Man, these times are crazy am I right?! Who ever thought 2020 would look this way? Not me, that's for sure!

I am sure we are all a little bit freaked out right now so I want to start this blog post off by praying for you!

Father God, I lift my sweet sister up to you right in this moment, I pray you will pour your peace over her body, her mind, and her soul and take any fear from her. God we KNOW you are the God of this universe and this virus is nothing to you. We are open to what you have to teach and tell us during this and I just pray agains fear and I pray for your peace and wisdom to fill us in this very moment. AMEN!

I know that there are real reasons to fear during this time, but I want to tell you that there are even more real reasons to trust Christ. He has been faithful and has never let us down, and He has this situation in His hands.

In todays post I want to give you some ideas of what you can do with all this extra time to get your mind off the outside and to occupy your day and how you can make good use of your time rather than just binging Netflix for the the next few days or weeks.

Don't get me wrong I love a good binge and have already delighted in it since all this has broken out but I am quickly getting tired of it. I am reminded of what summer break felt like before having a car. Waking up, eating, watching tv, eating and repeating it the next day, it gets old quick am I right?

So here are a few things that you can do to make good use of your time:

1. Spend Time with the Lord/ Pray for Others

I know, you saw that coming, but I can't be the only one who wishes I had longer than 20 minutes in the morning to dig into my word and pray to the Lord. Now we have that time so don't miss out on what the Lord wants to show you. Right now more than ever He is speaking and He wants to speak to you!

Also use this time to pray for those who may not have Christ, who have poor immune systems, those who are losing their jobs, those directly affected by the virus etc. There is power in prayer and God hears our prayers and intercession. 

Find a "You" spot to spend some time with Jesus. Now, what do I mean by that? The last two mornings I have gotten my coffee and my bible and went up to my rooftop to sit in the sun and worship with my favorite jam "Victory is Yours" and just listen to nature and have my ears and heart open to hear from Jesus. When I was in Vegas my spot was my front porch and Red Rock, I just love being in or as close to nature as possible, it really helps me feel connected to the Lord. 

I know that spending time with the Lord could be daunting if you don't do it often so find a devotional some of my favorites are Jesus Calling, Red Sea Rules, Delight, and the Gospel Activity Book. 

Especially now, God is waking up His church because the truth is, this is what happens in a world where God is cut out of it, it turns to chaos and God is calling His people to wake up so I encourage you to be open to Gods voice. 

2. Stretch and Workout

Now is a great time to get your physical health in good shape! You don't need weights and equipment just use your body weight and you will feel the burn I promise, plus instead of coming out of this with a quarantine 15 you can come out of it with some muscle!

There are tons of free resources to working out these days which makes it so easy. Some of my favorite free tools to use is the FitOn App, Whitney Simmons Videos, Ashleigh Jordan Videos, and Sarah's Day Videos. 

Working out and stretching will not only help you physically but mentally as well. As Elle Woods said "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy." 

3. Clean & Organize

I just know that we have all said something like "man I wish I had an extra day off to organize my closet" or "organize my kitchen drawers" well now is that extra day off girl! 

You have no excuses but to organize you life and you will feel 10 times lighter after you've done so. You got nothin better to do! 

4. Create Something

I know we are not all creatives but we all have some kind of creativity in us so let it flow! Right now my friend Tony is calling all creatives to a challenge and I am calling everyone to this challenge, not just creatives. 

His message is to call everyone to spread hope and love through our social media by art, music, writing, photography, whatever it may be, it doesn't have to be super pretty, draw a tree or rainbow, but to spread hope rather than darkness and more fear. If you want to follow along, check out Tony's Challenge Here

So grab those crayons, paint, and printer paper and draw your heart out! If you aren't into that, than go out and grab some paint and paint a piece of furniture, a wall in your house and do some DIY's. 

My favorite DIY people are Lone Fox, Ashley Petrone, and Sarah Randall.

