Just Say Yes

-Jan 2014-
Hey y'all! I know I haven't blogged in a while but I got inspired tonight so lets get crack-a-lackin! Y'all might not know this about me, but I consider myself to be a strong Christian. (Strong for someone my age, at least.) Recently I have been struggling with my college major, and whether I want to switch or not. (I'm currently Elementary Ed.) I have considered Nutrition, (after talking with the department decided against it), and International Studies. I realized during this process that I was running from God. Since I was six years old, I have had the travel bug. I am always up to see new places and go out and see the world. If there is a mission trip at my church, you can bet your buttons I am one of the first people at the table looking at the information. I have known since I was six that God is intending for me to be a missionary. That however scares the living poop out of me, and from the moment when I realized that onwards, I have been running from God. I said "No, no no no no. That can't be for me! I'm just some average girl from the suburbs of North Carolina! I can't change the world!" But God said oh yes I can. Since I was six, I have told myself that missions are not for me, and God has something else for me. So I wanted to be a vet, mail woman, teacher, interior decorator, and everything in between. Until now, when I decided to change my major and I couldn't figure out what to. After many tears, anxious nights, and bible verses laters, I finally surrendered everything and accepted the fact that I'm supposed to be a missionary. God will provide, and it will all work out. He's got me. I just have to take a leap of faith and trust that he will be there to catch me when I fall.

-Fall 2014-
So, I've had this post saved in my drafts for a while because I haven't felt ready to post it. A few days after I wrote the above paragraph, I changed my major to International Studies and History. Changing my major based on what I think God might want me to do is possibly one of the scariest things I have ever done. But now that I've actually taken that leap of faith and done what God has asked me to do, I couldn't be happier. I know that this is where I am supposed to be, and what I am supposed to be doing. I have met people that I know are going to change my life for the better, and I wouldn't have met them if I hadn't of listened to what God said and taken that leap of faith. If you feel like God is telling you to do something, whether that is talking to someone or going on a mission trip,  I highly suggest you do it. Even if it may seem crazy, or like it'll never work out- trust that God will provide. He seriously does amazing things and I can tell you from personal experience that He can change your life for the better, if you just say yes. 

Attempting the Healthy Life

Happy New Years, y'all! (I know I'm a few weeks late but lets move past that.) Most people around New Years decide to have resolutions for things they want to change this year. My resolutions are to work out at least twice a week, and start eating healthier. I decided to start that once I got back to school two weeks ago. I quickly realized once I was in my room for a few days that I did not have a ton of food to snack on. I made an impromptu Walmart run with one of my friends, and was on a mission to get healthier snacks. Last semester I was eating tons of junk food, and this semester I'm planning on being mega healthy. Once we had successfully made our way around "the mall" (our small towns nickname for Walmart) my journey to eat cleaner had begun. I had purchased a few tins of almonds, cashews, granola cereal, and water bottles. So far, I have eaten clearly healthier foods (eg. no fast food, desserts, or soda) and have felt immensely better. I have more energy during the day, sleep better at night, and my skin has gotten much healthier. On the days I work out, I feel so much better about myself, physically and emotionally. I feel more productive. Working out makes me feel like I did something with my day, and makes me want to work out more and get fitter.

I encourage all of you to continue your New Years Resolutions, whatever they may be. If you need motivation, think about how happy you will feel once you've done it- one step closer to your goal. Imagine the sweet relief of finally accomplishing a New Years resolution, and seeing the stunned faces of everyone who said you couldn't do it. And remember, we're in this together- I'm attempting my healthier lifestyle! Whatever you decide to do - resolution or not - you can do it, you got this.

Favorite DIY Pinterest Pins

Hey y'all! I love social media. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest; I have it all. By far one of my favorite sites is Pinterest. I am an avid pinner, especially when it comes to DIY pins. I love any new idea that could potentially make my skin, body, health, etc. be better. I have tried enough of my DIY pins (some turned out better than others) to discover my favorites. Some pins have truly changed my life (cliche as it sounds, it's true). I thought I would share some of my favorites!

101 Best Tips For Clear Skin: 
Exactly what the title says, 101 tips to getting, and maintaining clear skin. Some tips are basic ones most people would know, and others are ones you wouldn't expect. It's a good reference whenever you need to add a little pizazz to your face routine.

How To Tightline Eyes:
Tightlining my eyes is one of my favorite makeup tips I have picked up from Pinterest. It makes your eyes look fuller, and it totally looks natural. Love it.

Amazing Way To Take Off Nail Polish:
Okay, when I first tried this pin, I was skeptical. Until I actually saw it work before my eyes did I realize that I would never go back to taking my nail polish off any other way. Since I have used this method, I haven't gone back. I only use one cotton ball (most of the time less than that), to take off my nail polish. If you only try one of the pins I suggest, this is the one. This is one of my life changing pins. It's great y'all, I promise.

Random Beauty Tips:
Different Beauty Tips every girl should know.

Uses For Banana Peels:
There are seriously so many uses for banana peels, y'all. These are just a few of the best.

Acne Scars Be-Gone Face Mask:
No one likes acne, let alone acne scars. This mask is wonderful for helping get rid of acne scars, and even if you don't have acne scars, for refreshing your skin. Your skin will be extremely soft afterwards. I love this mask so much, I made my mom do it with me the second time. Even she liked it! If my mom likes it, you know it's good.

DIY Frap Recipes:
If you are like me, then you like your Starbucks. No matter how much I like Starbucks, I do not like the prices. (Especially a poor college girl like myself.) These DIY Frap recipes are easy, and taste just like the real thing. A+.

5 Makeup Artist Tricks To Steal:
Once again, a life changing pin. It's pins like these that make me glad the internet exists so I can learn the tricks of the trade.

