New You

Yup, it's that time of year again, the time when everyone starts saying goodbye to the past year and preparing for a "fresh start," piling up New Years' resolutions that will mostly be shattered before February even gets here. We hope to wipe away past failures and replace them with victories, but my friend, in our own strength, we can never find lasting change.

I know this blog has gotten a little soft in content the past year or so, mostly being a collection of advertising and sales links. I've been rather "burned out" on beauty blogging the past year, focusing on many health issues. Recently I've gotten excited about this blog again and want to breath new life into my posts here. I'm not promising anything spectacular or earth shattering, but I am hoping to refresh my efforts at deeper content this next year. I'm starting by taking this moment to really bring us back to the original heart purpose of this blog, my desire to bring glory to God as we celebrate the beauty He sees in us as His handwork.

As we revel in the joys of womanhood, what real change can we seek in the new year? If anyone reading does not know with certainty where you would spend eternity if you were to die today, let's start right there. This week we have celebrated Christmas, the coming of God to earth as a fragile Baby. If that were the whole story, it would be a sweet tradition and nothing more. Thankfully that Baby came with a purpose. "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10). Do you ever feel lost? He came to bring purpose to your life, and to mine!

Over 2,000 years since His birth, there is still more factual, historical evidence for the person of Jesus Christ than even remains many United States presidents. There is no question that He was (and is!) a real person, the question is what you believe about who He is? If you say He was a "good man" or a "good teacher" then I must challenge your beliefs. He claimed to be God! With this claim there are only three options:
- He either is who He claims to be (and thus, so much more than just a prophet or another good teacher)
- or He was delusional, truly believing Himself to be God and so deceiving not only His followers but Himself (and thus certainly not a "good teacher" I would choose to follow)
- or He was intentionally lying about Himself (and absolutely knocked out of the "good man" category).

Who do you say Jesus is? I say He is my Lord and Savior. The one and only Living God, who was tempted in every way as I am, yet lived a sinless life, being crucified to pay the death penalty for my own sins. Again, if that's the end of the story, it's a sad one indeed, but as promised from the beginning of time when Adam and Eve first made a choice for sin, He has power over life and death and the grave could not hold Him! It is in His resurrection that I find true hope and peace.

Still questioning? Then here's a realistic New Year's resolution for you. Challenge God to make Himself real to you in 2011! He promises, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).

If you are looking for real, lasting change for 2011 and beyond, here's your answer. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here" (2 Corinthians 5:17)!

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


That's the heart of what this blog is all about ladies, the kind of content I want to bring you more of in the coming year! To keep this blog live, I do have to pay the bills too. So, here's a "word from our sponsor". ;)

This is a great one you won't want to miss. In a nutshell, you spend $16, take 25% off that total AND receive an additional $14 in free gifts! Keep reading for details. :)

Place any Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order of $15.95 or greater from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com from now through December 31, 2010 and receive 25% OFF your entire order AND Get *TWO FREE GIFTS* when you use COUPON CODE:
newyou1210

Free Gifts (while supplies last):
*New sleek black Mini Kabuki brush ($6.49 value) AND
*5g Sifter Jar with YOUR CHOICE** OF PRODUCT (Up to a $7.49 value)
(**Indicate your choice of product in your order comments.)

Use the coupon as many times as you like! Share the coupon with your friends and family on Facebook and email! Simply place your order through my website at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com and enter newyou1210 in the coupon code field when you checkout. Offer valid through 12/31/2010. Enjoy! :)

what to wear

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

 Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV

Mineral Makeup Sale!

Place any qualifying* Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com from now through December 24, 2010 and receive 30% OFF your entire order AND Get A Free Mini Kabuki brush ($6.49 value, while supplies last) when you use COUPON CODE: hohoho1210

(*Minimum Qualifying Order Value $15.95)

What's a Kabuki Brush? Find out and Save! :)

Visit InnerBeautyGirls.com to select any order of $15.95 or more in Affordable Mineral Makeup™ product from now through December 17, 2010, and receive 25% OFF your ENTIRE purchase AND Get A *Gift when you check out using COUPON CODE:
onetwo1210

*New sleek black Mini Kabuki brush, regular price $6.49, FREE WITH YOUR ORDER of $15.95 or greater. If you haven't applied mineral makeup with a Kabuki brush, you aren't really seeing all the benefits of this great makeup because application methods really do make a difference!

P.S. I just learned there was a technical glitch with my domain name at the moment, so if you can't get there following the above link, please try http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/innerbeauty.html - Thank you :)

Value of a Written Word (and 25% Savings)!

When was the last time you took a moment to put pen to paper and actually write a letter, even a brief note, to someone? In this digital age, it's easy to overlook the value of the gift of time and personal touch, but doesn't it make your day to open your mail box and find someone has done that very thing for you?

Tomorrow is Letter Writing Day (possibly established originally in Japan, where the beauty of written language is still a literal art form). In celebration, Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is offering you 25% off every order you place in the amount of at least $15.95 from now through Dec. 10, 2010. When you place your order at www.InnerBeautyGirlz.com simply write the code:
letterweek1210
in the coupon code field at checkout. You will also receive a sweet free gift ($6.49 value) with each order!

You know that verse about, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"? Here's a paraphrase I like, "Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get" (Matthew 7:12, The Message). So While you are waiting for the mail to come and your makeup to be delivered, why not take a moment and drop a note in that mail box for a friend?

More about the beauty of words can be found today on my friend Holley Gerth's website. Well worth your time to read.

Cyber Week Sale!

Place any Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order totaling $15.95 or greater from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com from now through December 3, 2010 and use discount code
cyberweek1210
in the coupon code field at checkout to enjoy:

30% OFF your ENTIRE order AND...

