I’m sitting alone in my “spot.” The house is quiet (except for someone’s snoring…), and I’m curled up with my keyboard and a good book, spending some time sitting still with Lord. Today I turned 27. This day has been filled with such sweetness to me — with seeing the sacred in the ordinary. Savoring each moment with this man and these babies He’s given, not being in such a hurry. Today, I just slowed down — took it all in, and if it wasn’t crossed off of the to-do list at the end of the day, it’s alright.
I had a special date night with my little 3-year-old-man. He is the sweetest, silliest boy I know.
I’ve been just flooded with His grace to me through the priceless friendships He’s blessed me with. I do not deserve to know and be loved by such incredible people.
I’ve had cake with every meal (yes, even breakfast). Don’t judge me on my birthday.
And…I’ve been thinking about this wild ride of a life He’s pouring out. 20 years with Him, and each moment is sweeter than the one before. Not one thing compares to knowing Him.
Not one.
So, I’m gonna sit here in my spot a minute more. Savoring His graciousness and mercy toward this soul that deserves just the opposite.
Y’all, I have been so excited for a while now to share this with you! My friend, Brittany, works with a mission in Port-au-Prince, Haiti called REBUILD Globally. They are a socially conscious business operating in Port-au-Prince to provide dignified, living-wage employment to earthquake survivors. Their REBUILDER, recycled tire sandals are designed by Haitian artisans. They are handmade with the highest quality craftsmanship, using recycled tires for the sole, and recycled leather for the uppers and straps.
100% of proceeds from sandal sales go back into the team’s community development initiatives, which provide basic needs, education scholarships, and job skills training to vulnerable youth in the community. You can read more about REBUILD Globally, their products, mission, and apprenticeship initiatives on their website: rebuildglobally.org, and be sure to follow them on Twitter. If you’re interested in getting involved even more, consider hosting a sandal party.
This is such a great mission and I am so honored to be able to blog about them and share them with you! I absolutely LOVE my sandals, and, even more than that, I love what they accomplish, and that they are so much more than just a cute pair of summer shoes.
Charleston friends – good news!! – you can buy your own pair locally at McKevlin’s Surf Shop on Folly Beach!! If you’re not local, you can also order online.
Have a great summer — and go buy a pair of tire sandals!!
(Normally, when I return from a long blogging break [which is, admittedly, way too often], I normally feel the need to break the ice with a comment or a post explaining myself, etc. This time, an acknowledgement is all I’m making. Glad to be back at my keyboard once again.)
I’ve been in a mood to re-read literature that I once fell in love with but haven’t picked up in ages. It has really been so refreshing and fun. I came across this little gem from Rilke’s Book of Hours: Love Poems to God.
“She who reconciles the ill-matched threads
of her life, and weaves them gratefully
into a single cloth —
it is she who drives the loudmouths from the hall
and clears it for a different celebration
Â
where the one guest is you.”
 I remember reading this for the first time in middle school and loving it. The rest of the poem is equally as good. Our lives are all made up of ill-matched threads. And they’re all different. Mine aren’t the same as yours. And each one of us will do or make something different with them. Truly, He’s the one weaving the cloth. I’m seeing it’s beauty forming and learning to hand over the threads more readily. With gratitude even. Most of the time. I’m seeing more and more His masterful design in each ill-matched, chaotic mess of thread. And the most beautiful part of it all? The celebration that’s all for Him. He alone is worthy of celebrating. He alone is worthy of glory for the redemption and the restoration of a once broken and lifeless soul.
Here’s the rest of the poem:
“In the softness of evening
it’s you she receives.
Â
You are the partner of her loneliness,
the unspeaking center of her monologues.
With each disclosure you encompass more
and she stretches beyond what limits her,
to hold you”
Lord, you’re everything to me. The threads may appear ill-matched and messy, but they pass through your fingers before they ever come to me. And, I am grateful. So, so grateful.
