Friday, September 30, 2011

To be... romanced.



                    We not only long to be lovely, but we also long to romanced. We long to be cared for even to our core. To be loved and romanced for who we truly are at heart. We want someone to come along and sweep us off our feet. To take us up in a hot air balloon or simply to a day at the zoo. We want another to care for us in a deep way. But what we should also never forget is the greatest form of love shown to us. By the Creator of the universe. He reached out to us and showed us unfathomable love. He has romanced us. And he will never let us down. He is the true romancer.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

To be... lovely.


               
                We all long to be viewed as...lovely, to be beautiful. Isn't that the desire of a woman? And what we absolutely hate is indifference or apathy. We long to be desired and noticed. We dream of things like descending a spiral staircase in a long flowing dress, and then stunning a crowd below. However, we don't only want others to see an outward beauty, but we also want them to view us because we are beautiful at heart. To have a heart that radiates loveliness and beauty onto those around us. That, is to be...lovely. 

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Nails 2011

It's a metallic trend for nails too! Matching nails with makeup was a big trend on the runway.



What was your back to school look? Did you make a dramatic change? Let's chat!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Makeup 2011



Winged eyeliner is back, a classic look with a modern twist, almost making triangles on the outer corner. Pair with a soft pink gloss to add to the modern look.


Bright red lips my fav. They always make a statement wherever you go! If your skin tone is cool, go with a berry or a hot pink instead of a flaming red. Don’t forget the lip liner for stay power!


Metallic eyeshadow is a fun new trend. Silver, gold, and bronze look great on all skin tones! Try Sephora’s Baked Moonshadow Trio to achieve the super shimmery, metal look.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Back to School Beauty Trends

Now that most of you are back to school, you’re probably wanting to change up your look for a new you in a new school year. So for the next few posts thats what we will be talking about! Even if you’re not in school anymore, keep an eye on these hair and makeup trends for fall 2011…

Hair

Braids are in! A cute way to wear your hair this season is to curl it and braid some of it back, or, if you feel daring, create a braided headband.


60’s big hair! This one is classy and easy to achieve. Just tease at the crown and get it really big, smooth it down, pull some hair from the sides around it and pin in the back.


Top knots and loose buns are all the rage and super easy to create. They don’t need to be perfect because they’re supposed to be messy!

For hair color, golden tones are great for fall! Blondes, you may have worked your way to becoming platinum for the summer, but now it’s time to add some honey-colored lowlights, like Brooklyn Decker. Celebrity Colorist Jason Backe says, "This Fall will be a gold rush!” Brunettes, the ombré look is hot now. It’s darker near the top and fades into a lighter color at the end. For fall, try a honey blonde on the ends. It’s really low maintenance and gives you that “lived-in” look. Perfect for girls who want to try some hair color but don’t want to keep up with coloring it often.


For cuts, if you have long hair, try adding long, whispy layers with face framing and a full fringe, like Amber Tamblyn. For short hair, try a bob with just a little bit of layering. Both cuts work well for both straight and curly hair.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Can you breath?


                   Some scenes seem to be right out of an storybook. They take your breath away. This is one of them. The sparkling water. The small Italian town. Boats floating out in the azure water. Cliffs, sunshine, rolling hills... beauty. Some days I dream myself into a beautiful place somewhere far away. Nothing's wrong there, only beauty and love exist. Adventure is around every turn. The sun does not always shine, yet when it does rain, there's always a rainbow out. Nights are filled with auroras, and the sunrises and sunsets there are beyond anything you've ever seen. Slight breezes are off the bay and the smell of jasmine always fills the air. In the evenings crickets sing sweet symphonies. In the mornings birds chirp soothing songs and awake the sleepy town with their beautiful melodies. And of course, what would a beautiful town be without those you love in it?
                    In this town there's my family, and friends, and loved ones. And of course, what's a dream without the love of your life? I haven't found mine yet. Yet here, he waits for me. I can't see his face, I only can feel his strength and love. Then I realize, its not his love and strength that calms me as I wait for him, yet its the Lord's love. He romances me with His endearment while I wait for the one that will one day come and sweep me off my feet. But even though, this place is what many may call a "happy place" and does not exist, the love and strength that I dream of, does also exist in reality. God sends it to me each and every day. 


Dreams don't always come true, let's be real, yet God's love is better than any dream... and its a reality.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Bicycles.


