Friday's Letters

Dear Blog Friends, Thanks for always being so encouraging. Your texts and comments and tweets sometimes make me happier than my real life. Dear Zach, thanks for choosing me. I don't deserve you & I love you more than you could ever know. Dear Ashley, thanks for being so open about depression. It's easy to think I'm the only one who struggles sometimes. Your post this week gave me so much hope, I wish I could express how thankful I am for you writing what you did. I think God led you to write it partially for me. :) Dear April, umm snow?! I moved to California for a reason!! Dear Miami Ink, thanks for keeping us entertained when we feel like being couch potatoes. Dear Norman, thanks for letting me hold you like a teddy bear when we sleep. You're the cutest little kitty in the world. Dear Seattle, I don't miss your weather, but I am really, really missing my friends (family included) right now. Dear Young Life, I am praying for the day we get to be involved again. Dear Campaigner Girls, I miss you and love you dearly. I am always praying for you :)

The Curls Post! {finally}

Alright, this has been long awaited. After posting a few pictures on Instagram, I've gotten quite a few requests to dish on how I curl my hair, and also how I make those curls last three days :) I finally had enough time to take photos while I did it so here goes.

Ummm.. don't judge my awkward faces. It's weird taking pictures of yourself while you curl your hair, ok!?

Let's get started, shall we?

You will need: Curling Iron, clips, mousse, shine serum, flexible hold hairspray

[See my Hair Products post for some of my favorites]

First things first, I "cocktail" products when my hair is damp. I mix a mousse and serum in my palms and run it through my hair. This way I get shine & hold in one. And also then the mousse isn't too sticky. My favorite one is Davines Wizards No. 3. Then blowdry..

We start by sectioning the hair. My hair is thick so I start with just above my ear, and pin the rest on top of my head. Cute, I know.

Next, you start curling using a technique called "clicking out". You start the curl towards the top of your hair shaft, rather than at the bottom and rolling up. This way, the heat is evenly distributed throughout your hair, instead of the ends being really hot and the top barely getting any heat. 

As you click out, let the hair wrap underneath what you already have heated. Each time you click out, hold it for about five seconds. Repeat until your little ends are all the way tucked in!

I don't spray each individual curl. Instead, once I've curled an entire section, I spray that layer. Then I let down the next layer and start curling, etc. Let your curls lay how they fell when you released the curling iron. No touchy!

At the very top section, I start curling really close to my head (opposed to the bottom layers I start 2/3 - 1/2 way down since you wont see it anyways). 

Finish this section then do an all over spray. You don't want to hairspray too much, otherwise it will weigh down the curls and they'll fall easily. Since you haven't touched your curls yet (right?!) you should look like you are ready for prom with your perfect little ringlets.

Also notice I curl away from my face. I prefer that look. 

At this point, you need to let your curls cool completely before you touch them. When they cool in this position, you get longer life out of them. This is when I usually get dressed, add jewelry, etc, so that the very last thing I do is brush out the curls. Once you know you are totally cooled, flip your head upside down and gently run your fingers through the curls to break them up. This is how you make the prom look become more beachy/casual!

Spritz all over (again, not too much) and style how you want!

And lastly, the way I make these babies last three days is ...

Simple as that. The messy bun keeps your hair in a semi-curly hold all night, but since it's loose you still get waves in the morning!

Hopefully that all makes sense, please don't hesitate to ask me to clarify anything for you! Happy Friday my friends :)

Makeover Monday {Pucker Up}

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Helloooo! And happy Monday! Today's theme is in honor of Valentine's Day, your favorite lip stuffs! If you have something you'd love to share, please link-up with Molly and me :)

I don't have a whole lot to say on this subject. My only lip stuff I use is ... drum roll please....
Aquaphor!

{source}

Literally swear by this stuff. I put it on every single night before bed.

When I do wear lipstick, I always wear MAC. It's soft and doesn't smear and lasts awhile. I'm just not much of a lips girl, I guess!

Thanks for linking up, y'all!!

Dreaming With a Broken Heart

I'm on the final stretch... 4 and a half days down, 1 to go! Tomorrow at midnight I'll finish my 6 day juice cleanse. I plan on baking homemade cinnamon rolls :)

This week has been a huge test of discipline for me. I don't like finishing things that aren't fun. I am a quitter by nature (or by nurture, but that's debateable). All week I've been whining. Thanks to my tweeps for not unfollowing me! So far everyone has been so encouraging, and I so appreciate that. Thank you!

Anywho, while I've been whining, I've also been dreaming of food. Stuff like this:

Source: annies-eats.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: thenovicechefblog.com via Katie on Pinterest

pesto pasta...my very favorite kind. YUM!

Source: skinnytaste.com via Katie on Pinterest

My most favorite Skinny Taste recipe

Source: skinnytaste.com via Katie on Pinterest

More pasta. Yes it's my favorite.

