#jolleythanks

This is my second #jolleythanks list and it was inspired because when I opened up Netflix to watch Gossip Girl on my husband's laptop, I realized that no matter what device I use, Netflix always holds my spot. Now that's something worth being grateful for. And it inspired the rest of this list...

why i like being the good girl

All this talk of Halloween costumes made me think of a costume I wore last year, and a post it inspired. Here is the post and picture, for your viewing pleasure...

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Back during my times of Stake Young Women's camps, my ward ALWAYS received the "Goody-Two-Shoes" award. Always.

We went to bed on time, we never trashed any one else's camp, and we arrived early to every activity.

Growing up I never went toilet papering or egging. I never snuck out and I ALWAYS made curfew.

I never had a boyfriend in high school, made the honor roll and slept 9 hours every night.

Some people have said to me that because I never rebelled, I am very judgmental.

I have been called hypocritical when trying to teach someone about the love of our Savior and told that I don't understand what it's like to be hurt because my life is "perfect."

Someone once told me that I can't possibly know that I am truly happy without experiencing the 'other side' to see if I like it better over there.

But I'll tell you what, I LOVE being the good girl.

Being the good girl has given me an opportunity to be a light.

To show others the happiness that comes from righteous living. So that when people look at me and say, "Why on earth are you so happy?" I know exactly what to tell them.

When I had some rotten experiences last year with my first "enemy," people never believed the things that were said about me. Because they knew my character.

Being a good girl has let me always be in control of me. It has taught me self-discipline and intrinsic motivation. 

Being a good girl lets me see others through Christ's eyes and has placed so much into my heart, that I am consistently overflowing with love.

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date night: the nightmare before christmas

Last week it was Mr. Jolley's turn to pick our activity. And to his delight, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is on Netflix! I'm all for a cozy night in with my husband, even though I wasn't too sure about the movie choice.

I'm inserting foot in mouth right now because this movie was really SO cute. The characters were strangely endearing, and I surprisingly like it. The music is catchy too!

So if you're looking for a date night this week before Halloween, this is a great option! It will also work around Christmastime, how cool is that?

On another note, the only time I don't keep my phone handy is on date nights. And it was SO weird to watch an entire movie without checking my phone or playing on the iPad. I just tried to focus on cuddling with my husband. It really ended up being one of my favorite dates to date. (punny right?) So try and put away electronics next date night, and let me know how it goes!

Happy date night!

what if i don't think i can change?

Yesterday I went back and read Drops of Awesome. An amazing blog post that went viral sometime last year. Because I've started to feel it again. That nagging feeling that I'm not enough. Does it ever end? It seems Satan has been working tirelessly on me lately. Sometimes it takes all I have to just keep my head above water.

It made me think about change. I feel like I can't get back to the healthy level I was at, I can't get rid of the zits (aka craters) all over my face. I can't keep up with all the things I feel like I should be doing for my husband. And the list goes on and on and on.

What if I don't think I can change? Sometimes I feel like no matter how many goals I set, or how hard I try, I can never quite grasp that person I want to be. Then I remembered this quote...

You may not think you can change permanently, but you can change the next choice you make. 

And for right now, that's what's getting me through. Realizing that I can change the next choice I make. And doing just that. 

i'm that girl

Who am I ?

I'm that girl who spends way too much money on clothes, make up and hair product.

I'm that girl who reads voraciously, and longs for adventure in her own life.

I'm that girl who talks too much, too loud and to too many people.

I'm that girl who arrives late to parties, because she doesn't like big groups.

I'm that girl who can sleep 10 hours a night, and still be tired around 9 pm.

I'm that girl who will promise herself to get up and go for a run, and then has coke and ice cream for breakfast.

I'm that girl who writes in her journal religiously, but can't remember to text back a good friend.

I'm that girl that creates endless lists, but loses her planner.

I'm that girl. The one with dreams, goals and hopes.

I'm that girl. The one who spends hours trying to impress others.

I'm the girl who has failed. Who has been betrayed.

I'm the girl who stumbles through life. 

The girl who conquers the world with heels on her feet, and a smile on her face.