I just love them. Bicycles. Aren't they amazing. Here you are, riding your bicycle all through town, running errands and throwing groceries into the basket on the front. Or how about renting a bike and riding around an island all the while being such a tourist in your sun hat and beach dress. Or how about riding to the park for a picnic lunch? In any case, for some reason the idea of bicycles have always fascinated me. I also love those cute couples that take their wedding/engagement photos on the back red bicycles. So cute. So classy. So me.

Bicycles have also been a statement of fashion with a "vintage" touch. You see them in countless photo shoots, magazines, & old movies. Want to make a statement? Grab a bike.
                          

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

My Prince



Psalm 118:9, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”

You know the story...the beautiful princess in harm's way and just when all seems lost, her prince charming rides in, sweeps her off her feet and they live happily ever after.

I would like to tell you a similar story. It begins with you. You have been taken from the one who loves you; all hope is lost and there is no way for you to escape your captor.  Then Someone comes after you, rescues you and defeats the enemy.      

That someone is Jesus. Jesus is our knight in shining armor. He is the one who loves more than anyone else, and He is the one who died for you.

We try so hard to earn someone’s love when the greatest love of all is being offered to us as a gift! We are forever dreaming of a guy that will fight for us, rescue us, love us and tell us we're beautiful.


Christ has done all of those things! He has fought the ultimate fight for us, defeating death and the powers of hell (Hebrews 2:14-15). He has loved you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), and He thinks you're beautiful beyond compare (Psalm 45:11).

Christ wants to wipe away your tears, take your burdens from you and lavish His love upon you. The only way for Him to do that is if you trust Him enough to put your life in His hands, and surrender it to Him.

This is more important than you may realize: If God loves you so much, then what are you saying when you continue to chase after others?

We are saying that His love is not enough, and we need more. God is infinite so the only time we ever think we need more of Him is if we have stopped searching for Him. We can chase after God for our whole lives and still never fully grasp God’s love.

I don’t know about you, but it puts me in awe to think that my prince charming is the King of all Kings, and the Creator of the Universe!

Lord, I thank you for rescuing me! I thank you for being my prince, for your willing to die for me! Lord, help me to continue to search after you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

                                                                             GO DEEPER:

Ponder: Acts 5:31, “God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel.” Psalm 146:3, “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.”

Ponder: Spend some time this week thinking on and praying about what Jesus did for you on the cross.

Read: The Psalms. Let God lead you to a Psalm that shows His amazing love. There are tons of them!

Share: How radically different would your life be if you fully embraced this truth?

Monday, September 12, 2011

School Days

Resently I hvae been really bugging out on Mondays. My alarm clock rings  at 5:30 every Monday and i have to hop out of bed and get ready. Most of the time I am running like a chicken with my head cut off :) trying to look somewhat decent before I have to run out the door! I'm guessing most of you girls feel my pain! We want to look cute for school but we want our sleep too! Here are a few tips that might make our mornings a little smoother...

1. Do all you can the night before! 

If you make sure the outfit you want to wear is clean, and have it already laid out, it will save a lot of time going through your closet in the morning. Try to pick something to wear that you feel confident as well as comfortable in. My favorite school outfit is my favorite pair of jeans (that I just found out Maurices doesn't sell anymore!!!), and a simple tee with canvas shoes. Besides having your outfit ready, have your bags and anything you need for school already by your door so you won't forget them.

Something else you might be able to do at night is get your shower taken care of. Personally, I like taking most of my showers in the morning. It wakes me up and helps with my crazy bed-head! But I know a lot of girls who take showers the night before and it gives them more time to sleep in!


2. Use every minute you have. 


This tip has helped me cram a lot of thing into my mornings. If I have a spare minute, waiting for something, I use it to do something else. Like if I'm rinsing conditioner out of my hair, I'm also shaving my legs. (It's a difficult balancing act, but it's possible :D) When I'm waiting for my hair to dry, I read my Bible. While I'm waiting for my waffles to pop out of the toaster, I'm getting out the plate, fork, butter, and syrup! Haha you get the idea. Utilize every second you have. It adds up!


3. Remember, cute can be simple! 

Spending hours on how you look in the morning isn't the most practical way to spend your time.
Simplify your hair and makeup routine!

Easy makeup for me is just cover-up if it's needed, light eyeshadow, and brown mascara. I can finish in less than 5 minutes, and it looks cute and more natural.

