Health Resolutions

I usually don't do resolutions because I don't like the idea of waiting until new years eve to make changes I could make today. However, this year i have some changes I want to make that I've decided upon right in time for new years eve - so why not?! I have some goals for each aspect of my health.

First and foremost, my spiritual health. I want to be spending time reading my bible EVERY DAY - I've gotten pretty flaky about it lately. I want to know God better, and that is part of how to do so.

Second: emotional/mental health. In order to be less stressed, I'm going to stay up on reading in my classes and manage stress through journalling and yoga.

Physical health: I'm going to drink more water, eat less sugar, and take my vitamins regularly (rather than once a week, haha).

Finally, to promote the health of my skin, i'm going to be more committed to using a moisturizer.

There they are - very simple things that I should already be doing. Want to join me in these simple goals?

My First Clarisonic

So my mother got a Clarisonic Mia 2 as a Christmas gift and told me to use it since I'll use it more than she will. I've used it for a week and a half, and I must say, I'm sold!

I feel so clean after I use it. It vibrates so quickly and gently that it cleans deep without irritating blemishes. It works really well around my nose and cheeks where I get lots of blackheads. I've definately noticed a decrease in the number of blackheads in that area. 

I've got the standard scrubber but would be interested in trying out some others. I know they also have a few different face wash formulas made to go with the tool, but it seems like any foaming wash would work. 

Anyway I'd easily give the Clarisonic Mia 2 an A+ and recommend it! But be sure to buy it on sale- it's so expensive at full price!

Finding Beauty in God

As a follower of Christ, I know I should be searching for my worth and my beauty in God. But like most girls, I often struggle not to define myself based on the beauty standards I perceive in pop culture. Luckily, the more lost I get in my savior, the less i find myself worrying about such trivial things as clothing sizes. Sometimes though, it can be hard to disentangle myself from all the crazy standards  I store up in my head. I start to spiral into negative though cycles. "I'm nothing special", "I look ugly today..."

I've been struggling with these kind of thoughts a lot lately. But I know they are lies. I am beautiful- made in the image of God. Nothing can take my worth away because it lies in Him and He proved it when he sent his son as ransom for my life. I try to always remember that.

When i find myself struggling there are a few things I have to do to put myself back in the correct perspective. I try to see myself, as the song goes, "through heaven's eyes". First, I apologize to God for buying into the lies that I'm less than beautiful, because that demeans His artistry and puts my trust outside of him. Then I ask for the Holy Spirit to work in my heart, showing me my value and giving me good works to do to keep my mind on. Next I make a list of the beautiful things I see in myself, and thank God for each one. A friend of mine once told me to write this list down physically, not just in my head. He said that way I could pull it out when I lose sight of myself. It helps me remember how God made me. 

God made us each beautiful- in His image. But His image is so much more than aesthetic beauty. He made us graceful, and compassionate, patient and joyous, eloquent and giving. These things are of far more worth than physical beauty. Even the most beautiful visage is nothing compared with a God-fearing, compassionate heart.

Mega Effects Mascara

This is a product review for Avon's new Mega Effects Mascara

I love love LOVE this mascara. I work for Avon, so i know my opinion's a bit biased but this really is an amazing product.

First, let me tell you what I love about the look: it's so natural! It makes my lashes look much longer and thicker but not unnaturally so. Each lash is coated individually rather than sticking multiple together. It's great:) and it's very buildable so I can range from just a little definition to long, bold, glamorous lashes.

But the natural look isn't all this product has to offer. It's so easy to apply! The amazing new brush shape makes it so I can apply all my mascara with just one swoop. 

It bends to whatever angle I need so I can apply my mascara more easily (and not get it on my brow bone).

The downside of this product is that it doesn't have a whole lot of mascara in it, so it runs out in a little under 2 months if i'm wearing it every day. In actuality i should be replacing my mascara that often anyway, so this isn't such a big deal.

Overall i'm very satisfied with this mascara and have switched over completely. I use the brown-black, but it also comes in black. Check it out yourself - it's only 10 bucks!