Okay, so after so many months of going back and forth on being an Artist for Maskcara, I decided to do it. I promise I won't be spamming you with things, but I will try to just link the colors that I use on me or others in blog posts or the occasional deal on my Instagram Stories! I say occasional, because I am not a huge fan of selling things. I like to just do my thing and not be tied down to one product, but since I've been using this for so long and talk about it anyway, I figured it wasn't a crazy idea! If you are wondering what is in the "Pro-Kit," here we are! I go through it in the video below, and the items are listed below the video in this post. I filmed it a couple of days before Christmas, so it was kind of like an early Christmas since who doesn't like getting new makeup!? Haha! Hope you had a great Christmas with Family and Friends!<3
Today on my Instagram stories, Tom was saying that my shirt looked like I belong on a ship! Haha. He was cracking me up. I can't even do it justice here, but I decided I liked the shirt, so it stayed on. Haaha! A few of you were asking about it, so HERE is the link. I would size UP. The bust runs a little tight. I'm in a medium and it fits well in the sleeves and lengthwise, but I would have gone to a large if I knew! Haha. I went straight from being outside in the SNOW to taking some pics! There is snow for Christmas in the Beehive State! Happy Christmas Eve Eve!
Today, my sweet 19 month old was sad in her crib. Sometimes when I know she’ll go back to sleep, I’ll let her stay in and wait it out. But today, I decided to get her out and snuggle. I sat her on the couch, felt her soft face, swept her sticky hair over her ear, told her stories, and talked to her about things that matter to her.
Then I realized: When is the last time we looked our children in the face? Not just saw, but presently looked. No distractions, nothing except gentle whispers, smiles, and studying the curves of their cheeks, the pout of their lips, and the magic in their eyes? Remembering special moments you’ve had. Remembering the pregnancy or the process it took for them to be sitting in front of you.
How easy is it to get SO busy, SO caught up in things that need to be “done” that we forget how rejuvenating it is to reconnect with our special and most important connections in Motherhood. Or even further—become frustrated and fall out of love with something we had wanted for so long. Or just become tired. Aren't all moms at least a little bit tired?
As kids grow and begin to walk, run, and play, it takes more thought to stop them, scoop them up in our arms, and sit in stillness. It fills your soul, and it infuses gratitude and a sacred feeling of love and stewardship over these tiny humans.
I hesitate to ever sounding “preachy,” but want to say: If you haven’t done this recently, do. I promise you’ll fall in love all over again.<3
Our fifth Baby's B l e s s i n g D a y was on Sunday.💕 The sweetest blessing for such a sweet baby. Grateful for @tdptom and this little nugget. Also so grateful that she is here, healthy, and for the good-natured and beautiful Spirit that she brings into our home!
XO
Sarah
Also! I linked the outfits below! So sorry I was slow to get back about it on Instagram, I posted the link in my stories the next day, but I don't generally do outfit details or products on Sundays, so I try to post them afterwards!:) You guys are awesome, and I'm genuinely flattered any time you like something that I have on! Haha!:)<3
I don't usually love using a lot of full coverage makeup, because it feels like a lot, can be a lot of work, and covers many of the natural features of your face. BUT, this month, I've been ALL about it, because: POSTPARTUM ACNE. {Insert wide eyed emoji.}
I had one of you sweet Mamas ask if it was a good makeup for full coverage, and I hadn't tried it up to that point. Now, I think I've figured out how to do it in a way that works for me!:) I hope this helps if you feel like you could use a little bit of extra coverage!
XO
Sarah
Hair product mentioned in video: HERE
Maskcara Makeup: HERE
*EDIT: Okay, guys. I finally decided to just sign up and get a link since I use this and talk about it a lot! Haha! My website is HERE, and the shades I used in the video are: Amber (Highlight,) Olive (Contour,) Rose Gold (Illuminator,) and Nude (Blush!)
Okay, here we go! A shmorgusboard {<---is there even a way to spell that!? Haha!} of manly gifts. Currently hoping my hubby does not read this, since it shows pretty much has everything that he will find in his stocking or wrapped up with his name on it! Hahaha! {The suitcases are for both of us!} Anyway, I know sometimes men can be tricky to shop for, so if you're still looking for some last minute gifts ideas, here we go! Our Anniversary and Christmas are the same week, so I kind of do all of it together, if we even do Anniversary Gifts! Haha. I have been so pregnant and presents were way far in the back of my one-track nauseous mind!;)
Also, the pictures should be clickable and take you right to the product! Also, I got him a custom tie from 21 Rhinos with a picture of us on the back! You can use the code TheDaintyPear for a discount! They ship super quickly, but if you're planning on one of those for Christmas, I would do it now ASAP!:)
I want to teach my children that nobody is perfect. Kindness in all things. That our flaws may be someone else's strength, and our strengths someone else's struggle. "Judge not lest ye be judged." That each and every person has great worth in our eyes, but more importantly in the eyes of God. That there is no time to judging if we are constantly loving. I try to apply the following quote by Pres. Uchtdorf daily, and I'm grateful that it comes pretty second nature: "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you." That includes loving and not judging because of someone is of a different opinion, background, race, religion, political affiliation, or orientation.
Throughout Middle School and High School, I didn't really have one group of friends that I hung out with on a regular basis. That meant that I spent lots of weekends with different people or at home. Sometimes at that age, it was lonely not having a "clique," but I learned early on that it was important to me to have friends of all backgrounds, even if I just saw them at school. I traveled the world with my family growing up, and seeing the sides of the world that weren't perfect or easy shaped my perspective. I'm grateful for everyone. The diversity of all people in the world is what makes each place uniquely beautiful. Here's the other thing: Your parenting decisions are nobody's to judge. If we are loving our kids and giving them a safe environment where they can thrive--it doesn't matter if you decide to have 1 child or 10. If you feed them sugar or not. If you breastfeed or not. If you cloth diaper or use disposables. Those aren't the important things. The small moments with our children where they feel loved, needed, and cherished are.
I find great comfort in knowing that I'm NOT the judge. Everyone will get to relay and explain the things the decisions they have made to the actual judge. That takes any pressure off of us, and gives us full permission to love. In fact, isn't that the first and great commandment? "Love one another."
Love you, friends, and hope you feel safe here!<3
XO
Sarah
Pregnancy Nostalgia. I can't be the only one who gets it. Right? RIGHT!? Hahaha. It's so funny how we can go through so much during that year of the pregnancy and postpartum period, but somehow many would still do it all over again. #WorthIt.
Of course, I'm always always always thinking about you Mamas who struggle to get pregnant or are awaiting a baby through adoption or another means, and I know I've said it and said it again, but you are ALWAYS in our prayers. Many pleading and tearful prayers on your behalf. My heart is tender towards you, which almost actually prevented me from posting this. However, I know there are also so many who have been and who go through the real process of the positives and woes of pregnancy and postpartum, and I pray that those struggling will one day experience a beautifully exhausting pregnancy or find a little one in your arms in some other way. Love to all of you, and please tell me if you can relate!;)