A sleek black Mini Kabuki brush ($6.49 value) FREE WITH YOUR ORDER!


No limits! No exclusions! Use the coupon as many times as you like! Share the coupon with your friends and family on Facebook and email!

When you order, please be sure to always enter the catalog page through my "Shop" link at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com and to add my name, Jenni Saake, to the comments section of your order. This will allow me to be recognized as your personal consultant and to be able to continue servicing your beauty needs in the future. Thank you for observing this detail. :)

Black Friday 30% Makeup Sale

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for YOU, my sweet readers and customers!!!

Place any Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order of $15.95 or more at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com from now through November 27, 2010 and receive 30% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER + receive a FREE Mini Kabuki brush ($6.49 value) when you enter discount code blackfriday1110 in the coupon code field at checkout!

Please be sure to enter the Affordable Mineral Makeup™ website through my "shop" link at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com every time you access your shopping cart. If you could also take a moment to leave my name, Jenni Saake, in the comments section of your order, this will help insure that I am able to continue servicing your mineral makeup needs in the future. Thank you! :)

15% discount Affordable Mineral Makeup

Place any Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order of $10 or more from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com from now through November 24, 2010 and take 15% off your entire order AND get a FREE Mini Kabuki brush ($6.49 value) when you use coupon code sayhello1110 at checkout.

If you would please be so kind as to always enter the Affordable Mineral Makeup website through my direct link (even if you have been there before and are returning to your shopping cart from a previous visit) and to leave my name, Jenni Saake, in the comments section when you place your order. This will allow me to receive credit as your consultant and continue servicing your mineral makeup needs in the future. Thank you! :)

what to wear

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

Another 20% Discount!

Place an Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order of only $10 (or more) from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com from Now through November 12, 2010 and take 20% off your entire order AND get a free gift* when you use coupon code dogpatch1110 at checkout.

No limits! No exclusions! Use the coupon as many times as you like! Share the coupon with your friends and family on Facebook and email! :)

* With every order, we will include a new sleek black Mini Kabuki brush, regularly priced at $6.49, FREE WITH YOUR ORDER!

If you would be so kind as to please be sure to enter the catalog portion of our website through my direct link at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com (especially if you leave the website then come back again later to place your order) and to also place my name, Jenni Saake, in the comments section of your order to let the company owner know that I'm your consultant, I would greatly appreciate your assistance in assuring I am able to continue servicing your Affordable Mineral Makeup™ needs in the future. Thank you so much. :)

Save 20% on Mineral Makeup + GIFT!

Place any Affordable Mineral Makeup™ (AMM) order of $10 or more from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com from now through November 5, 2010 and take 20% OFF your entire purchase when you use coupon code eggme1110 at checkout!

But wait, that's not all! (Can't you just hear my infomercial voice?) With every order placed using this special promotional code, you will also receive a FREE Mini Kabuki brush with a retail value of $6.49! :)

No limits or restrictions. No exclusions. Use the coupon as many times as you like! Share the coupon with your friends and family on Facebook and email! Simply place your order and enter eggme1110 in the coupon code field when you checkout. Enjoy!!!

When you take advantage of this great deal, if you would be so kind as to be sure you are always entering the AMM website directly through the "shop" button on my consultant page at InnerBeautyGirls.com and that you leave my name, Jenni Saake, in the comments section when you make your purchase, I would greatly appreciate it. This will help assure that your order is credited to my account and that I am able to continue servicing your Affordable Mineral Makeup needs in the future. Thank you so much! :)

What to Wear

Surely you heard of [Christ] and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

 Ephesians 4:21-24 (NIV)

No Shampoo Update

Well, I've gone over two months without shampooing my hair. Think it's crazy? While I'm STILL trying to figure out how to upload my video-log of the process, but here's a current picture. I'm very happy with the outcome, but you can decide for yourself if the results have been productive. ;)

 
Thank you Pure Photography of Reno for this photo. :)

(Makeup by Affordable Mineral Makeup™. Scarf by PrettyStinkingGreen.com.)

P.S. Don't forget to grab your 15% Affordable Mineral Makeup™ discount code before it expires! :)

15% discount Affordable Mineral Makeup

Take 15% Off every Affordable Mineral Makeup ™ order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com now through October 31, 2010 w/ coupon code "madness1010" (don't include the quotes).

Use code as many times as you like, share w/ friends and family. Simply enter madness1010 in the coupon code field when you checkout. Enjoy!

P.S. If you could also leave in the "comments" section that "Jenni Saake" is your consultant, I would appreciate your help in assuring I am able to continue servicing your mineral makeup needs. :)

15% discount Affordable Mineral Makeup

From today through Sept. 30, 2010, take 15% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com with coupon code womensday910 at check out! :) You will also receive a special surprise gift directly from the owner of AMM with your order! (I haven't seen the gift in person yet, but I've heard from a couple others that it's great.)

What to Wear

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Romans 13:12

SWIRL Your Savings

SWIRL is a new website I've just discovered. They offer high end designer items at "deep" discounts. (Sometimes that means a $400 wallet is "only" $150 now - still far out of my comfort zone! But it can also mean a $100 pair of earrings sells for under $20, so it's worth keeping an eye out for offers that fit your style and budget.) The catch is that quantities are highly limited.

New items come up for sale on a daily basis and each sale lasts only 72-hours (or until sold out). Honestly, my desire for inner beauty means I'm fairly picky and found many of the clothing items distastefully immodest in today's offerings, but I did spot a few cute items I would gladly wear.

I would love to invite you to check out SWIRL for yourself. Once you become a registered user (it's free!), you can invite your own friends and will receive $25.00 for each one who uses your referral code then places her first order!

