Lilla Rose Amazing Deal

I pretty much am a consultant for personal purchases, so don't do much with it by way of a business, but there's a sale going on right now that's too good NOT to share, basically let's you get consultant-type discounts without even being a consultant. (And if you buy from my link, I won't object to earning a little commission check for having shared this very limited time sale with you either.)

http://www.lillarose.biz/innerbeauty

I know, I know, I know.

It's been YEARS since I've regularly posted here.

That happens when a blogger has six strokes!

But the topic of beauty, I've not given up!

I continue to read, and research, and experiment as well.

Tonight I read such a fantastic article on How To Create a Natural Home Spa by ThatOrganicMom, that I had to share the link here in case anyone still reads, or at least so I can easily find the post again for my own reference!

Think FAST

FAST stands for Facial droop, Arm inability to hold both out front without one drifting down, Speech slurred or garbled, Time to call 911 and report a suspected stroke if any of those three quick stroke assessments aren't passed!

Beautiful Community

My sweet friend, Shelly, and I are co-hosting another season of the (in)Courager email / Facebook group for women with chronic illnesses. If this describes you, we would so love to have you join us this semester at (in)Hope. But if you are not looking for a small chronic illness community, please check out any of the 70 other, free, safe, amazing, women-only communities over at (in)Courage, only accepting new member this week, and asking for a participation commitment just until July 4. It is so wonderful to exchange messages and ideas and love with a small group of ladies who really "get it" about the unique challenges of your life. So single or married, infertile or empty nester, professional Mommy or fitting professional life around motherhood, military, struggling with anything from depression to cancer, wanting to hone the craft of writing, there is a special group just quivering with joy to welcome you into their "family" this week. Won't you please, join us! #incouragers #inHope #inCourage

Broken Girl

Celebrating

Theme colors.



I already missed my first Thursday I was scheduled to post for Thrifty Thursdays. Sorry I was so sick and not up to posting. You are welcome to explore the budget wedding collection I have assembled this past couple of weeks, all for well under $200, total (for full vow renewal, including cake and wedding party atire)! Hopefully I'll get back on track and into a posting rhythm soon.





I need boots for the support, in order to walk better, but they had to be cute!
My big splurge at $20 on eBay, with free shipping.



Some of the language choices here hurt my heart because I know they dishonor God, but the overall letter, from an adult daughter, to her own mother, also referencing the author's 3-year-old and grandmother, is so eye-opening! I'm planning to share a portion of this with my 11-year-old this afternoon, to give her insight into how the truth we know about beauty in childhood can be so shaped and manipulated by life!

Edible butterfly cake decorations.

---- Update : Had that special time with my daughter before I ever got to post this. I will update by saying THIS is another reason infertility hurt so bad, one of those "Mommy moments" I so yearned for and truly enjoyed! If you are facing infertility or pregnancy loss, please know you are in my prayers today! ----

For all moms of pre-teen or early teen daughters (around 10-14 years), I must highly recommend Queen Esther's Secrets of Womanhood by my friend Ginger Garrett. My daughter and I started her Esther Year this month and I am SO excited!!!

For lack of a better descriptive on my part, I guess it is sort of a devotional leader's guide for you and your daughter. It take's the story of Esther and unfolds 12 monthly "dates" for a mother and daughter, fun little beauty splurges (yesterday's was just a basic skin care lesson, but since we had already done that and both needed hair cuts, we got our hair cut together, then sat and talked at Starbucks) that are really just spring boards to talk about deeper heart issues and what God has to say on the topic of beauty. It is a few years old, so if your local Christian bookstore can't order it try Amazon, half.com or even eBay. So glad to have this book I've hung on to since my "baby" was little!

For lack of a better descriptive on my part, I guess it is sort of a devotional leader's guide for you and your daughter. It take's the story of Esther and unfolds 12 monthly "dates" for a mother and daughter, fun little beauty splurges our first was intended to be just a basic skin care lesson, but since we had already done that and both needed hair cuts, we got our hair cut together, then sat and talked at Starbucks) that are really just spring boards to talk about deeper heart issues and what God has to say on the topic of beauty. It is a few years old, so if your local Christian bookstore can't order it try Amazon, half.com or even eBay. So glad to have this book I've hung on to since my "baby" was little!

