Leave These at Home!

This is a perfect example of deciding for yourself which trends to follow. This would be a great example of a NO! As a woman, we feel it is right to embrace our femininity, however if it is a trend that causes chaos, or unnecessary attention- leave them in your lingere drawer.

Spotlight:

1John 2:10 says, "10Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him[a] to make him stumble."

If you are living in the light and have a relationship with God, then you know your value is not in your appearance or attention given to you by others. It is by grace that you have been saved, and you walk knowing that God loves you and created you and He thinks you are beautiful!

Pencil Me In

The pencil skirt is a classic that your closet will appreciate. This shape makes it's way onto the runway and into your favorite stores season after season. If you do not currently own a pencil skirt, may I suggest a neutral color (grey, black or brown) to ease you into the classic trend. It is ideal to wear pumps, not only for your self esteem but also to make you look more like a super model and less like an office cubicle extraordinaire :) Depending on your work environment this trend can be worn several ways. May I suggest looking on J.Crew's website, they have countless ways to wear this look.

Spotlight:

"1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3

Can you imagine what your life would look like if you were completely humble and gentle 100% of the time? Or take it one step further, if others were like that??? I know! Crazy. This verse is such a challenge! Our pray for you is that you will love others, and have patience for everyone in your life, just as Christ has patience with you. When you are feeling at your whit's end we pray that you take a step back and see where they are coming from. Look at the situation from another perspective. Have grace towards one another, and towards yourself. God gives it out endlessly.

Quench That Thirsty Skin

As the seasons change, our skin feels the effect the same way we do. You may be noticing your skin being a bit dryer and feeling, somewhat, tight. We hear all the time the great benefits of water and how we need to drink more of it. Drinking more water is just as beneficial for the functioning of the skin as it is for the body. You won't see me without my SmartWater bottle.
I am a big believer that you must hydrate from the inside out as well as the outside in. When our skin is dry or dehydrated is shows in every crease, crevice, and, pore. Not to mention our makeup does not go on smooth or look even. In my book, this is definately a huge fashion faux pas because our face makes one of the biggest first impressions. To take your face from drab to fab in a instant, I suggest Youngblood Minerals in the Mist to quench that thirsty skin. You can carry it with you anywhere and use it as often as you want throughout the day. It not only will give the skin a "water break" everytime you use it, but it is jam packed with moisture binding vitamins and minerals. After cleansing your skin, apply your favorite moisturizer (my pick of choice:Pumpkin Cream Essence by Rhonda Allison)and SPF (my pick of choice: Obagi SPF30)then spritz on Youngblood Mineral Mist to lock in moisture, then again after apply your makeup to set the foundation. This mineral mist is one big "pick me up" and is a great way to jumpstart the skin as well as your senses. I like to think of it as a "breath of fresh air" for the skin. Youngbloods Mineral Mist comes in three tantalizing teasing blends-Refresh(Tangerine and Grapefruit), Restore(Grapefruit, Lime, and Rosemary), and Recharge(Mint and Ginger). You will never achieve that sought after healthy glow without hydration. So next time your skin is looking a bit dull grab, spritz, and go.. and your on to a healthy and hydrated look.

Spotlight:

Jesus reminds us in John7:37-38 that "If anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him".

Spiritually parched? We encourage you to go to Jesus. Talk to him about what is sucking you dry. You will find yourself getting to a place of overflow...

Refresh, Restore, and Recharge in a mistful sort of way.

Cover Girl

It has been a long time since the cover of a magazine has taken my breath away, but this one did the job. Gwen Stefani looks amazing!!! Her look is breathtakingly (is this even a word? :0) gorgeous! She looks so soft and approachable...a look that never goes out of style. Want to re-create the look??? I mean who wouldn't want a look this good?! Here are the product must-haves:
Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer No.1 EvenSkin
JK Jemma Kidd Pro Finish Moisture Tint Collection
JK Jemma Kidd Stain/Flush/Blush Makeup Concentrate - Masquerade
Ardell Fashion Lashes Strip - Black (105)
Boots No7 Extreme Length Mascara - Black
Boots No7 Stay Perfect Eye Color Cream - Fudge
Boots No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick - Chic
There you have it girls. A face of gorgeous glam certain to have others screaming...Cover Girl!!!
And ummmmm, one more small thing...this look is yours for just under $100! This is a time you have full permission to go gossip to all. Your wallet will thank you!

