The Beautiful You

V-Day Mani

2012-02-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

TOOLS: base & top coat, dark pink, medium pink, light pink, reinforcement stickers.

Steps

1. Start with either your darkest pink or lightest pink. Try to use colors that have good coverage with just one coat because you want this layer to dry completely before the next step.

2. Put 2 reinforcement stickers together (should look like an “8”) and place them towards the bottom of your nails. You are going to do this twice so look at your nail and cover 1/3 each time. You want to make room for all 3 of the colors for the final look.

3. Paint your medium color. If possible just paint 1 coat, you will also want this to dry completely before placing stickers on your nails again. Use quick drying nail polish for the first and middle layers.

4. Remove the stickers when the paint has dried with your medium shade. Waiting for it to dry is important because removing the sticker too soon will cause the nail polish to smear and not have clean lines!

5. Now repeat steps 2 & 3 this time using either your darkest pink or lightest pink.

6. Remove the stickers once that layer has dried and check out those nails!!! At first they may look choppy and layered but once your apply your top coat it will even out and complete the look on your nails. Plus putting stickers on your nails can dull your color some so this also helps your colors be bright and shiny again.

Thanks TBD!

Valentine's Day Chocolate Myths

2012-02-11T13:17:00.000-07:00

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It's the weekend of love & chocolate! Hope you all have fun plans for the day! Now don't be too upset about all of the chocolate you'll be eating; chocolate isn't bad for us. New research has been shown that chocolate can be part of a healthy diet!

Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine.
Fact: Eating chocolate may perk you up, it actually is not very high in caffeine. A 1.4 ounce chocolate bar or 8 ounce glass of chocolate milk both contain 6 mg of caffeine. That's the same amount as a cup of decaffeinated coffee.

Myth: Chocolate is bad for your cholesterol.
Fact: Research has shown that stearic acid, the main saturated fat found in milk chocolate, doesn't raise ol levels the same way that other types of saturated fats do. In fact, eating a 1.4 ounce chocolate bar instead of a carbohyfrated-rich snack can increase HDL (good) cholesterol.

Myth: Chocolate lacks any mutritional value.
Fact: Chocolate is a good source of magnesium, copper, iron, & zinc. It also contains antioxidants that are found in tea & red wine that decrease risk of coronary disease. A daily serving of dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure & improve insulin resistance according to a joint study between Tufts Unicersity in Boston & the Unicersity of L'Aquila in Italy.

Myth: Chocolate cause cavities.
Fact: Candy alone is not responsible for cavities. They are formed when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugars & starches from any type of food.

Myth: Chocolate causes acme.
Fact: Eating chocolate all day everyday for months will definitely give you acne. Eating unhealthy, greasy foods on a regular bacis will give you acne. Chocolate every now & than will not give you acne.

Chocolate's bad reputation is slowly changing & research now shows that chocolate can be a part of an overall healthy lifestyle; when in moderation!

Valentine's Day Nails

2012-02-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm not all that big on the big V-day. But I do love painting my nails for the fun occation! Check out this Valentine's Day Nail Round up to get inspired!

Happy Friday!

Lip Exfoliator

2012-02-07T13:47:00.001-07:00

Why is is important to exfoliate your lips?
Just like exfoliating the other sink on your face, it sluffs off all of the dry, dead skin which makes applying lip-stick easier. It;s important to keep lips hydrated & smooth, especially in these winter months. Work on your skin in the winter preps your skin for the summer!
Thanks Shana & Elisabeth from Fox & Doll Makeup for the awesome DIY!

Beauty Blogs Coun.

2012-02-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

List of blogs that I have found & loved, thanks to Shape!

SAPNA OF MY STYLE BELL

My Style Bell is different from the rest of thebeauty blogs in that it focuses entirely on hair. If you ever had questions about hair, say, for example, you were wondering why you'd ever want to put cornstarch in your hair, well, My Style Bell has the answer (yes, even to that question!).

SHANNON NELSON OF A GIRL'S GOTTA SPA!

Social media consultant Shannon knows the beauty industry from both the perspective of the consumer and the business, and she brings knowledge about both to her blog, A Girl's Gotta Spa!. Her tagline says, "Because we all deserve a little pampering." We agree!

ANNIE OF BLOGDORF GOODMAN

Blogdorf Goodman is a "mishmash of beautyproduct reviews, musings on fashion and swooning over fragrances," according to webmaster Annie. Whatever you call it, we love it!

KATHRYN OF THE BUDGET FASHIONISTA

If you're like us (or, okay, maybe just me) and you need some help understanding the low-down of online coupons, sample sales and awesome deals, then The Budget Fashionistamight be able to help you out.

AMBER OF BEAUTY JUNKIES UNITE

Beauty Junkies Unite is a haven for all things "beauty-full." Run by Amber, who's a beauty-industry expert, this blog features all kinds of product giveaways, reviews and reader opinions on the best beauty products out there.

CHRISTINE OF 15-MINUTE BEAUTY FANATIC

Christine of 15-Minute Beauty Fanatic is just a "high-maintenance girl in search of an easierbeauty routine." An easier beauty routine? We can definitely support that!

MARIA OF BEAUTY IS WITHIN

Beauty is Within is a beauty and fashion blog dedicated to helping women strike that perfect balance between their inner beauty and outer beauty.

JEN OF MY BEAUTY BUNNY

My Beauty Bunny is an award-winning blog that focuses on finding the best cruelty-freebeauty products and cosmetics from all around the globe.

TRISHA OF MAKEUP FILES

Trisha writes makeup and product reviews, provides tips and tricks, and is always up-to-date on the latest trends at the Makeup Files. If you need beauty how-tos or inspiration, she's your girl!

ADRIENNE AND STEPHANIE OF HOW TO BE A REDHEAD

Adrienne and Stephanie, the sisters who runHow to Be a Redhead decided that when they couldn't find a beauty community for natural-born redheads like themselves, they'd start one! Not a redhead? That's okay! You don't have to be in order to enjoy the makeup tips and tricks, interviews and fun fashion news and trends.

CARLEEN PRUESS COULTER OF GIRL GLOSS

Attorney by day, beauty expert by night, Carleen Pruess Coulter knows what it feels like to be a beauty addict. She's a self-proclaimed lip balm addict herself. Her site,Girl Gloss focuses on "lipstick, makeup, gloss and bling," and includes weekly news round-ups, as well as information on differentfragrances and various natural and organic products.

KAREN OF THE MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG

Karen, "your friendly neighborhood beautyaddict," brings you polls, products and the latest in beauty news at The Makeup and Beauty Blog. She also sometimes posts random pictures of her cat, Tabs, and of RyanGosling.

SARA OF THE DAILY POLISH

365 days of nail polish, 24 hours, 7 days a week perfectly describes The Daily Polish. The Daily Polish tests out a new nail polish every day (yup, really), and provides pictures of what they look like.

NICKI OF FUTURE DERM

Nicki is a medical student who aims to provide clear, well-researched information about beauty and skincare from a different perspective from most in the blogosphere. Her site, Future Derm, recently expanded to include information on fashion and style, nutrition and fitness, and personal health.

AMBER OF BEAUTY BLOGGING JUNKIE
Amber Katz, of The Beauty Blogging Junkie mixes beauty and pop culture news and references in her blog to bring you updates, trends and fashion.

CARLA AND LAURIE OF PRODUCT GIRL

Carla and Laurie of Product Girl bring you everything that has to do with beauty--nail polish, eye makeup, lipstick, you name it, they've tried, tested and reviewed it!

I'm Back!/ Hair Myths

2012-01-31T14:17:00.001-07:00

I am a terrible blogger. I have a hard enough time writing on our blog, let alone this one. I have been finding lots of cool articles & how-to's that I have lots of post to catch up on! Thank you for being patient with me!

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I am a big sucker on myths. If someone says that it works, I believe them!!! Until I try it out & I am disappointed. No one likes to be disappointed. I found some truths about some hair myths through Yahoo the other day (love yahoo!) & I thought that I would share them with you today!

Myth #1: Slather on mayonnaise and olive oil to deep condition your hair.

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While kitchen staples like mayo and olive oil do contain moisturizing properties, adding heaping handfuls of the stuff to your locks isn't the ticket to silky hair. "The success of this treatment depends on the type and texture of your hair," says Doug DiCanio, a stylist at Blow in New York City. "If your hair is fine, limp or sparse, you'll see a greasy or heavy result. But if you have thick, coarse and extremely dry hair, mayo and olive oil can be a low-cost alternative to deep conditioning treatments, so long as you apply them correctly." He suggests distributing one tablespoon of either ingredient into clean, damp hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then thoroughly rinse with a gentle cleansing shampoo.

Myth #2: You have to constantly change up your shampoo and conditioner in order to get great results.

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If your tried-and-true shampoo and conditioner don't seem to be working as well as they used to, don't rush out to pick up new brands. Contrary to popular belief, hair doesn't "get used to" products-build-up and residue is usually to blame for lackluster locks. "Some shampoos and conditioners can leave behind residue, which might make it difficult to see results over the long term," says DiCanio. "Use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to remove excess build-up in your hair, and you should be able to see continued great results from your favorite products."

