504 Main by Holly Lefevre: beauty

Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Sunday, December 21, 2014

DermaWand: My Beautiful New Best Friend (product review)

I participates in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for DermaWand. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

For the last few years there has been so much going on in my life that taking care of me, including my skin was put on the back-burner. I was just too tapped out, too exhausted. Well, that has caught up to me BIG time. I am in my early 40's and if I don't do something now, I do not know what else is going to happen to my face. I am always on the lookout for a new skin care regimen or product or device...and after hearing about the DermaWand...I finally had a chance to try it!

I see how my skin has lost that glow, how my eyes are a little puffy, how my skin tone is uneven and my pores look like craters, how the wrinkles around my mouth are starting to become more and more visible...and {GASP!} - my neck is getting saggy! I will also absolutely admit I am totally vain...so while - later in this post you will see me without makeup and may think "that's not too bad," I see every imperfection (that magnifying mirror I purchased did not help the situation!).

Friday, February 14, 2014

"Spray It Forward" with Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer

This sponsored post was written while participating in my partnership with Vaseline and One2One Network.

I have long suffered from dry skin...and really have done nothing about it.

But I am getting older and I must take action!.

It seems simple enough, right?

You have dry skin you use lotions.

No biggie, right?

Well, I am always in a hurry...always rushed...

due to my time management issues.

So when I saw the Vaseline Spray &Go Moisturizer commercial with the lady

who sprays her self down and gets dressed in like "2 seconds,"

I thought "Hey! This is made for me!"

Friday, May 10, 2013

DIY Hair Chalk (tutorial)

A few days ago we were at a friends house and one of the older girls

used hair chalk on my daughter (with permission of course!).

Jules loved it - thought is was the best thing ever.

I had no idea what it was.

I had seen the girls dye their hair with Kool Aid...

I had seen the cans of spray on stuff...but the chalk thing was new to me.

Of course I had to try it!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Seeking the Secret to Beautiful Hair! Clairol Professional Review and Giveaway

I am perpetually hair challenged.

I made peace with the curly waves I possess a long time ago

(as a young girl I DREAMED of shiny straight hair).

In fact I grew to love them, but just as I did, the need

(OK, and want)

for color and highlights came along and

then there may be a few gray hairs to cover up...

and then there is all that pregnancy does to your hair

and just growing older in general.

I have tried almost everything...almost...

and yes I have paid up to $50 for a bottle of shampoo

(and let's not forget the conditioner to go with it).

I am not proud of that moment...

but am willing to face my ridiculousness.

I have a great hair stylist and to compliment that really need a great hair care line to use at home. I like to be able to wash my hair and let it dry naturally, so the curl and waves come out all on their own. Easy-peasy for my busy schedule.

Recently I had the opportunity to try out the Clairol Professional line. I received the full line of Care and Styling Collection to try for a few weeks. Clairol Professional debuted this Care & Styling collection to provide color safe professional products at an affordable price. It features PRO4PLEX: Pro Technology, Pro Grade, Pro Results, and Pro Heritage.

Clairol Professional has three Care collections: Repair, Smooth and Curl, and two Styling products: Volume Mousse and Shaping Gel and is customized Radialux™ technology targets areas where extra care is needed for luminous shine from roots to ends.

I was especially interested in the Care products. Here is a bit about how it breaks down:
• REPAIR: Ideal for dry, damaged hair. Helps smooth to repair and condition dry, damaged hair and replenishes moisture to leave hair strong and conditioned with incredible shine.
• SMOOTH: Ideal for frizzy hair. Fights frizz and sleeks hair even after one application and leaves it shiny and smooth.
• CURL: Ideal for naturally curly hair. Gives curls amazing shine and definition.

There are also styling products to compliment the care line:
STYLING:
• VOLUME MOUSSE: Provides extra strong hold, giving fullness and body for all day volume.
• SHAPING GEL: Holds, defines and accentuates any style, while washing out easily.

I tried all of the products, but found for my hair and personal styling preferences, the Curl products were my absolute favorite. This chart made it super easy to see what might work best on my hair and for your too.

Clairol has a fabulous duo of CELEBRITY STYLIST BRAND AMBASSADORS:
Torsten Witte, Hair Stylist: Torsten’s work spans celebrity hair styling, editorial shoots, concert stages, movie sets and advertising campaigns. He has earned a long list of A-list clientele and his work frequently appears in top-tier publications.