Thrifty Thursdays

Yes, I know it is only a Wednesday! ;) I'm just too excited to launch this new theme (meme?) and had to get it kick off a day early:

 

 

You know that affordable, trendy, jewelry I mentioned in the video? Well, I just happen to be giving away a pair of earrings at Stroke Of Grace this week! Please sign up to follow my stroke blog, then leave me a comment telling me you did. Easy, peasy entry! :)

Here is more information from my friend, if you are interested:

At Paparazzi Accessories, we offer fun and fashionable accessories at affordable prices. All accessories are available for under $5. Paparazzi made it to where it is today as a direct sales company because their designs are unique and fashion-forward. All Paparazzi Accessories are also of superior quality so you don’t have to worry about having to compromise quality for affordability, as we offer the best of both worlds. It is these very same qualities that made the company and its products appeal to me personally.

As an Independent Paparazzi Consultant, Paparazzi Accessories certainly offers a very rewarding business opportunity that is unlike any other. Also, accessories are made of steel and aluminum. In some cases, wood and leather. No nickel, no lead. My company website is www.paparazziaccessories.com/15428. My store website is www.jewelry4five.storenvy.com

Eyes of the Lord Are Upon Me

I really haven't forgotten you, dear Readers! It has been a pretty crazy past couple of years (I had 6 strokes, a little over two years ago, in case you hadn't heard) and my focus has been on caring for myself, therapy, getting back on track in my relationship with God, my other blogs (especially Stroke Of Grace) and some new book projects. But I haven't totally abandoned you here!

When I was trying to decide where today's post should fit, this seemed the ideal place. Since the strokes (or maybe it is just being 41, already, or some combination!) I have developed perpetual, deep circles under my eyes that I can't hide and just won't go away.

The camera actually doesn't do these monster justice, as they are puffy and much darker than the camera picked up. This gives you a little idea of what my concerns are.

So I started researching natural dark circle remedies today. I have read a ton of articles (none I have had time to implement yet) and here are a few ideas I repeatedly have read.

- Drink LOTS of water / stay hydrated! (I'm already pushing water like crazy, so not a lot of room for personal improvement there.)

- Plenty of rest. One page stated this was that lack of proper sleep was the "number one cause" of under eye circles, while another stated that this was a major misnomer and that while prolonged restlessness might contribute to bags, exacerbating a condition you are already prone to, lack of sleep is actually a rather mild factor in under eye circles. (I sleep more hours than I am awake in almost any given day, so if sleep is an issue for me, it would be tied to quality not quantity!)

- Crushed mint or chilled tea bag over closed eyes for 20 minutes a day.

- Resting with cucumber slices (one page suggested soaked in lemon juice for 3-5 minutes first) over your eyes each day.

- Rubbing potato juice gently into under eye skin.

- Oral and/or topical use of more vitamins, specifically A, C, E, and K.

- Avocado and/oil almond oils applied gently to under-eyes.

- Cotton ball, dipped in milk, rubbed under the eyes.

Of course there are many more suggestions out there, but these were the most common. I haven't decided what I will try yet. Do you have any tips or suggestions to share?

For reference, these were my eyes (one paralyzed into a crossed position) December, 2011.

Minimal eye circles, and not dark, even though I had just experienced excessive brain trauma a few weeks prior!

Today, on the Hope for the Broken Hearted's Facebook page, she posted,
"When you are worn down by people that will never be happy or satisfied with you because of their own issues...when you compare yourself with others...when you believe the lies that the enemy whispers in your ear that "you aren't this or you... aren't that", or "you'll never"...you need to realign your heart and your sense of self-worth with this undeniable truth...God loves you just the way you are...there is nothing you can do or not do, that could make Him love you more or less than He does right this minute and His love will be the same throughout eternity. Listen to His voice and no other...if God is for you...and He is... then it doesn't matter who is against you! Choose to let His love wash over you and heal your hurts so you see yourself through His eyes of love." along with this great picture reminder:

 

Let's Get Rolling Again

People are continuing to find me through various sources and surprised that they didn't know it was "me" all those different places. So to help everyone find me, I want to list the projects and places I currently remain active so you can easily find me. (Technically, I'm registered for over 30 blogs, but some I don't keep current anymore, some I per-registered for names of probable future book projects, some are titles I know people to search for me by and just redirect to other active blogs, etc.)

