Blog - Page 3 of 112 - Summer Saldana

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

October 26, 2014

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

October 22, 2014

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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how to straighten hair with minimal damage | #thebeautybalance

October 16, 2014

Okay, I get that straightening your hair isn’t rocket science.
It’s not.

BUT! You guys, I have happened upon my HOLY GRAIL (which for those who may not know, means “the ultimate best ever”) flat iron in all the years I have ever been straightening my hair. And let me tell you, that is a lot of years. So, I think I had better tell you so you don’t have to waste the time (or money) that I have.

Also, not only do I finally have an incredible hot tool to share with you, but I thought I’d also share the best products I’ve discovered that will make all the difference in keeping the integrity of your hair while you’re busy applying all that heat.

You want to look good yes, but you also want to keep your hair (I’d imagine). So, let’s make sure we’re all on the same page with doing everything we can, both in choosing our products and our tools, to not only look good…but keep our hair. And keep it healthy.

Balance, people.

Have we figured out yet it’s all about balance?

Okay, let’s get to why I love this flat iron and the products that have saved my hair.
And what better than to just show you how amazing it all truly is….

Enjoy, and I so hope your hair thanks me one day!

How to straighten hair …with minimal damage:

| Products Mentioned |

*IRRESISIBLE ME Extensions & Flat Iron (10% off through link)
*Agave Healing Oil & Shine Spray
*Acure Leave In Conditioner

+ 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!

the comparison cure | #thebeautybalance

October 14, 2014

Hi, my name is Summer and I’m a comparison-aholic.

And it seems that God is not so content to allow me to stay there.
While I’m certain I have an entire blog post to write on this, the fact that it’s all still swirling around in my brain with a few things yet to take root, a mini post will just have to do.

Mini-posts or macro-posts as they’re often called, seem to happen often for me on Instagram. It’s where I share bits and pieces of what I’m learning and what I’m loving when a full on blog post seems a bit too much to take on.
It’s become my place to share without over-sharing.

It started with this picture which I captioned: The Comparison Cure.

Because sometimes quiet time isn’t so quiet.
And to say I had been struggling with comparison before I read that morning may in fact be the biggest understatement of the year.

And so God got to talking… shouting really.

…and He doesn’t seem to be stopping.

And then when I saw this, and I was like…YES! This is so right!!!

You guys.
This is as much for me as it may be for you.

We have to stop comparing.
Be inspired, but never compare, because the reality is…so often what we’re comparing ourselves to, isn’t even real.

Keep your focus on being what you were created to be, and living that out with purpose and intention.
The grass may appear greener on the other side, but the truth is, we’re just too far away to see the weeds.

To: Me.
Love, Me.

{I have much more to say on this, and soon will hopefully be able to thoughtfully put together a post with all that I working through in this struggle.}

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saldana fam cam | sprouts grocery haul & the best smoothie recipe ever | #thebeautybalance

October 12, 2014

I’ve been diving right into this 31 Day Writing Challenge, where each blogger chooses a topic to write about for 31 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 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 Days will be linked here}

Another week, another Saldana Fam Cam! In these vlogs 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. I’m excited to document our life and share with all of you guys! And if there’s anything else you would like to see or add in, let me know in the comments! =) xo

This week I was feeling a bit run down and then had a family friend in town, so I wasn’t nearly as on top of my vlogging game as I usually try to be! But, I did film our Sprouts grocery haul and some sweet moments with the kids that I’m thankful I’ll always have on film!

I hope you guys enjoy!

Luggage Movie – that you must get your hands on somehow!
Barabbas Road Church Message – that has opened my eyes and challenged me in so many ways.

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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!

adorned from the inside out | #thebeautybalance

October 9, 2014

I tend to ponder so often about the message I’m putting out there with all this beauty, hair, makeup and fashion talk, and I confess that I have truly been in the trenches over this deep longing to know just how to live and share a life of beauty with balance.

Because sadly, the truth of the world we live in, is this:

The burden of unattainable beauty has far-reaching implications for women’s economic well-being. Not only are women in the United States spending much of their money on cosmetic products – a total of $7 billion spent per year on cosmetics1 – but they are now taking increasingly drastic measures to alter their appearances through surgical means. Money spent on cosmetic surgery and non-surgical aesthetic procedures is increasing drastically among all women, including younger women and women of color. And the economic implications reach further, even into the workplace, where research shows that women who don’t adhere to particular standards of beauty are impacted professionally and financially. {ywca.org}

And while I was listening to a John MacArthur sermon/podcast on the topic of beauty the other day, I was tearfully overcome with just how this beauty balance message really is needed in our lives, maybe more now than ever before.

