Sunday, December 28, 2014

Fur!

I recently received an absolutely stunning white fur coat. It's gorgeous. I'm in love. I wanted to get some ideas on different ways to wear fur, and these were my fave! (I'll try to post a pic of my jacket later!)


Friday, December 26, 2014

Checking In

Hi guys! I just wanted to check in with you all. And also I wanted to ask something of you. If you know any one, or struggle with Lyme Disease yourself, would you please message me your story? I think it's so important to find people who are going through a similar struggle as you. I've had the blessing of connecting with a few people who have also struggled with it, and it is honestly so encouraging. I would love to hear your story!

This week was probably the best week I've had in a very long time. I went out dancing with some friends and stayed out late laughing and having so much fun! I wasn't weak or tired and I didn't want to leave so I could sleep or be alone. There was no anxiety or depression. It was AMAZING! I actually felt Alive. The whole week I made wonderful memories and was truly enjoying myself! I have to admit though, today has been pretty hard. I left a dinner early last night because I literally could not stay awake. This morning I had planned on going to the gym but midway through breakfast I nearly blacked out. One minute was all it took for me to go from cooking some eggs, to sitting with my head between my knees gasping for air. I was drenched in sweat and my hands were shaking uncontrollably- then I had this weird sensation where it felt like someone was taking thousands of needles and poking me all over with them. I didn't know if I was going to throw up or faint or what was going to happen! Just trying to calm down the rest of the day..

I wish I could just be cuddled up in a hotel somewhere sipping some tea and looking out at the view. Maybe Venice? ;)

I'm feeling much better now and just taking it easy. Have any of you ever experienced something like this? If so, let me know in the comments!

Friday, December 12, 2014

Lead by Example






I absolutely love this quote from Kate Winslet.  “As a child, I never heard one woman say to me: ‘I love my body.’ Not my mother, my elder sister, my best friend. Not one woman has ever said: ‘I am so proud of my body.’ So, I make sure I say it to Mia, because a positive physical outlook has to start from a very early age.” - Kate Winslet

I love that she has taken the initiative to not just tell her daughter that she is beautiful and that she should be proud, but she lives it out her self. It is hard to grow up being strong and confident when you are raised in insecurity. Mothers are beautifully selfless and all want their daughters to understand how amazing and beautiful they are. But who of us can say that our mothers, sisters, aunts, or grandmothers, proclaimed confidence and beauty? We may see them as the most beautiful creatures we ever laid eyes on both physically and for all they do and accomplish, but did they ever realize it themselves? For more than a fleeting moment, were they able to call themselves beautiful? 

I think if we want a society that raises up women and celebrates their beauty, and we want to raise daughters that are confident and strong and sure of themselves, we must first realize that in ourselves. Putting yourself down, even jokingly in front of you spouse, friends, and especially children, is beneficial for no one. You tare down yourself and in the process create an attitude that seemingly approves of self hate. However unintentional, your friends, and especially your daughters, will see how you feel towards yourself. Take time each day to realize your own worth- and spread it around to all the women in your life. Be proud of all that you are! 

Pushing Through

If you have lymes, a mental illness, or any other kind of disease, I imagine you will have good days and bad days. There is still a little uncertainty as to what is actually wrong with my body and every doctor tells me something different. But no matter what, I still feel the same. My mind and body is plagued by constant fatigue and moodiness and inability to handle simple emotions. This can be incredibly frustrating! As I'm sure many of you have experienced.

Sometimes a week will go by where you are unable to get out of bed or do anything productive, like cleaning your room or working out, or even doing simple things to take care of yourself. So when a day comes when you have energy or you feel happy you want to accomplish everything and go see everyone!

It can be frustrating when this "feel good" time only last a few hours or a few days, but I've been trying to realize that even that is a huge blessing! In feeling crummy, you are given the appreciation of good things or moments. Through dark moments, and times of uncertainty or poor health, you are still a live and breathing. And you are a miracle! I am a miracle! No matter how alone you are or feel, there will always be someone who cares for you, someone who gave His life up for you. In your darkest moments and times of weakness, rest in His promises.

You have the power to take an overwhelming situation and overcome. I don't mean to say that you can just "choose" to be happy and things will be better. Those who truly struggle with depression know that is not possible. But pushing through and overcoming gives you strength and when the cloud has passed, you will feel joy over your accomplishments. No matter how many days are filled with pain or darkness, light will always follow, and joy will always triumph. You are more valuable than you could ever know, and it's okay to remind yourself of that.


Friday, December 5, 2014

Feelin Fresh

I woke up today feeling so great! I just feel happy and ready to accomplish anything! I even woke up excited to go to the gym.. but as soon as I stepped out of bed I realized that wasn't going to happen. I'm still so sore from a workout I did a few days ago. Which is actually a really good feeling. I feel like I'm starting to get a handle back on things after feeling crummy for so long. Any waaaay. I just hope you are all having such a wonderful day and a fantastic start to your weekend! Happy Friday :)

                                            I just feel like going for a stroll wherever this is!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Winter Treats

I had to share this recipe from cookingclassy.com because it looks SO good! Let me know if you guys try it! Recipe is found here: http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/01/caramel-hot-chocolate/


Moisturizer Review

Alright my lovely angels. I have some new products to share with you! Seeing as it is winter time, and my skin is usually dryer during this time, I used up the last of my Neutrogena Naturals moisturizer. I went to grab another one and they were out, so I picked up a new one by Simple, called Replenishing Rich Moisturizer.




I've been using the Neutrogena Naturals for about 6 months now. I really like it and a little bit goes a long way. It's only like $8 at target and it's Neutrogena's natural line so there are no harsh chemicals or anything you should be afraid to put on your face. It's very moisturizing and lasts fairly long I'd say. This is probably the best moisturizer I've used.

I've been using the Simple brand moisturizer for a little over a week now and am fairly happy with it! It was about $10 at Fred Meyers and it's also from a natural company who's whole message is about using natural and simple ingredients that are kind to your skin. I'm not completely sold on this product. I don't feel like it gives me much lasting effects and I haven't seen much improvement on my skin. I apply a couple layers of this before I apply my makeup; whereas the Neutrogena moisturizer I only needed a little bit and it really worked well for me.

I hope these products work well for you all as well!!:)