5. Catch Up with Loved Ones

We are all going through this together and we all have some extra time on our hands. I know that it is really encouraging and refreshing when I get to Facetime my mom or bestie and know your friends and family would love a call from you! 

Use the time you talk to your friends and family to be a time where you encourage them, show them love, and talk about the good right now rather than the chaos, we all could use some hope. 

I hope that these tips helped you in some way and if nothing else, I want you to know that God is still almighty, He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and He holds your life in His hands. He has a plan and solution for all of this and as my COVID-19 anthem song said "When trials unleash like a flood the battle belongs to our God as we cry out in worship." - Victory is Yours by Bethel

If this post helped you, please share to your loved ones and on your social media! Lets spread hope! 

5 Ways To Make GOOD Use of Your Time

Words

Man, these times are crazy am I right?! Who ever thought 2020 would look this way? Not me, that's for sure!

I am sure we are all a little bit freaked out right now so I want to start this blog post off by praying for you!

Father God, I lift my sweet sister up to you right in this moment, I pray you will pour your peace over her body, her mind, and her soul and take any fear from her. God we KNOW you are the God of this universe and this virus is nothing to you. We are open to what you have to teach and tell us during this and I just pray agains fear and I pray for your peace and wisdom to fill us in this very moment. AMEN!

I know that there are real reasons to fear during this time, but I want to tell you that there are even more real reasons to trust Christ. He has been faithful and has never let us down, and He has this situation in His hands.

In todays post I want to give you some ideas of what you can do with all this extra time to get your mind off the outside and to occupy your day and how you can make good use of your time rather than just binging Netflix for the the next few days or weeks.

Don't get me wrong I love a good binge and have already delighted in it since all this has broken out but I am quickly getting tired of it. I am reminded of what summer break felt like before having a car. Waking up, eating, watching tv, eating and repeating it the next day, it gets old quick am I right?

So here are a few things that you can do to make good use of your time:

1. Spend Time with the Lord/ Pray for Others

I know, you saw that coming, but I can't be the only one who wishes I had longer than 20 minutes in the morning to dig into my word and pray to the Lord. Now we have that time so don't miss out on what the Lord wants to show you. Right now more than ever He is speaking and He wants to speak to you!

Also use this time to pray for those who may not have Christ, who have poor immune systems, those who are losing their jobs, those directly affected by the virus etc. There is power in prayer and God hears our prayers and intercession. 

Find a "You" spot to spend some time with Jesus. Now, what do I mean by that? The last two mornings I have gotten my coffee and my bible and went up to my rooftop to sit in the sun and worship with my favorite jam "Victory is Yours" and just listen to nature and have my ears and heart open to hear from Jesus. When I was in Vegas my spot was my front porch and Red Rock, I just love being in or as close to nature as possible, it really helps me feel connected to the Lord. 

I know that spending time with the Lord could be daunting if you don't do it often so find a devotional some of my favorites are Jesus Calling, Red Sea Rules, Delight, and the Gospel Activity Book. 

Especially now, God is waking up His church because the truth is, this is what happens in a world where God is cut out of it, it turns to chaos and God is calling His people to wake up so I encourage you to be open to Gods voice. 

2. Stretch and Workout

Now is a great time to get your physical health in good shape! You don't need weights and equipment just use your body weight and you will feel the burn I promise, plus instead of coming out of this with a quarantine 15 you can come out of it with some muscle!

There are tons of free resources to working out these days which makes it so easy. Some of my favorite free tools to use is the FitOn App, Whitney Simmons Videos, Ashleigh Jordan Videos, and Sarah's Day Videos. 

Working out and stretching will not only help you physically but mentally as well. As Elle Woods said "Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy." 

3. Clean & Organize

I just know that we have all said something like "man I wish I had an extra day off to organize my closet" or "organize my kitchen drawers" well now is that extra day off girl! 

You have no excuses but to organize you life and you will feel 10 times lighter after you've done so. You got nothin better to do! 

