I thought today’s blog would be all about the family & senior photographer behind Jessica Idalia Photography…Me! I think it’s time I share 10 things about me you may not know! Here goes!
1. I TRY TO LIVE A TOXIN FREE LIFE.
A few years back I read an article focused on the amount of toxic chemicals in products we buy and use on a daily basis. I never realized that products found on store shelves could cause us so much damage, disease, and pain. Ever since then I try my best to purchase only toxic free items for myself, my family, and our home. I may still use some items that may not have the best ingredients, but it is definitely less than previous years.
2. I WENT TO COLLEGE TO BE A TEACHER.
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to teach. I spent 20 years as an elementary teacher, elementary instructional coach, and a district math specialist. In all that time I have realized that my love of learning is connected to my love of teaching. That passion definitely helped me become the photographer I am today. I am a self taught photographer and working with kids comes easy to me!
3. I LOVE TO CLEAN MY HOUSE.
You read that right! I love to clean my house and I don’t see it as a chore. There is just something about seeing the AFTER that makes me so very happy! And yes… I do use nontoxic cleaning products to clean every part of it.
4. SKINCARE IS MY JAM!
I am that girl that has a beauty fridge in the bathroom. I just love my skincare routine and I am always searching for the best products for my skin. Every night before I go to bed, I spend 15-20 minutes on my skincare ritual and I love every minute.
5. I AM A MOM TO A TEENAGE BOY!
My son is 17 years old and is a senior in high school this year. He is an amazing kid and he makes being a mom easy. I am proud of him for the work he does in school, for how he treats the people around him, and for the help he gives me on a daily basis.
6. I WAS THE FIRST IN MY FAMILY TO GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE.
As a college student, I never even thought about the fact that no one else in my family had ever graduated from college. I went to college because it was the next step in my journey to become an educator. But once I walked the stage and received my college diploma I knew how big this accomplishment really was not only for me but also my family.
7. I lOVE TO WRITE!
Writing has always been easy for me. It is something I love to do all the time. I love to journal about my life and blogging about my work is definitely something that I enjoy doing. I never knew how well I could write until others mentioned it.
8. I AM A RULE FOLLOWER 100% OF THE TIME.
It is just who I am. I am a rule follower and I do not like when others break rules. For me, rules help keep things in order and people safe. I am that person that gets anxiety when people around me are breaking any kind of rule.
9. I LOVE TO BE HOME.
There is just something about being home that makes me happy. I can stay home all day and always feel content. Now it doesn’t always happen. My guy makes sure I leave the house often and I have definitely gotten more accustomed to leaving the house. But if I could choose what to do on a Friday night, I definitely choose to stay home.
10. I HAVE A BONUS DAUGHTER.
My life partner is father to a beautiful teenage girl. And since he walked in to my life, I have been blessed to have her in my life. She is a bonus in my life. She has helped me grow as a mom, has helped me experience having a another girl in this household, and she has definitely brought joy into my life. I am grateful for her and her father.
