must have dry-shampoo

I stumbled upon the most amazing dry shampoo recently and just had to share!  Finding the best dry shampoo is like finding a 4-leaf clover.  It has to not only soak up all that oil you're trying to hide, but also not leave a white residue all over your hair and make you feel fresh and clean.  I've tried a few, and it might shock you to know that I first tried dry shampoo just over a year ago.  

Dry shampoo is essential!  Thick haired girls can't afford the time to wash their hair everyday.  Plus, it strips your hair washing it that much and dries it out.  Having bangs makes it a challenge to get away with only washing every three days.  I'm left doing the same thing I always do, pulling them back to the side with two bobby pins.  Well, this gets a bit boring.  When I had long hair, I knew exactly how to stretch out my washes by styling my hair differently everyday.  Sadly, top knots and short hair just don't jam together very well.  Therefore, finding a dry shampoo that works was very essential for me and the do'. 

I took a huge leap of faith at Target one day, and put this sweet goodness into my basket.  I had never read any reviews, or been loyal to Dove products.  It just told my soul it would work :)  

This. Stuff. Works!  

If you're looking for a dry shampoo that takes away the oil, does not leave a white residue, and makes you feel like you just got a blow out, then this is for you!  

Just follow these three easy steps:

1. Spray it onto your roots, holding it at least 3 inches away from your scalp. 

2. Massage it into your hair. 

3. Run a brush through your hair and glean at the voluminous reflection staring back at you. 

love your selfie

There's something you must know about me.

 I absolutely love the Today Show!  When my mom and I went to New York back in 2007 you betcha that we stood out in the rain for the Today Show.  And can I just say that those anchors wear the most amazing shoes.

There's something else you should know…I've always had a hard time with my body image.  I've constantly filled my life with lies that my body was lacking, imperfect, and not good enough.  And I know that I am not alone, in no way at all.  

So on Monday morning when the Today show talked about body image I was glued to the screen.  All of the anchors took off their make-up to show the world what they truly looked like, and shared what they thought about themselves.  I was so excited that a national program was filling the screen with real life, real struggles, and real people.  We need more TV like this!  

via

Anyways, one of my favorite anchors is the one and only Natalie Morales who described her body with the following two words:

strong and healthy

Not imperfect.  Not lacking.  But strong and healthy.  And I thought to myself how quickly I think of the things that need to change when I think about my body.  

What if we looked at what we liked instead of what we lacked?

What if we were so okay with who we were that we stopped comparing ourselves to others?

What if we sincerely complimented other women and spread this wild fire of seeing our beauty?  

What if we went a day without wearing makeup and were okay with that?  Not ashamed?

I think something pretty amazing would happen!

So I thought that I would start looking in the mirror and find at least one thing I love about myself.  Today I'm sharing five things I love about myself with you and encourage you to do the same:

my blue eyes

my thick and full hair

my strong arms

my pointy nose that I got from my grandma

my freckles 

What are five things you love about yourself?

more than just a hair cut

Have you ever always wanted to do something but told yourself that you couldn't, or came up with a long list of the ways that it won't work out or you will fail?  I find myself in this category quite a bit.  I have dreams, ambitions, lofty goals.  But I constantly find myself doubting every possible outcome.  When I gave birth, I finally achieved of those dreams that I had and it charged me with this new found strength and sense of bravery.  For so long I had told myself that I wouldn't be able to get through birth, let alone a natural one.  And I did it, I accomplished what I had told myself wouldn't come true.  

I'm sure you're wondering where this bravery and strength comes into play with my hair cut.  

As woman, we define ourselves by our looks often times.  Long hair is viewed as beautiful, pretty, stunning.  And then there is the "mom chop".  When all moms end up chopping off their hair for a more simple look.  I swore I wouldn't be one of those moms, and I found myself doing exactly what I swore I wouldn't do.  For a while I had been wanting to chop my hair but constantly doubted if I would still see myself as beautiful without the long locks.  Listen up, we are not defined by our hair length or even the color of it.  Even leading up to my cut I had to tell myself this over and over again.  I also had to accept the fact that stereotypes are nonsense, and if I ended up getting the "mom chop"- so be it.  What it really boils down to is this insecurity inside of me based upon other's thoughts about me.  Isn't is crazy how we can think someone thinks one thing about us and it is completely false?!?  Hopefully I'm not the only one subject to this weakness.  For years I have kept some aspects of my life in a box out of fear of what people would think of me.  Accepting this new found bravery and strength meant getting out of that box, stepping into the truth, and realizing that my life is worth way more than living it for other's expectations.  