From Facebook - I do this a lot!

So here's where to currently find me actively writing, cup of tea on the side table next to me (picture from around my home to mentally picture the process):

Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage and Adoption Loss (book published by NavPress, 2005, ISBN-10: 1576836541; ISBN-13: 978-1576836545) . Hannah's Hope blog and Pintrest pages on infertility, miscarriage / loss, adoption. Facbook at https://www.facebook.com/HannahsHopeBook

InfertilityMom, blog on motherhood after infertility and loss. My motherhood pin board (along with those just listed above) probably best fits this audience. Homemaking too. :)

My current book project, a harvest-themed devotional study on the fruit of the Holy Spirit, especially in the face of trying times, working title Harvesting Hope from Heartache and the accompanying Harvesting Hope blog and Harvesting Hope, fruit of the Spirit , gardening, roses, and spiritual warfare Pintrest pages. Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HarvestingHope

Of course, Stroke Of Grace, my unfolding stroke recovery journey blog. I hope to write an accompanying book if future years. On Pintrest, there are several specifically related pages: stroke-related pictures and thoughts, why I'm homesick for Heaven, therapy and exercise, my struggle to find purpose, thoughts on grace and glory and a great collection of brain images. Facbook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stroke-of-Grace-by-Jennifer-Saake/339888582731687

From Facebook

A future book project, currently titled Given Me a Thorn,a study on the life of the Apostle Paul as comfort, encouragement and resources for living with chronic pain and/or illness. Pintrest pages at Natural Health and Chronic Illness, Gluten Free, Latex Free, and Given Me a Thorn. Facbook at https://www.facebook.com/GivenMeaThorn

A page I have let fall fallow since the strokes, I hope to revive again, InnerBeautyGirlz, tips and tricks (and even some give-aways) for outward beauty, but with an intention focus on the heart and soul.  I have, however, really been building my Pintest page on this beauty this year, a reflection of my own struggles both physically and emotionally/mentally, to accept God's perspective on me in my brokenness. Facbook at https://www.facebook.com/innerbeautygirlz

Find me on Twitter at @InfertilityMom. I would love to invite you to follow all my Pintrest boards (several more, not listed here, like Social Media, various holidays/seasons, Japan (special board on Koi fish), Tips and Tricks, romantic bicycles like the ones above and below,  my heroes,  Just Because... and much more) at /InfertilityMom.

From Facebook

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. - Psalm 51:17

Don't Forget to Check!

I know it seems I have totally abandoned this blog. I haven't forgotten, just been busy keeping Stroke Of Grace (my current stroke recovery story) up to date, working on my fishing my latest book project, Harvesting Hope from Heartache (a devotional that primarily focuses on the fruit of the Spirit), and adding a lot of ideas to my InnerBeautyGirlz page and many other boards at Pintrest, what I really came here to be sure you knew about!

From Quotes & Thoughts

I'm really excited about this new, ever-growing, visual resource, especially the recent recipes where I learned about how to make your own mineral makeup or how to really whiten your teeth! :) Please let me know if you try these (or any others) and what you thought!

Where Does Beauty Come From

I am posting a friend's link today, because her article met me right where I live. I pray it ministers to you as well. Where Does Beauty Come From?

I have moved my stroke updates to their own blog. Today marks six month since my life took such a dramatic change. I would invite you to follow along at Stroke of Grace.

Why I'm Quiet

Last fall, Oct. 2011, I experienced multiple strokes with brain-stem involvement. I have vision loss, doubled vision, hearing loss, a partially paralized hand, and I cannot walk, so I have trouble reading or typing. I am posting updates at http://infertilitymom.blogspot.com/search/label/stroke if you wish to read news. I will resume post to this blog when I am able. I also invite you to join me at  https://www.facebook.com/innerbeautygirlz .

I'm often asked when I'm going to write my next book. In reality I've been in the process of writing a book on the life of Paul as encouragement for living with chronic pain and illness for probably close to 5 years now. Since Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage & Adoption Loss took me about 10 years to write, that may not be such exciting news because it tells you I still have a very long way to go!

