Jess Lively

Recently Katie C., an MML reader, asked about how to market a new online shop. Since I know there are many MML readers who are also online shop owners, I thought this is a great topic to address today. I will say that my advice comes from my experience. In 2008 I was running Jess [...]

Try, Try Again {Image} I remember this poster from my elementary school so very clearly. Hanging oh-so-smugly in the hallway, I would pass it everyday on my way back from lunch. There in all of it’s printed glory with a man on a tight rope walking across some large canyon at the exact time of [...]

I’m blown away by the fantastic artwork created by our very own Kat for our Behind the Curtains preview of how we process orders. Given our recent burst of orders, I thought it would be great to explain how we run our shop so customers feel more connected to our studio and our order process. [...]

Sorry for the lapse in posting yesterday. Over the past two days I’ve been caring for Mr. Lively as he got a (minor) surgery on Monday. I’m happy to report that he has recovered very well and will be back to 100% in the next few weeks. This week I’ve also had a small epiphany [...]

Though I’d like to assume that I don’t think demeaning thoughts about myself, I’ve recently noticed a surprising reality. Often when I make a mistake, say something I regret, or do something selfish I find the words “that was stupid” bubbles out of my mouth involuntarily. I’ve actually now noticed it frequently enough to consider [...]

Enlisted I have always been a “piles” kind of person. My papers rarely find themselves alone, but rather stacked together with other papers that may or may not have any obvious connection to one another…except to me. Albeit strange, I can typically remember where and why things are stacked together, and if I am looking [...]

Today I’d like to share the fascinating life story for Denice, an MML reader and someone who has dramatically designed her life with intention. I think this letter is great for anyone who is going through the steps to find their intention and next steps in life. Denice’s life and story proves that intentions can [...]

I’d like to give Kat, our resident artist, a huge high five for doing such a great job with our new Ambassador graphic! Below are our new February Ambassadors. If you’d like to become a Jess LC Ambassador, please follow the directions outlined above.

Last week I got an email from a longtime MML reader who wanted advice for her husband’s business. Given my history with growing my own company, she thought it might be helpful to get some insight on their situation. I thought the best way to help them and help other MML readers was to share [...]

FEBRUARY WALLPAPER. Click here to download the full-size wallpaper seen above. Good morning and happy Valentine’s Day! My weekend was a special one thanks Mr. Lively. And I hope you have a great day planned doing something you love. Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed a tangible rise in attention and awareness about Jess [...]

Get Off the Pot I’m sure when you first read that you thought “But Kendi, I don’t do drugs.” That’s good. I was just testing you. But really what I mean is “S*** or Get off the pot.” See the difference? I know you are inspired already. Truth is, I’ve never liked that term. It’s [...]

Today we have some great DIY DESIGN YOUR LIFE interviews to share! Click the links below to hop over to MML reader’s DESIGN YOUR LIFE interviews. As a refresher, the DESIGN YOUR LIFE interviews share the intentions of the writer and specific, first-person examples of how they have “designed their lives” around those intentions. Kimberly’s [...]

This morning I would like to point out a really interesting post from Rue Mag founder, Crystal of Plush Palate. In her recent post, she asks for input on what makes someone successful or a failure. While writing my own comment on the topic, I thought it might be worthwhile to share here on MML [...]

Today I am here to conclude my most recent Throw Out 50 Things Challenge. You can see the story behind the challenge here and items 1-28 in this year’s challenge here. As with past items, everything you see has been donated, recycled, gifted, returned, or thrown away. The challenge is simply titled “Throw Out” Fifty [...]

After a lovely trip to Florida, I’m back in work mode getting things taken care of with Jess LC. Leaving for a few days has left me with a full plate of work. But I will say, escaping the Chicago blizzard to swim in the ocean, watch whales, go on alligator boat rides, and spend [...]

Mr. Lively sent me this video which explains why so many people I meet via MML are dissatisfied with their day jobs. And why so many struggling, start-up, or successful entrepreneurs are often more fulfilled without the comparable corporate paycheck. If you dread going to work, this definitely might illuminate (or validate) why you feel [...]

Love this image via Stephmodo that Kirwin at Our Slo House sent me. In other news… Mr. Lively is whisking me off (sort of) to Florida for a long weekend to escape the Chicago blizzard and meet his sister. I’ll be back in the Windy Snowy City on Tuesday. Until then, it’s time to soak [...]

Okay guys, I hate to interrupt my Throw Out 50 Things Challenge, but I seriously over-estimated how much I could accomplish today. Those 50 Things posts take a surprisingly long time to create, and I don’t have time to get that completed along with my other items on my to-do list. Especially since one of [...]

Okay, time to post my first batch of stuff from my most recent Throw Out 50 Things Challenge! You can see below the items that I no longer need, use or love. I will say that all of these items have been donated, sold, gifted, returned, or thrown out as needed so there isn’t anything [...]

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I’ve recently done a Throw Out Fifty Things Challenge. Though my living room and bedroom were recently featured in Rue Mag, and everything looked orderly and “made under,” there were still 50 superfluous items floating around my home at the time of the shoot. It bears repeating that [...]

Today I’d like to share a series my good friend Cathy of Fiscally Chic did on her blog titled Makeunder My Finances. She took my four step makeunder process and applied it to money. Step One: Create a vision Step Two: Exfoliate stuff Step Three: Identify Intentions This should be the “easiest” step of a [...]

Today I’d like to share a series my good friend Cathy of Fiscally Chic did on her blog titled Makeunder My Finances. She took my four step makeunder process and applied it to money. Step One: Create a vision Step Two: Exfoliate stuff As a refresher, John and I are saving money for a down [...]

Today I’d like to share a series my good friend Cathy of Fiscally Chic did on her blog titled Makeunder My Finances. She took my four step makeunder process and applied it to money. According to Jess, “this is the step where you dump the stuff that isn’t needed for the life you want to [...]

Today I’d like to share a series my good friend Cathy of Fiscally Chic did on her blog titled Makeunder My Finances. She took my four step makeunder process and applied it to money. Follow along as I re-post her money makeunder. Cathy herself is a blend of Martha Stewart and accountant – which means [...]