4. Create Something

I know we are not all creatives but we all have some kind of creativity in us so let it flow! Right now my friend Tony is calling all creatives to a challenge and I am calling everyone to this challenge, not just creatives. 

His message is to call everyone to spread hope and love through our social media by art, music, writing, photography, whatever it may be, it doesn't have to be super pretty, draw a tree or rainbow, but to spread hope rather than darkness and more fear. If you want to follow along, check out Tony's Challenge Here

So grab those crayons, paint, and printer paper and draw your heart out! If you aren't into that, than go out and grab some paint and paint a piece of furniture, a wall in your house and do some DIY's. 

My favorite DIY people are Lone Fox, Ashley Petrone, and Sarah Randall.

5. Catch Up with Loved Ones

We are all going through this together and we all have some extra time on our hands. I know that it is really encouraging and refreshing when I get to Facetime my mom or bestie and know your friends and family would love a call from you! 

Use the time you talk to your friends and family to be a time where you encourage them, show them love, and talk about the good right now rather than the chaos, we all could use some hope. 

I hope that these tips helped you in some way and if nothing else, I want you to know that God is still almighty, He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow and He holds your life in His hands. He has a plan and solution for all of this and as my COVID-19 anthem song said "When trials unleash like a flood the battle belongs to our God as we cry out in worship." - Victory is Yours by Bethel

If this post helped you, please share to your loved ones and on your social media! Lets spread hope! 

Read more »

Saturday, March 21, 2020

I was planning on just doing the one Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide this year but then I started thinking about the books and devotionals and journals I have read and want to include them in a gift guide because those have been some of the best gifts I have received!

If you know someone who loves to read or even to journal, you need to see what I have in this post because that person will LOVE these for Christmas! 

1  a n d  2. Delight Ministries not only have the best and cutest products, they are also an amazing ministry who reach collage women and have Delight groups all over the US and are equipping women to grow in their faith and impact those around them which I just think is absolutely amazing! I have been reading their Delight Stories and Scriptures book and it has challenged me to go deeper in my faith and understand scripture more! It has been such a blessing! They also have so many resources and even a quiz for the single lady so their site is a super fun time! Check them out also on Instagram.

3. The Marriage Journal is a book by Audrey and Jeremy Roloff, you may know Jeremy from the show Little People Big World. He and his wife are amazing believers who have made this journal to help communicate with your spouse. I have heard them talk all about it on their podcast and it sounds like it really brings unity and helps grow your marriage so I actually asked for this for Christmas this year! 

4. If you are married and struggle praying for your hubby like I do, then you need The Power Of A Praying Wife! I LOVE this book! Not only has it helped me on how and what to pray for when I pray for David but it has shown me how important it is to pray for your husband! So, so good!  

5. We all go through trials and times where things are very hazy and unclear. That is how my season now feels and right before moving to Mexico City, my mom gave me The Red Sea Rules book and it is powerful! I am still reading this book and it is showing me how to understand the season I am in and to accept it knowing that God has a big purpose for it! It has given me so much peace in this season and I CANNOT recommend it enough! 

6. I first read When God Writes Your Love Story when I was 16 or 17 and it was maybe one of the first books i read all the way through (I am NOT a reader.) I read this book when I was really taking the calling to save myself for my future husband seriously and I was wondering when I would meet him and who he was and honestly worrying about it a little too much! This book helped my singleness and my waiting season so much so if you are in that season this is a great book for you or if you know someone in waiting, they will love this book! 

7. If you know a gal who LOVES to journal, you need to get the 6 Minute Diary!  This journal includes weekly questions, habit tracker, and a monthly check in where you can rate yourself on a scale in areas like fun, finances, mindfulness, and health. You just spend 3 minutes in the morning and 3 minutes at night and you are on your way to better mental health which I could always use more of! 

8. The Alabaster Company make the most beautiful Bibles! They make each book of the Bible into a visual presentation and it is pretty amazing! We are creative beings and they really use the creativity that the Lord gave them to make beautiful Bibles to speak to other creatives! 

