In My Beauty Bag this week......

Eyeshadow on your lower lids...ever tried it?

I know what you might be thinking. Eyeshadow goes on your upper eyelid. Lets rock the make-up bag a bit and make all of our products work for us. There are two ways you could do this...eyeshadow as your eyeliner or eyeshadow over your eyeliner.

1.If you decide to use eyeshadow as your eyeliner choose a color combo that suits your coloring and use the darkest shade it has. Use a small-headed shadow brush at the base of your lower lid and swoop from the corner of your eye inward. This is such a fabulous alternative to pencil or liquid liner which can make your eyes look smaller and closed.

2. In addition to using liner, layer an eyeshadow on top for a kohl-rimmed smudged effect definitely gives you that one-two punch and its completely fool proof. "Rough" line your eyes...don't be obsessed with a perfect line...we will buff it out with a brush and shadow. With a small-headed shadow brush or a smudge applicator brush begin at the outer corner and work your way inward. The concentration of color should always be wherever you want to emphasize. In this case, starting on the outer corner and working in will help your eyes to appear larger and open even though you are lining your complete lid.

Finish with a lighter shimmer on the inner corner of your eyes to really open them up...kind of channeling Bambi with big doe eyes...that's the point ;)

My favorites....

MAC Eyeliner in "Teddy"

Physicians Formula Baked Wet/Dry Shadow

I go for the coffee version of the smoky eye...its a little more on the natural side.

Happy Thursday!

Mama Dips....

Paula Deen has to have a sister in Chapel Hill by the name of Mama Dip. I must say, she gives Fred's Farmer's Market a run for their money if there ever was such a thing. I thoroughly enjoyed my vegetable plate that a vegetarian would dare not touch...vegetables aren't vegetables unless cooked with bacon right?? Daniel raved over the chicken and gravy and mac n'cheese. I think it might be our new favorite spot. Afterwards of course I came home to try to redeem myself for the "home cooking" we had partaken in and looked up a plethora of organic/healthy/low-fat recipes to put on the menu for the week....

I am soooo obsessed with weelicious.com....pop over and check her out. Now, some of her recipes cater to, say, the infant and three year old in your life ;) However, a lot of her stuff is absolutely fabulous....the Balsamic Chicken, lime and maple syrup sweet potatoes, and skirt steak fajitas. Easy to make, healthy, and absolutely delicious....I think my fitness geek brother would approve ;) You can even add recipes to your online Recipe Box, I love when people make it so easy!

Adding to my beauty bag tomorrow....I am so excited ;)

Worn out...yet my hope is in your Word

The Hebrew letter Kaf (or Kaph)

Psalm 119

The literal meaning of the letter Kaf is "palm." I love this....the palm is the place in the body where potential is actualized. Think of all the work you do with your hands each day. From the moment you wake up, to second you drift off to sleep, our hands are constantly in motion or they are idle. Momma always said, "Idle hands are the devil's handy work." It is so true...and FYI...that's a country song, just in case you were wondering ;). Today I started to think about all that my hands do and don't do. The work that they set out to accomplish each day, is it work to better the Kingdom or is it just busy work? Do I wake up each morning focused on today's work? Or, do I wake up and miss out on today's work because I am too busy focusing on tomorrow's? For me its the latter. I often get too concerned with what God is going to do tomorrow or the next day or next year that I miss out on what He is doing today. There is definitely a balance of living for today and preparing for where God is sending us tomorrow, however, that balance is sometimes hard to find. Each day, my prayer is that I will seek to serve the least of these, to love the unlovely, to be obedient and faithful even when I am physically exhausted, to surrender these hands that I have to the Father to use as He may choose. Regardless of how our society measures success, we must hold onto and treasure the simple truth that we are here to be His hands and feet and in His eyes that is true success.

On the other "hand" of Kaf........Kaf is also the root of the word kipah. In English kipah translates into cap. Therefore, it is said "You have placed your Palm over me," meaning God's hand is over your head. I like to view His palm as an umbrella. When you are walking in the rain with an umbrella you are protected from the effects of weather around you. Now, using an umbrella implies an action, a choice, and choosing to follow God is the same. We must actively seek Him and the more we seek Him, the more we find Him....I love that. Picture it.....the maker of the Universe, the One who created the oceans and skies, the mountains and desserts, every creature and human being...He has His palm over your life. I love to visualize that....it takes me back to Sunday School as a 5 year old and singing "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands", except this time, His hand is over you, like an umbrella, shielding, guiding, and protecting. What an amazing God we serve that He would care enough to shield and protect the least of these... the filthy, the dirty, the weak. Someone just like me.

Its Summer Time!!!! (okay...Spring...but we are getting close!)

Spring time in North Carolina is breathtaking. The blossoming trees, green shrubbery, and "pleasantville" temperature all make for an incredible picture perfect movie scene. It is honestly my favorite time of year...even in Florida ;) It is also the window in which I can see summer....my MOST favorite time of year. The amount of make-up lessens, bright nail polish comes out and everyone's relaxed vibe takes me right back to a Kenny Chesney song...there is nothing like it!

In my MakeUp bag....

I have racked up on a few of my favorite items this past week. For a gal on a budget I've learned whats important and whats not ;) I am as white as a ghost so sunless tanner is the most important thing when it comes to wearing fun summer dresses and tank tops. This chick burns like there is no tomorrow.