According to the website I followed to explore the SWIRL for myself, promotion code 20OFF829 will get you $20 off your first SWIRL purchase if redeemed by Sept. 30. A great way to use this code is to watch for a $19.99 item then only have to pay shipping on a product that originally retailed close to $100. :) (I have yet to validate the promo code as I haven't placed an initial order myself yet, but I've used other codes from this friend's blog before and have always found them to be reliable, so I'm fairly confident in passing it along to you now.)

DIVAS of the Divine

I was recently given a copy of the book Divas of the Divine - How to Live as a Designer Original in a Knock-Off World and asked to offer my honest review for this blog. This is a large workbook with a cute cover and fun feel to it, but not "fluffy" when it comes down to content. Scriptural context is very important to me and there were times I felt that the authors, Donna McCrary and Sherri Holbert, could have selected stronger support passages for the points they were making, but overall I found the book to be Biblically grounded and the points about living a Christ-centered life to be spot on.

Something delightful about the book format is how the authors take turns sharing pieces of their own lives, intertwining their personal stories by turn, into the rhythms of the book. I loved the contrast in the author's viewpoints - one a tomboy, the other girlie; one a busy mom, the other finding fulfillment outside motherhood;  one outspoken in personality, the other more reserved - and that I could find something to personally relate to in one or the other's experience in nearly every issue they addressed.


It is my understanding that this workbook is only one portion of a larger ministry, and while it was a delightful study on its own, I wouldn't consider it truly "stand-alone" as there were occasional mentions of group activity events (I'm presuming as presented in a leader's guide) that I did not have access to. In these cases I found myself craving the companionship of a small group I could share the study with and feeling a bit "left out" that I didn't fully understand the activity being referenced. I don't know that this is a bad thing as the book is intended to draw women together into accountability relationships ranging from one-on-one partnerships, to mentorship and topical or situational small group needs (based on my own history, I can imagine an infertility support group fitting nicely here).

If you are looking for a tool to build a close one-on-one accountability relationship with a friend, want  to jump start a women's ministry for your church, or have a study need somewhere in between, this is a book you may want to take some time to investigate for yourself. Want to win a copy? Please leave me a comment by Thursday night (along with your email address so I can notify you if you win) and I'll select one commenter to enter into the blog carnival final drawing.
 

What to Wear

He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head...

Isaiah 59:17

natural deodorant

I haven't had a chance to try this yet, but as I have been searching for the past few years, I'm thrilled to find a link to making homemade, natural, and supposedly quite effective, deodorant. Anyone ever give anything like this a try? Here's the link I've found so far, but I would love to hear other recipes, tips or links from you!

Hairy

I guess this is my month to talk about hair. God talks about it too, so why not?

What's the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries.
- Luke 12:6-8 (The Message)

It's day 8 of my No-Shampoo Challenge and I'm looking forward to sharing the journey with you through my video diary in another week or so.

For those who aren't interested in going shampoo-free, a friend just passed along news that Sally Beauty is currently offer Hair One at a great discount if you will take the time to stack a couple of promotional codes:

Normally Hair One runs $10.79 at Sally's.
Place this item in your cart then enter code 555114 to receive free shipping off a $10 order.
Then add code 555905 for 20% off, dropping your order to only $8.79 including shipping/tax!
If you start your whole shopping trip by registering for a free account at eBates then entering Sally Beauty through your personal eBates link, you receive 6% cash back on your order too!

I do not know an expiration date on these coupon codes, so if this is a deal you plan to take advantage of, I would encourage you to place your order quickly so you don't miss out.  Hair One is not a product I have personally tried, but I've heard some pretty good reports about it and would love to hear your viewpoint if you have given it a personal try.

Gift Certificate Give-away

My friend Annie over at A Bowl of Cheeries is hosting a wonderful give away for our mutual friend Carissa, offer a $20 gift Certificate for Stone Street Soaps. I've mentioned Carissa's wonderful soap company a few times on this blog and am currently loving my Green Clay and Tea Tree soap she made to my custom specifications! (If you aren't used to the smell of Tea Tree oil, it might be a little off-putting at first, but what it does to heal my skin sure makes it worthwhile.) Don't miss out on Annie's give-away. Head on over to A Bowl of Cheeries and leave a comment to enter today. :)

How's everyone doing on their No-Shampoo Challenge? (If you aren't sure you want to actually join the challenge but still want to make healthier selections in hair care, be sure to check out Carissa's great natural shampoo collection over at Stone Street!)  I'm on day six with mixed results, but am enjoying the journey (and my son's recording my progress for you via video to be posted at the end of the process) and am learning as I go. Are you finding any tips (to do or even to avoid) to share along the way?

Shampoo Free

You may remember about a year ago I tried to go all-natural with my hair care. I posted To Poo or Not to Poo and gave it a good go, but since I was living with a PICC (deep vein semi-permanent IV) line in my arm for several months at that time, it just became more than I could manage. I caved and went back to those nasty old, chemically laden shampoos.

After having had a chunk of skin cut off my scalp last week (am currently waiting for biopsy results to see if it is cancer or not), I'm ready to pursue another No-Poo Challenge. Coming across just such a challenge on the Feelin' Feminine blog last night, then following links to learn more from Kate and finding additional Poo-Free recipes, I'm ready to give it all another try. Today I think I'll start by trying Jocelyn's egg wash.

I plan to give this method a try for at least two weeks then will updated about my progress. (I may be in a swimming pool this weekend and wonder if there are any special tips for chlorine but guess I will have to figure that out as I go.)  I truly would love to find a natural hair-care method that works for me.

Have you experimented with natural hair care? What have been your results? Any suggestions or tips you would like to share?  Anyone want to join me on a hair-care makeover?