Because she knows that she has a sphere of influence. She has shoes only SHE can fill. A life only SHE can live.

I'm the girl who loves with all her heart; because she doesn't know how to live any other way.

love story part 8: i love yous

The following Friday was April 12, and we were texting. Like always. Somewhere around 10 pm he texted...

"Brooklyn Burton, I think I love you. No, I don't think, I do. I love you! I didn't want the first time to be over text, but I can't wait anymore." 

I told him

"We are crazy, you know that right? I love you too, more than I ever thought I could love someone so fast." 

That weekend when he came to Logan again, he replaced the flowers I had just thrown away from our first date. A gorgeous, colorful arrangement, perfect for spring. 

This boy had me smitten. I think we spent most of the night doing the googly eyed thing at each other and just saying, "I love you..." over and over. 

He told me that after our first date he had called his older brother to ask him how he knew when his wife was the one. And everything he said, was everything Mr. Jolley was feeling. He told me that was when he knew he wanted to marry me, and he wanted to know what my opinion was. I froze... marriage talk? So soon. And after only 3 weeks of knowing me?!? I didn't know what to say...I knew what I wanted to say, but I didn't want to regret saying something I didn't mean. So I took a minute to think it over...

(to be continued)

it's okay to eat cookies for breakfast, and 9 other truths that make life better

1. It's okay to eat cookies for breakfast.

2. Not everyone is going to like you.

3. Sharing the good is not always bragging. 

4. Buying the shoes this ONE time will not ruin your finances.

5. Holidays are not just for children & teachers.

6. You are not who you were in high school. 

7. You are a human first.

 You are a great daughter, wife, friend, etc. But you are a human first, so you're not going to be perfect, and you will make mistakes.

8. Working hard is better than being smart.

9. Confidence is built.

10. Who YOU are makes a difference. 

Pin Me!

#jolleythanks

I have a notepad buying problem. So when I found this beauty at Target the other day I bought it. And then I wondered how on earth I would use it. Someone on Instagram suggested a gratitude notebook. "But ugh. That's too mainstream." 

But the more I thought about it the more I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could fill the notebook by Christmas. November after all is all about gratitude, and December just makes me all sorts of happy and grateful. So I started it the other day. 

So every once in awhile you'll find a gratitude post on here so that way I hold myself accountable for this goal. 

And if you share a gratitude list on Instagram, please use #jolleythanks so I can see it and share it! 

Happy thankfulness friends! 

 

 

3 things hair school has taught me that have nothing to do with hair

1. Your dreams can never be too big or too small. 

In school we have to choose a mentor to spend our year in school learning about. Someone who we admire, can learn from, and want to follow. Some girls chose celebrity hairstylists, reality tv stars, and some chose their mom's. Just because I want to do hair out of my house while being a mom doesn't mean my dreams are too small. They are MY dreams. I get to define them.

2. It's never too late to have new dreams.

I was really nervous to stop going to USU for Elementary Education. People always told me that's something I'd be good at. And NO ONE has ever told me I'm good at doing hair. But I couldn't shake the feelings. My dreams changed. I couldn't see myself as an elementary school teacher anymore. And even when people thought I was crazy, and told me I couldn't or shouldn't do it, I didn't listen. I go to school with a 68 year old lady. It's never too late. Never.

3. You get to create yourself.

I'm honestly not really outgoing. I could sit at home every night by myself watching Disney movies and eating cereal. But when I started school I decided that this was a chance to reinvent myself. And one girl in school told me, "You're SO outgoing. I wish I knew how to talk to people like you." Huh? I'm basically the most awkward person on planet earth. But I chose to create myself. Am I still being me? Yes. I'm just being who I've always wanted to be. I can't change anyone else. But I can change me. 

date night: jordan river temple session

Last Tuesday we had a temple date night planned, and despite my horrible day which you can read all about here, I'm so SO glad we went. 

