make today beautiful

What is this blog even?

2012-02-01T21:17:00.000-08:00

Good question. You probably haven't ever wondered that, but I wonder it a lot whilst thinking of my wonderful life as a blogger. (it is my life as of late)
This blog is a hodgepodge of everything that is me. In fact, it used to be titled mosaic speakeasy. Which, I really liked. I'm wondering now why I changed it, actually. Bummer.
OH WELL. Maybe I will take some time to change it back to that or something along those lines. ANYWAYYYYYYYYYYY back to the topic. Which is my lack of a "topic."

I just started on my new insulin pump and have an AMAZING new health team on my side, so there will probably be a lot more posts about my Diabetes.
Also, I have been really depleted in the faith department lately, partially because I only attend church during the Sunday school hour because I teach, and I don't attend services because the pastor... isn't my style.
It's hard to relate to him and I just don't get anything out of it. My church situation is kindof complicated. Maybe I'll save that for a whole separate post? So anyhow, I think I'll probably be posting more faith related things, as well. I'm also in the process of starting a YouTube channel for faith-based/sermon videos. It's only a matter of time!

Other than that, I love batman, interior design, funny things, cute things, food... stuff like that. So fear not, loyal readers!!! You will still have a fair share of random here.

The Diabetes Rap

2012-02-01T20:46:00.000-08:00

Matthew West - Strong Enough

2012-02-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Lyrics:
You mustYou must think I'm strongTo give me what I'm going through
Well, forgive meForgive me if I'm wrongBut this looks like more than I can doOn my own
I know I'm not strong enough to beeverything that I'm supposed to beI give upI'm not stong enoughHands of mercy won't you cover meLord right now I'm asking you to beStrong enoughStrong enoughFor the both of us
Well, maybeMaybe that's the pointTo reach the point of giving up
Cause when I'm finallyFinally at rock bottomWell, that's when I start looking upAnd reaching out
I know I'm not strong enough to beEverything that I'm supposed to beI give upI'm not stong enoughHands of mercy won't you cover meLord right now I'm asking you to beStrong enoughStrong enough
Cause I'm brokenDown to nothingBut I'm still holding on to the one thingYou are Godand you are strongWhen I am weak
I can do all thingsThrough Christ who gives me strengthAnd I don't have to beStrong enoughStrong enough
I can do all thingsThrough Christ who gives me strengthAnd I don't have to beStrong enoughStrong enough
Oh, yeah
I know I'm not strong enough to beEverything that I'm supposed to beI give upI'm not stong enoughHands of mercy won't you cover meLord right now I'm asking you to beStrong enoughStrong enoughStrong enough

told you i have talented friends :)

2012-02-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

Runners Remain Rough Copy

this is a very rough copy of an awesome song my best friends put together.

today is their first day in the studio!!! wish i could be there! next time, guys!

Lyrics:

"Runners Remain"

Intro Verse:

I'm a common man

with common thoughts

I lived a common life

with common loss

I never really meant to hurt just, anyone.

I made a real big mess

I told a real big lie

I never thought it through

I never said goodbye

I never, set. This. Right.

-Pre Chorus-

I know I’m not the best for you (echo "best for you")

Now we both know what to do.

I chose to leave this up to you (octave higher “up to you” & echo once)

I will never let you, down...

Just Hear me out

Chorus:

Keep running away from the things you’ll never change ("Keep running away" & "From the things you'll never save" *Harmony*)

From the things you’ll never save.

There’s no one to blame, but it has to be this way ("Theres no one to Blame" *Harmony*)

You will always remain, the same, to me. (*Full Band* Still playin around with this one)

"Preview Lyrics" (Not set in stone!)

Verse 2:

So this is me alone without you.

There's nothing left to break, but I have something left to say.

I wish things would've gotten better, when we were weakest in the end

But all the shit that we had been through, was enough to keep this in.

Pre Chorus:

I know I'm not the best for you (echo "best for you")

I just don't, know what to do

I chose to leave this up to you (octave higher “to you” & echo once)

But I never left your side. (

Chorus:

Keep running away from the things you’ll never change ("Keep running away" & "From the things you'll never save" *Harmony*)

From the things you’ll never save.

