Update

So a few things have changed since my last "life update"... Some good changes! I scheduled a throat scope to try and see what was wrong with my stomach because I had been getting stomach aches not only with gluten and dairy and what not.. but also simple things like fruit! It was pretty frustrating.. But before I went ahead and scheduled it I started to cut out processed food and sugar and I felt SO good! The stomach aches for none allergy things went away and I started to feel pretty descent. I went ahead and scheduled the appointment just to see what the nurse had to say and she said I needed to eat gluten for two weeks. I was scared to be in so much pain for two weeks but I went ahead and ate a donut..and another one..and  a bagel..and some pasta.. And no stomach ache! For dairy or gluten!

So. I don't know if God healed me or my cutting out bad food healed my gut. But I'm very happy! I'm still going to eat the same..but now am going to include things like quinoa and oats which I couldn't handle before!  Very excited :)

Inspiration

                                 Here's some summer fashioin inspo for you. I just love white.

Confidence

It is so hard in this day and age to feel good and confident. Meeting someone who is truly comfortable with who they are is so rare- when I find people like that I am so drawn to them and want to ask them what there secret is. "How are you so confident?!" I think however happy and content we are with ourselves, we will still always have those days where were extra emotional and feeling pretty down about ourselves. For those of us who struggle with insecurities and self worth, I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me personally to feel more comfortable and happy. 

1. It Doesn't Matter!

      

     I think this is the most important point I can make..It doesn't matter what size jeans you wear, what color your hair is, how strong you are, how many friends you have, where you shop, what you look like, what you have accomplished, or how outgoing you are..None of these things matter. Whether it is superficial thing like clothing, or a great goal like getting a promotion, none of it matters. I've met women who were absolutely stunning and I was so jealous of them but when they opened up to me, I realized they were just as insecure and unhappy as I was! The first time I realized this I was so shocked. I thought "Wow! She has everything I want..how can she still be unhappy and uncomfortable with herself?" What should this tell you? It's all a heart issue. Whether you have everything or nothing, happiness and confidence comes from inside of you. It's a constant battle..but it's always a choice.

2. Social Media and Comparison.

     Stay away from social media! Crazy notion...I know. I'm not saying to delete all those apps and throw away your laptop. But I've realized that the more people I follow on Instagram the more insecure I become. I start to compare myself to all these women. I have actually found myself wanting things I didn't want before, and even disliking...dare I say hating the things about myself that I used to love! 

3. Judging.

     We often get so upset at others for judging us and making comments about our own life. And I agree- it is VERY frustrating! But have you ever stopped to think if you're doing the same thing? Maybe you're not gossiping or make mean comments left and right, but when you fill up your mind with concerns and judgments on how everyone else is living and how they look, you aren't much better than the gossipers and the "judgers". I don't mean to point fingers- I'm guilty too! But next time a thought pops in your head about someone else that maybe isn't rude- but isn't uplifting, make it a good thought! Disregard it and pick out something you like or enjoy about that person.. Pretty soon that positivity will surround your thoughts and you will feel better not only about others, but about yourself as well! It will be more natural for you to pick something you like about yourself vs. something you're unhappy with.

4. Focus on the Good Things.

    I've found that I feel my very most beautiful when I'm doing something good. When I'm laughing with my nephew, decorating and making dinner for my family..doing devotions and praying..going on walks and being in nature. Insert whatever it is you like to do here and I'm sure you'll realize you felt beautiful while doing that! Beauty is not limited to lipstick and heels. While that's fun and makes you feel pretty..Beauty is an essence and it is more sustaining than anything you put on your body can do for you. Following your passions and feeling alive is more beautiful to me than anything else. Those who live life to the fullest and love unconditionally are the most stunning and beautiful people I have ever met.

Goodwill Finds!

Hello there! I have another Goodwill outfit to share with you all.. I got to church and realized my whole outfit was from thrifting so I wanted to share it all with you! ( I always forget)

The top, blazer, jeans, and heels are all from GoodWill. :)

Product Review: Long healthy Hair for Summer

I have another product review for you all! I wish I did these more often..But I haven't been totally in love or totally hated much products lately. Except this one..So excited! I've been trying to grow my hair out forever but it seemed like it was always stuck at the same length because my hair would grow a certain amount and then just split and I'd have to get it cut. I was on the market for some good products to help end this awful cycle and I finally found one! It's the It's a Ten Hair Care leave in treatment. I don' t know what kind of magical things they stuck in this but I had only been using it a few weeks before I noticed my hair feeling healthier and the split ends were almost completely gone!
Another thing I really love about this product is that it makes my hair feel all glossy and healthy like it does right after I get it done in a salon. Love love love loveeee this product! I've told so many of my friends about it and even strangers. It's honestly that good. So go out and buy it. Now.