Soap

My sweet friend Carissa just made me a batch of custom order Tea Tree Oil soaps. I'm loving them! She was so sweet to work around family allergy concerns and create a product that exactly fits my needs. If you are looking for quality, handcrafted soaps, please take a moment and check out Carissa's site at

Mineral Makeup Expert

I am excited to introduce you to Brett Bizick, a makeup artist to the stars, who will be sharing expert tips and techniques and providing makeup advice for Affordable Mineral Makeup™ customers in the near future. Click on Brett's name to learn more about him and his services that will soon be available to you! :)

If you would like to place an order for Affordable Mineral Makeup™ I would greatly appreciate it if you would then return here and re-enter the AMM website through my consultant link at http://www.InnerBeautyGirlz.com  - thanks so much! :)

What to Wear

I put on righteousness as my clothing;
                                                                     justice was my robe...
 
Job 29:14

Last Day to Save 15%

The 15% discount code welcomefromarlene expires tonight (July 9) at midnight EST. Don't miss out on these great additional savings on already Affordable Mineral Makeup™ from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com 

Please let me know if you have any questions about mineral makeup or I may be of any kind of assistance with your beauty needs. :)

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering.

Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God.

You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Romans 12:1-2 The Message

Celebrate Savings

We are celebrating Arlene, our new owner at Affordable Mineral Makeup™! :) Until July 9, you can celebrate with us by taking 15% off your entire order at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com with coupon code: welcomefromarlene

And an even bigger reason to celebrate: Happy U.S. Independence Day! Thanking God for freedom and for all those who know, first hand, that freedom isn't free but have chosen to pay that price on my behalf.

Weight Gain & Contentment

I've gained weight the past year and a half. A lot of weight. I was asked three times last week if I was pregnant because I'm carrying most of that weight right out front in my belly. I've dealt with many medical issues and there's no doubt that my hormones are way out of balance. I weight more than 50 pounds more today than I did when I was pregnant with our daughter eight years ago. About 40 of those pounds have been packed on the past 20 months.


I am frustrated. I don't like my body. I don't like getting dressed. I don't like getting undressed even more. I have stacks of clothes I can't get into, some now 3 or 4 sizes too small, that I've been stashing away for when I can get the pound off.


Today I'm choosing a new attitude. Yes, I would still like to shed some weight, for health, for self-esteem, for so many reasons. But the fact is, this is my body right now. The same Holy Spirit lives inside this broken temple who lived here when I was at my healthiest, most fit, most attractive days. I can make choices that will keep this body as well-conditioned as I am able, but honestly some of this is simply beyond my control.


So today I went through all my clothes, those horded away for someday and those still hanging in my closet, many ill-fitting even though I try to still squeeze into them. To my delight I found a few things I honestly didn't think would fit that still work nicely. :) I kept about 5 things that are very near to fitting, just a tiny snug right now, because if I can loose a few pounds and under-grow what I have, I still have a tiny cushion of options before I hit yard sales and consignment stores for smaller sizes.


I sorted and organized all the rest and can walk into my closet and know that absolutely anything I pull off the hanger will fit on this body and I won't have to fight through five or six outfit changes (and accompanying tears and words of self-loathing) just to get dressed in the morning. And as a bonus, I now get to bless some friends with an abundance of clothing that can be enjoyed again, no longer a source of frustration to their owner.


But godliness with contentment is great gain.

- 1 Timothy 6:6



Father, please grant me contentment in my "great gain" that I can have a heart to fully embrace the body you have given me and glorify you with it, just as I am.

Mineral Mascara!

Hate putting all those chemicals around your eyes when applying traditional mascara? Try Rich Volume Mascara by Affordable Mineral Makeup™ instead! :)



Rich Volume Mascara contains emollients for treating your lashes while offering volume that will last through the day.
- Smudge proof
- 10 ml for $19.99
- Made in the USA

Ingredients: Water, Carnauba wax, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyisobutene, Silica, Aminomethyl Propanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acrylates/Octyl Acrylate Copolymer, Iron Oxide (CI 77499), Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Panthenol, Glycerin, Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch, Hydrolyzed Wheat, Acrylates Copolymer, Vinyl Caprolactam/VP/Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Lauroyl Lysine, Iodopropynyl Butyl Carbamate, Methyl Paraben, Butl Paraben, Propylene Glycol

Come visit me at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com to place your order today. Don't forget to use your 12% secret discount code (posted here earlier this month) for an even more affordable shopping experience!

Win FREE makeup!

Every month Affordable Mineral Makeup™ (AMM) offers a contest. This month's question is found at http://www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/contest.html and answering it will enter you to win a free 10g sifter jar in your choice of any shade of Affordable Mineral Makeup! When asked, you were referred by Jenni Saake or InnerBeauty. :)

Should you decide to place an order with AMM, I would appreciate if you would go back and enter the website through my consultant link at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com so I can receive credit for directing you to this company. Thanks! :)

Looking for a Gift?

If anyone needs a jewelry or fashion gift, including beautiful Scripture bracelets and other inspirational pieces, I'm placing an order with Gurrlie Girl the end of this week. Please email me at jsaake AT yahoo DOT com and I'll be glad to help you. :)

Product selections may be viewed at jenni.saake.gurrliegirl.com by selecting "catalogs" from the top navigation bar there. :)

What to Wear

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
- Colossians 3:12-14 (The Message)

Asking a Favor

This post has little to do with "beauty," thought it is beautiful news to my ears. My book, Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage & Adoption Loss has been nominated by the oldest, and one of the largest, infertility support networks in the nation, as one of the top four "best" infertility books for 2010. Their selections are now open for public vote and I would so appreciate if if you would take a moment and visit www.resolve.org/vote to cast a vote for Hannah's Hope in the "best book" category. Thank you so very much!!!

hCG diet and mineral makeup

I've just recently been hearing about the hCG diet. One unique requirement of the this diet is that you cannot use many beauty products such as lotions or liquid makeups because of your body's sensitivity to fats, creams and oils during this process. Such products could slow your weight loss process down. You can, however, use mineral makeup while using the hCG diet!