Kiyah Wright, Colorist: Kiyah works with artists in the film, TV and music industry such as Ciara, Jennifer Hudson and Gabrielle Union. Kiyah’s work can be seen in top fashion magazines and is frequently featured on-camera on hit television shows. When not on-set, Kiyah works with a loyal client base at the Warren-Tricomi Salon in Los Angeles.

Since I cannot have an individual consultation with these amazing stylists...I have a few questions for them:

How do you keep hair healthy when using blow dryers, straighten irons and curling irons?
Any ideas for taming this random grey hairs on my head? I find the greys to be thick and wiry and very distracting (and at least for me...not flattering), as they tend to not take the color well or hold it for very long?
What is he best way to keep your color/highlights fresh or even maintain them between visits to the salon?
What is the number one worst thing ladies do to our hair that damages it and how can we prevent it?

I truly loved the way the Clairol Professional line made my hair feel and "behave."
Be sure to visit the Clairol Pro on Facebook

for more tips, tricks and product information.

Now, how about the opportunity to win a full set of the

Clairol Professional Care & Styling Line:

I use rafflecopter for my giveaways...you can easily enter without a facebook account by using your email address. Only the first entry in mandatory - leave a comment!

Open to Continental US

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

I participated in this sponsored post campaign for One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Makeup...A Love Story and (Video) Tutorial #eyeslipsface

I have loved makeup as long as I can remember.

I used to swoon over the pages of Teen magazine,

just waiting for the day my Mom and Dad would say it was OK to wear it.

Finally the day came, and I was allowed to join a makeup club.

It was the advertisement in the back of Teen Magazine

and I received a huge shipment of makeup and

then smaller shipments after that...OH HEAVEN!

That love affair has continued, but it has been perfected.

(at least I think so!)
You can even tell me what you think...I did 2 VIDEO TUTORIALS!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

GIVEAWAY! bareMinerals Skincare Firming Eye Treatment - UPDATED ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS 4/5/11

****GIVEAWAY CLOSED****

So, here is the scoop...I just realized that not everyone has a Facebook account. Woo-whoo for people who are not connected to the computer all the time like me. So, I have UPDATED ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS on 4/5/11...see "How to Enter" below. If you have already entered you are fine and your entries will be counted as such. Sorry for my oops!

Do you remember about one month ago I told you about the launch of bareMinerals Skincare line...well, about two weeks ago I received their Firming Eye Treatment in the mail.

I was - am - giddy.

In case I have not ever told you, I love makeup and skincare

about as much as I love crafting.

As I get older (that was hard to write), I am looking for that skincare line that I can use and be confident with...I think this may be it.

Even before receiving the Firming Eye Treatment, I went down and purchased some of their Purifying Facial Cleanser. This cleanser is amazing...it makes my skin soft and smooth and clean...and I was have some blemish issues (that age thing again) and so far nothing!

But what I really want to tell yo about is the Firming Eye Treatments because I have TWO of these to giveaway!...Yes...TWO!

When I look for makeup and skin care I look for effective treatments and I also need simple. 27 steps to wash and moisturize my face does not fit into my schedule.

The Firming Eye Treatment comes in a a perfectly sized tube (I seem to be doing a lot of traveling these days - so that is great) tube. I have been using it morning and night and can really see the difference in my eye area - the entire area definitely has had some improvement. I wish I would have taken photos...but I was so psyched to try it I just jumped right in.

The Treatment goes on smoothly and feel light...but it so effective. And yo know I never sleep, so I definitely need a good eye treatment. I do believe this is a winner!

bareMinerals Skincare

"A transformative new way of caring for your skin that’s simple, super-effective and incredibly easy to use. Powered by 100% pure RareMinerals Active Soil Complex, enjoy increased cell turnover, fewer fine lines and wrinkles and the famous bareMinerals Naturally Luminous glow. If that’s something you’re looking for, then this might be the revolution for you."

bareMinerals Skincare line also includes:

*Cleansers include a purifying facial cleanser, deep cleansing foam, and exfoliating treatment cleanser

*Moisturizer to hydrate and improve firmness, texture, and radiance

*Treatments that include firming eye treatment, blemish therapy, and pure transformation night cream.

NOW...HERE IS HOW YOU CAN WIN!
****GIVEAWAY CLOSED****

Thanks to bareMinerals, I am giving away 2 - TWO - Firming Eye Treatments.

ALL ENTRIES MUST!

** - Must have a US Mailing Address - **
** - Leave a comment for EACH entry - **
** - Be SURE your EMAIL address is linked to your profile or leave it in the comment - **

Giveaway closes at 12 pm (NOON) PST on Sunday, 4/10/11

TWO Winners will be announced on Sunday 04/10/11. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the post and send me their required information.