I notice us all longing for beauty, and yet we seem to all be looking in the wrong places to find it.
We spend, and we tweak, and we nip, and we tuck, and still we end up somehow feeling, often times, more empty than ever before.

The truth is, while fashion and beauty may allow us an opportunity to express who we are, nothing truly lasts or shines brighter than the light of Christ at work in our hearts.

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16

And as I pray and read and study the scriptures on this very issue, I keep coming back to this thought:

“We are to be adorned from the inside out, making every effort to blend beauty with grace, ultimately reflecting His light and His beauty in all that we are and in everything we do.”

This beauty balance?

It really begins with our hearts and knowing where it belongs.
It starts with our focus and on whom it should always remain…

And when we are able to humbly come to this comforting place of truth, only then will we experience a beauty that truly satisfies.

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how to shop healthy on a budget | #thebeautybalance

October 8, 2014

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!}

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!

be still | #thebeautybalance

October 7, 2014

Sometimes I’ll find myself micro-blogging over on my Instagram. This was one of those sometimes…

Busy.

We say it with such a sense of pride as though we should be honored for living this life filled with many tasks and events.

I’ve caught myself saying this word far too often, and recently I’ve noticed feeling more a sense of embarrassment than pride when it slips out.
When I give in.
When I load up.

When I don’t have time for the moments and tasks that truly matter.

And in all this I keep hearing the Lord whisper these two simple but life changing words, “Be Still.”

And so, right now, in the midst of to do’s, tasks, and events…I will be still and seek only after what He has for me this week, this day, this moment…

Romans 12:2 says,
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

We must be still for us to hear His will…

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the stay at home, work from home, mom balance | #thebeautybalance

October 6, 2014

So continuing this conversation of finding balance…

Not only have I been heavily in prayer over how to balance the beauty conversation both in my life and with my online community…but there is also this struggle of finding the balance God intends for me to have between my online work and being a stay at home mama.

And so I loved that my friend, Samantha Schuerman, asked me to play along and make a video discussing this very issue in the YouTube Mom Tag. In todays video, not only do I share a bit more in detail about the heart behind my YouTube channel, but I also discuss just how it all comes together and why I feel it’s important to put the effort into all that I do online.

There is a balance to be found.
A balance to be desired.
And while I may not have discovered it perfectly, I know that as I continue to give it all to the Lord each and every day, He will guide me through it all.

The balance, ultimately, always happens when we are focused on the One thing that matters.
And that is, and always will be, The Lord.

YOU TUBE MOM TAG!
1. What is your You Tube channel name and what types of videos do you make?
2. When and why did you start your You Tube channel?
3. What’s the meaning behind your You Tube name?
4. When do you schedule time to film/edit/upload videos?
5. What does a typical day look like when you have to make a video(s)?
6. What do you do when you need to make a video and the kids aren’t cooperating?
7. How do you balance You Tube and motherhood?
8. How has You Tube helped you grow as a person?
9. How has You Tube affected your children and family life?
10. What does your significant other think about you making You Tube videos?
11. Does your family and friends know about your You Tube channel?
12. What types of videos/channels do you like to watch most?
13. Who are some of your favorite You Tubers?
14. How do you get inspired for a video topic?
15. What is your main goal in having this platform on You Tube?

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

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!

saldana fam cam | bangs or no bangs & other deep thoughts | #thebeautybalance

October 5, 2014

Welcome to our Weekly Vlogs from our family!

I think these absolutely fit into the theme of #thebeautybalance, because if theres anything that centers me in my life (other than my faith), it’s my family.

In my weekly vlogs I include makeup I’m wearing, workouts I’m doing, what we eat, all the goodies that come in the mail, what I shop for, chit chats about what I’m going through, as well as snippits of our every day life.

And if there’s anything else you would love to see or have us add in, definitely let me know in the comments below!

This weeks vlog I am back to questioning my bangs, there is lots of BFF time, Giraffie (my 3rd child) makes an appearance, I share my hearts struggle, and Jimmy shares some exciting news we just found out!

Lots of good stuff, some tough stuff, but in the end…God is sovereign and it is all for His glory, and so I persevere and continue to trust.

___

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

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!

How to straighten hair …with minimal damage:

| Products Mentioned |

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}

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“We are to be adorned from the inside out, making every effort to blend beauty with grace, ultimately reflecting His light and His beauty in all that we are and in everything we do.”

How to shop healthy on a budget

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

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

We must be still for us to hear His will…

So continuing this conversation of finding balance…

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16