Honestly, I don't really know enough about the hCG diet to have an informed personal opinion yet, but the owner of Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is offering a unique opportunity for a 12% discount off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order if you will take a moment and learn about the hcg diet for yourself.

When you follow her above link to http://basicmineralmakeup.com/general-information/hcg-diet-mineral-makeup.php you will learn more about the hCG diet and find your discount code (hint: it's toward the bottom of the page, just above the comments section and mineral makeup button) for 12% off your order. If you would then be so kind as to please return to my consultant link at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com to actually place your mineral makeup order, the same discount code will be honored through my page until june 1st, 2011 and I would appreciate your personal business. Thank you so much!

One Size?

My dear friend Holley Gerth is currently posting a series on God-sized Dreams. I'm thrilled to welcome Holley here as a guest blogger today:

God-sized dreams...aren't one size fits all

Vintage dress pattern photo by Laineys Repertoire (flickr) My friend Kim and I ventured out for a little resale shopping recently. One particular store had a hot pink neon sign, loud music, and gum-popping teenagers behind the counters.

I tried on my usual size but it seemed those jeans must have been designed for Barbie. At any rate, my hips weren't having any of it.

So I reached for a shirt that looked more like a bib. That was followed by a dress that would have barely covered my bellybutton. Ahem.

When it comes to dreams, it seems to go much the same way. I think, "Oh, that dream looks so cute on her! I want that one too!" So I try it on and it doesn't fit my heart any better than those jeans fit my hips.

I keep trying other dreams until I sink to the floor of life's dressing room in discouragement. Or worse yet, I go out looking like someone Stacey and Clinton should nab for What Not to Wear as quickly as possible.

But I'm learning something beautiful. Although God's dreams aren't one size fits all like I sometimes wish they could be, He's created particular ones just for us and they fit who we are perfectly.

We don't have to settle for off-the-rack dreams or someone else's discards. No, ma'am, we've got a divine tailor who does nothing but high end, one-of-a-kind couture.

True God-sized dreams feel like they're made just for you...

because they are.

And you're made just for them, just for Him, too.

Now that's simply stunning.

(c) Copyright Holley Gerth, all rights reserved

Holley Gerth has a masters degree is counseling and is an award-winning writer and editorial director for DaySpring with more than ten years of experience in the publishing industry. Her first devotional book, Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times is available online and in bookstores. She’s also the author of over 2,000 cards, as well as several devotionals, articles, journals, and books. Holley is passionate about bringing hope to the hearts of women. You’re invited to visit her online at Heart to Heart with Holley at holley.dayspring.com

Transformations

Great thought on transforming beauty from my friend Marlo Schalesky in her new book Shades of Morning:
"He who transformed the cross from a implement of execution to a symbol of redemption can transform ANYTHING in your life for His glory."

15% discount

From now through midnight EST on Saturday 6/12, take 15% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com with coupon code: grateful

30% Savings & FREE shipping!

Can you please help me make a sale's goal? When I place just $200 in total orders between now and midnight Wednesday, I will earn a 5% commission bonus on all future orders! This is a pretty big deal, so I'm willing to sacrifice a big chunk of my commissions on this weeks' sales AND pay for your shipping if you can help me make this goal. There is no sales tax for anyone unless you live in the state of Florida (where Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is located).

Please visit http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com and explore Affordable Mineral Makeup™ using the "Shop" link located toward the bottom of the page there. Then email me your mineral makeup order at innerbeauty @ AffordableMineralMakeup Dot com between now and 6pm on Wednesday, June 9th. While I typically encourage orders to be placed through the website, for this special offer you must email your orders directly to me as I'm offering the discount personally, not through the company. You are still welcome to order directly through my website link for faster fulfillment of your order, but will not be able to receive the discount or free shipping that way.

When I get your order and confirm in stock inventory (please do pay attention to any "out of stock" notations on product descriptions on the website), I'll send you a paypal invoice reflecting a 30% discount off the retail price listed on the website and get your order placed. Orders will take a bit longer for you to receive because they will all be shipped to me then I'll have to turn around and ship them on to you next week, but the savings make a few days delay worthwhile, don't you think? :)

Please feel free to share this offer with anyone you would like and have them mention 30% in the subject line so I know they are placing an order in response to this offer. Remember, this offer expires on Wednesday evening at 6pm Pacific (to give me time to compile orders and get them placed prior to my midnight EST deadline). Looking forward to hearing from you at innerbeauty @ AffordableMineralMakeup Dot com

Memorial Day (sale)

Memorial Day is a day our nation turns to honor and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom. Having been raised in military communities (my parents have served with Cadence International, formerly Overseas Christian Servicemen's Centers or OCSC, for 38 years) I've seen some of the heartache behind the sacrifices intimately. There are no words to adequately express "thank you" fully enough for the price paid daily for my ongoing freedom!

While these men, women and their families sacrifice much, sometimes paying with their very lives, an even greater freedom has been hard-fought for me as well. I cannot let this weekend pass without also remembering the One who willingly gave His life that I might know True Freedom. "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:10, NIV).

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In celebration of freedom, please take 15% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order placed at http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com between now and midnight EST on Monday, May 31 with coupon code: memorialdayweekend

That Stinks

With Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, I've had to be careful about scents and perfumes and cosmetics (and so much more!) for years. But did you know that even if you aren't "sensitive" that perfumes could still be doing some nasty things to your health? Check out this Campaign for Safe Cosmetics article on The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance. What you don't know really can hurt you!