1 - MANDATORY: Follow 504 Main (if you already do, just say so) on GFC
2 - Like Bare Escentuals on Facebook (if you already do, just say so)

3 - Like 504 Main on Facebook (if you already do, just say so)
4 - Tweet the giveaway: Win bareMinerals Firming Eye Treatment from @504 Main #bMskincare http://tiny.cc/xmsc7

5 - Go Vote for Your favorite craft blogs on Babble (hint, hint, 504 Main should be one of them)
6 - Subscribe via Feedburner or email (those pink icons up at the top of the page)

Want to see the series of rethink - I will be reposting some of them soon anyway - click right to read the last rethink post which has links to all others.

Disclosure: I have received no monetary compensation for this post. These are my honest opinions. I receive a sample of the eye firming eye treatment and 2 additional products for a giveaway.
****GIVEAWAY CLOSED****

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Introducing bareMinerals Skincare!

If you have been reading 504 Main for a while, you may remember last year I did a series of posts with Bare Escentuals as part of their Rethink campaign. Those posts were some of my favorite. At that time I had never tried bareMinerals...Oh I had seen the infomercials, but had never taken the next step....

Well, I finally did it...marched down to Macy's picked up a starter kit and let me tell you, I was hooked. I wish I would have started wearing bareMinerals wen I first saw the infomercials. Seriously my favorite makeup.

And now...guess what...they are launching a skin care line...oh I am so excited. As I get {cough, cough} older I am looking for that magic to maintain my skin and keep it healthy!

bareMinerals Skincare

I am beyond excited to try this. The products all are "Powered by our RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex with its unique electrolyte delivery system, it’s formulated to perfectly moisturize combination skin. It also includes a powerful blend of antioxidants that help protect against environmental stressors."
- Bare Escentuals website -

***********************

The bareMinerals skincare lines includes:

*Cleansers include a purifying facial cleanser, deep cleansing foam, and exfoliating treatment cleanser

*Moisturizer to hydrate and improve firmness, texture, and radiance

*Treatments that include firming eye treatment, blemish therapy, and pure transformation night cream

Want to see the series of rethink - I will be reposting some of them soon anyway - click right to read the last rethink post which has links to all others.

Guess what, there will be another giveaway coming up too!

Go check them out on Facebook too!

Disclosure: I have received no monetary compensation for this post. In exchange for this post I will receive a sample of the skin care line for myself and one for a giveaway.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Rethink A Natural High

Hey Everyone! Happy Friday!

It's time for Rethinking day...
the last rethinking day...
with Bare Escentuals at Rethink What Matters.

Today's topic is Rethink A Natural High.
Yeah, don't ya just love the themes.
I know you are always thinking I am
going to talk about something else.

My Natural High

As a mom I have flashes of brilliance, with a lot of sparks and misfires in between.

...I am not patient...I admit it that being a mother has been a test of patience for me.

...I like to move quickly...ya know "you can rest when you are dead" sort of philosophy, but tell that to a 2 year old collecting rocks for her brother.

...I am selfish, but have had to learn and fully accept that I made the decision to have children, and although I am still important, they are my #1 responsibility...they come first.

Even with all that {and I could go on}, there is one thing they give me that I could have never imagined...ever...they bring me a pure, simple, innocent joy...they are my natural high. Even on bad days, a smile, a giggle, a hug from them melts my heart. I can think of nothing that makes me happier than simply stopping and being in that moment, any moment, with my kids.

I will walk by Joe's room and hear him singing to Taylor Swift, and just stop in the hallway and listen. Sometimes I hear him telling himself a story or playing with his Pokemon {which I still don't get!}. He tells me silly jokes and I laugh and his eyes light up.

Jules makes me "coffee" all day. She gathers her baby dolls, has me swaddle each one perfectly, and reads to them. When I sing to her, she joins in and she always asks for more. I can often hear her singing to herself and am just simply delighted to hear that little voice.

The two playing together...their giggles, their love, it fills my home and my heart. Jules runs and hugs Joe after school - she misses him all day long. Joe reads to Jules, Jules snuggles with Joe. Just this week, Joe has been really sick and while "Monkey see, monkey do" Jules also wants to be sick, she is tending to her brother, making sure he is OK.

So at the end of the day, when Joe tells me "I love you more than the whole galaxy" and Jules tells me "I love you more than toast," I am higher than a kite and so very grateful for these little people who teach and test me on a daily basis.