Welp, I signed up for a half marathon last winter and I didn't train well and ended up being told by a cardiologist I shouldn't run it. So I didn't. I still regret giving up and not training better and I think about that as a failure all the time.

Last night I almost gave up on this cleanse. I was SO hungry and I did not want any more fruits or vegetables. (They're starting to make me nauseous I've had so many!) So I decided this will be my half marathon. I am going to finish, and finish strong.

Until next time my friends... I'll be dreaming of all this delicious food!!

Have you ever done a cleanse? How did you feel afterwards?

Fashionably Late to the Vlog Party

Better late than never, right? Besides, this is about whose behind the blog, and I am definitely always running late ... so staying true to myself, here is my first ever Vlog! Thanks to Erin and Ashley for hosting this linkup -- two amazing girls!

My right eye isn't really that wonky.. it's the lighting, I promise! :)
******************Makeover Monday this week is themed "Pucker Up!" Molly and I would love for you to link up with us sharing your favorite lipgloss, lipstick, etc :)

Makeover Monday Link-Up {Blush, Bronzer, etc.}

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It's my favorite day of the week! Just kidding. But I do like writing these posts every week!

Blush! Bronzer! Highlighters! Woohoo!

please excuse my silliness... it's been a longggg day (I'm writing this Sunday night) and I think I am still on a high from meeting some fabulous girls yesterday!

Here are what I use for the goods. The other day, I was trying a new eye look and I was so focused on that, I forgot to put on blush. When I had done my eyeliner and mascara [I always do those very last] I looked at myself and thought "why do I still look so plain?" and realized I had completely forgotten my blush. That is when I realized how important it is! 

Confession: I have very rosy cheeks so sometimes I just put a little bronzer on the edges of my face & it looks like I have blush on already.

Anyyyyyways.

Bronzer:

Prestige Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Terra

Love this stuff. I've used it for 5 years [!!!] now and I will probably never change. It lasts forevverrrr because it's huge! like four inches across. It is the perfect amount of pigment, not orange, and layer-able. 

I dust on my temples, tip of my nose, chin, and edge of my cheekbones [near my hair line]. Sometimes I just do this, on days I am super rosy. On days I'm not...

Blush:

 "Fair skin looks great with fuschia blush!" -girl at the MAC counter while helping me choose wedding makup.
I did not believe her. Then I tried it... my life has forever changed.
MAC Sheertone Powder Blush in Coygirl [not on the website! boo!]

I never pick bright blushes so this was hard for me to even try. Remember, I told you I am set in my ways! But I really really love it & it doesnt look so obnoxious on me! It really does look pretty with fair skin :)


Some other favorites include: 
CoverGirl Cheekers in Party Peach

and 

BareEscentuals Rose Radiance

And if I'm really goin' the extra mile, I will use an illuminator/brightener/highlighter powder. It's truly magical...

Highlighter:
MAC Pigment in Vanilla

Like honestly, heavenly. Dust a little on the tops of your cheekbones and inside your eye.. amazeballs.
Also a pretty eyeshadow :)


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Here is a picture of me wearing the bronzer, MAC blush, and pigment on our wedding day. [also the foundation & skin routine from past weeks!] I think it looks alright!

Well girls that's all I've got for you today! Can't wait to see what the rest of you use! And again, thanks for linking up!


PS: Next week's topic is in honor of Valentine's Day. "Pucker Up!" Share your favorite lip shtuff!! Yay!

This Monday's Theme

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If you haven't linked up with us for Makeover Monday, Please do! It has been so much fun hosting this with Molly & getting to see all y'alls beauty secrets. I am pretty set in my ways and even I have picked up a thing or two! Please join us this coming Monday [2/6] to show off your favorite
Blush, Bronzer, and any Accents [think highlighter, etc]
We hope you join us!
xoxo

Makeover Monday {Foundation}

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Ummmm how awesome is this new button!!!! Grab it and put it on your post! :)

Today's topic is Foundation. What would we do without it?! I will NOT be showing before and after pics, because I am actually super self conscious without foundation on. I was blessed with a dominant Scottish gene so I have ghostly white skin with splotches of pink. And perpetual dark circles. [literally they never go away. sleep or not. if you have a cure, I'd love to know.] Cute, I know. On to the whole point of this post... what I use to cover all those splotchies and dark circles up!!

I use my moisturizer as a primer.  

For special occasions [like our wedding and Miranda Lambert concerts] I use Dream Liquid Mousse.

Its the bomb. I know I say that a lot. But it really is. However, I really don't use liquid foundation very often even though I think it looks really pretty. I guess I just like to go more natural for every day make up.

