Hello! Long time no see and I apologize for that but I have been really focused on studying for tests and finishing my classes. I am still working on school things and I might not be able to write a full post until things have calmed down so today I wanted to take some time though for a quick announcement. I have created a group chat for Christian teen/young adult girls on GroupMe. I thought it would be a good idea so that we could share prayer requests, notes of encouragement, and get to know each other. If you want to join than you can here. Also, don't be afraid to share this link with someone you might know. I am so excited to get to know everyone.

Well, that was my announcement for today. Like mentioned before, I don't know when I will be able to post again but keep your eyes open in the future. Until next time... ♥

I'm back! I know I have missed a few days recently but I have been trying to finish up with school and get ready for tests. I apologize for no heads-up about it but I am back again with a new post so hopefully no hard feelings. (; Today I am doing my April 2017 Birchbox Review-hope you like it!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. All opinions are my own. ♥

I have talked about dry shampoo before but it is always nice to try out a new one. I haven't used it yet but I am interested to see how it works. 

I missed a picture of the inside but this duo is so pretty. The highlighter is an amazing shade. 

I have been looking to try this because of the reviews so I am happy it came in this months box. 

This shade is pretty dark but it's still a really nice color nonetheless. I don't know if I'll use it a lot because it is so dark but I'm sure I will get a few good uses out of it.

I never have any travel makeup wipes so I know that this will be put to good use.

Howdy! How have y'all been? I didn't post on Wednesday so I feel like I should update you all on what has been going on. With birthdays and school I have had a pretty busy week. Here is what happened: on Monday I had a lot of school to do and I had to take care of some business with something that I am helping out with. On Tuesday my family and I went to Olive Garden for my birthday dinner (which was on Wednesday but my dad was going to be out of town) and it was so good! If you know anything about me you would know that I love Italian food, especially Olive Garden. Anybody with me? I had a delicious meal and I also got to be embarrassed by the waitresses singing to me (yay me haha). It was a great night and I was also given my birthday gift-a new phone! I have been wanting to upgrade my phone for the longest time so shout out to my parents. Thank you guys again! On Wednesday it was my birthday! I officially turned 17. Still can't believe I'll be 18 next year...what. I was showered with love from all of my family and friends so thank y'all as well if you are reading this! I am so blessed and thankful for all of you. On Thursday and Friday, I had a good amount of school to do :( so I had to get all of that out of the way and on Saturday my family and I went to my grandparents house to have a party for my grandpa and I (his birthday is next week). We had some delicious hamburgers (and key lime pie yum) and got to visit with one another which was a great time. This week has gone by pretty quickly but I sure was kept occupied the whole time. It was an amazing week and an even amazing-er (don't judge) birthday. One last time, thank you to all who made it special. ♥ 

"I wish I was skinnier."

"My eyebrows are too thin."

"Why can't I look like her?"

"Why am I so ugly?"

We've all heard them. The many, many reasons that women (and men) have doubted themselves. The lies that they have told themselves. 

The culprit?

The enemy.

His tool?

Media.

Now you've probably heard that social media is a place for the good things and not the bad but the truth is...it's filled with both. As you scroll through Twitter or Instagram you might come across a few ads which might be for a new movie release or a new beauty product that 'you just have to have'. That ad might be filled with actors that have their makeup and hair done, the perfect outfit, and the perfect life. You might have recently seen a movie in theaters, or you might have watched your favorite tv show this morning when you had your cup of coffee. Whatever it was, you created an impression of their life and their bodies and might have immediately compared yourself to them. Did you know that the time it takes for the average person to make their first impression is 7 seconds? Yes, 7. That means that within those first 7 seconds, you had already decided on how your life compares to theirs.

Media tells us so many lies. But the truth is God has His own thoughts on beauty and guess what...it doesn't align with societies.

In Genesis 1:26-27 it says that God created us in his own image. How amazing is that? Our heavenly father created all of us in His image. He loves us and calls us His children. (John 1:12) He loves us so much that he was willing to die on a cross and give us eternal life! (John 3:16)

God does not base our value or His love on our 'attractiveness' according to society. He loves us unconditionally.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in  my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." (Psalm 139:13-14)

I'm sure that you have heard this so many times before but sadly, it needs to be repeated. We do not need to compare ourselves to the 'artificial' standards that the media throws at us. We need to stand firm in knowing that the Lord loves us unconditionally, that He created us in His own image, and that we are wonderfully made. ♥

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." (Song of Songs 4:7)