Beauty and Faith

Getting Summer Ready Skin and Feet

2013-04-26T13:01:00.000-04:00

Finally! Summer is almost here - well, Spring has just sprung, but summer time is screaming my name!

I wanted to start your season off right with a few beauty tips to get your skin "summer ready." Here we go...

1. Foundation is out, Tinted moisturizer is in: Put away the heavy foundation and pick up a light tinted moisturizer instead. Once you try it, you just may never go back to foundation! A tinted moisturizer will feel less "cakey" and will give you the hint of color you're craving after the dull months of winter. While foundations can feel as if they're melting off your face, tinted moisturizers won't.

2. Don't fear the shine: I used to go crazy if there was any shine on my face; adding more powder or layering more foundation. I have since been told that the "dewy" look is gorgeous. I've stopped the powder and the foundation and have totally relied on beauty blotters. Mary Kay has the best ones out there, in my humble opinion!

3. Avoid the heavy lipsticks: Instead, use a colored lip moisturizer. Less sticky than lip gloss.

4. Sandal ready feet: Get your feet out of boots and ready for summer sandals by using a simple homemade foot mask. Here's an easy recipe that I found:

Orange Spice Foot Mask1/2 cup whole oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons warm water
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
4 drops sweet orange essential oil

Foot Mask How-To
1. Using a food processor, grind the oats to a fine powder. Transfer to a medium-size bowl, add the remaining ingredients, and stir until blended into a thick paste.

2. Prepare two warm, wet washcloths or hand towels, either by wetting them and placing them in the microwave for one to two minutes or by soaking them in hot (not boiling) water. Wring out excess water and set aside.

3. Sitting with your feet in the tub or a large basin, use your hands to spread a thick layer of the mask over each foot, covering them completely up to the ankles. After wiping hands clean, wrap each foot in one of the washcloths to seal in the moisture from the mask. Sit back and relax for 10 to 15 minutes.

4. When you're ready to remove the mask, carefully lift off the washcloths. Rinse your feet thoroughly using warm water. Pat dry with a towel.

Sometimes you just need to be Rebooted!

2013-01-25T13:05:00.001-05:00

Are you familiar with the proverb, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy"? Without time off from work, people become both bored and boring. Work related stress can cause a whole myriad of health issues; fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches, unnecessary sick days, etc. From CEO's, to self employed, to stay at home moms, we all get burned out and taking time for ourselves is necessary to reboot our systems.

Here are some tips to help keep your batteries charged and ready for action:

1. Do something you enjoy! - Spend a day at the spa, play a round of golf or catch that movie you've been wanting to see. Or, take a good book, grab an iced tea and find a good shade tree and read. Depriving yourself of doing something fun and recreational, can have negative affects on your business and personal life.

2. Exercise, eat well and get plenty of rest. - Do I sound like your mother? We all know the importance of exercise. Without it, we gain unnecessary weight, become tired and our bodies begin to crave more calories due to our inactivity. You don't have to join the gym or the Y to get the exercise you need. A brisk walk around the block will do wonders for your heart! A balanced diet along with exercise, will allow your body to get the rest it needs. After all, God worked 6 days and rested on the 7th!

3. Talk about it. - Confiding in someone your trust, who is not involved in your work environment, can help you gain a different perspective of what is going wrong in your workplace. Being able to discuss what is bothering you is good therapy in general.

So, how did you get burned out to begin with? How can you prevent it from happening again?

First, prioritize your life. Has your job become your life? Do you work 10-12 hours each day? It's true, over time is sometimes expected, but when it isn't, don't convince yourself that just a few more hours will help you get ahead.
Second, set goals. Allow yourself a schedule of just how many hours you are going to work in a week and break up projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Finally, plan some vacation time and stick with it! Remember the tip on giving yourself some recreation time? You don't have to leave home if you don't want to. Simply allow yourself some downtime to relax and unwind. Your work will be there when you get back, but you definitely need some YOU time!

When you mentally reboot, you not only cut down on the stresses of the job, but you allow yourself to do a job to the best of your ability. Your family benefits, too, because you don't come home too tired and wiped out to spend quality time with them.

How do you mentally reboot? Is there a tip that you'd like to add? I'd love to read your comments!

Be Positive!