Welp, it’s that time of the month again (no, not that) — time for myBirchbox! I am always excited to get these! Here’s a look inside:
Miss Jessie’s | Original Pillow Soft Curls: This is a styling lotion for curly hair that promises a light, big, soft, fluffy, frizz-free curl. Just scrunch it into your damp hair & go! I have naturally curly hair and I am always looking for a great curl product. I don’t wear my hair curly very often because I still haven’t found just the right product that will make my curls look and feel how I want. But, this might just be the one. If not, it comes pretty darn close. Not only does it actually do what it says, it smells incredible too. The full-size retails for $22.
 Vasanti | Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator: This is a serious (dermatologist-quality) facial scrub. Intended to be used 3-5 times weekly, this scrub exfoliates and cleanses your skin. It has both enzymes and microderm crystals that work to get rid of dead skin cells and rejuvenate tired skin. A single tube claims to last about six months. I will have to say that it did feel like you were rubbing sand into your face, but my skin felt great afterward. I loved trying this product. The full-sized tube retails for $34.
Lancome | LA BASE PRO: Â Here is a silicone-based primer to help mask the appearance of fine lines, deep pores, and dry patches on your face. Apply before your foundation for a smooth, flawless look. Honestly, I love how this product goes on and feels on the face. The full-size runs at $42 (ouch! it’s not that miraculous…).
Color Club | Wild Cactus: This emerald green nail color is from Color Club’s Fiesta Collection. I LOVE these nail polishes. I can’t get enough. Getting them in my Birchbox gives me the confidence to try new, bolder colors that I wouldn’t probably buy for myself ordinarily — especially this emerald green, which happened to be named Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year. And, it couldn’t have come at a better time of the year as we get ready for St. Pat’s Day!
Ghirardelli | Milk & Caramel Squares: This was popped in the Birchbox just for fun! Who doesn’t love these scrumptious little squares! You can pick these up anywhere for around $4-5 a bag. Totally worth it!
There you have it! I loved my Birchbox and can’t wait for next month’s. To learn more about Birchbox, or to subscribe, click here. Here’s the low-down on how the subscription works: Each month, you receive a box filled with samples of high-end beauty and lifestyle products. You can subscribe for a whole year, or just try it out month-to-month. The boxes are $10/month & it’s always a fun surprise to see what’s inside! Once you get your Birchbox in the mail, you can sign in online for a list of the products you received, more information, videos on how to use the products, as well as the option to purchase them with free shipping during that month. With each product in your box, you also have the option to submit feedback and receive 10 points. 100 points are worth $10 for future redemption in the Birchbox shop on any product they carry or promote. Pretty neat! (And, if you save up your points, you could get your favorite item free.) Also, for each friend you refer to Birchbox, you will be rewarded with 50 free points! It’s so fun! Happy Sampling.
Yes, I realize that the blog has been waaaaay too quiet lately. I apologize. I have been drowning in reference books the past few weeks, preparing for a Bible study. (Truthfully, there  is NOTHING I’d rather be doing. I absolutely love that process of studying and writing. Wish that could be my job. I would do it all day everyday.) That project is over and done with now, and I am really excited to share some of what I learned. Because the process was so, so good and rich. I want you to taste it in the worst way. So, I’ll be working on condensing some of my notes to post on the blog. But, for now, I hope you’ll enjoy this little post that requires no exertion of your mind whatsoever. (*wink*)
My January Birchbox came last week, and I was really excited to see what was inside! Here’s a look:
Oscar Blandi | Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner: Really, I don’t need to try another shampoo. And when I do, I usually need to use it for longer than the amount they give you in the sample pack to decide if I like it or not. So, it was nice, but I didn’t notice any “instant” volumizing miracles. (Maybe I’m not in a very good mood for writing about beauty products right now…but still…) The full-sized product retails for $24 (each). Maybe you’ll get better results?
