Pick Me Up

These days it’s easy to think you’re fat and not-so attractive. How could you not? With all of the things we see on the internet, like pinterest, it’s easy to think that you’re not all that. Just to let you know, you truly are beautiful!

Quick pick-me-ups (*hint - this one is for everybody)

-Wake up in the morning and thank God for making you

-Hang up a little sign on your mirror with your favorite verse

-Tell yourself that you are beautiful

-Drink a whole cup of water within the first 30 minutes of waking up.

-Have a fruit salad for breakfast

-Go on a walk

-Create a fun playlist and play it on the computer/ipod/etc and blare it!

What is the “must have” accessory of the Summer? A Scarf! Here are some ideas for how to tie your summer scarves, including how-to make a headband with your scarf.

Unbroken Beauty

As some of you know, I am an assistant editor over at Girlz 4 Christ Magazine.

One of my jobs is to interview amazing people. Here's one of my recent artciles. 

(for Q&A Lily’s questions & statements will be in bold. Anything said by Mindy Galvin will be in italics)

That moment you look into the mirror and don’t like what you see. Your hair is limp, you’re too fat, and you never look good. When you look at yourself you don’t see what others see and even though you believe in Jesus, you don’t understand what it is about you that He loves. Perhaps you have an eating disorder and you don’t see any hope at all. Maybe it’s hard for you to talk about it or even say anything, but there was a girl who did and this is her story.

She was so focused on becoming more thin to achieve beauty that she was pushing everyone and everything away from her. It was then she realized that she had to cling to God. That the one true thing she had left was God. She wanted to see herself the way that Jesus saw her. She opened up to her mom and lots of late night talks and prayers are the only things that got through this. But let’s rewind and start from the very beginning.

Mindy Galvin has had issues with her appearance since before pre-school! She grew up in church, has been writing songs for God almost all her life, and is currently a singer/songwriter, conference speaker, author, and youth pastor. Yet, at the age of 19 (she’s now 21) she started to have an eating disorder. It’s not that people didn’t love her or support her. It was about how she saw herself. Because of this, Mindy, has a very different outlook on life. She has let it change for the better. She is currently writing a  devotional called, “Unbroken Beauty”. Mindy says, “The devotional is about body image and how society sort of degrades beauty for girls and makes you feel insecure. It’s also going to be going along with one of the songs that I’m writing. The song talks about the time I had an eating disorder and Jesus showed me how to see myself through His eyes.”

I think it’s so cool that you are turning your story into such a testimony! I also love that you are using music to spread the word and love of God. Tell me, how did you get started? I’ve been singing and writing songs since I can remember. I felt a strong calling when I was about 5. The second I heard the song “Jesus Freak”  ( by DC talk) I started writing songs and got music together. I went to a business/music camp and that has helped me in my journey with music.

I would say that you have a sound like Superchick and Barlow Girl. How would you describe it? I would probably describe it as a Christian Paramore. It’s definitely like a poppy rock feel.

Where do you find your writing inspiration? I really take in the emotions of myself and people around me. In devotion time I write things I am learning as a Christian and as I’m learning things with my walk with Jesus. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with whole songs in my head. It’s really just God.

What is some advice would you give singer/songwriters? I would say to be true to yourself, be unique, and don’t be afraid what God is telling you to say. A lot of times people tell me that I shouldn’t be so upfront with my faith in my songs and that I should use analogies. It’s really important to be blatant with exactly what you’re trying to say and who you’re talking about.

What is some advice you would give anyone who isn’t a singer/songwriter? Learn how to trust God and hold on to your faith. It’s so easy to lose track of who you are and what you believe. If you wait in the Lord it strengthens your relationship with Him and others.

You can find out more about Mindy Galvin at:

http://www.wix.com/mindygalvin/mindy-galvin

http://twitter.com/MindyGalvin

http://www.reverbnation.com/mindygalvin

Basic Beauty Essentials for 2013

Even if you're a girl on a budget,

you still need the "basics".

Okay well what I consider basics :P

jewelry, hair stuff, make-up {not pictured above}

I know you like my watches. Wanna know what you're gonna like even more?

the price. $4.50.

on sale at Kohl's. 

go now.

( by clicking "go now" you will be taken to a page from kohls.com where you can purchase this watch) 

Silver Ring.

it matches all.

Pearl earrings. They are SO classy.  And of course some bangles. 

I'm bangles crazy. 

you know what's even crazier? That you can get these on sale at Kohl's.

I also used one of the plastic clear "hoops" that hold scarves in place

on racks.... And yes, that is a bread tie holding my bangles together. 

Silver Necklace or Gold Necklace. Small, simple, cute. 

Chapstick!!

Get a tinted one and a clear one. 

Plus there is a little SPF to protect your lips (:

You know what's cool? 

Is that I got these two for free for my birthday 

at Sephora. I just walked in, picked it up, and now I use them (:

Bronzer! What I like about bronzer is that you don't have to

use foundation and even if you do it looks good.

It gives you a "glow" and sparkle.

Here's the same brand, but this time it's blush. 

You know what's awesome? Is that these are great products.

and they are only about $3 at Wal-mart. 

Last, but not least nails art supplies. Nails are great "accessories". 

And that's it. My beauty essentials for 2013.

Don't forget that you don't need this stuff to be beautiful. 

It's just an additive. Not a need. 

It's also meant to be fun. 

XoXo,

Lily