So what's your natural high?

Go visit Rethink What Matters. Answer the five questions...{did I mention there are prizes?}. See below for a listing of previous posts in this series.

Happy Rethinking!

BIG, HUGE thank to everyone who participated in this series with me.

Next Friday begins "I'm Tickled Pink" an on going feature highlighting cool products, ideas, writings, bloggers - you name it..if it is fun, newsworthy, useful, or inspirational, I am looking for it. Just drop me an email if you or someone you know should be featured....and grab a button too!

Check out the previous posts in this series:

Rethink and Grow

Rethink Your Environment

Rethink...Finding Yourself

Rethink PDA

Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like

Rethink Your Must Haves

Rethink What You Are Investing In

Rethink Friends With Benefits

Rethink What Matters is a campaign by Bare Escentuals that challenges me...challenges all of us to Rethink What Matters. Each Friday through March 26, 2010, Bare Escentuals will pose a new topic for us to consider, to ponder, and to discuss. It is not just about makeup...it is about living your life and what is truly important. So gather your girlfriends...you never know what you'll discover!

Want to join in on the discussion...
There are prizes and free products to be had..and more importantly thought provoking topics coming your way. Just visit Rethink What Matters to answer 5 simple questions. Then you can see how your answers compare with others. Seriously it takes no time at all to do this...and you may learn a little something about yourself or your friends! And if you are lucky enough to live in San Fransisco, New York, or Chicago the Quickie Van could be coming your way.
DISCLAIMER: So, here's the back story and legal who-ha I must include. I was contacted via email about this campaign and checked it out myself. I thought it was interesting and thought provoking. I was not paid for this review/post or compensated in any way (products or otherwise).

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Rethink Your Story

Hey Everyone! Happy Friday!

It's time for Rethinking day with

Bare Escentuals at Rethink What Matters.
Today's topic is Rethink Your Story.

{Disclaimer Alert} If you read Rethink and Grow,

you will see some serious similarities here.

When I was in college, or even high school for that matter, it was easy to imagine what my life was going to be...I had it all planned out. I was not going to get married or have kids. I wanted to go to design school in New York (I did go to design school...but in L.A.) and be the next Donna Karan. That was it - end of story - I was going to be fabulous and successful and never look back. Since then I have had to rethink...and rethink...and rethink my story.

I never imagined I would do anything with my life other than be a fashion designer...but it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. I got married and hubby gave me the opportunity to explore a new path. He despised the last two bosses I worked for {um yeah, they were creeps in different ways} and he really hated where most of the companies were located - not the safest neighborhoods {do I have stories!}.

So hubby said {pleaded with me, really}, "Quit your job." I did and not long after than I received a phone call at 7 am {seriously 7 am! I am not working and do not have kids...who's calling at 7 am?}. It was a crazy woman {yet another story} asking me if I could write a book or part of a book...huh? "Sure," I say, "I got a A in English."

After that, I began working on my second book, and became a wedding planner. These events changed my story. Set me on a different path...a path that felt right and that I continued on...Until I became a mom - we all know how that changes our story {dads too!}. And then I moved...another change. Another kid...another change. With every change, I rethink my story.

My story is no where near done. I am not sure how it will end or what the next chapter will be. I want to write more, I want to be involved with my kids, I want to create beautiful things, I want to relax and enjoy this wonderful life I am so grateful for.

Of course, my letters will help tell my story to my kids one day. And, when all is said and done, I hope my story includes that I was a good friend, a good daughter, a good mom, a good wife. That I was kind, respectful, responsible, passionate, and compassionate. And I won't lie, or try to pretend that I do not want my story to include that I was successful in my career and looked fabulous while doing it all.

So, what's your story?
How has your story changed?
What are you hoping your story includes?

Go visit Rethink What Matters. Answer the five questions...{did I mention there are prizes?} Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Check out the previous posts in this series:

Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself
Rethink PDA
Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like
Rethink Your Must Haves
Rethink What You Are Investing In
Rethink Friends With Benefits

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Rethink What A Revolution Feels Like

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK What A Revolution Feels Like.

When I saw this topic, I thought, maybe I will just skip it this week, but then I began to think...the brain went off on its own tangent and I have been rethinking what my own revolution feels like all day.

I am a complete and total rule follower. I could never get away with anything anyway. If I broke a rule, I told on myself. As I got older, I lived in the city in which my Dad was a police officer...and for a long time thought the world began and ended in that city...so wherever I went someone was watching me. I actually did move to a neighboring city...Dad knew people there too. I had my own personal patrol unit - what every single girl living alone needs!

