BOGO

From now through midnight EST on Wed. 12/17, buy one 5g size of any Affordable Mineral Makeup™ and get a second 5g free (good only for ONE free item). Place both items in your cart and put the word sacrifice in the coupon section at check out where $6.74 (cost of most 5g sizes) will be discounted from your purchase total at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ 12% discount 12/12 only

Today's date is 12/12! To celebrate, take 12% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order today only. The coupon code is: 1212

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is pure mineral makeup, free of fillers or additives like talc or bismuth, all at a price you will love! Find out more at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com

Surgery Update and Thanksgiving Sale

If you are looking to do your "Black Friday" shopping from the peace of your computer, be sure to take advantage of a 12% discount off your entire order from Affordable Mineral Makeup™ at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com this Thursday, Friday, Saturday, ending at midnight, EST. The coupon code to receive your discount is: thankful

On a personal note, I am sort of back on line in a very limited, touch-and-go capasity. My surgery went very well and I thank you all for your notes and prayers and encouragement. I have been able to walk short distances without assistance for about 3 days now and my parents even took me out of the house for breakfast and a hair cut this morning. My kids will be coming home tomorrow after nearly 2 weeks apart and my Mom's taking care of everything for Thanksgiving dinner that will supplement the pre-done turkey and trimmings we ordered from Safeway. We will be having a quiet December other than several doctor's appointments and my son's birthday party (he only has a "friends party" every 3 years so this is a really special one for him). I do have a couple of auto-posts set to post to my various blog (as was the prior post about inner beauty) and I'm still hopeful to be back to regular online activity by early January, but wanted to at least check in and let everyone know that recovery is going well so far.

Everybody's Beautiful...

Inspirational story of inner beauty, both of mother and her foster son!

Having Surgery Nov. 15

Just a quick note to let you know that I will be out of touch for a bit as I'm having a hysterectomy on Saturday. Affordable Mineral Makeup™ orders will still be processed and shipped immediately through http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com but I will be unable to answer emails nor place Gurrlie Girl jewelry and fashion orders until I am back on my feet. Due to other health concerns and the extended recovery time that may rewult, I may or may not be consistantly back at the computer again before January. Thank you for your prayers as I recover.

I do have my infertility blog set with some auto-posts while I am away, so feel free to check http://www.HannahsHopeBook.com from time to time if infertility or pregnancy loss support are of interest to you and you need a little extra dose of encouragement over the holidays. I hope to also get a couple of beauty posts auto-set before I head to the hospital, but my hours are rapidly ticking away with many other priorities to attend to as well, so if I'm able to give you a beauty tip or two that auto-posts for me over these next few weeks, that will be a fun bonus! :) Otherwise, I'll look forward to being back in touch next year and I wish you all a safe, happy, healthy, Beautiful holiday season.

New Gurrlie Girl Catalog

If you love Christian jewelry, you'll be excited to know that Gurrlie Girl is releasing a brand new 2009 catalog releasing next week!. Feel free to take a look at http://www.gurrliegirl.com/catalogs/hollywoodviewer/index.html to see the newest selections including several Bible verse bracelets and many beautiful cross necklace designs. The magnifying glass logo with the + symbol allows you to enlarge any page for more detailed views. :)

If you wish to view a catalog in person, order one from my website at http://www.gurrliegirl.com/consultants/find/info/?id=1136 for $2.75, then when you make a purchase I will reimburse your shipping charges from the catalog.

I would love to help you with your Christmas shopping! :) If you are interested in ordering anything, shipping is a flat $3.50 for any size order.

Many of the items from our 2007-2008 catalog are also still available as well and can be viewed at http://www.gurrliegirl.com/catalogs/veniceviewer/index.html

10% mineral makeup discount

10% off Affordable Mineral Makeup™ by using "peacefriendshipgoodwill" coupon code at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com through midnight EST 10/31.

Free Priority Shipping on Affordable Mineral Makeup™

Get a jump start on your holiday gift-giving needs with FREE Priority Shipping from Affordable Mineral Makeup™ now through midnight Friday 10/24, on orders of $75 or more. Put the word "free" in the coupon section at checkout - http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com

Lick Those Dry Lips (but not litterally!)

"My lips are so dry and I hate to use all the chemicals found in lip balms!" you say? Well, I live in the high desert of northern NV and can really relate to non-existant humidity and dry (cracked, bleeding, painful) lips! When we moved here I thought I would go crazy the first year or two and can't tell you how much lip balm I went through. Then I read several articles about how lib balm, when used excessively, can become "addictive" in that your lips become dependant upon it. They expect to be "fed" the moisturizer they need through the balm and basically shut down their own moisture production, actually making you need outside moisturizer more and more and more.

When I stopped using lip balm I was miserable for about a month with big cracks in my lips, then surprisingly they started clearing up and caught on to the fact that they were in charge of their own moistuization. In the past 8 years since then, I've only used lip balm a handfull of times, like when I've had a cold and had to breath through my mouth a lot. About twice a year I start feeling the over-dryness starting to come back and might even start to get a small crack. At that point I step up my water intake significantly and my lips soften and moisturize again within a week.

Sometimes if I feel I just must have some outside moisture, I'll also take a single drop of extra virgin olive oil (vitamin E oil would be great too) and rub that between my lips to get over an especially dry time. I just am careful that I only do that once in a very rare while and not get locked into the cycle of letting my lips get dependant upon the outside moisturization.

So my best advice is that if you can tough it out for a month or two, drink all the water you can, you may find that you don't even need moisturizer on your lips anymore. If that's not a route you want to go, we offer an Coconut Organic Lip Balm at AMM. It wouldn't give you a break from every potential allergen, but it does have a much shorter ingredients list than some you may currently be using: Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organic Flavor, D-Alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), so that's another option to consider.

sale correction

I had originally posted that the 12% autumn sale was through Friday. That was a typo on my part. It is valid through midnight EST this THURSDAY, Sept. 25. Please forgive me for this misinformation.

12% mineral makeup discount

Take 12% off Affordable Mineral Makeup™ at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com with "autumn" as coupon code, through this Thursday, Sept. 25.

(I had originally posted that the sale was good through Friday and this was a typo on my part. It is good only through Thursday.)

10% off on Sunday

Sunday, Sept. 21 only, receive 10% off your Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order by putting the word peaceoneday in coupon section.

As Jesus was preparing to return to Heaven He said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27. As the world stuggles for peace, what a beautiful thought that the peace He offers is eternal!

The Face Jesus Loves

I'm one of those who starts my Christmas shopping for the next year at one year's after-Christmas and New Year's sales. So if we get to October and I don't have gifts tucked away for all my loved ones yet, I start getting anxious! So here we are, mid-Sept., and I still have several people on my list. I'm getting out there and starting to really hunt for meaningful bargains now!

Well, today I found something that seemed such a perfect fit for the whole concept of Inner Beauty that I had to share it with you!

This Jesus Love Me Mirror from Blessings Unlimited is engraved with the words, "This is the face of someone Jesus loves." What a perfect reminder that, even as I prepare for the day, striving to put my best face forward, that Jesus sees me just as I am and loves me anyway!

Gift With Purchase, Today Only!

Tara (AMM owner) just announced that she's adding a surprise to every Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order placed before midnight (Eastern) today! She already includes a random free sample with each order, every day, so an added surprise is pretty cool. Can't tell you what it will be (I don't even know!) but order today and you can find out for yourself! :)
http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com

Discount Code, Radio Interview, Beauty Forums

As we pray for protection for those potentially in the path of Ike (including the Affordable Mineral Makeup™ headquarters), take 10% off your Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order by putting the word "protection" in the coupon section at checkout.

Do you have questions about mineral makeup? Want to know anything from how to apply mineral makeup to questions on ingredients or what colors are comparable between other brands and Affordable Mineral Makeup™? Check out this new message board at http://www.AffordableMineralMakeup.com/forum.

Another forum I've been frequenting recently is www.GlowingDiva.com, an organic skin care forum with some really great tips. They offer monthly contests for forum members. This month they are offering a prize package including "Tight Curves," a soy-based protein drink made especially for women ($50 value) and 6 e-books including "My Anti-aging Beauty Secrets" for the best beauty tip (hair, skin, makeup, etc.) shared on the forum this month.

Most of my recent posting has been over on Harvesting Hope from Heartache™ in preparation for my involvement in next week's National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week blog radio conference. Would love to have you drop in for a listen on Tuesday the 9th at noon (Pacific)! After next week I should be able to put more focus into this blog again. :)

My Two Newest Ventures

I've stared two new ventues this week. The first is a new blog called Harvesting Hope from Heartache™ at http://www.HarvestingHope.blogspot.com
My desire with this site is to offer encouragement and build a library of support/resource links for life's most painful seasons such as chronic illness, losses (job, friendships, plans/dreams, marriage, deaths), financial struggles, depression and so forth. The first two (oldest two) links share the story of why I feel led to start this page and the reason behind the theme of Hope Harvesters™.

My second announcement is that I have finally (after more than a year of consideration) decided to become a Consultant with Gurrlie Girl™, a line of Christian jewelry and fashion items. I love their many beautiful designs that let me share my faith in a quiet and confident way. They have an extensive offering of Scripture Bracelets with Bible verses incorporated into the designes, along with pendants, necklaces and other pieces offering cross, fish and other classic Christian signs. They also have many lovely pieces that are not obviously Christian, yet still beautiful. The prices are quite reasonable, with many pieces well under $20.

