The 411 with BHB

It's always fun to find new blogs!  I typically make new "friends" through link-ups.  Today, I am linking up with BHB, and sharing the 411 on me! I was supposed to have finished this on Thursday, 4/11.  I started it then, and just finished it now.  Better late than never!

THE BASICS

Who are you: Jess.  I don't have some cool blog pseudo name.  I do have a lot of nicknames, but my mom will only call me Jessica.  She doesn't like anything else.  I think she might be the only one who consistently calls me by my full first name.

Where do you blog: Shine Like Stars

How did you pick your blog’s name:  My friend, Ashley, and I purchased a brick to be placed on the walkway leading up Jill's House.  Jill's House is a ministry of McLean Bible Church in Vienna, VA that serves as a respite for children with disabilities.  They are able to come and stay overnight, be taken care of, and have a wonderful time.  The children participate in all sorts of activities and the parents greatly appreciate the fact that they can have a little break and their children are enjoying themselves away.  We decided to inscribe  Philippians 2:15, "....then you will shine among them like stars in the sky."  I thought it was perfect because I love stars, but I also hope to be a light in people's lives.  Most importantly, I hope the light of Christ radiates in my life.  As I learned all too well this year, life has many bright spots, but also can bring some deep sorrow and darkness.  Since this blog is a record of my life, I hope that regardless of how much light I see, the light of Christ shines always and I shine like a star to those around me.

                                            LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Where did you grow up: Alexandria, Va.  Right outside of Washington, DC.  I feel really blessed to have grown up there.

Where do you live now:  In a condo in Old Town Alexandria.  I love it!

Where would you live anywhere in the world:  I love where I live now, but I could see myself moving to London for a bit.  I want to retire to NYC.  People think I am crazy for saying that, but I feel like I'd have money to spend on the things I want and I wouldn't get too old too quickly because I'd always be active.

             LET'S TALK BEAUTY: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OR SIGNATURE

Lipstick:  I only wear lip gloss or Burts Bee's chap stick.  I recently bought a chap stick in Aruba and am liking that.  My lips are always chapped.

Mascara:  My hand is not steady enough to put on mascara by myself, so I don't wear it unless someone else puts it on for me.  I wish I could, though, because I think it looks pretty and makes your eyes bright!

Perfume: Jean Paul Gaultier perfume

                                       YUMMIES: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE

Cocktail:  mai thai

Dessert:  Cupcakes (and ice cream) or ice cream cake

Pizza Topping(s):  At certain restaurants, I like only cheese.  It's too perfect to mess it up.  At the typical delivery places, I like pepperoni, green peppers and onions.

                  I ALWAYS HAVE THESE THREE THINGS IN MY REFRIGERATOR
One: Wine

Two:  Greek yogurt

Three: Frozen mixed veggies (in the freezer not the fridge)

                                    GET ARTSY: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE

Movie:  Father of the Bride (Steve Martin)

Book:  A Good and Perfect Gift by Amy Julia Becker

TV Show:  I don't really have one because I don't watch a lot of TV.  I have noticed I watch a lot of reality TV when I do watch TV.  That's most likely the reason I don't have a favorite.  I don't watch any quality TV.  Any suggestions?
     
                             KID STUFF: THREE THINGS ABOUT YOUR YOUTH

What did you want to be when you grew up?   An author and The First Lady of the United States.  I still want to be both.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?  My favorite teacher is/was one of my Leadership professors at University of Richmond, Dr.  Gill Hickman.  She was an incredible professor and role model and she taught us a lot about life.  I will never forget her advice. 

What was your worst sickness/surgery/hospital visit as a kid?   HA! Are you kidding?  I've had 17 major surgeries.  I remember one of my worst was a surgery for my lazy eye when I was 12 years old.  I threw up a lot and could not open my eyes for days.  My dad had promised that he would get me the Disney channel.  He did, but all I could do was listen to it for days because I couldn't open my eyes to see what was actually on the screen.  I was miserable.

                                  THE PRETTY THINGS -  WHAT IS YOUR:

Favorite color: It used to be purple.  At age 26, I decided it was red.  My mom and my childhood best friend say you can't change your favorite color 26 years into your life.  Whatever!

Favorite flower:  Orchids (and Delta Gamma cream roses, of course!)

Favorite artist (painter, photographer, etc.): I like to think I am pretty eclectic, but I really don't have an appreciation for art.  Art and opera.  I just can't get into those two things.  Anything else, I am game.  With that said, I don't have a favorite artist.  I admire my friends who are really creative and artistic, but as for someone well known, I can't really answer.

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

What’s one thing you buy the most often:  Clothes from the Blue Door Boutique.  I absolutely love that store!

Do you prefer to shop online or in-store? : Online.  I can't stand to try things on in stores and to have sales people bother me.  I am a pretty typical size and have done it enough now that I don't normally have to return things.

Imagine you open your own store - what would you sell?: Cupcakes with ice cream injected in the middle.  There is a store like this in Boston and it is my dream come true.  I need one down here in DC.

 BE A HATER: WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO AWAY:

Uno:  Terrorism

Dos:  Mental illness

Tres:  Cancer

THE FINAL THREE (X3)

I hand you a genie - what are your three wishes?

1.  To be happily married to my "teammate for life"/my (future) husband

2.  To have happy and healthy children

3.  To always have the desire, the means, and the ability to travel

List 3 things you can see out of your window right now.

1.  The bridal store that has not changed its windows in months.  Doesn't sound like a good business move to me.

2.  Tourists walking around enjoying the beautiful day.

3.  The alley that is supposedly haunted.

 WHO ARE THREE PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, YOU'D INVITE TO DINNER:

Een: My Dad's father.  I never got to meet him.  He sounds fascinating and looks a lot like Martin Luther King, Jr.

Twee: Kate Middleton.  I think if we knew each other, we'd be friends. 

Drie:  RG III