Myth #3: Cutting your hair will make it grow faster.

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While regular trims are a great way to keep your hair healthy, monthly snips won't turn you into Rapunzel. "On average, hair grows about half an inch every month regardless of whether or not you trim it," says Jenny Cho, a stylist for Suave Professionals. "While cutting ends will prevent damage and encourage stronger, healthier hair, it doesn't tell the roots to grow faster." However, healthy hair may appear longer, since it's free from dry, damaged and broken ends. So visiting your salon every eight to 12 weeks is still the key to maintaining healthy, long locks.

Myth #4: You can't dye your hair while pregnant.

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According to Amy Burkett, MD, ob-gyn residency director at Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio, no studies have conclusively proven hair dye is dangerous to a developing fetus. That said, "In general, pregnant women need to be concerned with what they're exposing their body to. The big concern for me is that some hair products contain formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen that I'd recommend any woman, pregnant or not, steer clear of." Formaldehyde will be noted on a product's ingredients list, so to be safe, choose a dye that doesn't contain it, opting instead for one that has as many natural ingredients as possible, such as henna-based dyes. If you go to the salon for color, ask your stylist what ingredients are in your hair dye, and see if there's a more natural option to pursue. (Note: Formaldehyde can also be found in Brazilian blow outs, a hair-straightening treatment.) Although none of Dr. Burkett's patients-including hair dressers-have ever experienced hair dye-related complications, to be cautious she recommends avoiding all hair dye during the first trimester of pregnancy, since that is when a fetus's basic neurological development occurs.

Myth #5: If you have greasy hair, skip conditioner.

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According to DiCanio, greasy hair is caused by the overproduction of sebum, a waxy, oily substance that comes from the tissues of the scalp-so skipping conditioner altogether is not going to cure the problem. Instead, she recommends those with greasy locks to "shampoo the roots with a clarifying shampoo and the ends with a moisturizing shampoo. Apply conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair only, steering clear of the scalp." Once your hair is dry, applying dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil. Since oil deposits can build up on styling tools and redistribute them throughout your hair, DiCanio also recommends keeping your brush clean by occasionally using a fine-toothed comb to remove the hair that can get stuck in its teeth. To remove oil and build up, dip both your brush and comb into a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of shampoo, rinse with warm water and let dry face down.

Myth #6: Always comb your hair from top to bottom.

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Though nearly every hair commercial features women brushing their locks from the roots downward, combing wet hair in this manner can actually cause breakage. Avoid snapping strands by combing your hair from bottom to top instead. "Start at the ends and work your way up," suggests Cho. "This will put less stress on your hair than if you started at the top and had to pull downwards to detangle a massive knot." Use your other hand to hold onto the hair above the knot you're detangling so that the pressure doesn't pull the hair from the roots, which could cause hair loss.

Myth #7: All hair grows at the same rate.

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Ever wondered why the perfect symmetry of a fresh haircut never lasts? According to Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and president emeritus of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, "Hair grows at different rates on every part of the body, including on your scalp. Hair goes through three phases of growth, and each area of your body has different phase times." While there's nothing you can do to even out your hair growth times, regular trims will keep your style looking consistent.

Myth #8: Nothing will ever change the natural texture of your hair.

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Baffled by why your naturally stick-straight hair has suddenly turned wavy? According to Dr. Schlessinger, hair texture is not set in stone. "It has to do with the length of its growth cycle, nutrition and medications. While the actual hairs we have are technically dead, the scalp and hair root are not. Medications affect the strength of the hair root and can lead to curling or color changes. Additionally, they can weaken the root, eventually leading to hair loss, as happens with chemotherapy." Stress, age and hormones may also play a role in how your hair texture behaves, turning thick hair thin, or coarse hair fine.

Hope you enjoyed reading!

Wrinkle Fighting Foods

2011-11-10T13:47:00.000-07:00

Dr. Drew from Life Changers on Yahoo Health talks about wrinkly fighting foods that are most likely already in your kitchen! Well not in mine but I'm sure in everyone else's ;)

Egg whites contains B-complex vitamins that can help tighten your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. For a quick facial before a night on the town, beat 2 egg whites together, apply a dab under each eyelid, massage and let sit for 30 minutes. Wash your face with cool water, pat dry and you're ready to go!

This antioxidant-packed oil is found in sunscreens and moisturizers, but to maximize its full potential, use it in its purest form! Combine virgin coconut oil with a few drops of vitamin E oil and apply before you go to bed. Your skin will actually regenerate overnight!

This tropical fruit contains powerful enzymes that moisturize the skin and kill dead skin cells! Chop up a couple of slices, lay back and let that powerful juice seep into your skin for 10 –15 minutes.

The strong exfoliating properties in the acidic juice help fade wrinkles by killing off dead cells from the skin’s outer layers. Apply a small amount of juice (the size of a quarter), and watch your skin instantly soften! Lemon juice is also a great remedy for drying up pimples!

Pumpkin seeds (or pepitas) are not only a yummy treat to snack on, the vitamin E in them encourages the formation of collagen and free radicals, restoring the health of your skin cells. Try crushing up a handful, mixed with a teaspoon of olive oil, for a moisturizing and soothing facial!

An apple a day keeps, not only the doctor away, also the wrinkles away! Green apple juice is loaded with an array of vitamins and contains acids that help gently exfoliate your skin. Blend a few green apple slices with two tablespoons of honey, one tablespoon of plain yogurt (a great skin cleanser) and leave on for about 20 minutes. Your skin will feel refreshed and you’ll smell good too!

It's no secret avocado is rich in vitamin E! These creamy fruits contain at least 14 minerals essential for skin care, and pack a hydrating, healing and nourishing punch! Combine 1 egg yolk, half of an avocado and 1 tablespoon of honey for a healing mask -- leave on your skin for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. For an extra deep cleanse, first wash and exfoliate your skin with an egg white or green apple juice!

Papaya is another tropical fruit that fights the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes! Its plentiful supply of potassium, fiber, folate and magnesium promotes smooth, radiant skin that helps reduce signs of aging! Blend 2 tablespoons of papaya pulp with a spoonful of dry oatmeal to make a wrinkle-reducing mask, apply and leave on for about 10 minutes to watch this superfood work its magic on your skin!

Beauty Blogs

2011-11-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

I love finding new blogs! There are so many out there! My favorite are beauty blogs! I've only gotten started with mine & honestly I'm okay if it doesn't go anywhere, but my fingers are always crossed ;) Shape shared some of their favorite beauty blogs; here are a few!

KRISTINA OF PRETTY SHINY SPARKLY

Pretty, Shiny, Sparkly is run by Kristina, the "everygirl," who's not 5'9 and slender, rather she's "5'2 with kankles." She takes the latest and greatest fashion trends and pares them down for everyday wear.

TAMMY OF A MOM IN RED HIGH HEELS
Tammy covers everything beauty and fashion and does it all in heels! Her goal with A Mom in Red High Heels is to help moms realize that they don't have to give up their favorite beauty routines even if they've got no time. Plus, if you send her a picture of yourself in red high heels, she'll feature you on the site!

JULIA OF ALL ABOUT THE PRETTY
Whether it's information on beauty, travel, orfood and wine you're searching for, Julia of All About the Pretty has it! With an emphasis on fashion and beauty, All About the Pretty's sure to make all you beauty junkies out there happy!

JESSICA AND THE TEAM AT LOVELYISH
Lovelyish is a blog about beauty, fashion andmakeup. Run by a small editorial team of 20something women in the U.S., the site also has a sister site in Hong Kong, and a syndication program with other beauty and fashion bloggers to bring you the latest and greatest in new and original content.

Wow, I can't wait to go check them all out!
Which blogs are your favorite?

Fight Dry Skin

2011-11-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

How to battle dry skin from coast to coast

By Sarah Bernard | The Thread – Wed, Nov 2, 2011 3:46 PM EDT

No matter where you live, Dr. Airan’s most important tip for battling dry skin is this: Take short luke-warm showers. The get-in-and-get-out approach will keep your skin from losing hydration. And here are her more specific tips according to which region of the country you’re in:

Northeast

Winter means a drop in humidity and, for many, lots of time spent indoors in dry heat. A humidifier can do wonders to rehydrate skin and mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. Dr. Airan also recommends some moisture multi-tasking. While you’re in the shower, use a moisturizing body wash to lock moisture into your skin the way a cream rinse locks moisture into your hair.

Southeast

Residents here experience extreme daily temperature variation. Dr. Airan recommends wearing moisture-packed sunblock even in winter to battle uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.

Deep South

This region's states have the gentlest climate, skin-wise, because the air is not as dry. Because of the consistent humidity, though, Dr. Airan suggests moisturizers with a quick dry-down time so your skin won't feel greasy.

Midwest

When you experience intensely cold winters, as Dr. Airan notes, you can’t moisturize enough. Go with the heaviest cream you can to replenish all the water your skin will be losing.

Southwest

The temperatures may be on the warm side, but the air here is extremely dry. In addition to slathering on the cream post-shower, Dr. Airan suggests a moisturizing body wash to double up on the hydration.