So I chopped my hair.  And I had a couple of reasons along the way:

a) I have crrraazzzzyyyy thick hair.  Now only is it thick, but the strands are course at times.  This makes doing my hair take forever-like a solid 30 minutes to blow dry start to finish. 

b) The first week Nathan was here I was able to curl my hair and have it done.  And then the tiredness of sleepless nights finally set in and my go-to bun was quickly becoming my only hair style.  I just didn't want that.  I wanted a styled look that didn't take forever and a day to do. 

c) My ends were horrific!  Probably the worst they have ever been. 

d) Most women have a tendency to loose their hair after their baby is born.  I had the exact opposite and lost a lot during my pregnancy.  Due to how much hair I do have, you could never tell.  

Needless to say, I was ready for a change both on the outside and the inside.  So I chopped my hair.  And it feels absolutely amazing!

what's in my make-up bag?

Do you ever have those moments where you feel like your make-up is in a rut?  That was me about a month ago, and then my birthday came around which allowed me to splurge a bit.  And splurging on make-up isn't always something I'm game for.  I will definitely spend the right kind of money on the right kind of make-up, because I want to put clean products on my face.  So when I walked into Sephora that Friday night just needing to buy some new powder foundation, my feet went straight to Urban Decay.  Because I've had my eye on the Naked2 pallette for a while now.  Because my eye shadow desperately needed an update.  Because I was feeling blah.  Because I had a gift card.  So I purchased it.  And instantly, I felt amazing.  It was like I was Cinderella waking up to birds all around me, little mice getting me ready, and everything was just perfect.  

Since my splurge, I've finally felt pretty solid about my make-up routine and love that the staples I use help me put on my make-up in less than 10 minutes.  I know this will definitely come in handy when this baby arrives!  

So I thought I'd share what's in my bag and the amazingness of each product...

Eyes:

Naked2 Palette: these colors are gorgeous, and I love how versatile they are.  This palette comes with so many colors that my options are endless with what kind of look I'm going for.  

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in Champagne:  I broke down and bought this just about a year ago, and I'm almost out of it.  This is a classic color that I always put on first.  It is my go-to base and it has just enough shimmer that it doesn't need much to be vamped up.  This was a splurge last year as it is $21 for just one color, but it will LAST! 

Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion:  For years I was a dedicated Clinique mascara user.  However, they stopped making the mascara I adored and the expense was something I had a hard time with since I needed to purchase it more often than any other type of make-up.  So, Cover Girl came to the rescue!  I've tried the orange bottle and this one, and I definitely like this one better.  It isn't as heavy so my lashes can still stay nice and perked up.  Plus, it doesn't clump when I put it on! 

Korres Wild Rose Mineral Foundation:  Over this past summer I read The Honest Life, and immediately felt compelled to take a better look at what I was putting on my body.  I have used Bare Essentials for years, but when I did some research I soon found out that that product wasn't a true plant-based product.  I went into Sephora with my book in hand, and immediately switched over to Korres.  I LOVE that it is a pure, plant-based product, and the amount of coverage it gives you is amazing.  If you use Bare Essentials, I highly encourage you to make the switch.  I get so much more coverage that lasts!

Sonia Kashuk Buffing Brush: I just bought this brush at Target last month, and for $12 it is my most favorite make-up tool.  Ladies-this brush works!  It gives me amazing coverage with my mineral foundation.  Since I don't wear liquid make-up, I really need a brush that will put product on my face, but soak into the brush.  

Korres Cheek Butter:  Who doesn't want to wear something creamy, light, and beautiful on their cheeks?  This product is dreamy.  I love that I just swipe my finger over the cheek butter and rub it in a circular motion on my face.  Ta da!  I'm done! 

september favorites

I just love that October is right around the corner and little glimpses of fall are around every corner.  Now if only San Diego would get with the program and cool off a bit!  Tonight as we were driving to dinner with some couples from our bible study, the clouds were dark and gloomy and there was a little crisp in the air, and I loved every moment of it.  Sadly, this weekend is shorts weather again.  All I want to do is wear boots and scarves all day, curl up with a homemade tea latte and a blanket, and burn pumpkin candles.  