There’s no one to blame, but it has to be this way... (*Vocals climb higher* "but it has to be this* Vocals drop an octave* "way...")

Forgive, me now.

Bridge:

("Whoa's" are either hummed or sang soft over end of 1st and through 2nd verse over bridge then stop before "I'm sorry...")

Tryin so hard to figure this out

But nothing seems to change

Nothing seems to change

I just don't know what else to do

I have the choice but I can't choose

I can't lose

I'm sorry for the messes that I've made

For the things I never said, to you

EVERYONE:

WE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN

i have insanely talented friends :)

2012-01-31T19:20:00.000-08:00

Missing You -John Waite (Cover, my own version)

fun with editing tools :)

2012-01-31T14:53:00.001-08:00

Vanilla Banana Protein Shake!!

2012-01-29T14:02:00.000-08:00

As a lot of you know, I have Gastroparesis which, among other things, means I sometimes struggle to get the nutrients I need in the foods I can tolerate. Because of this I drink a protein shake/smoothie almost every morning. Sometimes the recipes get boring, and today I tried a new one, that is SO simple! and it could just be my favorite new smoothie to make and drink!!!

Vanilla Banana Protein ShakeOne large banana (you can freeze it ahead of time to use less ice, if you want)
1/2 light vanilla yogurt (or about that amount, i only had the individual yogurts on hand so i just put half in there)
1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder (i use soy)
1 1/2 tsp flax seed oil (less if you're using other oils as well)
1 Tbs honey
3/4 c. milk (skim, soy, almond, rice *vanilla flavor would be delish but i only had skim milk)
small handful of ice

blend and enjoy!!
I also think it would be good to ass a bit of cinnamon, but I didn't think of that in time!

**Be sure to scrape the honey off the walls of the blending cup if it gets stuck, same with the yogurt or powder. I have an AWESOME blender now, but this is something I always had to worry about before!

This shake is seriously SO good, you guys. and super easy on the stomach if you've got GP or another tummy issue!

##picture is not my own##

Reasoning Behind Hate?

2012-01-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

I have a question. Why is it that some people insist on being cruel to others? Is it because they're jealous? Does it really make a person feel better to belittle someone else? To pour salt in someones wounds? Or to make new wounds altogether? Does this truly bring relief to a person?
Some might say that it's a coping mechanism. That a person hurts so badly that the only way they know how to cope with that hurt is to inflict it on someone else.
Maybe it's a form of revenge? That the world is so cruel to that person, and it's unfair. So it is that person's duty, ergo, to inflict pain and cruelty onto someone else. It's only fair, of course.
Perhaps it's because that person feels SO alone in their hurt, that by causing pain to someone else, they can be assured that someone, anyone, is hurt. Good company.

Whatever the reason, though, why cause pain to someone? Everyone is fighting some kind of battle, whether you can see it or not. Don't just refrain from kicking someone when they're down, keep your foot to yourself in any situation. AS HUMAN BEINGS, sharing this great green earth, we should strive to help others. We should strive to offer words of encouragement, not words that will sting or bruise or slice or cut.
We have all sailed upon rough waters. We will all, undoubtedly, sail on rough waters again, and it's our responsibility to make others' voyages a bit smoother.

2012-01-25T00:13:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm bored.

2012-01-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Don't be afraid to be yourself.

Reblog and bold what applies to you.

I’m loud. (can be)

I’m sarcastic.

I cry easily.

I have a bad temper.

I’m easy to get along with.

I have more enemies than friends.

I’ve smoked.

I drink coffee.

I clean my room daily.

My appearance:

I wear makeup.

I wear a piece of jewelry at all times.

I wear contacts.

I have glasses.

I have braces.

I change my hair color often.

I have a piercing.

I have small feet.

Relationships:

I’m in a relationship now.

I’m single.

I’m crushin’.

I’ve missed an ex before.

I’m always scared of being hurt.

I’ve told someone I loved them when I didn’t.

I’ve told someone I didn’t love them when I did.

I’ve been in love more than two times.

I believe in love at first sight.

Confused/ or don’t want to discuss it ……… what ?

Friendships:

I have a best friend.

I have at least ten REAL friends.

I’ve gotten a phone call in the last 48 hours from a friend.

