"You Are A Masterpiece".... Preparing Your Inner Self, While Preparing Your Outer Shell

   The mirror.  How many times do you look in one, a day?  For most of us, we'll keep that (very high) number to ourselves.  It can be our comfort zone.  As long as we have a mirror within reach, we're able to guarantee our hair is perfect, our eyeliner's straight, and that spinach from the salad we had for lunch isn't stuck between our teeth. 
    But other times the mirror can be our enemy.  No matter how many outfits we change into, we're not happy with the image staring back at us.  Some days are hips seem too wide, our thighs are too flabby, and that "perfect" dress you just bought, doesn't seem to look quite like it did, when you tried it on in the store just days ago.  Yeah, we've all been there.  The mirror is a sneaky friend.
    But no more.  We are going to change that.  And here's how.  The first thing I want you to do is post this Bible verse to your mirror:  Psalm 139, verse 14:  "I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." 

   That way, every morning as you begin getting ready for school or work or your weekend errands.. when you look into the mirror, you'll see that reminder staring back at you.  And what blessed assurance, right?!  It's like that David Crowder song.. "You Make Everything Glorious".  The lyric goes, "You make everything glorious, and I am Yours-- so what does that make me?!"
    Then post Ephesians 2, verse 10 to your mirror as well:  "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."     We are His workmanship!  Better yet.. we are His MASTERPIECE.  There's only one of you.  Your are beautiful, and you are unique!
   Start there, and memorize those two.  And each day when you put on your makeup and every night when you brush your teeth before bed, look at those verses and let them sink in.  Then, add other verses to your mirror, too.  That way, as you're busy preparing your outward appearance for the day, you can also prepare your heart by learning the words of God our Father.
    Each time you memorize one verse, write another one and post it to your mirror.  Here's some of mine.....

    It's a simple way to not only learn the Word, but at the same time-- serve as a reminder, you're loved by the Creator of all things! 
   So the next time you look into the mirror-- put on a smile and most importantly remember this:  in the eye of the Maker.. YOU are HIS masterpiece.

I Sight a "Site"... You're Going to Love.....

   When it comes to adding the "finishing touch" to the perfect outfit, most of us run to our jewelry boxes- pronto.  And for good reason.  The right bracelet, necklace, or earrings all play a part in making an outfit "our own".  And seriously.. what woman doesn't love unique accessories that expresses her own sense of style-- vintage chains, bohemian chic beads, old Hollywood-glam pearls... we all have our favorites.  Well whatever yours, I've found three sites that all "lovers-of-accessories" are going to fall head over heels for.  Let's take a peek inside the jewelry box, shall we.....

   For jewelry designers at heart... here's a site you're sure to love.  You may have heard Bobbie Thomas talk about it on the "Today Show".   It's called sheyna.com---- there you can design pieces that are just for you! You decide right down to the "wire" (hook of an earring).. what you want your piece to look like.  There's a wide variety of beads, gems, pearls and birthstones,.. gold and silver chains and so much more all custom-made to suite your individualistic taste.  And did I mention it's all "handmade"?  Plus, an added bonus-- since you determine the materials used, you determine how much you spend. Check it out.

   Next, a friend passed this designer on to me, and I checked out her site and fell in love with her work.  Go to tabethasullens.com for a look at her beautiful designs. She even has a blog, where you can keep up with her latest work. (reminisceheirlooms.blogspot.com.)  She makes one-of-a-kind heirlooms, that are uniquely for you. Gorgeous pieces, full of meaningful memories. 

   And finally, for the bohemian-chic... the designs of "LGM Jewelry".  Linda makes individually artistic pieces that are laid back and cool, and full of vintage-antique appeal. As soon as I visited her site, I immediately started making out a wish list. Her designs are the epitome of whimsical-beauty, and will make a perfect addition to all your spring and summer outfits!  Check out her designs on her "etsy" site..... www.etsy.com/people/LGMJEWELRY.

   These are three of my favorite jewelry sites, and I wanted to share them with you too!  If you have a favorite, please leave me a comment (below) and share yours.  Happy shopping everyone... now go accessorize!