To view the catalog online or learn more, please visit me at http://www.gurrliegirl.com/consultants/find/info/?id=1136 - I'm currently looking for some catalog show hostesses and offer great hostess gifts!

Effective today thru the end of the month, become an Affordable Mineral Makeup™ consultant for half price! Take 50% off rep sign ups when you go to http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html and put the word "future" in the voucher section when you pay. Your enrollment fee will be only $15 rather than the standard $30. Please list Jenni Saake as your sponsor when you enroll.

Is God Against Physical Beauty?

Sometimes when I read passages like First Peter, chapter 3, where the Bible focuses so much on inner beauty, it almost seems like God doesn't want me to do anything to draw attention to, nor enhance my physical body. But I don't think that's a fair representation of God's desires for His daughters. Yes, He wants my priority to be on the internal, no question about that. But He also created me "fearfully and wonderfully" (Psalm 139:14), inside and out. I think the Lord delights when I care for my body as a precious gift He has handcrafted and chosen to bless me with.

God calls the body of each man or woman who has a personal relationship with Him, a "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19). 2 Chronicles 3 details some of God's plans for His actual temple building, probably one of the most beautiful architectural accomplishments in all history! If He ordered such lavish beauty for a building that would represent His presence on earth, I don't think He wants Christians, the living, breathing representation of His Spirit to the world around us, running around only in "sackcloth and ashes" and forsaking any kind of fashion.

Isaiah 61:10 says, "I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels" (NIV). The focus of this verse is inward beauty, having my heart and head in the right place, my focus on God. Yet it also hints to me of God's blessing on the outward. God compares His gift of salvation to being beautifully dressed, of being adorned and jeweled. Would He use such language if He disapproved of these actions? And again in Proverbs 1:8-9, "Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." Wisdom and obedience are also compared to things that beautify the body.

Revisiting 1 Peter 3:3 I see that the Bible never says we should not have outward adornment, only that our beauty should not come from things such as hairdos, jewelry and fine clothes. Beauty needs to come from the heart, the outward things only reflecting our attitudes of within. A gentle and quiet spirit will have no desire to draw undue attention with "flashy" nor seductive dress, but a gentle woman can still dress the part. Would you expect a “gentleman” to attend a business meeting in anything less than a suit? Why should a gentle woman not dress her best as unto the Lord (1 Cor. 10:31, Col 3:17)? It is a joy to think that how I dress, do my makeup, put on jewelery or fix my hair can all be an act of worship to my Creator!

Proverbs 31:30 tells us that "charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." And in the virtues listed of this same woman the Bible states, "she is clothed in fine linen and purple... She is clothed with strength and dignity... (vs. 22-25). Beautiful character and giving attention to our outward expressions of beauty, truly can both be honoring to God.

And if we need final confirmation that God approves of loveliness in all forms, Philippinas 4:8 is a great reminder, “Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”

While everything else is getting more expensive...

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ has just dropped our prices! Come on over to www.InnerBeautyGirls.com and take a look. :)

Contest Winners!

It was fun hosting so many contests in July! Here is a list of winners, but remember, if you didn't win this time, you can still take advantage of a great 15% discount off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com when you use the code 2yranniversary in coupon section at checkout. This special offer is valid through Aug. 7, 2008 (ending at midnight EST this Thursday).

The winner of my Bloggy Carnaval Giveaway is Paige!
Please email me with your mailing address within a week so I can get your books and makeup on the way.

The winner of our Summer Skin Care Give-away is Janet F. of NJ!
You will be hearing directly from May Flowers Naturals about how to claim your prize soon. :)

The winner of my prize package offered in the Christian Work at Home Mom 30-day prize give-away is Jennifer F. of PA.
I contacted you about a week and a half ago, and sent a reminder tonight. Please respond by Aug. 9 with your prize selections.


And in case you try to get ahold of me and I don't reply as quickly as I normally would, I just wanted to let you know that we are in the midst of a family emergency and my internet time may be significantly limited over the next several days. Your prayers for my husband's family are greatly appreciated at this time.

15% Affordable Mineral Makeup™ discount code

This week marks the 2 year anniversary of Affordable Mineral Makeup™ as a company!

Join the celebration by enjoying 15% off your entire order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com when you use the code 2yranniversary in coupon section at checkout. This special offer is valid Aug. 1, 2008 through Aug. 7, 2008 (ending at midnight EST).

My Birthday, You Get the Gifts! (Bloggy Giveaways Carnival and more.)

I promised you a July full of give-aways. Well, today's my birthday, so I want to give out some gifts! Let's end this month on a really high note, and start out the new one with a bang!!!

First of all, tomorrow marks the 2-year anniversary of Affordable Mineral Makeup™ (click link for 15% discount code!) and my consultant page at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com has undergone a "face lift" so please drop by and take a look. I also want to offer a hearty "Congratulations!" to Tara, our company founder, for starting and growing a wonderful business these past two years. If you would like to join us, today's your last day to get started with Affordable Mineral Makeup™! for just $12 instead of the normal $30 enrollment fee! Deadline for this offer is midnight EST tonight (July 31). To get $18 off your sign up, go to http://affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html and select the Consultant option, then click the pay now tag and at checkout put the word christmasinjuly in the coupon section. The computer system will automatically take off $18 of your sign up fee. Please list Jenni Saake as your sponsor on the sign up form.



Have you seen the Bloggy Giveaways Quarterly Giveaway Carnival yet? It's an amazing gathering of nearly 1,000 bloggers, all giving away free stuff through today and tomorrow (some even into next week). Much is parenting related, several jewlery companies, some web designes offering blog make-overs and much more. If you like contests and freebies, check them out.

For my own gifts in the Bloggy Giveaway, I'm offering gently read copies of:

1. Vonda Skelton's Seeking Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe, and

2. Tricia Goyer's My Life Unscripted.

"Who Put a Stop Payment on My Reality Check?" and "I checked my Bible concordance... 'easy' and 'fair' are not there." are phrases that describe Vonda's book, while Trica writes a "play script" for teen girls.

3. I will also throw in a couple of samples of Affordable Mineral Makeup™!

To enter, all I need is a comment left here on my blog, US mailing addresses only please. Be sure to leave me an email address to get ahold of you if you win. I'll be drawing my winner on Monday morning, so you have until midnight (Pacific time) Sunday night to enter. Winner will have 1 week to respond with mailing address in order to claim prize.

While you are here, don't forget to check out the links to other great drawings and contests I've offered this month:

Book of Names contest for FREE Wii or iPod

Summer Skin Care Give-Away

Win a FREE Wii™ System, iPod™ Nanos or signed Book of Names

(If you are reading this via email and can't view the video, be sure to drop by the Inner Beauty Blog to see this amazing video for yourself.)

I'm stepping a bit outside my usual offering with this one, but the prizes (a FREE Wii™ System!, an iPod™ Nanos, and signed copies of THE BOOK OF NAMES, by D. Barkley Briggs of http://hiddenlands.net where you will find contest details) are just too big to ignore. So I emailed the author and asked if his book touched on true beauty in any ways. Here's Mr. Briggs' reply, along with a short passage from his book.

"The central theme of my book is about the power of identity, and where true identity originates. While the tone is geared more towards boys, I've heard from plenty of girls about how much they love the fantasy genre (as well as from their moms and grandmas who are buying it for them)."

The following scene involves Hadyn, the older brother, being captured by the Nameless. He is being hauled away in the hold of a ship along with many other Nameless/Lost, on their way to the island of the sorceress Nemesia. They go to her to forget themselves and their pain:

"I don't know what Kyra means. I just know I don't like it. I never have."
"Why? It's very pretty."
"That is why. I am not nearly so pretty as my name."
Hadyn, taken aback, quickly realized he needed to be careful. He did not want to risk offending whatever new friend or ally he had just gained. Kyra had smooth skin and bright eyes flecked with mischief not yet lost to Nemesia. Like all the Lost, she was dirty and worn, but most anyone seeing her would have thought her attractive. Not beautiful, but cute. And feminine, with a girlish, fluttering voice.
"I don't much like being a girl," she said, as if reading his thoughts. "Always guessing what other people think about me. I grew up watching the Revlon Cirque in Portaferry. Now those are women! So beautiful and graceful, with those huge feathers in their long, twirling hair."
"I'm sorry. I don't know what that is."
"The Cirque? Are you even from here? You talk funny."
"To be honest, I don't know how to tell you where I'm from."
"Well, everyone here loves the Revlon Cirque," Kyra smirked. "They are the most marvelous carnivale in all the world. Men desire them. Women envy them. Paintings of them hang in the streets. They are rich and famous." She lowered her eyes. "I do not have their shape, their face, or their fame. I never will. When I told a friend once how I wished I could be a Revlon, she laughed at me."
Hadyn spoke gently. "Not much of a friend, I'd say."
Kyra was unmoved. She pulled out a small round mirror from the folds of her gown. It fit in the palm of her hand. She gazed into it sadly. "That is only because you do not see what I see every day in the looking glass."

- from THE BOOK OF NAMES, by D. Barkley Briggs. Used by permission from NavPress. Copyright 2008, all rights reserved. www.navpress.com


So I leave you with this simple question... What do you see every day in your looking glass?

Tweeting on Twitter

If you have a Twitter account, feel free to follow me there at http://twitter.com/InfertilityMom.