I’ve beaten up a friend.

I’ve been in a serious fight with a friend.

I can trust at least five people with my life.

Experiences:

I’ve been on a plane.

I’ve taken a taxi.

I’ve taken a city bus.

I’ve taken a school bus.

I’ve made a speech.

I’ve been in some sort of club.

I’ve spent 24 hours on the computer straight.

Music:

I listen to R&B.

I listen to pop.

I listen to techno

I listen to rock.

I download music.

I buy CD’s.

Family Life:

I get along with both of my parents for the most part.

I get along with one of my parents for the most part.

My biological parents are still together.

I have at least one brother.

I have at least one sister.

I’ve been kicked out of the house.

I’ve ran away from my home.

I’ve sworn at my parents.

I’ve made my parents cry.

I’ve lied to my parents.

I’ve lied to my parents about where I am.

I’ve lied to my parents about what I’m doing.

I’ve lied to my parents so I’d be allowed out.

I cant lie to my parents.

Hair:

I’ve been brown.

I’ve had streaks.

I’ve cut my hair in the past year.

I’ve dyed my hair in the past year.

I’ve been blonde.

I’ve had black.

I’ve been red.

I’ve been light brown.

I use conditioner.

I’ve curled my hair.

I’ve straightened my hair.

just a little silliness

2012-01-23T10:14:00.001-08:00

test your "eye"-Q

2012-01-19T17:57:00.001-08:00

why am I SOOOOO clever?! haha anyway..... this is pretty fun.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/9VaK1C/yoniishappy.com/eyes.html/

Everyone needs to read this!

2012-01-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

READ THE STORY BEHIND THIS GORGEOUS PIECE OF ART HERE

2012-01-19T16:53:00.001-08:00

Shakespeare Insult Kit

2012-01-19T16:39:00.001-08:00

2012-01-19T16:34:00.001-08:00

Five people, One guitar

2012-01-19T16:13:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite songs at the moment, and this is probably THE coolest version I've seen! HOW COOL IS THIS?!

A quick, at-home remedy for rough cuticles

2012-01-19T14:07:00.000-08:00

If you're like me, you may have a hard time keeping the skin around your nails and cuticles looking and feeling nice, especially during the winter months. Here are a few tips that I've found work fairly well, and everything you need is probably already in your pantry!!

Crisco - after you wash your face at night rinse your hands in warm water and pat dry. Coat finger-tips (knuckles too, if they're strugglin') and put on a cheap-o pair of cotton gloves. Leave them on over night, and rinse again with warm water in the morning. Apply your favorite hand lotion.

Vit E - You can get decently priced, over the counter vitamin E capsules at any drugstore. Take a couple capsules and roll them between your palms for a few seconds (to warm the oil.) Puncture with a safety pin and apply a dab of oil onto each nail and surrounding skin. *you can also buy vitamin E oil straight, and apply it over night like the crisco.

Brown Sugar Scrub - Mix a tablespoon of brown sugar with a teaspoon of olive oil and use it as a hand scrub. Gently massage hands while scrubbing to help improve circulation (why not kill two birds with one stone?) Use any method of moisturizer to finish off. I like to do this before bed, then wear the gloves.

Hope this helps!

2012-01-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

I need to write a sermon. I need to get them going, somehow. It's something that fulfills me, even if I'm not "preaching" them in the traditional sense. I need to figure out a way to preach them, somehow, though. YouTube, something.
I know that part of the reason I have been in such a funk lately is because my heart hasn't been in my faith. It's there. I know it's there. My faith, I mean. I talk to God just as much as ever, but I don't talk to people about God. I don't spread the word like I should. I do in my actions, but I haven't talked about going to church, or invited anyone to a church service lately. Part of that has to do with the fact that even I don't go to the services at my church. I am angry and jaded... not to mention I feel no connection to the new pastor. But if I don't feel as though that church is my church-home anymore, it's on me to find another place that is.
I think I'm going to invest in a video editing software so that I can put my sermons online. I need to find my old sermons and I need to write some new ones.
LET'S DO THIS.

