Let's Take Back Beauty From The Inside Out!

I truly believe that God created us in his image. We all look unique and different. Different eye shapes, different hair colors and hair textures, different lip shapes, different face shapes and tones, different body shapes. Every single feature is unique and different and I believe the features that you have, have been given to YOU on purpose!! God created you, he does not make mistakes. 

It has taken me a VERY LONG TIME to figure this out. I got caught up in the Self-Objectification curse. It is the perfect trick brought on by Satan. It steals away your happiness and when you aren't happy, you feel worthless and it becomes easier to sin. When you are happy and confident in your own skin, you have a greater desire and ability to serve others and let your light shine!

Very well played Satan, but guess what?! We are going to bring beauty back to it's fullest from the inside out! Every single feature on a person is beautiful. Birth marks, acne, scars, etc.... God created all of these and ALL of God's creations are beautiful! Who says blemishes aren't beautiful? Seriously who created that "ideal beauty image"? I know many celebrities, beauty industries for profit and beauty icons have influence in the way we perceive beauty today, but why are we giving them power? God knows what he is doing, he created every single perfection and imperfection ON PURPOSE!! And no matter how you perceive it today, I am telling you - IT IS ALL BEAUTIFUL!!

SO, LET'S TAKE BACK BEAUTY!!!

How? It starts with ourselves! It starts with YOU. The thing that helped me the most was prayer. Pray to God to understand your purpose and why you are here. Once you understand this, being the "world's kind of beautiful" just doesn't matter any more. It really doesn't, because no matter what you look like, no matter what color your hair is, no matter what your body shape is - it is NOT going to take away from the mission that you have on this EARTH!! Heavenly Father has a plan and a purpose for you to fulfill, don't get distracted. Stay strong and true to who you ARE on the inside and let that shine from the outside.

Ignore the photo shopped pictures, ignore the celebrities that catch your eye, ignore the comparisons of friends because you most certainty have something that they don't have to offer the world. Heavenly Father has given you many, many gifts, talents and blessings!! Focus and use those. It's so much easier said than done and I could talk about this all day. However, my words won't mean anything until you get down on your knees and you pray with real purpose and real intent. Pray for help and understanding in knowing the purpose and the life that God wants you to live. Pray with humility and honesty and an open heart and mind that you are willing to follow his will. Pray for help in overcoming insecurities, doubts and fears. Your prayers will be answered on his time but have faith that they will be answered.

Remember who you are and what you stand for. Virtue, humility, charity and love will always be seen as beautiful. God wants you to know of your worth which is so priceless. Satan wants you to forget it, it is an easy and simple distraction to get you to loose hope and faith so you loose sight of God's plan. Hang on to your worth and God's love.

Here's the challenge:
For every single person you see today - find a quality that you like about them and then say aloud or in your mind "This person is so beautiful, especially in the eyes of God. And I am beautiful too". You will see all sorts of beauty in people that you have been missing!

Once you recognize the beauty in everyone else - you can't miss the beauty that is shinning right back at you through your reflection!!

THE FIGHT IS ON TO
 BRING BACK BEAUTY FROM 
THE INSIDE OUT!!!

Write your story on my heart

Life can be so difficult sometimes. Monday I took my car to get it washed. It had been at least a year since it had been through a car wash (crazy, I know!) so I figured it was about time. They told me to put my car in neutral  let go of the break and the wheel and it would do everything for me. As I was going through the car wash, I noticed that I started to freak out a bit. Here I am completely blinded by the suds and the big blue scrubbers running up and down my car. My car started to shake and wiggle as it slowly pulled me through this super long tunnel. I kept thinking, if I only I could see, if only I could be in charge. How much longer of this madness? 

Sorry I am using such a silly parable but it relates...

It relates to the fact that I have noticed I fully and openly give God the pen and let him write my story when things are going well and when I am happy. But when he takes me on a detour I was not expecting, I yank over the steering wheel and I say "I am not ready to go there, can I drive now?" It's so sad but true. And even if I don't like the turns he takes me on (at that moment), I know in my heart I will still be happier then when I am completely trying to pull away from what he wants for my life. When will I learn to give the control up and to trust him? It's hard to have that faith but it has to be, the easy things don't bring the amazing blessings that we so richly deserve and God wants to share and bless with us. 