California

Year-round sunblock is a must. A humidifier is a great idea to add some moisture to the (mostly) dry air. Dr. Airan recommends changing the weight or your moisturizer— from light to heavy— during winter season.

Pacific Northwest

Because the area gets a lot of rain, and therefore a lot of humid air, a heavy moisturizer may never dry on your skin. Dr. Airan suggests a lightweight formulation even if it means re-applying several times a day.

These are all great tips! Growing up in the South & now living in the Midwest, my skin is having a hard time adjusting. It being that time of the year, I need to stock up on the lotions!
Happy Monday!!!

Weekly Pinterest!

2011-11-04T13:40:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's Friday again?! Man, time really is flying & I'm not sure if that's a good thing either. I hope you week has been full of wonder! Here is what I found wonderful on Pinterest!

I love Adele! Her music & her eye make-up! Pinned

I'm a girl so of course I love lace! I just wish I could find this dress! Pinned

I did this & it made amazing curls in my hair! nice & easy! Pinned

Hope you have a great weekend planned!

Shape's Top 5 Foods for Beautiful Skin

2011-11-02T11:30:00.000-06:00

I get emails for Shape Magazine. They have awesome stuff on there! Seeing how the next couple of holidays are full of food, here is an article of some food that will actually do some good!

Top 5 Foods For Beautiful Skin

By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD

The old phrase 'you are what you eat' is literally true. Every one of your cells is crafted from and maintained by a broad spectrum of nutrients - and skin, the body’s largest organ, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of what and how you eat. That’s why it’s not just what you put on your skin but what you put in your belly that counts. Here are five common skin conditions and the healthy foods that fight them:

Skin Condition: Wrinkles 
Food RX: tomatoes cooked with olive oil 
A recent study found that tomato paste and olive oil boosts pro-collagen, a molecule that gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm and youthful. Scientists think that lycopene, an antioxidant in tomatoes is the key. It’s at its highest when tomatoes have been cooked, and olive oil boosts its absorption from your digestive system into your bloodstream. A perfect way to take advantage of the combo is to stock up on sundried tomato pesto. You can toss it with fresh baby spinach leaves or steamed broccoli for an instant side dish, or serve it as a dip with crudites as a simple appetizer.

Skin Condition: Cellulite
Food RX: Fatty fish like wild salmon or sardines
Fish won't make cellulite disappear, but it may help a bit. Fatty fish provide good fats called omega-3s, which form cell membranes. The stronger the membranes, the better your cells can hold moisture, which means plumper cells to mask the bumpy appearance of cellulite. For dinner, add chopped sardines to a Mediterranean dish of whole wheat penne and veggies sautéed in garlic-infused extra-virgin olive oil, or for lunch top a garden salad with hot or chilled wild salmon.

Skin Condition: Ezcema
Food RX: yogurt and kefir 
Both foods are rich in probiotics, the “friendly” bacteria linked to better digestion, stronger immunity and a reduction in skin sensitivity and inflammation, including ezcema. Both make a perfect protein-packed base for muselix or fruit smoothies. The same bacteria are used to make soy and coconut milk yogurt and kefir, so you can still reap the benefits, even if you have to avoid dairy.

Skin Condition: Sunburn
Food RX: Dark Chocolate
In a recent study researchers asked 24 women to drink a high-flavonoid cocoa drink or a placebo. The women who drank the placebo didn’t experience any additional protection from the sun, but those who sipped the higher-flavonoid drink suffered 15 to 20 percent less sunburn. Don’t ditch your sunscreen, but bolster its effects with a few daily squares of dark (70 percent or more) chocolate. It’s also been shown to reduce blood pressure, increase the “good” and lower the “bad” cholesterol and give you the same euphoric feeling as being in love (all reasons why I made a Daily Dark Chocolate Escape a mandatory part of the healthy weight loss plan in my newest book). 

Skin Condition: Dandruff
Food RX: Green Tea (but not to drink)
Topically, green tea can help naturally exfoliate a dry flaky scalp without dehydrating the skin, and a recent study found that it also works to slow the overgrowth of cells that cause flakes and itching. Steep two bags of green tea in 1 cup of hot water for at least 20 minutes. Once it has cooled, massage it right into your scalp then rinse (note: if your hair is color treated talk to your stylist before giving this a try!).

Cynthia Sass is a registered dietitian with master's degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on national TV she's a SHAPE contributing editor and nutrition consultant to the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Rays. Her latest New York Times best seller is Cinch! Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds and Lose Inches.

Happy Wednesday!

Owning Your Awesome!

2011-10-31T09:27:00.000-06:00

Owning Your Awesome: It's Not Conceited

August 24, 2011 9:24 am by Bonnie Crowder in Health

BLOGHER ORIGINAL POST

When I was about nine –- the age my daughter is now –- I was told I was fat. Which was untrue, actually, but which quite literally scarred me for life. My own mother tried to teach me how to not hate myself, but she didn't walk the walk as they say, and I learned, through her actions, how not to love Me.

And then when I was about 20, I joined an Internet forum focused on weight loss, but this wasn't your typical weight-loss forum. These people were the first to teach me how to love myself. I learned to see my body as more than just a Thing to look at. I began to understand how much it does for me every day, much of it without me ever noticing it. My strong legs carry me up the hills I hike. My arms toss my children onto the bed, giggling. My lungs breathe, my heart beats, my digestive system does its stuff. My body is, literally, my life. My body is kind of awesome.

And so when I had my babies and my body was so changed, I struggled with the conflicting emotions of being proud of how well it had carried and nourished them and being ashamed of how I looked. And, of course, The Shape of a Mother was born.

When my children grew old enough to hear and understand me, I made a commitment to not let them hear me badmouth myself. Funny thing (or, you know, not funny) is how much difference just that little thing made in how I felt about the way I looked. How can you possibly come to a place where you love yourself if you are abusing yourself daily? You can't.

Over the last few years, with a lot of spiritual and personal work, I think I've come to the conclusion that love of your physical self is only a part of the picture. It represents your deeper love of your inner self. True self-love is not possible without digging deep and acknowledging and accepting and learning to love your whole You. In addition to my previous rule about quitting the self-abuse, I began talking to myself as though I were talking to a friend -- lovingly. Funny thing (or, you know, not funny) is that it worked. It's not just my body –- on the whole I am kind of awesome.

Which beings me to something I am struggling with now in this journey to Complete Self-Love: Owning my Awesome. I've been taught, as I imagine most women have, to not be conceited. It's not considered attractive to admit to loving yourself. The reason for this is that our culture works the way it does on certain unwritten rules and those rules are best enforced by keeping people feeling low enough that they comply. For every woman in the world to suddenly stand up and Own her Beauty –- and I mean truly and deeply OWN it –- would cause major shifting in society. And that's kind of really scary. I believe in something I like to call the collective subconscious. In other words, the subconscious of everyone in our culture working together for the good of the culture without even realizing it. Unfortunately what's best for society is not necessarily best for us as individuals. And to take a stand and do what's best for you -- in this case Owning your Awesome -- is really damn scary.

Luckily we have the Internet.

Own Your Beauty this year has been incredible. A formidable force of women bucking those bullshit rules and Owning their Awesome. Owning their Beauty. Their full, deep, powerful, awesome beauty.

Funny thing (or, you know, not funny) is that just by being here, just by reading and participating and thinking and doing the Work, I've come so much farther on my path to Full Self-Love than I have in years gone by. I think it's because of you. Because we reflected on our inner and outer selves together. Because we analyzed why we do and say things to ourselves together. Because we looked in the mirror and decided to stop hating ourselves together. Because we Owned our Beauty together. You were fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. And you know what? So was I.

Oh Bonnie, that was beautifully said! I know I struggle in loving myself/ my body now, what's going to happen when I become pregnant & become a mother?! Better start learning how now! Thank you again!

Weekly Pinterest!

2011-10-28T18:40:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday ladies! Let's get you ready for a wonderful Halloween weekend!
What are some of your favorite pins?

The no make-up look, with make-up. Pinned

It's getting colder here so I love layers! & the bag! Pinned

A fancy half-up do that takes no time at all! Pinned

Image Skincare for Men

2011-10-27T12:18:00.000-06:00

Image posted an article about basic skincare for men. They care about their appearance too, they just don't admit it ;)

Basic Skincare for Men

Does your man’s skincare regimen measure up to his professional need to look his best? Let’s face it, in this economy every little detail matters whether your guy is looking for new opportunities or solidifying his job security. His personal appearance plays an important role in how others perceive his energy, credibility, and trustworthiness.

In order to maintain their edge, guys of all ages are interested in taking care of themselves and indulging in image enhancing products, gadgets and treatments – even if they pretend not to! But since they are still men, they are impatient and less likely to grasp the concept of maintenance routines. In fact they generally prefer to get it over with in one shot.

If the image he presents at work is important to your guy, then getting it over with in one shot isn’t going to do. Let’s look at some options for the basics.

Although men have thicker skin (didn’t we all know that ladies!)- approximately 0.5mm thicker than women’s, it is also oilier, with larger exposed pores, and more of a tendency to break out in a sweat. Therefore, using deodorant soaps directly on the face is a practice men should avoid, as this might irritate their skin and leave a residue. Men should try a cleanser that will leave their skin feeling fresh and clean.