Don't know what Twitter is? Neither did I until my dear hubby introduced me to this "mini-blogging" network where users post messages of no more than 140 characters at a time. Great way to keep up with friends without being bogged down in long posts. And for long-winded writers like me, a fun challenge to get to the point quickly and creatively. :)

I'll be posting a really exciting book promotional tomorrow or Thursday, with an amazing grand prize, so you'll want to be on the lookout for that. And if you haven't entered our Summer Skin Care give-away be sure to do so before it's too late! In fact, most of the specials, discounts and promotions that have been posted this month end within the next day or two, so be sure to check them out!

6 Days Left to Join AMM for $12

For the month of July only, you can get started with Affordable Mineral Makeup™ for just $12 instead of the normal $30 enrollment fee! In the year I have been following AMM, this is the lowest consultant enrollment fee I have ever seen offered, and it’s only available through the end of this month. This is a great way to save yourself at least 25% on each future purchase (with the possibility of earning up to 40% discounts as your business grows).

To get $18 off your sign up, go to http://affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html and select Option #5 Consultant.
Click the pay now tag and at checkout put the word christmasinjuly in the coupon section and the computer system will automatically take off $18 of your sign up fee. Please list Jenni Saake as your sponsor on the sign up form.

Quick Links to Free Stuff :)

Today's post will be quick, but it's a fun one. There are several great websites offering fun drawings, contests, or simply great beauty tips this month and I wanted to share a few links with you. :)

As highlighted here in the past, Ginger Garrett (author of "Beauty Secrets of the Bible") is always offering great, free beauty tips on her blog. Recent posts include Fast Fixes for Summer Stress, surprising uses for V8 juice, and a slew of great summer tips and tricks. Check out Ginger's site at www.GingerGarrett.com.

Christian Work at Home Moms is hosting a 30-Day give-away through the entire month of July. You don't have to be a mom or work at home to enter, but you do have to enter if you hope to win any of the fantasitc prizes offered there. Enter daily at http://cwahm.com/wordpress/30-day-contest/.

For my scrapbooking buddies (I never find the time anymore) my friend Holly at www.Scrapallier.com is offering $20-value daily scrapbooking prizes on her blog between 7/18 thru 7/24 and one grand prize for a Cricut Storybook cartridge (or $60 in other products if you don't have a Cricut)! Find Holly's blog at http://blog.scrapallier.com/.

And there's still time to enter my Summer Skin Care Give-Away here at http://InnerBeautyGirlz.com

Beauty Rest - Travel and Staycation tips

Vacation! Don't you love to "run away" and be refreshed? Even God rested on the seventh day of creation and condones our season of rest (Gen. 2:3). Jesus also took time for refreshment, inviting His followers to join Him: “He said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mark 6:31b). When you get to the end of today's tips, share with me your favorite ways to get some rest!

With the price of gas I know many of us are opting for "staycations" this year, but if you are venturing into the friendly skies, don’t forget to review the Transportation Security Administration guidelines for packing! Here are a few tips to help make your travel a bit easier.

I am happy to report that mineral makeup is "airport friendly." While moisturizers and even mascara count as liquids, and are limited, mineral powders don’t cause such problems. You might also want to consider replacing your regular toothpaste in your travel bag with tooth powder to avoid yet another liquid limitation.

The 3-step travel size Natural Skin Care System from May Flowers Naturals that is featured in our Summer Skin Care Give-Away this month is also a handy travel solution, packaged in 2 oz recycled plastic bottles that are well within airline guidelines for carry on luggage. (The summer give-away hasn’t had many entries yet, so be sure to register today for great odds of being our winner!)

On the subject of vacation, why not celebrate Christmas in July? For the month of July only, you can get started with Affordable Mineral Makeup™ for just $12 instead of the normal $30 enrollment fee! In the year I have been following AMM, this is the lowest consultant enrollment fee I have ever seen offered, and it’s only available through the end of this month. If you are making regular purchase from me already, this is a great way to save yourself at least 25% on each future purchase (with the possibility of earning up to 40% discounts as your business grows).

To get $18 off your sign up, go to http://affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html and select Option #5 Consultant. Click the pay now tag and at checkout put the word christmasinjuly in the coupon section and the computer system will automatically take off $18 of your sign up fee. Please list Jenni Saake as your sponsor on the sign up form.

How do you relax and refresh? What is your favorite kind of vacation? I would love to hear from you in the comments section! Do you crave full-fledged travel, staying quiet near home, or a mini-retreat like a nice soak in the tub or a few hours with your favorite drink and a good book? If you can't take a full vacation right now, try to find a quiet place to rest, even if only for a few hours this week. It will do you good, both body and soul!

Honey Words, Honey Beauty

For the rest of July I’ll be posting pretty frequently because I have too many links to freebies, give-aways and discounts to share in just this one post. To give you a taste for what’s to come, take 10% off all products in your Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from now through 11:59pm (EST) on Sunday, July 13, buy using the code “aser” in the coupon section at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com. Offer good one time per customer, good on all products. :)
Don’t forget about the Summer Skin Care Give-Away we have going this month. Today’s post will offer a huge hint to the answer of the contest question!

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). I look forward to sharing some amazing things about honey with you today. This verse has become increasingly meaningful to me as I've learned more about this golden substance. But before I get too far ahead of myself, I would like to ask you to think of a time when someone made a simple comment or exhibited a gentle act of kindness that’s had a lasting impact on you.
Proverbs 25:11 describes such treasured moments as “apples of gold in pictures of silver,” or as stated in The Message, “The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.” Several such priceless memories stand out to me, though probably long-forgotten by the people who touched my heart. May I share a few snapshots with you?
- “God has made you a mother to all those women,” (referencing the ladies of Hannah’s Prayer) said my friend one day, in the midst of my deep struggle through infertility. It was shortly before Mother’s Day and I was desperately grieving, but her encouragement gave new purpose and perspective I desperately needed at that moment.
- No words, but the simple gesture of “two thumbs up” concerning her recent reading of my book, Hannah’s Hope. What made this simple act significant was that it came from an author friend and writing professor whom I highly admire and respect.
- “Please go ahead of me in line,” was the unexpected invitation from a stranger at the grocery store on a day I was feeling quite ill and wanting nothing more than to get home and into bed.
- “You are exactly the woman God planned to be her mother since before He laid the foundations of the earth. He will equip you with everything you need to parent her because you are the one person in the whole world, in all of history, whom He chose for this job!” encouraged a friend over the phone as I shared with her my struggles and doubts in my abilities to parent my spark-fire daughter.

All of these sweet words have stayed with me because they met me at a point of need, sometimes a need that wasn’t even obvious, and lifted me up, bringing healing to my heart. Honey too has surprising healing properties. I often reach for honey to treat acne, mild burns and scratches, and other skin irritations. In fact, after washing my face, I rub a couple of drops of raw, organic honey right into my face as a great moisturizer/toner that preps my skin beautifully to receive mineral makeup and adds to the longevity of my makeup application.

If you are interested in learning more about honey for yourself, along with trying a few delicious and delightful honey-based beauty recipes, try these links:

Honey Is A Sweet Treat For Skin - http://www.honey.com/consumers/honeyhealth/beauty.asp

Culinary Sleuth Beautifoods: Foods and Recipes that Enhance Beauty - http://www.globalgourmet.com/food/sleuth/2000/0900/

Honey: Can it Heal Wounds?- http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/honey/AN01796/METHOD=print

I look at honey as so much more than a sweet flavoring now. And I hope that the next time you see or taste honey, it will be a reminder to say something sweet or encouraging to someone else. You never know when your simple words might become “apples of gold” as treasured memories of encouragement.

Summer Skin Care Give-Away

This week our neighbors to the north celebrate Canada Day (July 1) as we prepare for Independence Day (July 4) here in the USA! To celebrate, we're giving away a 3-step travel size Natural Skin Care System from May Flowers Naturals. Keep reading for details on how to enter this drawing. :)

Summer fun, food, and friends are such a blessing. While you are out in all that sun, be sure to take good care of your skin. Sun block is a must (I love that mineral makeup offers natural SPF protection)! Keeping your face and all your sun-exposed skin clean and toned and moisturized is important too. With this in mind, I am thrilled to introduce you to May Flowers Naturals, a brand new line of natural skin care products created by a friend of mine.

For the entire month of July, May Flowers Naturals is offering Inner Beauty blog readers an incredible 20% discount on your purchase from her website. (Please note, this discount is for products purchased through the May Flowers Naturals site only, not my Affordable Mineral Makeup lines.) To redeem this specials savings, visit the May Flowers shop and enter the coupon code "spirit" at check out.

Our July contest for the 3-step travel size Natural Skin Care System from May Flowers Naturals involves a bit of an online scavenger hunt. First you will need to visit the May Flowers Naturals site, then return here and post a reply to the Inner Beauty blog with your answer to the following question:
According to the May Flowers Naturals website, what is “Nature’s Ultimate Beauty Product”?

When you submit your answer, please include your mailing address and contact information (email and/or phone number) so that we may contact you if you are selected the winner. Blog replies will not be posted live to the site until the end of the contest and all personal contact information will be removed before replies are publically posted. Around August 1, one winner will be selected from among all correct answers. Entries submitted without contact information will not qualify for the drawing.

From now until the end of the month, sign up as a consultant with Affordable Mineral Makeup™ for only $20 ($10 discount off the regular $30 fee)!

Go to http://affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html and selection option #5 CONSULTANT, click the pay now tag, enter the word "blessed" in the coupon section and hit recalculate to take off the $10.
When filling out your registration form, please list Jenni Saake as your Sponsor.