Eyeko | Skinny Liquid Eyeliner: I was actually excited to try this one because I’ve never used a liquid eyeliner before. But, I wasn’t as impressed as I had hoped. The Birchbox “how to” says: “If you’re a liner novice, draw a few dots as close to your upper lashes as possible with the tip and then connect the dots. More advanced users can trace a single stroke across their lashline.” So, maybe I’m just not skilled at applying eyeliner. The product retails for $15. So, I’m gonna have to get better before I spring for a $15 eyeliner.
Nicole | by Nicole Richie: I feel like this is a heavier, more evening-dinner-cocktail party-formal type fragrance. Not that I know anything about fragrances, but that’s the type of thing I think I would save this one for. Full-size: $55
Embryolisse | Lait-Creme Concentre (24 Hour Miracle Cream): This stuff really is fantastic! I love it. I have been using it as a night-time moisturizer, but it also doubles as a makeup remover too. I haven’t tried it as a makeup remover, but the instructions say you can put a little on a cotton ball and gently rub your makeup off with it, rinse, and then cleanse. It is a rich moisturizer, yet not heavy feeling at all. Really do love this one. The full-sized product retails for $28 — a little pricey, but it is awesome.
Oscar Blandi | Pronto Dry Styling Heat Protect Spray: This is a great spray that you can apply either before or after blow drying to protect your hair from the hot styling tools you use. I know that this is really important for me because not only to I blow dry my hair 9 out of 10 days, I will also use either a flat iron or a curling iron in addition. I really loved this product. There was just one draw-back — and this is a huge one, especially for hair products — was the smell. Maybe it’s just me (but I don’t think so), but this one does not smell great. Now, I did only notice it as I was applying the product to my hair. I did not notice my hair smelling like that after I styled it. Otherwise, I would have only used it the one time. So, all in all, I like this one a lot too. It retails for $23 for a 4oz can.
 Well, there you have it! Sorry there weren’t any fun pictures with this one. But, it was a great box. To learn more about Birchbox, or to subscribe, click here. Here’s the low-down on how the subscription works: Each month, you receive a box filled with samples of high-end beauty and lifestyle products. You can subscribe for a whole year, or just try it out month-to-month. The boxes are $10/month & it’s always a fun surprise to see what’s inside! Once you get your Birchbox in the mail, you can sign in online for a list of the products you received, more information, videos on how to use the products, as well as the option to purchase them with free shipping during that month. With each product in your box, you also have the option to submit feedback and receive 10 points. 100 points are worth $10 for future redemption in the Birchbox shop on any product they carry or promote. Pretty neat! (And, if you save up your points, you could get your favorite item free.) Also, for each friend you refer to Birchbox, you will be rewarded with 50 free points! It’s so fun! Happy Sampling.
Recounting the wonders. As I was forming vision for this site, the Lord kept bringing the words of Psalm 40:5 back to me. Over and over. It’s a verse that has meant a lot to me over the years. On my wedding day, it’s what I prayed would become the testimony of my marriage. And, I can honestly say — as I look back over my life, my marriage, my years as a mother — is my testimony. It has remained true in every season.
“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.â€
But, that’s what I want to try to do — recount the wonders He has done — as I remember all that 2012 has brought. When I was sketching out ideas and remembering things that have happened this past year, so many things flooded back to me. Were I to revisit all of them, we would be here until next year. So, at the bottom of the post, you’ll find some of my favorite moments in pictures.
Writing is so important to me. The Lord uses the writing process in so many ways to grow me spiritually. That’s part of the reason I love blogging so much (one of the selfish reasons, I guess). So, here are some posts that have really changed me and meant something very deep to me.
This year has been full. Full of great things, full of hard things, but mostly just full of His faithfulness. I am thankful that the Lord designed us for seasons, and that He’s constantly at work in us and for us — whether we realize it or not. So, I am closing the book on 2012 with a grateful heart. Lessons learned and ready to embrace what’s coming in 2013. Thankful that He uses even (or especially) the hard and confusing things to prepare us and work good for what’s to come.
