Featured: Jessica Lynn Writes!

One of my favorite things about blogging is all the cool people I get to meet…and one of my favorites happens to share my name!  Jessica over at Jessica Lynn Writes is one of the first blogs I started reading, and has always been one of my favorites.  She recently moved back to the US after living in Italy for 2 years (amazing, I know), and has a gorgeous little girl named Julia.  I had the chance to interview her below – you’ll want to get to know her!

Tell me your favorite thing about blogging.

I love the perks and free stuff I get from blogging. TOTALLY kidding…kinda. I just wanted to catch your attention. Yes, the free stuff is nice, but I truly love having a place to share my thoughts. My family and friends are scattered around the world and I love that they can come catch up on what we’re up to and see my daughter grow up. I also love the community and friends I’ve made from blogging.  

If you could pick anywhere in the world to live, where would you pick and why?

There are two places: Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Maniago, Italy. The first is home for both me and my husband. We grew up there and are already dreaming of living there once he gets out of the Air Force (we have at least another decade of moving around the world before that happens). The second place is the place we just left in Italy. I absolutely loved it there. The people, the food, the weather; everything about it was perfect and we miss it every day.  

How has becoming a mom changed you?

Becoming a mom has already taught me to be less selfish. Yes, you gain so much by having a little one, but you do have to give up a lot, too. I’m still learning how to not just put her before me, but find a balance for both of us.   

Growing up, did you ever think you’d be a military wife?

Never! I was always the girl who’d watch her friends date, but never actually went out with a boy in high school, so back then I was pretty sure I’d be single and alone forever. Marriage was far, far from my mind, and the thought of the military was even further out of my life. But then I met my husband and I just knew I’d marry him. Thankfully, we went through a lot as a couple before we even got married (deployments and a long distance relationship when he was in America), so it helped prepare me for what was to come as a military wife. 

You’ve been doing Paleo for a while now.  What’s your favorite go-to dinner?

Meat and veggies! I actually love paleo for how simple it is to throw dinner together. We typically have grilled steak with grilled veggies (and possibly a sweet potato if I feel like going the extra mile) or our other favorite meal is deconstructed fajitas: marinated chicken or steak sliced into strips, with peppers and onions, then instead of topping it with “off limit” foods (like tortilla, cheese, and sour cream), I make a batch of easy guacamole (avocados, lime juice, salt, pepper, and some garlic powder) and we just eat that. You’d be surprised at how good simple food can taste.