Here is what I was loving on this month: 

This book by Ann Voskamp is just challenging me in new ways-holy moly!  I love the raw voice in her book, the way that the words have to be read over and over for me to fully grasp every piece of what she is saying, and whenever I put the book down my view point has changed for the better.  This book has forced me to look at the blessings in my life, even the tiny minute ones- like steam rising from a kettle in the mornings.  Each of these beautiful little moments add up to an amazing life! 

Raven + Lily is an amazing company.  My mom's spirit for empowering other women has driven me to seek out companies that help with this cause as well.  They help employ women in Ethiopia, Cambodia, India and the United States.  I've been swooning over the scarf for the past week, just waiting for the right moment to finally but it.  

All I want to do is burn this candle all day long!  I've been dying for some good fall/winter candles from Bath & Body Works, but have also been waiting for them to go on sale.  When I finally broke down and was ready to pay full price, they were actually on sale!  It was meant to be.  Typically I don't like sweet candles, but this one is the perfect mixture of pumpkin, spice, and sweetness.  

Firmoo to the rescue for cute, new glasses!  I love the fact that your first pair is free and you only pay for shipping and handling.  I was super nervous that they weren't going to fit right or look funny, and I'm so glad my fears did not come true.  I'm smitten! 

Trader Joe's has done it again!  This tea is amazing!  I search high and low for Twining's Winter Spice tea this time of year, and am lucky to find two boxes anywhere.  It is so delicious.  When I saw this tea for only $1.99 I had to give it a try.  The first cup completely won me over, and the smell is just wonderful. 

I've never been a leggings person, and then I got pregnant.  Oh, mama.  These H&M leggings are all I want to come home to after work! 

You know when you just need that one new item to make you feel a little bit better?  For me it was a new curling iron, and this one was perfect for a low budget and good quality.  This is Jilbere brand and I picked it up at Sally's Beauty for $32! 

july favorites

Can we take a moment to acknowledge how fast this summer just seems to be zipping by?  It's almost the end of July?!?!  And usually this would send me into a dizzy thinking about everything on my "summer to-do list" and what must be prepared for this upcoming school year, but I'm learning how to relax.  How to soak up life.  How to enjoy the little moments and not get caught up in the to-do's and the things I tell myself I should be doing.  

Today I wanted to share with you some of my lovely favorites for this month! 

You guys, this book....there are no words for the love I have for it.  I mean, where else can you listen to an incredible woman's intimate and touching stories, be filled with wisdom, AND learn some amazing recipes???  I have cried and laughed my way through Shauna's other two books, Bittersweet and Cold Tangerines.  This book taps into my heart for cooking, the love for creating, and sharing that with others.  I've always been intimidated with having people over for meals, and I second guess everything I do.  She has urged my heart to think otherwise and push myself so that I become more comfortable hosting. 

I will forever by grateful for She Reads Truth.  These ladies know what they're doing! I can't tell you how many times I want to read my bible, a plan, something...but have no idea where to start.  Not only are their words powerful and leave me in awe every time, but all I have to do is click on a plan and I have it with me wherever I go.  I've found myself reading my bible in my car, waiting for appointments, and love that God's word is with me wherever I go.  This current study is truly inspiring me! 

Source

I stumbled upon the Holistic Science Co. at the Little Italy's farmers market lat month and fell it love.  This company is local, made in San Diego, and everything is plant-based and handmade.  At the market I was talking with one of the women who actually makes them and she was so helpful and informative. Lately I've been trying to switch over my skincare to plant-based, free of parabens and other harsh chemicals.  What I love about this is that it hydrates my skin without leaving me oily (and it smells amazing)!  I use this is a moisturizer in the morning and throughout the day, and a spritz before bed instantly calms me.  It soothes the skin and replenishes it, which is perfect after I've been out in the sun or exercising! 

Source

 I've been on the hunt for a good, supportive sports bra for a while...and let's just say that the "ladies" keep growing and need a little help.  I'm not the type to spend a ton of money on workout clothes, but a sports bra was something I knew I would be willing to because I would get my moneys worth and I would get a ton of use out of it.  Enter Lululemon.  Again, I don't buy much there, just basics.  I went in thinking I was going to get the Ta Ta Tamer because I'd read so many great reviews, however after trying it on, it just didn't feel that great.  I like my sports bras to be racer back, and it wasn't (although you could make it that way).  So the lovely associate had me try on their Energy Bra, and it was love at first fit.  I love this bra!  Talk about comfort and support, I want to wear it all of the time !