Whether this year has been one of plenty, blessing, and abundance, or one of pain, difficulty, and confusion, rest in the truth that He is. (In Greek it’s Ego Eimi). I AM. He’s got this and He’s got you. Right in the center of His sight & His hand. He won’t be surprised by anything that comes along with 2013. He’s busy making something way bigger and better than we can see. For our good. And His glory.
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
I really love getting happy mail from Birchbox every month. If you are unfamiliar with Birchbox, you can check them out here. This is how the subscription works: Each month, you receive a box filled with samples of high-end beauty and lifestyle products. You can subscribe for a whole year, or just try it out month-to-month. The boxes are $10/month & it’s always a fun surprise to see what’s inside! Once you get your Birchbox in the mail, you can sign in online for a list of the products you received, more information, videos on how to use the products, as well as the option to purchase them with free shipping during that month. With each product in your box, you also have the option to submit feedback and receive 10 points. 100 points are worth $10 for future redemption in the Birchbox shop on any product they carry or promote. Pretty neat! (And, if you save up your points, you could get your favorite item free. This month, I used my points to purchase a 3 month gift subscription for a friend!) Also, for each friend you refer to Birchbox, you will be rewarded with 50 free points! For more information, or to subscribe click here.
Here’s a look at what was inside my December Birchbox:
Juicy Couture | Juicy Couture: It’s always fun to get a fragrance in your Birchbox. I really do like this one too. It’s not too overpowering and it’s something appropriate for day or night. It’s very feminine with combined notes of watermelon, passion fruit, mandarin, marigold, and green apple with undertones of rose, vanilla, and caramel. The full-size 3.4 oz bottle sells for $90. While I do love the scent, I’m not sure if I would love it enough to commit to a $90 Â investment. (I guess I’m just not much of a perfume girl.)
Number 4 | Clarifying Shampoo: This is a great shampoo to restore health and shine to your hair after a week of product build-up and styling stress. You may use it as a weekly clarifying shampoo, but it is also safe to use every day. It will cleanse your hair and give it a “fresh start” without stripping your hair of moisture and essential oils. The full-size product retails for $32.
Frownies | Eye Gels: Ok, this one might just be my favorite! I have no way to tell if it actually “works,” but who cares! It feels amazing. Here’s the scoop. The ingredients of these under-eye gel patches are said to reduce puffiness and dark circles, increase radiance, slow aging, all while working to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. The eye gels are curved to fit underneath and beside your eyes. They are to be worn for 30 minutes at a time, and they can also be rehydrated an refrigerated for up to three uses. It is recommended to wear these for three consecutive days to begin, and then repeat weekly. These are almost as good as that gel mask my grandma used to refrigerate and wear before bed (anyone?). I have really enjoyed these as a way to relax before bed. A set of three sells for $29.95, which isn’t bad considering the gels can be used up to three times before discarding. So, the set should last you about seven weeks if you wear them as recommended.
So, there you have it – my December Birchbox! I hope you’ll subscribe and let me know what goodies are in your box! Happy sampling!
I think we ALL knew it was time for a design change around here about four years ago. (Ok, Â I’m exaggerating a little…but not much.) If you don’t know or can’t remember what the old site looked like, count yourself blessed. It was just a standard fill-in-the-blanks WordPress theme with a whole lot ‘o mess.
Several months ago, my (IT nerd) husband encouraged me that I could redesign my own site. Now, any of you familiar with what is involved in WordPress theme design knows that this was a laughable dream. But, he bought me a stack of books on HTML, CSS, PHP, and Photoshop and I got to reading. And this is what I came up with. (I say “I,” but you should know that William helped me a lot.) It is not perfect, and I will change it again someday, but it does do a much better job of communicating my personality and complementing my vision and voice for this slice of internet. I hope you enjoy it, and find it easier to read and navigate.
