee cups too. 

4. The Whole30 - I bought this book on January 1st. It was our guide for the entire month of February when we did whole30. 

5. Caldrea Rosewater Driftwood Countertop spray - I absolutely love the smell of this spray. It isn't the best cleaner so I usually go over the cleaner with this and it leaves my kitchen, bathroom, and living room smelling amazing. 

6. GAMT Sunnies - these sunglasses get a lot of love on my instagram stories, they are so affordable and great if you want to take a chance on your sunglasses game. 

7. Rubbermaid Set - 42 piece set for under $25 dollars. Need I say more? 

8. 48 pack of AA batteries - Okay so this was actually a Taylor buy but I decided to put it in here anyway. 48 count of batteries for $12. Especially with the holidays coming up, you can't beat this price! 

9. Osprey Daylite Backpack - People if you need a new backpack get this one and for this deal! This awesome backpack is under $50 right now on Amazon! 

10. BaBylissPro Nano Titanium Dryer - Most of the time I let my hair air dry because it's healthier and I don't have time for blow drying. I recently splurged on this dryer and I love it! It dries my hair so fast and I can really tell a difference in how my hair feels. 

It isn't the most expensive dryer out there but it's not the cheapest either. I would totally give it a try if you are looking for a new dryer. 

I hope you guys love checking out the items I've bought over the past year at Amazon!

Happy Monday! 

**This post contains affiliate links that I may be compensated for, however all opinions are my own.**

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Currently

Reading: If you want a quick quirky read for this Halloween time I suggest you read Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I discriminate against no type of book and children's fiction is a genre that still holds a place in my little teenage heart. I hope my child loves to read as much as I did when I was younger. That way I can steal all her awesome teen books. 

Watching: Almost all the fall shows are back on plus some new ones I am excited for too! My shows I watch are Modern Family, New Girl, The Mindy Project, and I can't wait to watch American Housewife, it looks so funny! 

Planning: Oh there are lots of plans going into action around this time of year, I love holiday surprises and good wholesome fun secret telling. 

Loving: Fall everything! Taylor and I are going to go grab some pumpkins in our flannel shirts and carve them while drinking apple cider and watching scary movies.
I mean you have to go all out right?

I hope everyone has a great weekend, I realize the blog has been on hiatus the past two weeks but that is what happens when this little thing called life gets busy! 

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be the one who smiles

I saw this quote last week scrolling through facebook. I read it and went on with my day, but then something happened. I was walking into the gym where I workout and I smiled at a girl and she didn't smile back. I know she saw me because we locked eyes. This quote immediately popped into my head. At first I was wishing I hadn't smiled at all but the more I thought about it the more I was happy I did. 

Kindness matters. 

In a world full of beautiful women just trying to make it through the day there should not be any of us who don't smile back. 

This blog is all about encouraging one another, so please, smile back ladies.

It isn't just about smiling either, encourage, compliment, and love each other even when one of us might not deserve it.  

It takes less energy and I promise you will feel amazing and your skin will glow. 

It is crazy the things that can happen when a strong women band together, literally, mountains can be moved! 

This weekend, and the rest of your life, smile back. 

(original picture, quote unknown but I love it)

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Introducing Stitch Fix Men

Everyone, let's give a huge round of applause for my very fantastic model. 

He just did outstanding I tell ya! 

So I'd say our first Stitch Fix Men was a success. He ended up keeping the grey Alternative Apparel t-shirt, Rohm jeans, and the Stance socks. Taylor liked the fact that the clothing options sent challenged his style a bit but still kept to his comfort and price level. 

We have already scheduled our second Men's fix! 

Do you have a guy in mind that would benefit from some styling? 

Here are some tips on how to snag a fix for your guy! 

How to get started: Click on this link and it will take you directly to the Stitch Fix site. From there you just signup and fill out a short style profile! Ladies, you can also sign your man up, that's what I did! 

Brands Stitch Fix Carries: Ben Sherman, Woolrich, Penguin, Marine Layer, and AG Jeans. They also have brands that are specific to Stitch Fix. 

Another thing I love about Stitch Fix is that they never send you something out of your budget that you set in your style profile, so everything is always right within your price! 

Go and check it out and see my other Women's Stitch Fix  posts here and here!

