Tunisia 2012

What a life changer :]

About Sin

Growing in God is a daily practice...it will take as much discipline as it does for you to walk past the soda aisle or to get out of the house and run every day. I'm not going to lie and say it's easy, because it isn't. It will take hard work and diligence to really follow God and seek Him daily, but the rewards are soo worth it (Jer 29:13). Think of it as you do running...the more you get out there and push yourself to do it, the further and faster you can go, and the easier and more fulfilling it will be!!

One great way of seeking and loving God is by keeping your life free of sin (and consequently, you free!). This is something that is important to God, and even King David practiced keeping his relationship with God real by making sure there was no sin between him and the big G-man. Psalm 139:23-24 tells us,

"Investigate my life, O God, 

find out everything about me; 

Cross-examine and test me, 

get a clear picture of what I'm about; 

See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— 

then guide me on the road to eternal life." (MSG)

Sin is serious. It's like a cavity that slowly decays our bones and our spirits, and if we don't dig it out (as painful as it may be) and get rid of it, we're going to be due for a root canal.

In Biblical times, you would have your hand chopped off for shoplifting and stoned to death for disobeying your parents. Can you imagine living in that society? Thankfully Jesus died for us and took the ultimate punishment for our sins (Romans 6:23), but we shouldn't take this lightly. Sin is still a serious offense. It can entangle you, drag you down, and steal your joy. We should be like David, who wrote psalms (like the one above), and we should daily lay our lives bare before God. Let Him search your heart and reveal whatever is holding you back. If we make this a daily practice we will remain humble, alert to sin, happier, and healthier.

Much Love,,
This Girl

Spiritual Health

Living a healthy lifestyle isn't just about taking care of your inners or making you more physically attractive (WHAT?!), it's also about being emotionally and spiritually healthy.  Without these two things being taken care of, it doesn't matter how attractive and healthy you are, because you're going to be miserable.  Today we're focusing on Spiritual Health, because I don't just want to be physically active, I want to be spiritually active and feeling good!

"Why is this important?" You may ask...well, because the Bible tells us so. The end.
Just kidding, I'll tell you. Honestly the Bible does tell us so, and that's good enough reason for me because all scripture is God breathed (2 Tim 3:16), which means that it's like God's massive text message to us...He had man write this stuff down because He wanted us to get in there and read it and be exposed to truth and grow in Him.  Honestly, the Bible is like a personal trainer...it tells us how to live our lives successfully because success is the LORD's (Job 36:11).  Also, everything you ever need an answer for is in there. Don't believe me? Go check it out for yourselves!

If you want an abundant life, get right with God. He wants to bless you and love on you (John 10:10). Seeking God and disciplining yourself in that will give you more joy and health than any form of exercise or diet (though He does call us to be healthy, too 1 Cor 6:19-20, 1 Cor 10:31, 1 Cor 9:27, etc).

SO--how do you do this??
It's a daily practice...it will take as much discipline as it does for you to walk past the soda aisle or to get out of the house and run every day.  I'm not going to lie and say it's easy, because it isn't.  It will take hard work and diligence to really follow God and seek Him daily, but the rewards are soo worth it (Jer 29:13).  Think of it as you do running...the more you get out there and push yourself to do it, the further and faster you can go, and the easier and more fulfilling it will be!!

I will be doing a bit of a series on spiritual health now, but I'll post on crafting and physical health still, too.
So, expect to read more about how you can be spiritually healthy and how you can practically seek Him!!
If there's a topic you want covered or a question you want answered, message me or comment below.

Much Love,,
This Girl

This is How I feel!

I'm doing good with the dieting thing!
Except today...but I'm sort of allowing some bad food as a reward (does that make any sense?).

Anyways, here's some good ol' Jenna Marbles to put into words how dieting usually goes for me:

The Face

Awkward Alert!
So, I started my period the other day, and usually I can pretty much tell when it's coming because my body gives off signs (the typical bloating and breakouts), but it took me by surprise this time! Which is actually really cool, because I had a pimple or two, but not the usual 'break out'.
Y'know what that means?
Plan "Become a VS Hottie" is working!!
Awkward Alert Over

Just by eating better I have seen improvement over the last week! Which is remarkable. I can't imagine what it will be like when I actually consistently work out.

