Archives for February 2014

what i loved & where i’ve been: divorce, birth control & dealing with stress

February 28, 2014

What I loved…

The one thing Christians should stop saying: This was going around the ‘nets this week, and it caught my eye simply by reading the title. I’ve spent all of my life in and out of different churches, surrounded by all kinds of christians…and yet, no matter how different they may have been, one thing was generally the same. They spoke a different language than everybody else, widely known to most as “Christian-ese.” I don’t blame them and I certainly can’t judge, for I’m guilty of throwing around my own version of this foreign language at times as well. But, over the last year as my faith has been challenged, this is one area I’ve been a whole lot more aware of. Anyway. We don’t need to make a blog post about it. And while Jimmy & I had own little debate over this article, I still wanted to share it because it’s a good start to a worthy conversation.

Kids Room Makeover Roundup: We’ve now been in this house coming up on 2 years, and for whatever reason about 3 months after moving in, I stopped decorating. I wish I could say it’s because I was done, but the truth is, I am so so so far from it, and it’s driving me ba.na.na’s. Emily Henderson is one of my most favorite decorators, and these kids rooms she shared this week are definitely giving me a bit of a bug to get back to business. Soon. Soon….

Divorce Court: Marriage is tough. And I’m sure I’m not the first to tell you, or the first to admit it. But, I wonder if we find it so extra hard sometimes because we are looking for something out of it that God never intended for us experience. Take a read, and a listen if you have the time… I’d love to hear what you think.

Things your doctor may not have told you about your birth control: This just straight up shocked me. I mean, really??? Is nothing safe anymore? Then again, I have to admit…I value my sanity WAY more than I value my health (don’t quote me, I’m sometimes dramatic), so maybe the risk is worth it?

Where I’ve been…

Le Musings YouTube:
~ Healthy Clean Eating Grocery Haul
~ Candace Cameron Bure’s Girls Night In Swag Bag
~ Beauty Box 5 Unboxing

SheKnows Mommalogues:
~ My tips for dealing with stress
~ Dog person or cat person? {this question always confuses me…}
~ The hardest part about parenting

Where have you guys been and what have you loved most this week? Share!

SHARE THIS POST

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!

clean eating grocery shopping ~ candida diet approved

February 25, 2014

I’ve made no secret that over the last few years, our family has transitioned more to the Integrative side of medicine, and it’s proven itself incredibly helpful in so many areas. Especially when it came to healing my anxiety…which has been a true gift from Jesus, let me just tell you. (if you struggle, you know!)

That said, while there are many aspects to natural methods I may not understand and even at times agree with, I’m always up for trying new approaches and methods that my doctor (an actual M.D.) suggest or recommends. Especially, if there’s no harm in it.

So recently, after talking with the kids’ doctor about some of the health, sleep & behavior issues we’ve noticed with the kids, we decided that maybe a good Candida Diet/Cleanse might be a good approach to see if it might bring about some changes. It sounds intense, and it is, but it’s actually been amazing as we’re now heading into our second week.

~ A quick word about Candida ~
Symptoms can include depression, sleep issues, ADD, ADHD, anxiety, mood swings, cravings for: sugar, chocolate, cheese, bread, nuts, fruit…just to name a few. Check this website for a more extensive list & information.
Treatment includes three parts: effective medicine to kill yeast (anti-fungals), a diet to starve the yeast (sugar/yeast free), and probiotics to replace the yeast with the good live bacteria.

Sounds yummy, huh?

The more research I do, the more I want our whole family to try this, but because Jimmy & I both have a lot of traveling coming up in the next few months, we decided to begin with the kids, starting with Taylor first. (Chloe can’t swallow pills yet, so we’re figuring out how to work around that…) I have to say, I am amazed at how quickly Taylor’s adapted to his new way of eating, and in just a week and a half off sugar, he’s actually craving it less. I never thought I’d see the day. He’s already sleeping better, not waking up as often throughout the night…and he’s actually sleeping in past 5am!!! Again. Never thought I’d see the day.

Thankfully, our amazing doctor armed us with booklets packed with information, a grocery shopping list for Trader Joes, and a mini cookbook to help set us on our way to success. It was almost like he knew me too, because the first section of that cookbook started with: For those who can’t cook. Um, HELLO!

After pouring over the recipes and approved food items, I set out to Sprouts & Trader Joes to get all that we needed…and then came right home to film “the haul” so as to hopefully help others. I have to say, even if you never decide to do a thing with or about Candida, this haul will hopefully still help inspire you to try new yummy heathier products and meals.

