dear new years resolutions, i already failed: now what?

Happy New Years you guys!!!

Okay, so to be honest, this week for me has not so much gone as I had hoped or planned as I’ve been crazy sick since January 1st!
At first, I have to admit and I’m sure Jimmy will agree, I was just a little bit grumpy and Negative Nancy about all of this, but about day 4, I realized that maybe God had a purpose in settling me down for a week…and I decided to change my perspective on the whole deal.

Now, Day 6…and just coming around the bend, I am SO thankful I got sick and had to spend nearly 6 whole days inside, either in bed or on the couch!
Never have I tried so many holistic remedies, rested so much, read so much, prayed so much, journaled so much or spent so much time just being present in the moment. I didn’t realize how much I was constantly looking ahead to the next thing, or attempting (not always actually successful) to be productive and mark just ‘one more thing’ off my ever growing to do list.

It took being sick to finally let the schedule go, take the pressure off, and surrender to whatever God has for me in this day, and oh my word, do I ever feel more at peace now!

And you guys, that’s the power of perspective…that’s the power of letting the moment be what it is instead of putting it up against what we think it should be!
Slowly but surely, I am learning….
{Maybe you’re picking up a little of what my 2016 focus will be??? #Ha! More on that soon….!}

ANYWAY!!!

All that to say, it’s the New Year and it’s definitely a time where a lot of us are attempting to put into practice new years resolutions, habits, goals or ideas!

It’s a fresh slate to start clean….
BUT!
I also know now that we’re into the middle of the first full week….and a lot of us have probably already blown it and might be thinking, “ahhh…forget it. I failed again!”

Been there, done that…learned the lesson!

Screen Shot 2015-12-28 at 1.00.08 AM

Which is exactly why Jimmy and I wanted to make this video for you guys…as we’ve walked this road MANY MANY times…not just in the New Year, but in our every day, day to day life. Thankfully, failure isn’t a bad thing, instead it’s simply an opportunity to learn and grow for the next time!

So if you’re someone who strives to make and keep your goals or someone who wants to begin making better choices and making them stick, I hope the lessons we’ve learned over the years encourage you in your journey!

To see exactly how I make my written list of goals and actions plans, check out: How I Make My Resolutions & How to Make Them Work

And since we’re all in this together, we would LOVE to hear your thoughts and wisdom as well, so be sure to leave a comment below (or leave a comment on YouTube)!

And don’t forget to like AND SHARE this video with your friends!

xoxo

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vitacost haul ft. pacifica, alba botanica, shikai + more!

It’s August Vitacost Haul Time!!!

Every month I place an online Vitacost order for my family & myself, and I love sharing these hauls with you guys because I am so passionate about proving that there are much better and healthier products out there and at affordable prices!

Plus, and I’m not even joking, shopping on Vitacost is like retail therapy – much like wandering through Target and leaving with things you didn’t know you needed – but way better because these things are HEALTHY and you actually need them!!!

It really does make such a difference what we use and put in or on our bodies, so any change you are able to make now is a step in the right direction!

Here are just a few ideas to get you started…

— Always first shop Vitacost through Ebates, Extrabux, or Top Cash Back to earn extra cash back off every order! I check them all first to see which is offering more cash back. —

Vitacost (earn $10 when you sign up!)
Ebates (earn $5 when you sign up with this link)
Extrabux (earn $5 when you sign up with this link)
TopCashBack (earn $10 when you sign up with this link)

And if you guys also prefer to shop healthier or shop on Vitacost as well, make sure to let us all know what we need to try next in the comments below!

*Previous orders for more ideas:
July Vitacost Haul
June Vitacost Haul

 

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saldana fam cam: new traditions, simplifying life, clothing haul & the craziest documentarty ever!

Welcome to our Weekly Vlogs!

Every week I include makeup I’m wearing, workouts I’m doing, healthy grocery hauls, all the goodies that come in the mail, what we shop for, church chat, as well as snippits of our every day life as a family! I hope you enjoy, and of course, if there’s anything else you would like to see or have us add in, let me know in the comments below!

This week on the Saldana Fam Cam…
New traditions, making changes to simplifying our life, the craziest documentary you HAVE to watch, church chat, a clothing haul + more!

Websites mentioned:
Fashion Nova (XOSUMMER for 15% off)
Our Church Podcasts

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vitacost haul | shop healthy on a budget

Vitacost Haul Time | Health, Beauty & Supplements

It’s time once again for our monthly Vitacost order, and of course I had to share in hopes that it gives you guys some ideas on how to shop healthier on a budget!

And remember to always first shop Vitacost through Ebates, Extrabux, or Top Cash Back to earn extra cash back off every order!
I check them all first to see which is offering more cash back.