Skin that gets shaved on a regular basis has a whole host of other problems – like red bumps, ingrown hairs and dry patches. For these instances, men should remember that razor burn or cuts can be reduced by using a good cleanser, a good quality scrub every couple of days and a softening shave cream with a sharp razor, followed by a soothing moisturizer. Of course changing the blades regularly is also vital.

The problem of shine can be addressed by using a good toner. The advice of beauty editors is for men to use a weekly treatment product containing salicylic acid. Keep in mind that, if they are willing to go just one step further, adding a toner can reduce pore size, control oil slicks, and help avoid nasty ingrown hairs. Guys do need to be mindful of not using a product that’s too harsh, as it will strip away essential oils when the skin is most vulnerable.

While the same basics of skincare apply to both men and women, without a doubt men are definitely taking more notice of what’s looking back at them in the mirror these days.

How does your man’s skincare routine measure up?

Could he use some more encouragement or does he surprise you with the amount of effort he makes taking care of his appearance on a regular basis?

I know my husband only uses shampoo for his face (a big no no!) Hopefully I can change that habit. One step at a time!

Dollar Store vs. Name Brands

2011-10-26T12:12:00.000-06:00

Wow, I am so sorry that I haven't posted. I have been so busy with so many things. My house finally got cleaned in who knows how long lol A big thank you to those of you (artsy-fartsy & my sister-in-law) who participated in my link party! It was a lot of fun seeing your painted nails!
Speaking of nails; I saw this article on Dollar Store Crafts about Name Brand polish vs. Dollar Store polish. Enjoy!

How Do My Dollar Store Nail Polish Finds Compare to Name Brand Nail Polishes?

by Megan, Razberriez

Have you ever thought that dollar store nail polishes could be just as good as the salon brand? I recently went to the dollar store to find some new colors, and even some that I thought looked similar to the ones I already owned. I happened to be very surprised with the results, and actually loved some of the colors. Switch it up, go check out to dollar store instead of the your normal store. You be will amazed at what you find!

L.A Colors Color Craze - Sea Siren

This first polish I chose, was actually the one that caught my eye first. It made it say " Wow, that is such a pretty color". All it is, is a medium toned-blue with a slight sheen to it. I feel like it is in between a matte and high-shine finish. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the formula was to work with, similar to OPI's. The blue polish glided on with ease and left me with a nice even finish. The only con I found, was the drying time. It took forever to finish drying and I ended up getting a few ding marks. This definitely was a great buy, for only $1 and I would recommend checking them out. Rating: A-

Simply Irresistible -Dawn

This raspberry pink color definitely struck me as one perfect for the toes. It has a jelly-like formula and I found it went on a little thick. I needed 3 generous coats for it to become fully opaque, but looked great after it was done. This is not necessarily the easiest polish to work with, but I wouldn't give it a total thumbs-down.Rating: B

LA Colors Color Craze- Aqua Crystals

Blue glittery nail polishes tend to always catch my eye. When I caught sight of this little guy (or girl I guess?), it reminded me of one of my new China Glaze polishes. Aqua Crystals is a beautiful teal glitter with a sheer blue base, perfect for layering over any shade of blue. Again, drying time was an issue, but if you use thin coats, it isn't that bad. Rating: A-

Covergirl - Fireworks & Crushed Ice

This glittery duo is an amazing deal, when you consider you are getting 2 versatile nail polishes for $1. Let's start off with the clear polish that has the silver, hexagonal glitter and a hint of red shimmer in it. I would use this over top on another nail polish, either on one finger as an accent, or on all 10. The second one, a sheer silver polish would be great for designs. I find it is too thin to use alone, ( 5-6 coats ), yet too opaque to use on another color. Rating: Polish #1: A Polish #2: B+

LA Colors Art Deco - Silver

I was so happy to see these thin tip polishes at the dollar store! They had so many different colors, textures, and basic glitters to choose from. I chose the silver one, mainly because I figured it was one of the most versatile shades, next to white and black. You can use this to make flowers, stripes, dots, whatever you want! This may become my new place to buy them, as I am currently paying $5 for 3 of these at a local store.Rating: A+

Overall, I would say that this was a success! I was very impressed at some of the little gems I found hidden in the dollar store! I would definitely check out the L.A Colors brand, as I want to go back and try out some more of their colors.

Thank you Megan! I found this so interesting. I just bought some Essie nail polish at Wal*Mart. $7.25! That's alil ridiculous so maybe I will start looking at the dollar store for my beauty products!
What did you think of the article? Do you go for the no-names or brand names?

Nails Linking Party!

2011-10-01T12:18:00.003-06:00

I love painting my nails! I change them up almost every week. I also like to do something different on one finger; exp: paint all my nails one color than my ring finger black, doing a design on one nail, paint two colors on one nail. It's cute & simple & not way out there.
I did this a few weeks ago.

Now, for this party, I painted my toe nails! If you hate feet, go ahead & scroll down to the party. Yes, I do have a stumpy baby toe. I got my long toes from my dad & my baby toe from my mom. Thanks guys!
I forgot to take a picture of the nail polish I used but here is what they are....

Baby Blue by love & beauty, Panda-Monium Pink by OPI, & Licorice by essie

You want to start off by cleaning, trimming, filing, & buffing your nails.

Sorry about the band-aid, there are more on my other foot.

Time for the base coat!

Having a base coast is important so that the nail polish, especially the darker colors, don't stain the nail.

Now apply your base color.

If it takes more than one coat, that's fine. This color took two coats.

Now because I'll be doing a little design on my big toe, I went ahead & put a top coat on my little toes. If you don't care for a design, go ahead & put a top coat on your big toe & your done!

Before you do the design on your toe/s, let your base color dry completely. I painted my toes before I went to work; than during my lunch, I painted the design one.

I took an orange stick to place the dots. You can use anything like a sewing pin or a pen. Use anything but the bush that came with the nail polish. You'll end up with more than you want. My dots were done with OPI's Panda-Monium Pink (where do they come up with their names?!)

I let the pink dry a bit before I did the same with essis's color, Licorice.

I didn't make the black dots perfect circles but deformed them a little. It'll look more like the real thing if it's not perfect!

Last but not lest, the top coat. The top coat is prevent the color from chipping & to give a even shine on the nail.
Let the design dry first or you could ruin the whole thing. the base & top coat used was OPI's Start to Finish.

If you wanted to use stickers; paint the base coat & color, place the sticker, apply the top coat. If you wanted to use glitter; apply the base coat & color, before you let the color dry, apply the glitter! Than apply a thick top coat.

There you go! A how-to paint your nails & a how-to do a Leopard Print design! I feel a fun color or design can really make your outfit. Hope you have fun painting your nails! Now link up & show me what you've done to your nails! The party will close Sunday night so hurry!

Painting Your Nails

2011-09-28T12:12:00.001-06:00

I posted the other day about painting nails & asked about what design you like doing. Well I thought that I would have a link party at the end of the week so that I can see you did!
You can get some great ideas from Jelly's Nails & Miss Kandee.

Source

You can paint your finger nails, toe nails, your daughter's, husband's, or niece's nails; as long as you post about it with a picture & come back to link it up!
The party will either be on Friday or Saturday this week so go buy nail polish & get painting!

Leopard Print

2011-09-26T09:39:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday readers!
Hope you had a great weekend! I will be very busy with planning a baby shower, trip with my mom, the Bazaar at the salon, Halloween, my dad coming into town, my list is becoming forever long! So if i don't post everyday (I've been doing so well), I'm sorry!
Put I am excited to show you this! I am dying to try this the next time I paint my nails.

sours

Over at Jelly's Nails, Jessie is a master at painting nails! I love everything that she dose. Tips, tricks, & my favorite, designs. I'll be doing the Leopard Print on my nails this week; what is a design that you wanna do?!

Weekly Pinterest

2011-09-23T13:36:00.000-06:00

Good Friday all!!! Hope you have had a wonderful week! Mine didn't end quite so well last night & I'm still pretty upset about it today. Oh well, I'll be going to the BYU game tonight with the hubby & some old childhood friends! I will make sure it ends on a good note!
Speaking of good notes, it's time for a Pinterest post! Here are my favorites for this week; what are yours?

30 beauty tips from Shape.com. The tips are real & simple. Pinned here.

Fall is in the air here in Utah & I just love the strips on strips combo! Pinned.

I just love the fishtail braid. Who knew it was so simple! Pinned.

This is what I did this week, what did you have going on?
Happy Friday!

Defining Eyebrows

2011-09-21T10:39:00.000-06:00

My poor eyebrows. They are terrible. Not because of waxing or anything; they are poorly shaped but that's not what this post is about. This post is how I fix them with makeup! There is a wonderful video on youtube from Kandee Johnson! If you have not heard of her, you are missing out! Go to her site here & check out her youtube channel here.

The video I'm talking about is this one!

I love Kandee!

Okay so I am being brave enough to show you my eyebrows lol I took a picture before I put makeup on & deleted it! No way am I showing anyone that yet!

