Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Bargain shopping friends... listen up!

For about a month or so I have been drooling over this beautiful necklace from Jcrew. The only problem is the necklace is $150.00 and well ... my skinny wallet just can't sway that way right now if you get my drift... and even if it did... I don't think I could justify spending that much on one necklace, as pretty as she is.

So, the other morning as I was enjoying my Tessa Time while drinking my coffee and reading blogs (morning routine), I decided to hop on Ebay to see what I could find. Low and behold in all of its glory stood my favorite Jcrew necklace brand new. It had 10 minutes left on the bidding war and 35 bidders. I usually never bid, I just look at the "buy it now" options. Part of my impatient nature.

I waited until there was about 15 seconds left on that bad boy and BAM I placed my bid... and I WON!!!!!! Are you kidding me? I never win anything, especially not on an Ebay bidding war on my favorite necklace! You bet your bottom dollar I did a small victory dance and then followed it up with a phone call/text to my mom and girlfriend to tell them of my winnings. 
Oh... you want to know how much I got it for? A whopping $18.00 !

jcrew necklace

Check it out for yourself. 

I can't wait for the arrival!!!! 

New Artist

Good Wednesday morning to you friends!

You are half way through your work week ( well most of you anyways) - How awesome is that?

I have had a very busy work load these past couple of weeks. Taking over 2  people's duties at work on top of my own makes for one nutty chica. I will be thankful when my co-workers return from their nice 2 week vacation on the beach and my load gets much lighter. 

I should be jumping in the shower right about now... but I just had to share with you a new artist whom I discovered on Pandora this morning. My station is usually stuck on Bon Iver (by choice), and I can pretty much sing every song word for word (not that you would want to hear that) but when this unusual voice popped up I had to take a gander and find out who it was so I could switch to his station (no hard feelings Bon I but we're going to have to take a break. It's me, not you. I swear.)

As most of you know, I have a deep love and appreciation for good music. I sometimes contemplate canceling my cable (don't ever get Comcast) because I would rather spend time sitting at my computer listening to true tunes all day than sit in from of an idiot box. I pretty much keep it for the soul purpose of listening to the music stations :) - and I do like to catch a free movie once in awhile.

Okay you're ready for the song... I get it. 

Artist Name: Ben Howard

There you have it! If any of you find him just as great as I did, I would love to hear! 

P.S. Here is a picture of Charlie I posted on my IG last night. This man has mad hops just like his momma. Caught in mid air trying to grab something off of my dresser. Naughty boy, but I was pretty impressed with his skills I must say.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday!

Your Life.

  {yep this is me. Bet ya didn't realize I had mad hops did ya?}

"This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once; seize them. Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. Live your dream, and wear your passion. Life is short."

Photoshoot// Kaylin

I had a fun time snapping pictures of Miss Kaylin this afternoon.

If you ever get the opportunity to meet her you will probably think what I thought right off the bat:

1. smart

2. genuine

3. loveable 

 This girl made my job easy because she was such a natural!

and Kaylin... thanks for wearing clothes that match my blog. Look'n good on here sista! :)

Dedicating this quote to Kaylin:

It is true that we don't know what we have until we've lost it, but it is also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives."

@tessajoy05

basil pasta

I made this dish for lunch this afternoon. So tasty and super easy to whip up. Especially when you have the basil growing outside in the backyard in full force!  

It can be served chilled or warmed up. 

I let the cherry 'maters soak in olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, and oregano all morning so all I had to do was cook the pasta and throw in the basil and salt-n-pepa ( remember that group?)  and it was good to go!

Great summer meal. 

Cheers to the weekend! Stay safe everyone.