I’m so excited…and I just can’t hide it!!

We did it! I have the best friends and fans. We reached the goal but, its not over. NOW, we have a chance to continue to spread the word to have money for music videos, promotion and new touring possibilities!! We have 5 MORE DAYS!! Help me continue to make this new record as successful as I dream it to be. THANK you for all of your contributions. Can’t wait to get this new record in your hands.

I shared the stage with some amazing talent last weekend. Radney Foster organized a charity event where he had many of his friends come down to San Antonio to help raise money. I had the honor of singing background vocals and playing violin for each of these artists. Each artist has a distinct flair to their music, they are all hit songwriters (Sara Evans, Dixie Chicks, Keith Urban…just to name a few), and their kindness was hard to beat. Check out some of the photos from the evening!

Also, I recently launched my Kickstarter campaign to help raise money for my new album!! How exciting, right?? I’m about 60% of the way there with only 9 days to go. Please check out THIS LINK to visit the campaign, check out the rewards you receive for your contributions (like an original Jessica Rae painting, yup, that’s right!!), and help spread the word. I’ve got some great new songs I want to get out to my fans but I need your help! Here’s a new song that is a contender for the album!

YOUTUBE VIDEO

Thank you so much to those who have contributed so far!! We’re about halfway to the finish line! Keep sharing with your friends and family and encourage them to be a part of my independent music project! We’ve got 13 days…The campaign ENDS APRIL 10!!

Also, I added a new reward! ”Shout Out Video Package” You will see the video out takes and bloopers of the recording session, posted on youtube, with a personal shout out from Jessica Rae, acknowledging YOU as a fan and backer! +”Credits Package” + “Autographed CD Package”. Check it out and contribute what you can…any amount will help me reach the goal!!

You are making this happen!!

Here’s one the songs I’m considering for this new album! I wrote it with Pete Sallis and Marc Beeson. I’m excited to co-write with these guys as they’ve had their songs recorded by Phillip Phillips, Ronnie Dunn, Bucky Covington, Restless Heart, LeAnn Rimes, Pat Green, Martina McBride AND MORE.

Holes In Your Shoes

HELP ME FUND MY NEW ALBUM

Soo I launched a Kickstarter project and I need YOUR help! I’m looking to raise $15,000 in less than 30 days!!

Check out THIS LINK and check out the rewards I’m offering =) From a house concert, to autographed CD’s, to a signed Baby Taylor guitar, to TWO TICKETS to a Chicago Bulls Game- April 11th, PLUS an original Jessica Rae painting !!

Every cent will go towards a producer, musicians, studio time, production, album artwork, and delivery of packages to your doorstep. I’m hoping that you’re willing to contribute your hard earned cash to this project to help this hard working girl who needs it =) Please help spread the word!!

With your help, I will be able to record my new songs!! This will be a CD created by YOU, the people supporting music …you would be part of this journey!

Please visit KICKSTARTER and donate what you can…ANY amount is appreciated!! Help me reach my goal in 24 days. There are some great rewards in exchange for your contribution so be sure to check those out =) From an autographed CD, a house concert, a signed baby taylor guitar, CHICAGO BULLS tickets, Chicago Cubs tickets, an original Jessica Rae painting, AND MORE!!

I am so excited about this, and I truly hope you will contribute to my project.

How fun are these? I knew I bought this fun hat for a reason!!!

The director I worked with for my music video “24 Hour Church in Memphis”, David McKay, wanted some footage for his directors reel so we went over to Percy Warner park and this is what we came up with!! =)

I got this from another website and my skin feels amazing after using it. I actually do two mixes…one with honey, lemon, and sugar so I can do a little exfoliating scrub, then I wash it off. Then I use this mask, leave it on for 20-30 min and rinse again. AMAZING. Check it out and hopefully it works for you too =) leave comments and let me know!!

http://beautybanter.com/diy-honey-lemon-face-mask

Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-infammatory. It absorbs impurities from the pores and the skin. Ancient beauties used honey and milk on their skin regularly to keep their complexion looking young, radiant and smooth. You can use honey as a wash, toner or mask. And you can mix it with so many other ingredients depending on your needs (apples, pumpkin, papaya. yogurt). It’s quite versatile.

Lemon brightens and exfoliates. It’s great for acne prone skin, age and sun spots or uneven skin tone. It is also a natural source of vitamin C and rich in alpha hydroxy acids.

Here’s how to make the DIY Honey/ Lemon Mask:
Squeeze 1/2 a lemon (organic is always better) into a bowl, add 2 tbsp of honey (0rganic, raw, natural ). Mix it with a spoon until it’s a liquid consistency. Apply it all over a clean face avoiding eye area. *Also make sure that your hair is pulled back away from your face as the mask is rather sticky! Leave on for 15-20 min and rinse off. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try and sleep with it on.”

Had some inspiration from another artist and created my own piece =)

Mixed media on canvas.

I have to admit it, I’m addicted to Gordon Ramsey. He is the Simon Cowell of cooking!! haha!

First, I love Simon Cowell…I didn’t watch American Idol regularly, but I did watch it on occasion. I always thought he was harsh with his opinions but he was always right. He was probably cocky because he knew he was right all the time. lol Secondly, I love British people. I think their dry humor and way of approaching life is fantastic.

Gordon Ramsey. wow. A few blogs ago I mentioned that I have been reinvigorated to blog more often and to pass along my passions in life. One of my passions is cooking. I love cooking, CREATING, for myself, for friends, family. I usually try to dominate on Thanksgiving and Christmas as I know my mom appreciates the help, but I truly love doing it! If I could have someone clean up afterwards, I’d be in heaven. HA! Gordon has these shows on BBC America and he is SO intense about the conditions of these restaurants, the quality of the food, the presentation…he is an artist. I love when people take pride in what they do and they try to pass that passion along. Just thinking…but maybe that’s why I like the shows so much!! I can’t believe that these kind of restaurants get away with the conditions…makes you not want to go out to eat and always make food in your OWN kitchen haha!

I will keep on cooking and take the many pieces of advice I receive from watching these crazy shows. =)

Speaking of restaurants…I’ll be performing at Inovasi tonight in Lake Bluff IL. AMAZING place. Please share with your friends in the area =)

http://www.jessicaraemusic.com/tour

So its been almost 2 years since I’ve produced my acoustic album and did a lot of touring across the midwest and florida. Its crazy how fast time is flying by!! If you don’t have a copy, I think you should buy it today =) Its on Itunes and my website for download. Or you could buy the physical copy and I will sign it for you. Okay, enough of the self promotion…I’m not great at it anyhow. ha!

So I’m currently writing towards a new record…I’ve had some amazing writing appointments lately with Pete Sallis, Paul Overstreet, Marc Beeson, Glen Mitchell, Wil Nance…just amazing. These songwriters, if you don’t know them, you DO know their songs.

“She’s Everything”- Brad Paisley, “Round About Way”- George Strait, “Forever and Ever Amen” – Randy Travis, “When You Say Nothing At All”- Alison Krauss, “When She Cries”- Restless Heart, “Livin Our Love Song”- Jason Michael Carroll…the list goes on for the crazy amount of cuts/successes these gentlemen have had.

To be in the same room and collaborate with them is such an honor and I’m excited to show off the new tunes at my upcoming shows!! Keep staying in touch with me…love that you’re reading these!