Before

After

Yes, it does take a lot of work to look & feel beautiful & confident for me. But that is one of my secrets!
Happy Hump Day!

Hoo Are You?

2011-09-20T08:56:00.001-06:00

Okay, so this new little segment that I wanna start doing is mainly for people who craft. But I wanna give you, my readers, a chance to really get to know me! I obviously have an "About Me" page, but I have no idea what to write on there! I am not a fan of talking about myself. So I thought that this might help!

1. What are your 3 favorite things about fall?
I love wearing hoodies &; socks! It's the idea of being comfy & cozy. Making all of the fall foods like pumpkin cookies & apple pies; yes, baking is my favorite! Also the holidays in this season; Halloween & Thanksgiving.

2. Are you a football fan and if so who is your favorite team?
Being raised with all boys & having a sports fanatic as a husband, you better believe I watch & love football! Also being from the Lone-Star state, it's Texas all the way baby! The Longhorns for college & the Dallas Cowboys for the NFL!

3. What is your favorite fall scent?
Cinnamon, duh

4. Do you have seasonal allergies?
Luckily I don't. Never have. But I hear things like that can change with being pregnant; but luckily I wont experience that for quite some time.

5. Have you started Christmas shopping yet?
I'm suppose to start that?!?! Whoops, I had better start planning!

Head on over to Night Owl Crafting & join the fun!

Hope your week has started off right!

Home-made Pumpkin Mask

2011-09-19T20:52:00.000-06:00

If you are in Utah like me or in any of the Northern states, it's getting to be that time of the year! The time where the leaves start to change, the weather is getting cooler & cooler, the smells oh the smells! It's also the time of the year for pumpkins! This year you'll have one more reason to use them. Yes you can still make those pumpkin cookies & pies, but now you can use it for something good, as a beauty mask!

Photo credit: Simon Blackley

Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which is very healing to the skin and is essential to maintain and repair skin tissue. Vitamin A also helps reduce lines and wrinkles. Try out this pumpkin face mask recipe thanks to author and parenting expert Erika Katz from Bonding Over Beauty:

Pumpkin Face Mask
2 tsp canned pureed pumpkin
1/2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp heavy whipping cream
Mix all ingredients and apply to face. Leave on for 10 min and rinse

The honey in the recipe acts as a humectant. The whipping cream moisturizes and helps flaky skin. It’s almost good enough to eat!

READ MORE OF ASHLEY’S WRITING AT LIL BLUE BOO.

FOLLOW ASHLEY ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK.

Hope this has given you new ideas like it has me! I really need to go buy pumpkin now!
Happy reading!

Weekly Pinterest

2011-09-16T11:54:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you had a great week & awesome plans for the weekend! It's my husbands birthday tomorrow so we're definitely celebrating... after we both get off work lol
Here are some of my favorite from Pinterest this week!

101 tips that every girl should keep in mind! Pinned.

Can someone please, please, please tell me where I can buy each of these?! Pinned.

I am in a serious debate of cutting my bangs again. This are my favorite. What do you think? Pinned.

Never been to Pinterest?? Tell me & I'mm send you an invite for it!

Make someone smile today!

At-home Micro

2011-09-15T17:21:00.001-06:00

source

On Monday after I had cleaned the whole house (which isn't that big) I had decided that I would try the DIY Microderm. I had gotten microdermabrasion at school ll the time; but since I've been out, I haven't gotten it done once! Sad, I know.
I had noticed that my skin was rough & flaky in a few spots. So I got in the shower & did my normal routine. Put shampoo in my hair, wash my body, wash my face, rinse! I figured that it'd be better to wash my face first to get all the make-up off. Plus that's what you do in a facial anyways, cleanse the face (twice) than the micro. After I put conditioner in my hair, I applied the the baking soda paste to my face. Don't leave it on too long cause I did & it does not feel good. Rinse as soon as your done applying to the enter face. It's Thursday & my face still feels amazing!
I recommend doing this like every other week or once a month!

OPI Fall Line

2011-09-14T11:57:00.000-06:00

OPI nail polish has come out with there new fall line, Touring America! I just love the new line! I need to find out where it's being sold & buy them all!
On facebook, OPI shared a link from Scrangie who gave a review for all of the colors on the line! I will do the same! I'm not going to post her post or anything like that. Don't want to get in trouble or step on anyones toes! The link in here & her blog is here!
So far my favorite color is French Quarter For Your Thoughts.

Hope you enjoy the review!

Important Manicure & Pedicure Info

2011-09-13T08:43:00.001-06:00

Found this article on Yahoo the other day & thought it smart to share. Wish I read this before my last pedicure, cause it wasn't so pleasant. :(

9 Things Your Nail Technician Wants to Tell You

by Brynn Mannino

9 Things Your Nail Technician Wants to Tell You

You probably drop by the local nail salon regularly to get your hands and feet buffed and polished, but have you ever wondered what your nail tech really thinks about your unshaved legs, or how you can tell if a salon properly sanitizes their equipment? We enlisted the experts to share the inside scoop on what really goes on behind the scenes at nail salons. Read on to learn little-known facts about what you should expect at your next appointment, as well as the services you’re better off skipping on.

1. Shaving calluses is illegal in most states.
At some nail salons, your pedicurist might offer to shave your calluses with a credo blade (that handheld device that looks like a cross between a razor and a vegetable peeler). But, however tempting the allure of callus-free feet may be, Rosanne Kinley, salon owner and former president of the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, suggests turning down the offer. According to Kinley, any procedure involving a credo blade is considered a medical procedure, which is illegal to perform in a nail salon. Moreover, shaving your calluses will only make them grow back worse. “Your body reacts to your callused skin being removed as it would to any other skin injury—[by growing] new tissue,” says celebrity nail technician and New York State cosmetology test proctor, Patricia Yankee. Not to mention: Calluses protect our feet from daily wear and tear—think high heels and friction caused by walking or jogging—so it’s best to just smooth them with a pumice stone instead of removing them altogether, says Kinley.

2. Don’t shave your legs before a pedicure.
You’ve likely heard the story by now: In 2000, 113 California women made the news after contractingMycobacterium fortuitum—a bacterial infection caught via open wounds that results in purple, pus-filled bumps—from infested pedicure tubs. After some investigation, it was determined that all of the women had something in common: They had shaved their legs before their appointments, creating superficial nicks and wounds that left their skin susceptible to infection. While nail salons are required by law to rinse and disinfect their tubs with hospital-grade solution after every client, it’s a good idea to protect yourself by holding off on shaving until after your appointment. Infections aside, shaving also strips the legs of a thin layer of skin, increasing the chances of irritation caused by perfumed creams or exfoliating beads used by most salons. Nail technicians urge customers to delay shaving until after a pedicure, and insist there’s no reason to be self-conscious about prickly legs. Says Yankee, “I don't even notice whether a client has smooth legs or not! My focus is on caring for the feet, not the legs.”

3. Bringing your own manicuring tools isn’t necessarily safer.
Are you a stickler about toting your own files and cuticle cutters to the salon? If so, you may not be doing yourself any favors. “It’s more likely that someone’s personal tools are more unsanitary than salon ones,” says Kinley. She goes on to explain that after their appointments, customers usually seal their tools back in the bag without sanitizing them, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria—even if it’s just their own. On the other hand, after each client, professional salons are required to scrub their tools with soap and water to remove debris, followed up by a (minimum) 10-minute soak in a hospital-grade sanitizer. If you’d still rather stick to your own tools, Yankee suggests sanitizing them after each use by adhering to the same cleaning routine: Scrub them with soap and water, then soak for at least 10 minutes in a disinfectant solution like Barbicide, which you can get at a professional beauty supply store. If you don’t live near a beauty supply store, she says regular old rubbing alcohol will also do the trick.

4. You should think about forgoing your appointment if…
… you show any signs of infection, such as pain, itching and redness around the nailbed, which is often caused by biting your nails or picking at your cuticles. “Even if the salon is diligent about sanitizing, you can still pick up bacteria or fungus a number of ways,” says Yankee, including from your nail technician’s hands or even from the nail file that was just used on your own feet. (Note: If your nail technician nicks you while cutting your cuticles, that can also leave you susceptible to infection--which is why most dermatologists warn against the procedure.) And anyone who has suffered a nail infection will tell you that the condition is nothing to take lightly: Most cases result in swelling and puss around the nailbed (typical of a bacterial infection) or discoloration of the nailbed (characteristic of a fungal infection), which can spread to the rest of the hand and will require a trip to the doctor. These types of infections typically require a course of oral antibiotics for full recovery—though the infection itself can leave the nail looking disfigured for weeks. And, apart from putting yourself at risk, Yankee also notes that customers should be diligent about self-regulating their visits since “going into a salon with an open wound puts others in danger of picking something up from you.”