2013-01-18T14:59:00.001-05:00

Do you ever catch yourself wondering how to stay motivated when life throws you a wrench? Does it seem impossible sometimes to turn the negative into positive? I may be able to help shed some light on how to keep your spirits up when you feel all you have left in your cherry bowl is pits! The truth is, life isn't easy. If it was, we'd never have anything to praise God for. Through our trials, we learn, we grow and we teach others how to walk through those dark moments.

Instead of focusing on those down times, find strength in different avenues and trust that through God, nothing bad is going to last forever ... and it doesn't!

Here are a few ways you can begin to focus on the good and positive and begin to eliminate the negative in your life.

Take time to be grateful for all you have. I admit, sometimes I become too preoccupied with what's not going right to really be thankful for all the blessings in my life. Every cloud has a silver lining, every challenge has a great outcome on the other side if you stay focused and don't give up. When I've had a down time in my business or in life, I take some quiet time to reflect. What exactly is the problem and how do I solve it? Instead of becoming dragged down with "What's Wrong", focus on "What's Right." Try making a list. Begin writing down everything in your business or life. It could be back-ordered items, not enough business, no referrals or an argument with your spouse. Write these things in your "What's Wrong" list. Now list all the things that are right. I really love being my own boss, setting my own hours, controlling my income (even if it does get shaky once in awhile). I love that my husband works hard to care for me and our children. Put these things on your "What's Right" list and pretty soon, you'll find the "What's Right" list is much longer than the other. Take that list and hang it where you can see it. Focus on the "What's Right" when things seem to be all wrong.
Take a break from your devices once in awhile. I know this is a killer but the more I'm connected to everyone and everything in as many ways as possible, the less time I have for me and my thoughts. If you have challenges in your business and your life, sometimes it's best to just disconnect and have some quiet time to reflect. It's difficult for an over stimulated mind to come up with solutions, so you've got to allow yourself some down time. My solution is to turn everything off and go a quiet place in the house or outdoors when it's nice, along with a good book and read. Escaping into a story is a nice and much needed reprieve! Do yourself and your over-stimulated brain a favor and power everything down for at least a couple hours each week and give yourself some time off from everything. You'll be glad you did!
Take time to say Thank You. Even better, take time to send a thank you note to someone who helped you or was gracious to you or who remembered you in a special way. Send thank you notes to your clients, customers or those who have referred business to you and watch as more business suddenly appears! Sending Thank You notes seems to be a lost art that is in need of revival. When was the last time you were surprised with a special note in the mail? How did it make you feel? NEVER underestimate the power of a handwritten Thank You note!
Believe anything is POSSIBLE. "Never let life impede on your ability to manifest your dreams. Dig deeper into your dreams and deeper into yourself and believe that anything is possible, and make it happen." Wow, that's powerful and so true! Focusing on problems creates more problems and you have less time to really focus on everything that you want that is just within your reach. "Shoot for the Moon; even if you miss you'll land among the stars!" Surround yourself with visual reminders that anything is possible!
Get rid of the drama. I DON'T DO DRAMA! I don't have time for it and it zaps my energy. Get rid of the drama (and people who cause it) in your life. Let's face it some people are just meant to be miserable. They look miserable, act miserable and feel miserable ALL THE TIME! Everything is wrong, nothing is going well and they sure want you to know about it. They LOVE to talk about other people and they want to suck you into the gossip circle! I have one word of advice for you, RUN! Run as fast as you can and as far away as possible. Nothing good ever comes from gossip, drama or whatever you want to call it. Get rid of it right away!
Map out your life.That's right, use today as a starting point and begin creating a map of what you want your life to look like; 6 months from now, 1 year from now, 5 years from now and beyond. It's really about taking goal setting to a new level! Use lifelines (deadlines are terrifying) and really start to think about what you want to happen, how you want to feel and who you want to become in the process. None of us knows for sure how much time we have on this earth so all we can do is make the most of every moment and plan for good things to come! Life really is wonderful!

God Bless!

The Heresy of Humanism

2012-12-03T14:58:00.004-05:00

As a Christian, I'm often asked if I am religious. It's quite difficult to answer that question. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but I like to be considered "religious."
Being religious simply means that by "doing" things that you ought to, will somehow get you closer to God. It's not about what you can do to please God, it's about knowing Him, having the desire to want a relationship with Him. I want to desire to be "sold out" in establishing a loving relationship with my Savior, not continually do things that, in my opinion, will make Him happy.