11% Savings! :)

Receive 11% off your entire purchase of Affordable Mineral Makeup by using the word glory in the coupon section at check out!
Good from now until Thursday 6/19/08.
Good on all items on site. :)

I'm on the way out the door so this post is a short one, but I have several exciting things I hope to share with you in the coming days - tips about honey and natural skin care and foot care and much more. :) Stay tuned!!!

As a general rule I strive to keep this blog relatively "child-free" in my talk. I do this specifically because of our many years of infertility and remembering how it hurt to run into "kid talk" everywhere when I wanted nothing more than motherhood. If you are struggling with the longing for a child (infertility or loss) and want to skip today's post, I won't be offended. Feel free to check out my infertility blog at HannahsHopeBook.com instead.

But for those for whom stories about my kids won't bother, today I'm going to break my own rule and mention my little miracles because my kids and I are celebrating a big landmark - the last week of our homeschool year! We have had an amazing year Exploring Countries and Cultures and I have been moved and challenged to watch my kids grow with a heart for sharing Jesus with the world. A series of missionary biographies opened our eyes so much to all the blessings we have and all that others have sacrificed.

Our final memory verse for the year sums up what we have learned. Jesus, speaking to his desciples, say, "All aurhority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20). Isn't that amazing? Wherever I go, wherever He sends my children, He will be with us to the very end!

Changind gears here, but keeping a big world focus in mind, did you know that Affordable Mineral Makeup™ ships to all of USA, APO Addresses (Military), Puerto Rico, Canada, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland and The United Kingdom? So if you have frineds or family in these countries, please be sure to tell them about this blog too. (And even if you have friends in countries my business doesn't service yet, I would love to welcome them as readers for beauty hits, tricks, tips and insights!)

I've had a few reader questions recently that I want to answer for everyone.

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is a powder makeup. If you prefer liquid, you can mix the powder with a little water when you are ready to apply.


Affordable Mineral Makeup™ contains only a few ingredients (except where specifically noted as in products such as mascara, where you will still find only the highest quality, healthy ingredients, just a few more of them). Each ingredient has its own special quality and purpose in the makeup:
~Titanium Dioxide has waterproof and SPF properties while providing a Matte look.
~Mica has some transparent properties and allows the makeup to go on smoothly.
~Iron Oxides give the makeup its pigment.
~Zinc Oxide is known for its healing properties in problem skin such as rosacea and acne. It has the ability to stay on even while sweating and swimming, as well as offers protection from the sun's harmful UV rays.


And here are some things that set us apart from other companies:
No Bismuth
No talc
No cornstarch or other fillers (Because we have no organic materials in our products, our minerals have no need of an “expiration date”.)
No chemicals
No parabens
No petroleum, oils or dyes
No preservatives
No fragrances
No lead, like in others lipsticks
No animal testing
No animal by products (other than humane removal of hair for natural bristle brushes)
FREE random shade makeup sample included with each order
Fast PRIORITY shipping
No required auto shipments
Superior customer service
Monthly customer and consultant contests
Affordable prices
Large variety of products
Eco Friendly company
Proud Signers of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics at www.safecosmetics.org

Please share YOUR questions about mineral makeup and I'll gladly answer them as well.

12% Memorial Day savings!

Please allow me to help you with all your mineral makeup needs at InnerBeautyGirls.com where I'm offering a Memorial Day sale on Affordable Mineral Makeup™ products! This sale runs from now until midnight EST, Monday 5/26.

In order to process your order with a 12% discount off all purchases, you MUST use coupon code is 5301868 AND in the comment section you MUST write about the significance of this date (5/30/1868). We want to know what happened on that date or the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day. ("It's the first day of summer" won't count as a valid answer. :) ) This discount WILL NOT BE HONORED UNLESS you include your answer about Memorial Day. (If there is no answer, your order will not process and will remain pending until you email an answer.)

This is a win-win sale. You get a great discount while learning something new or taking a moment to remember and reflect on what you already knew about the purpose of this holiday. I'll even make it easy on you ;) since my friend has done the research and given you all the information you need at Memorial Meaning.

12% savings through Friday!

12% off at Affordable Mineral Makeup™
from now through Friday, May 16! Go to www.InnerBeautyGirls.com to order anything/everything you want, then put the code
rovaf
in the coupon section at checkout to get your 12% OFF automatically!

Half off Affordable Mineral Makeup consultant sign ups!

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is currently offering 50% OFF consultant sign ups from now through the end of May! New consultants can go to http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/bizopp.html, hit the pay now button on the consultant option (which is normally $30), and at checkout enter the word
baruch
in the coupon section for an automatic $15 savings!

When asked, please give the name "Jennifer Saake" as your referring consultant. Thank you. :)

Save 15% on April 22

On April 22, Affordable Mineral Makeup is offering a 15% discount to all customers who put the word earthday2008 in the coupon section at checkout AND who also put in the comments section one thing you will do in effort to help the environment.

I cannot worship "mother earth" because my Father is in Heaven and He is the Creator of this planet. But I do believe it is good stewardship to help protect and care for this home He has entrusted to all humanity. So as environmental awareness, recycling and conservation are spotlighted this week, let's remember God's words to Adam and Even in Genesis 1:28-30...

"God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'
"Then God said, 'I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.' And it was so."

When All is Stripped Away

Some of you who know me in "real life" know that I've lived with chronic health challenges for my entire adult life. I am very blessed to currently be working with one of the world's leading health experts in my field, but some days (weeks, months, seasons) are just harder than others. The entire past year, and again specifically these past few weeks, have been some harder stretches and I'm sorry for not posting more in depth content here more consistantly.

Sitting in church a couple of weeks ago I was simply too tired to stand for the singing time. This isn't at all uncommon - I sit through music time more often than I'm able to stand. (There were years when I rarely could leave the house to attend church at all, so just being able to be there is HUGE!) But as I am sitting I am usually singing and Signing (Sign Language) and stiving to give my whole heart over to worship.

Unfortunately, I started having asthma attacks about 3 years ago and I've found singing to be a frequent trigger. So on weeks when I can't sing either, I grab my inhailer, stop the asthma attack in its tracks, and consentrate on joining in musical worship through Sign. Recently I've found my arms to "heavy" and the pain too instense even to Sign consistantly. So a couple of weeks ago I sat there in church feeling very dejected and asking the Lord what I had left to give. How I could participate in corporate worship when I had nothing left to offer, no strenght to stand, no breath to sing, no ability to even lift my hands in praise?

Though not the song being sung that morning, He immediately reminded me of the words of Matt Redman's song, "The Heart of Worship" (view on uTube link below). A few of the lines are:

When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come
Longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will bless your heart...
I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You, Jesus...

What a great reminder that everything else is external (physical strength, the gifts of voice and hands, every breath I draw) but true worship, like true beauty, is internal. When everything else is stripped away, I am still of worth, I can still be whole, because of who Jesus Christ is. He is worthy of all I am, all I have to offer, even when my offerings are meager.

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:17 (NIV)

If you or someone you love is struggling with health issues, check out Rest Ministries, a wonderful organization providing support and encourgement in the face of any and every kind of chronic health challenge. This group was started by a friend of mine and has grown into an international ministry offering local support group chapters, a print magazine and many forms of online support including daily email devotionals, message bords and much more.



(If you are reading this via email and can't view the video, be sure to drop by the Inner Beauty Blog to see this beautiful video for yourself.)


"My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever."
- Psalm 73:26 (New International Version)

2 Days Only, Save $10 off $50

Thursday, April 10 and Friday, April 11, save $10 on all Affordable Mineral Makeup orders of $50 or more from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com.

At checkout put the word april in the coupon section and the system will automatically deduct $10 from your order! :)

Join Affordable Mineral Makeup for Half Off through April 6

Affordable Mineral Makeup is offering 50% off consultant sign ups now through the weekend (midnight Sunday 4/6) at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com

Our consultant level is on sale! For just a few days, instead of a one-time registration of $30 to start, it's only $15!!!

Go to http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com and select "Join Us" then enter the word "earth" (this discount word was selected by our company founder) in the discount section, after hitting the #5 Consultant Sign up "buy now" button.

Please make sure to fill out the form with all your info so we can get you started as soon as we receive your payment! Please tell Tara (company president) that Jenni Saake sent you her way. :)

FREE $25 and 12% Affordable Mineral Makeup savings through April 4

From now until midnight EST on Friday Apri 4, take 12% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup product order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com by using the discount code "makeadifference" (without the quote marks) at checkout! :) Try to make a difference in someone's life today and every day.

And who doesn't love free money? Set up an account with Revoltion Money Exchange (similar to pay pal but with lower/free fees) between now and April 15 and receive $25 cash automatically deposited to your new RME account! Do what you want with that money, even transfer it directly into your bank account, give to a good cause, buy mineral makeup... ;)



I joined a couple of weeks ago and have tried several services (sending money, receiving money) have been very please with them. My $25 was in my account almost immediately and I've also gained several more $10 deposits, one at a time, with each new friend I've refered. You can do the same, up to $500 in referals!

10% off through Sunday

Receive a 10% discount off your entire product order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com by putting the word augustine in the coupon section at check out. This offer is good from now thru Sunday 3/30.

Please note that the office of Affordable Mineral Makeup will be closed Monday 3/31
and Tuesday 4/1 so orders placed Friday evening and there after will begin processing on Wed. 4/2. (No, this is not an April Fools joke.) :)

What Makes this Friday "Good"?