   

Those Eyes Are... Smokin'

   So now that you are an expert on doing your own "cat-eye" (practice makes purrrrfect)... let's add some drama to the mix.  We've all wondered how we can get those beautiful smokey eyes seen on virtually every Hollywood starlet that's ever walked the red carpet.  Well good news my fashion-savvy friend... I've got the simple step-by-step guide on how you can give yourself the perfect pair of smokey eyes, that will set your gaze a'blazzin!

* First you'll need a dark-shadow pallet with at least 3 colors (I like using grays and blacks for evening, and purple/green tones for the day), a black pencil or liquid eyeliner, and mascara of your choice.
* Also, keep some Q-tips handy for blending purposes.

~ Begin with a clean, moisturized canvas.  If you want, you can use an eye primer to help keep your makeup from smudging (but since this is a blended and smudgey look, it's not mandatory).
~ Step 1) Use the lightest shade on your makeup pallet as your base shadow.  Use a shadow brush to cover your entire lid. 
~ Step 2) Next, take a medium shade and sweep it HALFWAY over your lid, blending it into your base shade. (see below)

~ Step 3) Take your darkest shade and apply that shadow to the CREASE of your eyelid. To keep the line from looking sharp, use a Q-tip to blend the crease shade into your medium shade.  For a more dramatic affect, blend the crease shade upward and out... like I've done here.

~ Step 4) Use the same shadow you used for your base-- or if you have a lighter shimmery shadow that you prefer-- dust it in the inner corner of your eye.  Also add the light shade to your brow bone and blend it into your darker crease color-- this will make your smokey shadow look more dreamy and soft, while at the same time make your eyes "pop". (see below)

~ Step 5) Now, draw a thin line of black eyeliner across your top lid.  If you use pencil, take the end of a Q-tip and blend the line into the shadow.  I love using pencil liner for this look because it's so easy to blend which means you don't have to worry about applying it to perfection.  However, if you choose to use liquid liner-- the "cat-eye" technique works perfectly with smokey eyes.  Just remember to keep the line thin (a tip from my mama who always says "it's about looking classy instead of "flashy").

~ Step 6) Add liner to your bottom lid, keeping the line close to your lashes. (one of my favorite eye makeup technique is to "tap" the liner across the lashes-- that way it doesn't look like you took a marker and drew a straight "line" under your lid).  Use a Q-tip to smudge the liner into your lash line. 

~ Step 7) Now, take the medium shadow and use a brush (buy a smudge brush for this-- you'll love it) and smudge the shadow across your bottom lid.  But to keep from looking like a raccoon, avoid adding too much shadow. 
~ Step 8) Add two coats of mascara and presto!...........

.............................You're eyes are smokinnnn'.

   That's it-- 8 quick and easy steps, and you've got eyes that would light up the red carpet... no Angelina Jolie lips required.

A Retro Look for the "Twi-hards"

    I have a confession to make. When I first saw "Eclipse" in theaters... I walked out of there with one thought in mind. Not that Robert Pattinson yet again made my heart go pitter-patter. And not the fact that I undeniably loved the film. Instead it was, "where and how fast can I find those retro-cool sunglasses Kristen Stewart wore in the movie?" You know the one's I'm talking about... those 1950's inspired shades that Bella wears while visiting her mom in Florida?? Let me remind you..... (see below)

(courtesy: http://www.twilightblog.net/2010/07/where-to-buy-bella-swans-eclipse-retro.html)

    Huh, uhhh.... now you're wanting to know too- aren't you.  Well good news my fellow Twi-hards,.. (don't deny it- you know your hooked)... I've found a pair that are sure to catch your "eye"... and be kind to your wallets....
    Check out this pair from fredflare.com--- They're almost identical to those of Bella's...

     They come in BLACK and BROWN....and did I mention they'll only cost you $11 bucks!!! So go ahead-- feel free to purchase both colors!  I've pasted the link here, so it'll take you right to the page.  (http://www.fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=6412&cat=281)

    And of course, we all know I couldn't resist.  I left that movie theater on a mission.... and make fun if you wish, but this summer, I am going to be rocking some very retro-looking sunglasses!  Whatda' you think....