This is where humanism comes into play. I'd like to offer you a quick definition:

"... a group of philosophies and ethical perspectives which emphasize the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers individual thought and evidence."

The Apostle Paul warns us in Colossians 2:8, to beware of men who draw you in with their philosophical ramblings. He tells us to watch for people who put an emphasis on human tradition and basic principles of the world, rather than on Christ. Human traditions often become "religion." In many places, these traditions become more binding and more all-known than the scriptures themselves! What are some traditions that have become a "religion" to you?
Here are some examples:

Astrology

Sun & Moon Worship

Crystals

Symbols

Good Luck Charms or practices

Horoscopes

Base your faith in Jesus Christ within Whom lives all the fullness and deity in one person. In Christ, you will have the fullness of God and won't need a good luck charm or a horoscope! Besides, Jesus is the head over every tradition and all the principles of this world, so why would you try anything else?

"See to it that no one takes you captive through tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ." ~ Col. 2:8

Polar Bear Icon-It Now Available at Thirty-One!

2012-11-19T11:43:00.001-05:00

2012-10-31T17:54:00.002-04:00

When thinking about earning a little extra $$ for the holidays, consider Thirty-One Gifts. What have you got to lose? There sure is a lot to gain!

Thirty-One's Sept 2012 Monthly Customer Special

2012-09-04T11:21:00.001-04:00

Don't End Summer Unprepared!

2012-09-03T16:56:00.002-04:00

It’s time to start planning because soon you’ll have to put away Summery things. Odds are your family’s not done with outdoor toys and summer clothes just yet, but that’s why now is the perfect time to get ready! Don’t wait until fall starts to plan for storing your family’s summer stuff. Thirty-One has some great solutions to make storage neat, simple, and effective.

Why worry about hunting a bulky box of summer clothes out of the attic or garage next year when you can just slide a discreet Thirty-One Oversized Storage Organizer under each of your kids’ beds? Use the Oversized Storage Organizer to keep summer clothes from being lost in the bottoms of closets. You can neatly fit lots of summer clothes in a single organizer, and

since it’s only 8” tall, it slides under almost any bed!

You’ve probably got some summer toys to put away, too: outdoor nets, rackets, balls, and swimming accessories. Don’t shove them into a plastic storage bin and hope that nothing makes a hole in your inflatable raft or tube. Smaller inflatables and toys can fit into a Zipper Pouch – like arm floaties, diving sticks, etc. For larger inflatable pool rafts or lounges, the Expand-a-tote Day Extender expands to 20.5”high by 17” wide with 8.5” deep with a zip closure. Be sure that your inflatable poolitems are completely dry and deflated before you start folding or rolling them up. Not only are you protecting your pool or beach toys for next year, but your storage space will look much more attractive filled with Thirty-One prints!

Get a Donate Bag.

While you start getting your home organized for the upcoming school year, remember to donate things that you and your family no longer need or want. Try setting up a Large Utility Tote in your laundry room or the garage. Tell your family that it is your “Donation Bag.” When it gets full, transfer the contents to a plastic bag and drop it off at your local donation center. As your kids get new school clothes, have them clean out anything from last year that doesn’t fit or that they just don’t like to wear. Don’t forget to check your closet too!

Opportunity to Join Thirty-One

2012-08-15T14:20:00.001-04:00

Goals

2012-08-14T09:54:00.001-04:00

What are your goals? Have you ever stopped to think about where you wanted to be in life, in 5 or maybe 10 years? Many people feel as if they are running and running, but their steps are taking them no where. The reason? They haven't spent enough time thinking about what they want in life and haven't set formal goals for themselves.

Goal setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future, and for motivating yourself to turn a vision into reality. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you know where you have to concentrate your efforts. You'll also quickly spot the distractions that can, so easily, lead you astray.

As many of you know, I attended Thirty-One's National Conference a few weeks ago. It was my first time attending and it was an eye opening experience!

What I saw was not only fellow sisters commiserating, laughing and having a fantastic time, but I also saw women, much like myself, who set those precise goals and let nothing stand in their way of achieving those goals.

When asked how to "get started" in setting such high standards, one Senior Executive Director (the highest paid consultant status), write your specific goals down, breaking each goal down into smaller "pieces" and put a date in which you want to achieve each piece. She also mentioned sharing your goal with others, so they will help hold you accountable.

So, let's break this goal setting idea down into levels.