9. About 6 months ago, I posted on my stories about the Gospel Activities book and I got so many questions about it! This is another book that has helped my season in Mexico City so much! This book is like an adult coloring book, because don't you wish you could just sit and color and not be judged?! I do and not I have a good reason to do so! As you color and write in this book answering it's many questions, you get to meditate on the scripture it gives you and dig deeper into your walk with Christ. This book also includes recipes which is always a win in my book! This book is basically every girls favorite things in one book!    

You cannot go wrong with any of these books for your bestie or sister this Christmas! I have received some of these books as a gift and it was the most meaningful gift ever! If you do try any of these books or buy them for the gal in your life let me know how you or they get on with them! I would love to know! 

 Happy shopping! 

Christmas Gift Guide for The Reader/Journal-er

Christmas 2019

I was planning on just doing the one Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide this year but then I started thinking about the books and devotionals and journals I have read and want to include them in a gift guide because those have been some of the best gifts I have received!

If you know someone who loves to read or even to journal, you need to see what I have in this post because that person will LOVE these for Christmas! 

1  a n d  2. Delight Ministries not only have the best and cutest products, they are also an amazing ministry who reach collage women and have Delight groups all over the US and are equipping women to grow in their faith and impact those around them which I just think is absolutely amazing! I have been reading their Delight Stories and Scriptures book and it has challenged me to go deeper in my faith and understand scripture more! It has been such a blessing! They also have so many resources and even a quiz for the single lady so their site is a super fun time! Check them out also on Instagram.

3. The Marriage Journal is a book by Audrey and Jeremy Roloff, you may know Jeremy from the show Little People Big World. He and his wife are amazing believers who have made this journal to help communicate with your spouse. I have heard them talk all about it on their podcast and it sounds like it really brings unity and helps grow your marriage so I actually asked for this for Christmas this year! 

4. If you are married and struggle praying for your hubby like I do, then you need The Power Of A Praying Wife! I LOVE this book! Not only has it helped me on how and what to pray for when I pray for David but it has shown me how important it is to pray for your husband! So, so good!  

5. We all go through trials and times where things are very hazy and unclear. That is how my season now feels and right before moving to Mexico City, my mom gave me The Red Sea Rules book and it is powerful! I am still reading this book and it is showing me how to understand the season I am in and to accept it knowing that God has a big purpose for it! It has given me so much peace in this season and I CANNOT recommend it enough! 

6. I first read When God Writes Your Love Story when I was 16 or 17 and it was maybe one of the first books i read all the way through (I am NOT a reader.) I read this book when I was really taking the calling to save myself for my future husband seriously and I was wondering when I would meet him and who he was and honestly worrying about it a little too much! This book helped my singleness and my waiting season so much so if you are in that season this is a great book for you or if you know someone in waiting, they will love this book! 

7. If you know a gal who LOVES to journal, you need to get the 6 Minute Diary!  This journal includes weekly questions, habit tracker, and a monthly check in where you can rate yourself on a scale in areas like fun, finances, mindfulness, and health. You just spend 3 minutes in the morning and 3 minutes at night and you are on your way to better mental health which I could always use more of! 

8. The Alabaster Company make the most beautiful Bibles! They make each book of the Bible into a visual presentation and it is pretty amazing! We are creative beings and they really use the creativity that the Lord gave them to make beautiful Bibles to speak to other creatives! 

9. About 6 months ago, I posted on my stories about the Gospel Activities book and I got so many questions about it! This is another book that has helped my season in Mexico City so much! This book is like an adult coloring book, because don't you wish you could just sit and color and not be judged?! I do and not I have a good reason to do so! As you color and write in this book answering it's many questions, you get to meditate on the scripture it gives you and dig deeper into your walk with Christ. This book also includes recipes which is always a win in my book! This book is basically every girls favorite things in one book!    