Sale! :)

From now through midnight Wednesday, May 26 (expires at 12:01 EST, Thursday 5/27), receive 12% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com when you use coupon code: lavia

Have questions about mineral makeup or other healthy skin or beauty care? I would love to hear from you. Ask me a question and follow this blog to see your answers featured as future post topics. :)

National Day of Prayer

While this day is officially "unconstitutional" now, God's people will always be free to pray in our hearts, and at least for now, we are still free in America to gather for public prayer as well. Please take a moment today to stop and thank God for His blessings, provisions, and pray for your country and its leadership.

I am so please to share that Tara, owner of Affordable Mineral Makeup™, is honoring this day with another 10% discount code, valid today and tomorrow (Friday) only until midnight EST, and applicable to your entire order. Please visit me at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com and use discount code: nationaldayofprayer

One Day Sale!

Today only, May 5, 2010 until midnight EST, take 10% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com with coupon code: cincodemayo

Woman's Health Hero

I was blessed to be nominated as a Woman's Health Hero and I need your help! (Head's up to my friends who are sensitive to mentions of pregnancy, the sponsors of this award do promote pregnancy-related books on their website, so please be for-warned before following this link.) Out of all entries, just 20 names will be inducted into a Health Hall of Fame. Two Hall-of-Fame selections will receive special honors as either Staff Pick or Audience Choice award determined by the public (that's you!).



You will be allowed to vote on all entries between now and May 14 (extended one week from the prior May 7 deadline), 2010. The entry that receives the highest overall ranking will win the Audience Choice award. Last year's Audience Choice winner was my dear friend Lisa Copen from Rest Ministries. I would be delighted to add a similar honor to my "resume" as I continue working on writing my book on the life of Paul as encouragement for living with chronic pain/illness.

Will you please help me by heading to www.ourbodiesourblog.org/blog/2010/05/comforting-those-with-fertility-challenges-jenni-saake and selecting the "thumbs up" voting button at the bottom of my profile? Thank you so much! :)

Hesed

"Hesed" means favor or kindness in Hebrew. It is also the name of the newest shade of Affordable Mineral Makeup™, a rich gold shade with accents of orange shimmer. Check it out at InnerBeautyGirls.com :)

Hesed

Piggy Paint 2-hour sale!

I just heard that Piggy Paint is hosting a 2 hour sale, starting at 7:30 CST. Save 25% off your entire order with coupon code FBFANS25L, good 7:30-9:30 PM CST today! Piggy Paint is a truly oderless, non-toxic, water-based nail polish. My husband can't stand the smell of tradition polish, but I can open this and apply it right next to him and he doesn't mind at all. Great colors too!

I have to say that it isn't as durable as I would like it to be, so I apply it just before I want to wear it and only plan on having it last for one evening. But since it gives me an option to wear polish again, I don't mind that. And it is a great product for kids too, "as natural as mud." :)

I hope anyone interested in this one is subscribed to my blog, because if you aren't you will probably have missed out by the time you get to read this. :( (If you aren't subscribed yet, please take the time to follow my blog now.)

Savings Code! :)

10% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ purchase at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com from now through Friday, April 23, 2010. (Offer expires at 12:01 a.m EST Saturday 4/24) Use coupon code: earthday2010

Speak from the Heart

If a home is a man's castle, then I think it must be a woman's place of self-expression. What I feel on the inside is the personality I want to reflect as I create a home. I just found a really fun way to do that (and enter to win some beautiful prizes) at Nesting Place where I created this sign for the Write Them on Your Doorposts give-away today. :) These words are based on one of my favorite Scripture verses, Psalm 4:8.

12% makeup savings code

Get 12% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup order today and tomorrow (through 11:59 Thursday evening) at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com with coupon code:
worldhealthday

Resurrection

I can think of nothing more beautiful than the Resurrection. From the horror of the cross, and the silence or the grave, to Victory and New Life.

May God meet you in the joy of Easter.

Beauty Sleep

I love quotes. You know, those short, thoughtful little phrases that make us stop for a moment and think about life from a different perspective. Today I was visiting To Live Beautiful for the first time (looking forward to exploring that site more) and came across this French proverb:

“There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.”

How true! When we are consumed with guilt, fear, worry and the like, the problems of daylight follow us into the dark, haunting our dreams or even chasing sleep away all together. But nothing like going to bed with a clear conscience brings such refreshing "beauty sleep".

Conscience clear but still not sleeping well, check out these foods that may help you sleep better.

Looking at my heart today to ask God to show me anything that stands in the way of pleasant dreams tonight. Sweet and beautiful dreams to all of you, my dear readers. :)

Sale!

From now through midnight, Sunday 3/21, take 10% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order at InnerBeautyGirls.com with the coupon code: charleston

What to Wear

I'm posting this verse by my mirror as a reminder that my attitudes are more important to the people in my life than the way I look...

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

Colors and Time, Springing Up

If you are in a timezone that observes Daylight-Saving Time, don't forget to Spring Forward tonight! I've already set my clocks forward in hopes of getting my mind acclimated to the change and getting to bed and hour "early" tonight so I don't loose out on any sleep Sunday morning. While it's no fun to have mornings come earlier, I do love the longer daylight evenings of spring and summer!

Speaking of spring, Affordable Mineral Makeup™ has introduced six gorgeous new shades this week, just in time for spring. I don't name them (and honestly am not a fan of several of the name choices this time around) but the colors are amazing! You can find them all at InnerBeautyGirls.com

If you are following current fashion trends into bright colors, check out the vibrant blue of Eclipse or the green pop of Prana.

Eclipse

For earthy tones with a touch of shimmer, you are going to love Down Under and Nadis.