This video speaks volumes

2012-01-12T15:27:00.000-08:00

This is what I want my life to represent

Stana Katic Makeup Tutorial

2012-01-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

Not only is Stana Katic's character 'Kate Beckett" on TV's Castle one of the most kick-ass female characters right now, the actress herself is insanely gorgeous. With a 'girl-next-door' meets 'independent woman' vibe, she could wear a trash bag and look stunning.
Last night at the People's Choice Awards, she looked amazing in a slim black dress and silver smokey eyes. Her hair was slightly curled and pulled to one side. I couldn't get over how beautiful she looked, and her eye makeup seemed elegant but simple, so I decided to recreate it :)

Products used:
Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer
Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad in Charcoal Smokes
Rimmel London Exaggerate Eyeliner
Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara
large eyeshadow brush
eyeshadow crease brush

How to get the look:
First, prime your eyes. I use Maybelline's Mineral Power concealer for this.

Next, using the large eyeshadow brush, apply a bright silver shadow to lid and just a little ino the crease. I used the silver in the Expert wear quad, but any silver will do.

Apply a darker gray into the outer corner of the eye with your crease brush. I used the dark gray in the quad, it's just a gray with a hint of purple undertones.

Line your eyes and smudge the line to smoke it out a bit.

Curl lashes if needed and apply your favorite mascara.
*NOTE* I used Falsies Flared, because it is all I have right now. I really am not a huge fan of it, it tends to clump.

And DONE!!!
*Stana's look was very contoured, with a nude pink lip.*

Face Off!!

2012-01-11T22:17:00.000-08:00

Syfy's show "Face Off" is A.Maz.Ing!!!

Okay, granted I've only seen one episode so far, but it was an hour and 15 minutes long and I was glued to the television 100% for every single second of it. It's a special effects makeup challenge show.
In this episode, the teams had to recreate the characters of Wizard of Oz. The girls' team did a post-apocalyptic theme, and the guys did a zombie, gothic kind of theme. The makeup turned out INSANELY cool.
I hope that eventually I'm able to take some stage makeup classes as electives, I am super into makeup and if i could ever live in New York or L.A. I would probably go into that as a profession to be honest.

Anyway, check out the show on the SYFY network!!! :)

2012-01-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

My good friend Paul, (Paul Pheonix, Twitter: @themrpaul) is working on his first album. It's called Music Is Life, and he wanted me to play around with some designs for some merch. Here's what I came up with.

(the baby idea was his, I just drew it up)

Ninja Blender Review

2012-01-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

Ninja Kitchen System 40 oz. Pulse Blender & 3 16 oz. Cups

Ninja Kitchen System with 40-oz processing bowl features quad blade technology which provides uniform cutting and ice-crushing action, features 700W motor, it powers through even your toughest tasks in a matter of seconds. From soups and salads to dinners and desserts, theNinja Kitchen System is prepared to take on all your food processing, blending, and mixing needs. Slice and dice your ingredients in one easy step, and store your leftovers by snapping on the convenient lock-in lid. Even take your own shakes to go, thanks to a set of three 16-oz single serve blending cups. Price, Ninja Kitchen System 40 oz. Pulse Blender & 3 16 oz. Cups currently selling for $80

I LOVE THIS BLENDER!!!
I love that it has the "magic bullet" style cups, so I can make my morning smoothies and take them to go. Blend and drink all in one, so there's only one part to wash.
I also love that one smoothie takes less than 5 minutes to make. The blades are insane and work soooo quickly! I have yet to make anything but smoothies, but I will be sure to let you know how it goes when I do!!

*quoted review from HERE

My "Easy on the tummy" morning smoothie

2012-01-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

I have to drink a protein shake each morning to make sure I get all of my nutrients in spite of my very limited diet. Sometimes, though, when my tummy is real angry, I have to tweak the recipe just a bit to be able to keep it down. Here's the recipe!

*FROZEN* 1/2 can peaches in light syrup
1/2 c. skim, soy, or almond milk (plain or vanilla)
1/3 scoop vanilla protein powder (less if it's not as tolerable.)
1/2 tsp. flaxseed oil
a couple ice cubes if you'd like
I also sometimes add a bit of light yogurt, either peach or vanilla

Blend and enjoy!

It's not as interesting as what you can do with a "normal day's" shake, but it's yummy and pretty tolerable.

*not my image