5. A 20% tip is usually appropriate.
If you often walk out of the nail salon wondering if you’ve over- or under-tipped, we’ve got the definitive answer for you: “I would say 20% is the golden rule,” says Kinley. And, according to her, that rule applies both at high-end spas and discounted nail salons, which frequently offer a manicure and pedicure package for around $25. “At discount shops, the price is compromised somewhere and it’s usually with products,” she says. For example, they may skimp on the amount of soap they use in the tub water, or on the type of lotion they use to moisturize your legs. Yankee warns that you get what you pay for when you frequent salons that offer package deals; “Contrary to what most people think, a manicure is supposed to last up to 14—not four—days before chipping or becoming dull,” says Yankee, who guarantees her work lasts for at least two weeks. But that’s not to say you can’t tip extra if you have a longtime relationship with your technician or you feel she has gone the extra mile during your appointment. “Many of my clients tip me $20 for a pedicure,” Yankee says, which she charges $30 for.

6. We generally don’t mind if you chat on your phone during your appointment.
At every salon, there’s a Chatty Cathy, and while sometimes that person’s work (or family, or boyfriend) drama is entertaining, at other times it’s disruptive to other clients who are trying to relax, “which could reflect poorly on the salon’s reputation,” says Yankee. However, both experts agree that as long as you keep the conversation short and your voice low, taking a phone call is no big deal, especially considering all the white noise coming from the pedicure thrones, hand dryers and ringing phones. Just remember not to be so engrossed in your conversation that you miss the technician’s cues to switch positions during your mani or pedi.

7. We’re not miracle workers.
“Occasionally, we’ll have a bride come in with chewed up cuticles and mutilated fingernails who expects us to totally transform her hands and feet in an hour,” Yankee says. “But if she’s not doing anything to maintain [her nails] at home, there’s only so much we can do.” The same goes for women who have neglected their toenails all winter and anticipate miracles during their first summer pedicure. Luckily, you don’t have to invest lots of cash in expensive lotions and callus removers to keep your hands and feet in shape between treatments. “Use all your throw-away or leftover [beauty] products,” Yankee suggests. “Scrubs that may be too harsh for your body or regenerative creams that are too oily for your face are perfect for your feet,” she says. If you want to splurge on a quality product, use the money towards a jojoba-based cuticle oil, which keeps everything super moisturized. “Not only will [moisturizing your nails] prevent them from becoming cracked or speckled, but healthy nails hold products longer, so your manicure or pedicure will last,” says Yankee.

8. We’re happy to offer fix-ups—most of the time.
“The most common problem [we see] is people messing up their polish job,” says Yankee. And while technicians understand that accidents can happen on the way to the drying booth, that doesn’t give customers license to be careless. “In addition to taking everything out of your bag that you’ll need to get home smudge-free, take [enough] time to dry your nails,” says Yankee, who says two dryer cycles are usually adequate to dry the top coat of your polish. Or, if you’re really in a rush, use the nail oil, which will make the surface slippery and harder to smudge when you brush up against something. As for the clients who come in later in the week looking for a freebie fix? “As technicians, we can tell if the chipping or mess-up is because of a mistake we made or the client’s fault,” she says. So think again before you try to pawn off your nail biting habit as poor polish quality!

9. Don’t feel shy about asking for proof of sanitation.
Never hesitate to follow up on proper sanitation before you get a manicure or pedicure. For one thing, most state cosmetology laws require that nail technicians use a new nail file for every customer. “If a nail file looks old, feel free to request a new one,” says Yankee. “Your nail technician will know why.” You should also be aware that, should a tool be dropped or damaged during the appointment, each manicurist is supposed to have three sets of tools at the ready to ensure that there is another clean set, plus a second back-up set, at any given time, according to Yankee. As for those pedicure thrones, in addition to making sure that the tub you’ll be soaking your feet in has been sanitized, Kinley recommends asking your pedicurist to clean the bowl’s filter-screen, so that old debris doesn’t contaminate your clean water. Yankee adds that newer pedicure thrones are much easier to disinfect than older ones, as they don’t contain built-in filtering systems—just tubs and drains. “In older chairs, bacteria from the previous client could potentially still linger in the piping if the nail technician didn’t take the time to flush the system,” says Yankee. As a client, it may be in your best interest to seek out a newly-established salon with the latest-style thrones, and to show up to your appointments early to ensure the tub you’ll be soaking in has been properly cleaned.

Photo: © Darren Baker / Thinkstock

Article originally appeared on WomansDay.com.

Hope this article has helped you as it will help me. I am definitely thinking twice before I get my next pedicure!

These are a MUST!

2011-08-31T13:55:00.000-06:00

No matter your skin type, color, or your age; there are some things that you must, must, must do for your face.

* Drink Water! Everyday. All day. Clear pee = clear face!
* Eat Well! The way you eat can effect your face. If you eat healthy, your face will feel & look healthy. If you eat junk, your face will feel & look like junk. Your skin is the biggest organ you have & it's one of the first places toxins will escape from.
* Wash your face before bed! Every night. Wash away all of the make-up, dirt & other environmental pollutants that settled on your skin during the day.
* Let your skin breathe! You're skin will thank you when you take a make-up vacation.
* Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Your skin soaks up everything you put on. A moisturizer should not leave you feeling dry after 5 mins. So make sure you get the right moisturizer; it'll be like giving your face a drink of water.
* Natural products! It's nice to avoid using harsh chemicals & abrasive scrubs on your face. You want to keep the PH of your skin balanced, so don't strip it of it natural oils if you want it to remain healthy.
* Sunscreen!!! Make it apart of your morning routine. Walking out to the car or the mail box everyday, multiple times a day in the sun can really add up.

Bonus ~Pimple Remides

*Tea Tree Oil- dilute with water, antibacterial spot treatment.

* Apple Cider Vinegar- dilute with water, great toner to regulate shin's PH
* Don't pop- whatever you do, keep those dirty fingers away.

*If you did pop- apply liquid band-aid over the area, let dry, apply make-up.

Must thank Bon Bon for these amazing tips! All I do believe in. I just needed her help to word it all ;)

Thanks for reading!

Weekly Pinterest

2011-08-26T13:36:00.000-06:00

Sorry I'm been MIA all week. The husband & I have been pretty busy with getting him ready for school, making prices for my facials yes, I'll be doing facials now at the salon!!!, a lot has & still is on my mind. But I do need to do better about posting on here. So I am sorry. Hope you can forgive me!

It's Friday!!! Which means that I have been spending way too much time on Pinterest again. (let me know if you would like an invite!)

If you are anything like me, you'll love this!

DIY Lace Nails!

I love stripes! Nice & Simple!

A big trend this summer that will continue in the fall, braids!

Hope you've had a great week & that you have big plans for the weekend!

Weekly Pinterest

2011-08-19T15:10:00.001-06:00

My favorite on Pinterest this week!

A starters guide to exercise. I will be doing this starting on Monday!

Outfit pinned here. I wonder if I can pull this off cause I love this!

I really gotta practice my braiding! Pinned here.

Hope you had a great week!!!

Own Your Beauty, Own Your Life

2011-08-18T20:56:00.000-06:00

Own Your Beauty, Own Your Life

August 17, 2011 1:33 pm by CaitlinHTP in Body Image

"If there’s one message to take away from BlogHer’s Own Your Beauty movement, it’s this: You can redefine what it means to be beautiful.
Too often, we get caught up in what others’ definition of beautiful, and when we don’t line up (or think we line up), we feel like we’re falling short. The outside world -- especially the media -- presents beauty in very simplistic terms. To our society at large, beauty is about being physically attractive. And the spectrum of physical attractiveness is very limited, especially for women. There’s evidence of this imaginary spectrum in every magazine; with few exceptions, women who are presented as attractive are thin, tall, tan, and have long hair and white teeth. A very small number of women actually meet this standard naturally. It’s no wonder many of us often feel less than ideal.
There are two ways to determine your self-worth: You can base you sense of self-worth on how highly other people value you, or you can determine your own value. Many of us never take the time to consider how and why we value ourselves; we base our self-esteem entirely on outside opinions. If we don’t make the "beauty spectrum" in the media, we must not be beautiful. If no one else asks what we think, we must not be smart. If a friend walks all over us, we must deserve it.
The trouble is that everyone sees life through their own unique filter. How they perceive you is too wrapped up in how they perceive themselves. Waiting for people who are inundated with negativity to decide you’re good enough is worth it is ridiculous. Who says you need their validation? You don’t.

Beauty is complex. When we consider this statement, it’s not hard to see the truth in it: Beauty can be found in a wrinkled grandma’s face, a sleeping baby’s tiny feet, the stories behind scars, and the sound of laughter. There is way more to beauty than appearance. Beauty is something deeper, and we intrinsically know this to be true. Beauty is in the heart, not in the face.
You can determine your own value. Stop asking others to give you self-esteem and self-worth. Give these special gifts to yourself. Begin by telling yourself every single day that you are beautiful. Challenge yourself to consider your own beauty in new ways. Make "beauty" synonymous with "kindness" or "strength," not your appearance.
More than anything, I hope BlogHer’s Own Your Beauty movement has inspired you to reconsider the source of your self-esteem and redefine how you value yourself. This is your life. Embrace it. Own it. You are the most beautiful version of you."

I know all of these beauty articles make it seem so easily to change how to feel about one's self & about beauty; it definitely is not easy. I am 23 years old & I my self-esteem is not what my husband hopes it'd be. Everything has to be done, one step at a time.