Hair Extensions

Hello Lovelies! I got hair extensions about two months ago from Bellami and I wanted to do a little review and also show you a few of the ways that I style them!:) I never wanted to get extensions.. But I've always wanted long hair and mine just takes forever FOREVER to grow. I've been trying to grow it out for at least 5 years now and it feels like its in the same place..So... I researched the best extensions and all the youtubers I follow all said that this line of extensions were the best they've ever used!

So far I've absolutely loved them! It's still a little bit of a challenge for me to do updo's and such, but I love how they look just down and curly :) If you have any questions on what kind I got or anything just let me know! :)

Goodwill Finds!

I went shopping at Goodwill a few days ago and walked out with four dresses and a romper. (quite successful if you ask me) The first dress I'm going to feature on here was $6.00 but it was half off so I got it for $3.00 !:) I wish I would have worn higher heels because it is fairly long, but other than that I loved it! It has pockets and its super flattering and sucks in the waist. It's also vintage which makes it even more fun :)

Thought For the Day

Some much needed Info.

I've been thinking lately about how opinionated we all are. This needs to stop. Constantly putting your own opinions and ideals on others is rude and accomplishes nothing good. I'm tired of shallow conversations. " She does NOT have the legs to wear those shorts!" "wow. That hair color looks awful on her." "You should smile more. You look depressed" "You look so tired! Are you sick?"

Please, I beg you. Stop saying these types of things. It's wonderful to have style and personalities and differences. It's what makes us human! But belittling and forcing your opinions on others just because you don't like the way they dress or wear their hair is so silly and is not acceptable. If someone is wearing something that makes them feel good and happy, let them wear it. If someone looks depressed...guess what.. they probably are! Or maybe they're just having a bad day. Instead of forcing them to be fake and project a life that is perfect and totally unrealistic, encourage them, tell them something good and kind. And instead of telling someone they look tired, take them out to coffee and ask them how they're doing.

I'm trying very hard to switch my mindset on the lives of others. Simple things like a hair color or a choice of clothing, has nothing to do with me. So there is absolutely no reason for me to tell them how to dress or make rude comments behind there back. None of us is perfect, it's time we start accepting and embracing that.

Yuck Yuck

I decided to be super brave and try this out... I've read in different places and heard from so many people about the benefits of drinking about two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar before each meal. I've only managed to do it twice so far this week because wow it's so gross. But everyone who's done it raves about it! So I'm going to do my best...I'll do a follow up post after I've been consistent with it!

To read up on the science behind it, here are some links! :)

http://www.vegkitchen.com/tips/healthy-eating-tips-tips/how-does-apple-cider-vinegar-work-to-help-you-lose-weight/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/498119-what-are-the-benefits-of-drinking-vinegar-before-meals/

Tired but Proud

Feeling really proud of myself...and also uber stressed at the same time. I'm almost finished with school and my job. I can't believe I managed to do all of this and be busy from 7:00 in the morning till 8:00 at night, when 4 months ago I could barely make it out of bed a good part of the time. I also ran a huge distance today which is so huge for me... I'm just feeling really thankful that I've had good enough health to do the important things and to be able to feel proud of myself again... There's definitely been some set backs and disappointments, but I'm still alive and finishing this chapter pretty strong- praise God!:)

   I'm really excited to share some other news with you all...I'll try to share/post later this weekend. :)

Update

Hello lovelies! I apologize for disappearing for so long. I started college again a few months ago and am working and have been very stressed! But I have many things to write about now and some awesome things to share! :)

I just have time for a brief check in today, but I also have a question for you all.I went to a new doctor and got a lot of blood tests done. One of them came back and told me that I tested negative for Celiac disease. I was bummed to find this out because I really want to know what is causing me to have such bad stomach pain every time I eat. I don't eat any of the things I know upset me ( Gluten, coffee, dairy, oats, quinoa, beans etc...) But I'm still in pain. I'm starting a new diet today and eating as raw as I can and cutting out all processed and sugar products. hoping this will help m to feel better. Do any of you suffer from this? Any suggestions?

Heatless Hair Tutorial

I tried this out last week and have already used it several times! I absolutely love it because it gives you gorgeous beachy curls and its it's heatless so it's great if you're trying to grow you hair out or just keep it healthy.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsGuWokn47A&list=PLl4LeDTbiGlg1rYhFGAnhIhmEbHbAMygl&index=21   

Here's a pic of the girls hair who gives the tutorial. :)

Lip Gloss Product Review

I have a new lip product that I am SO excited to share with you all! It's from the brand Sonia Kashuk. I haven't seen this line any where besides Target but I was curious to see how well they worked, so I grabbed the lip gloss and ohmuhgoodness. It's so pigmented and lovely! I've been so frustrated lately with lipsticks and glosses that hold no real pigment! SO definitely try this one. It last so long and the color is so great! This one is about $8.00. And I got mine (in the pic below) in the color Modern Mauve.