With that, here's some tips to help your complexion:

Charlize Theron, you clear-skinned bitch

1) Figure out what type of skin you have (oily, dry, combination).  You can do this by going to a make-up store, looking it up online, or just feeling/looking at your skin.  This is an important step because it determines the products you buy for your face.  Going to a dermatologist is another great option because they will figure it out for you and then prescribe some heavy duty stuff, which works wonders.  The cheaper route is to buy through Arbonne, Mary Kay, or Wexler.  I use Wexler, which I buy through Bath and Body Works, which is actually very affordable and works well!

My faves are the exfoliating cleanser and the  overnight acne lotion.
This starter kit is only $29.50 at Bath and Body Works!

Face wash that I use

2) CLEAN YOUR FACE! When you wake up, use a facial cleanse, not just soap and water, which can be harsh on your skin.  After washing, if you have dry skin, put on moisturizer (with SPF!).
I also like to wash my skin and redo my make-up in the middle of the day too because I live in AZ and it's hot as hell here because of sweat and clogged pores.  Before bed, wash it up more thoroughly and lather with whatever acne cream you have. :)

Bad, Pope, Bad!

3) Don't touch your money maker! By touching your face, you're adding the germs, dirt, and oils from your hands to your face...bad bad bad.

4) Don't PICK your face. This is a hard one for me, but by popping those pimples you can create scarring and you actually end up elongating that pimples staycation on your face.  Another sad truth is that the grodiness in that zit will act like a dandelion once popped and spread zits over your face.  Just. Don't. Do. It.

5) Eat right and exercise! How you take care of your body, internally and externally, will show on your face.  By exercising you decrease redness by increasing oxygenation, and you also detoxify the impurities in your skin through your sweat!  Also, omega 3 (as in..fish) is great for your skin, as is B3 vitamins (avocados), Vitamin A (mangos), and Vitamin E (almonds).

6) Drink water! "Water...is the essence of moisture..." Ohhh Zoolander. It's true, ya'll. Moisture will create youth in your skin. Water will turn over the cells in your skin.  Drink about eight glasses of water--if you're dehydrated you will show it on your face.

I hope that encourages you! :)

Much Love,,
This Girl

Confessional Friday

Why not. I'm teaming up with Morgan and Leslie and doing my very own Confessional  Friday post!

1. I confess that I am really excited for April 1st to get here already, because I get to go on my Facebook again! It's been a good month, and I haven't missed FB too bad, but I have missed keeping up with the boy in that way.

2. I confess that I am seriously considering becoming a Special Educator.

3. I confess that I almost had a breakdown in Michaels yesterday because I was PMSing and I was tired and overwhelmed.

4. I confess that I told my boyfriend that his dog died when his dog had actually...not died. (I didn't know that second part, I promise!!)

5. I confess that I am deathly alergic to rabbits.

I hope you enjoyed, I thought it was fun :)

Love Much,,
This Girl

inspiration

Dearest Morgan posted this in reply to my progress report:

Don't kick yourself about eating those sugary snacks, you did it, and there's no going back...only moving forward! You enjoyed them and that's great, but remember how you felt after eating all that? Well, remember that feeling the next time you're tempted! That's so good you chose water! You're on the right track :) Don't forget, IT'S OKAY to indulge once in a while. It's not like you should never eat a brownie again, or never taste soda as long as you live. It's just instead of drinking soda 4 times a day...drink water 3 of those ;) I'm not sure if you're a big "snacker" like I am, but my mom and sister and I all text each other though out the day saying "no snacking :)" or something along the lines of "instead of a handful or goldfish crackers, or chips, eat a handful of carrots" it's a great reminder and works really well! I went shopping yesterday and stayed on the OUTER PERIMETER of the grocery store...if you think about it...we start getting into trouble when we move to the inside isles (99% of the time) because on the inside there is fatty foods (chips, candy, frozen meals, etc.) are located. Don't bring those things home, because then you don't have an option of eating those things :) best of luck on your journey! being healthy is something we're ALL working on, so don't feel alone on this ;)