Temple dates with my husband remind me of when we got married in the Salt Lake temple just over 2 months ago. And it helps me remember just how incredible my husband is, and how much he means to me. Spending time in the Celestial Room with Mr. Jolley after a rotten day was wonderful. We set a goal to make it to the temple at least once a month, especially when we live SO close to so many. We have made it 2 for 2 so far. So I'd say we are doing pretty dang good ;) 

If you want to know more about temples, go here...

ask brooklyn number one

Today I'm excited to share a new series on the blog! 

 In these posts I will answer YOUR questions honestly, with humor and maybe even with a little sass. I'm super excited about the questions I received and hope you enjoy reading the answers!

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What do you want to do after hair school? 

I should graduate hair school sometime next September which is SO crazy and my first month and a half of school just flew by. I plan on working full-time doing hair, nails, and eyelash extensions like a boss at a salon that wants to hire me! I don't plan on trying to make it "big" and do celebrity hair or anything, I just want to make women feel beautiful and help their recognize their worth & potential. Eventually I want to have kids, buy a house, and create an in-home salon so I can do hair on MY time and still be a stay at home mommy to raise lots of babies. Which leads me to my next question...


When do you want to have kids? 
The answer to this question changes all the time AND it's a personal question you sneaky people. ;) But I'll tell you the truth. We currently don't plan on trying to have kids for at least 2 years. Call us selfish, call us smart but we feel like its best that we have a couple years to get to know each other and get more settled before raising a family. I'm continually praying about it and I totally just leave it in the hands of the Lord. I don't think I'll ever be "ready" to have kids, but I think when the time is right, we will be so excited for that stage. We are gonna have the cutest bleach blondest babies ever! That seemed like a politician answer huh?

What is your favorite Disney movie?

Hercules! But that is seriously such a hard question because I pretty much love them all. A few other favorites... Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tangled, and CARS.

What has been the hardest adjustment into marriage for you and your hubby?

I'm not totally sure what his answer would be, but I'm guessing it would be living with a person who isn't a clean freak. I'm not dirty by any means, but I kinda live in piles. Like piles of school stuff, clothes, self help books...

My hardest personal adjustment has been realizing how selfish I am and keeping that under control. I like to think I'm a pretty good person, and pretty giving, but then I got married. It's been interesting. I want Christmas AND Thanksgiving with my family, but that's not fair. At all. And I don't want to be that wife. Some nights I want to stay in, but it's important to him to go out. So learning to balance my wants and his wants without being a selfish brat has been hardest for me.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

 I feel like I could dedicate an entire post to this one because I have so many. But the one that first came to mind is, "You will never influence the world by trying to be like it." We live in a society of people trying to blend in, follow trends, and be just like everyone else. And if we want anything to change, we need to be that change.

What's your diet/fitness routine like? 

Well I'll tell ya before I got married it involved a lot of fast food and hardly any gym time. But when we got married we were both determined to avoid the "newlywed 15" and so we hooked me up with a Gold's Gym pass. My personal goal is to attend the gym 4 times a week. I do Pilates and Zumba once a week. Sometimes I attend a step class or kickboxing, but usually my other two days are me going 3.0 miles per hour and watching Gossip Girl. It makes the gym a little more enjoyable for me. Classes are definitely my favorite though because they take so much focus, are so fun, and go by so fast. My husband usually runs on the treadmill and does weights.

My diet. Probably the reason I haven't lost all the weight I gained while I was engaged. We have been trying really hard. I usually have SlimFast chocolate shake for breakfast, and a lean cuisine type meal for lunch. But sometimes instead I'll have a bagel or a sandwich. When I have a chocolate craving I can usually get by on a Skinny Cow ice cream or candy bar. They are YUM! And have way less fat than regular candy bars. Sunday is our cheat day where we choose to not worry about what we eat. And date night usually involves a meal out. It's always fun. ;) 

Was it weird dating your friend's ex-boyfriend at first?

Oh this is a good story. For those who have read my LOVE STORY, you know I got set up with my husband through a friend who had previously dated him. The funny part is, I think we were almost engaged before I knew he was her ex-boyfriend. The girl who set us up is someone I had met through blogging, so I didn't even know her in real life yet. She said, "I want to set you up with a friend of mine who just got off his mission!" And it was a couple weeks into our dating before he said something about dating her and I was like, "Wait, you two dated?" haha. I wasn't offended, he thought I knew, and she didn't think it was important. I never KNEW them together. I don't know what they were like as a couple or anything. So it didn't necessarily seem like I was taking her leftovers as much as she was following a prompting to set me up with my eternal companion!