First, create a "big picture" of what you want to do with your personal life, in the next 5, or maybe 10 years. Identify the large-scale goals that you want to achieve.
Second, break those goals down into smaller "chunks", that you must hit to reach your long term goals.
Third, once you've broken down those "chunks", start working on them!

Setting a big picture goal, breaking that goal down into smaller, more obtainable goals and moving up the scale piece by piece.

To give a broad, balanced coverage of all the important areas in your life, try to set goals in some of the following categories:

Career - what level of the corporate ladder do you want to reach?
Financial - How much money do you want to earn in what period of time?
Education - What skills would you like to learn that you've been putting off because you have "no time?"
Family - Do you want to have children? What do you have to do to prepare yourself and your home prior to doing so?
Physical - Are there athletic goals that you'd like to achieve? Have you always wanted to run a 10K?
Vacation - Where have you always wanted to travel to? Where would you like to go as a family to celebrate one another?

Take some time to think on these categories or maybe you have a goal that isn't listed above. What smaller goals can you set to achieve on the road to your "big picture?"

Make sure the goals you set are your own and not a reflection of what someone else what's you to achieve. This journey needs to be one you've set for yourself, with the HELP of those around you. Share your "big picture" with your spouse, friends, family and co-workers. Send your goals to me, if you need to! I'd be thrilled to encourage you every step of the way! Make a graph of the steps you will take to reach the end result and post that graph somewhere you will be able to see everyday until that "big picture" is a reality.

Gook luck and have a great journey!

Summertime Dresses

2012-08-09T07:02:00.002-04:00

Have any of you noticed the cute dresses that have been "in" this summer? I had to do some major shopping for a trip to Atlanta and I was totally overwhelmed, but in a good way! I looked online and in the stores and there is something for EVERYONE; whether you're small, medium or large. There are maxi dresses, party dresses, convertible dresses and the list goes on.

I found several cute dresses online at http://www.goddiva.co.uk. For example, check out the High-Low-Floaty-Chiffon-Dress which could be dressed up for a special occasion or worn for quick trip to the shopping mall. For a more formal occasion, the Embellished-Evening-Mini-Dress is so simple and unique.

I had thought that dresses were a thing of the past, but I'm thinking my logic was a little off. Take a trip to your favorite clothing store and see what bargains you can find; in dresses. I think you're going to be surprised to find stylish and affordability!

2012 Summer Retirement List - Thirty-One

2012-07-31T07:35:00.002-04:00

Straight from the Heart of Thirty-One

2012-07-19T09:43:00.001-04:00

The Sun

2012-06-21T06:16:00.000-04:00

Hot. Hot and dry. That pretty much sums up the local weather. I don't remember the last time it rained significantly enough to thoroughly soak the ground. The sun has been shone brilliantly in the bright blue sky, though, which makes me forget about the heat. The sun, however, can wreck havoc on your skin, causing wrinkles, freckles (sometimes referred to as sun spots) and sunburns. Your eyes can be damaged by the UV rays as well.
Taking precautions when you're out and about is very necessary; using sunscreen is a must. But, what can be done about protecting your eyes? Funny you should ask! Sometimes we forget just how much protection we receive just by wearing sunglasses. Yes, you read correctly. Sunglasses. When working outside and/or driving, the brightness of the sun causes us to squint, which leads to wrinkles and I, for one, don't need any more wrinkles.
I've been known to purchase cheap-o glasses, until my husband purchased and gifted to me a gift card to pick out a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses. I must admit, Ray-Bans are expensive, but oh, the cost is so worth it!
I visited a website Red Hot Sunglasses and found out there are over 200 different styles of Ray-Bans alone! You can also view different styles at www.my-wardrobe.com/ray-ban and HappyGlasses
I decided to read up on just how Ray-Bans got started and what makes them so popular and better than other high end sunglasses. I found out that Ray-Bans were developed by Bausch and Lomb at the request of an Army Lieutenant, who's eyes were damaged by the sun. This Lieutenant wanted a pair of sunglasses that would provide protection and look sophisticated. Bausch and Lomb created a prototype known as Anti-Glare. The green lenses that are so well known are actually made of mineral glass that filters the ultraviolet rays that can damage your skin and eyes.
I'm not going to bore you with more details, but if you're interested, you can visit YouTube and watch a video at your leisure.
Protect your eyes with good quality sunglasses. Don't be like me and settle for the cheap-o ones that don't do anything, but maybe look good on your face! Check out both Red Hot Sunglasses and www.raybanukglasses.co.uk to get a feel for the cost. It will be money very well spent.