How sweet is SHE??! Love you lots, lady! Thank you for the helpful tips, those are all reeeeally good.
I am a snacker, I graze...and I just like having things in my mouth--always have. I chew a lot of gum to keep from gnawing on pencils and pens (I'm a teether, I admit it :]). Just rethinking what I'm snacking on is great. I've started bringing bags of carrot to school with me, and when I'm snacky I get wheat crackers and hummus and chow down on that. Also, my achiles heel are sweet drinks, the sweeter the better. But by limiting myself to one of them for dessert, and then drinking water, I am making a better choice and helping myself not snack as much. A lot of times that hungry feeling really means you're thirsty!

The accountability texting is a grand idea!! I will do this.
Also, sticking to the outer perimeter of the grocery aisle--brilliant! Because I have a shopping weakness I usually avoid malls (for example, I went into VS today to get free underwear and left with a bag full of products!! But...they were on sale ;)), so avoiding those aisles is a good idea. I have heard that you shouldn't eat hungry, either, because then you're more likely to buy more food and unhealthy foods.

Just some good tips that I am learning and trying to apply to my life. :)
Also:
I deserve a gold star for going to the movies yesterday and drinking water and eating veggie chips that I brought with me!

Finally, an inspiring photo:

                                    


Much love,
This Girl

Progress Report

Pretty much as soon as I decided to get fit every good not good food came out to get me. I was offered lots of free fatty and sugary things this week and I accepted almost all of them. And I deeply regret it. Those moments of deliciousness may seem worth it, but they are not. Because in the end the food is gone and you have more calories and fat. I'd rather eat better (which can also be delicious) now and ignore those icky bad foods, and then get those consequences, rather than the consequences of eating poorly.
What you put into being healthy and fit, you will get out.
SO, last night I was getting my hair done (slowly going blond) and they offered me soda...
"Do you want something to drink? We have soda!"
"Yes...I want soda....but I will just have a water, thanks."
So, there's a step in the right direction, haha. I'm going to take this seriously. I want to.

I also really struggled with working out this week. As in...I didn't. At all. I think after I post this I'm going to go do some yoga. I was going to hike but I couldn't will myself to move out of my bed this morning.
It's always been a struggle for me to work out, because I struggle with depression and when I'm depressed I just want to sleep or not move, which is the opposite of what I should do! Exercise gives endorphins and those make you happy! Whenever I'm active I'm always happier. That's why I love my Wednesday night volleyball games and Saturday Frisbee games.

Lastly, I am considering doing a cleanse...my friend Samantha did one and now my friend Morgan is...I don't know if I can afford it or not but I'm going to look into it and maybe meet with Samantha, because I have many much questions about it.

That's all for now!

Much Love,,
This Girl

VS Body

I want to look like a VS model...for a long time I have openly expressed how I want a "VS butt". I know some of it is photo-shopped...but some of it is not...just look at the fashion show! They are fit, glowing, flawless goddesses.
So, I just looked up how to become a goddess myself!

LOOK AT THEM!!

Reading through the site I saw that a lot of my habits must change. I need to cut out processed foods (goodbye fast food and pizza), and carbs (rice and pasta, you too), and my sugar binges (cookies, cakes, candies). I'm really happy I cut out my soda streak (or at least down) I rarely drink it now, and recently discovered that drinking caffeine after 2 PM prevents you from REM sleep, which is the deepest and most restful cycle of sleep.  However, I am still addicted to Snapple (and prolly always will be...education and delicious? I think yes), but I will cut down on my intake.

Another thing I need to do is start working out....haha, what a concept, right?
I try and jog every once in a while but have been so sleepy lately I haven't gotten to. There's also a hiking trail that's a five minute walk from my house (perfection much?) and a Y down the road. I am going to make this a priority.

I have never actually set my mind on eating right or being physically active, but I'm going to. It's a goal of mine now. VS body, you WILL be mine!!! (Eek...I sound like a rapist).

