Feeling {Beautiful}

Happy Friday, friends! So, earlier today I was having a Pinterest-therapy session and I kept stumbling across quotes that focused on women's beauty and just being beautiful in general. Now, if you have read this blog for awhile than you most likely know that I am an optimistic person. I believe that the little things in life make life worth living. I think that a person should do things for others and live a morally just life. I always try to smile at strangers and to hopefully make someone's day. 

But, while all of those are nice I am constantly struggling with "beauty." Now, I'm a reasonable person and I realize that society's image for what a woman should look like is just wrong... a woman doesn't have to be a zero, have perfectly straight hair, white teeth, the perfect cup size... the list could go on! So, why am I struggling with my own beauty? This summer I really worked on finding my natural beauty... I went days without wearing make up and even some days where I didn't even do my hair (I'll let you imagine what happened with that one) But, even after building my self-confidence up I am still struggling with seeing myself as someone who is beautiful. 

So, most of the time when I have an issue, I seek advice or consultation from friends and family! I am beyond blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family who are endlessly supportive... and although their kind words help; I needed something deeper. And of course, the only place where I can find truth and inspiration is from the Bible so, I decided to start reading chapters that focuses on beauty and inner beauty and here are just a few things I found:

you are altogether beautiful, my love; 

there is no flaw in you - Song of Solomon 4:7

i praise You, for i am fearfully and wonderfully made. 

wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well - Psalm 139:14

for the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the 

outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart - 1 Samuel 16:7

so we do not lose heart. though our outer self is 

wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day - 2 Corinthians 4:16

I find so much comfort in reading scriptures and bible verses. I find so much renewal in God and Jesus. I'm endlessly grateful that I have faith in Him and even on the days when I'm not feeling the prettiest I know that through Him I am made whole, like seriously how amazing is that! Now, I know I'm not going to feel drop dead stunningly gorgeous every second of my life {and if I did I would probably be reading verses on vanity as opposed to inner beauty}... but, it is so important to love yourself and feel comfortable in your own skin. So, I'm going to go running with my boyfriend who could literally run circles around me, I'm gonna continue with my make-up free days, and I'm gonna get dressed up and wear a cute outfit when I'm having a bad day. And lastly, I'm going to feel beautiful because life is too short to worry about my pants size or whether my hair is frizzy. And after all I was created by someone who clearly knows what He is doing! I pray that you feel beautiful too.

Why I Love Winter

the image that inspired me to re-appreicate winter

why i love winter

It is so easy to get sucked up in the bitter cold when winter strikes. I fall victim to letting negativity take me over when I'm freezing on my walk to classes or when I have to run outside to warm up my car. I find myself wishing I had a pair of those special gloves that would allow me to check my phone as I'm walking around campus and I'll do everything in my power to make sure that I can stay inside for as long as possible during the day. Winter used to be something meaningful, something beautiful. But, now when snow pops up on the forecast I only think in terms of getting a delay or a day of school. I don't wear my pajamas inside out and backwards, build snowmen, and drink hot cocoa as I sit in front of the fire. In a sense, I sort of stopped appreciating God's beautiful creation and started thinking in a practical snow is a pain in the butt- kind of way.

But, last week when I was walking to a friends for dinner I realized how I let the cold run through me and make me not appreciate the beauty of this season. Seriously though, I had become this anti-winter complainer that I never once was. And I realized just how unfortunate that was. Yes, the snow can cause many inconveniences. When snow hits, automobile accidents soar and people who are without homes are literally freezing to death. In the face of all of that sadness and while you're freezing your tush off while you wait outside for something, it's easy to hate the winter. But, for a second just think about how beautiful this season is. Sure the groundhog has predicted six more weeks of winter and it would be beyond easy to complain and crave warm weather. But, wrap yourself up in a warm coat and go outside. Breathe in the cold crisp air into your lungs and thank God that you live in a place where you can literally have a winter wonderland in your backyard. And while you're thanking God for the beauty of the season, go ahead and thank him for Spring that will be here before we know it.

The Crown of Beauty

So, early this week the founder from the Crown of Beauty magazine emailed me asking if I would be interested in spreading the word of their Christian magazine and their November issue! Naturally, I was really curious so I checked out the magazine and read the newest issue on Beauty. Beauty is such a sensitive subject in the world of tabloids, but I wanted to share with you all a unique Christian outlook on beauty and how the media skews what we see to fit the mold they are trying to form women into.

Like most people… I fall victim to criticizing my beauty all the time. I will take every aspect of my appearance and list ways that I need to improve it. But, why do I constantly put myself down for not fitting a certain mold of beauty? Why is it that when I look in the mirror I see a less desirable individual looking back? Well, if you have the same questions or have friends who personally struggle with accepting their outward or inner beauty, then I would definitely recommend you take a look at The Beauty Issue!