Enjoy the sun, but take care in protecting your skin and eyes!

Beauty and Faith: How to Keep Your Hands Healthy

2012-06-15T07:47:00.001-04:00

Beauty and Faith: How to Keep Your Hands Healthy

Matt Redman - 10,000 Reasons

2012-06-12T16:30:00.001-04:00

2012-05-29T16:25:00.002-04:00

Good skin care and a healthy lifestyle can help delay the natural aging process. I, for one, don't want to grow older any faster than I already am!
A weekly facial prevents the clogged pores and dull skin that come from heat, sweat and sunscreen. Below are some tips on how you can save money by giving yourself this daily treat. A facial should be given after you shower, while your skin is still damp, to achieve the best results.

1. Exfoliate clean skin with a sugar (or salt) scrub. The crystals are gentle because they dissolve quickly, unlike walnut or apricot shells. Sugar and salt are both humectants, so they hydrate. Skip this step if you use an acid or a retinoid daily.

2. Smooth on an algae mask. Packed with antioxidants, algae masks soften skin and boost circulation. Some are made with oil-absorbing clay and others add emollients to moisturize dry skin.

3. Get rid of those blackheads. Don't even think about using your fingers to dislodge a blackhead! Instead, hold two cotton swabs on either side, in a V, then gently press down. If the plug doesn't loosen, don't force it.
Do not, I repeat, do NOT go near red, swollen zits! Instead, cover them with a layer of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide cream followed by 1% hydrocortisone once a day for three days.

4. Apply moisturizer every day. Moisturizers don't just prevent and treat dry skin, they also protect sensitive skin, improve skin tone and texture and mask imperfections. This is an important step after you've removed the dead skin cells and natural moisturizers using the scrub and the mask.

Flawless skin is a thing of beauty. Take care of it!

Thirty-One Gifts and Planned Parenthood

2012-04-20T09:17:00.000-04:00

There has been some discussion lately as to whether or not Thirty-One Gifts supports Planned Parenthood.
To be clear, Thirty-One in no way gives donations to support and/or fund PP. Thirty-One does, however, give to these charitable organizations:

Some of these organizations do give to Planned Parenthood, but that doesn't directly include Thirty-One Gifts.

I did a search for companies that directly supported PP and I was quite shocked! If we, as a Christian community, decided to boycott ALL the companies associated with Planned Parenthood, I think we'd be quite limited as to what we bought.

Just to give you an idea of companies that do indeed send support funds to Planned Parenthood, below is just the tip of the iceberg:

Pernod Ricard (alcoholic beverages, including Absolute, Ballantine's, Beefeater, Bancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Chivas Regal, G.H. Mumm, The Glenlivet, Graffigna, Havana Club, Jacob's Creek, Jameson, Kahlúa, Malibu, Maretll, Mumm, Perrier-Jouët, Ricard, Royal Salute).
TD Bank Group(financial services).
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts(lodging, including Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Dream Hotels, Hawthorne, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Microtel Inns & Suites, Night, Planet Hollywood, Ramada, Super 8, Travelodge, TRYP Hotels, and Wingate).
NACCO Industries (appliance manufacturing, including eclectrics, Hamilton Beach, Proctor Silex, Traditions, TrueAir, plus Kitchen Collection and Le Gourmet Chef stores).
Whole Foods Market
JPMorgan Chase (including Chase Bank, & Bank One).
Bank of America, Lost Arrow(Patagonia)
Danone (Dannon products).
Wells Fargo, Bob Evans (restaurants).
Chevron (includingCaltex, Texaco, Xpress Lube).
eBay (includingPayPal).
Arthur Murray (dance studios).
Bikram's Yoga, Midas (auto care).
Nike
Marriott Hotels & Resorts (lodging, including Courtyard, Fairfield,Renaissance, Ritz-Carlton).
Johnson & Johnson
Staples (office/school supplies).
Darden Restaurants (eateries, including Bahama Breeze, The Capital Grille, LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden,Red Lobster, Seasons 52).