You cannot go wrong with any of these books for your bestie or sister this Christmas! I have received some of these books as a gift and it was the most meaningful gift ever! If you do try any of these books or buy them for the gal in your life let me know how you or they get on with them! I would love to know! 

 Happy shopping! 

Read more »

Monday, December 09, 2019

I think I say this every year, but I can't believe it is already time to start shopping for Christmas! If you are updated with my husband and I you know that we are living in Mexico City right now (see why here) and it does not feel like the holidays. We will be spending Thanksgiving here in Mexico, so it is a little bit of an odd season, but I am so excited to be able to go home for Christmas!

Christmas shopping is always hard, I don't know if it is because I overthink or that people are just so hard to shop for sometimes! We all have that one person that is just impossible to shop for, for me it is my husband, he always says "I don't need anything," how am I supposed to work with that?! I on the other hand send him a specific list of things that I want!

I just know you have that one person who is hard to shop for too so I put this ultimate gift guide together for you guys! See below for my favorite products and some great affordable products from Amazon (the best gift website ever!)

Above, I have included just a few of my favorite products and shops, so if you are shopping for anyone like myself, they are sure to love any of these products! 

1. I love this self tanner so much! It is super affordable and the application is GREAT, one of my go to products for sure and whenever I apply it, the next day I get so many compliments on my tan and it's all thanks to this guy! SHOP HERE

2. This Lancome Foundation along with the matching concealer (that you will see further in this post) is my all time favorite! I have been using the concealer now for nearly a year and I still have half of the tube! It lasts so long and covers those dark, under eye circles so well! The foundation is amazing too and lasts for your whole day! SHOP FOUNDATION | SHOP CONCEALER

3. I recently got sent the Function Of Beauty Shampoo and Conditioner and it has quickly become one of my favorite products! See why in my review post on them. Also, see that page for a great discount code! Function Of Beauty is having 25% off their entire site now until after black Friday! 

4. I got to work with Rellery a few months ago and you guys went crazy over this ring! If you are looking for a sentimental gift, this is the one! You can add a customizable engraving to their pieces to make a special gift for anyone in your family! SHOP RELLERY

5. My favorite Youtuber, Kristin Johns, recently started her own company and makes the most adorable pieces from bags to hair scarves to the cutest original T-shirt! Anyone of your friends will love a product from her! I got this "Picking Berries" bag from her shop and it is one of my favorites! SHOP KRISTINMADE

6. I have been taking HUM vitamins on and off for the last year and a half and I love them! They have helped clear up my acne so much and they automatically send you new vitamins every month or so, so that you never run out and the packaging is just so cute it makes you want to take your vitamins! Read why I love them so much and get a great discount code here. SHOP HUM

7. Last, but certainly not least on my list is a local shop to Las Vegas and that is Pink Desert. I recently went to Pink Desert to do a try on haul for my Instagram and you guys loved their items as much as I did. It took everything in me not to walk out with the whole store! They are also having their biggest sale of the year this coming Friday with 25% off EVERYTHING so check them out for sure! SHOP PINK DESERT

I love all of these products and use them on the daily! If you have a friend or family member that loves all things beauty, you can't go wrong with any of these! Not included in the shop section below is the TYMO Straightening Hairbrush. I am about to do an unboxing and review of this product on my Youtube but wanted to include them anyways because I have heard nothing but good things from this item! Be on the lookout for that video soon!

Shop

Shop

It's always easiest to shop for the girls in our life right?! My gift guide for the ladies in your life is so long because I just know anyone of them would love to receive these products! I have a few of these and LOVE them so much!

Shop

Guys are ALWAYS the hardest to shop for! I never know what to get my dad or husband but here are a few items I am sure the fella in your life will love! David got a pair of slippers last year for Christmas and it was his favorite and most used gift! I think I want to get him a new pair this year!

Shop

Well I hope this guide was helpful and make sure not to miss shopping these items this friday to get all of the best deals! You can also shop any of these items on my shop page in the menu bar!

Let me know below some of your favorite gifts you've received and given, I would love to know for next years guide!