* Vitacost: (earn $10 when you sign up!)
* Ebates: (earn $5 when you sign up with this link)
* Extrabux: (earn $5 when you sign up with this link)
* TopCashBack: (earn $10 when you sign up with this link)

Remember to subscribe!
New Videos every Tues, Thurs and Sunday!!!

~ Wanna send me mail? ~
Summer Saldana
PO Box 720073
San Diego, Ca 92172

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ Check out some of my other videos! ~

Erin Condren vs. Whitney English Planners
Vitacost Haul
Homeschooling Tips & Update
Holy Grail Primer
Healthy Grocery Haul
Best Natural Deodorant
Best Eyeliner for Waterline!
Hair Tutorial Quick & Easy Vintage Hairstyle | Headband Tuck & Updo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Get To Know Me Better! ~
What is Le Musings of Moi
20 Things To Do Before We Die Tag
The Husband Tag
50 Random Facts About Me
My Anxiety Story
TMI Tag

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ MY FAVORITE SHOPPING LINKS & CODES BELOW ~

*Best Natural Deodorant EVER: enter MUSINGS during checkout and get 15% off anything you order!!!

IPSY ~ You get 4-5 beauty products in a new makeup bag every month delivered to your door, for just $10!

BIRCHBOX ~ delivers top product samples from high-end brands. Only $10 a month!!!

*MEMEBOX (Use code P694C7 for $5.00 off any order over $30.00)

*TWISTED SILVER – (15% off with the code “Musing”)

* SHOPLATELY

*IRRESISIBLE ME Extensions & Flat Iron (10% off through link)

MICHAEL TODD (20% discount through link)

+ DISCLAIMER +
FTC: This is not a sponsored video. While some products are sent to me, I am very choosy and will always share my honest opinion of everything that I try and review on my channel. I will never accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Some links above may be affiliate.

~ AND MOST IMPORTANTLY OF ALL…

While I LOVE beauty, health, and all things related, more than anything my heart and soul belongs to Jesus! This quote expresses exactly what I hope shines more than anything:

“Like Paul and every other believer, my life is no longer my own. The focus must not be on me, but on Christ. When someone hears from me publicly, I want it all to point to Him.”

{quote from John MacArthur}

xoxo, Summer

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God won’t give you more than you can handle

morethanwecanhandle

It’s no secret that I’ve had my fair share of struggles throughout my life…

Divorce.
Rape.
Death.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Loss.

I remember each of those moments or times in my past with such a vivid memory, that tears still come to my eyes when I fully allow myself to sit with the pain I had to endure. Because, truly, how does anyone ever forget the times they cried the most honest and heartfelt tears of their life?

And in many of those struggles, I would often hear what I imagine people meant to be comforting words,

God won’t give you more than you can handle…so know that He must really believe that you are incredibly strong!

And while I longed to find the comfort in that, the truth was, I wasn’t strong…I was weak and afraid, angry and broken. And I knew that I was most definitely was not strong enough to get through the pain I was experiencing…

If you’d like to read more, I invite you to finish the rest of this post today over at The Better Mom.

 
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saldana fam cam | whole foods haul, kayla itsines workout & funny yoga | #thebeautybalance

I’ve been diving right into this 31 Day Writing Challenge, where each blogger chooses a topic to write about for 31(ish) days. Because it’s right where God has me, I’ve chosen to share on Blending Beauty with Balance.
(#thebeautybalance, if you want to follow along…or better yet, join the conversation using the hashtag!)

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31(ish) days where I’ll be sharing tips and tricks while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention. {all 31(ish) Days will be linked here}

 

Welcome to another one of our weekly vlogs from my family!

Every Sunday I include makeup I’m wearing, workouts I’m doing, healthy food hauls, all the goodies that come in the mail, what I shop for, as well as snippits of our every day life as a family.

This week started with some of the most hilarious yoga moves I have ever witnessed Jimmy bust out. I seriously had no ideas the skills this man has. If there’s one reason to watch this week, it’s definitely for his opening act!!!

Also this week…

  • I do a mini review on Kayla Itsines 12 week bikini body challenge, as I just finished up Week 4. It’s INSANE but I totally love it!!!
  • I also share what we bought for our weeks worth of groceries at Whole Foods, as well what we plan on making with it all for meals.
  • Then there’s my newest makeup obsession that caused me clear out my Extrabux account…you guys have to see this lipstick!!!
  • And then of course just the fun family moments that I’m always so thankful I captured. Like this week when Chloe in her best Brittish accent, invited us all to sit and have a lovely “fancy” tea party. The different accents we all attempted were kind of hilarious…although I think Jimmy sounded a bit more like Ozzy than a fancy Brit.

I hope you guys enjoy hanging out with us, and of course, if there’s anything else you would like to see or have us add in, let me know in the comments below!

Remember to subscribe!