If oyu wanna check out the tips and ideas from the site, it is here. It actually seems fairly doable. I'll keep you posted on my journey--I plan on starting this ASAP.

Much love,
This Girl

Boston FUN

Remember when we were in Boston and we went into that big music store? We aimlessly flipped through the CDs and then you found this one. I though the cover was awesome and you said they had good music. You purchased the CD and when we got back to the car you popped it in and opened it with this. I fell in love the minute I heard the first accordion cord, because I'm that kind of girl. We listened and drove through the pouring rain on the freeway, quickly spilling into traffic and sitting in silence. You held my hand in yours over the clutch, and had your other hand on the wheel. We listened to music and I quizzed you on driving laws (of all things).
Remember when we got to the big tunnel and I said we had to hold our breath? So, we did. And we could see the light at the end, but were stuck in more traffic. My heart beat against my chest and my lungs burned for oxygen but I wasn't giving up. You found an opening and gunned it through the traffic like a maniac and we let out a collective sigh at the end. Our lungs filled with fresh air and the car with our laughter.
Whenever I hear this song, I remember that.
Imissyou


Love much,,
This girl

You be you, girl!

I have a low self-esteem...and it's very irritating to me and others. I'm kind of tired of it.
I will compile a list of things I'm good at:

• Horse back riding
• Art
• Party Planning
• Fencing
• Acting
• Dancing
• School
• English
• Decorating
• Listening
• Teaching
• Babysitting
• Encouraging

I need to stop this nonsense...I'm beautiful and uniquely hand crafted by the God of the Universe!! C'mon, now! And y'know what?? THAT is where my identity comes from...not from helping others, and not from academics. I want to start caring more about Jesus and....as selfish as it sounds, ME. Less about how others feel about me and less about my grades. I want good grades but not to the point of knots, no sleep, and depression.

I want to tell myself...YOU BE YOU, GIRL!

:]

Attraction

Me: What attracted you to me?
Him: -after much hmm-ing and haa-ing- You were a cool girl. You were someone I could talk to. You're also beautiful, that helped. You were different. You didn't flirt, you were just easy to talk to and fun. You were a beautiful cool girl I could talk to without stuttering!
Me: I think for me....it was your hair.
Him: -laughing- You liked my messy hair?
Me: I did...it drew me to you. -laughing too- It sounds shallow but I just really think you're super attractive. AND you're funny...I noticed how you always smiled and were happy and easy to talk to. You were nice.

The Amazing Race

I adore this show. You have no idea, guys. I watch it every season!
This season I'm routing for these two:

They are FANTASTIC. So funny and full of heart--they just are who they are.
Seriously, I love this show like I love Snapple...and I LOVE Snapple.
When I saw a Travelocity gnome in a California shop last year I almost bought it because I love this show.

He was bejeweled...AH!

Seriously...it's on my bucket list to go on this show, and wouldn't you know that my boyfriend is in the Coast Guard and I really think we would ROCK IT.
I'm always telling him that I'll get us on the show and he'll win it for us. :] Because I'm quirky and he's strong and capable. We can be team Sarathan..or Jonarah...or just the winning team. Whatevskies.
But for reals, I have our strengths mapped out AND our outfits.

Strengths:
Him: strong like the Hulk, a good swimmer, determination and endurance, overall fit as a beast, patient (when he wants to be), good at soccer, knowledgeable, smart, will eat ANYTHING, will try anything, really tall, intimidating, good with money, good with airports, good with weapons, good with directions, musically gifted, good at cooking.
Me: Acting, singing, dancing skills, smart, good at memorizing, good at art, willing, determined, hard working, quick study, flexible, small, good endurance, can ride a horse, jogger, good with kids, smart.

In the meantime...I think having an "Amazing Race" date, would be fine, too. ;)

With Love,
This Girl

Question of the Week!

Do you celebrate the things you do have?

Goodbye Facespace-Hello March!