Food for your Skin

2011-08-16T21:11:00.000-06:00

Has any of you seen The Doctors on ABC? I love it! Today they had Dermatologist, Dr. Jessica Wu, author of Feed your Face. She says that while we pay attention to what's on our faces, we should be paying attention to what's on your plates.

On The Doctors website, they have a detailed list that Dr. Jessica Wu created for your skin; what foods are good for your skin & what foods are bad for your skin.

Foods That Enhance Your Skin:
• Tomatoes contain loads of lycopene that is enhanced by cooking, which helps fight sun damage. Order your pizza with extra sauce!
• Bloody Marys: Both virgin and non-virgin, this is the best cocktail for your skin. Tomato juice contains lycopene which has been shown to fight sun damage.
• Green and yellow veggies: These foods have been linked to lessening wrinkles, especially crow's feet. Try peppers, zucchini, squash and spinach.
• Lean meats: Beef, lamb, chicken and fish contain amino acids, such as glycine and proline, which replenish collagen.
• Fresh fish: Salmon, sardines and mackerel.
• Soy: Soy milk, tofu and edamame.
• Dark chocolate containing more than 70 percent cocoa.• Green beans: This vegetable is packed with silicon, which helps grow long, strong hair and nails.
• Walnuts and almonds: These nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Berries.
• Whole wheat bread and pasta.
• Rolled oats instead of instant oatmeal.
• Brown rice.
• Cold drinks.
Foods to Avoid:
• Dairy: Milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and lattes all contain cow hormones that can increase oil production and clog pores.
• Packaged baked goods.
• White foods such as white bread, pasta, rice.
• Hidden sugar: Sodas, bottled salad dressings and sweetened cereals.
• High-fructose corn syrup.
• Vinegar and pickles.
• Aged cheeses: Parmesan and blue.
• Spicy foods, especially if you have rosacea or facial redness.
• High-sugar fruits: Grapes, pineapple and bananas.
• Steaming hot food and drinks.
• Tuna steak or solid white tuna, as mercury can cause hair loss.
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG).

Source: Feed Your Face by Dr. Jessica Wu

I told me husband about this list & he agrees with it, he just doesn't agree in doing it lol We'll see about that ;)
Hope this list helps you!

Red Lipstick

2011-08-15T09:23:00.001-06:00

All women, at one point, are a bit curious as to how they would look in red lipstick Even if you have tired to pull off red lipstick, like I have, & have failed, it's probably because we all wore the wrong shade of red. Oh! We all have different skin tones, therefore we all need to wear a different hue of red. I found a mini guide from The Krazy Coupon Lady as to how you should choose your perfect shade of red.

Women with Fair Skin
Women with lighter skin tones will look best wearing more coral-y reds.

Women with Medium Skin
Ladies who have the sun-kissed skin are able to choose anything from a true red to a pinky-cranberry shade. These work great with golden undertones.

Women with Dark Skin
Women with dark skin will want to stick with deep, rich colors like burgundy; a super bright red could look too harsh.

School is starting & holiday parties are just around the corner, so I hope this guide helps!
Thanks for reading!

Life Span of Makeup

2011-08-12T11:45:00.000-06:00

Have you every gone inside your makeup drawer/box/bag & pull out a product you haven't worn in forever & wondered if it was still good?? I have done this a many of times! I wish I had this picture when I started wearing makeup! So helpful.

Time to go clean out my makeup kit. Hope this helps you out like it has me.

Sweet Tweet Creations GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-08-10T11:23:00.000-06:00

Have you heard of Miss Roxanne over at Sweet Tweet Creations??
She's a pet lover, about to be a new mommy in October, a craft fanatic, & is totally herself in everything that she does! You should go check out her etsy shop. She has a wide verity of goodies; like hair accessories, party supplies, invitations, & gifts. She is actually doing a giveaway on her blog.

How cute is that! I love the hair clips that you can pin on clothes too!

So what are you waiting for.... go over & check out what Roxanne has to offer!

Prefect Brows

2011-08-09T16:36:00.002-06:00

True story!

Headbands

2011-08-08T08:48:00.002-06:00

Headbands can be the prefect accessorie to any outfit! I had some time at work the other day & tried on some of the headbands that the stylist have made.

(I don't think I can pull off the hippie look)

There are many ways to wear them, but I don't think I'll be wearing it across my forehead anytime soon ;)

Linking up to LMM

New Product

2011-08-05T12:33:00.000-06:00

I am soooo excited! Today I will be ordering product for facials & other body treatments from... {drumroll please}...

Image Skincare!

I love using this stuff! I can feel it working, all of them smell great, they all have great benefits, & I've seen results. I am just so excited cause now I can make my price list for facials & start offering them! I love waxing, but it's nice to do relaxing treatments too!
So keep checking back to see when you can make your appointment for a spa day!

2011-08-04T12:33:00.000-06:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Everyday Products for 15 Natural Beauty Recipes

2011-08-04T10:54:00.001-06:00

11diggsdigg

Digg Digg

Being on Pinterest the other day, I found the picture that's below. Pinterest is all about pictures & the links where people found them. This picture took me to Inspiring Pretty.com. I loved the article that she wrote about Natural Beauty Recipes Using Everyday Food. I loved it so much that I am going to share it with you here! Enjoy!

from africa on freedigitalphotos.net

Every girl wants to be pretty, but it can be hard having to use tons of masks, lotions and just a load of products. It can break your bank and expose you to unnecessary amounts of chemicals. I believe in keeping it simple and cheap. No need to go shopping at Macy’s, Bare Minerals or any of these stores, just head to the grocery store with a $20 bill to get the same effect. I’ve compiled a few beauty recipes below, but there are a plethora more that are just a search engine click away.

Brown Sugar and Honey Facial Scrub

This is probably my favorite one. Brown sugar exfoliates the skin ridding the pores of all dirt, oil and dead skin cells causing blemishes. Honey is naturally antibacterial, so as the brown sugar cleans out the pores, the honey cleans out the sources for this build up to prevent future break outs.

Coffee Grounds in Conditioner

This one is really simple. Instead of throwing old coffee grounds away, toss them into your conditioner to make your hair extra shiny. That’s all it takes!

Replace Conditioner with Vinegar

To get rid of the usual problems with hair: build up, dullness and just lack luster, replace your conditioner with vinegar 1-4 times a month, depending on your own hair. Just use it as you need it. And don’t worry about buying the best stuff for the best results, common white vinegar will do the trick as well as any other vinegar.

Olive Oil as Hair Moisturizer

It’s easy to see how oil can moisturize your hair. It’s simple to use it as well. Simply cover your hair in olive oil and leave it in for 30-45 minutes. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it from dripping and some believe it enhances the effect.

Lemon and Egg Facial

Have red splotchiness on your face? Soothe both symptoms away easily by mixing together one egg yolk and the juice of one lemon into a paste. Cover your face with it and leave it on overnight. If this seems like too much work, leave it on your face for an hour. You might not get the optimal results with this, but you will see a difference.

Replace Conditioner with Baking Soda

Want to be more like a guy and only use one thing to clean your hair? Then just add baking soda to your shampoo. It will remove build up and make hair shinier, and you can use it everyday.

Degrease Oily Hair With Lemons and Aloe

Mix together 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon aloe vera. Mix it together with a normal serving of shampoo. It will get rid of your oiliness in one shower.

Smooth Fizzy Hair With Honey

Add a tablespoon of honey to a litre of water. After shampooing, rinse your hair with this concoction to tame your frizz.

Replace Face Wash With Skim Milk Powder

Switching face wash out with skim milk powder can make your face much softer and give you a smoother complexion. It’s also very gentle, so even the most sensitive can use it.

Moisturize Skin With Honey and Olive Oil

Honey holds moisture extremely well and olive oil hydrates well, too. Mix equal parts of olive oil and honey and add a dash of lemon juice if you’d like to create a pasty lotion. Rub it onto the dry skin and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Your skin will be hydrated for plenty of time to come afterwards.

Soften Skin With Oatmeal

There are many concoctions and mask recipes that involve oatmeal, but you can use oatmeal by itself to help your skin. Ground up about 1 cup of oatmeal using a blender or coffee grinder, and add it to bath water to soften skin to baby-like quality.

Treat Choline-Damaged Hair

Mix together 1 egg, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 of a peeled cucumber. Cover you hair with the mixture and leave on for 10-20 minutes. You’ll see your hair return to normal almost immediately.

Tone and Rebuild Skin With Avocados and Carrots

This recipe can work wonders. Combine 1 avocado, 1 cooked carrot, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 egg and 3 tablespoons of honey. Leave on for 10-20 minutes and then rinse. These ingredients add a multitude of vitamins, antioxidants and calcium to rebuild natural collagen, tone skin and remove age spots. There is plenty to read about the benefits of each of these ingredients, but all you need to know is that each natural element does more than any store-bought item can.

Lemons or Oranges for Fine Hair Hairspray

Use Lemons for dry hair and oranges for a stronger hold. Chop up the entire piece of fruit in a bowl as to not lose any juice. Boil the fruit with 2 cups of water until soupy or when the liquid has been significantly reduced. Strain through a cloth and put into a spray bottle. The citrus will hold the hair and not damage it due to the fact that there is no alcohol.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Cleanser and Toner

This eliminates dead skin cells easily, so you can use in lieu of expensive toner. That’s all there is to it!

