Meet the Final Cast Members & Production Team!!!

Jessica Fernandez-Creator/Writer/Producer & Cast Member

A 28-year old, New Jerseyan & single mom with the biggest heart and the kindest soul you'll ever see. Born and raised in the Garden State by parents of Puerto Rican descent, Jessica grew up with big goals and dreams of one day being powerful like Oprah and doing something big to change the world and make a difference.

She was just 20 years old, when she was forced to deal with an unexpected pregnancy all alone. Her boyfriend left after she refused to have an abortion. With the help of her family, she spent the nine months of her pregnancy preparing for her new life as a single mom, while maintain a full time student status at her college and working 30-40hrs a week. It was during that time that she made a self-conscious decision to take a break from men entirely, and focus solely on being a good mom, her studies, and building a much needed relationship with herself.

More Exciting Things to Come.....You'll See!

I'm baaaacccckkkkkkk!!!! I know, I know it's been so long since I've last posted here. Believe me I got a good excuse for being an MIA Blogger for a little over a month now.  But I promise that from here on out, I'm going to make it a point to post at least twice a month when I'm busy, if not more. I say this because hopefully in the next upcoming months things are going to be getting a lot more crazier for all those involved with reality show development. But no worries.....it's going to be a great, exciting, rewarding, and miraculously life-changing crazy. I just can't wait......It's what I've been working really hard towards in the past year and a half years. 

Anyway, I'm sure some of you are wondering what I've been up to lately, and what's been going on with the show launch. We filmed the pilot this past summer (will be posting pics soon), and had a blast getting to know all the cast members, and Lisa (Executive Producer). Since I was unexpectedly laid off back in October 2009, I was able to dedicate all my time to developing the concept, writing my book, and just being a mom. I've been working non-stop since I was 14 years old, and never could imagine being without a job. When my friends would get laid off or fired most of them would glow with excitement of being able to "Chill Out" for a few months, and relax while collecting unemployment. I just couldn't bare the thought of it especially in this tough economy where it seems nearly impossible to find a job because of all those who are desperately looking.

REVIEW: Metrostyle BLK Front Sweater

When I was approached by Metrostyle.com a few weeks ago about doing a product review, I became so excited about the opportunity. Anyone who personally knows me can tell you how much of a shopping fanatic I am, and how my biggest weakness is shoes & handbags. Why? Because no matter how much weight you gain or lose shoes and handbags always seem to fit. :)

Anyways, for my review item I chose the Front Zippered Down Grey Sweater to the left in black. It comes in three different colors: Grey, Garnet (reddish color), and of course my personal choice black. It's currently listed for the price of $34.99. I really liked the jacket because it was a nice, simple jacket that could be worn with a pair of black pants or blue jeans, and if accessorized correctly could really complete a nice outfit for going out.

I actually ended up using the sweater the same day it arrived via Fed-Ex, while at the movie theatre watching Julia Roberts latest film, "Eat, Pray, Love". Yes, I know it's still warm outside. But most movie theatres in my area seem to enjoy blasting the air conditioner on "high" even though businesses now a days are supposed to be budgeting and cutting back. Needless to say it was a very nice addition to the dark blue Capri's jeans I had on with a dark purple shirt underneath. It was late when we left the theatre, and to be honest I didn't even think about having my friend take a quick picture of me, but as the weather starts to cool, I'm sure I'll be using it more often.

While exploring the Metrostyle.com website, I found a few other really nice items I'll probably end up buying, and thought it be nice to share them with all of you below:

I've been hitting the gym a lot lately, and taking up jogging trying to get myself camera ready for when we begin taping the first season of my single parent reality show. So when I saw this blue, striped jogging outfit, I just had to add it to my favorites list. There's just something about wearing a matching workout outfit that really amps you up during your workout regimen. The great news is that it's now on sale for $24.99-$39.99. A great deal in my book!

I fell in love the moment I saw these Madden Girl Booties by Steve Madden. If these were one of the options made available to me for review they would have been my first choice hands down! I really love how the heal is only 2 1/2 inches high giving me a nice break from the 4-6 inch heals I'm used to wearing. This will definitely be an item I plan on purchasing, but am still deciding whether to buy the black or brown ones. They are currently listed for $59.99 and they have both whole and half sizes in stock.





Now for a limited time ONLY. All "Single Parenthood: NJ" readers can shop online at http://www.metrostyle.com/ and receive 30% off 1 Item purchased. Just make sure you enter code: MSWorld30 at checkout in order to receive your discount.

Thanks for visiting our "Single Parenthood: NJ" blog, and for supporting us on our journey in developing television's first reality-based show on single parents! Stay tuned for the lastest news on project production development. :)

Happy Shopping!

JF

A Special Thanks to Kid Junction of Branchburg, NJ!