Source

Now that the sports bra issue is covered, I've been dying for a good workout.  For some reason, I've been slightly more unmotivated than usual to workout.  Maybe it's the pregnancy.  And running is great, but I need strength training and hard workouts in order to feel my best.  A new yoga studio called Yoga Six opened up right by our place, and they give you 6 free classes to try within two weeks.  I LOVED this option versus other studios that give you a week free.  The moment I walked inside I was greeted by the nicest receptionist, and the manager happened to be standing right next to her.  She caught wind that it was my first time visiting them, so she gave me a tour of the studio and a brief background on them.  I just fell in love with them.  The first class I went to was a Sculpt class, and the instructor was so accommodating to give me modifications since I shouldn't be exercising on my back any more.  Yoga is a passion of mine.  I love that my body, mind, and soul all get a workout and I feel so refreshed and strong after every class! 

my perfect diy concealer

Well friends, do I have a treat for you!  I stumbled upon this beautiful trick, and maybe it's been around forever but that is quite alright.  I've discovered how to make my own concealer!

Let's face it.  I have blemishes and need some coverage over those bad boys, especially during a certain time of the month.  Foundation is something I have never worn before and use Bare Minerals.  Well, if you're a fellow Bare Minerals make-up user than you know that the coverage isn't quite all there.  

So I pulled out my moisturizer and mixed it with a little bit of my mineral powder, and wouldn't you know it was the perfect consistency, the perfect coverage, and it kept my skin hydrated instead of dried out and flaky (which is typical for this dry weather right now).  

I applied it over some blemishes around my chin line, which is where I have a tendency to break out, as well as a little bit under my eyes.  It was marvelous!!!  

sweet & sour

I try to be the person that finds the joys in life each and every day...

someone who counts my blessings instead of wishing for something else...

the person who always finds the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...

Well last week just felt "sour".  And at the end of all the madness we finally hit a "sweet" spot.  

Like packing a picnic and enjoying it by the breathtaking koi pond at Balboa Park...

There were a couple "sour" moments in my week...

I found out that a friend of mine's mother lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.

My family has been very fortunate to have stayed healthy, and death is something that rarely affects me.  The thought of a friend my age losing her mother, her closest friend, tore my hearts to pieces.

And all I could do was pray.  I felt helpless. 

I had been looking for a specific bookcase for my classroom and finally found it on Craigslist.  What seemed to be such a small task turned into a week long struggle.  We were fortunate enough to borrow my father-in-laws truck to pick it up.  As I went to take it to my classroom the next day the truck was dead.  It ended up being the battery but it took us three days to eventually get everything squared away.  

It just felt like one thing after another was ruining my week.  

It seems so silly to get utterly upset over car problems, or wanting something done on a certain day and having to wait instead. 

I was in a sour mood.  Everything just kept going wrong.  And as much as I knew I needed to change my attitude-I just couldn't.  That was the most frustrating part.  

Then we hit a sweet spot.  

We got the bookcase squared away, had a picnic lunch, grabbed dessert from Extraordinary Desserts, and headed to the sea.  

As we sat looking out onto the perfect, blue ocean all of the sour moments of the week seemed to fade away.  I was embraced in a gently hug from my husband and all of the worries, frustrations, disappointments, and sadness all seemed to melt away.  I love my husband so much because he gets me through those sour moments and helps me see how sweet life really is once we take a step back.  

I could've kept my bad attitude to myself and not blog about it, but I want to be as authentic as possible and be open.  Choosing joy is something I strive for, but we are sinners, we are human, we will have moments where we don't want to do the right thing.  And I think that through these times, I learn how to give myself grace.  

lovely little things

Relaxation has now become my friend!  The past couple weeks have been super busy for me, and transitioning out of the typical work week schedule into tutoring/errands/everything else has been an adjustment.  I thought I'd have it down by now with this being my third "teaching" summer, but it has shown me how much I truly can't rely on my own power and might.  I wanted to start a new feature on the blog titled "lovely little things" to spotlight what has been making me smile lately or what I'm loving currently.  These items have truly helped me to relax a bit more, stop and smell the flowers, and soak in the little lovely things in life. 

Enjoy!

Nothing says "let's start this day off right" like coffee in bed.  And the best part.  The Mr. woke up before me (which should be marked on our calendar because he is definitely not a morning person) and made us coffee.  