Merry Christmas! 

2019 Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide || Amazon & My Favorite Products & Shops

Christmas

I think I say this every year, but I can't believe it is already time to start shopping for Christmas! If you are updated with my husband and I you know that we are living in Mexico City right now (see why here) and it does not feel like the holidays. We will be spending Thanksgiving here in Mexico, so it is a little bit of an odd season, but I am so excited to be able to go home for Christmas!

Christmas shopping is always hard, I don't know if it is because I overthink or that people are just so hard to shop for sometimes! We all have that one person that is just impossible to shop for, for me it is my husband, he always says "I don't need anything," how am I supposed to work with that?! I on the other hand send him a specific list of things that I want!

I just know you have that one person who is hard to shop for too so I put this ultimate gift guide together for you guys! See below for my favorite products and some great affordable products from Amazon (the best gift website ever!)

Above, I have included just a few of my favorite products and shops, so if you are shopping for anyone like myself, they are sure to love any of these products! 

1. I love this self tanner so much! It is super affordable and the application is GREAT, one of my go to products for sure and whenever I apply it, the next day I get so many compliments on my tan and it's all thanks to this guy! SHOP HERE

2. This Lancome Foundation along with the matching concealer (that you will see further in this post) is my all time favorite! I have been using the concealer now for nearly a year and I still have half of the tube! It lasts so long and covers those dark, under eye circles so well! The foundation is amazing too and lasts for your whole day! SHOP FOUNDATION | SHOP CONCEALER

3. I recently got sent the Function Of Beauty Shampoo and Conditioner and it has quickly become one of my favorite products! See why in my review post on them. Also, see that page for a great discount code! Function Of Beauty is having 25% off their entire site now until after black Friday! 

4. I got to work with Rellery a few months ago and you guys went crazy over this ring! If you are looking for a sentimental gift, this is the one! You can add a customizable engraving to their pieces to make a special gift for anyone in your family! SHOP RELLERY

5. My favorite Youtuber, Kristin Johns, recently started her own company and makes the most adorable pieces from bags to hair scarves to the cutest original T-shirt! Anyone of your friends will love a product from her! I got this "Picking Berries" bag from her shop and it is one of my favorites! SHOP KRISTINMADE

6. I have been taking HUM vitamins on and off for the last year and a half and I love them! They have helped clear up my acne so much and they automatically send you new vitamins every month or so, so that you never run out and the packaging is just so cute it makes you want to take your vitamins! Read why I love them so much and get a great discount code here. SHOP HUM

7. Last, but certainly not least on my list is a local shop to Las Vegas and that is Pink Desert. I recently went to Pink Desert to do a try on haul for my Instagram and you guys loved their items as much as I did. It took everything in me not to walk out with the whole store! They are also having their biggest sale of the year this coming Friday with 25% off EVERYTHING so check them out for sure! SHOP PINK DESERT

I love all of these products and use them on the daily! If you have a friend or family member that loves all things beauty, you can't go wrong with any of these! Not included in the shop section below is the TYMO Straightening Hairbrush. I am about to do an unboxing and review of this product on my Youtube but wanted to include them anyways because I have heard nothing but good things from this item! Be on the lookout for that video soon!

Shop

Shop

It's always easiest to shop for the girls in our life right?! My gift guide for the ladies in your life is so long because I just know anyone of them would love to receive these products! I have a few of these and LOVE them so much!

Shop

Guys are ALWAYS the hardest to shop for! I never know what to get my dad or husband but here are a few items I am sure the fella in your life will love! David got a pair of slippers last year for Christmas and it was his favorite and most used gift! I think I want to get him a new pair this year!

Shop

Well I hope this guide was helpful and make sure not to miss shopping these items this friday to get all of the best deals! You can also shop any of these items on my shop page in the menu bar!

Let me know below some of your favorite gifts you've received and given, I would love to know for next years guide!

Merry Christmas! 

Read more »

Tuesday, November 26, 2019