What I hope is more exciting, what I would like to ask you to partner with me in prayer about as God continues to unfold His plan, is that two of my other blogs, both this one here on beauty and (now that I've gained more focus for what I want to do with this project) specifically Harvesting Hope from Heartache™, have becoming a launching pads for what I feel God is turning into my "next" book.

Yes, I'm continuing to work on the Given Me a Thorn too, but over the past year God has me focusing more on an exploration of the Fruit of the Spirit (a passage written by none other than Paul himself) through a series of articles I've been writing for Glory and Strength and my InnerBeautyGirlz blog. I've been working on a Bible study related to what He's teaching me and I've written much more than could be presented only in my articles, so I think God's growing a book out of all of this! :)

How does the Fruit of the Spirit tie in with Harvesting Hope from Heartache? I'm glad you asked. ;) It all has to do with sowing seeds, gathering fruit, and ultimately what Source my hope springs from. What better time to look to the Lord for help than in the midst of trials? I'm very excited to see how God is tying so many themes together in my life as He's teaching me through Galatians 5 this year! I pray that this book will be as much of a blessing to you as the journey has been to me.

It is my current goal to have enough of this study written and ready to present to publishers that I can begin the query process around the end of the year or in the very early part of 2012. Will you join me in specific prayer that God will give me His words to write and that this project will unfold according to His will and in His perfect timing?

If you would like to stay updated about my progress, I've just opened a new Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HarvestingHope and would love to have you "like" me over there. :) If you don't do Facebook or would rather get updates via feeds, please follow my long-standing Harvesting Hope from Heartache blog directly. Feel free to pass these link along to your friends as well.

Lilla Rose FREE SHIPPING

If you are looking for a great gift idea for a woman with nearly shoulder-length or longer hair (anything long enough to put up in a pony or twist), Flexi-Clips by Lilla Rose are my go-to hair styling tip! They hold any texture of hair securely and they look great! With FREE SHIPPING on orders of $20 of more TODAY ONLY, it's not too soon to start holiday shopping (or snag a gift for yourself) at http://www.lillarose.biz/innerbeauty. Many of the non-hair jewelry items are also on a 40% discount and can apply to your free shipping total.



Watch free videos on the website for sizing information and fantastic styling tips. :)

How Do You Feel?

You may know from my other blogs that chronic illness has been a part of my life for my entire adult life, and part of my childhood too. Given my interest in both beauty and in pain and illness support, I wanted to share this article National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week with you:

“You Look So Good!” To Wear Make Up or Not?

It's a thought-provoking look at why we wear makeup and how it makes us feel about ourselves when we do. Yes, it is written to an audience of women living with chronic illness, but it makes me wonder about all of us, our motives, and the emotions tied to the beauty choices we make. What about you? Please share!

Reflecting

Can a mirror reflect more than your image? What about your thoughts? Here's a fascinating experiment one bride-to-be has taken on. She is going mirror-free fro an entire year, including the 6 months leading up to and INCLUDING her wedding day! Check out her journey at Mirror Mirror Off the Wall.

Beautiful Faith

I've been guest-blogging over at Glory and Strength this year, exploring the characteristics that set apart my life if I'm striving to live for God. This month I tackled "faithfulness" and wanted to share a sliver of the article here...

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

If faith is about pleasing God, that's one intimidating order. At least the first step isn't too hard, simply believing that He is! The next step is not merely to believe there is a God, but to follow up on that belief by actively seeking after Him. A good test to see if I am pursuing God with right motives is to consider if my life is regularly demonstrating the nine character traits listed in Galatians 5:22-23 often referred to as the fruit of the Spirit. These qualities such as love, joy, patience and kindness signal to the world that God matters in my life.

Where I trip is in trying to live out a good life for God on my own strength. Have you ever felt the more you try to do things right, the more you kept blowing it, sometimes in bigger and bigger ways? If I am striving to follow God, shouldn't making right choices come easier with time?