Love you, you gorgeous gloss.

Product Review- What's worth the money!

I'm really excited to share some great new products with you all! (But also some kinda crummy ones that may not be worth your time)

The first one is the Enzyme Scrub from Alba Botanica. I got this one because it was in the natural and organic skin care section and it had Amazing reviews! I didn't read a single negative one. It's name is the Even Balanced Sea Algae Enzyme Scrub.

Cons: Doesn't necessarily get rid of acne spots.
Pro: Evens skin tone, reduces redness, reduces appearance of acne.

Cost: $10.00 ( I got two for one at Fred Meyer- check there for deals)

Love this one! Especially because it's not filled with harsh chemicals that may help acne but in the long run, damage your skin.







The next product is mascara! The L'oreal Paris Double Extend Mascara. It has two different wands on it. The first step is a white mascara that acts as kind of a primer. Next is the black side that goes over the white. Both brushes are on the small side.

Con: Adding multiple layers is not effective.
Con: It does not add Amazing volume. But enough.
Pro: It last all day.
Pro: Lengthens lashes.
Pro: It comes off SO easily. (Seriously.)

Cost: About $9.00






Here's another mascara for you all... I think this one is fairly new. It's the Rimmel Scandaleyes Flex Mascara. I was drawn to this one mostly because it has a huge brush! I'm a sucker for big brushes.

Con: Doesn't build up well.
Con: Rubs off on the top of eyelid after it's been worn for a while.
Pro: Large brush.
Pro: Gets every lash individually.
Pro: Decent thickness/volume.

Cost: about $7.00

Checking In

                                                              Hello everyone!

I just wanted to do a little checking in:) I haven't posted on here in a while because I've been really stressed and it all just seemed like too much! I stayed home from church today because I was feeling pretty crummy.. So I've had lots of time to think ;)

Despite my body being all sickly and poorly. I'm having a "good mood" day. It's really sunny outside and I just feel really thankful for everything.. I got to spend time with a lot of my friends this week and it was such a blessing! One friend in particular I am just so thankful for... No matter what she's going through she is always so encouraging and gentle and such a joy to be around! I honestly wish that more of us chose that outlook in life. (I'm definitely guilty of falling short in this..)

I think it's sad that we can have so much in life and still have such a negative energy that we choose to send out to people... There will always be- no matter what, something to be enormously thankful for! I wonder why it's so much easier to focus on the one bad thing than it is to focus on the 10 or whatever good things! It's obviously a different story when you are in a time of depression or anxiety, but if you can, try to simply appreciate the good and simple things in life! Lately I've heard of a lot of people who have special journals where everyday, they write a few things that they are happy and thankful for...and it really helped them! Positivity is contagious.. So I'm going to share what I'm thankful for...I hope you guys will write in the comments what you're thankful for, start a journal, or just make the decision to focus on good things!:)

1.)  I'm thankful for the sunshine!

2.) I'm thankful for my wonderful friends and family!

3.) I'm thankful God gave me the love of adventure and dreaming!

4.) I'm thankful for the people who have helped and encouraged me along this health journey!

5.) And lastly I'm thankful for all the new opportunities each day brings!


I hope you all have a wonderful ( and hopefully ) sunshiney day :)

Summer

                                  Seriously ready for some summer sunshine and adventures!

Healthy Hair!

On a happier note... I decided to help my hair out a little. My hair takes a ridiculously long amount of time to grow...and when it does grow, I get split ends almost immediately. Boo. SO in effort to grow some luscious locks, I'm going to see how long I can go without using little to no heat, and no teasing either. I also want to get hooked up with some good vitamins for hair. I know biotin is a huge one. Do you guys have any other suggestions? :)  

Putting on a Mask

I've realized the last few years in dealing with depression, anxiety, and now Lyme Disease and Hypothyroidism, sometimes you need to be fake and pretend. I've had so many times where I was hanging out with friends or at a church function and I was on the verge of breaking down mentally, or I felt like I was going to black out and someone would come up to me and say, " why aren't you smiling!? You look depressed!" Uhm. I am depressed? I know these are always well intended comments and are only said to get you talking. But honestly, none of us will never know what someone is going through- so it's good to be a little conscious of that.

Instead of breaking down and admitting I am depressed or am in serious physical pain, I always just giggle and give them the smile they desperately need.

A lot of people have also said to me, or to my family that they don't understand how I'm sick because I always look so healthy and I take good care of myself. To be honest, I'm kind of glad they don't realize the extent of what happens when you have these illnesses- it makes it easier to hide and not talk about. Even the closest of friends could never know what someone is going through unless they ask and are there for a panic attack or watch the color drain out of your face and see your hands start to shake as your body covers itself in sweat.