Okay. So let’s state the obvious. I’m not a doctor. I can’t pretend to know all the in’s and out’s about Candida better than any google search can. And even then be careful because Google has lots of opinions, some even debating whether or not Candida is truly a thing.

But, from my experience in trying to battle anxiety for years and then finally finding healing through bio-identical hormones (something Google also likes to debate), I’d say never say never. Do your research, and let your symptoms or lack there of, be your guide. (Well, your symptoms as well as a good doctor. Duh.)

SHARE THIS POST

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!

what i loved & where i’ve been: vintage hairstyle tutorial, workout routine & rich pastors

February 21, 2014

What I Loved…

Vintage Style Hair Tutorial in Action: A long while back, before I even had a thought to try and grow my YouTube channel, I quickly threw together a vintage style hair tutorial for my blog. (Had I known it would get so many views, I would have put a little more time & care into the quality!) Just this week I got a comment from a sweet mom sharing that a group of 7 and 8 years olds in the GIRLS WITH OPINIONS book club used had used my tutorial to try after their book club discussion about a book that took place in the 1930s. She shared with me the blog with pictures of them watching the video and busting out the adorable ‘dos. It was just too cute!

60 Things Older Wome n Want Younger Women to Know: One thing I can never get enough of is learning from and hearing wisdom from older women. Maybe it’s something to do with making up for my teens and early 20’s when I didn’t want to hear anything from anyone, but regardless, articles like these just snag me every time. This one was full of advice we all can stand to learn from.

When Pastors Live in Million Dollar Mansions: This article took me by surprise this week. I’m still mulling it all over in my head, but thought it would be interesting to share to see what you guys thought as well.

Revenge: Thanks to Netflix, this show has stolen my nights. And also my sleep. Are you guys watching this???

Where I’ve been…

Candace Cameron Bure’s Girls Night In: This was definitely a fun night with amazing friends, and I’m hoping that next week I’ll have my video up to show all the goodies we got to take home from this girls night in.

SheKnows Mommalogues:
~ Who’s the bigger flirt? You or your husband?
~ Would you rather go back in time or into the future?
~ If you could give advice to a new mom, it would be…?
~ Describe your workout routine.

Le Musings of Moi YouTube:
~ Battle of the CC Creams: Taking two popular CC Creams to see which one really stands up to the hype!
~ Health, Wellness & Beauty Product Haul: Sharing all the new goodies in my life from my favorite online place to shop, Vitacost!

Where have you guys been & what have you been loving? Leave your links in the comments below!
xoxo

SHARE THIS POST

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!

what we need to teach our daughters about beauty

February 20, 2014

What I hope we teach our daughters about beauty…

My Beautiful Sweet Baby Girl,

As your mama there are so many things I want to teach you about life and love, and there are so many things I long to protect you from in those areas as well. I look at what I’ve walked through, what I’ve learned from, what I’m noticing even now…and I just want to pour it all into your soul so that you can skip the confusion and pain it sometimes takes to learn.

But, the truth is, that isn’t always the way life works. You will walk, you will stumble and at times you will flat out fall, and in the midst of it all, I trust you will learn your own beautiful lessons as well. What I can do, what God has given me the job to do, is simply share what He’s shown me and hope that as you find your way, the lessons I’ve passed on will better help you to more easily get back up and give you the push to continue on.

You may only be 5, but we talk quite often about beauty. I hear you say you wish you looked like some of your little friends from your preschool class, or how you long to have a cute voice like our sweet sounding dentist. I see you noticing the beauty around you, and while I love that, it aches me to hear it paired with comparison.

You love to watch me when I’m spending time playing with or applying my makeup, and every time you beg me to make you over as well, saying, “Make me pretty too, mom!” And what do I always tell you? I say, “You are beautiful no matter what, Chloe, makeup or not…because God created you perfectly so.”

I don’t just say that because that’s what mommies are supposed to say, I say that because it’s one of the most absolute truths I could ever share with you. You are perfectly beautiful to me. And even more so to the one who created you.

But, there’s so much more I want you to understand about beauty, my sweet girl. So much more I need you to remember, because I know it will allow you to live and love and see God in ways you’d never imagine. I may teach you many makeup and fashion tips and tricks along the way, but what I always want you to remember about beauty is what God has been busy at work showing me throughout my life.

~ Find the beauty in everything, and everyone. Make it a habit, or maybe even a game, to see how far you can take this. Find it in the people who hurt you, in the dark moments or days that will come or have passed. Beauty is in all things, because God is in all things. When you find the fingerprint of Him, you’ve happened upon the truest form of beauty.