I am very pro-life, which means I'm very opposed to abortion, but I've also come to the conclusion that we all have to pick our battles. What will we fight for that will make the most difference in the lives of those around us? In the end, God will have the final judgement. He will reward those who have furthered His Kingdom and He will punish those who haven't done so.
For me, I will choose not to support Planned Parenthood directly. However, to even begin to boycott ALL the companies that are affiliated with PP, would take up too much of my energy and time and quite frankly, I'd rather spend that extra time loving on my family and showing the love of the Father to those who are lost.

Until next time....

How to Keep Your Hands Healthy

2012-02-27T08:13:00.000-05:00

Our hands broadcast a lot about you - from your marital status to whether you're a Ballet Slippsers or Vamp kind of girl. They can also, at a glance, indicate your real age (or one that's older than our years, due to a hardworking, sun loving lifestyle).
By age 30, skin-cell production decreases by 10%, making your skin less efficient at repairing itself. The tops of the hands, where the skin is thin, can show signs of age first (unlike the thicker-skinned, often-under-cover palms.
Taking care of your most useful appendages requires commitment and a few well-honed tricks!

Keep lotion everywhere. Place a hand-cream pump at every sink in your house and stash travel-size tubes in your desk drawer and purse so you’ll never forget to moisturize.
Pamper your cuticles. After showering, use a wet washcloth to push cuticles gently back so they frame the nails. Avoid trimming, which can leave the area open to infection.
File nails, then cut conservatively. Clipping the whole nail in one fell swoop can be too aggressive, causing it to tear and peel. Instead, use an extra-fine emery board and file to a rounded shape. “Mirror the curve at the base of your nail to get the best natural look,” says Sirot. An additional benefit: Rounded nails are less likely to break than squarer shapes. If you do need to cut, do so in several small snips across the nail.
Wear gloves while cleaning and washing dishes. Chemicals and hot water can strip away the protective lipid barrier from your skin, making it susceptible to irritation and dryness.
Raise your hands above your heart for one minute. Dubbed “draining” by hand models, this trick reduces the amount of blood flow to the hands, making them appear less blotchy. “And when your hands need to look their best, minimize your salt, caffeine, and sugar intake to help make veins less prominent,” says Sirot.
Treat with at-home ingredients. For softer, more hydrated skin, mix raw oatmeal and honey together and apply to hands; let sit for five minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

Read Your Lips

2012-01-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

Pinks:

The woman who treasures a pink lip shade possesses a beauty that never goes out of style. Classy and feminine, she’s the measure of a true lady. But don’t be surprised to discover a fun, flirty side winking beneath the pink.

Metals:

A metallic lip luster is the perfect shade for a girl on the cutting edge of fashion. She knows how to add that extra something to make an outfit go from simple to amazing. And when it comes to the next new thing, you can bet she's already there!

Berries:

You'll find shades of berries on the lips of a woman living life to the fullest. She's energetic, enthusiastic and walks into a room with confidence. It's no wonder she's drawn to a lip shade as lively as the life she's leading.

Neutrals:

Don't be fooled by demure lips in neutrals. When it comes to expressing her style, this woman knows how to make a bold statement. Spend an after noon with her and you'll learn to expect the delightfully unexpected.

Chocolates:

Generous and giving, the woman with a loving heart can't resist a lipstick in a warm chocolate shade. She exudes a genuine affection and will make you feel fabulous. And of course, she's sweet as candy.

Tawnies:

For the sophisticated woman, tawnies are the lip shade of choice. Gifted with impeccable taste, she appreciates fine things in life from beautiful art to artisan coffee. When it comes to perfecting her pucker, only a shade of tawnie will do.

Reds:

She's confident and sophisticated. She's glamorous, trendy and classic all at the same time. She's true to the end, and her beauty spans a lifetime. What more can be said of the woman in red!

Need help finding the right shade for you? Visit the Mary Kay website and call me to place an order for you!

4 Skin Care Mistakes You DON'T Want to Make!

2011-11-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

1. Forgetting about your neck:

Most people think of the face when you mention anti-aging products, but neglecting your neck is a sure-fire way to show your age before you're ready. The fragile skin on your neck and décolletage has different needs from the skin of your face, and if not protected and nourished appropriately can lose hydration and look flabby.

2. Not Eating Correctly:

In addition to topical creams and serums, the optimum anti-aging skin care regimen includes nourishing the skin from within. Many dermatologists recommend a diet high in Vitmims A, E, and C as well as Fish Oils and other antioxidants. Unfortunately most of us do not eat exactly right 100% of the time. Try a daily multi-vitamin supplement that provides super balanced internal nutrition if your diet isn't perfect.