Every day is a learning day of how God is the greatest author of my story. Whether it is what I expected my story to look like or not, Heavenly Father knows better and he knows what will bring me that happily ever after. Faith is the greatest gift, it is a value you need to develop but once you exercise it, it is a gift. Some people find this gift easier to use and cherish than others do but the truth is, the more you use the gift, the more gifts you receive. 

This week when I finally exercised my faith, I found the most amazing gift in the world... the gift of peace. It was no longer a battle with my head and my heart of I what I wanted and what I believed. I felt peace. That peace of letting go and letting God write his story on my heart. Heavenly Father knows me and loves each of us more than we can even imagine, he won't let us down.    

May you have faith and hope in your own daily struggles so that you can find that peace - I promise it is the greatest feeling in the world.

And here are two songs to help you through:

Charity of the week - brightpink.org

CHARITY OF THE WEEK



I am going to start spotlighting one Charity a week. I feel it is important to be aware of these Charity's so we have more opportunities to be aware of ways we can make a difference and be that "Power of One".

So the first one I have chosen to spotlight is www.brightpink.org!

I found out about this Charity when I went into Aerie last month 

during October - "Breast Cancer Awareness Month". 

I bought the cutest and comfiest pink bra and 100% of the proceeds went

to this organization - is that not the greatest???

Also I got the prettiest pink nail polish and 100% of the proceeds for that got donated as well!

I would say Aerie ROCKS for supporting such an amazing cause!

Actually you can still buy the bra and support the cause HERE

So I'm sure you are wondering by now what is Brightpink.org?

Bright Pink is the ONLY National non-profit that raises awareness 

of the protection and early detection of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. 

This is SO IMPORTANT!

Want to support this amazing Charity?

Donate Here

Find ways to Volunteer Here

or simply Spread the Word Here

Remember that you hold the POWER OF ONE GIRL 

- You efforts may just end up changing the world! 

If you do ANYTHING to support this cause - I want to hear all about it so please come back and leave a comment.

SHINE PROJECT {THREADS} REVEAL

                                        It has been awhile since I have updated you on 

                                                    Miss Murray's Outstanding Teen!!

                                 Remember when I wrote about the obstacles in the way? Well, I used 

                                                    the obstacles as stepping stones and things 

                                                               are getting brighter each day!!

                         Miss Murray's FIRST Outstanding Teen was crowned in September. 

           We didn't hold a full on pageant but we chose our winner based on paperwork and a 

                              poster that showed what she would do to promote her platform. 

                           I thought this was ideally perfect as we wanted a girl who was focused 

                                                              on serving her community.

Meet Lauren Wells,

 she is a student at Murray High and her platform is

Cancer Awareness! 

Lauren is already doing AMAZING things in the community.

In fact she performed for the Huntsman Center Gala event that was AMAZING!!
Here is a glimpse into what the evening had in store.

 In celebration of things working out so well, we have partnered up

with Shine Project's THREADS to bring you

bracelets and stacks that were custom made just for

the Miss Murray Outstanding Teen's program.

The stacks are $50 and 20% of all sales goes to MMOT and the
rest goes straight back to Threads and we all know the amazing
work that they do! :)

The crown bracelets individually are $14.

They are debuting in the Thread shop
but I also have my own pile of them so email me if 
you would like some bracelets and I will personally 
deliver them to you! :)
ashleyfrederickson@marykay.com

Together we can CREATE and WEAR CHANGE!!!

How to write a Thank You letter

I LOVE thank you notes!

Okay I don't just love them....I may be slightly OBSESSED with them!
I carry blank ones with me EVERYWHERE! 

I feel lost if I don't have one with my at all times. You just never know who might do something nice for you and who you might need to thank!

