The Fall Flex

Growing up by the beach, we don't experience the true idea of "seasons." Summer heat waves can be crazy, warm summer nights with basic ripped Jean shorts and a white tank are the comfiest of outfits and then one day, you step outside and the crisp air hits you and I can honestly say it is my favorite feeling in the world. I have to run back inside and grab a jacket from the back of my closet and rummage up the jeans that have been at rest the previous three months. I am so excited for the pumpkin soufflé candles, the peacoats and scarves. The moment the orange burnt leaves dance with the wind. So till that day approaches, I will continue to dream of that ironic feeling of warmth found in the crisp cold that feels all to new to me every year. 

Xoxo, 

Jessica Leigh

Welcome Olive + Poppy!

After having the blessing of working alongside a close friend in the wedding industry, I became a Bridal Stylist at BHLDN in Beverly Hills. 5 personal appointments per day, I quickly found that a lot of brides are faced with a tight budget, not allowing them to implement all the small sparkles and pops into one of the biggest events of their lives. With this, I have worked closely with multiple clientele and friends to make this passion of mine a reality. I am happy to say after some serious hard work and of course tons of fun, Olive + Poppy Weddings is officially a reality! Already booked with three clients all within the span of the next three months, I am all about still being able to have someone with you every step of the way in planning and allowing this to be accessible to low budget brides. Day of coordination and initial contacts with vendors can be a real struggle and that is where I get to have the most fun. With the holidays approaching, there are so many questions from Brides as to how they even get started in planning this big hoorah. That being said, below I have listed a basic outline of tips to keep in mind to maintain what may seem like a rather large and daunting to-do list:

*Set aside specific time to do your planning. It may be at the gym on the treadmill, or in bed when everyone is asleep. Do not cram your planning in between meetings and or on your lunch break. Taking the time and separating things can really allow you to focus and accomplish the task at hand. 

*Implement list of those who will be a part of your planning process. Trust those only who will give the positive support and extra encouragement that you will need. The more cooks in the kitchen the more the pot will get stirred. Remember that when inviting your guests for gown shopping or selecting any details for your big day. Remember, you have the final decision. It's your day! 

*Stay organized. Most girls have this part down pat. Allow yourself to have a work space and utilize all your sources. Today, every girl has a Pinterest board, but just remember to capitalize on all your options like magazines, books and online web sources. 

*Remember to have fun! At the end of all this, it's just a big party. Have fun, enjoy the process and live your truth in style of what you want. Be smart and keep perspective on what this day is really all about. When it is all over, he will still be your husband and you won't remember all the little stresses you endured. 

As I embark on this new part of my career, beginning all this before my 26th birthday is so exciting and I cannot wait to share with all of you. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and remember if you have any questions in regards to your upcoming wedding please feel free to email us at oliveandpoppyweddings@gmail.com. 

Xoxo, 

Jessica Leigh 

The "Diet"

I've always been athletic since I was a kid. Biking, swimming, running and volleyball kept me active my whole childhood and even into my twenties playing college volleyball. You are able to eat whatever you want and not have to worry about gaining a pound due to your 3+ hours of practice everyday. Then the clocks turn, time passes and you find yourself at 25 years old, not able to fit in those same short shorts as you once were able. 

I've probably been on 20 different so called diets. No carbs, no sugar, no alcohol. You name it, I have done it. Some have worked better than others and there was always time for me to quit and say, " I'll just start it next week." Well, approaching my 26th birthday has made my wheels in my head start turning. As an adult, I have faced the truth twists and turns of life, bills and most of all enduring stress. I found myself questioning things and trying to control the impossible. I work hard and pay my bills and some months can be more tolerable than others. What I have found is that one thing I really can control is my diet. Eating out when driving home from work and rushing out of the house and just grabbing whatever was going to fill me up just isn't cutting it anymore. 

With that said, I decided it was time to control this aspect of my life. Too many times I have turned to food as a comfort from the daily stresses and was beginning to feel it in my everyday livelihood. My jeans were too tight in the hips, the buttons in my tops of my blouses were busting open and I found myself not liking anything I was wearing. So, it was time to make a change. 

I decided to remove all fast food out of my lifestyle and no longer just grabbing a bite to eat in the moment. I made it a point to map out my meals, track them using the app MyFitnessPal and keeping track of my calories, water intake and daily movements. Limiting my calorie intake to just over 1700 calories daily has allowed me to be mindful and selective in my choices. It has been 6 days and I have lost 8 pounds. I have slept better, my skin has more color to it and not so many pronounced blemishes. I have not noticed any significant differences in my fit in clothing yet but will keep track and keep you updated. 

With this post, I just wanted to allow everyone to know that you aren't alone out their in your endeavor of getting healthy. Whether it is to feel better, lose weight or to even accomplish something, this is no small wall to overcome. I encourage those who keep putting it off, those who may be afraid of failure. Your first step is to begin. It took me awhile as well and it will take even longer to accomplish my goal. Stick to your guns. It will be worth it. 

Xoxo, 

Jessie Leigh

The Adventures of Online Dating

Yup, this is happening. It has been a long time coming and I am sure most people can understand. I have no shame being an online dater now. I have been on Match, Okcupid, Plenty of Fish and Tinder. Success? I wouldn't say no altogether but there are definitely more shitheads than not. Holding up a fish? Flexing your God damn muscles? Really? Yeah ,you may make my ovaries start to pulsate but damnnnn my brain is screaming no and you are getting nowhere real fast.

I'm not perfect and no one obviously is,  but I find it funny how more often than not, we women sit and torture ourselves after a first date from online. "We had such a great time and he really liked me" or " I really like him and he kissed me and laughed all night" and then BAM! The bomb drops and three days later he still hasn't texted you and you start the whole damn cycle over again. 

I've had the opportunity to talk to alot of guys from multiple sites and I have heard the stories of the girl being 3 times the size she led on and had bad hygiene and looked like a hyena. This sets all the good looking honest women up for complete success right? WRONG.

As a method of entertainment and also just to show men how easy it is for you to be a good guy in this sea of assholes, I will be documenting all the dates I go on for the next thirty days. Apologies to those of you ahead of time that may become distraught if I slaughter you in blog world for your bad dating tactics but this is for all the girls out there who are badass and deserve a great guy. We all have to kiss a few (or a shit ton) of frogs to find our Prince Charming right? Well here it goes. 

Xoxo, 

The Salty Julep