3. Skimping on the Sunscreen:

You've heard it many times before: no single product can do more to prevent the signs of aging than sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. The truth is most of us do not apply enough as often as we should. Experts recommend applying about 1 ounce of sunscreen —enough to fill a shot glass— 15 to 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after sweating or swimming. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure when it comes to sunscreens. If you are outside even briefly use a broad-spectrum, moisturizing sunscreen.

4. Ignoring Your Hands:

Next to your face, your hands are probably the most visible parts of your body and will show the earliest signs of aging. They're always in contact with the elements, household chemicals and extreme temperatures causing sun damage, dryness, chapped skin and age spots. Despite this our hands are often left off the list when it comes to anti-aging skin care needs. To soften and protect your hands try use a well balanced moisturizer.

2011-11-15T05:43:00.000-05:00

Are You Successful ?

How God Measures Success

What is success? Most people define success in terms of achieving goals, acquiring wealth, and having prestige, favor, status, and power. "Successful" people enjoy the "good life" - being financially secure, emotionally secure, being surrounded by admirers, and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Their example is emulated and their accomplishments are noticed. Most people's definitions of success only deal with the "here and now" of this life. Even in many churches today the definition of success is in terms of numbers, size, dollars and prestige.

But success is measured and defined differently by God. God's measure of success involves our obedience and faithfulness to Him, regardless of opposition and personal cost. His measure of success is whether or not we are being loyal to Him in our personal relationship with Him and in our life, and whether we are accomplishing His goals & purposes for our life. Some examples in the Bible:

Jeremiah was an absolute failure when judged by people's definition of success. For 40 years he served as God's spokesman, but when he spoke no one listened and responded. He was rejected by his neighbors, his family, the priests and prophets, friends, his audiences, and the kings. He was poor and underwent severe deprivation to deliver God's messages. He was thrown into prison and into a cistern. But in God's eyes he was a success. He faithfully and courageously proclaimed God's word and His messages, and he was obedient to his calling.

Jesus was also a failure, if you measure his life here on earth by people's measure of success. He had little in material possessions, and did not even own a home. He was rejected by most people, and was even hated by some. The religious leaders of the time despised him. Even his friends and those closest to him deserted him. He was accused and found guilty of things he did not do. He was beaten, spit on, cursed, mocked, and he suffered terribly and died the most horrible kind of death known to man at that time, death on the cross. Measure him by the way most of us measure success, and he was a failure. But in God's eyes, the redemption and salvation of all of mankind was accomplished through His son Jesus. By God's grace and great love for you and I, He sent Jesus to pay for our sins, and now the gift of a restored personal relationship with God and eternal life can be ours - all because of Jesus Christ.

10 Everyday Beauty Tips

2011-09-16T10:57:00.000-04:00

Simple, easy, inexpensive. What more could you ask for?

1. Vibrant visage: Smooth on a tinted moisturizer. It acts like foundation, giving you a polished look, and protects your skin from the sun at the same time. Look for one with SPF 15 or higher. And don’t forget to thoroughly clean your face at the end of the day.

2. Bright eyes: Feeling tired? Brush on two coats of curl-enhancing mascara. Long, curled lashes open up eyes and help you look awake in seconds.

3. Chic cheeks: A light wash of color will make you look fresh-faced all day. Use your fingers to swirl creamy blush directly on the apples of your cheeks. Or try a bronzing blush for a sun-kissed look.

4. Glossy lips: Keep a tube of tinted lip gloss in your purse. It's a no-fuss alternative to lipstick and looks good even when it fades.

5. Luscious locks: For sleek hair, use a smoothing cream to get rid of frizz. Look for a product that goes on both wet and dry hair, so you can use it after the shower and for daytime touch-ups. With curly locks, scrunch a curl-enhancing mousse into wet hair for defined curls that don't need to be blow-dried.

6. Modern mane: Upgrade your ponytail to a braided bun. Loosely braid hair and twist it into a low chignon at the nape of the neck. Secure with bobby pins.

7. Decorated do: Ditch the scrunchies and try a wide headband or a scarf to decorate your do instead.

8. Spa shower: Use a moisture-rich body wash. Also look for products with aloe and vitamin E, which will hydrate your skin. Or opt for an invigorating scent — for example, citrus — to boost your energy.