I posted below a little overview of the magazine and some resources for all of you so that you can work on countering society's mold for beauty and focus more on how you are inherently beautiful in God's image, which honestly in my opinion is the most important image! Anyways, I'll let Crown of Beauty take it away now...

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“Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past fifteen years of your life, or dwell on an Amish farm out in the hilly countryside, you’ve probably noticed the way in which the media has a special gift for making girls feel ugly and inadequate. We’ve all suffered through those nauseating T.V. advertisements in which an underwear model poses, pursing her pouty lips, as her hair blows wildly from a fan. After watching such ads I roll my eyes and try not to laugh. I mean, how lame do the marketers think that I am?! (It’s like those drug advertisements that list the deadly side effects, such as hearing loss or your nose falling off, while they show happy old couples flying kites, and walking puppy dogs.)

I’m sure you’ve picked up on the trend in many teen magazines. The words on the glossy cover shout, “Boost Your Self-Confidence! Six Tips To Loving Yourself!” Yet by the time you flip to page ten, you’ve already seen a dozen perfect faces and bodies posing for makeup advertisements, which drained away all confidence you were hoping to get from their pep-talk article.

Every girl has noticed what’s going on. We’re not immune to it. But have we ever recognized what’s going on around us as a targeted attack on our beauty as females?

The sickening plot has been dreamt up, and skillfully executed by the enemy of our souls, Satan. He has always hated girls. Ever since the Garden of Eden, he has been attacking Eve and his daughters with lies that spew like fire out of his dragon mouth.

The purpose of this disgusting scheme is to convince God’s chosen daughters that they are worthless. The familiar scenery of the hour we live in, the set on this stage, and the cast of characters in this story remind me of what unfolded in Esther’s day. Esther’s story is a dramatic tale that all of us love. An ordinary, average, orphan girl was called to play a magnificent role in the Kingdom, and God used her to release her entire generation from destruction. Just like Esther you were called into the kingdom for such a time as this.

Girl, your adrenaline-pumping, high-action, story of greatness is unfolding. You living in the midst of this BEAUTY-saturated generation for a purpose, and that purpose is not to remain silent and be destroyed. There is no need for fear because we know how this story ends. The victory is not in jeopardy, it already belongs to Christ. He is calling you to walk with Him into this adventure.
Will you join your Christian sisters and discover what’s going on behind-the-scenes in the modeling industry, Hollywood, the media, and cosmetic companies? Many of these avenues have added insult to injury , as thousands of young girls just don’t feel like they measure up. Discover the unique role that we have as young women in combating this attack on our generation! You have been given a powerful influence and are called to play a meaningful role. Be both challenged and encouraged in this powerful new recourse for Christian girls, an online magazine, Crown of Beauty Magazine.

We just released our first FULL downloadable issue in November! This issue includes articles and interviews with some wonderful young women! Including, Jenny Simmons of Addison Road, Sarah Ross from Everlife, Rachel Lee Carter author of Modeling Christ, and Kylie Busitti, a former Victoria’s Secret Model, who walked away from her glamorous career to obey God’s call and be an example for girls everywhere! Recommended for teen girls ages 13+.

If you decide you’d like to order The Beauty Issue, it costs $4.99. Now, this is the first time we’ve charged anything to our readers, but this issue took a lot of hard work & it’s totally jam-packed! But if you don’t want to purchase anything…no worries! We have lots of free content on our site! Check it out! www.crownofbeautymagazine.com ”

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You all are beautiful inside and out and God has made you in his image and likeness. I will try to remember this next time I look at myself in the mirror and doubt my beauty! I hope you all have a wonderful day and that you check out Crown of Beauty magazine!

Product Love Tuesdays #1

Hey, blog friends! So, I've been thinking about some link up opportunities for Radiating Sunshine for sometime now and finally I thought about sharing my favorite products with y'all! I'm always searching of fabulous finds and products I should check out, so hopefully I can learn from you guys and I can share cool things with you! 

So, what is on this week's product love list? 

Product One- My Fitness Pal

I love this iPhone app so much! I'm on this health kick/get in shape stage of life and this little app has really helped me kick it into gear. With the app you can track what food your eating, weight loss/gain, where your nutrients are coming from etc! I'm down 11 pounds since I got home from Texas this summer and I'm definitely being more health conscious thanks to this app! 

Product Two- Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat

If your schedule is anything like mine than you know that fixing your chipped nails is not on your priority list… but, with the diamond shine coat I can paint my nails every two weeks and am guaranteed that they won't look all gross and chipped by the end of the week. Seriously, this clear coat is a blessing! 

Product Three- Cover Girl Clump Crusher Lash Blast Mascara

They really need to stress the lash blast mascara portion of this… because it is totally awesome for us ladies with tiny lashes! I started using this about a month ago and I know longer need to wear any eye liner or really anything else to give my eyes some definition. 