Are ya'll aware of how much we waste our time? Maybe you don't think you do, but I know that I do. I fill my days with things I feel like I need to do, but in actuality I don't. In turn, those things that really should be done--those things God has placed in my heart--get buried under those immediate busy things.
I don't think that's how God wants it.
Y'know, as a way of relaxing from the stress of the day, I go on Facebook and spend an hour or more just banging around, checking out what people are doing and looking at pictures and commenting on things. Not to say that this isn't good...but at the same time--it takes up so much time. Also, when I'm doing homework, I'll reward myself with it. Then I'm up all night doing an assignment that would only take me, what? An hour-two?
Another way I waste time is worrying. God says to not worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself...He says not to be anxious about anything but with prayer and thanksgiving let your petitions be known to Him..HE says to give our concerns to Him, because He cares about us.
He ALSO tells us to be good stewards.
I guess I'm just feeling very...God driven lately. Which is awesome and I'm very thankful for it. He's just laying things out in my life and leading me in such a way--golly, I don't know...I'm just so thirsty for Him!
I've noticed lately (with the help of Boyfriend) that I'm a big time people pleaser. I want to make people happy-I want them to like me soooo badly. Because I'm afraid they'll leave me otherwise...I'm afraid I'm not worth it, otherwise. It's like--I'm not valuable for me so I try and at least make myself useful.
That's not what God says about me...He says I'm valuable for who I am, not for what I do.
He's really teaching me who I am in Him...He's teaching me to be a God pleaser-not a people pleaser, and y'know what?? It is just SO freeing. I feel much happier lately and I'm discovering myself....and actually liking myself...
Which brings me back to being a steward.
People get caught up in the business of life and what they "should" be doing...they don't focus on God as much as they should or honor His things...by that I return to the stewardship concept.
Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in."
What is 'ours'? Is our money really ours? Is our time ours? No...nothing is. It's God's-and He's giving it to us, but that still doesn't mean that we really have any say over it. If a friend lent you fifty bucks and then the next day asked for it back...you'd give it back to them, right? Because it wasn't really your's in the first place. That's what it's like with God...And I've been convicted of this. I am a bad steward of my time. I waste so much of my time on facespace and on things that don't matter--that don't take precedence to what God's telling me to do.I deactivated my facebook for the month of March to use that time more wisely-namely to spend it at the feet of Jesus.

I want to challenge you to search in your lives for those things that are taking more precedence than time with Jesus. Look for what devours your time, look for ways that you're not being a steward. Look at Jesus!! He tells us that if we seek Him we will find Him! Seek is an active word! Christianity is not a faith of comfort-and Satan will try to convince you to be comfortable...to not go outside of your comfort zone or change things to honor God and not yourself. That's a trap-God wants to free you and bring you life--ABUNDANT life!! Choose Jesus, guys! Go after him wholeheartedly! RUN the race God put before you!
Also...Happy March first! :)

Lots of love,
This Girl

North Africa

North Africa

You guys.....I am seriously so pee-my-pants excited to be going on a Mission trip to Africa this summer.
SERIOUSLY
This will be my first mission trip and we are being trained SO thoroughly by my church, which I believe is very wise. We will be serving the missionaries established there and encouraging them, as well as the locals. It's going to be hard (culture shock, anyone?) and demanding, but I KNOW this is where God wants me this summer and I am so excited to see what He's planning. :) The sneak.
I will post more information as I go through my six week training.
I will also post information on how you (yes YOU) can help me!

Lots of Love!
This girl

ps. SO (a)FRICAN EXCITED!!!