Did you ever go to college? Do you want to after hair school?

The answer is I did my two years time at Utah State University studying Elementary Education. I realized my passion for teaching just wasn't where I thought it should be. So I started looking into other fields. That's when I found cosmetology, and I LOVE everything about it. I am one class away from my associates degree at USU so once I am done with cosmetology I plan to finish that class. Currently I don't have anything I really want a degree in, so I don't plan on going back, but I always could change my mind. I plan to do hair for a living, so once I finish my associates, we will see where I am at in life.

What's your best marriage advice? 

Two whole months of marriage qualifies me to give advice? Well, I'll just re-share advice someone gave me before my wedding. "Be glad you have someone to pick up after." Although he's the clean one, I translate that quote into a lot of things. When he's late from work, "Be grateful you have someone to wait for." When we spent my birthday in his hometown this year, "Be grateful you have someone to share your birthday with." It really gives me perspective and helps me remember how blessed I am to have someone at all times. Marriage is basically like having a built in best friend. It rocks and I'd recommend it to anyone.

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Think of more questions for me? Go HERE to see the live form and ask me any question you'd like. 

P.S. It's anonymous ;)

love story part seven: conference & baby animals

I don't remember the exact date anymore, but somewhere along the way we met at my home to meet my family. I worked until 5 so I told him to be there a little after 6. He PURPOSELY beat me to Roy so he could schmooze my parents without me. What kind of guy wants to face the girl he's dating Dad alone for the first time? Mr. Jolley that's who.

My parents loved him. One of my little brothers became connected to his leg, the other shied away, this was a very new thing to be happening in my life.  I'd never had an "official" boyfriend.

The weekend after we became "official" it was General Conference for our church. And he came to Logan to spend it with me, even though he should've been in his hometown working on the restaurant he was starting with his brother. We may or may not have kissed through some of the first session on Saturday. (I know, pretty scandalous stuff huh?) Then we met up with my family for Baby Animal Days.

Look at that face...

Sometime over the weekend, I fell head over heels in love with Mr. Jolley. Seeing him light up when listening to the prophet, or watching him make breakfast for my roommates, or maybe it was seeing a vulnerable side of him cuddling a bunny. Whatever it was, I was just waiting for him to say those three little words...

(to be continued)

want to ask me a question?

3 things I wish someone had told me about blogging

1. If you are trying to grow your blog, GET A TWITTER.
Seriously, I just barely jumped on the twitter bandwagon a couple months ago and my blog has doubled in size since then. It has been so fun to have silly (and serious) conversations on there. It's also free advertisement because you can post links to your newest blog post and people will actually click on it and read it! 

2. Schedule posts when you have the time. 
I just barely figured this out. Sometimes I have 4-5 posts rolling around in my head and when I have a few hours to spare I'll just crank them out and schedule them for the week. It's way easier for me than to try and remember to post the draft I have in my blogger dashboard. This is also helpful when I go on vacation, then I can still be "blogging" while I'm on a break! In "post settings" click on schedule and then choose the date and time you'd like the post to appear on your blog. Then click "done" and then click "publish'' like you usually would. Jingle Bam! It's awesome sauce.

3. There are NO RULES to blogging. 
Make money, don't make money. Respond to every comment, only respond to comments that ask questions, or don't respond at all. Pay for a design, learn HTML coding yourself. No one knows what's right for you but you. Decide what you want out of your blog and set yourself some goals. But don't let anyone else tell you how to run your blog.

What's the best blog advice you've received?

what is courage?

I saw this on Pinterest the other day and LOVED it.

Courage isn't always about not being afraid, or having perfect intelligence, or even just saying "yes." Courage is doing things that are hard for you simply because you know that it will improve you. Courage is fear that has said its prayers. 