  

This post contains affiliate links that I may get compensation for, however all opinions are my own. 

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What matters most to you?

"He must increase, but I must decrease." -John 3:30

What matters most to you? I have really struggled with this since I started writing in Daily Brunch. I started this blog to encourage others. Am I increasing while God is decreasing in my life?
To me it's not about finding balance, it's about giving all the glory to God.
Let God be your balance and go to him before anything.
How do I accept recognition? Am I humble or am I prideful? Do I take credit for things or do I give God all the credit? These are questions that I force myself to answer because I know I struggle with them.
Learning how to run a blog plus decrease is a fantastic journey that the Lord is gracefully guiding me through.
In a world filled with people trying to get ahead and gain recognition, the Lord is teaching me to swallow pride and show humbleness.
Of course I fail to do that every. single. day.
That's why I am the student, not the teacher. I am so thankful and praise the Lord for his grace and mercy towards his selfish child.
So I challenge you, what's important to you?
 Do you take recognition for yourself or pass it on to the Lord, if you feel guilty about the question then you may have some work to do.

Happy Tuesday and be thankful you are forgiven!

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Around the house

-adding a little bit of trickery to our place-

-loving this fall wreath on our door-

-pumpkin. everything.-

-birthday goodies (here, here, & here)

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend, mine was filled with an all day blogger event on Saturday and lounging around the house on Sunday. 

I am so excited that it's fall, now if the temperature would just match how I am feeling! It is still 80 degrees plus here is Alabama, I mean can a sister catch a break?! 

This week I have a lot of deadlines, some I have made for myself and some school has made for me, needless to say it is going to be a busy week! 

Happy Monday! 

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Stitch Fix Unboxing

Hellllllo Fall!! 

This jacket is going to be on repeat this fall. 

I am absolutely in love with it, and it's so soft too.

 This entire outfit came from my latest Stitch Fix box. If you haven't given it a try yet then I highly suggest you do, especially if you are wanting to try out the newest fall trends. 

I was needing new blanket scarf and this one that was sent is so warm and I love the plaid detail. 

The wedges are the perfect fall shoe for transitioning, I am always in the market for some new shoes. 

If you want to shop this look ask for Kelly and tell her Jessica sent you, you can use the link below.

Try your first box here!

This post contains affiliate links that I may be compensated for. 

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Fall Gimmes

Here are just a *few* of my favorite fall items this year! Of course I cannot fit them all into one post. 

We are back from the beach and now I've dubbed it officially time to get ready for fall! Today is consisting of cleaning and pulling out all of my fall decor. 

Pumpkins galore! 

Velvet Bomber Jacket/ Tie Neck Peplum top (less expensive version here)/ BP Plaid scarf/ Anthro Velvet Buttondown/ Off The Shoulder Sweater/ BP Pullover Sweater 

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Brunch Chat

This week we are in HHI once again for some much needed r&r.
It's nice not having a schedule and being free to go and do whatever we want whenever we want.
 Yesterday I had planned on getting up early, having my coffee on the porch, and then taking Baker on a walk. When I woke up I realized that we had not one grocery item, so I thought I'd make a quick trip to Publix (in my pajamas) to get the essentials. Once I got to the checkout line I realized that I had left my card in my clutch from dinner the night before and had to drive back home to get it. It definitely put a slower start to my morning than I wanted.

So on this gorgeous Saturday morning I actually am enjoying my coffee outside and once I am finished I will take Baker on a serene beach walk.

Happy Saturday!

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Around the House

-the cutest bridesmaid package from my SIL who is getting married next year!-

-this book from my giveaway last week!_

-I may have gotten a little crazy at HomeGoods with the fall candles, that middle one can be used as a mug once the candle is finished!-

-wishing for fall-

-ready to transition to fall with all my new kicks, here, here, & here-

-these OTK boots are so comfy and they have a lot of lining so I know they are going to be warm!-

-wild flowers from the farmers market- 

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Can you believe football starts this week?! Taylor and I are so ready to cheer on Alabama! We will be heading up to Huntsville this weekend to watch the game with his parents, it's kindof a tradition we've started over the years. 

I also started school back today so prayers are appreciated! I am praying for a great semester just like this summer! 

Happy Monday! 

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