    
     So move over Bella Swan!  Because I have a feeling you're about to have some competition headed your way.

Faith Without Deeds Is Dead....

   Happy Sunday everyone!  As you head out to church this morning.. take a moment and thank God for the blessing of being able to praise Him so freely.  Have you ever stopped and thought about how many people all over the world are not able to do this.  They either fear persecution.. or even death, if they profess their love for Christ.  It's such a sad thing, but how magnificent that there's people out there that stand for Him no matter what!  Thank goodness for those "radical" believers! 
   Now I want to pose this question-- are you and I radical Christians?  Do we profess our love for the Son when we are able to so freely?  Do we share the Word with others, with our family.. our friends?  I encourage you, if you haven't done so already,.. read David Platt's book, "Radical". It will open your eyes to what it means to not only be a radical Christian.. but a true follower of Jesus Christ!
   How many times do we label ourselves a Christian.. but actually do nothing to prove it?  I'm opening a can of worms here, I know.. because I think we all find ourselves in this spot sometime or the other.  And I'm not wanting to call anyone out-- I'm wanting to call you to action!  It's time to put our actions where our mouths are.  It's time to go out and share the love of Christ, instead of sitting humbly on the church pew and letting your service end--when the church service ends!  Let's be women of Christ, ladies!
    So here's what I would like to encourage you to do.  After your Sunday meal or your Sunday shopping spree.. go to a bookstore and buy a Bible (or two or three).  Write a note on the inside cover with a message that says something like this...
     "I've left this Bible in hopes that someone looking for direction and purpose will find it.  Jesus Christ is the answer to all your questions, and if you belive in Him you're life will never be the same.  Take this Bible and read the precious words inside-- the Word of the utmost High God.  May it guide you in all areas of your life.  And remember-- Jesus Loves You... and I will be praying for you."

   Then, this week.. give that Bible away.  Give it to someone you know, to a complete stranger.. or leave it lying on a table at a coffee shop or on a bench in the park (like I did here, above).  I don't care who it is you give it to-- just share the Word of God freely!  And don't let your mission stop there.  Branch out and share the Gospel.  And the best way to share the Gospel is by sharing your testimony.  Because people, Jesus calls each and every follower of Him to do this...
    "¹⁸ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;  and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
-Matthew 28:16-20 

   So fellow sisters in Christ, let's do what Jesus-- our Savior, asks of us.  Because faith without deeds, is dead.  And that shouldn't be-- because those who live in Christ are fully alive.

the "LBB": The One Piece You MUST Have In Your Closet This Season (and all year-round)

   The Little Black Dress (LBD) has a home in most of our closets, partly because it looks great on all women.. but also because it's just so darn classy.  Wear it with heels, flats, with or without jewelery- and you're going to look fabulous no matter how you style it. 
   But what about its' classy sister-- the LBB:  Little Black Blazer?  Now I know most of you are thinking "a blazer? How corporate-looking",.. right?  WRONG.  Every woman should own one.. because this versatile piece can transform any look. 
    Let's take a peek at what I like to call the LBB fashion show, shall we?!

Look #1:  the Corporate Look
    Normally, when we hear the words "black blazer", this is the outfit that comes to mind.  Simple, office-appropriate, not to mention the safe fail-proof "interview" look.  And yes, this is a nice, classic look.  But let's branch out a little bit.

Look #2: the Chic Rock Star Look
   Now we're talking!  Add some sky-high pumps, a pair of skinny jeans, and some "heavy metal" jewelry and you're ready to take the stage.  This is a perfect look if you're heading out to the movies or to a nice dinner with the gal-pals.

Look #3:  the Classy-Relaxed Look:
    Bet you didn't know you could look classy and be super-comfortable in the same outfit, didja?  But here's proof!  Take a classic white "T", add shorts or cargo's, and a long chain and you're ready for a day at the mall. 