~ Enjoy the process and all the moments involved when you’re creating, just as much as you enjoy the final creation. Do this in all areas, in all the things you do, and you’ll experience life in a way many will sadly miss out on. Creating is just as beautiful as the creation.

~ Remember that what truly shines through is what we most spend our time on. Whatever amount of time you spend on the skin you’re in, quadruple that on the time you invest making your insides even better. The saying is true, true beauty shines from the inside out.

~ While hair and makeup and fashion is fun, the true beauty is the power it has to connect us. Many times, in many ways, I’ve witnessed the bond women form over beauty. Whether it’s sitting for hours getting braids in the Dominican Republic or getting bleach blonde highlights in Southern California, I continually notice that in those moments there is often times sharing, laughing, connecting…and more importantly, healing. It can seem so surface, and many will say that it is. But if you’re careful to observe, you’ll see that sometimes the secular things in life, done right, can open hearts to see Him. Don’t miss that sweet girl.

~ Always keep your perspective, because your heart is what defines worship. Our dear friend and pastor, Matt Smith, recently shared that just as every holy activity can become godless with the wrong heart, so can every neutral activity become worshipful with the right heart. There is no difference between what is sacred and secular. The difference is your heart.

~ Don’t get so caught up in all that glitters…that you miss what it’s truly all for.
Connection.
Shared Moments.
Trust.
Healed Hearts.

Keep your perspective, maintain a heart of worship, and do it all for the glory of Him. It’s okay to love beauty. It’s okay to long for beauty. It’s okay to want to share and delight in the beauty of life and people and things around you.
But, never forget who created it.
And never forget what He created you for.

Make beauty.
Be Beauty.
And do it all with a heart of worship.

I love you baby girl, with all my heart.

xoxo,
your mama

SHARE THIS POST

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!

what i loved & where i’ve been: diy art, human trafficking, valentines day plans

February 14, 2014

What I Loved…

Children of the City: I have a friend who has a friend (you following?), Tiffany Pastor, that has written a novel about human trafficking in America. CHILDREN of the CITY is an amazing story that spreads awareness and will incite action by connecting readers to non-profits. This particular story was birthed out of a dream she had one night, and the characters you’ll connect with will transform the statistics of an issue into a personal cry for justice. The book releases in April 2014, and I absolutely love that Tiffany is donating 40% of her profits to freedom fighting organizations! I can’t encourage you enough to pre-order this book or at minimum donate to the cause, as every bit of help will expand the impact of the story by sending it into cities we could not reach by ourselves. (My friend Angela & her husband Nate give an award winning performance in this trailer, I might add!)

When your children wrestle with God: I can’t begin to tell you how many times we (but mostly Jimmy) have had late night “theology” talks with Taylor. And of course it’s always right when we’re about to walk out the door with our final goodnights (we’re freeeee!!!), when he whispers something like…. “Mom, Dad? Um…How do we know that the God we believe in is the true God and other gods are not true? And how do we know that Jesus actually rose from the dead?” (Yes, this was his latest question just this week…) So when I read this post from Sally Clarkson’s son, who I feel Taylor might possibly be distantly related to, I felt such a sense of peace and calm. I highly suggest taking a moment to read his perspective. Also, the song on that post? I bought last weekend and have been replaying it over and over all throughout the week. You. Will. Love.

William Lane Craig ~ The Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection: This is the video we all snuggled up and watched together as a family the night after Taylor’s deep theological question. He’s not one to accept the “Have Faith & Believe” answer, so together as a family we listened in, and then paused every few minutes to discuss and answer more questions. It’s amazing to me what my kids understand and the questions they actually come up with. I love it though. For all the reasons Sally told her son Nathan it’s okay to doubt…and more.

Color Your Smile Lighted Lip Gloss: Okay, so this isn’t an article, but rather the lip gloss that has absolutely woo’d me and everyone who has seen me use it this last week. I kid you not, every time I use it in public, someone has stopped me to ask what it is and then proceeded to write down the name and info to purchase it. Between being an amazing lip gloss, the mirror & the light…it really is the best lip gloss for going out.

When people should leave their church: Last week I shared an article about reasons you shouldn’t leave your church, so I thought this week I might share another view from one of my favorite pastors, John MacArthur.

DIY Art even I can do!: For the entire year we’ve lived in this house I have been lost on what to do with the big blank wall alongside our bed. And then I came across the perfect solution on 6th Street Design School. It involves a bit of DIY, but since it really just calls for canvas & a sharpie, I think I might actually be able to handle it. Look for before and after pictures soon!