Down Under

Looking more for pink or purple tones? Then check out Wonderland and goddess. (Like I said, some of the names bother me, this one most of all. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" Deuteronomy 6:4. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus..." Ephesians 2:10a.)

Wonderland

May your spring be bright as we look in anticipation to the celebration of our risen Savior!

Beautiful Servanthood

In reading the story of the last supper this week, something jumped out at me. On the night that Jesus would be betrayed, tried and sentenced to crucifixion, right there in the midst of the culmination of the greatest mission He had been sent to fulfill, then and there He stopped everything to wash the feet of His apostles.

I often serve others in the name of Christ. I often try to accomplish big things for God. But how often am I willing to set my important agenda to the side to simply be a servant right then and there in the middle of my big plans?

Too often I brush aside requests to "play a game with me Mommy" as I'm busy rushing around to get out the door to my "important" meetings. When was the last time I pulled over to help someone with a flat tire even though it would make me late to church?

I am more likely to serve when it's convenient, when it fits in my time frame and well-laid plans without squeezing me uncomfortably. But in looking at Christ's example as he wrapped a towel around His waist just hours before He headed to the cross, I saw with fresh eyes this week that beautiful servanthood is the uncomfortable kind that I "don't have time for" and doesn't fit in my neat little schedule.

I'm praying that God continues showing me such truths, to "makeover" my heart as He helps me put them into practice in my life, blossoming me into a woman of beauty, inside and out.

Gluten Free Makeup

I bet when you hear the term “Gluten Free," you don’t automatically think of your makeup, do you?
Well, if you’re gluten sensitive you may want to. Makeup can have gluten in it.

What is gluten sensitivity?
Read here for more information.
The symptoms are usually skin rashes, itchiness, headaches, bloating/cramping. Gluten is very hard to digest and can be found in wheat, rye, barley and oats.

Gluten can be found in your makeup and other beauty products in the Vitamin E, Olive Oil, Palm Oil, Coconut Oil, Oats and Triglycerides are all sources of gluten that most people wouldn’t think about when purchasing makeup and body products.

Vitamin E is used as an antioxidant and is usually derived from wheat germ. Products that contain oils in them are usually preserved with Vitamin E to prevent them from going rancid. They can also be hidden in such oils as Olive Oil, Palm Oil and Coconut Oil.

Oats are another common ingredient commonly used in beauty products, such as soap and facial products.

If you are gluten sensitive you need to be aware of these ingredients that most people may overlook in cosmetics or body products.

There’s no definitive information regarding cosmetics / body products being harmful to those who are gluten sensitive but think about this; your skin is the largest organ of your body. It usually absorbs what you put on it and thus goes into your body system. So, that would suggest that if you’re gluten sensitive you might have reactions (skin rash/itchiness) from products that contain gluten additives.

Mineral makeup that has no additives or oils and is in loose powder form, such as Affordable Mineral Makeup™ offered at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com, is gluten free.

- Special thanks to Tara Burner, owner of Affordable Mineral Makeup™ for this informative guest post. Information in this post is copyrighted property and many not be reprinted without the permission of Affordable Mineral Makeup™.

Discount Code Happiness

I Want You to be Happy Day highlights inner beauty! It's a day set aside for doing acts of kindness purely to bring joy into the lives of others.

How can you brighten someone's day today? Maybe pick up the phone, drop a card in the mail, bake a batch of brownies for a neighbor? The goal is to lighten someone's load or bring a smile to their face. Please leave me a comment with your creative ideas!!!

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col.3:17)

I hope to make you happy by offering 11% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order at InnerBeautyGirls.com when you use coupon code behappyday at check out today or tomorrow! :D Offer ends 23:59 EST, March 4, 2010.

Dr. Oz Warns About Mineral Makuep Dangers

Did you know that Dr. Oz recently listed mineral makeup as one of the "3 most dangerous beauty products"? That's quite a statement!

Before you run to your bathroom drawer and start tossing jars, let's take a closer look at the doctor's concerns. Quoting directly from his website Dr. Oz states:

Mineral makeup is a big trend. Made from minerals such as mica, which are used for industrial purposes as well, these tiny particles are a thousand times smaller than predecessors from even 10 years ago. Their small size makes for a smoother, more flawless look, but it has one serious unintended consequence. The particles are so tiny they fall quickly through the air and can be inhaled easily into your lungs. When construction workers use mica in products such as spackle, they wear masks to protect their lungs from scarring over time. Though there are no studies showing damage from makeup use to date, experts say the long-term use and inhalation of minerals in makeup can lead to inflammation, irritation, and lung disease in women and girls.

While the quote does state "there are no studies showing damage from makeup use to date," and I find that encouraging, I am a "DES granddaughter" (have genetic deformities of my reproductive system due to a drug my grandmother was given to prevent miscarriage a full generation before I was even conceived) and don't necessarily want to wait around for a few decades to see if mineral makeup is really safe or not. I would rather err on the side of caution when it comes to possible long-term consequences! I want to take time to really investigate product, and potential problems with these products now.

It seems that Dr. Oz is taking issue specifically with the size of mineral makeup particles. What he is describing are minerals that has been taken through the process of "micronization". While some mineral makeup brands proudly promote their micronized products for smooth application, one more thing I love about Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is that it offers great coverage and smooth application yet doesn't sacrifice safety, intentionally choosing not to use nanoparticles or micronized minerals.

Still worried? I only made the mistake of breathing in my mineral makeup once before learning a simple technique of breathing out as I applied my makeup! Micronized or not, it isn't fun to breath anything other than air. And as far as that air goes, we aren't talking about industrial application here where huge factory manufacturing processes are leaving microscopic particles hanging thickly in the air. We are talking about small quantity application in home usage where common sense and practicality (like not wanting to waste product) are going to positively regulate air quality.