I avoid conflict {except on reality TV shows} in my own life. I'll take you down if you mess with my kids {assuming they didn't deserve whatever was being dished out}, and when planning a wedding I will fight for my clients. Personally I do not rock the boat.It just freaks me out! All this considered, I figured I am not a revolutionary...but I was wrong.

Rethinking what a revolution feels like starts within me...this is the year for optimizing my health - cutting out the crap {for the most part...sweet indulgences will still be here and there} and eating pure clean, real food, as well as working out {again} regularly. This is the year to reclaim me - the girl who got pedicures every week has not had one in months! This is the year to sell the book proposal sitting on my desk and finish the other 5 that are "this close" to being done...and finally find the confidence to start on my work of fiction {eeek...did I say that out loud?} This is the year I empower myself to make changes where I feel they are needed - whether that be in friendships or careers {I'll keep the hubby and kids}.

More importantly, as I thought about this subject, I realized that when I decided to become a parent, a mom, I took on the role of "revolutionary." I am now a role model and responsible for teaching and nurturing two precious beings into adulthood. I need to show my children what it is to be a friend, a good spouse, a good parent, a good person, a responsible person. I need to do whatever I can to make this world a better place for the kiddos. I need to recycle. I need to vote. I need to care about my neighbor. I need to be an advocate for my children and teach them what I believe is right and wrong {I have very strong opinions about many things, but just choose to keep them off the blog}.

I have realized that my own revolution is not selfish,

it will ultimately help my children too.

So, that's the story of my revolution.

Are you a leading your own revolution?

What your story?

Go visit Rethink What Matters,

answer the five questions...

did I mention there are prizes?

{maybe you will win!}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Check out the previous posts in this series:
Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself
Rethink PDA

Want to join in on the discussion...

There are prizes and free products to be had..and more importantly thought provoking topics coming your way. Just visit Rethink What Matters to answer 5 simple questions. Then you can see how your answers compare with others. Seriously it takes no time at all to do this...and you may learn a little something about yourself or your friends! And if you are lucky enough to live in San Fransisco, New York, or Chicago the Quickie Van could be coming your way.

DISCLAIMER: So, here's the back story and legal who-ha I must include. I was contacted via email about this campaign and checked it out myself. I thought it was interesting and thought provoking. I was not paid for this review/post or compensated in any way (products or otherwise).

Friday, February 12, 2010

Rethink...PDA with Bare Escentuals

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK Public Displays of Affection.
{I know you thought I was talking about
blackberrys, ipods, cellphones, whatever!}

This topic was definitely more "light"

as compared to the previous topics and posts...

We don't really "do" Valentines day here.

I am not one who is much for PDA either...

but I have been known to flirt to get my way

...{shhh...don't tell!}..

although it worked much better about 10 years ago!

So, no in depth, thought-provoking comments from me today...

I am just going to ramble on about a little Valentine's Day story.

A Valentines 2fer

I seriously blow a big raspberry at Valentine's Day!

I have never liked it...maybe because I never had a boyfriend.

{yeah, yeah...boo-hooo, right.}

Well, it would be my luck that one year,

I really had a V-Day celebration.

Yes, this story is going to make me sound like a "player,"

but I assure you I was not. I was just "in between" relationships.

One man trying to woo his way back...

and one just trying to woo.

I am at work...not expecting anything.

Then I hear the receptionist buzz my desk.

"Holly, please come downstairs. You have something waiting."

I was expecting fabric, buttons,
the garments back from the dye house...

Nope...Red Roses...BEAUTIFUL red roses!

WOW...a first for me!

Two hours later...

"Holly, please come downstairs. You have something waiting."

I was now definitely expecting fabric, buttons,
the garments back from the dye house...

Nope...Red Roses...AGAIN!

WOW...a second first for me!

I was feeling pretty special.

Then, somehow, I ended up with two semi-dates that night,

and a game of musical flowers.

Man #1 comes over, Man #2's flowers go in the shower.

My apartment was only 400 sq feet...

where else was I going to hide them?

Man #1 leaves, his flowers go in the shower...

Man #2's flowers come out of the shower,

Man #2 comes to pick me up.

I actually told Man #2 about Man #1's flowers.

Man #1's flowers come out of the shower too.

No need to leave pretty flowers in the shower!

It's all about honesty...

I married man #2.

Do you have a crazy Valentine's story? Please tell!