Pedicures have always been a treat for me, so I rarely ever get them.  Two weeks ago my mom treated me to one, and I took Miss Kylee on Saturday...I'm on a roll.  There is just something about sitting in that chair, bouncing around while it tries to massage you, and getting all the tightness rubbed out of your footsies.  

One word: Kylee!  We started her trip off right with a shopping trip to Francesca's where we both styled ourselves, gawked at some up and coming fashion trends, and purchased beautiful blouses which we quickly came home to put on for our dinner out.  I love that store!

Pinterest has been a happening spot for me lately because I've actually had time to try out some recipes I pinned ages ago.  This week one of the items I made were vegan sweet potato burgers.  I attempted black bean burgers last year and they were definitely tasty but very crumbly.  What I loved about these were the fact that they held together and had a nice crunchy outside.  The Mr. ate two.  He still proclaimed that these won't replace his usual all beef manly burgers, but I was just happy that he was willing to try something new.

Source: target.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I purchased this chapstick last week at Target and I have been in heaven every since!  It tastes amazing, doesn't rub off quickly, and leaves my lips feeling super soft.  I also love that there are lots of organic ingredients in it, and that it smells just so good!

Source: sephora.com via Jamie on Pinterest

So I am one of those people that has lots of lip glosses and lip sticks in the bottom of her purse and never wears any of them.  I go through little stints with them, and then decide that time wins over beauty and leave them behind.  Kylee let me use this lipstick on Saturday when we were going out to dinner and it is truly one of a kind! It is smooth, creamy, and it goes on with the slightest touch.  AND it stays on like a dream.  

the day i got bangs

Well, it's official.

I have real bangs.

And I'm really bad at posing for fashion pics.

And this is probably the trendiest outfit I own right now.  

And the Mr.'s patience with taking the pictures is a bit shorter than expected.

And someone should really write a post on how to pose for cute pictures for outfits. 

Back to the real purpose of the post: the bangs.  I've never been too adventurous with my hair.  I'm also someone that likes things to stay the same for a while.  My hair color was one of those things.  My natural hair color is medium brown but I color it dark brown because it makes my eyes pop and I love the extra shine and richness of the color.  We've been doing the same color since my wedding, so three and a half years.  My hairdresser is someone I trust whole heartedly so when I told her back in October I wanted to spice it up a bit and do the ombre, she was completely on board and excited.  I liked the ombre but was ready to back to the basics and have things a little easier. 

Last morning having the ombre.

Right when I thought I was ready to go back to the same ol' me, bangs popped into my head and we went for it.  I had been contemplating them for a bit, and I have a slight girl crush on the lovely Zooey Deschanel's hair.  I've always had side bangs, they're just my thing.  But I was ready for something a little different, so we went for it!

I'm not going to lie, but after looking at my last picture of the ombre I miss it a bit.  And the bangs are still growing on me.  But what I realized is hair grows and can be changed back to how you like it, it just might take some time.  If I decide I'm not loving the bangs so much, we cut them in a way that I can begin to swoop them to the side.  I feel as though when you are ready for a change, whether it be a style or color, try to not make it so drastic that you can't change it back.  My color will lighten up in a little bit, and the bangs will grow back to how they were.  These are easy changes.  But chopping off your hair (which I did after we got married) is one of those things where you need to be completely on-board several weeks before hand and realize that it will go back, you just need to pack some good patience and be ready for some styles to get you through the awkward in between stages.  

So I got bangs.  And I like them.  I may even love them :)  

7 deadly sins of beauty

Miss Kasey over at Life and Love with Mr. Wonderful tagged me for this fun post, and it actually comes at perfect timing.  Lately I feel like my make-up and I need a little chat, we just don't seem to be getting along lately.  I'm sure it's all in my head but I've been thinking about my products like crazy lately wondering if it's time to change them up, but after answering all of these I became so grateful for those magical products that have been with me through thick and thin.  

GREED

What is your most inexpensive and expensive makeup?

Hmm...I'd have to say my Bath and Body Works C.O. Bigelow lip gloss.  I swear I have like 6 of them, in every purse and bag that I own, so that I can always have it with me.  Plus I buy them when they have huge sales and stock up.  My most expensive would probably be my Bare Minerals Foundation.