Today is "Good Friday," the day we commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. What "good" is there in a day where God-in-flesh was murdered so wrongfully? The good, no the AMAZINGLY GREAT, is that His death was not the end of the story! As I remember the ultimate sacrifice of a Father who willingly allowed the torturous death of His only biological Son to pray the price of my eternal adoption, I am humbled and awed all over again. How incredible that He offers the forgiveness of my sins and the assurance of Heaven for simply believing that He is who He claims to be, that He led a sinless life, died in my place, and overcame death by resurrection. Forgiveness and peace are mine for the asking, His gifts freely offered!

While nothing in contrast with the Greatest Gift, I have a couple special little things I would like to give to you today as well. First, I would love to share with you an idea that has become a special part of our family's Easter tradition. Neither of these alternatives are original with me, but they have been so widely duplicated that I am unable to site any original sources. And my second gift is the special discount code for Affordable Mineral Makeup that you will find at the end of this post. :)


Here's a great activity for Sunday morning, called Resurrection Rolls. Thaw 1 package frozen roll dough (can use canned crescent roll dough if you prefer) and press each roll into flat circles. Place one full-sized marshmallow into the center of each roll and pinch the dough around it. Roll the marshmallow-filled rolls into round balls then dip in melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and let rise until doubled. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown. Cut one open - it's empty like Jesus' tomb!


A similar idea, called Easter Story Cookies, can be done Saturday night:
1 cup whole pecans (or substitute chocolate chips or a chocolate bar)
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300*F.

Place pecans (or chocolate) in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.

Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.


Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.

Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.


Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.

Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.


Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.

Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27


So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.

Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.


Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.

Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.


Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.

Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.


Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.

Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.


Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!

Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.


On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!

Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

HE HAS RISEN!

---------------

From now until midnight EST on Easter Sunday (3/23/08) take 11% (yes 11, as in the number of disciples after Judas betrayed Jesus) off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com by putting the word "easter" in the coupon section at check out. :)

Guest Blog with author Camy Tang

Something many of you may not know about me is that I was raised in Japan for seven years of my childhood. So is it especially fun for me to share today's blog with Camy Tang who describes herself as "the loud Asian chick who writes loud Asian chick lit." She used to be a biologist, but now she is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads a worship team for Sunday service. She also runs the Story Sensei fiction critique service. On her blog, she gives away Christian novels every Monday and Thursday, and she ponders frivolous things like dumb dogs (namely, hers), coffee-geek husbands (no resemblance to her own...), the writing journey, Asiana, and anything else that comes to mind. Visit her website at www.camytang.com for a huge website contest going on right now, giving away five boxes of books and 25 copies of her latest release, ONLY UNI.

Welcome, Camy. Thank you for joining us to share your reflections on beauty!

-----

Thanks for having me here, Jenni!

I love the verse for your Inner Beauty Girlz website, 1 Peter 3: “Beauty should not come from outward adornment... Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.”

It took me a long time to understand my inner beauty and to be happy with who I am. For most of my teenage years and even my twenties, I spent too much time being embarrassed for being awkward, nervous about making a social mistake, shy to put myself forward.

I knew my self-esteem was low, but I thought it was “natural” or that I needed to exert myself more in order to raise it. I knew that my self-esteem ought to be dependent solely on Christ, but I didn’t know how to go about doing that, and couldn’t get what I knew in my head to make an impression on my heart and how I felt.

It wasn’t until I reached my late twenties that I started to understand how to let Christ determine my self-esteem. I’d been under the misapprehension that I needed perfect social graces to be acceptable to other people. That mistakes on my part would make people think of me as strange or odd, and at all costs, I didn’t want to stand out or be thought of as a weirdo.

But slowly I started to understand who I really was, who God had made me. Slowly I started being happier with exactly who God had made me—a bit awkward, with an unusual sense of humor, a bit out of the ordinary.

And that was okay.

I made an effort to stop being nervous about social mistakes I made. I learned to ignore my mistakes or laugh at them. And I discovered that while some people DID think I was odd, I started making friends with people who DIDN’T think I was odd.

God sent me friends who loved who I was—awkward, strange, a bit of a dingbat. He gave me people to be my sisters in Christ, and a husband who completes me in ways I didn’t realize I needed him.

I have found my inner beauty, and realized it was there all the time, the beautiful person God had made me to be. When I could accept who I am, and stopped trying to be who I was not, He drew people to me who also saw my beauty. He helped me see myself as His child.

And because of what He’s done for me, this is my prayer for all my readers, too—that they will co me to see themselves as God made them, and to accept who they are.

Be Happy and Save 10%

We all know there is a big difference between the emotions of happiness that come and go and the true job that we find in God that goes beyond circumstantial reaction. I pray that the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your heart today and that your joy would be deep-seated in Jesus Christ.

But just for fun I wanted to tell you that March 19th is "Act Happy Day".
This day is celebrated to simply just be happy!

From now through midnight 3/19 you can get 10% OFF your Affordable Mineral Makeup order at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com

Place your product selections in your cart.
Add the word acthappy in the coupon/voucher section at check out an 10% will be deducted from your total automatically!

You must also put in the comments section one thing that you're happy about!!!

Then, in a few days you'll get your order. ENJOY and BE HAPPY!

Funny Video and Great Prize Package for Vonda Skelton

I am pleased to introduct you to author Vonda Skelton today! Leave a comment on this post to be entered to win Vonda's new book, Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe along with a huge prize package (pictured to the upper left and details listed at the end of this post). Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe is now available at bookstores nationwide, at online bookstores, and on her website where you are welcome to read the first chapter for free.

Please take a moment to enjoy this fun look at "Solomon's Beloved" as presented by Vonda. It starts out a little slow, but stick with it and you will soon be laughing! If you can't view it here, watch it on uTube at Solomon’s Beloved at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEmhI8FL_ZI. Of Solomon's Beloved Vonda writes, "She’s so much fun! (And people think we Christians can’t have fun! A lot they know!)"

(If you are reading this via email and can't view the video, be sure to drop by the Inner Beauty Blog to see this funny, can't miss skit for yourself!)

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Seeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe

We have been seduced by half-truths and whole lies since time began. Remember the garden? In Seeing Through the Lies, author and speaker Vonda Skelton humorously addresses the disappointments women experience as they search for truth while believing a lie. Each chapter opens with amusing anecdotes from real life and ends with answers and guidance straight from God s Word. Exploring topics such as pride, fear, motherhood, and the busyness of life, this book offers practical steps for peeling away the layers of deceit and finding the joy of living in real truth. Through honesty and humility, Vonda takes women on a hilarious journey through all things female and brings them to a soul-searching point of decision. Readers will identify with both the positive and negative examples of women in the Bible, and will be encouraged by Scripture, as well as quotes from notable men and women. Each chapter ends with five steps for exposing the lie and embracing the truth of God s Word.

Are you striving to be a woman of excellence, but feel you're landing somewhere between mediocre and unfit?
Do you want to be your husband's lover, but feel more like his mother?
Are you convinced that busyness is next to godliness?
Are you trying so hard to be everything to everybody that you feel like you're nobody to anybody?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you're not alone--you've simply fallen victim to the lies of Satan! But you don't have to be seduced by his masquerade any longer. Join the fun as we take a hilarious journey through all things female on our search for real truth in a counterfeit world.

From spider veins and webs of deceit to cartoon characters and feminist funnies, Seeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe will help you recognize the lies and take joy in the light of His Truth.The suggested Bible readings, small group discussion questions, and meditations on the very words of Jesus will help you discover not only the lies that bind you, but the keys that set you free.

Listen, girlfriend, it doesn't matter who you are or where you've been or what you've done, God is ready to give you a fresh start on a new life--one that can only come through the acceptance of His unchanging truth.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Vonda Skelton is an entertaining speaker with a heart for women and their families. Her first women's book, Seeing through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe, "takes a hilarious look at all things female as we search for truth in a counterfeit world." Her first two books are part of the Bitsy Mystery Series for children 8-14 years old. The third book in the series, Bitsy and the Mystery at Hilton Head Island, will be released in the spring of 2008.

An RN and freelance writer, Vonda's articles frequently appear in magazines such as HomeLife, Christian Single, Focus on the Family publications, and New Man Magazine. An award-winning playwright and lyricist, her scripts have been performed in churches around the country. She is a frequent instructor at writer's conferences and enjoys mentoring and encouraging new writers.

As one who tries--and often fails--to be like Christ, Vonda is thankful God continues to take her messes and use them for His glory!



Vonda is on a "blog tour" this month. She has asked each blog tour host (that would be me in this case) to collect all the names from the comments left on their sites (that would be this www.InnerBeautyGirlz.blogspot.com) for Vonda's blog tour, and draw one finalist. Vonda will put all the blog tour hosts' names in a hat and draw a finalist as well. Then all of the finalists from the various blog tours and from the blog tour hosts go in the hat one final time and the winner will receive this great gift selected just for you by Vonda. This is a GREAT prize! The drawing will be held April 2, 2008. The winner will receive:



Designer Gift Box (looks like a piece of luggage with the words "Faith, Family, Friends" on the exterior).

One copy each of three books by the author: Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe, Bitsy and the Mystery at Amelia Island, Bitsy and the Mystery at Tybee Island.
A stretchy bracelet with Sterling Silver Beads, Gold Swarovski Pearls, Turquoise and Blue Zircon Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Masquerade Mask Charm.
Bookmark custom-made with Sterling Silver Beads, Gold Swarovski Pearls, Turquoise, Blue Zircon and Clear Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Masquerade Mask Charm on a 4.75 inch Silver Plated Bookmark.
Gold Tri-fold picture frame.

Pewter-colored oval picture frame.

Jeweled decorated cross.