I've always told my self to not share any of this and to quietly sneak out when these symptoms start to arise. Someone will be having a conversation with me and in my head I hear nothing they're saying- I smile and nod, while thinking to myself to grab the chair for support and steady my breathing. But this really isn't fair to myself. I wish I would have learned this earlier..But if you are on the verge of a panic attack, or are thinking you're about to faint, you should sit down! You shouldn't force yourself to appear like everything is perfect.

A friend said this to me the other day who is very familiar with these illnesses. She said "If you had cancer people would be lining up at your door asking how you are doing and bringing you food, but you have an illness that no one wants to believe exists." It makes them uncomfortable. So me and just about every one else who struggles will do so silently. I'm thankful for these illnesses because I now know to watch out for those who may be struggling and to never force any thing on someone. And I can understand what others are going through..That at least I am thankful for...

Honesty

I've struggled with how honest I want to be in this blog. Besides the beauty and fashion posts, most of what I share is very personal and I would probably be too embarrassed to tell any one in person! But I want to continue the mindset that each of us has a unique story and testimony to share. I think it would be selfish of me to keep my story all to myself and never use it to help or relate to others...

So with that being said...I'm going to dive in deep and share with you all. Last week was pretty rough. Even on my really bad days I always have hope that some day, some doctor will be able to help me. They will figure out whats wrong with me and why my body rejects everything good. And I'll finally be happy. But then I had this thought of "what if no body can fix me". I had never thought of that before...But what if I will always be this way? What if ten years from now I'm still plagued with anxiety and depression? What if I still can't do normal tasks like take a shower or clean my room?

I don't really have an uplifting note to end on. I'm just trying to be honest... Asking the Lord to revive my hope and trust in Him. And choosing not to be ashamed of my story- it may inspire.

Makeup Review

Hello lovelies! I have some new product reviews for you and I'm also sharing my foundation/base product list.

I've been using the Revlon 24 hour Colorstay which is formulated for combination skin. I have it in the color 240 Medium Beige. I've been using it for probably...a year now? And I love it! Sometimes the tone seems a little pink/orange which is the only thing that I don't like, but otherwise it's wonderful. You don't need to apply very much to get good coverage, and it stays on very well! It's not very expensive either which is nice.

Next is the Covergirl Fresh Complexion Concealer. I've gone through a few bottles of this because I haven't had the guts to shell out for a pricey high end branded one. I get the lightest shade possible. The coverage isn't the best in the world; I find I have to re-apply throughout the day. But! I do love it for underneath my eyes and highlighting. I don't use it to cover up blemishes because it doesn't work well enough for that. But I like it okay for highlighting. :)

Lastly is a new product that I just started using this week! I've never used a BB cream before but I was really excited to see how they worked! So I bought the Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream. I have it in the shade light/medium sheer tint. Now this little guy says it is a 8 In 1 Beauty Balm that clears acne,conceals imperfections, minimizes look of pores, reduces appearance of redness, adjusts to skin tone, enhances and clarifies, and has 0% oils and has a light weight feel. SO. Lots of miracle working going on here. I don't know that it is an all over miracle cream! But I truly love this! It makes my skin so smooth and soft, gets rid of redness, minimizes look of pores, and it has 2% Salicylic acid which makes me feel like it's doing good things. It gives great coverage and I a few times I've just popped this on with a touch of powder on top and that was all I needed for foundation! I definitely recommend. :)

Here's a pic of me with all the products I just mentioned :)

Gorge Hair Tips

                                             Looking for ways to grow long healthy hair?

* Watch this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sc-8HadeSE I just started watching her videos on youtube and she's so sweet and gorgeous! And she was wonderful healthy tips:) She also has some great healthy and gluten free recipes as well. Check her out!

Mascara Review

Officially the WORST mascara I have ever tried or bought....

This week I had a little makeup run to Walgreens. Before I went shopping I visited a few blogs to help me pick out which mascara I should buy. The last one I had was the Lorielle Butterfly Mascara which I did a blog post on. It worked pretty good and I liked it. The only thing I ended up really disliking was the awkward brush and the way it flaked off so easily! Midway through the day it seemed like half my mascara was gone. But it was nothing comparison to this one...Are you ready to know what it was that I was so excited but misguided to use?! It is the CoverGirl Flammed Out Max Volume Mascara. It looked so promising with it's big curved brush and its massive tube. The pretty red and pink flames beckoning me in, daring me to try. No. I was so disappointed this morning when I put it on!

First of all, the brush is weird. It is big and round on both ends and the middle is really thin. Which makes it hard to brush through your lashes. I don't know if the formula works well or not because I could hardly get it on my lashes. I brushed top and bottom over and over trying to apply the mascara but it seemed like nothing was going on..I ended up applying my old mascara over it and that helped for sure. But I would definitely recommend you Do Not get this one...Unless you want a seriously natural look.