While I LOVE beauty, health, and all things related, more than anything my heart and soul belongs to Jesus! This quote expresses exactly what I hope shines more than anything:

“Like Paul and every other believer, my life is no longer my own. The focus must not be on me, but on Christ. When someone hears from me publicly, I want it all to point to Him.”

{quote from John MacArthur}

xoxo, Summer

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It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

saldana fam cam | whole foods & trader joes grocery haul & a new family member! | #thebeautybalance

I’ve been diving right into this 31 Day Writing Challenge, where each blogger chooses a topic to write about for 31(ish) days. Because it’s right where God has me, I’ve chosen to share on Blending Beauty with Balance.
(#thebeautybalance, if you want to follow along…or better yet, join the conversation using the hashtag!)

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31(ish) days where I’ll be sharing tips and tricks while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention. {all 31(ish) Days will be linked here}

Welcome to our Weekly Vlogs from our family!

Every Sunday I’ll be including makeup I’m wearing, workouts I’m doing, what we eat, all the goodies that come in the mail, what I shop for, as well as snippits of our every day life as a family. I’m excited to document our life and share it with all of you guys!

And of course, if there’s anything else you would like to see or add in, let me know in the comments!

This weeks vlog includes…
~ Whole Foods & Trader Joes grocery haul: Basically all that we bought for a weeks worth of groceries for our family of 4.
~ The easiest and most amazing crockpot recipe ever ever ever.
~ And our newest family member… (whom I’m now slightly obsessed with)

Hope you guys had an amazing weekend!

Thanks for watching!
xo

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It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

how to shop healthy on a budget | #thebeautybalance

I’ve been diving right into this 31 Day Writing Challenge, where each blogger chooses a topic to write about for 31(ish) days. Because it’s right where God has me, I’ve chosen to share on Blending Beauty with Balance.
(#thebeautybalance, if you want to follow along…or better yet, join the conversation using the hashtag!)

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31(ish) days where I’ll be sharing tips and tricks while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention. {all 31(ish) Days will be linked here

How to shop healthy on a budget

Over the last few years I have really made a concentrated effort to switch as many of our household and beauty products over to things that are safer and more natural, and when I discovered Vitacost, that switch became a much easier task.

{I don’t work for or am I sponsored by Vitacost…although…at this point, I certainly wouldn’t mind that gig!}

vitacost

Every month, (I’ve had to limit myself!) I excitedly curl up on the couch with my laptop and indulge in a little online shopping therapy session. I absolutely love taking my time to look up new and interesting products, read through all the ingredients, research ones I don’t know, as well as read up on all the reviews before making my decision.

I have a wish list about a mile long, and I love having the confidence that I am doing everything I can to make the best choices for both my family and me.

That said….I should confess that I strongly believe in the 80/20 rule when it comes to most things…so not every decision we make is the healthiest one. I believe it really is all about finding a healthy balance for you, and this rule just works perfectly for us. It still provides some amount of structure, but allows grace for the moments we need to let loose.

So while nearly all of our bath, shower and skin care products have been switched over, I still have quite a ways to go when it comes to makeup. One day, maybe, one day.

And because I think being aware of what we put into our bodies is so important, I want to take the time to share each month what I’ve found and ordered for my own family through Vitacost. My hope is that I can get you just as excited about making these little changes all while saving money in the process!

 

Always first shop Vitacost through Ebates, Extrabux, or Top Cash Back to earn extra cash back off every order! I check them all first to see which is offering more cash back.

* Vitacost (earn $10 when you sign up!)
* Ebates (earn $5 when you sign up with this link)
* Extrabux (earn $5 when you sign up with this link)
* TopCashBack (earn $10 when you sign up with this link)

Have you already made the switch? Or maybe you’re in the process just as we are? If so, let me know what you’ve been using and loving as well! So many of my favorite things have been recommended by you guys! xo

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It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

best of beauty. health. life | september 2014 | #thebeautybalance

I’ve been diving right into this 31 Day Writing Challenge, where each blogger chooses a topic to write about for 31(ish) days. Because it’s right where God has me, I’ve chosen to share on Blending Beauty with Balance.
(#thebeautybalance, if you want to follow along…or better yet, join the conversation using the hashtag!)

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31(ish) days where I’ll be sharing tips and tricks while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention. {all 31(ish) Days will be linked here}

 

Best of Beauty. Life. Health.

At the end of every month both here and on my YouTube channel, I switch from sharing my top 5 weekly beauty favorites, to instead sharing all the things throughout my month that I truly loved the most. They are the things that I found I’ve excitedly texted my bff’s and sisters about, which are — of course — the things I’d want to share with all of you if we were having our own girls night out (or in!).

Beauty chat is fun, but from my experience real girl time always involves a random mix of what we’ve discovered and gone through, which is exactly why I try to find that same balance here and on my channel.