Peanut caramel clusters.

Caramel Truffles.

Mini-Yankee Candle.

Three-pack sample tea bags.

Sample Columbian Supremo Coffee.

Oh My! Itty Bitty Chai Packet.



So please let me a comment today to enter this great drawing!!!

Good Samaritan Involvement Day

From now THRU 3/13/08 (midnight EST on the morning of 3/14) receive 10% off by your Affordable Mineral Makeup purchase from InnerBeautyGirls.com by placing the word "goodsamaritan" in the coupon section. This special offer is in celbration of "Good Samaritan Involvement Day" on March 13th. :)

Daylight 10% Savings Time!

This month is going to bring some fun and funny posts, introduce you to at least two different wonderful Christian authors and invite you on their blog tours for some great give-aways, and also share some deeper reflections on the inner beauty God desires us to cultivate. Looking forward to enjoying this season of new life and the celebration of Resurrection with you. :)

To jump start March, please visit InnerBeautyGirls.com for 10% off your Affordable Mineral Makeup order from now until 3/10.
Put the word daylight in the coupon section and you will automatically receive 10% off your order at checkout.

And don't forget to "Spring Forward" Sunday morning!!!

Winner of Beauty Secrets of the Bible is...

Yvonne P. of Alberta, Canada!
I will be emailing you this week to confirm your mailing address and get your copy of Beauty Secrets of the Bible in the mail to you.

Thank you to everyone who entered February's contest. Be looking for our new March give-away to be announced later this week! :)

Is Your Makeup Safe? Learn about the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

I've been reading several books about safe and natural cosmetics recently. Over and over one website has been noted, SafeCosmetics.org. This amazing resource offers helpful information about beauty products that may be doing many ugly things to our bodies, as well as explaining healthier alternatives. They offer an extensive list of "safer companies" who have each signed a "Compact for Safe Cosmetics" pledging "to not use chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects in their products and to implement substitution plans that replace hazardous materials with safer alternatives in every market they serve."

According to the Safe Cosmetics website, "Several major cosmetics companies, including OPI, Avon, Estee Lauder, L'Oreal, Revlon, Proctor & Gamble and Unilever have thus far refused to sign the Compact for Safe Cosmetics." But I am proud to say that Affordable Mineral Makeup has been a member of this compact for nearly a year already. Please check out our cruelty-free products at InnerBeautyGirls.com and do something good for your checkbook and great for your skin today!

One of the books I've been reading is our featured give-away this month, Beauty Secrets of the Bible by award-winning author, Ginger Garrett. If you would love to win an autographed copy of this amazing resource, be sure to sign up for my email newsletter here at www.InnerBeautyGirlz.blogspot.com by Feb. 29 to be entered into a drawing for this great tool!

Do you ShoutLife?

Not quite a year ago I was invited to visit a freind's website at ShoutLife. Having never heard of the site before, I had no idea what a treat I was in for! ShoutLife is a social networking community (think "myspace") from a decidedly Christian viewpoint. They offer personal pages for each registered user (yes, registration is free), and also special spotlights for Christian commedians, musicians, authors and organizations. You are also free to sign up for fellowship groups within the site on a range of topics or start new groups if you don't find what you are looking for. I have made so many wonderful friends there and find continual encourgament from this site.

If you haven't had a chance to visit, you are welcome to start at my page at www.Shoutlife.com/InfertilityMom. If you register for or already have a SL page, please shoot me a friends request there. I love making friends and keeping up on the happenings of your life! And yes, leave me a note here at InnerBeautyGirlz.blogspot.com with your SL link and you will earn yet another entry into this month's give away - Beauty Secrets of the Bible (follow the link for more chances to enter) by award-winning author, Ginger Garrett. :)

Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled...

Today is a day where may are celebrating, hearts area abundant and everything is "rosy" for those who have a Valentine to celebrate the day with. But others are feeling disappointment today - someone special has overlooked your desire to be honored with a gift, or even harder there is no "someone special" to even forget.

Whatever you are feeling today, be it the glow and passion of new love, the comfort and security of old love, or a deep heart-longing to be loved, know that I am praying for you today. God knows the hearts and situations behind every eye that will read this blog, and while I cannot pray for you all by name, I know that as I pray for you now, He sees each of your faces with intimacy as the True Lover of your soul. Trust Him with each joy, heartache and detail of your life!

A very talented friend of mine pained a beautiful picture. If you have a Facebook account, be sure and take a look here:
JoyLynn's Tears

It is based on Psalm 56:8
"You number my wanderings;
Put my tears into Your bottle;
Are they not in Your book?"
(New King James Version)

What kind of love not only cares about ever tear we ever shed, but loves us more deeply than we could ever truly comprehend? "Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us," (Romans 5:7-8, NIV).

In John 14:27, after He has been crucified, risen from the dead and was preparing to return to Heaven, Jesus encouraged, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (NIV, emphasis added)

Not as the world gives, in quickly fading flowers and soon forgotten candy. Not as the world gives in broken promises and shattered dreams. Not as the world gives in unfulfilled hopes and unsatisfied expectations. But as only He can offer, I pray peace for your heart today! May this Valentine's be one you remember as beautiful because you are Truly Loved.

What does any of this have to do with inner beauty? "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God," (Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV, emphasis added).

Christian Jewlery Line

Thank you to all the new subsribers who have joined this week. It will be so exciting to see who wins Beauty Secrets of the Bible at the end of the month. Check back in later this week for some sneak peaks at the contents of this great title and of course, more chances to enter the drawing!

A friend of mine has shared her fun business with me and I've enjoyed her products so much I wanted to pass along a special offer from Cheryl just for you:

"I hope you will take a look at the Gorgeous jewelry Gurrlie Girl has to offer. We are a Christian based company and offer Scripture Bracelets, cross necklaces, fashion jewelry and so much more.
"Contact me if you'd like me to send you a catalog. Mention seeing me here on Jenni's Inner Beauty Girlz Blog and you will receive Free Shipping with a $25.00 purchase, good until February 29, 2008."

If anyone places an order with Cheryl, please let me know too, either by posting here (be sure to include your email address or some way for me to contact you) or by emailing me at innerbeauty AT affordablemineralmakeup DOT com (remove spaces and replace AT with @ and DOT with .). Any orders Cheryl confirms as having been placed with this special offer will earn more entries into our Beauty Secrets drawing! :D

Another Way to Earn Entries for Beauty Secrets of the Bible drawing!

I told you I would be posting more ways for you to win additional entries into the Beauty Secrets of the Bible book give-away all month long. So here's your next chance already. In addition to those mentioned in the previous blog entry, visit me now and InnerBeautyGirls.com and place an order for Affordable Mineral Makeup.

For every $10 you spend in the month of February, I will give you 5 more entries into this drawing. And if you place your order before midnight EST this Friday, Feb. 8, I will double that offer, giving you one entry for every single dollar you spend! Don't forget to take advantage of the 5 grams of free makeup offer while you are shopping!

Be sure to email me at innerbeauty AT affordablemineralmakeup DOT com (remove spaces, change AT to @ and DOT to .) or to leave a post here letting me know that you ordered, your order total, and your email address so that I can properly credit your points total. :)

Join My Newsletter and You Could Win Beauty Secrets of the Bible

I am giving away one copy of Ginger Garrett's book Beauty Secrets of the Bible this month! Ginger has also written the amazing novel, Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther and many other titles such as Dark Hour, Loose it For Life (for Teens), and the beautiful infertility devotional, Moments for Couples Who Long for Children.

Additional information on how to enter this drawing for Beauty Secrets of the Bible will be posted here later in the week. But to get a jump-start on your chance to win, simply fill your email address in the subscription box over to the right sidebar and you will automatically receive my update posts as email newsletters! :D Joining the Inner Beauty mailing list earns you FIVE entries into this drawing that will be held on Feb. 29.

Once you have subscribed to this newsletter feed, earn ONE more entry simply by leaving me a comment here on this blog entry as well. For additional chances to win, be watching this blog all month (not a problem if you are signed up for the updates) for more information to come. :D

Join for 1/3 off, Extended until Valentine's Day!

If you missed the Consulants Join AMM for $20 Special last month, it's been extended until Valentine's Day. Take advantage of this great deal while you can!!!

5 grams of Affordable Mineral Makeup FREE with 10g purchase

Buy one 10g container of Affordable Mineral Makeup and get a 5g container of makeup for FREE! Offer valid from now until midnight EST next Sunday, Feb. 11.

Simply place an order at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com including one 10g sifter jar of your desired shade, a 5g sifter jar of your desired shade and anything else you may want in your shopping cart, then enter 10g5g in the coupon section for an automatic deduction of $6.99 (the price of one 5g sifter jar) from your total!

Remember, every time you place an AMM order, you receive a free sample too. What a great way to try out new products! :)


Also, Affordable Mineral makeup is currently offering 1/3 off consultant sign ups from now until Valentine's Day. While you can normally start your AMM business for just $30, right now join for only $20, a $10 savings!!!

Visit me at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com and find the hot pink "Join Now" link half way down my page. Put the word signup in the coupon section after pressing "buy now" on the consultant level.

$10 OFF Consultant Sign Ups special was originally offered only until 1/31/08 , but has been extended for just two more weeks.
Offer good ONLY on Consultant level, not other levels.