As far as hair goes, there are many styles to choose from that are cute and easy. Messy buns and ponytails are great! Add a headband or braid your bangs for a finishing touch.


Another hairstyle that is a lifesaver is the side 
braid. Just pull all of your hair to the side and do a simple braid starting just below your ear. You could be having a terrible hair day, or still have wet hair and the braid is a quick fix!Here's a few sites for fast hairstyles: 

http://www.collegefashion.net/beauty-and-hair/get-ready-fast-7-quick-and-easy-hairstyles/ 


http://www.hair.becomegorgeous.com/professional_tips/quick_school_hairstyles_for_long_hair-4520.html

http://rapunzelsresource.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/bandana-curls-or-rag-curls-for-long-hair/ I love this site for girls with long hair, these bandana curls are really cute!


I hope these tips will make your school mornings a little easier! You might even be able to hit the snooze button an extra time!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

10 Years

September 11 is a day that will go down in history. The day a nation was humbled. The day a nation became a family. I spent a couple of weeks wondering what i would post on this or even if I should. I just did know what to say. Well now I do only 3 words come to mind..........

God. Bless. America.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Teaching People How to Treat You (guest post)


 Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets”

       “I can’t believe they did that to me! Jerks! Who do they think they are? You don’t treat people that way!” This is a common rant that I tend to hear a friend of mine fuse over often. I do agree with her though, how the guys treat her is terrible, inappropriate and the exact opposite of a true gentleman’s behavior. However, she taught it to them—she gave them permission to treat her like that. “Say what?!?” I know I know, but before you click off thinking I’ve finally snapped, please try to hear me out!
       You see, my friend acted in a way that said “Yeah, that’s right! I’m easy and flirtatious! I’m willing to do crazy things to be the center of attention!” My friend would sit on guys’ laps, act “dumb”, allow guys to be “touchy” with her, be excessively giggly and act like a complete flirt with any guy who seemed the least bit interested in her. She taught them how to treat her by acting in such a way. The guys figured “Oh, well if it’s okay for her to act that way, then it must be okay for us to treat her that way.”
           Luke 6:31 commands us to “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” When people read this verse, they think “Oh, I should be nice to people, because I would want people to be nice back to me.” There is nothing wrong with this thought, and it is on track, but today I want to show you a new element of this verse that I desperately hope you will apply to your lives. Instead of thinking in terms of “being nice and people will be nice back” instead think “treat others/act appropriately and respectfully to people, and they will treat you appropriately and respectfully back”. In simple terms, this verse is not just telling you to put others first and treat them well, but it is also saying that how you act is how people will treat you. You teach people how to treat you. If you act flirtatious and playful, then they are going to act the same way back. If you act reserved and respectful, then they will treat you the same way.
          “Oh Heather, that’s not true; it’s just how that person was raised, and he/she will treat everyone that way!” For the majority of people, this is not true. The boys who treat my friend this way, don’t even think twice about treating me, or a few other girls who are “guarding their hearts”, that way. We try our hardest to act as if Jesus were in the room (which He is!), and they in return treat us well and with respect.
            People will test you, they will observe you. If someone makes a suggestive joke, don’t laugh. If they try to sit on you or invade your space, then either get up and walk away, or tell them as respectfully as possible to get off immediately. The key to teaching people how to treat you is to simply be real, and be who you are, and not a fake or overplayed version of yourself. Act in one manner, and turn your two-faced mask over to the drama department. 
           So many girls tend to ask “Why do I keep attracting jerks? Why are guys treating me like this?”, and for the majority, it is because it’s how you taught them to treat you. True, they may treat you the same way that another girl had taught them how to treat her, but that ends when you come into play, and don’t allow it to happen with yourself.
           Girls, this lesson goes hand in hand with guarding your heart, honoring your future husband and helping to prepare other guys for their future wives by not being a stumbling block to them. The Bible tells us how we are to act; check out the following verses, and try to apply them to your own life.
  • “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to self- control, perserverance; and to perserverance, godliness.” -2 Peter 1:5-6
  • “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”- 1 Corinithians 10:31
  • “As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
  • “The fruity of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law” –Galatians 5: 22-23
Girls, it’s time for a revolution. It’s time that we stop acting flirtatious, stop being “easy” for guys to “claim”, stop disrespect the body God has given us, stop being selfish and a stumbling block to our brothers and sisters; it’s time that we instead strive to replace all bad characteristics with godly ones. It’s time to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. It’s time we strive to add faith, goodness, knowledge, self control, perserverance and godliness to who we are. It’s time to let Jesus shine through us, and make His temple (you!) acceptable and capable of being used by Him!
Off with the old, on with the new!                                                                                                                Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception.  Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness -- righteous, holy, and true. –Epsheisans 22-24.