Hope you are having a great week. And guess what? Tomorrow is Friday! Woot woot!

the night i couldn't stop crying

I have to be careful writing this post, or I'll burst into a hot mess again. And although I do try to keep some of my personal life well er, personal... I really feel like someone out there needs to read this.

On the eve of my 2 month anniversary, I was having a normal day, pretty much like any other day. We had stayed up until after one the night before talking and talking and talking. So I sleepily dropped my husband off at work, and headed to school. Throughout the day I kept having negative thoughts come to my mind. INCREDIBLY negative, and more specifically about my husband. It was odd. And I knew it. So I evaluated the thoughts, and realized I didn't believe any of those things which had come to mind. Which can only mean one thing... Satan was invading my thoughts.

I worked really hard to get the thoughts out of my mind by thinking of everything positive about my husband. (Which was SO easy.) Then all of the sudden, my negative thoughts turned, to me. How neglected my husband must be, how selfish I am, how hard I must make life for my husband, how big of a moocher I am for making my husband provide for me, and how horrible I was. It was awful. I tried everything, all of my tricks for positive thinking. I tried to think of all the good things I do in my marriage, and all the goals I have set and am working on. But it was like there was a big black fog over my mind, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't push my way out of it.

It showed. When I got home I just wanted to cuddle, but Mr. Jolley insisted we could cuddle after the gym and our scheduled date night. That made me TICKED. And I knew that someone else was controlling my emotions, so I just kept my mouth shut. After all, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" right? My husband knew something was wrong, but I knew if I opened my mouth I would say things I didn't mean. I wanted to complain about EVERYTHING.

The temple date night went as scheduled, and the fog in my mind cleared quite a bit, not completely, but enough that I was able to focus on the session and even smile at my husband and enjoy our time together. As soon as we left the feelings were back. I was the worst wife ever. I had to be. I couldn't stop thinking of all my flaws.

We got home, read scriptures, Mr. Jolley prayed, and we turned out the lights with only an "I Love You." After 30 minutes of tossing and turning, I got out of bed. I knew I wasn't gonna sleep so I started studying for school in the front room. After a few minutes Mr. Jolley stumbled out of the room and asked what was up. I told him I couldn't sleep. He asked why. I told him, "I am mad at myself." And then I burst into tears.

Sobbing, gut-wrenching, headache-causing, anxiety-attack tears. I have never EVER cried so hard in my life. I told him all the reasons I thought I was the worst wife ever. I sobbed on the couch. On the bathroom floor. In the kitchen. And Mr. Jolley followed me around, accepting my apology and reminding me how much he loved me and how wonderful I am. It wasn't helping. 45+ minutes later, I was still crying. I was shaky, dizzy, frustrated and miserable. So I asked for a Priesthood blessing. Right then and there my sweet, amazing husband gave me one of the most powerful priesthood blessings I have ever received. I was known, I was loved, and MY Heavenly Father was proud of ME for my efforts in my marriage. He was aware of me. I was loved. And suddenly I was calm.

As I talked things out a little more with my husband I realized something and told him, "I have never felt the power of Satan more profoundly than I did today. And it was scary. Nothing could get him out of my head. I wasn't powerful enough on my own. I didn't know how to be." But when my husband laid his hands on my head, I thought of the words of Joseph Smith,

"I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of (Satan's) kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me?"

I'm going to put my sassiness to good use, he SHOULD be afraid. Because you want to know what is more powerful that darkness? Light. And more powerful than fear? Faith. I am on God's team. And God's team will ALWAYS win. Always.

date night: go to an amusement park

There is an amusement park less than a half hour from our apartment, and although it's no Disneyland, there's definitely a lot of fun things to do there! So this week for our date night, we went to Lagoon with a few other couples for an event the park holds called FRIGHTMARES!

Frightmares is the perfect example of taking turns doing things you each love. I HATE haunted houses, and basically that is the whole idea behind Frightmares. I would DIE if I had to go there every week, and I'd probably never sleep again. 

But I will say that the Dippin Dots and churro made up for all the scariness. Plus, it's kinda fun to let Mr. Jolley be the big brave man. I made him promise to not ever let go of my hand, and he said "I never would. " He melts my heart.

