Maternity.

We got all of our maternity photos back from the wonderful Sarah Scruggs (Again, Sarah, you are incredible) and I just had to share them. Rather than putting them on facebook, where the world can see them without asking, I thought I would put them up on the blog with a forewarning.


I wanted to put all of our favorites up, including some of the ones that show my bare Olive belly, because I think that fully shows the beauty of what God created our bodies to do! I am so blown away by these shots Sarah took. They really captured our joy and the emotion of that period of time in our lives, expecting Olive and delighting in how God was forming her inside of me. Seeing these pictures, especially the bare belly ones, reminds me to find thankfulness and happiness in what my body did and has been through. This is really important for me as a post partum mother, I think. We watch our bodies go through so many changes, and often times, at the end, we slip into the trap of self consciousness over our new "mummy tummy" and whatever else usually accompanies growing and birthing a child! 


So, I put myself out there and post these as a celebration of the pregnant figure and what God has done in creating Olive. For me, I think, it will be cathartic and an attempt at making peace with my body. 


Proceed only if you want to and it's appropriate for you to do so!

                 

 

muchas gracias, and Origins' Charcoal Mask review!

Let's all talk about our fabulous new banner! I can't say enough about Sarah. Not only is she beautiful, talented, and one of the most interesting people I've ever met, she's charitable and so giving of her time. I emailed her late last night with a blog design question and within hours we're discussing ideas and she's sending me this lovely piece of work. She spent her valuable time help spruce up our little piece of web space, and we are so grateful! You rock, Sarah!

Just thought I'd pop in and do a product review. I'll be honest. I have been guilty for so many years of being one of those sinners who goes to bed with their makeup still on. I know, shame! That quickly changed, though, when I began working in cosmetics. Learning about proper skincare was so beneficial-- and slowly, a girl who rarely washed her face became somewhat of a product junkie. Thankfully I am able to feed these habits affordably, because let's be honest... I'm not going to pay $35 for my favorite moisturizer (Vitazing by Origins, if you're curious!).

Origins' Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask is by far one of my favorite things. It works to draw out impurities and yuckies from your skin... you know how, when you hear about people overdosing on drugs, the doctors give them a charcoal cocktail to consume? It helps to soak up and draw the bad things out of one's system. This mask functions in the same way. (Before you put the mask on, be sure to open up your pores with a warm washcloth!) The consistency is wonderful-- it's thick and clay-like. When you first put it on your face you get that refreshing tingle, and then it begins to dry. it takes around 15-20 minutes to dry, giving you that tight can't-move-a-muscle feeling. I'm not going to lie-- it is difficult to take off. It is best to take the mask off using an exfoliant to slough away the dead skin and cells that are extracted from your pores.

I use this mask twice a week. It's a nice little luxury to spend those few minutes to pamper yourself! The wonderful thing about it is that it won't dry your skin out if used correctly, but leaves your face refreshed and smooth. I've also noticed the larger pores on my nose shrink, which is great! It's $21 for a bottle that'll last you a long while.

Happy Thursday!

paper.

I couldn't not post this. I had it saved somewhere in my bookmarks and can't remember where I originally found her-- but just look. Yulia Brodskaya's art takes paper to a whole 'nother level. I'm more than blown away by her work. Can you believe the portrait??




Amazing, right?

brrrr.

1. this week has been so busy, non-stop! typical holiday season. between applying/interviewing for jobs (pretty sure i landed one!), seeing friends (and their sweet babies!), Bible study, Colin's work Christmas party (where we won a $40 giftcard to Arizona's steakhouse at Sandhills! yay date night!), a graduation party, a wedding, and tonight our church's Christmas ball... whew. it's been a lot of fun, though!

2. two nights ago, at a graduation party, i was standing around with a few guys and one other girl. we soon realized through talking that there is a great disparity between what women men find attractive and what women think. It almost reminded me of the Office episode where they have a debate on whether or not Hilary Swank is "hot". In my opinion, these are some of the most beautiful women i've ever seen:

a. Camilla Belle.


b. Emma Watson.


c. Zooey Deschanel.


anyways, i'll bet most of you can guess some of the women that the guys named. what do you think? agree, disagree?

3. Saw this article this morning on A Cup Of Jo. How fun! A columnist for the NY times and his son did dough art. here are some of my favorites:

via.

4. also, peppermint mocha coffeemate creamer > anything else. i still like black coffee, but this creamer is delicious and so festive!

6 days until Christmas!

the wife.

spices, eyebrows, spoons?

1. can you even believe this kitchen pantry? i mean, HELLO. i've always had a thing for jars. and spices. and spices in jars. this is absolutely wonderful.

via designsponge

2. speaking of spices, indian grocery stores. go to them. first off, everything ethnic that you buy at publix or elsewhere is wayyyy overpriced. you can get a 10 lb. bag of basmati rice for $14 at the indian grocer. at publix it's something like $40, not even kidding. they have bags of spices that will last you years, and they're authentic. not any of that mccormick's curry powder crap.

3. speaking of cooking, i wish that i could have an herb garden SO badly. we get no sun in our yard and have really rocky, rooty soil. i can't count the amount of money i've spent on bundles of cilantro and basil at the grocery store, or the number of times i've come crawling to Caroline's front door asking for some fresh herbs. ridiculous. i can't use dried basil after knowing how wonderful it tastes fresh. if i had potted herbs, i would make these. how clever!

via shrimp salad circus

4. i was totally annoyed yesterday by how poorly shaped my eyebrows are, also. i know that sounds petty, but i love when people have pretty eyebrows and i've always hated mine. i decided to grow mine out (so when you see me looking like a cave woman, move along), and then i'm going to get them threaded. apparently it's the best way to get a well-defined arch, more painless than waxing, and doesn't leave those annoying little bumps. if anyone knows of someone good in the Columbia area, please let me know!

grace and peace,
the wife.