It’s time that you’ve started teaching people how to treat you.

This was a guest post done by Heather. I am so thankful to have her do this for me! Thanks Heather!

Friday, September 9, 2011

Letter from a knight...


"My dearest Jocelyn:
It is strange to think, I have not seen you in a month.
I have seen the new moon, but not you.
I have seen sunsets and sunrises, but nothing of your beautiful face.
The pieces of my broken heart can pass through the eye of a needle.
I miss you like the sun misses the flower.Like the sun misses the flower in the depths of winter.
Instead of beauty to direct its light to, the heart hardens like the frozen world your absence has sent me to.
I next compete in Paris. I'll find it empty and cold if you're not there.
Hope guides me. It gets me through the day and especially the night.The hope that after you leave my sight it will not be the last time I look upon you.
With all the love that I possess...I remain yours...

The knight of your heart.

William."



Poem from "A Knight's Tale" ^

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Mystical


                
               Mystical. Magical. Mysterious? What is enchanting? Is it the sun as it sets across the ocean? Or the moon that shines upon the sea? For some reason, I've always loved moonlit nights, misty mornings, sunsets, city lights, clear blue skies and well, anything else you'd put in that category. It just seems sometimes that God's showing off. Giving us a taste of what's to come. I don't know why, but have you ever had that feeling where you look up at the moon and you just know somewhere far away your future husband could be looking at it too and somehow in that moment... you're connected. It's probably just me, yet its warming knowing God has someone out there for me. And that too is mystical and mysterious. The idea that God knows who you'll be with in 10 years and what you'll be doing. What a mystery! He's writing the story of your life. He's turning each pages and twirling the pen through his fingertips as your life goes along. The author of all. 
             Sometimes I feel like a hopeless romantic. I just fall in love with beautiful scenery. I love seeing pictures of places that seem like they're right out a fairy-tale. It just makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. So yes, I guess you could say I'm in love with anything magical in this earth. 
            Have you ever seen the last part of the movie pride and prejudice? It reminds me of this kind of magic. There it is, a beautiful morning. The sun just rising through the hills. Both Elizabeth and Mr. Darby walking through a field and meeting each other in the center. Mist swirls beneath their feet, the sun shines between them. And in one moment, they enclose for a kiss. A pure and beautiful sign of affection. (the first kiss they've shared throughout the entire movie). What makes it so beautiful is the fact that it's the kiss that seals their engagement. They have saved it for the one they'll marry. The one they love. I used to hope my first kiss would be that beautiful. So Pure and mystical. Sadly it wasn't in fact nether was the one after that. But noting is stopping the next one from being like that. Yes, I know this world is not like a story-book fairy-tale and things don't happen quite like that. Yes, I must engage in reality, but still one can always dare to dream.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Glimpse beneath the surface of others


                Okay, what I'm about to say is very important so perk up your blog reading ears and listen closely. Many people in this world (including me) are much different beneath the surface if you just take the time to look. Wouldn't we love to be searched out? For someone to take interest in us? To see who the real person is behind it all? There are times that I wish people would dig deep and see who I truly was. Who took notice of little things I liked and took interest in finding out my passions. We all would love others to glimpse at us beneath the surface of our life. So let's go deep with others.
               So. It might seem a bit strange at first doing this, but looking beyond what's given is so important. However, it also means giving up all pre-conceived ideas of the people around you. It means not believing the nasty rumors you hear about others until you get to know them enough for yourself. It means not following the "status quo". It means changing your culture. Our generation has stopped the deep and beautiful relationships that once existed and instead replaced them with "skin deep" superficial and fake friendships. (Fortunately I have been blessed with some amazing friends!) And I guess that's why my friends and I get along so well. We see each other for who we truly are. Our friendships are not merely based on outward appearances and shallow conversations, but rather something more deep founded in Christ.


"Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow..." ~Isaac Watts


                How did Jesus view those He met? He surely searched beneath the surface of the tax-collectors and the "unwanted" by his society. He called the widows, orphans, and little children unto himself. He didn't care what others had said, he searched the heart and knew the soul of everyone He came in contact with. That's our job. 