Product Four- Garnier Fructis Leave- In Conditioner

Ahhh time for the classic curly hair product plug! Anyways, I've been using leave-in conditioner for probably 2 years now and I'm hooked! If you have an issue with frizz and have relatively thick but dry hair then please give this product a shot! 

All of my opinions about the above products are my own. I was not compensated for this post. 

Peaceful Hike & View

I'm lucky to live in one of the prettiest places on the Appalachian Trail! My mountain home has many perks, but one that surpasses the others is the view. Today, Hannah and I hiked up to the grotto and just walked around, talked, and took in the beautiful scene! 

But, really! I'm so blessed to call this mountain my home?

My great hiking companion and I were also sooo bummed out that Zumba was canceled, so we needed some nature therapy and conveniently we live on this incredible mountain with great views and memories! So, for now take a deep breathe and... 

The Curls Through the Ages

SHORT, LONG. LAYERED, NOT LAYERED. STRAIGHT, CURLS. BANGS, OR NOT. 

I can't decide what I want to do with my curls so I will put this in your hands, let me know which time period you thought my hair (curls or not) looked the best!! Thanks :) I don't dye or highlight my hair so any color changes are because of the sun!

Christmas 2009
Shoulder Length

February 2010
Straight phase 

April 2010
Right below shoulders

November 2010
Back on the straight hair kick... can't really see my hair in
this though.

May 2011
Starting to get some length 

September 2012

March 2012
In love with the curls.. about 6 inches below shoulders

April 2012
Trim... on the path of going short

August 2012
A little below ear length

What do you all think!? I'd love to hear your feedback!

- Alex  

Curly Hair Probs... No More

All my life I have always hated my curly hair. It was too frizzy, too wild, always messy... but most of all it wasn't straight; which is what every girl who was "pretty" seemed to have. People with straight hair have it so easy. They don't have to spend endless amounts of money on hair products, they don't have to wake up and shower every morning to control the afro, they don't understand the concept of frizz taking over one's head, and lastly their hair can look great even if they don't try.  All of my life problems would be solved if I had straight hair... haha that sounds so ridiculous thinking about it now. So about a month ago I decided to stop worrying about my hair that frizzes out and too start embracing the fact that I have beautiful curls.

 Before, I was always anxious about the way my hair looked. When someone would ask me if I loved my hair I would instantly say no or it was okay, because who would love a mess that can't be tamed. Countless times I have heard people say that they would kill for my hair... or that they pay thousands spending money on perms to get my volume and curls and it took awhile for me to actually realize that they are right. My boyfriend constantly says how much he loves it and how it is beautiful. So it took me sometime before I came to the conclusion that sure the curls can be a pain in the butt but they also make me, me. And I have a new found appreciation for them. So instead of complaining and hating my curls; I'm going to be more accepting and love the skin I'm in.

The Works... (I don't use all of these every day)

 I have used tons of hair products in lifetime. And I have found the one hair product that is my secret weapon. My friend, Charlotte who has similar hair to me uses Garnier Fructis Leave-In Conditioner. She swears by it so I decided to give it a shot. and WOW. I'm in love with this frizz weapon. I also use gel with it to style it and keep the curls contained. So maybe I have just found the perfect concoction to make my curls look stunning. But whatever it is, I am happy to say that I have curly hair that can't always be controlled and doesn't always look perfect but that's okay. Because although its not pin straight and what every other girl has; I am unique. No curl on my head is the same as the others, and no curl on my head is identical to another's. And that is enough for me.

I have blue eyes and blonde hair. I like to make crafts and cook lots of food. I like to give back to society and smile whenever I can. I am outgoing and like to make people laugh. I also like to organize things and take care of others. In my friend group I am always considered to be the mom, which I don't know is good or bad. I'm a perfectionist and strive for excellence. 

And I have curly hair and I don't care. :)

To anyone who has a "flaw" with their body, just take a step back and learn to accept it and love it. That "flaw" makes you, you; and maybe you'll come to see that it isn't even that big of an issue that you made it out to be. It has taken me 18 years to love my curls and I can't tell you how good it feels too not worry about how they look. 

My Favorite Nail Color

Looking for that perfect nail color? Me too.

I paint my nails every week... or at least try too! And for the past three weeks I have been loving Essie's Happily Ever After nail polish! It's a very light pink and gives your nails a polished clean look even if they are a bit chipped! Now, that is hard to find! 

Not only is the color wonderful but the polish itself doesn't chip very easy and really gives your nails a healthy look!

I work in retail and do a lot of things around the house like cleaning, cooking, & crafts so it's nice to have a nail polish that I can rely on to always make my nails look stunning and professionally done!

I have the polish on in these pictures

Pretty sure the polish Happily Ever After is suppose to be for a bride on her wedding day, and who knows I may even use it for my special day (way in the future) but for right now it suits my needs quite well with the perfect color that goes with any outfit and occasion!