Ceramics is Tricky

Last Thursday was a BEAST of a day--let me tell you!
It began with ceramics, which is usually a great way to begin a day, but oh-hooohoo, no sir, not today. I almost slept in but changed mah mind. I get in and see that my vase is dry enough to go into the kiln, but instead I ask the instructor if I should sand the leg first. He says yes and gives me his special sanding tool.
"Why sand it?"
You ask.
Because it was leaning a little. So, I sand one of the legs a little and whattya know-the leg BREAKS OFF. I'm left gaping at the foot in my hand and the amputee vase.
I whine to whoever will listen and they tell me to mash up some paper clay (I felt like Rafiki from the Lion King) and put it on. I do this, but it breaks again...so I get some fresh clay and put THAT on, along with the paper clay. Then I carry it to my locker and lay it inside like it's my dead child being laid into its coffin. AND I go home.
Well. THIS Tuesday I go to Ceramics and all goes well with amputee vase. He's standing (still tilted slightly) and today was being fired. It was a good day. I made three bowls and one cup. I clean up and put my stuff away before heading to my next class for my exam (which goes swimmingly). Then I take the five minute walk to my car only to realize that I am key less.
I decide to trace my steps and look for my keys...well...they weren't int he classroom or by my wheel...y'know where they were?
In the pocket of my apron....
In my toolbox...
In my locker.
Which is locked.
"Easy peasy!" You say, "unlock your locker and drive on!"
If only...y'know what else is on my keying in my locked locker? The key to my locker.
I go to the nearest janitor I find who tells me to go the college safety (across campus) who tells me to go to maintenance, who tells me to go BACK to college safety but I'm all, "They told me to come here!" So, we go to the ceramic lab together and he McGyver's my locker and VUA LA! I'm free to go.
Crazy right?
I thought that I would struggle in ceramics but not in these ways....

Preggos

I'm officially surrounded by preggos.
There's my best friend, a good friend's best friend, and two girls in my class.
One of these girls I thought was crazy at first--or just plain mean...she was really aggressive and would turn everything I said into some insenuation that she was fat. No, it's true...

Me: Oh, you're taking Zumba classes? How fun!
Her: Yeah, I'm just not going to tell my instructor.
Me: Not...tell them...what?
Her: That I'm pregnant.
Me: -looking at her stomach- Ohhh!
Her: What? Does it make sense now?
Me: What?
Her: That I'm FAT.
Me: Oh...that's not what-no, no, no, I didn't think...I mean, you're pregnant so of course you're bigger....
Other girl: So...Zumba's fun...
Me: How far along are you?
Her: 36 weeks...why, do I LOOK it?
Me: I...I have no idea, I have no way to reference that. I'm going to go...

However, from the next class on, she was super friendly.
Well, God told me to befriend her.
I was all, "nuh-uh God, nooo thanks".
But He's relentless and insists on us being friends.
She's really very nice, and I have gotten to know her better. Her life is difficult and she's having a hard time with everything.
The other day, God told me to call he or take her out, but I ignored Him. This really does make me feel sad.
Well, today she was late to class because her tires popped on the freeway. She was crying and wheezing from asthma and I had no idea what to do (I'm like a man around crying girls). But we manage to cheer her up, and we talk about her baby shower. Well, a bit ago she calls and asks if I can help with her shower because her other friend bailed on her.
Yes, God, I hear You...
So, I said yes.
She started crying again because she didn't expect me to say yes and she was really happy and relieved.

Please pray for her and for me. This whole thing makes me nervous, because I don't want to let her or God down. But I'll do my best.

A snippet of us

• Boyfriend: -calls me and I answer- Hello, is this Miss Sarah?
• Me: Yes, how are-
• Boyfriend: I'd like to report a theft.
• Me: Oh...well, what's been stolen?
• Boyfriend: My heart. I want you to know that you're a suspect.
• Me: -A- suspect?
• Boyfriend: Well, there's also my closet girlfriends...
• Me: Oh, yeah, like Misty? (from Pokemon...one of his old crushes)
• Boyfriend: Yes. Exactly.
• Me: Well, am I the number -1- suspect?
• Boyfriend: Yes, you are.
• Me: Ok...I'll work on it, but I don't know if I'll be able to recover the missing item.
• Boyfriend: I'm okay with that.
• -------------------
• Ohhhh it's so corny, but I love it...

How to Choose Your Hair

Hey girlies!
So, every semester (or so) I declare to myself in the mirror the world that I'm going to grow my hair out. I see girls all over my campus with their long gorgeous hair and I think, "Sarah, this is the year. JUST DO IT." It's even on my bucket list, 'have Disney princess hair'.
The only trouble is that I get frustrated by long hair. I have had long(er) hair, and it so irritated me because it got in my way and it took so long to wash (impatience much?) and I didn't want to take the time and effort to do anything with my hair.