Where I’ve Been…

On the SheKnows Mommalogues this week, we discussed…
~ What we love most about our husbands (besides being hot?)
~ The charities & organizations we work with (Also! We’re going back in APRIL!!!)
~ Summing up Parenthood & Marriage in one sentence (I have to be honest here…)
Annnnnd…. our Valentines Day Plans (Don’t be jealous.)

On Le Musings of Moi YouTube…
~ Valentines Day Makeup Tutorial PLUS $100 Sephora Gift Card + Agave Healing Oil Trio Giveaway!!! (the contest is still open if you want to enter!!!)
~ Yay or Nay? Products I’ve used up or could use no more! (Part II to last weeks video!)

Hope you all have a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY and whether single or attached, I pray someone makes you feel extra loved today!

SHARE THIS POST

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!

finding meaning in life ~ collector of moments

February 12, 2014

Finding Meaning in Life ~ collector of moments

For a minute, I thought I was done writing.
Only it was more than a minute, and more intense then a thought.

And when I think back, it scares me to realize that it was so much more than just my writing I could have walked away from.
I had in my grasp everything that meant so very much to me, and because of my need to collect, I nearly gave it all up.

I allowed the lies I’ve come to believe, about myself, about the world, about God and life and people, to take over…and I almost gave up.

I’ve never thought of myself as much of a collector, but the truth is, I may be the worst of them all.
For I’ve been a collector of hurts.

The moment it hurt, the very second I hurt, there I’d find myself storing it without intention on a shelf somewhere in a hidden closet, and tightly…I’d close the door.
And as long as it stayed that way, I’d convince myself that nobody would ever be able to see the mess I’d created inside.
My collection stayed safe.
But as each day passed, in some way, I was constantly reminded it was all still there…

And 35 years later, those closet doors I kept so guarded, were barely able to stay closed.
For the hurts now had lies attached, and together they took up so much space, it became more than the small room was ever meant to handle.

Suddenly I had on my hands a lethal collection I simply couldn’t ignore anymore.
Yes, life has been tough and people imperfect.
Yes, I’ve felt pain and hurt and sadness and loss beyond what I ever thought I could handle.

But what I’m starting to finally understand is, more importantly, life has also been incredibly meaningful and full of amazing delight.
There has been laughter, and love, and joy and wisdom and friendship and connection beyond what I ever could have imagined or thought I deserved.

And because my focus was miserably misdirected, I was allowing those incredibly valuable & collectable moments to pass me by.

Instead, I found myself with a closet full of meaningless dust, dirt, and utterly toxic junk.
Just a messy bunch of nothing.
All completely worthless and taking up valuable space in my mind, heart and life.

I almost walked away from ever wanting to write again, I almost walked away from a lot of things… because every time I looked inside my closet of collected memories, I felt overwhelmingly embarrassed and insecure, and sure that blessings were gifts simply meant for anyone other than me.

It’s been months now of cleaning house and making changes, and working every single day to break 35 years of bad habits.
And I am certain, that when all is said and done, I will proudly leave open the closet doors of my heart, blessed to share what a collector of moments I’ve instead become.

SHARE THIS POST

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!

what i loved & where i’ve been: leaving church, fashion & beauty

February 7, 2014

What I Loved…

Love Your Body with Apple Cider Vinegar: I take at least a tablespoon of ACV most every day, and I loved this article by Tone It Up explaining all the reasons it should be a part of all our daily lives!

Imaging Technology Reveals How Emotions Manifest in Your Body: “Every feeling you have affects some part of your body, and stress can wreak havoc on your physical health—especially if you’re not exercising or eating right, as both of these can help keep stress in check in the first place.” -Dr. Mercola. An incredible article showing just what happens in our bodies when we feel and experience different emotions. So fascinating!

5 Really Bad Reasons To Leave Your Church: I can’t say I agree with everything in this article, but still, it caught my attention…being that we’ve actually left a church for one (or more) of the reasons he listed. Thoughts?

Where I’ve Been…

Le Musings of Moi YouTube:
Beauty Box 5 Unboxing ~ Beauty Subscriptions are all the rage, and I’m the first one to admit I’m a total sucker. So, it’s time for some show and tell with my latest Beauty Box 5 package!

Summer’s Lovin’ January Health & Beauty Favorites ~ Rachel from Glow of Grace and I are teaming up to share what we loved and used most in the month of January! Go check out her video next and make sure to subscribe if you aren’t already!

Yay or Nay: Empties ~ Sharing and reviewing all the health & beauty products I’ve managed to use up in the last month. Are they Yay’s or Nay’s???