You get:
a 30% off coupon for one order to do with whatever you want-build a kit, purchase for yourself, whatever...

start at 25% commission
increase to up to 35% commission
7% on your down line sales

free personalized web page (variety of options available)

free yourname@affordablemineralmakeup.com email address

yahoo groups and forum for support

catalogs, business cards, forms available for you to print or purchase

support and easy access to owner and others within the company

a great product to promote that exceeds other companies in product and customer service

more shades than other mineral makeup companies

more size options than other mineral makeup companies

extra 'goodie' on your birthday

consultant handbook

monthly consultant contests

and so much more...

Join today at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com with the word signup in the coupon section after pressing "buy now" on the consultant level.

Moisturizing Oily Skin?

JoyLynn asks, "I have a question about oily skin...should I still moisturize?"

Surprisingly, yes, you should still moisturize oily skin after a good cleaning, to keep your skin from trying to "over-moisturize" itself, thus producing even more oil! The key is to be sure to choose an oil-free moisturizer. You also want to avoid cleaning products that make your skin feel "tight" afterwards because this can mean the top layer of you skin actually "shrinks" and can cause your skin to retain too much oil and create an environment where pores clog easily. While I don't agree with absolutely everything on their website, a very helpful article on oily skin can be found on this holistic skin care page.

Thanks for your question, JoyLynn! You will be receiving a gift certificate to Affordable Mineral Makeup this week, so be checking your email!

Buy 2, Get 1 Free!

Order two 5g sifter jars of any Affordable Mineral Makeup product and get a third 5g sifter jar for free! Simply put all 3 into your cart, then enter the coupon code b2g1 in the voucher section and hit redeem. $6.99 (the price of one of the 5g sifter jars) will be automatically discounted from your total! (This offer is good for ONE free item only, not one per every two.) Good from now until midnight EST 1/31/08.

Breaking out from makeup? Maybe it's your brush!

I know what it is like to respond to beauty products with skin sensitivities and allergic reactions. In fact, that's why I sought out mineral makeup in the first place, and why I stand behind a company with very careful limitations to our ingredients list. I had spent years trying to find a makeup I could wear without itchiness, breakouts or red, swollen eyes. It was so delighted to find that high quality brands (without additives and fillers) of mineral makeup not only prevented these reactions, but actually helped improve and heal my skin.

So imagine my surprise and frustration when, after successfully using mineral makeup for a while, I suddenly noticed some of my old problems starting to return! Was I developing an intolerance to these products as well? Very discouragd at the thought, I set out to research and experiment. Here is what I discovered:

Makeup brushes need to be washed regularly. If you are using your brushes on a daily basis, once a week is probably a good idea. Here's how:
- Find a gentle product (that you know that you are not allergic to!) like mild baby shampoo or, my personal favorite, a tea tree oil soap. Gently hand wash your brushes with just a drop or two of cleanser and running water. Continue to rinse until several seconds after your water runs absolutely clear. You may be amazed at how much product actually stores up inside your brush!
- Let your brush air dry by either hanging it upside down (without bristles touching anything) or lay it sideways at the edge of your sink so that bristles are totally surrounded by air. It is best NOT to stand your brush to dry as water can eventually loosen the glues that bind bristles to handle.
- You should find that a healthy habit of routinely washing your makeup brushes makes a huge difference in both the smoothness of your makeup application and the condition of your skin.

Taking proper care of cleanliness, yet still breaking out? Might you be allergic to your brush? While natural animal hair brushes such as sable, goat, pony are squirrel are generally preferred by professional makeup artist for their high quality, some of us are (or may become with regular usage) allergic to animals and their hair. I recently had to stop using my adorable and delightfully soft pink kabuki brush due to ongoing irritation.

Turns out there was absolutely no problem with my makeup at all, and the brush itself was wonderful, I just can’t tolerate goat hair! But I found a great alternative with the Kabuki Dior Synthetic brush, featuring top of the line taklon fibers that act and feel like natural hair. (Edited to add that since the original writing of this article this specific brush is no longer available, however we do offer other synthetic Kabuki brushes in our line.)



This 2” wide Kabuki Dior offers nearly 1 ¾” hair length (2 ¾” total length with ferrule). It is available in limited edition from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com by selecting the hot pink “Shop” link half way down the page, then choosing “Brushes and Accessories” from the product categories on the left.

$10 Discount to Become a Consulant with Affordable Mineral Makeup

Affordable Mineral Makeup is offering a special $10 discount off your enrollment as a new AMM consultant! It normally costs just $30 to start your own business with AAM, but until midnight EST on Jan. 31, 2008, you can now join for only $20!

To take advantage of this special offer, please visit me at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com then click on the hot pink "Join Us" link half way down the page. You will select the $30 "buy now" button under CONSULTANT description #5 (please note that this offer is only valid on the consultant level, not affiliate options) and then put the word signup in the coupon section to take $10 off!

Beautiful Woman Month

I can't claim any credit for this. It was one of those email forwards that has circled the internet several times over. I am posting as forwarded to me. I wish I knew the author or had some other means of crediting my source, but it fits beautifully here:

"Do You Know...It's Beautiful Women Month?"
....And You Are One Of Them.....

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed,
revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,
you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;
one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Send this to all the BEAUTIFUL WOMEN you know!

Last day to save 15%

Don't forget, today is the last day to save 15% on your Affordable Mineral Makeup order by placing "40th" (without the quote marks) in your discount/coupon code at checkout at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com

Plain Jane, Somber Sally and Superficial Sue

Have you ever attended a funeral for a "Plain Jane" whose features or body shape did nothing to capture the imagination, and yet everyone remembers her as beautiful anyway? It's that perpetual smile that does it. No, not the straight lines of pearly white teeth nor the lush, full, wine colored lips. But the infectious joy that continually starts from deep in her heart, shines through her eyes, and touches you to the core.

For all my efforts to "be beautiful" outwardly, in the end it's what is inside that really does matter. Some of the most beautiful people are ones I would least seek out as friends, for their beauty goes as deep as the skin and no farther. They will forever struggle to hold onto the quickly fading exterior, while character and depth of heart are overlooked. At their funerals, sure their outer glory may be mentioned, but it isn't going to be what endears them to the memories of their mourners. I would much rather be a "Joyful Jane" than a "Superficial Sue"!

So how does Jane stand out as beautiful? I think she knows the secrets of Proverbs 31, that Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. - (vs 30, The Message). Not "fear" as in "run and hide" but as in reverent honor, in knowing He has the ability to snuff out my life in a single breath, yet trusting Him to sustain and guide me as a loving Father, step by step. If I'm living in this kind of relationship with Him, I will be making each choice with a heart for what would bring Him glory rather than how to gain notice for myself.

Does this mean I need to be neglectful in how I present myself to the world? To scorn makeup, tie my hair in a knot and dress in rags like "Somber Sally"? Absolutely not! In fact the same passage that describes a woman of beauty states, She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. - (vs 25, NIV). My character can shine through the way I dress, the outward can be a reflection of the strength He provides in my heart. Unlike Sally, I can delight in the fun of shopping for those perfect pair of shoes (as long as I'm not going into debt to do it) because God is the creator of beauty and He delights when I take joy in the body He has given me.

Somber Sally works so hard at following the "rules" that she has forgotten that her strength and joy come only from the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). And Superficial Sue, though the eye's delight, is probably even less happy than Sally. While I my only be a Jane, I pray that what is remembered of me is my shining smile, ready laughter, and beauty much more than skin deep.

How do I Choose the Right Color?

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive about mineral makeup is, "How do I choose the right products and colors?"

First of all, I would encourage you to read product descriptions. Tara at AMM has done a wonderful job of giving very accurate descriptions of products and detailed suggestions about skin colorings each of our product colors are designed to compliment.

My next suggestion is to always start with samples. Our samples are under $3 each and you can order several for the price of just one product elsewhere, so this is a great way to "test drive" several different products and color selections.

As an example of what colors you might want to consider for different skin types, here are a few self-descriptions submitted by real customers and the product suggestions they have been given:


Customer #1

"I am medium fair skinned, warm or neutral. I am mostly looking for foundation, to cover reddish tones, maybe to cover eye circles. I also think it may be nice to have some kind of highlighter instead of blush, to add some color, warmth. What shades do you recommend I start with?"

Foundation: try samples of #3, #7, Light Beige and Medium Beige - If
none of these shades seems "perfect" on first try, mix various combinations until you find just the right shade you are looking for.

For extra coverage for problem areas (as well as aid in oil absorption if this is an issue for you), you might want to try a Concealer applied directly to trouble spots, under your foundation.
Our Light Green corrects redness without looking green and is great for blotches, acne, rosacea, sunburn or any redness. Bisque hides blemishes, red areas, dark circles or any other problem area of your face.

Highlighter options would include our Illuminizers (Reflection might be just the kind of shade you are looking for), Bronzers (try Grand) or some of our Exclusive Multipurpose Mineral shades such as Cotton Candy Brown, Fall, Lust, Sequoia, Snow Storm or Wish - Just remember to use a very light hand. A little goes a LONG way and it is always better to go back for a second light application than to try to "undo" too much!

Also consider Opaque Veil for a beautiful finish.


Customer #2

"I have light olive skin. I don't get a lot of sun, so it isn't as dark as it used to be. It still has what I call that "green" tint to it. I usually end up using a medium to light shade of makeup. Any suggestions would be great. I need a foundation, mineral veil, and blush. I know I can trust you to be honest with me, and not try to sell me something I don't need."

For foundation I would think your be our Medium Beige, though you might consider samples of both #3 and #7 and possibly even #5. Each one has a pretty valid description posted with it (follow the "Shop Now" link half way down my page at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com) so you can read a bit more and see what you think of these specifically.