A special thanks to Kid Junction of Branchburg for allowing us to use their facility, last Tuesday, August 10th for our single parents event. The production team was in attendance taking footage for possible use in the pilot episode. To be honest, I was a bit nervous that not enough people would show up to the event that night, but ended up being relieved with the amount of people who did attend. So another special "Thank You" to all who attended and came down to support me and the cast members that will soon be television's 1st reality-based show on single parents.

My goal was to introduce my mission of increasing the need for more support and assistance programs for working single parents, and my plan to launch a single parent organization that will provide temporary assistance with rent, utility, food, daycare, education, etc, to struggling working single parents based on need, and their current situation. An organization that will award scholarships to single parents and their families, and a place single parents can go to for support and mentoring.

So as I begin to transition into my new life, a destiny I can finally call my own, I feel good knowing that my mission is one I won't be taking alone. That there are people around me who believe whole-heartedly in what I am doing, and hope to do with the success of the show. Most people pursue careers in reality television primarily for money and fame, but for me it isn't about neither of them. It's about making a difference, and using my success and the power that comes with it to help others. It's about continuing a mission that started four years ago between my friend Heather and I. Most importantly, it is about carrying out that very same legacy and full-filling the promise I made to her, and not stopping until it is achieved.

Below are the pics from the Kid Junction event, courtesy of Stefanie Guilano Photography. Thank you Stefanie!

Click Here for Photos

Taping Begins for "Single Parenthood: NJ" Pilot! Yippeeee!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday, August 6th marked the first day of shooting for the "Single Parenthood: NJ" Pilot. It was such an exciting day for me to finally see my show concept come to life, after a year of working day and night to make my dream a reality. It was fun watching Lisa, the producer in action and being involved in every aspect of the development process from start to finish.

I know once the show series gets picked up by a television network, that I won't be able to do too much of the behind-the -scenes stuff since I'm also a cast member on the show. So to have the opportunity to do it now has so far been such an amazing experience. I just can't wait to see the final product....just can't wait.
Wow looking back I just can't believe that its' been exactly one year that I first began taking the steps to develop this project; a concept that just popped into my head one afternoon while watching television, trying to clear my head from a few struggles I was going through as a single mom. I remember just how many single parents out there where in my shoes, raising a baby on her own without the help of her father financially or physically. Of course being the "google freak" that I am, I began researching statistics and wasn't surprised when I saw that there were approx 13.7 million single parents in the U.S. today. Don't believe me? Check it out yourself here.

Amazing Experience at Toys R' Us" Watchung, NJ Store Grand Opening!

To start off I want to express a pure heart-felt thanks to all those who helped me spread the news and attended the grand opening celebration event of NJ's newest Toys R' Us store in Watchung, NJ this past Friday, July 9th . A special thanks to Risa Barash, my sister Joarlynn Fernandez & Fairy Tales Hair Care for joining me at the event where I promoted the launch of my "Single Parenthood: New Jersey" upcoming reality-based Pilot.

 It was expected that between 200-300 would be in attendance that day, and by the time I left right after 1pm, there was no doubt in my mind that the amount of attendees previously predicted would exceed far beyond their expectations. The moment the doors opened promptly at 10.a.m. it was amazing to see how many proud Toys R' Us moms & dads began rushing  in with their blue carts and children in tow with excitement. It was a Friday where I figured not many would attend the early morning festivities due to work, but was really amazed at how many people seemed to have gone out of their way to attend the grand opening.

"Toys R' Us" Our 1st Promotional Sponsor!

I've got some exciting news regarding my "Single Parenthood: New Jersey" Reality show project. As of last week, we are officially on board as a promotional partner with Toys R' Us latest I Want To Be A Toys R' Us Mom" campaign. I'm really excited about this opportunity, in being able to partner up with such a great company celebrating wonderful "Moms" all over the world and helping promote over 50-Grand Openings throughout the U.S!!

Like so many other moms out there, I'm sure, there are times throughout the year (kids/family members/friends birthday's & holidays) where I honestly feel time spent at the world's greatest toy store far exceeds my time spent at my local grocery store! I'm even going to take it a step further and truthfully, openly admit that the many "Toys R' Us" trips I've had to take over the years since becoming a mom, have been quite enjoyable for this proud Garden State mom. There is not "ONE" time I can remember being able to just make a quick trip into that store, purchase the one or two things I had intended to buy and walk out within minutes.

The moment I step foot in that door, with or without my princess Bella, my face lights up & heart beats with excitement in  being able to take a trip around the store and look at all the great new toys & gadgets that are out now for kids, and just being amazed at how far technology has come since the late 1980's and early 90's when I was a kid growing up myself. I remember daydreaming as a kid of just being able to go into Toys R' Us and fill a whole cart or two of anything I wanted and being able to take it all home with no worry of how it was getting paid for. Those were surely the days! lol