And go visit Rethink What Matters,

answer the five questions...

did I mention there are prizes?

{I have not won...maybe you will!}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Check out the previous posts in this series:
Rethink and Grow
Rethink Your Environment
Rethink...Finding Yourself

Want to join in on the discussion...

Friday, February 5, 2010

Rethink...Finding Yourself

This week's discussion topic at Rethink What Matters is

RETHINK THE NEED TO FIND YOURSELF.

When I first saw the topic, I wasn't sure where to go with this.

I felt like I had answered the first question in this week's quiz

"Are you what you wanted to be when you "grew up?"

in Rethink and Grow.

Then I started to think {woooo-whooo!}.

The second question this week was

"Do you have a true passion?"

My answer was..."Yes it is...my kiddos."

So this question, and this answer messed with my head a little. First of all, when I decided to have children, I did not relinquish myself...my interests...my dreams, but I did commit to these little people to be all I can be, and to help them be all that they can be. They are the reason I live the way I live, and do what I do. So, my kids are my passion, but that doesn't mean that I cannot have my own passion...something that is all mine and does not involve a husband, kiddos, or of course anything illegal or immoral {let's be clear here}.

Like many moms, I have gotten lost a little along the way. I think it happens all too often. We give and give to our kids, to our husbands, to our families. We are work at home moms, and we are stay at home moms, but we are individuals too. I know there is only so much time in the day...I stay up until all hours of the night catching up, reading, blogging, crafting...but clearly that is not the answer, I am exhausted and I live for mochas.

Even when I was single, I lost myself...it is so easy to do, no matter our age or marital status. Back then, I was caught up in my career. Caught up in advancing myself within my chosen industry. Caught up in being something - the right thing - to the {much older man} I was dating.

In trying to find myself, I am learning to enjoy the small moments of time when I get to do what I enjoy, what I want to do. I treasure hunt {code words for thrift stores and garage/estate sales}. I write {not always on my blog...that is another story}. I create - I cannot tell you how much fun I had with this last Valentine's tablescape. I am trying to do "stream of consciousness journaling" to just express myself without inhibition or editing. I turn off the computer and lose myself in a movie. And, when there is not time for "more," I sit with a steaming hot mocha on my deck and listen to the waves crash and the seals bark. And, yes, many times that involves watching the kids play and giggle too, but that's OK, they are TWO of my passions, without everything they have taught me, I would not be the person I am.

So, ladies how do we do it? {OK, I will include the guys too...I have seen men get lost as well} How do we keep ourselves - our vibrant spirits - alive. How do we find time for ourselves? How do we not lose ourselves in our lives, in our children's lives, in our husbands lives? And, if we do lose ourselves, how do we find "us" again? And, finally, what is your passion? TELL ME...I want to know. Really, I do!

So, do it, go visit Rethink What Matters,
answer the five questions...

did I mention there are prizes?

{I have not won...maybe you will!}

Then come back next week for some more!

Happy Rethinking!

Holly

Want to join in on the discussion...

Monday, February 1, 2010

How Do You Define Beauty?

Yes, I love makeup.

Yes, I love a good haircut and a few highlights/lowlights.

Yes, I love clothes, shoes, bags, and especially sunglasses.

But, how do I really define beauty?

How do you define beauty?

About a year and a half ago, over at Hey Gorgeous

(that particular part of the blog is no longer up, 1/15/12),

there was something fabulous going on...

The author of the blog was compiling stories and photos for a project called

A Beautiful State of Mind - The Project
(blog no longer up, 1/15/12)

A Beautiful State of Mind - The Project (blog no longer up, 1/15/12) iexplored what women of all ages, all ethnicities, all walks of life think is beautiful, how they define beauty, and what they think makes them beautiful.

I am in a constant state of self-exploration and discovery, so this project simply fascinates me. Gone are my days of turning heads as I walk down he street {it happened once or twice} - a 6 foot tall blond is bound to do that no matter what - and as those days disappear , I must really consider what makes me beautiful, not physically, but what really makes me and other women beautiful.

I have met gorgeous women, only to get to know them...and not really like what I see anymore. There lack of inner beauty, of kindness, or anything substantial has left me thinking very little of their outer beauty. I have also watched this process in reverse.

Now that I have a daughter, I know I will always think she is beautiful, but I want her to know what true beauty is...what it is to have a "Beautiful State of Mind."

So have you thought about it...How do you define beauty?

And what do you think of these wacky shots - crazy hair and all - my son took of me tonight!?!

Have a Beautiful Day!

Holly