The Lord brought the words of Psalm 40:5 to me as I was beginning to form a vision for this site. This verse has been so true in each season of life I have lived. It says: “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.” That’s what I want to attempt here – declare the wonders He has done. What’s He done in my life; through His word; in His people. It will not even scratch the surface of what He’s planned for us, nor the depth of His character. But for as long as He gives me words, that’s what I want to do with them. Hence, the tagline you’ll be seeing around here: recounting the wonders.
Please make yourself at home. You are most welcome here. Pour a cup of coffee and stay a while.
Well, it finally made it to me! Birchbox shipments were delayed due to Sandy and today, I got my November box! I had heard good things about this one so I was excited to get it. Here’s what was inside:
J.R. Watkins | Hand & Cuticle Salve: I actually used to have this product when I was a teenager. I remember not liking the texture of it then. Way too greasy. But it was fun to try it out again. It’s still the same as I remember, but I enjoy it much better now. As long as you remember to use it sparingly, it really is a great product. Perhaps as a teenager my hands were not as worn or quite so busy as they are now. This is a great moisturizer. I prefer to use it nightly before bed. I’m not sure this sample will spur me to buy another, but I will definitely enjoy using every last bit of what Birchbox sent me. The full-sized product is priced at $8.99. Not bad at all.
 ModelCo | SHINE Ultra Lip Gloss: I am pretty sure I received a full-size (or nearly full-size) product in my sample box. The tube of this lip gloss is neat because it has a mirror on one side, which makes it easy to put on wherever you are! The color is pretty and I like how it feels while you’re wearing it. The only thing I’m not crazy about is the scent. It has a fruity scent, which makes me flash back to my first ever lip gloss. Other than that (which is entirely subjective), this is a really good gloss. The product sells for &16. Not terrible, but if I was going to spend $16 on lip gloss, I’d stick with my Mary Kay.
Sumita | Color Contrast Eyeliner: Ok, I really loved this eyeliner. It is a soft wax formula that is effortless to apply and lasts all day. It is perfect for the delicate skin around your eye. The liner also contains glycerin to protect against irritation. The available colors are lime green and classic black. Of course, Birchbox sent me lime green. I did try on the eyeliner, and I did fall in love with it, but not the color! I’m going to have to get some black. The full-sized eyeliner is only $11. Well worth it.
 Curly Hair Solutions | Curl Keeper: I love the idea behind this one. Apparently so do a lot of other women because it is currently out of stock on Birchbox. So, what’s the worst thing about using a gel to style your curls? The crunchy, wet look that you’re left with and that awful sticky residue. Well, now there’s a product that will define your curls without leaving them stiff or frizzy. Full-size: $10. Can’t go wrong there.
Chuao Chocolatier | Assorted ChocoPod: This one is a Birchbox Lifestyle Extra added to the box for fun. This yummy chocolate comes in seven different exotic flavor combinations. The one in my box was Honeycomb, described this way on the package: “luscious amber honey, caramelized into crisp bits and enrobed in dark chocolate.” (…and only 50 calories…) This thing really was fantastic! I savored each bite! Now, some of the other flavors seem kind of “out there,” but if they are anything like this one, don’t be intimidated by the names or descriptions. $7.95 for the assortment. Not bad and a really great idea to add this to a gift for someone special. Once again, I must not be the only one who loves these because they too are currently out of stock on Birchbox.
So, there you have it. Overall, I was extremely pleased with this box. Everything in the box was very reasonably priced too.