The Right Way to Wash Your Face:
I didn't think there was a "right way" to wash your face, but apparently there is. Ever since I have been washing my face this way, I have seen vast improvements in my skin's overall health. It's a winner.

The Best Way To Apply Mascara:
Not a day goes by that I do not wear mascara. This is by far the best way to apply mascara; it makes your eyelashes look longer and fuller.

How To Look Good Without Makeup:
Who doesn't want to look good without makeup? Follow these steps to be well on your way.

So as y'all can probably tell, I like my Pinterest. These are a few of the pins that I have tried and enjoyed They are all fantastic, so feel free to try any of them you think might be good for you. I hope this has helped! Have a lovely day. :-)

-Liz

(Feel free to follow my Pinterest here.)

Makeup products I have been loving

Hey y'all! Since I am a girl, I do wear makeup the majority of the time. Over the years, I have come to know and love a few products. They are great and make the whole "natural makeup" look a reality. (I hate looking like I'm caking it on, but I want to look decent at the same time, ya know? Natural makeup is where it's at, for me at least.) Here are some of my favorite products! (I am in no way affiliated with any of these companies or anything, I just like their products!)

Foundation-
Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse Foundation
This stuff is literally the best. I cannot get over how great it is! When you put it on, it blends right in with your skin. It lasts all day long, and keeps the finished look that it had right after you put it on. And it's not too expensive either! It's a dream. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a new foundation!

Powder-
The only powder I use, and probably will ever use is the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. If I am having a good skin day and don't need to wear foundation, I just pop on some concealer under my eyes and put the powder on and am good to go! (For my face at least...) It just adds that extra touch that you need in the mornings sometimes. It is a great powder, and as the name says, you stay matte. It's perfect for people who don't want to spend a ton of money on a high end product; you can buy it for 6$ (I think??) and it's good quality. Who doesn't love great quality at a good price, am I right?

Mascara-
It might be just me, but I cannot go a day without wearing mascara. I feel naked without it. It is my security blanket of the makeup world. One of the mascaras I had been hearing a ton of great things about was the Maybelline Rocket Volum' Express Mascara. So as the makeup lover that I am, had to try it. Boy did I fall in love. If you wear a solid amount you will most likely have a strong eyelash game everyday, and who doesn't want that? It's good stuff y'all.

Lips-
I don't know about you, but my lips are always chapped, especially during the winter. (Probably because I live in the cold mountains.) One of the things that is always hard for me is finding good quality lip balm that I will not lose. (You deserve an award if you can get through a tube of chap stick without losing it.) My sister recently told me about a lip balm that moisturizes your skin wonderfully, and doubles as a hand/body lotion. (Multi-use is perfect for me, since I hate carrying around more that I have to.) The packaging is able to be composted, and the actual product is organic. It's great stuff y'all.  Skin Fare lotion sticks are the only lip balms, and hand lotions I've been using now a days, and I couldn't be happier.

Okay so I know I don't have favorite products for every single makeup category, but I don't have a favorite for those yet, and when I do I'll share my thoughts with y'all. I would love to hear any suggestions you guys might have, so please leave them in the comments below! I am in no way a makeup expert or reviewer. These are just my opinions about products I have tried and loved. If you end up taking my advice to try these products, and hate them, that's fine! You are in no way obligated to love them like I love them. These are just my thoughts. Anyways, I hope you have a lovely day! :-)

-Liz

Travel.

I want to travel.
Everywhere.
All over the US, Canada, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. I literally want to go everywhere and see everything. I want to experience a little bit of everything this world has to offer. I mean God made this earth for us to see and explore, so why stay in one little section of the world your whole life?

Growing up, my family took a big road trip about every other year. I've driven up and down the East Coast multiple times, as far north as Canada and as far south as Florida. We've also gone to the midwest, Texas and California. (But we flew to the last two, driving would have been crazy.) I loved traveling with my family. When we drove, I would look outside of the window and watch the world go by. I didn't want to miss anything. When we flew, I would still look out the window and watch the world go by. I loved seeing the ground beneath me change before my eyes. Then when you got off of the plane it was like you were in a whole new world! So many opportunities and things to do. It was all yours for the taking.

That's what I want to do with my life; travel.
See things.
Experience the world God gave us to enjoy. Share his word with people, and somewhere along the way change some lives.

I have this urgency, this need to go to different places and just live. To become a local for a few weeks. See what other people see on a regular basis. Experience the culture in the best way possible. I've been talking about experiencing things when you travel. I want to live life to the fullest, and one of the best ways to do that is to get out there and see the world. Whether it's a new city an hour away from your hometown, or a country on the other side of the world, go see it. Go to a local shop, bakery, museum, something and just see it. Get out of your comfort zone and enrich your life. Take in that culture. Let it become a part of you.

Man, if I could get paid to live out of a suitcase and see the world I would do it in a heartbeat. But nah, God's got other plans for me. And that's okay. I can still travel and let God use me in the best way possible. He has a plan for all of us, and it's all going to work out in the end.

-Liz

Introduction attempts?

Hello! My name is Liz and this is my blog. Hi.

I'm a tall awkward teenage girl trying to make her way through college in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. I like coffee,  tea, Jesus, animals, Pinterest and bands. Friends and family are pretty cool too. I like a lot of things, but those are just a few of the basics. This blog is mainly just going to be my ramblings on random topics that I feel like talking about. This will be my place to get some of my feelings and rants out. I type like I talk, so sorry if I word things a bit weirdly. I literally can't think of anything else to type so I'm just going to say bye now before I embarrass myself anymore.

I am terrible at introductions but hi, hello, this is me and my thoughts.

Thanks for reading, have a great day!

-Liz