Beyond the Blog: An Update

Hi everyone! Just popping in for a bit...

First, I want to say thank you to everyone who left a comment, wrote to me on Twitter and Instagram, for all the sweet and sincere well wishes for a speedy recovery and safe surgery. It really made me feel so special, and I read every single one of your comments - so thank you for that. There really are good people out there, and I'm lucky enough to be friends with them, and have readers like you to support me. And, I can't forget to thank Sam, Lorna and Suma for stepping in for me - I owe you one, ladies!

As for the surgery, all went well, and I've been spending my time recovering and taking it easy. Surgery day was extremely long, but I was fortunate enough to be able to sleep in my own bed that night (which was the the one thing I really, really wanted to happen). I'm still not 100% back to normal, and I'm living in stretch leggings at the moment, but each day I see improvements. One thing I have done is changed my diet. I've sworn off fast food (thanks to Lent), and I haven't had soda in a week. I know going without soda isn't that big a deal, but no joke, I was drinking it every day, probably for lunch and dinner. I went cold turkey the week before my surgery not having it, and honestly, I haven't had a craving for it since. I feel the need to make some necessary changes when it comes to my health, and I know it'll benefit me longer down the road.

Having surgery unexpectedly has sort of put things in perspective for me, and I'm just trying to stay positive.

But, I'm extremely thankful that all went well and that I can now put this behind me and move forward...

I hope to get back to a normal blogging schedule next week. Being the planner that I am, I did take outfit photos in advance since I knew I wouldn't be able to dress the way I normally do. Waist bands are my enemy at the moment. So, next Monday, I'll be back at it!

Again, thank you all for the kind words and support!

xo,

Jen

Beyond the Blog: Life Happens.

I'm not talking about anything style-related in this post, which is completely out of the ordinary for me. I struggled with the decision to write about this at all, whether or not it was too personal, but in real life, things other than fashion consume my life. I'm human, and that means everything isn't all about my bangs (or is it) or what I'm wearing. I have a life outside of House Of Jeffers that I rarely share. But I felt since this is something that affects me, and affects my blog, I'm putting it out there:

I'm having surgery to remove a cyst from my ovary on Wednesday... And I'm scared. And angry.

I'm not ashamed because it's something I can't control, but I didn't expect to be preparing for something like this right now. The one ironic thing about finding out you have a cyst is talking to other women and finding out they went through similar issues. That makes me feel better...

As for my blog, I didn't want this to become a platform about the bad things happening in my life - because everything isn't as bad as I might think it is. My blog is extremely important to me - it gives me an escape to feel like myself, and in some sense, gives me control to guide this ship on my own path without interference from things I CAN'T control - and I don't feel completely comfortable talking personal stuff on my blog. Don't get me wrong, sharing more of who you are beyond just clothing and manicures is fun, because it gives others a bigger glimpse into me as a person. But, there are some things I have to keep to myself, so for now, I'm not ready to publicly put everything out there. I hope you understand.

Who knows, maybe someday, I'll be able to let the words run out of my fingers and onto my blog and tell you what's going on. That choice I haven't made yet... 

What I will say is this: No matter how much of a planner you can be, things will run the course they choose - not what you choose for it. I'm trying my hardest to accept the things I have no control over - like this. The faster I have surgery, the sooner I can get back to normal. 

But, there's good news to all of this! For the next week or so, I'll have some fun posts from guest bloggers from the U.S. and UK! They are a wonderful group of women who are so diverse, unique, and utterly fabulous that you probably won't miss me... But please do. = )

Til then, I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes. 

All my best,

Jen

Beyond The Blog: Bust Craftacular 2013 Dumbo, BK

Beyond The Blog (I hope) is a new series on House Of Jeffers that lets me talk about things other than fashion. For the first installment: Bust Craftacular!

I love for a solid craft fair and a handmade anything, especially jewelry and prints, and I've found some of my most coveted treasures at them.

For years, I've been attending Bust Magazine's Craftacular held twice a year in Manhattan and often, Brooklyn. But don't think of this as your average congregation of arts and crafts. Craftacular captures the true spirit of the hand-mand movement with all types of wares - jewelry, pottery, clothing, metalwork, knit work, food, accessories and anything that welcomes imagination - food and even workshops.

Last week, Spring Craftacular 2013 hit up Dumbo, Brooklyn - a place where I hear my people (hipsters) thrive, and the art culture is booming.

Ironically, I've only been to Brooklyn once, and never visited the Brooklyn Bridge. With the weather on point, and best friend in tow, we took the subway into Brooklyn, ready to get our crafts on.

  

Craftacular always has the most creative artists offering up some of the coolest stuff that you can't find just anywhere. But my bread and butter is jewelry. I managed to snag a personalized ID bracelet from Brooklyn Charm that you will definitely see on House Of Jeffers... A lot.

        

Shara Porter's printed leather goods were one of my favorites. I actually bought one of her hand-printed  wallets (below) at Craftacular in 2011, which I use to carry my business cards. 

L.A.B. by Laura Busony's copper Peter Pan collars featured tiny aluminum roses and hammered details. The black necklace (second from top) was actually featured in Lucky Magazine!

The best Pad Thai I've ever had came courtesy of Mamu Thai Noodle. Amazing! 

Check back Monday to see what I wore!