9. Healthy hands: No time for a manicure? Help prevent chapped hands and ragged cuticles with a nongreasy hand lotion. Carry a travel-size bottle in your purse and apply throughout the day.

10. All-day fresh: Feel fresh and confident all day with an antiperspirant that keeps you cool and dry. Try an anti-perspirant that goes on clear. It goes on smooth and alleviates white marks on your good clothes.

You don't need to spend the money on spa treatments when the local Mary Kay consultant, or the local drugstore, has everything you need! :)

Fruit of the Spirit - Part 5. Patience

2011-09-14T16:04:00.000-04:00

KINDNESS
1. Good will; benevolence; that temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others, which is exercised cheerfully in gratifying their wishes, supplying their wants or alleviating their distresses; benignity of nature. Kindness ever accompanies love.
2. Act of good will; beneficence; any act of benevolence which promotes the happiness or welfare of others. Charity, hospitality, attentions to the wants of others, &c., are deemed acts of kindness, or kindnesses. Acts.28.

Some people have mastered the art of kindness. I remember traveling to my Grandmother's house in Chicago and upon arrival, she took us kids to the kitchen where she promptly made us strawberry milk; a delight that wasn't enjoyed at home! She showered us with delicious meals and sent us home with loads of food for the long road ahead. It was not only to her family that she shows this kindness. She was acknowledged everywhere as a wonderful hostess and woman of God.

When thinking of kindness, I also recall the story of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. In the parable told by Jesus in Luke 10, a Jewish traveler is severely beaten by bandits. A priest and temple assistant both passed by the man and did nothing. Finally, a Samaritan man came to him, bandaged the wounds and arranged for rest and recovery at a local inn. Jesus tells us that the Samaritan man was a neighbor to the Jewish man and to be the ones to show others mercy.

There is great significance in the story of the Good Samaritan. We are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. In the time Jesus told his story, religious leaders were so wrapped up in "The Law" that they had set aside their compassion for others. Jesus reminded us that compassion and mercy are valuable traits. Samaritans at the time were not liked, and often mistreated, by Jews. The Good Samaritan showed a great deal of kindness for the Jew by being willing to put revenge or contempt aside to help a hurting man.

Kindness is a fruit we can build on, and a fruit that takes a lot of work. We can easily get caught up in the hassles and demands of everyday life, that we forget how to be kind to one another. We are born selfish. Even in our earliest days, we begged to be served and provided for. We love kindness when it is bestowed upon us, but how quickly do we return that favor or pay it forward?

Hebrews 7:7 - "And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed."

Fruit of the Spirit - Part 5. Patience

2011-09-14T14:47:00.000-04:00

Romans 8:25 - "But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently."

The Jews in Exodus 32:

"The Hebrews were finally free from Egypt, and they were sitting at the foot of Mount Sinai waiting for Moses to come back down from the mountain. Several of the people became restless and went to Aaron requesting that some gods be created for them to follow. So Aaron took their gold and created a sculpture of a calf. The people began to celebrate in "pagan revelry." The celebration angered the Lord, who told Moses that He was going to destroy the people. Moses prayed for their safety, and the Lord allowed the people to live. Yet, Moses was so angry with their impatience that he ordered that those not on the Lord's side be killed. The Lord then sent a "great plague upon the people because they had worshiped the calf Aaron had made."

WOW! I'm thinking the next time I'm impatient, I'll wait upon the Lord!

Lesson:

Patience is one of the most difficult fruits of the Spirit to possess. While there are differing degrees of patience in different people, it is a virtue most people wish they possessed in greater amounts. Most of us want things "right now." We live in a society that promotes instant gratification. Yet, there is something to the saying, "great things come to those who wait."
The wait on things can be frustrating. After all, you want that promotion right now. Or you want that new car right now on credit instead of waiting to have cash in hand. Advertising tells us that the "now" matters. Yet, the Bible tells us that God has His own timing. We need to wait on that timing or sometimes our blessings get lost.
Eventually the impatience of those Jews cost them their chance to enter the Promised Land. 40 years went by before their descendants were finally given the land. Sometimes God's timing is the most important, because he has other blessings to bestow. We cannot know all of His ways, so it is important to have trust in the delay. Eventually what will come your way will be better than you ever thought it could be, because it will come with God's blessings.