WRATH
What beauty products do you have a love/hate relationship with?
This would have to go to my Sephora cream eyeliner that comes in a little pot.  Some days it's spot on with the thickness/thinness of the line.  Other days one eye is lopsided and the other is perfect!  Also, getting it to stay in place and not smudge by the end of the day drives me bonkers.  

GLUTTONY

What is your most delicious beauty product?

When I think of "delicious" I think of my Nars lipgloss in Orgasm.  Oh. My. Word!  When I put it on my lips just feel and look so good, I'm seriously am in love with it.  

SLOTH

What beauty product do you neglect due to laziness?

Probably eye cream.  I have fine lines already around my eyes and I'm so young!?!?  Really!  I know that I need a good eye cream but I am just too lazy to fork out the big bucks and decide which is a keeper.  I also need to invest in a good exfoliator and exfoliate more often.  My poor esthetician would not be proud right now.  

PRIDE

What beauty product gives you the most self-confidence?

For the everyday beauty product, my bronzer definitely gives me a little pick-me-up.  It's Sephora brand but they no longer carry it, AND mine just fell two weeks ago-so I'm digging my brush into the broken apart pieces desperately.  For the not so everyday I'd have to say my Origins self tanner.  This works ladies!!!  I've had my bottle for almost two years, YES!  I use it on my legs, arms, and stomach sometimes.  And I only use it for special occasions, but it gives me a good tan that is not orangey and it doesn't streak.  I'm ready for skirts and shorts any day after I apply it.

LUST

What attributes do you find the most attractive in the opposite sex?

For the Mr., his sense of humor and humbleness is definitely attractive.  I love that he can make anyone laugh and always put a smile on my face.  His confidence coupled with humbleness stole my heart.

ENVY

What items would you most want to receive as a gift?

Some splurge worthy facial products, like Philosophy or Dermalogica.

I'm tagging:
Kylee @ Biggest Little Blog
Meg at Henning Love
Kerrie @ The William's Post
Katie @ For Lauren and Lauren

you're beautiful

Source: Uploaded by user via Jamie on Pinterest

What is beauty?

I can easily remember looking at myself intently in the bathroom mirror and making a mental checklist of what I wanted to change, as early as the age of 8.  Everything I had was all wrong inside of my head.  I wanted blonde hair instead of brown, I wanted tan skin instead of fair with freckles.  I carried this checklist with me all the way through high school and college.  It was like carry on luggage: baggage.  It would wear me down, make me think I wasn't good enough, and affect my actions.  I wouldn't go places or be plagued with anxiety before going because of my self consciousness.  

You see, I never thought I was beautiful.  Even when I gave my life over to God in middle school I still carried this baggage with me.  

In our society beauty is an idol.  We create an image in our mind of that the "bar" is and we set our standards there.  We think to ourselves, "If I only looked like that then I would be beautiful".  

This was our sermon yesterday in church and I loved the conversation the Mr. and I had on our way home.  We were talking about how our view of beauty and self-consciousness is so hindering.  But, there is freedom:

"For you created my inmost being, you created me in my mother's womb"

Psalm 139:13

God created us, He knows everything about us.  The God that created our universe and everything we find beauty in made us beautiful.  We are beautiful women of God.  

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  We all like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Isaiah 52: 5-6

There is freedom in Christ.  These thoughts of what we want to change about ourselves so that we can finally be beautiful are not of God, and what I have leaned over the past several years is that God loved me so much that he made me just the way I am-I have to love myself too.  There's a verse that says "If God is for us than who can be against us?"  Well, WE can't be against us.  We have to daily take the image of what we may think as beauty that brings us harm and self-doubt and tear it up.  For me, that is recognizing who I compare myself to or think is the ideal vision of beauty because they are thinner than me or have better clothes than me.  

The Mr. and I were talking about my transformation to beauty and how I struggled with it for so long.  When we were engaged my relationship with God was very strong, I went to God daily and learned how to live our His life for me, and He showed me how to love myself.  All of myself.  This began my beauty transformation.  Our self-confidence is beautiful.  When we love ourselves that is beautiful.  Our attitude and actions are beautiful.  

Source: instagr.am via Jamie on Pinterest

This is a big passion for me: for others to see how they were created beautifully and wonderfully.  When I was younger this was a struggle for me and I was fortunate enough to have older godly girls love on me.  I'm praying for God to open doors to allow me to be that for girls today.  Remember, you were beautifully made by the Creator-you are beautiful!