Next -well actually first [on a regular basis] I use Loreal True Match Concealer which is cool because not only do you choose how light/dark you want but also if you want Warm, Cool, or Neutral. I like all the options!

On top of that I brush Bare Escentuals which is stupid expensive & I'd love to find something for less! Which is where YOU come in! So linky uppy with us!!

So excited to read y'alls posts and hopefully learn a thing or two!

Don't forget, you can link up at my blog or at Molly's and it'll show up on both :)

Makeover Monday Theme for Tomorrow!

Hey all you friends of mine! [yes, I consider you my friends :)]

 

Molly and I have chosen a theme for tomorrow and we're gettin' more specific this week! Gotta make the beauty last as long as possible!

Tomorrow's theme is Foundation & all that comes with it [concealer, powder, primer, etc]!

So link up with us tomorrow and share your favorite tricks and then check out everyone elses! I know I can definitely use some help in this department!

Makeover Monday: Haircare Edition!

Woohoo! My favorite topic: HAIR!
I have been a licensed hair stylist for three years now!
I'm not gonna get too wordy here, I plan on doing a few posts about hair tricks this week. As far as product goes, though, here are my favorites. {I have super duper thick hair, medium texture, and the tiniest bit of wave.} I do not purchase drugstore product. It is made with fillers and waxes and I do not want those on my precious locks! You really do get what you pay for with hair product!
Fave Shampoo/Conditioner:

Pureology Hydrate // Davines Love Smoothing // Redken Allsoft
Fave Deep Conditioner:

It's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask

{Don't let the packaging fool you -- this stuff is the best you can buy!}

After shower products:

It's a 10 Miracle Leave-in + Keratin // Chi Silk Infusion // Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray
Best Hairspray EVER:

bigsexyhair Spray & Play

******************************If you ever have hair questions, I LOVE helping and answering the best that I can! Please leave a comment or email me and I'd be happy to help! :)
Thanks for sharing, girls!! Check back this week for more ways to protect your hair!
Link Up here!

Follow Friday & a Request for Prayer

I am loving Hollie's idea for Follow Friday blog version!


I'm a little uninspired to post anything today. You may have seen this tweet  from me yesterday... I found out yesterday that my grandma (I call her Mana -- like mama but with an 'n') has ovarian cancer. She has been in the hospital for 2 weeks and got to go home on Tuesday & I thought that meant everything was a-okay. I was heartbroken when my mom called yesterday to say the doctor's called with biopsy results that showed ovarian cancer. 
My dad's mom passed away from breast cancer, and Mana has had breast cancer too, so I am just praying that God will heal her! She is so young & active & plus, she said being a great-grandmother is on her bucket list. I am not ready to make you a great-grandma just yet, Mana! 
Mana is so strong, I know she will fight this will everything she has. I am just a little sad today. 
I am not posting this for sympathy, but to ask for prayer. Please pray for healing for my sweet grandma! Thank you, friends.
“For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,” says the Lord. -Jeremiah 30:17

Here are my Mana and Papa, who've been married for over 50 years.
  I love you both so much and look up to you now that I am married. Thank you for supporting me through everything I've ever chosen to do, I love you dearly. Stay Strong Mana!!!
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And on a lighter note, don't forget to link up with Molly and me for Makeover Monday - Haircare edition! [my personal favorite] This coming Monday!

My Tattoos & What They Mean To Me

Super pumped about showing off my tattoos! 
I have mixed feelings about tattoos, since they are on your body foreverrrr. I think getting a random tattoo because its "cute" or you just want one is dumb. Sorry, not sorry. 
Both of my tattoos have meaning and were thought out. 
Here is my first tattoo. I got it in April of 2008. Sweet Jesus I can't believe its been almost 4 years!

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."Ephesians 5:1-2
My daily reminder that God freely gives me grace & love, and to walk in the confidence of knowing that the God of the universe loves ME.
My second tattoo is a combination of meaning. I got the word "grace" written vertically in Greek with my sister. Her middle name is Grace and she got the same thing on her back. Also, my favorite explanation of grace is: the undeserved love and salvation God gives. mmm.
Two weeks later I went and had two lilies and a dove added. Because it didn't hurt enough the first time? This beauty is on my ribs under my left shoulder. I love it.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

    “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Matthew 6:25-34

I am a worrier by nature. This passage has given me so much hope over the years that I decided I wanted to add it to the grace tattoo. I asked an artistic friend to try to put this passage into a picture, and I think she did an amazing job.

Taking close up pictures reminds me I need to get these touched up! I love the sepia look, but it fades really fast. I was actually told that the one on my foot would be a sepia/henna color. Does it look non-black to you? No, me either. Oh well :)

I love that my tattoos are meant especially for me and also that I dont have to show them if I dont want to. Maybe one day I'll get another one, but for now, these two are sufficient for me!