PROOF (me, 2010)

Shortly after that photo I had a tough break-up and decided to chop my hair off and it was terrific. Seriously, my hair is so thick, it felt fantastic, looked cute, and was is SO easy. Checkit:

Me now. It's a bob :]

And let me tell you, dying your hair is addicting. Fo reals, friends. How fun is it to change your hair? And why not?
Yes, some people think that having short hair as a woman is unbiblical but I very much disagree with that. I love Jesus and I have short hair (for now). I say, go for it, and have fun with your hair; and if you don't know what to do with it, here are some tips:

Tip 1) Don't use those hair mixer things online, etc. They don't work. They end up turning you into Frankenstein's monster, honestly, and that only makes you think that EVERY hairstyle in existence will also make you look horrendous.

See what I'm saying?

Tip 2) Figure out your face shape and style your hair accordingly. :) I went to Ulta and had this done, and apparently I have the face shape for ANY style, which doesn't really narrow things down, but at least you can find celebrities with the same face shape through google and see what they've done and what worked!

Tip 3) Think about the kind of maintenance and time you're willing to put into your hair. If you either:
a) Don't have time
b) Don't want to take the time
c) Are terribly inept at haircare (like I am)
You should stick to a cut and style that is easy, functional, and flattering.

As for color:
That's a whole 'nother ballgame. It depends a lot on skin tone, I think. I've read before that you should never go more than two shades light or darker than your natural tone, no matter the color you're going for. I think that's a good rule of thumb so that you keep things looking more natural.

Otherwise I say that ya'll should just have fun! Put feathers in, highlights, streaks, dye it blue, do whatever! Really, the only person you should be trying to please is yourself (unless you're married, in which case your spouse should have some say).
Otherwise, enjoy! :]

FEARLESS

My word for 2012 is Fearless.
I want to be a Paul. A John the Baptist. I learned about him in church today and he is so super cool. He was weird and passionate and didn't care what other people thought. He was truly living for Jesus, and I want to do the same.
In church, the pastor said the following quotes:
"You will never make a difference in this world without being willing to be different."
and,
"The only way to avoid criticism is to say nothing, do nothing, be nothing."
God called us to be something; and not just something tepid and 'good', but something big and passionate.  We need to be the kind of people who stand up for Christ even when it's not "PC".  We need to do the right, Christ-like thing, even when it's hard.  We need to be willing to sacrifice our popularity in order to present Christ to others.
My pastor challenged us by asking, "When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?"
It's been too long since I've had a conversation about Jesus with someone who needs Him.

So this year, I'ma be fearless.
I'm going to live big and dream big and follow God's callings.
I'm going to start volunteering with my church, and I'm going to talk to strangers; not just about Jesus, but about them. I want to invest in others and nurture their hearts. I'm going to start going to small group again (it starts tomorrow night!!) and potentially begin a bible study for girls. I'm already looking into ministry for the summer. And I'm considering something else...but first I have to work out some kinks.

I refuse to blend into the ways of this world. I'm going to stand out from the crowd by living fearlessly for Christ. I'm going to be His honey badger.

What about you?

Love,
This Girl

Adventures with Boyfriend

So, I have this amazing man in my life named Jonathan. He's remarkable and I could truly go on an on about how good looking, kind hearted, generous, loving, rugged, good looking and overall manly he is (and good looking). Instead, you can figure that out for yourself.

C'mon, just LOOK at him.

SO, we like to adventure and I decided to surprise him with a Christmas gift that was actually a day trip to Sedona, which is where my family used to go every winter. Specifically I wanted to bring him to a shopping center named T'laquepaque, because he's never been and it's super special and artsy and fun.  After that I wanted to take him to the lights display at Los Abrigados (also in Sedona). Have ya'll been? It's absolutely terrific. There's 30 or so houses all dolled up in lights and you vote on your favorite. They have trees that light up to music, they have hot chocolate, and they even have carriage rides (of sorts)!
I had reserved a day for him (you have to do that with this boy, because he is CA-razy in demand when he comes home ;]) but, being my sneaky self, I didn't tell him what or where we were going/doing. Even so, he wanted to drive so he kind of figured out where we were going (boo).
We arrive at T'laquepaque and begin exploring! This place is great for photos, because it's gorgeous and has tons of statues, check it out!