Spotlight:
How often do we pick up a magazine, look at the cover model, flip through, look at the pictures, and put it back? I'm not at all suggesting that we fill our minds with tabloid garbage, but it do think it is interesting that we will stare all day at a face, and never find out more about the face we are so drawn to. Part of being a cover girl for a magazine is the interview that goes along with the photoshoot. She has a story to tell!!!
While reading about Gwen, I learned that she took breaks between shoots to nurse her little one, something I would have never known about her had I chosen not to look inside.
This forced me to ask myself two question that I now present to you:

1.) Are you creating and making up an attractive person that people are drawn to?
2.) If so, what is the storey on the inside (who am I reflecting, what am I promoting)?

2 Corinthians 5: 16-20 (The Message)
16-20Because of this decision we don't evaluate people by what they have or how they look. We looked at the Messiah that way once and got it all wrong, as you know. We certainly don't look at him that way anymore. Now we look inside, and what we see is that anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.

The truth is we are cover girls for something. Wear your external beauty in such a way that women not only flip through the pages, but look inside. Create the opportunity to tell someone else about Jesus, and be a...(Sing it with me)...Biblically Beautiful...Cover Girl!!!!!!

Scarfed With Light

Photography: Blake Campbell
Makeup: Chelsie Trumphour
Model: Ashley Summerfield

Ok this is just too good to keep to myself. One the same day we posted Walk in the Light
this picture was released. I honestly wasn't expecting it for weeks, as it was only taken three days ago. I cannot even tell you the emails and Facebooks that have come our way over this talk of walking in the light. I cannot encourage you enough to get with a close friend and talk through your struggles. What are some things you can do to let your life light up? What friends do you need to talk to? What accountability do you have in place? I remind you of the words form Matthew 5.

Matthew 5:14-16 (The Message)
14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Girls, God loves us way too much to get caught in the dark. Get a bright scarf for you and a friend and talk about the tough stuff. Remember that darkness does not define the light, but light certainly defines the darkness. Go light up...bright scarf and all.
Enjoy the video below to Christy Nockles song Life Light Up.

Walk in the Light

A simple and easy pick me up to your daily wardrobe is a bright scarf! There are soooooo many textures, colors, and prints to choose from. The best part about this trend is it can make anything look great. Jeans and a tee? Not anymore. Wrap a bright scarf around your neck and boom- Instant Glamour Girl!

Spotlight:

⁵This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

- 1 John 1:4-6

If you are living in darkness a bright scarf isn't going to help you out. There are times that even though we are walking in the ways of the Lord, we feel as though we are in darkness. I pray that you examine your heart and find the truth. Don't put it off. Talk to a close friend, and let them tell you the truth. One of the great things about true friendship is that they can tell you when you are being stupid, because they are able to tell you out of love. Please don't take offense to what they are saying. Likewise, if you need to have a tough conversation with a friend, I pray that you do so out of love also. Maybe you could bring them a scarf to cheer them up!

Sparkle in the Dark

This may be scary to you, but I am already thinking about my New Year's Eve outfit! When I saw this trend, it screamed to me, "Happy New Year"! The dark sparkle is perfect to add punch to your LBD. The first image is an oh-so simple dress from H&M (Dear H&M, when will you open a store in Dallas?), and the second I have no idea where it's from but I love her mermaid waves and the deep hue of her hair color. Wherever this chick goes she will have fun! If you are going to rock this trend keep everything else simple. The sparkle is your statement. How will you wear it?

Spotlight: 

¹⁴"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  

-Matthew 5:14-16

I just want to encourage you to be true to yourself and to be bold in your faith. Just as you may light up the room in this dress, you should also do so with your presence because you are living by the Spirit. My prayer for you today is that you will walk in confidence of the Lord, in the same way that you may feel confident in your favorite outfit. He has covered all our sins, and we walk in freedom everyday. Rejoice in this blessing! 

Tip Of The Day

Makeup: Chelsie Trumphour
Photography: Amy Howe

Tip of the day - Don't pump your mascara!! It actually dries it out quicker. Remember to replace your mascara at least every 3 months. Depending on how often you use your mascara it could me sooner...closer to 2 months. An old dried out mascara can cause dry brittle lashes, flakes and clumping, who wants that!?? Here are just a few of our favorite lash lovers:

Lash Curling Marcara by Trish McEvoy! Why? In the opinion of this maven there is not a better all in one mascara on the planet! This mascara is more gel like. It is next to impossible for this mascara to flake. If it didn't win your eyes there, it gives the lashes mega volume, yet rinses clean when you are ready to take it all off. Need I say more??!!!