And even though I get sick on a lot of amusement park rides, there is something totally romantic about wandering an amusement park with the love of your life. Holding hands and knowing that in that moment, all you have to focus on is having a good time. 

So check out an amusement park near you and take your honey!

CALLING ALL ETSY SHOP OWNERS

Are you an Etsy shop owner hoping to get some extra sales this Christmas season?

I'm hosting a Holiday Gift Guide here on my blog the week of Thanksgiving to give people some ideas on what they can get the people they love for Christmas! I would LOVE for your shop to be a part of it.

Email me... brooklynburton@hotmail.com ... for information on how to get involved! And don't delay because space IS limited!

there is sunshine in my soul...

I got nominated for The Sunshine award by two of my favorite bloggers. Amberly & Jennie. Surprisingly I know both of these girls in real life and they are AWESOME women.

 

1. What is the craziest thing you've ever done?

Definitely getting engaged to my husband after only knowing him for 8 weeks. We were crazy in love. CRAZY being the key word. But I knew I couldn't live life without him, so I took a leap of faith and married the man of my dreams!

2. Hot or cold weather?
Hot. Give me a sunshiney day or an island in the Bahamas and I am a happy happy girl. 

3. What is your favorite season?
Usually my answer is summer, because I LOVE the sunshine and my favorite holiday is the 4th of July. But I also love winter because I love Christmas time. 

4. First thing you do when you wake up?
Cuddle into the husband a little more. I need my space to fall asleep, but I LOVE to cuddle him. So I try to make that a priority in the morning. It's the best way to start the day. 

5. What is your favorite part about the city you live in?
Intense city driving is new for me, but I love Salt Lake because you can get anything you want here. They have every restaurant, every store, everything! Also, we have like 6 temples within a 30 minute drive of our apartment, so that rocks! 

6. What's one thing that can immediately brighten your day? 

Besides the obvious, my husband. Coca Cola can brighten any day. And Oreos. And Disneyland.

7. What book can you read over and over? 
I LOVE the Book of Mormon, I read it every night with my husband and it strengthens our marriage SO much. The other book I could read over and over is The 5 Love Languages, or pretty much any self help book. 

8. Met anyone famous? 

We saw Hilary Weeks at Disneyland once. And I've met her a few times at some other events. I want to be her when I grow up. 

9. What is your worst habit? 
I pick my cuticles. It used to be nail biting, now I just pick at hang nails until my fingers are a bloody nasty mess. Whoops. 

10. What is your best Halloween costume you've ever worn? 
Last year I went to a Halloween party last minute so I threw this together. I'm a ceiling fan! 

I'm nominating...

Maegen

Ashley

Elisabeth

Rules:

1. Link back to my sunshine award blog post.

2. Include the sunshine award logo on in your blog post.

3. Answer the following 10 questions.

4. Nominate bloggers that add a touch of sunshine to your day!

love story part six: first kiss & officialness

After texting and snap chatting over Easter weekend, I didn't want to even THINK about any other boy EVER. All the missionaries I had been writing started to get letter-neglected, and the boys I'd text just to flirt with had empty inboxes. I was smitten and ready to commit.

The boy felt the same way. But we didn't want to become "official" over texting. So we agreed that he could ask me the next date we went on.

That next date couldn't come fast enough! That Monday he picked me up after his long almost 2 hour drive to my place and we went and fed the ducks at a nearby dam. He still hadn't kissed me.

We talked. And talked. And talked. I asked him what kind of reservations he had about a relationship and he asked me the same. I kept looking up at him, hoping he'd lean in to kiss me. Not yet.

We finished tossing the bread and then went and sat down. I remember the amazing feeling of laying my head on his shoulder and him kissing my forehead. Then after a few nervous glances at my lips, he finally went in for the kiss. A perfect, soft and sweet first kiss.

And just like that I had my first official boyfriend. Most of the night is now a blur. I remember going back to my apartment, deciding together that we wanted to be "Facebook official" and laughing over the absurdity of our now anniversary, April 1st. 

The girl who set us up posted this on Twitter that night. 

APRIL FOOLS! We weren't joking around. We were in it for the long haul.