Being beautiful can get expensive and damaging if you’re using products often. Try using these

natural tips before spending money and see if you even want to try products after.

Wow, so many of these tricks are so simple! I am definitely going to try some of these!

Thanks for reading!

DIY Tinted Lip Balm

2011-08-03T11:26:00.001-06:00

Create your own beeswax lip balm at Delia Creates!

Tinted Lip Balm Tutorial

Delia makes this look easy and answers your questions in a great facts & tips section!

Look what I found over at Ucreate!

12 Tips to becoming your Authentic Self

2011-08-02T10:57:00.000-06:00

I get weekly newsletters from Own Your Beauty. They really are some beautiful articles there from blogher. That is one of the main reason I wanted to re-do this blog, to show ways that you beautiful inside & out.
This article that I am sharing is something that I most definitely fight with everyday, being a perfectionist and an aspiring good-enoughist. Yes, I believe those are real words lol I hope that this article will inspire you as it has me!

As a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring good-enoughist, I’ve found these 12 pieces of information very helpful in the lifelong journey from "What will people think?" to "I am enough." Some are specific tips, but most are snippets of what I’ve learned in my work. If we want to overcome perfectionism, we have to understand what it is and how it operates in our lives.

1. Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving to be your best. Perfectionism is not about healthy achievement and growth. Perfectionism is the belief that if we live perfect, look perfect, and act perfect, we can minimize or avoid the pain of blame, judgment, and shame. It’s a shield. Perfectionism is a twenty-ton shield that we lug around thinking it will protect us when, in fact, it’s the thing that’s really preventing us from taking flight.

2. Perfectionism is all about perception—we want to be perceived as perfect. Ironically, there is no way to control perception. No matter how much time and energy we spend trying, it’s out of our hands. I once heard someone say, “What people think of me or say about me is none of my business.” It’s hard, but I try to practice this.

3. Think about an area where you struggle with perfectionism. This simple question can help us start to understand the fear that fuels the perfection anxiety: When it comes to my ________________ (house, body, work, mothering, etc.), I don’t want to be perceived as ____________________. Where did those messages come from and how much of your life are you willing to turn over to them?

4. Perfectionism is not self-improvement. Perfectionism is, at its core, about trying to earn approval and acceptance. Research shows that most perfectionists were raised being praised for achievement and performance (grades, manners, rule-following, people-pleasing, appearance, sports). Somewhere along the way, we adopt this dangerous and debilitating belief system: I am what I accomplish and how well I accomplish it. Please. Perform. Perfect. Healthy striving is self-focused— How can I improve? Perfectionism is other-focused — What will they think?

5. What will people think? Is the rally cry of perfectionism. The next time you find yourself worrying about this, STOP and ask these questions: What do I think? How do I feel? Writing down these answers is very powerful.

6.Understanding the difference between healthy striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life-paralysis. Life-paralysis refers to all of the opportunities we miss because we’re too afraid to put anything out in the world that could be imperfect. It’s also all of the dreams that we don’t follow because of our deep fear of failing, making mistakes, and disappointing others. It’s terrifying to risk when you’re a perfectionist; your self-worth is on the line.

7. Get clear on the costs of perfectionism. What dreams have you walked away from? What creativity are you holding back? There’s a popular quote that asks, “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” For those of us struggling with perfectionism, the rest of that quote should be “Then go out and do it because, in the end, failing is less painful than never trying.”

8. One of the best ways to overcome perfectionism is to create. Draw, paint, write, cook, color, take photos – whatever inspires you. Make a mess. Make it imperfect. Perfectionists are often quick to say, “I’m not creative.” I’ve learned that there’s no such thing. There are only people who use their creativity and those who squander it. I’ve started painting and drawing in my journal. I had to force myself to scribble on the first three pages so I could get past the paralysis.takes the pressure off acting right away -- but the seeds are subconsciously planted.

9. Take a class. Like most perfectionists I got to the point where I’d never do anything that I wasn’t already really good at doing. That meant NEVER trying anything new. Now I force myself to try new things and take classes. Dare to be awkward, goofy, and a little out of control. It’s terrifying but also liberating.

10. Perfectionism is contagious. Be mindful of the messages that you’re sending the people around you – your kids, your partner, your co-workers, your friends. Make “embracing imperfection” a family project. If the house is messy or you’re late for church or dinner is overcooked, let yourself off the hook and celebrate being imperfect. Doing this has changed our lives.

11. Surround yourself with people who are on a similar journey. Letting go of perfection is scary. It’s how we protect ourselves. I don’t’ think we can do it alone.

12. Practice self-compassion. We need to be kind and tender with ourselves. Most of us talk to ourselves in ways we would NEVER consider talking to other people. We are critical instead of kind. We are judgmental instead of loving. Perfectionism is ultimately a struggle for worthiness and there’s no better place to start than remembering that our imperfections and vulnerabilities connect us to each other and to our humanity.

Brené Brown, Ph.D., LMSW is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past ten years studying vulnerability, shame, and authenticity. Her work has been featured on CNN, NPR, PBS, and was the topic of two recent TEDx talks. She is the author of The Gifts of Imperfection: Letting Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embracing Who You Are and I Thought It Was Just Me: Telling the Truth about Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power. You can learn more about her work on her website or blog.

Thank you for reading!

Show & Tell Time!

2011-07-29T12:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my new friend, Lindsay, over at Happy Pottamus Designs (check her out here), my blog is completley redone!!! And doesn't it look great?! I know I think it does! So a big Thank You goes out to you, Lindsay!
Ever since I started my new job over at Haven Salon, I really wanted my blog to be more about beauty, skincare, DIY products, everyday things that women can do to help look & feel better about themselves!And thanks to Lindsay, I am able to achieve that little goal of mine. So sit back & relax & get ready for all of the beauty know how that will be coming your way!

sorry

2011-06-28T13:48:00.000-06:00

LDS Living article/ so sorry!

2011-01-20T09:40:00.000-07:00

Man, I wish I read & took this to heart years ago!

Going to modeling & beauty school, they tell you what is beautiful & that you're not beautiful unless you do this, this, & this. LDS Living has this wonderful article called Beauty Redefined. I haven't had the chance to read the whole thing but the first paragraph has caught my attention. Please take a few minutes to read it. Hopefully you're already smart enough & haven't given in to what the world says is beautiful.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

I am sorry that my blogging hasn't been very exciting, insightful, meaningful, or anything really. I don't have very much time to blog & when I do, I forget whatever it was that I was going to write lol Man that is soooo me

Salon Review

2010-12-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Ever since I've been in Utah, I have had a difficult time finding a really good salon. I had always just waited to cut or get my hair done for whenever I went home (which I did a lot when I was single). I've been to hair schools, let friends do it, been to a few different salons but was never really satisfied with any of them! Sad but true.
Well today was the day to try out another salon; Salon on the Ave. Luckily it is just down the street from where I live. Here is what I looked like before going in...

& here's the after!I am very pleased (so is the husband ;)! The salon is gorgeous, such a great atmosphere, friendly staff, beautiful Christmas decorations, everything! Lauren cut my hair today (sorry Gillian, you were with a client but I would love for you to play with my hair one day ;) & she was great! Always kept the conversation going, kept checking to see if I really wanted 4" off of my hair, asked plenty of questions like how I styled my hair, I even let her decide what to do with my layers. Oh & my bangs! I have never liked the way anyone cut them (except my mom's stylist). Salon on the Ave is inexpensive, it's close, I like it alot! I believe I finally found my salon! Yay!

long lost memories

2010-04-17T11:52:00.001-06:00

So I'm here packing up my life (yet again)
and I come upon a paint can hiding in my clothset.
I made it when I was in YW. They were sealed;
not to be opened until you were engaged.
I've been engaged for a month & a day
so it's about time I open it.

Inside there's a mold of the SLC Temple,
bubbles with a cute quote "A key to unlocking healthy fun in marriage is faith-",
a white rose "Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord",
a candle that said "There must be continued courting and expressions of affection, kindness, and consideration to keep love alive and growing.",
(I think I'm going to keep these around our new home once Andrew & I are married)
there was also a lil questionnaire in there that we all filled out.

I don't know where my head was at when I was 17.
I did know that at the time I had been questioning if I really did wanna go & get married into the temple.
I wasn't behaving like I had wanted to then; I had started doing what my school friends where doing so that I could feel accepted.
I was definitely going no where fast with the way I was acting.

I have come such along way!
Yes, I have fallen so many times in my life into such deep holes;
but it's the fact that I have gotten back up with the help of my Heavenly Father & His son, Jesus Christ.
I owe my life to the in so many ways.
I am eternally grateful for them & the blessing they have given me.
I am planning a temple wedding!!!
I am going to marry a man who can take me to the temple, make me smile no matter what I'm feeling, make me laugh at all the right moments, who makes me breakfast burritos, who would drive two hours just to see me for 5 mins.
My list of way I love Andrew can go on for miles!
I am sooooo blessed to have in my life!