Need mascara on the cheap? Check out Telescopic mascara by Loreal. This wand truly is magic!! With the ability to give luxurious length and separation to your lashes for $7.99, I'd say it is a fairy tale, or is it???

Spotlight: May I bare it all for a second??? It took me all of two seconds to come up with today's post. However it took me all day to think of a spiritual tip to partner it. Don't get me wrong. I had a million tips on how to be a better woman of God...just not the right fit. I literally wracked by brain all day. I was so frustrated. I was almost to the point of forgetting the whole post all tighter. After all... duh!!! Everyone knows not to pump their mascara. Right?? THEN.... it hit me!!! Light bulb moment:

Mascara is one of those details to our makeup routine that makes a huge difference with very little effort. From a spiritual perspective so is talking over our hangups with God. Please be unlike me! Don't take all day or all week, or your whole life to talk out your mishaps with Jesus. He died to fix them. This detail will make a huge difference in your daily routine with Jesus. Make some clump free impact!!!

A Little Lip Service

Just because dim matte lip looks are very much in this season, doesn't mean you should leave your pucker in the dark. Wearing lipstick (especially matte) on top of unattended lips is as much an eye-sore as wearing circles and stripes!

Drench the dry and cracky with a little bit of lip service.

.

1.) Begin by mixing a a little sugar with a 1/2 tsp of olive oil.

2.) Place the mixture on the corner of a moist wash cloth and rub the lips in a circular motion to remove dry, dead skin cells. (please spare me the devistation of picturing you scrub your lips to death with a dry toothbrush. You will only add to the problem).

3.) Wipe the lips clean with the moist wash cloth.

NOW the lips are ready for moisture!

My recommendation is Luxe Moisture Balm and Flawless Lip by Trish McEvoy. This mega moisture duo will most certainly rain on the dryness parade, leaving your lips to show & tell "matte" in style.

To accomplish velvety matte lips follow steps 1-3. Pat dry with a dry towel and apply Flawless Lip all over the lip area. Next apply a flat lip color to the lips such as Trish McEvoy Essential Pencil in Nude or Sweet Berry. Lastly and most certainly not least apply a dab of Luxe Balm to the pout and bow tie of the lip (and any time the lips feel parched).

Oooh la la! Lips at your Service.

Spotlight: Question? How many of you have been hurt by words?? (Oh wait!!! I can't take all the hands at once!) How many of you have said something you wish you could take back?? (Can I get a show of hands please! It really is ok, you're not the only one.) The truth is we have all been hurt by words. In as much we have hurt others with our own words.
Proverbs 12:18 tells us, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
The truth is, you may be wearing the latest shade of Chanel on your lips (glossmier and all), have reckless words coming out of your mouth and you will have an unattractive mouth. Simple as that. Girls, we are here to learn how to look our best! The above scripture tells us, clearly, we can heal with our words. Don't get caught with dry mouth! Hydrate your words, Luxe Balm and all, so next time you are tempted to get caught tongue-in-cheek what comes out is..."Lips at your service!!"

One Fabulous Find

To those of you that have had the priviledge of smelling Trish McEvoy #9 Blackberry and Vanilla Musk fragrance know that there truly is no better nose candy. It is the most amazing whiff of sexy sweet, meets playful, meets your inner whimsy! This fragrance is at its peek performance when layered on top of the #9 lotion or body cream. For the spender scream score, but to the budget bunch there might be a note of caution.

Never fear!! This is where Fab Find, Blueberry Thrill by Soap & Glory comes to the rescue. This tub of yummy blueberry goodness not only moisturizes the skin, but is also loaded with super-smoothing 5-fruit mix that helps clear dead cells, giving you the smoothest skin ever. At $14.99 does it get any better??? Let me think...at a 1/4 of the price you can own a body cream that smells as close to Trish McEvoy #9 Body Cream as you are gonna get!!! It just doesn't get better than that!!!! Oh wait...I think it does :)...I just spotted this treasure on sale at Target for $7.99! Yes...$7.99!!!!! At this price you can go ahead and pick up the large bottle of Trish #9 fragrance and still save, while strutting in layered luxury.
Ok...Yes! I understand you gotta go to Target!!! I'll make the spotlight quick!
Spotlight: As you lather on the berry bliss, consider the fragrance that the Lord most desires.

"and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2
Challange: Make an effort to love someone not easy to love today. Perhaps the mother with a basket full of groceries and two screaming kids would love a tub of Blueberry Thrill as well!
Comment on your success stories...love, blueberries, and all.