Blush is really up to your personal preference. Again the descriptions seem spot on as for how the colors act. You can also look at the Multipurpose shades as many of these make great blushes as well. If you can let me know if you prefer more pink or netral or brownish tones, I can give a couple of specific suggestions. :)

For Veil, even though it looks so strange, almost white, in the picture and even in person before you put it on, for ever single skin color I've tried it with, my actual favorite veil shade is opaque. I wouldn't have believed it until I tried it myself, but this one looks so much better even than a "matching" shade with everyone I've watched apply it! Since I haven't tried it on your skin, if you want to try a more matching shade as well, descriptions are posted by clicking on the "Mineral Veil Finishers" link to the left of my page.



Customer #3

"Very pale skin color, red pink - ugh! Makes me look ruddy! I burn like crazy in sun, big freckles... light tan, sick looking, need sand, bronze, kind of a wine color. Mauve is the color I used to use for blush and lipstick. Pinks and yellows make me look funny. I need concealer, foundation and a veil but i'm not sure where to start."

Start with the light green concealer to address redness. If you also want to cover the freckles, also try bisque.

For foundation, try our Light Beige or Medium Beigh next.

You could try either the tan or opaque veil (I tend to prefer opaque as a general rule).

Blush shades you might enjoy are Rose (it is a "wine" shade) or our Sweet Multipurpose. These can be used on both cheeks and lips. If you prefer a mauve, try Warm Mauve blush (can also be used for lips).


Customer #4
"I have alabaster ivory skin. Most foundations are either too yellow or too pink. I've purchased a lot of foundations that are the wrong color and am very hesitant to purchase products based on website pictures alone. I don't want to spend money trying a bunch of samples, I just want to order your $6.99 size and get started with the right color."

I am sorry you have had such a struggle finding a good shade of foundation. While I can appreciate your desire to jump right in and run with a full-sized product in the right shade, I am afraid you would simply run into the same frustrating wrong-shade issues once again. There are just too many shade variables from skin tone to skin tone to be able to make "blind" recommendations. You would never plan a wedding with the color "red" and expect to be able to order "red" items, sight-unseen, and have your bridesmaids dresses match your pew bows and candles wedding favors. "Red" is just to variable! Likewise, "ababaster ivory" is probably a great description for your skin shade, but it doesn't tell me everything I need to know to be able to make a perfect shade recomendation for you.

You know how it feels to find the wrong color over and over. I want you to love our products from the start by finding the shade that works perfectly for you, but I'm afraid this won't happen if you only give us one try. If you feel you absolutely must purchase a 5g sifter size from the start, I would encourage you to add a couple of other sample shades to your order as well. There are no hard and fast rules that say that you can only use products within one catagory for each purpose either. That way you have the best chance of finding out if there is a better match of if mixing shades together would work best for you! If you are willing to work with me long enough to find a shade that truly works for you, I would think you will be thrilled with the final outcome!

While I still stand by all I have already shared about the importance of sampling shades, you need a starting point to even begin sampling. Emma, one of our consultants who also describes herself as having alabaster skin, has found the following combination to work best for her coloring needs. Notice that her "foundation" comes from our "veil" line rather than from our foundations! "I use the Pink Veil as my foundation with my almost transparent skin tone. I have a pink undertone as opposed to a yellow undertone, but if I try to tan I turn yellow. It is such a soft, petal-like amount of pink that it blends my skin imperfections perfectly. Where I occasionally get a brighter pink blemish, I use the light green concealer to cover it, and it blends very nicely. I also love the Wish Exclusive Multimineral color as my "bronzer". Many people find this too pale, but it works great for me!"



Customer #5
"I am 62 years old and I have always loved wearing makeup, but am now concerned about the chemicals especially since I am allergic to many medications that are chemicals. I was a redhead (auburn) when I was young, but am rapidly turning gray. My mother was French, my dad German-Irish, so I had his red Irish hair mixed with the dark brown of my mother. My complexion is also a mixture of her olive complexion & his fair complexion so I am not totally olive skinned, but lean more towards those colors than the light ones. I also have some age spots that need to be concealed. A lot of makeups turn orange on me. I usually do well with beige & I like the pinkish brown blushes & lip colors. I look good in most colors except royal blue which makes me look ashen. I have bright green eyes. I usually don't wear eye shadow, but would if I could find something that doesn't make my eyes swell. What samples would you recommend that I try?"

Try medium or medium dark beige foundations as a starting place. Color/skin tone
description on the website are really good, so you might want to read a few other descriptions and see if there is another foundation color or two you want to try as well, to be sure you get the very best for your skin. I usually try matching color on the inside of my wrist and when I rub it into the skin and when I find a shade that does not show in the fine lines, that's my color! Sometimes you need to mix a couple of different shade together to get just the right combination.

For concealing, either our apricot or bisque consealer would probably work
best. Apricot works especially well with olive tones, but given that you aren't
"totally olive" you may want to sample the bisque as well. Again, it may be a
matter of mixing a couple of products to find your custom shade. If you have
any redness to hide, I would also encourage you to try the green - sounds crazy
but works really well on redness without giving your skin a green tint!

For a "pinkish brown" try our "Cotton Candy Brown" under "Exclusive
Multipurpose Minerals". I have lighter skin (wear our light beige) and also
like our Exclusive "Rosewood" shade but it isn't as brown and has maybe a deeper
shade to its pinkness. Between our blush line and our Exclusives line, we have
over 50 colors you can choose from, so have fun playing through the product
descriptions and photos and see what catches your fancy! I've also heard from others with skin tones close to your description that they like True and Warm Mauve Blushes. Our minerals are safe to use on lips as well. I either dip a wet lip brush in the powder and paint on, or put on a clear lip balm like our Moonlite Lip Glossy first and then apply a little powder with my finger.

I always finish my makeup application (or on a day I don't want to do anything
else I at least do this) with a Mineral Veil Finisher. While we do have a few
shades for you to try, my favorite on myself as well as every skin tone I have
worked with in person, has been our Opaque Veil. It's a little scary when you
first see it because it looks almost white and I was afraid it would be
clown-like, but using a very light hand, it just "melts" into your face and
gives you a soft glow without washing out color at all. For any of the full
face powders like the foundations and veils, application using a Kabuki style
brush gives the absolute best results, so if you are using a differnt kind of
brush, please know that you are not getting the most out of your makeup!

For your green eyes we offer several fantastic eyeliner pencils - would think
Gold or Cent would be especially pretty with your eyes, and possibly Amethyst as
well. If your eyes have any hazel/brown tones to their green, Chameleon from our Exclusive Multipurpose line across your eyelid and Intrigue (may be mixed with some Ebony if you desire) applied as eyeliner, should make your eyes pop beautifully! I don't wear much eye makeup myself (just a quick dusting of blush or bronzer across my lids usually), but to show you a few options I am borrowing an article about green eyes that was written by a fellow AMM consultant, Cherl. You may be especially interested in the "natural looking" tips half way down:

----
Using Amethyst (a bold purple shade) and a liner brush, line both the top and
bottom portions of the eye. To make the eye appear larger line only from the
center out on both portions. Leave the line thick and bold and dust with 14
Karat Gold or 24 Karat (Shimmering Minerals) on the upper lid.

Using Teal Shimmer (Shimmering Minerals) or Emerald (Exclusive Multipurpose
Minerals) and a liner brush, line the top and bottom lids with a very thin line.
Blend into a slightly thicker line with Charcoal Grey or Intrigue (both Multi
Purpose & Eye shadows) for a smoky effect, and use Pink Gem, Pink Shimmer, or
any peach/pink combination for eye shadow.

Using Harvest, Cinnamon Brown, or Cacao create a bold sweep of color on the top
lid. Smudge a much lighter, but complementary shadow under the eye and use as
the contour shade for the upper lid. Finish with a light, neutral shadow all
over (I suggest Bare or Cheers).

For Natural-Looking Beautiful Green Eyes
Subtle shadow and mascara draw attention to gorgeous green eyes. You don't
always have to go bold for green eyes to look incredible. You can also use eye
makeup to achieve a very natural look that makes your eyes stand out. Light
colors are typically more natural looking, so depending on your skin, hair, and
specific shade of green eyes, you may want to try peaches, pinks, tawny colors,
taupe’s, light coppers, matte golds, and subdued greens and lilacs for a
softer, sweeter, and more natural look.

A few other ways to get pretty green eyes without the made-up look:

Using your fingertip or q-tip, blend Bare or Cheers along the upper and lower
lash line. Curl lashes and finish with two coats of mascara one to two shades
darker than your natural lashes. This will give a lovely, very natural look that
still draws attention to your green eyes.

Dot a Penny (Shimmering Minerals) line along the upper eyelid and smudge gently
with your fingertip or eyeliner tool. Add a contour with a hint of green shadow,
highlight gently sweep a lighter, but complementary copper shade below the brow
bone. Use White ~ Matte on the inner part of the lower lid and teal shimmer or
Amethyst for brighter green eyes.



----
Wondering what colors you should try? If still in doubt, please feel free to ask! I hope to continue building this list with many more skin descriptions, so please feel free to reply with your coloring and help me build this resource! You may comment here or email me at innerbeauty AT affordablemineralmakeup DOT com (remove the spaces and repace AT with @ and DOT with .). If you have any trouble with that address (as a few have reported their emails bouncing) please try me at jennifer AT Saake DOT biz. I look forward to helping find just the right products to let YOUR inner beauty shine!