Tan Towels are AMAZING! Use in circular motion and concentrate on even coverage and you will have NO STREAKS! The color is fab and never orange. If you want to be darker you simply use a towel a day until you have reached your desired tone. Be sure to gently exfoliate skin before hand. I use just one to preserve and only cover the major areas; arms, shoulders, decolletage, and legs. It makes your product last longer therefore getting more bang for you buck! Stay away from DOVE products while using sunless tanner. They contain mineral oil and other ingredients that eat away at the DHA found in sunless tanners that actually provides the change in pigment. Wash your hands right after and you are good to go! No standing around waiting for it to dry...you are ready in less than 3 minutes!

Right now...my favorite mascara. I love the black-brown tone and it layers so well. Swivel the brush at the base of your lashes and work through with the same movement as you coat the entire lash. Do your next eye and then return to your first eye and repeat. Two coats provides amazing volume without looking spiderish...so wonderful! Even if I don't wear make-up for the day I never leave the house without mascara. L'Oreal sells most of their mascaras in packs of two...perfect for keeping one in your purse or carry all.

OPI D.C. Cherry Blossom...so not a new color...but my go to right now. It is perfectly fuchsia. Cherry-Pink that is politically correct...not that I am too concerned with being p.c. these days ;) It doesn't turn coral and has no hint of red. I call it Betsey Johnson Pink....I swear she should have her own line of OPI colors...it would be AMAZING! Just a trick I learned from my sister-in-law's manicurist...Apply a base coat and a top coat before you apply your nail color. It helps to prevent chipping. Apply 2 coats and follow again with your top coat. I am not sure exactly why it works so well, but girl it works!

Cool=Coral

Add a little freshness to your make-up palette. Coral is the color! If you are fair skinned stick with a sheer, light coral for your lips and cheeks. If you are medium toned- coral with a pink base will suit you the best. If you have a dark complexion, bright coral will make your features pop. Remember, less is more!

Summer is just around the corner, the bronzer is back! You can break it out! Use a large powder brush and create a C shape from your cheek bone to the outer corner of your brow line. Just a light dusting is perfect to work it back into your spring make-up wardrobe. Add a coat of mascara and a little lip-gloss and call it a day!

You are beautiful, make-up or not! You are loved and prayed for!

Kisses.

KB

Spring Time....thank you LORD!

Its spring. Thats all I can say. The two sweetest words I have ever heard from the weather dude's mouth. I am certainly a huge fan of all the spring fashions and have a deep love for flowy dresses, cardigans, and adorable flats. Its also a great time to get rid of your old make-up and products and start fresh. There is nothing like swooping on a fresh new wand of mascara ;) and cleaning those make-up brushes you've used alllll winter....ooops!

In my make-up bag this week....

Glides on. Looks great in pictures (I actually used it for MJ's wedding), and for all of you sensitive skin gals (thats me) it is oil free! Yay!! Apply it with a sponge or a foundation brush for more coverage. Avoid using your fingers to apply foundation please ;) Set it with CoverGirl Mineral Veil...which has been my go to product the last few weeks. Love these...they are soooo budget friendly!!

To clean make-up brushes...which by the way should be done a couple of times a week not every season...I'm preaching to the choir on this one. I figure if I only use them on myself whats the harm?? They're my germs. Wrong! The oil and make-up build up can cause breakouts and effect the way your make-up glides on the skin.

To clean your make-up brushes....

Use warm water and a mild anti-bacterial soap. Cup your hand under the running water and swirl your brush into the water and soap mixture. Repeat until the run-off is clear. Rinse and air-dry. A decent set of make-up brushes should last you if you take proper care of them.

Happy Spring!

From Paul Mitchell to Aveda...

Well...its no secret. I am officially property of Aveda now. I say this with a joyful spirit and maybe a little apprehension. After four years of living and breathing Paul Mitchell, from their color line to products to customer culture...I have gone to the world of pure plant based products and red pigment derived from Uruku instead of boiled beetles. Happy...yes! Crazy??? Maybe slightly. I started two weeks ago as an Aveda Institute Instructor. I will intern for license purposes and after meeting North Carolina's requirements I will be on my own!

I am still a lover of all products. You know that show about hoarders??? The one where people who are beyond being pack rats turn their lives and homes over to a professional organizer and a therapist? Okay...I don't hoard big stuff. I hoard products. If its on the market I've tried it or I've got a friend trying it. If I don't like it, I wait a week and give it one more chance before it gets chucked. I've tried so many products over the years that I have lost track. I will not, must not, forget any longer...and for the hair challenged of the world, this blog is for you ;)

In my Hair Bag this week.....

Paul Mitchell Worked Up Working Hair Spray

Love.Love.Love. Never too heavy. Great for creating curls with your flat iron. Fabulous for a messy up do. Makes your hair pliable yet gives you light hold without being sticky or freezing. Your hair still moves when you walk...an absolute must. Personally, I wear my hair up all of the time. Messy french twists, side chignons, wanna be Audry Hepburn style complete with the "bump." If my hair is clean, its too silky and won't do a darn thing. I am a dirty hair gal ;) If I've got clean hair Worked Up makes my hair dreams come true!

Big Sexy Hair- Back Comb in a Bottle

Want the bump without the "bump-it"? Avoid the Snooky look and let the bottle do the work for you. Big Hair is in if done right. Remember you aren't on a runway you're in reality, so unless you are playing dress up with your five year old, less is more. A little bit of Big Sexy Hair in the crown area is just enough to take your flat lifeless locks to voluptuous diva. Great for a night out with your sweet man.

Flower Bobby Pins from Forever 21

I don't know what I did before these!?! I have them in every color. I love that they add personality and a "vintage-esq" feel to any outfit. Put them in your up do. Use them to hold your bangs back. Attach them to your pony-tail holder. On the light side of your part, pin the hair back behind your ear. Quick and easy. No fuss. Just what I love. At $3 they are a fab addition to any accessory wardrobe.