these are a few of my FAVE things...

Hey there, Friday!

i have had quite a few comments on Instagram lately about my lashes and what mascara I use.  Soooo, even though i am NO fashion/makeup guru or even a pro at applying the stuff, I wanted to share a few of my favorite things when it comes to this category!

I used to be a product junkie {and still am slightly in recovery} until I discovered products that are good for your body, face AND happen to be pretty too.  I discovered  arbonne  through a friend several years ago and was blown away by the purity of its product ingredients and by far, this is my favorite product they have ever formulated!!  

100% organic . formulated in switzerland . made in the USA . i call it my "walmart makeup" bc it has a tiny bit of coverage while minimizing pores too!

Arbonne also makes amazing liquid foundation.  This is my favorite and it's got SPF so that's just an added bonus!

Now, when it comes to eye makeup I have a serious obsession....but its totally ok, i promise.  So, I couldn't post just one fave.  But, the one makeup item that I rarely leave the house without wearing is my mascara!  I have tried them ALL and go back to the same 2 or 3 every time,  My tried and true is by BeneFit Costmetics called 'They're Real'.  I usually buy the travel size offered at the checkout line for $12 when I'm in Sephora or Ulta.  The regular sized tube is just $24.

I get asked SO often about my mascara and each time this is the one I am wearing.  

Then there is the AMAZING joy of seeing your lashes grow and thicken literally overnight!!  Rodan + Fields is known for amazing skincare but this Lash Boost takes the cake for FAB!!!  I was blessed with longer lashes BUT, I have noticed such a difference with the thickness and darkening this product creates.  It doesn't irritate my eyes and is a simple one swipe, once a night application....i'm all over that ease!

Lash Boost by Rodan + Fields . Ashley Schloegel is the BEST rep out there!!  I am a little partial to coast peeps though:)

And last but definitely NOT least.....DRY SHAMPOO!!!  It is a necessity in my life and used almost as much as a stick of deodorant or tube of toothpaste!  I do not wash my hair every day, much to my husband's disgust.  This powder by Stranded Shop has been AMAZE!!  It too is completely natural and comes in 3 different shades.  I mean, the majority of this world does not have baby powder white hair so why do they all seem to spray out that way???  

I have tried other "brunette" colored sprays and they were fine.  But I love that this is a powder and soaks up oil so much more efficiently.  It also doesn't stain your fingers {because it's all natural} when you rub/blend it in! 

Stranded was created by Lauren Scruggs Kennedy and a portion of proceeds goes to her LSK Foundation.  She has a heart for the Lord and displays that by bringing hope, restoring dignity and igniting faith in girls and women through beautiful cosmetic coverings for prostheses.  Read her story, you will NOT regret it {She is also married to Jason Kennedy, host on E! News}!!  The branding for Stranded was done by the HOLY COW AWESOME Ashlee Proffitt.  I have had the pleasure of doing one of her coaching sessions and you need to check her out too!!

So, there you have it friends!  This is sure to NOT be a mind blowing wealth of information but, i have had a lot of Instagram Story messages about these things and wanted to share. 

But, as always, beauty is what is in your heart FIRST.  God created us each to be a vessel of His love, beauty and grace.  Without Him, i am nothing.  Beauty fades but the soul of man is eternal!

With Joy ~ em

Choosing J.O.Y

Hey Yall!

So, if you're new around here, HEY!!  If you've been around a while then THANK YOU for hanging around and i can only pray you decide to stay.

I wanted to simply share about my life/biz motto, 'Choose Joy'.  It has come to be a phrase i think and repeat to myself on a daily basis and know that it is the Lord's little reminder to do just that--be full of JOY!  

I doodle a lot as most creative {or bored in class} people seem to do.  Something about putting a pencil, marker or pen to scratch paper or a journal releases a lot of tension and brings JOY to my heart.  The other day as I was waiting on a file to upload {joy stealer fo sho!} i found myself sketching out J .O . Y like an acronym, and it got me thinking what those three little letters could actually stand for if it were an acronym.....and i came up with these three words as if Jesus whispered them to me that moment-

J-jesus . O-others . Y-you

way too easy, right??  That order, in that little word and what else do you need to know???  Yes, you can steal that!  write it on a cute card and keep it in your car, stick it in your wallet and GLUE it to your fridge!!  And be on the lookout for a fun new line coming from it as well ;)

““Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” ”

— proverbs 3.3-4

So, go on with yourself today and decide every morning, every moment to CHOOSE J.O.Y!!!  {oh, and grab a Choose Joy Christmas tee too so others will be reminded to do the same}

click on tee to grab yours today!  They are the SOFTEST and comfiest tees we have ever had in the RDP shoppe!!

with joy ~ em