Hey there! I am Jessica McLain…a midwestern wife to the tall, dark, and incredibly handsome Chris and momma to a headstrong 4 year old little boy, Rypken. I teach 5th graders by day, blog by night, and lead worship every Sunday morning. I recently became an entrepreneur when I launched The Bible Binder® to help women organize their lives around what matters most last May! I have a love/hate relationship with golf and chocolate and am obsessed with navy and pink (even my classroom dons the combination).
How do you take care of yourself so that you’re physically and mentally prepared to be your best self for others?
Mentally: Keep God as my #1. I find that I feel the strongest mentally when I’ve been in His word and surrounded myself in His grace.
Physically: I struggle with Irritable Bowel Sydrome, as well as migraines. Right before the holidays I had my blood tested for 150+ foods/chemicals (MRT test), and am now working with a nutritionist on the LEAP diet based on my results. It has been very challenging, but the rewards have far outweighed the struggles.
What’s your favorite beauty secret?
Suave Dry Shampoo!!! The best for this non-morning girl!
What’s your favorite go-to outfit for a quick polished look?
Anything looks great with a vest! (My faves are from JCrew.) Throw one over a dress, skinny jeans+tshirt, sweater…the list goes on and on!
What’s your favorite quick-prep dinner for your family?
Ground turkey from Whole Foods (so fresh and yummy!) with a little almond meal thrown in and chopped sweet potatoes in olive oil with organic cinnamon and sugar. Super quick and super delicious, especially if you like the savory+sweet combo!
Tell us your favorite Instagram account to follow and why?
If you opened up my search tab in IG you would (no lie) see Lara Casey and Emily Ley at the top. These ladies inspired me to start my own business with The Bible Binder® and feel like they could be my part of my real life squad. I enjoy the real, happy, and God fearing feeds that meet me where I am each and every day!
What tradition or routine is important to you?
Every night we pray with Rypken. This is so special to me because as Proverbs 22:6 says: “Train up a child up in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
What’s in your purse?
iPhone, LV wallet, keys, Hourglass Ambient compact (best bronzer ever!), lipgloss, and a random toy car #boymom.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I’m sure you can guess if you’ve made it this far down…God. I just can’t do it all myself. Most days I forget about that and come crawling back beaten and battered by the world we live in. And that’s ok….It is ok because every day of every week of every month of every year….He is good. He is patient. and He forgives. On days when the right choice is the hardest action, times when my 4 year old is doing nothing but asking questions (ok, that is 24/7!), and when I dwell on my greatest mistakes or someone else’s mistakes… I am reminded of Jesus and the way He lived His life. Good. Patient. Forgiving. That is my inspiration.
We know you’re a busy lady and have a little one at home! How do you balance all of your work responsibilities, along with your family life? Any tips for our readers?
My word for this year is “imperfection” because my type-A personality wants to all-the-things perfectly, never having to use that dry-shampoo, and all while looking like I walked out of a Vineyard Vines catalog. Well…crash and burn. That is why I came up with The Bible Binder®! It gives you a starting place to organize your prayer life in the same place as your recipes, kid’s homework, and emergency contact info with a special place to hold your Bible. Everything I need in one place! (I also hire my aunt to deep clean my house once a month…BEST DECISION EVER!)
What’s your favorite app (or other tool) for helping you do life?
I love love love Lara Casey’s #powersheets! They have made me dig deep into what I really want out of my life and has made it easier to prioritize my time and energy. Emily’s navy stripe memory box to keep all of Ryp’s artwork in. My iMac for everything online related…as well as Pinterest for ALL of the ideas!
Follow along with Jessica:
Website: www.jessicamclain.org and www.thebiblebinder.com
Instagram: @jessicamclain
Pinterest: @preppyjess
Twitter: @preppyjess
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePreppyChristian
Snapchat: preppyjess