I'm not a medical professional, but Dr. Oz, when I read through the very dangerous ingredients of so many chemically-laden products out there, I really have to wonder how mineral makeup made it onto your Cosmetic Culprits hit list???

Handmade Soap Giveaway

My friend Carissa over at Stone Street Soaps it truly a beautiful lady, inside and out. She's sponsoring a give-away for a FREE 16oz bottle of Liquid soap in the fragrance of winner's choice. Find out more and enter at TheHappySoapMaker.blogspot.com

Greater Love

February is the month we think of "love". I would like to write an eloquent article on love, but the truth is I just don't have the energy right now in between IV treatments and days down in bed. So I offer a "replay" or an article I shared last February, What's Eating You Up Inside?, and pray it will be a blessing or encouragement to you this month no matter what situation you find yourself in - happily enjoying the love of your life, longing for love you have yet to find, or grieving a lost love. But most of all, I pray it will remind you of the Lover of Your Soul who paid the ultimate Price, choosing to endure ultimate Heartbreak, because of His great Love!

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him."
John 3:16-18 (The Message)

:Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 (NIV)

"Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

"Now that we are set right with God by means of this sacrificial death, the consummate blood sacrifice, there is no longer a question of being at odds with God in any way. If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son, now that we're at our best, just think of how our lives will expand and deepen by means of his resurrection life! Now that we have actually received this amazing friendship with God, we are no longer content to simply say it in plodding prose. We sing and shout our praises to God through Jesus, the Messiah!"
Romans 5:7-9 (The Message)

A Lovely Sale

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is offering you a 10% discount off your entire order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com now thorugh 23:59 EST, Feb. 14, 2010 when you use coupon code: valentine

Not sure where to start? Consider our beautiful First Love Blush for a soft glow. :) Need more help, check out the options on my sidebar including How to Apply Mineral Makeup and Choosing Colors.

First Love
5g jar is just $6.99 at htt://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com or choose from any of our 9 product sizes!

10% Mineral Makeup Discount

Save 10% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup order from www.InnerBeautyGirls.com between now and 23:59 EST, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010 by using coupon code:
groundhogday

10% Mineral Makeup Discount through Wednesday

Receive 10% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from now through 23:59 Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2009, when you use
coupon code: 42nd
at www.InnerBeautyGirls.com

And don't forget that you can still purchase a $1 raffle ticket to help bring Hope for Haiti while entering for a chance to win $30 worth of free Affordable Mineral Makeup™. :)

Help Haiti, Win Makeup

Haiti. It's all over the headlines. It feels overwhelming, a world away and yet too-close for comfort. And we feel helpless. What can one person do in the face of so much anguish?

Jenny from Simply Delightful Designs knows that while just one person may not be able to do a lot, when we band together we can become a strong force. On her Hope for Haiti blog, many wonderful women and companies are donating items and services to this online raffle for proceeds to go to Red Cross and Compassion International. Raffle tickets are only $1 per entry and some of the prizes are valued at several hundred dollars! Along with my offer of $30 dollars worth of your choice of Affordable Mineral Makeup™ products the raffle items include everything from blogging conference tickets to photography sessions, books, jewelry and art. Such a great selection of prizes, and all going to a wonderful cause!





Together we can make a difference! Please visit Hope-For-Haiti.blogspot.com and share what you can. Every dollar helps, and you might win a great prize too! Thank you for helping bring a sliver of beauty to a part of our world filled with such pain today.

Women of Faith

Do you want to win 2 tickets to a Women of Faith conference near you? Visit womenoffaith.com/contests/1-11-10.html by Jan. 14 to register!

New Shade - Violet

Affordable Mineral Makeup™ has introduced yet another new shade this week! Similar in shade to Lace, our new Violet is also a is a soft, sheer pearlescent, but more vibrant than Lace, leaning toward the purple side of the color spectrum (whereas Lace is pinker or more mauve in tone).

Violet
5g jar can be yours for $7.79 at htt://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com or choose from any of our 9 product sizes!

10% Mineral Makeup Discount

Take 10% off your entire Affordable Mineral Makeup™ order from http://www.InnerBeautyGirls.com today (Jan. 8, 2010) and tomorrow by using coupon code: bday0108
Offer good until through 23:59 EST, Saturday 1/9/10.

Lace

It's the start of a new year. Many are making resolutions and plans for a fresh start. I must admit to doing my own soul-searching and reflecting, but in looking forward, I'm also looking back. 2009 was a hard year in many ways, but I'm thankful for the struggles God carried us through and rejoicing in the victories He has had in and through my life over the past year. If you want to more about these beautiful lessons, I would love to encourage you to visit God-Sized Dreams and Choosing Joy on my InfertilityMom blog.

Looking even further back, beyond this past year, even the past decade, I'm thankful for the beautiful gift of loving family and a heritage of faith. A tangible reminder of these gifts is the hand-crocheted lace I find around my home; a fragile framed doily crafted by my great, great grandmother, now hanging on my wall, a doily lovingly made by Rick's grandmother gracing a side table, a dresser scarf that belong to my grandmother to put a smile on my face as I stand before my mirror each morning...

Lace is a lot like life, fragile and complex and in need of a skillful Hand to craft it into full beauty. Sometimes stains come along that seem to mar what was beautiful, but when cared for with love, these scars become a beautiful part of the legacy.

So, beyond the turn of a calendar page, what's prompted these reflections today? Please allow me to introduce you to the new Affordable Mineral Makeup™ shade named Lace! This light, pearlescent shade of pink is a dainty color that's great on eyes. To make it brighter, it can be applied wet. A 5g jar can be yours for $7.79 at www.affordablemineralmakeup.com/innerbeauty.html

Lace