     And there's plenty more where that came from.  These looks are just three of my favorites, but there's so many more you can pull off with a blazer.  And of course, you can branch out from the color black.  I have one in almost every color (black, brown, white, navy, green... you get the point) but if you choose to buy just one, I would suggest black because it virtually goes with everything-- and yes, you can where brown and black together;; haven't you heard of leopard?
   But what I love most about the LBB is that you can wear it literally every season. It's light enough to wear during spring and summer, and fits perfectly under a jacket in the fall and winter months.  It's classy, sophisticated.. yet screams edgy-cool.
    And best of all, you can find a blazer in almost any store you shop. Forever 21, GAP, Wal-Mart, and Target are some options.  And keep an eye out for vintage ones when you visit thrift stores..( where I've found some of my favorites)! So run-- don't walk, and get yourself one of these fabulous pieces today!!  Because seriously, once you have one-- the LBB will forever become.. your BFF: Best Fashion Friend.

Look Good + Feel Great = Eat Breakfast

   You've heard it before-- a great day starts.. with a great breakfast.  Or how about this one-- breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  We know it's true.. so why is it that we're such slackers when it comes to this uber-important meal?
   Here's what I've come to find-- most women fall into one of these categories:
introducing the "Junkers"-- those who grab something last minute on their way out the door (leftover pizza anyone), just so they can say they've eaten. (Pop-tart lovers I'm talking to you).
   Then there's what I like to call the "Grazers"-- those who "graze" all morning in an effort to get by until lunch.  That's those of you who stop by Starbucks to grab your morning cup of joe and just so happen to go for the handy "portion-controlled" coffee cake too.  And those who just can't seem to say "no" to that box of doughnuts your co-worker brings to the office-- you have a spot here too.
   Exhibit "C"-- the "Nothingers": folks who choose to eat nothing at all, because they're either (a) too tired, (b) too late, or (c) too picky.  Chances are if the phrase "I just don't like breakfast" has ever uttered out of your mouth-- you're in this sisterhood.
   Seriously though, chances are we all fit into one of these categories, at least one day or another.  I know-- because at one time, I've been a group member of all three!  But ladies.. we need to come to the realization that when it comes to looking great and feeling great too... breakfast is key!
   So I want to share with you, what I consider to be one of THE best breakfasts of all time.  Partly because it's quick and easy to make.. and secondly, because it's good for you too-- packing in protein, veggies, dairy, and monounsaturated fats, that  are good for the heart.
   So break out the skillets and the spatulas... and let's get cooking!

~Casey's Ultimate Greek Veggie Omelet

  2 eggs (1 whole egg, 1 egg white)

  baby portabella mushrooms (sliced)

  fresh green pepper (cut into strips)

  fresh onion (cut into strips)

  spinach leaves

  feta cheese

  olive oil

 ~To start, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in iron skillet.  Add mushrooms, green pepper and onion (however much you wish to use-- (I like to use a lot of veggies because it keeps me fuller, longer.. plus more nutrients!)
~Cook veggies in skillet until no longer crisp. (about 6-7 min)
~Add spinach to skillet and cook with other veggies until spinach is wilted (about 1 min)
~Remove from skillet and set aside.
~Add 2 teaspoons olive oil to skillet; add whole egg plus and one egg white to skillet; cook (like an omelet or if you prefer them scrambled that works too) and gently remove from skillet
~Serve egg on plate with veggies inside or on top
~Add feta cheese

   That's all there is to it!  If you have 10 minutes, you have time to make yourself a hearty-healthy breakfast, that will keep you full until lunch!  One tip is to wash the veggies ahead of time and keep them in a container in your refrigerator-- that'll help you save on time.
   There is good news for all you junkers, grazers, and nothingers.... you can become a member of the "Champions". (a little cheesy, but when you take care of your body I think that deserves a high title)  Because that's what it really comes down to-- taking care of the body God blessed you with ("For you are HIS temple..." Ephesians 2:22) Yes we want to look good on the outside.. but it truly is how we feel on the inside that ultimately counts.  So I encourage you-- do something good for yourself, even if it is something as small as eating a healthy breakfast.  Because in the end.. it's actually all the small things we do for ourselves.. that will makes the greatest impact on our lives.