If you are unfamiliar with Birchbox, you can check them out here. This is how the subscription works: Each month, you receive a box filled with samples of high-end beauty and lifestyle products. You can subscribe for a whole year, or just try it out month-to-month. The boxes are $10/month & it’s always a fun surprise to see what’s inside! Once you get your Birchbox in the mail, you can sign in online for a list of the products you received, more information, videos on how to use the products, as well as the option to purchase them with free shipping during that month. With each product in your box, you also have the option to submit feedback and receive 10 points. 100 points are worth $10 for future redemption in the Birchbox shop on any product they carry or promote. Pretty neat! (And, if you save up your points, you could get your favorite item free!) Also, for each friend you refer to Birchbox, you will be rewarded with 50 free points! For more information, or to subscribe click here.
Hello ladies! It’s time for the August Birchbox review. I absolutely love getting these boxes and reviewing the products! If you are not familiar with Birchbox, you can check them out here. Here’s how the subscription works: Each month, you receive a box filled with samples of high-end beauty and lifestyle products. You can subscribe for a whole year, or just try it out month-to-month. The boxes are $10/month & it’s always a fun surprise to see what’s inside! Once you get your Birchbox in the mail, you can sign in online for a list of the products you received, more information, videos on how to use the products, as well as the option to purchase them with free shipping during that month. With each product in your box, you also have the option to submit feedback and receive 10 points. 100 points are worth $10 for future redemption in the Birchbox shop on any product they carry or promote. Pretty neat! (And, if you save up your points, you could get your favorite item free!) Also, for each friend you refer to Birchbox, you will be rewarded with 50 free points! For more information, or to subscribe click here.
Here’s what came in my box this month. As much as I adore Birchbox, this month was slightly disappointing compared to the boxes I’ve received in the past. But…it was still a lot of fun. 🙂
Schick | Hydro Silk Razor: The latest Birchbox Find. It’s added to your normal box as a special find intended to benefit your daily beauty routine. It’s affordable, and is supposed to help make your life happier and easier. I loved the razor. It wasn’t much different from what I normally use. It delivers a smooth, close shave and does a good job keeping your skin moisturized for several hours after you shave. The moisturizing serum was my favorite part about this razor. I’m still using it – so I must like it 😉 It retails for $9.99 and you can pick it up pretty much anywhere.
Yu-Be | Moisturizing Skin Cream: This is a skin cream that has stood the test of time. It’s been around over 50 years and is meant to add much-needed moisture to your troubled areas (chapped lips, elbows, heels, cuticles, etc.). It works great and is very gentle. Definitely does what it says it does and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. The full-size product retails for $16. Great find.
Juicy Couture | Viva la Juicy La Fleur: LOVE this fragrance. And apparently so do a lot of other people since it’s currently backordered on Birchbox. Layered with of the original version of the scent’s fruity notes are hints of honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine. It is a great sheer perfume that has quickly become one of my favorites. The full-sized product comes in a glass keepsake bottle with a pink ribbon and retails for $70.
Pixi | Beauty Lip & Line: I was impressed that Birchbox included a full-size product in the box. Good job, guys! Always love a bigger sample! I really liked the shade they sent too and love wearing it. On one end, you have a waterproof lip liner, and on the other, you have your coordinating lipstick. The product retails for $16, which I think it a bit of a joke since you can find this at Target for around $5. But, it is great and I’m glad it was included in the box.
Last, but not least, I have a confession. I have not actually tried the last product in the box yet, but I have a feeling I will love it. It’s Miss Jessie’s | Original Stretch Silkening Creme. In Birchbox’s own words:
“The curly-hair experts at Miss Jessie’s® continue to impress us with their problem-solving, hair-maximizing products. Their latest formula helps curls look their best by adding volume while boosting shine. It loosens and lengthens tightly wound curls without weighing hair down. It’s great for the full spectrum of curly textures, from kinky coils to tight ringlets. This curl-enhancing cream stretches out each follicle for looser curls while adding volume and shine. Hydrolyzed wheat proteins and wheat amino acids fortify hair, while a team of moisturizing oils including coconut, jojoba, avocado, and olive add silkiness and softness.”
Sounds like a winner, but I’ll have to let you know once I try it.