Right now tell yourself 5 things that you love about yourself that are beautiful!

pucker up

I'm back with some fun Makeover Monday finds to share with you and also to tell you how I have been blessed through one in particular.

This week is all about lips, and I keep it pretty basic when it comes to this.  If you were to look in my purse my little "lips" pouch has only three items-that's it!

I was always the girl with a new lipgloss in her purse, backpack, everywhere...I had so many that each one ended up looking the same.  So lipgloss and me broke up for a bit, and then I found C.O. Bigelow at Bath & Body Works and I was smitten.  They're Mentha Lip Mint keeps my puckers moisturized, minty fresh, and adds just a touch of color.  This has become my all time go to.  

And then a beautiful friend turned me onto Nars lip glass in Orgasm.  Oh.  My.  Word....I love this lipgloss.  It is the prettiest color and always makes me feel feminine, and it lasts for quite a while.  It is not sticky like many and feels almost natural when you wear it.  

For lipstick I'm so excited to share all about it because it is my latest purchase and it touches me deeply.  This lipstick is from Radiant Cosmetics, a cosmetic line with a purpose:

Our mission is the help garner awareness for human trafficking by raising funds through cosmetics, to provide resources for those on the forefront of change as well as victims of trafficking.

 I just purchased their moisturizing lipstick in "Classic Coral" and am in love but for more reasons than how it makes my lips look.  My mom is an amazing woman with a heart to serve other woman.  She is currently in an organization that helps other women within the community AND she volunteers at a pregnancy care clinic, all while working full time.  Last year the woman's organization raised awareness on human trafficking, specifically women that are victims and getting them back on their feet.  My heart breaks that young girls around the world have been victims of this hideous crime.  My mom's heart and compassion for others led me to be more conscientious about where I can help.  

Around Christmas time my church had a shopping experience where you could come and buy products that helped other organizations, such as orphans, overseas missionaries, and local non-profits.  One shop caught my eye not only because their jewelry was stunning, but because all of their jewelry was made my survivors of human trafficking.  International Sanctuary is an amazing organization that only wishes to raise awareness but provides education and jobs to victims.  Each and every piece of jewelry is made by a survivor.  This is the bracelet I bought for myself and I also bought my mom a beautiful one as well.  

800,000 people are trafficked globally each year

I am just one girl

and it may not feel like I'm making that big of a difference

but I'm becoming more aware

so that we can make a difference

there is beauty in making a difference.

So, if you're looking for a beautiful bracelet or a stunning lipgloss think about making a difference while finding beauty.  

keep it simple {makeover monday}

My mom has always filled my mind with lots of wise says.  These include "It's an EGBOK=Everything's Gonna Be Okay", "And this too shall pass", "Fun is my favorite F-word".  One of my favorites is her anthem to keep things simple. I have applied this anthem with my makeup and it's the perfect union.

Simplicity+Makeup=Perfection!

The next topic for Makeover Monday is foundation!

I don't consider myself to be a "foundation" wearer.  My mom taught me how to put makeup on when I was in middle school as she basked in the glory of her old modeling tips from when she was a teen.  The number one thing she told me was NOT to use liquid foundation.  She warned that it would clog my pores and give me a "cake-y" look.  I always used powder.  As I grew older I realized that good ol' powder doesn't quite cover everything up...and then came bareMiners....ahhh, bliss!

Before applying this super easy makeup I cover up any spots with Mary Kay concealer.  A little goes a long way, and I use the Max Coverage Concealer brush from bareEsentuals.  I love it because it covers up any blemishes I have, and I avoid putting it under my eyes because it makes my little wrinkles look even worse.  So we just let the under-eye area go all natural.  

I use bareMinerals Matte SPF 15 foundation in golden fair and I am in love.  I've been using it for the past 5 years (and I just gasped thinking how fast time flies by!).  At first I struggled with the coverage, thinking that I wanted more.  But I've grown to love it, it is the easiest to put on, and I even wore it on my wedding day! 

Eep! I almost forgot!  I love doing make-up for friends and have done several weddings, so I have a "secret weapon".  Make Up For Ever Professional line has an HD primer in neutral that I am just in heaven about.  I put just a small amount on before applying any makeup and it is the perfect primer for any occasion.  If you are looking for something that helps your makeup go on smoother and stay put, this is most definitely it!

Can't wait to read all about what you use!