SheKnows Mommalogues:
~ My version of the “Ideal Weekend” (I can tell you it doesn’t include grocery shopping, birthday parties, or waking up early…)
~ Pause or Rewind button…what I’d rather have for my life. What would you choose???
~ My most favorite apps! (Though two minutes isn’t nearly enough to share all that I love and use most!)
~ Our most favorite fashion designers! (I like what I like.)

What about you guys?
What did you love and where have you been this week?

SHARE THIS POST

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!

12in1: getting unstuck: february kindness

February 4, 2014

Every month for 2014, our family has decided to choose a different challenge to focus and work on.
We’re calling it 12 in 1: Getting Unstuck.
12 different challenges in 1 years time to truly getting our family unstuck.

And for February, the month of love, we fittingly chose to focus on kindness.
An entire month dedicated to serving others.
Loving others selflessly.
Thinking more of others than ourselves.
Being kind at all times, even when it may not come naturally or easily.

Before February began, we went around the dinner table discussing ideas on how we could put this focus into action. We asked ourselves and the kids, “How can we individually make an effort each and every day to show kindness and love, and how can we as a family serve together?”

I took notes quietly, with misty eyes, as I listened to my children excitedly suggest one kind gesture or loving act of service after another. Their hearts were alive, as most hearts tend to be when the focus is taken off itself.

Their simple thoughts of kindness, before ever being executed, were already changing lives.
Theirs.
And mine.

And while we have big ideas, exciting ideas, and some ideas we’ve already put into action….after reflecting on this post, it seemed the right thing not to list them publicly.

I want my kids to learn to serve and to love and to do kind things, because that’s how we were made to be. Because that’s the kind of Love we’re called to live. Because Loving this way is what repairs hearts and lives, ours included.

But not ever to get noticed or praised. Not ever.

We love and we serve, because He loved and He served.
And so each morning for the next 28 days (less when this posts), we will be waking up thinking of others first and how can we love better throughout our day.

Yet, just like last month, we will continually cling to grace.
We understand we will falter.
We will be unkind.
We will be selfish.
We will forget to think beyond what was comfortable for us.

But each night as we sit together as a family, we’ll share where we failed and we’ll share where we found success, and most importantly we’ll remind each other that tomorrow’s a new day.
A new day filled with fresh hope and opportunities to love, to serve, to be kind…to try again.

“It’s not about being the best. It’s about trying for better than yesterday.”

SHARE THIS POST

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!

12in1: getting unstuck ~ get healthy january & february challenge

February 1, 2014

And just like that, the first month of 2014 is done. January is over. And so ends our first official family challenge, Get Healthy January.

I loved this month. I loved this challenge. And I loved how it made us all aware, focused, and constantly striving.

Last night, as we sat down to our family pizza night tradition (only this time – gluten free & organic), we found ourselves reflecting on all that we had learned and accomplished over the month. We shared where we grew, where we struggled, and laughed over the obvious moments we downright failed.

Chloe was proud she had been finishing her daily green superfood smoothies, both Taylor & Jimmy successfully went to Jiu Jitsu three times a week, and I accomplished my goal of working out 3-4 times a week. We cooked (and I use that term loosely) most all of our meals at home, and when we did eat out, we chose the healthiest option available.

However, there was a week where I found myself exhausted, sick and sleeping almost an entire week away. During that time I held to our standard of grace, remembering it wasn’t about perfection, but about doing the best we could each and every day…and my best that week was simply about resting and allowing my body to recover.

Yet, when Mom is weak and unavailable…the family (and house) seems to fall apart.
Hence the need for even more grace after Filippis pizza, Smashburger, and (iShudder) McDonalds. Now I wasn’t there for that last option, but thankfully when the kids (and Jimmy) got around to confessing, they couldn’t believe how gross the food had “suddenly” become. Yay!!!

“It’s not about being the best…but striving for better than the day before.”

In our case, it was an entire week before, but whatever. So we had a bit of a backsliding moment, but we caught ourselves, and the following week we were back on track. And we finished the month out strong, organic Z Pizza and all.

I am excited and confident that as we move into February, our month of loving and serving others (more on this in Mondays post), we will absolutely continue our healthy habits, as it’s become just that.
A habit.

And as a finishing touch to Get Healthy January, I thought I’d share our latest health food grocery haul. We seriously loaded up so that as February begins, we wouldn’t be the least bit tempted to stray from our ways. I hope it inspires you to try some new things, or at least gives you fresh ideas for your already healthy ways.

xoxo

SHARE THIS POST

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!