Makeover Monday: Skincare (Link-Up!)

Welcome to Makeover Monday! Molly and I are so excited to be hosting this & we both hope it really takes off! Each week we'll be sharing our favorite products and hope that you'll share yours too by linking up!! Next Monday we'll be back at it with HAIRCARE! [my personal fave!] But until then.. here's my two cents on taking care of your face.

Well, lets get started, shall we?

So a little background about my skin: in high school I had terrible acne. Works wonders for a girls' self-esteem! I wore a hood everyday to hide my face. I have been on Accutane twice; once when I was 15 and then again when I was 19.

My skin tends to get dry quickly, but I am definitely prone to breakouts. I was on the pill for 7 years to help with breakouts around 'that' time, and have been off of it for 6 months and so far not too shabby! Thankfully :)

So I guess I am what is classified as Combination Skin: dry yet prone to breakouts.

With that said, here is what works for me!

Exfoliating: Exfoliation is important to remove dead skin cells. Dead skin cells build up and cause breakouts, clogged pores, and wasted product since the dead cells block the live cells. Basically, if you don't exfoliate regularly, start now!

Skin Prep Scrub used to be my crutch. I still use it occasionally, when I am not in the shower. It doesn't irritate, is fragrance free, and makes my skin as smooth as a baby's bottom.

Then one Christmas, my mama gave me a NutraSonic!!!! {Basically a Clarisonic for a fraction of the price} It is sooooo amazeballs! I only use it in the shower, because when it is turned on it splatters water. I use the attachment for Sensitive Skin, and it also makes my skin uber soft. I highly recommend.

Cleanser: I only cleanse my face once a day. Otherwise I get too dry! I always cleanse at night so I remove my make-up and all the dirt & grime from the day. Yuck. Even if you don't wear make up and never get blemishes, it's still important to cleanse your skin to remove sweat and toxins from the air.

I keep Purpose on my sink counter, and Aveda Purifying Gel Cleanser in the shower. I will admit, I love Purpose more than Aveda. And I'm pretty snooty with my products, so this even surprised myself! It just makes my skin really soft even when I forget to exfoliate, and since I started using it a few months ago, my skin has been clearer than ever. If you take one thing away from my whole post today, it should be this facial cleanser!! The. Bomb. Not to mention the HUGE price difference! Don't get me wrong, I still adore Aveda & what they stand for, I just am not as in love with this cleanser as I used to be.

Also, the only tools I use to wash my face are my hands and warm water. I don't use a washcloth, sponge, etc because it really is unnecessary. Your skin doesn't need to be scrubbed everyday, so warm water and your grabbers will do just fine!

Moisturizing: Keeping the skin on your face moisturized is super important! Even if you have oily skin, keeping it moisturized will prevent your body from producing more oil. It also helps keep your skin's elasticity which equals less wrinkles as you get older.

This is my simplest department.

I use Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture & I probably will for the rest of my life. I'm hooked! After I wash my face at night, I use one pump of the Sensitive Skin formula, and when I wake up in the morning I use the SPF 15 formula. I always wear SPF even if I don't think I'll be outside much, because frankly, I don't want skin cancer. At all. 


I am in the market for a night time super moisture cream and I hope one of y'all can point me to a fab one! My skin is getting so dry living at 5,000 ft elevation!

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Welp, that's all for today my friends! I hope you learned something and can't wait to read what your faves are too! Also, dont forget to link up next Monday with your favorite haircare. :)

PS you only need to link up here or at Molly's blog. It will show up on both!

Makeover Monday - Linkup With Us!

Hey! Lookin for some new beauty products?! Well I like to see what everyone's favorites are and I like to share my own favorites too which is why I am excited to announce:

Molly of A Midwestern Touch and I are starting a new series every Monday called Makeover Monday! 

Each Monday we will host a link-up & every week will be a different category!  

This coming Monday, January 16th, will be skincare. 

So get your post ready and tell us all about your favorite skin products, then come to either my blog or Molly's, link-up, then check out everyone elses! Sounds like fun, huh?!

See ya back here on Monday :) We will announce the following week's category at each link up!

Ling Ling you forgot your Bling Bling!

I am personally super excited about this link up! Thanks C Mae for hosting it. I started the bloggity blog after our wedding & haven't posted anything related to the biggest event my little life has seen! So here's the first one of many :)



Here is my ring in all it's glory:

My favorite thing about my ring is that the diamond was given to Zach by his grandmother. Not only that, but she gave it to him after meeting me. He didn't know he was getting it & I think it makes it that much more special that she thought I was worthy of her beautiful diamond!

We designed my wedding band together and I love that it looks like a woven braid of bling. It's my favorite thing ever.

Here's the picture of Zach popping the question on May 16, 2010! This is the first time I've ever put this picture on the internet!

Look of true surprise!