To read more, please join me this month in Growing in Glory! :)

Saying Goodbye

I am excited to share that this is my final month as a consultant with Affordable Mineral Makeup™. I have enjoyed my time with this company over the past four years and it is not the "leaving" part that has me excited, for I love the products and will truly miss working with my customers-turned-friends. But I'm finding my focus too divided and have felt God's calling to let go of some things so that He can use me more fully in other areas. I am eager to see where God takes the next chapter of my life.

I want to concentrate more on writing and do plan to continue offering beauty tips and resources through this blog, as well as putting much more effort into my current book projects. It is my hope that stepping back from being a consultant will actually improve my blog content quality now that I can focus just on sharing my heart with no pressure to "sell" anything. I would love your input on beauty-related topics you would like to see addressed, so please leave your ideas and questions in my comments! :)

As a parting gift, here's one final, very limited-time, sale offer good through Aug. 10. Take 30% off your entire order AND receive two free 10g sifter jars AND three samples of your choice, with any purchase of $19.95 or more when you visit InnerBeautyGirls.com and use coupon code:
SummerFun811

Please include your selections for your five free gifts (a $49.48 value) in the "ADD COMMENTS" field near the bottom of the checkout page to be eligible for promotion items.

It has been a pleasure serving you as your mineral makeup consultant. I look forward to continue journeying with you in the pursuit of true beauty that glorifies God.

Goodness, Hair & Makeup Savings!

So much to talk about today!

In my article series on the Fruit of the Spirit, I would love to have your thoughts on being Good and Sweet. Here's a little taste to get you started:

Imagine the most delicious, chewy, fudge brownie you have ever eaten. Feel the soft texture as you pull off a corner. Inhale its warm fragrance embracing your nose. Taste its delicate sweetness melting over your taste buds as you savor each delectable bite. Best of all, the serving plate is piled high with a triple batch!

You ask for the recipe, and I source the highest quality, finest choices the world can offer. Your smile grows and your mouth waters until I get to the final ingredient. You turn and run to vomit and gargle with the strongest mouth wash you can find...

To find out why the sudden change, you'll have to follow me over to Glory and Strength. ;)


On a more appetizing note, are you looking for a great solution to keep your hair off your neck in this heat? There's something much more classy than that plastic jaw clip you've been using, and incredibly more comfortable than bobby pins! The durable (it's made from piano wire!) Flexi Clip may be just what you are looking for. :) Best of all, you will receive free shipping on any order of $20 or more through 11:59 P.M. (PST) on Saturday, July 23, 2011. The free hair styling demonstration videos are well worth your time in dropping by Lilla Rose even if you aren't in the market to make a purchase today. I learn something new every time I watch one!


In makeup news, Affordable Mineral Makeup™ is currently offering a 25% discount AND 2 free 10gram sifter jars of product AND two free samples of your choice (four free gifts equal a $46.18 value, in addition to the purchase discount) with any order of $19.95 or greater, using coupon code: ReallyCool711

Place gift selection choices in the COMMENTS section at checkout (not in your cart since that cart total has to get up to $19.95 in actual purchases before the discount can be applied and promotional items earned). See website for complete offer details.

Dear Body

There are some beautiful thoughts over at (in)Courage today about how we see our bodies. Stop by to read, then let me know your thoughts! How do you see your body?


Looking for the latest Affordable Mineral Makeup™ deal*? Here are three to choose from, for a limited time:


TAKE 20% OFF and receive TWO 5g SIFTER JARS and TWO SAMPLES** with coupon code FFF71

4 gifts free with your minimum order of $14.95! Up to a $22.18 value. :)

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TAKE 25% OFF and receive TWO 10g SIFTER JARS and TWO SAMPLES** with coupon code FFF72

4 gifts free with your minimum order of $19.95! Up to a $46.18 value. :)

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TAKE 30% OFF and receive TWO 20g SIFTER JARS AND TWO SAMPLES** with coupon code FFF73

4 gifts free with your minimum order of $29.95! Up to a $58.18 value! :)

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*Minimum order must be met to qualify for discount and gift.
**Promotion items cannot be part of your order. Your free gift product choices must be included in the ADD COMMENTS field near the bottom of the checkout page to be eligible for promotion items.
Promotion items will be added to your shipment and cannot be shipped separately.
Limited time offer!