The Reason For The Season

                 

 Christmastime is here! I am so excited because this is my favorite season of the year. Everything is bright and cheery and there are lots of lights, and snowmen. Plus, hot chocolate, reindeer and yummy goodies! Scarves and boots are everywhere, and under alot of trees bright colored packages are starting to appear.
 Our focus seems to be on getting the perfect gift for that loved one, hanging the lights just right on the balcony or baking cookies for the family. But do we ever really stop to remember The Reason For The Season? 
 I sometimes forget to think about it when I get so caught up in getting ready for Christmas, being busy at work and trying to please everyone. I focus too much on superficial things that won't last. But Jesus is the real reason we celebrate. God in human flesh. Jesus came to earth as a baby. He was born to save the world, to redeem us from our sins, and show people the way to God.
 Christmas is not about getting, but about giving; what God gave to us and what we now have to share with others. That is real love and the real reason for the season. 
 I'm so thankful that Jesus Christ was born. And that He died on the cross and rose from the grave for me, and for anyone who believes.

                                 
                      Merry Christmas Everyone!


                          


Elizabeth <3

A Daily Routine

To me, taking care of my face and skin is really important even more than wearing makeup. And if you take care of your skin now, you will continue to reap the benefits of it even as you get older. A daily routine will definitely help. Here is what I do everyday.

Tip #1  

Always remove all makeup with a makeup remover wipe or liquid before proceeding to wash your face; washing your face doesn't always get everything off. If you use liquid, cotton balls work best with it to remove makeup. Wipe carefully especially around your eyes. The skin on your eyes is really delicate and can get easily irritated. 

Tip #2 

Find a face wash that is specifically designed for your skin type. If you have oily skin, you are going to want to get a wash that is water based, not oiled based. This will help cleanse your face without causing breakouts. Gel is usually the best for oily and combination skin types. My personal favorite face wash is Clean & Clear.

  Tip #3 

Toner is not a must, but it helps remove dead skin cells, any remaining makeup and it stimulates circulation. Again you need to find the product that is right for your skin type. If you have very dry skin for example, you will want to stick with skin fresheners that have a very small percentage of alcohol, and not a super strong toner that will dry out your skin. A splash of cold water can also work really well too.

                                                      

Tip #4 Moisturizing is the last step in the process. Its very important for your skin and definitely the most important part of your daily routine. When you moisturize with the right product it helps build a layer on your skin to help protect it from the elements and helps hold water in the epidermis (the surface layer of skin). If you moisturize when you are young it will help with wrinkles and fine lines when you are older as well. 

                                                                                 

Dry Skin: Oiled based moisturizer

Normal Skin: Water based moisturizer, containing light oils

Oily and Combination Skin: Oil Free, water based moisturizer and look for "noncomedogenic" which helps prevents clogged pores

I hope these tips were helpful! Comment and let me know what your daily routine is!

Elizabeth <3

A Rainy Day

 Some days are just rainy.

 Not sunny, just rainy.

 You feel gloomy and the day drags by like it will never end.

 If anything could possibly go wrong it does.

 You feel like the whole world rests on your shoulders.

 

Frustration and hurt seep in and you begin to doubt.

But then suddenly the clouds begin to break. 

You see the sun began to shine.

It reaches you and slowly warms your heart.

You remember who you are and why you are here.

And everything is peaceful.

You feel His love surround you.

And you are home.

Even on a rainy day. 

Elizabeth <3

My Favorite Things

 Hello everyone!!
I thought I would give you all a list of my ten favorite things and products right now. Let me know what you think!

1.  Toby Mac's new album has more of a pop style to it and is very upbeat. Love the first song "Without You"

                      

2.  Eco Tools are my favorite makeup brushes to use right now. The handles are made from bamboo and the bristles are synthetic Taklon, so no harm to animals. They are super soft, inexpensive and easy to use. You can get them at Wal-Mart. 

                                    



3. Favorite quote right now is:  "If I get married I want to be very married." - Audrey Hepburn   :)


                                        


4. American Eagle is my favorite place to shop.



5. I love all kinds of food! But what really makes my mouth water is a burrito enchilada style from Mexican Villa!!

                                                              


6.  I have so many good books. Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual is a really good book if you are looking for tips on makeup and beauty. 


                                


7.  Favorite scarf 

                                                       


8. Owls. Anything owl right now is great! I love them and think they are so cute!

                                                                           



9.  This Scripture has really encouraged me lately and helped me to remember God is in control.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

  

10. Journalism is a great way to vent your thoughts and feelings, keep special things in and write down things to remember years from now. My favorite kind is leather.




                                                                                                 Elizabeth <3

Autumn and Thanksgiving Fun

    Thanksgiving is almost here. Time for turkey, dressing and green bean casserole. The smell of leaves and bonfires are in the air and being with loved ones for the holidays gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. 
   I love interior design and crafty things for the home. So here are a few ideas I have found that I thought were neat for parties and, or a family get together. 

  This first one is to use a cheese grater as a table display with a votive candle inside or an LED light. This idea is so cute and very vintage. You can find old cheese graters, round or square, at flea markets or on the internet. A tray with flowers or leaves as accents, will complete your table decor.

  I don't know whether you have a big family or a small one, but either way Thanksgiving name placement is definitely a must. Start by writing one of your guests names on a fresh or dried leaf using a sharpie. Then tie it to a cloth napkin with a printed ribbon. And TA-DA! 
                                          

    
    Another cute fall idea is pumpkin goodie bags! 

                 You can draw your own pumpkin on stock paper or get a stencil off the internet. Then color it and attach it to a colored goodie bag from your local party store or use a fall colored piece of cloth. Put your gift inside, whether its candy, cookies or a candle. Then tie it at the top with a piece of pipe-cleaner. 


 Whether you decide to use any of these ideas or you have some of your own, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and you fill up on some good tasty food! 

   

Fall Makeup Ideas

  As the summer ends and we run headlong into the fall, I know that some of us, including myself, would like some new ideas for makeup everyday and for special occasions. Here are some ideas I have found and wanted to share them with you.

  This first picture I found is a pretty simple look and could be worn everyday without being too "out there" or you could also wear it for that special date night.
  Neautrals and browns are used on the lid and in the crease of the eye and a navy blue eyeliner is underneath the bottom lashes. Black mascara and a nude lipstick finish the look.

  Next, is the new peacock look. I absoloutly love all of these colors together! Purple, green, blue and yellow eyeshadow. Works really good for the summer or fall. This look is great for parties and dances. And if you're brave enough try wearing it to school or work. Either way its becoming more popular and is an overall awesome makeup look.

    Last but not least, (and I really like this one), above is the aqua blue look.  I have been seeing this alot recently and I think it looks really good. It concentrates all attention on the eye, which is why a nude or very light lipstick or gloss looks good with this. Again neutral colors for the eyeshadow, but then you get a big pop of color with the aqua blue eyeliner and of course black mascara. Great way to make your eyes stand out.

  Well I hope these ideas were helpful or at least fun to look at!

  Would love comments or suggestions!

The Intro To My Blog

  Ok, so this blog thing is something I have done before but I figured..what the heck I'll give it a try again. 
  This Blog is called Expressions because I want to express myself through writing, photography, beauty ideas and fashion tips that I post on here, kind-of like a journal. These are things I love and I want to be able to express it to all of you who will read it. Maybe it will inspire you to follow Christ better or give you a makeup idea to try. Or maybe you will be able to identify with someone who feels the way you do on certain topics.
  I will be posting on different things very soon, and I look forward to your comments!!