Do not be so shallow to miss the beauty hidden beneath the surface of a person's soul.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Beneath Your Surface.



               So many times, we see someone for what they are on the outside and how they generally act. Our relationships with others are just "skin deep". Do we look beneath the surface? Do we search out the real person beneath all the fronts and masks? Sometimes I believe that we tend to stray away from doing this because we're afraid of what we might find. We also know that the idea of someone possibly knowing the depths of our being is far too much to risk, so why would we want to search for that in others? Here's the thing. Its important to know others for who they truly are inside and beneath the surface, yet this can only happen when you take the time to look beneath yours.
             Now, I can't fully explain to you how to examine yourself and find out who you truly are, all I know is you are who God created you to be. Some of us (not all) have masked the qualities and personality that God has given us and tried to be someone else in order to fit in with "the crowd." The world has wounded us, shoving us to the floor telling us it is worthless to try and be ourselves all the while having the approval of others. But here's the truth,


"You are the glorious image-bearer of the Lord Jesus Christ - the crown of His creation. You have been assaulted. You have fallen to your own resources. Your enemy has seized upon your wounds and your sins to pin your heart down. Now  the son of God has come to ransom you, and heal your broken, wounded, bleeding heart, and  set you free from bondage. He came for the broken-hearted captives. That's me. That's you. He came to restore the glorious creation that you are. And then set you free... to be yourself."
~From Captivating (John and Stasi Elderedge)

               That's what God put beneath our surface.. God wants to see us free from hiding. So before we move on to searching beneath the surface of others, let's get it right with ourselves first. God will heal your wounds, He'll renew you heart. So let the restoration begin.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Fall Fashion 2011!

It getting to that time of the year again. FALL!!!! One of my fav seasons. The crisp air sweaters, scarfs and cider! 

Here are a few of the fall 2011 trends to help with your fall shopping! 

Tunics/Off the shoulder Tops 
I personally think these are adorable!! And you don't have to worry about shirts being to tight! Just make sure that if they're the off the shoulder shirt, that you don't show bra straps and wear a thick-strapped tank underneath!
Boyfriend Cardigans 
I love these! They're super cute with frilly tops and skinny jeans! 

Flare Jeans I'm not sure how I feel about these haha flare jeans aren't really my favorite (they are to much like parachute pants!) But they'll probably grow on me ;) I'm glad jeans are always in style! What do YOU think about the flare jean trend? 
Leather Purses 
I've seen long strapped leather purses everywhere! They seem to be the choice for the stylish girl! 

Canvas Sneakers 
Flat and comfy, these are a cute and casual fall shoe! 


Once of my favorite accessories that always spices up a simple outfit is a pretty scarf! 
The shoes are from Aeropostale and all the other items are from Forever21. 

I hope you have a great day!:) 

"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” 
Luke 1:45 

Saturday, September 3, 2011

What I Leaned This Week – How To Be A (Future) Wife of Noble Character



As you may already know, I have been praying for my future husband for years. I have even made up a list of characteristics he must have – or should have. Some of the things on that list are going to be hard for the poor guy to live up to. That got me thinking: what am I doing to prepare myself for this amazing man of my future? Shouldn’t I be practicing character that’s hard to live up to as well?

I read Proverbs 31:10-31 this week and it talks about being a “wife of noble character”. Now this is a difficult list to live up to. We don’t necessarily have to get up before dawn every morning to make breakfast and search near and far to find wool and flax, busily spinning and twisting the fibers. Unless you really want to, it’s a little outdated. Now we buy our clothes and blankets from a store and have pastries you can pop in the toaster oven for 5 minutes and voila! they’re done.

But we can learn a lesson from this Proverbs 31 woman. The lesson is hard work and discipline. Those are virtues that I admit I sometimes lack. If I disciplined myself better, I could get more writing done and read my bible more. This woman is also a servant. She works hard to serve her husband and children and they respect her for that.

Here’s a list of other characteristics this wife has:

  • She is trustworthy – her husband knows she won’t cheat.
  • She honors and respects him.
  • She works honestly without complaining.
  • She never hesitates to help others in need.
  • She is confident in herself.
  • She can laugh and not worry about the future.
  • She is wise but corrects in kindness.
So along with the hard work and discipline I mentioned above the list, this is what I’ll be working on now to prepare myself for my man in the future. What will you do? Or what did you do? Or what are you doing? Comment and let me know!