Screen Shot 2014-10-02 at 3.50.42 PM

This month I am extra excited because my BFF, Becky, is joining in on the fun…which for me is my most favorite thing of all for the month! Her friendship in my life is an absolute gift straight from the hands of Jesus, and it honestly doesn’t matter what we’re doing or what we’re talking about, there is just a total comfort and acceptance and always always laughter.

A balanced beautiful friendship. {I think I could really get carried away with this whole “beauty balance” thing! ha!}

I hope you guys enjoy this months video, and more importantly I hope you feel that we are right there with you just hanging out for girl time, bonding and sharing…Because it’s always so much more fun when you’re not alone!*

*except for when you’ve been around kids all day long…then being alone doesn’t sound so bad… Again. All about balance, my friends.

Monthly Favorites:
NYX Butter Lipgloss
Tarte Palette
Andalou Naturals Rosewater Mask
Larabars
Kayla Itsines – Bikini Body Challenge
The Core (book)
Robert Lustig
Blacklist (tv show)

What did you guys love most this last month???

I would so love to hear or see what you guys loved most this last month as well, so I invite you to either share by leaving a comment here or on YouTube OR you could always post a picture on any of your social media platforms using the tag #thebeautybalance!

 

+ DISCLAIMER +
FTC: This is not a sponsored video. While some products have been sent to me, I will always share my honest opinion of everything that I try and review on my channel. I will never accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Some links above may be affiliate.
________________

While I LOVE beauty, health, and all things related, more than anything my heart and soul belongs to Jesus! This quote expresses exactly what I hope shines more than anything:

“Like Paul and every other believer, my life is no longer my own. The focus must not be on me, but on Christ. When someone hears from me publicly, I want it all to point to Him.”

{quote from John MacArthur}

xoxo, Summer

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It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!

blending beauty with balance | #thebeautybalance

The beauty balance really all started with this:

“Consistency breeds Credibility.”

This is one of those quotes that sits with me often and settles into my mind while I attempt to blend some balance throughout my life.

There is so much I want to do and so many things I long to be, and yet when I strive to take them all on at once I lose my balance and fall short in nearly every area.

There is no consistency, no credibility, no balance…which ultimately leaves behind a bitter taste of feeling unconnected.

Consistency.
Credibility.
Connectedness.

And it is these three C’s tumbling around in my mind that have led me to this 31 day writing challenge hosted by The Nester (who you will love).

It’s where God has me.
And it’s what God is laying on my heart to be and to share.

And so I’m committing to be present here and purposeful in my writing and content, prayerfully choosing to share for 31(ish) days on Blending Beauty with Balance.

Brushes for makeup on pink background

As I shared the other day, it’s true that I love beauty, style, and fashion…I mean, I just experience such a giddy joy in finding a fabulous shade of lipstick. And yet, even though that may be a lot of the content both here and on my YouTube channel, what brings an even greater joy to my soul, is living that beauty, and knowing that the beauty we delight in is truly a reflection of our Creator.

It’ll be a fun and encouraging 31 days….sharing tips and tricks, while digging deeper, finding purpose, and blending beauty with balance — all with a heart of intention.

I hope you’ll come back each day and join along in #thebeautybalance conversation, and I’ll be sure to link each post back to this page, so that there will be a landing spot for all of the 31(ish) posts.

And of course…to make it even easier to follow along, I encourage you to subscribe to my blog so you’ll never miss an update!

Day 2: The monthly beauty box balance | Beauty Box 5
Day 3: Best of Life. Health. Beauty | Girl Chat
Day 4: Saldana Fam Cam: My inner struggles with comparison
Day 5: The work at home, stay at home, mom balance
Day 6: Be still
Day 7: How to shop healthy on a budget
Day 8: Adorned from the inside out
Day 9: Top 5 Weekly Beauty Faves
Day 10: Saldana Fam Cam: Sprouts Grocery Haul & The Best Smoothie Ever
Day 11: Bulu Health & Weight Loss Box
Day 12: The Comparison Cure
Day 13: How to straighten hair with minimum damage
Day 14: Yay or Nay? Reviews on the products I’ve used up!
Day 15: Saldana Fam Cam: Healthy Grocery Hauls & a New Family Member
Day 16: Summer’s Lovin’: Top 5 Beauty Favorites of the Week
Day 17: Saldana Fam Cam: Whole Foods Haul, Kayla Itsines & Funny Yoga
Day 18: The Greatest Beauty Truths We Can Ever Know
Day 19: Erin Condren Life Planner vs. Whitney English Day Designer
Day 20: We Are His Poem, We Are His Masterpiece: A Pastors Perspective
Day 21: Makeup Totally Worth Buying

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It means so much that you are here! I know life gets busy though, so if you don't want to miss a thing, I invite you to subscribe to my blog through email!