Gotta kiss the frog. It's tradition!

Diggin' for gold bronze

Grumpy statue

I'm trying to be just like him...I think I look more like the frog...

There were a ton of shops, and it was a grand time. The venue itself is just GORGEOUS. It's really earthy and has an old Mexican village feel to it. Some stores even had their building built around the landscaping, so they'll have trees coming THROUGH the store.

Tree hugger

So, then we went and ate some Mexican food and I had a margarita 'cause I'm an alchy 21; even got carded! :)) Who knew that could make someone so happy?

Afterwords, we went down by the river and carved our initials into a tree

 and took some pictures

and watched ducks (no picture for you, duckies). It was BEEE-youtiful. Also, I don't think we were s'posed to be down there, haha. So we crawl back up the mountain and over a wall and land in a statue garden in T'laquepaque and kept on hoofin'.

We walked through Sedona itself, and folks, there are some crazy stores up there. They have stores with crystals, stores to read your fortune or palms, and funny little bookstores (I bought a book from one). For example, this trippy joint right hurrr:

Peace, brotha

Then we saw a river and thought, "we need to be there." So we walked right past the "Do Not Enter" sign and sat by THAT river and I asked him questions, like:
"If you had to choose between living only in daytime or only in nightime, which would you choose?"
"Daytime. I feel like there's so much more to see and appreciate in the day. Not to say that the night doesn't have it's own merrits but I'd miss seeing it all."

"If someone offered you one million dollars-no, a BILLION, to live outside the US and NEVER step foot in our Country again, would you do it?"

"It depends on who I could take with me."

"For a billion dollars you could fly everyone with you. You could create a whole FH commune."

and

"If you had to choose between being a synchronized swimmer with a bunch of old guys or being a figure skater with a male partner, which would you choose?"

"It depends on who my partner would be."

I instantly say the name of someone we both know and grew up with.

-insert laughter here-

"Eeeeeugh, well, I'd definitely be the man, then..."

"How about Rousseu?"

"Oh yeah. We'd probably do really well."

Then we spied a hole under the bridge and he heaves-ho into it to explore.

He's such an adventurer

Unfortunately, he's not the only thing in there...there's also many much spiders and cobwebs. Which is why I don't join in, because spiders are terrifying. He comes out with cobwebs all over and we brush them off and then keep on. After a while we come upon a Starbucks, so we race to it and I cheat win! Let me tell you, it gets chilly up there without a jacket and with cold tea...but Boyfriend is wonderful and lets me hold his warm cup of Joe. Then we head back to see the lights!!

People choose themes and go all out. This is for Mario. :]

It was wonderful. :)

Finally we start driving back, and this is when he surprises ME by turning off the road and driving off the road a bit. We get out and WHABAM the stars are overwhelming!! There were so many and they were so gorgeous. Us lovebirds lay under them and enjoy in silence, then he gives me a Tiffany's box with an amazing silver heart necklace inside!!

Needless to say, it was the best date EVER.

What's been your best date, or, if you haven't had one yet-what would you imagine to be the best date?

Let me know :]

Lots of love

-this girl

Happy New Year!

Hi friends. :)
This new blog was created because I wanted to have a place for my stories and for people to invade my privacy (what? no). I felt that I could better share my life this way than through my other blog, where I mostly post quotes and pictures and blurbs.

Hey guys!

So, a bit about myself:

• I am 21 years old, a college student studying to be a preschool teacher.
• I adore my savior, Jesus Christ, and I live for Him.
• I have the best family and friends ever.
• I'm in a LDR with my best friend, Jon.

That's about it! :] I hope you enjoy the life of the Fatally Blessed. If you have any prayer requests, hit me up!

More to come lates!