There are these two very kind boys who work at Kneaders (pretty sure I go there too often for my wallet) and every time I go through the drive through they treat me like royalty! Of course I wrote their manager a letter thanking them for hiring two compassionate boys who know what true customer service is all about! I think that may be the main reason I go back so often, they make me feel like a princess with their sweet service! The second reason is because their food is SO YUMMY!

The point is, if someone makes you feel like a million bucks - TELL THEM!!!

So it is your turn to write a Thank You note.

Step 1: Think and select someone that has made a difference in YOUR life!

 It can be in a very simple or subtle way or it can be HUGE!

Ideas: How about your 2nd grade teacher that took you under her wing?
                 How about that kind cashier that went out of her way to serve you today?
                 What about that girl back in high school who always said Hi to you, no matter what?!

Friends, neighbors, cashiers, waitresses, mentors, parents, siblings, co-workers, your boss - they all want to feel loved and appreciated for the things they do, even if they are simple things.

Step 2: Pick out a card!

It does not need to be fancy! 

Step 3: Think of a few nice things to say!

The most important factor on this step is that you are sincere! 
Make it come from the bottom of your heart!

Ideas to get you thinking: 

You make me feel so loved!
You are truly amazing at your job. Thank you for doing your job so well!
You care so much for others and it really shows.
You make a difference! 
Thank you for your service!
Thank you for your business!
Thank you for your time!
Thank you for your love!
Thank you for being my friend!

Step 4: Write it down!

It is SO MUCH more meaningful when it is written in your own handwriting on a card instead of just a simple and impersonal email. People simply LOVE getting mail that isn't bills!

Step 5: Send it!

Once you send your thank you; lives will be touched, hearts will be lifted, joy will be experienced and the process of paying it forward can begin! 

You writing a thank you note has a HUGE impact on others whether you believe it or not!

CONGRATULATIONS... YOU {being ONE person} just made a difference and started to change the world!

Step 6: Celebrate. {I believe ice cream is in order now :)}

When you reward yourself for the good things you do in this world, you are more likely to remember them and do it again! 

Want a great excuse to invite friends over? Have a Thank you Note - - ice cream party! 
Write TONS of notes and indulge in ice cream!

5 College Studying Tips

 Here are 5 studying tips for you! This is just what I have learned from experience. 
Comment below to add to it!
1. Study somewhere besides your home 

 I'm not sure if it's just me but I don't accomplish much when I study at home. There are so many distractions between my family, my computer, the TV, the kitchen and everything in between. I get like 3 times as much homework done when I go to the library near my house than I do sitting at my home.

2. Have some good healthy snacks nearby.

 I have to keep a water bottle and either a string cheese or fruit or an organic nutrition bar while I am studying. I think better and it is a huge motivation booster to me.

3. Listen to classical music

 I just barely learned this one! I found this amazing You Tube link and I found that when I am listening while doing my homework, I am a lot more effective at my homework. I seem to remember what I am studying more and for a longer period of time.

4.  Schedule studying time in your day 

This may sound really silly but if I don't schedule out a time to do my homework - it doesn't get done. In my planner I will write "go to library to study" and when a friend comes along, I let them know I am not available because that time is already written down! At the beginning of every single week - I write down every class I am taking and each assignment that is due that week. Even if it is something like "Read Chapter 8". I am a very visual person and if I don't see it - I won't know I have to do it. Besides I LOVE crossing of things on a to-do list!

5. Reward yourself 

I love setting goals and achieving them. That's probably why you are going to college right? You have a goal to be successful, you have a goal to make more money than you do now, you have a goal to gain more knowledge, you have a goal to land your dream job!! Well that may be a few years away so why not reward yourself now? I think of things I get to do if I finish writing my paper or if I get a good grade on my test! It doesn't have to be a big reward - for example I go get a mango tango smoothie from Kneaders (my favorite drink EVER!).

Bridal and Wedding Makeup

 My gorgeous cousin Chelise married a marine this past weekend

and it was so beautiful and their love is so true.

I got the amazing opportunity of doing her makeup

for both her bridals and her wedding.

We decided to keep her look simple to allow

her stunning natural beauty to shine.

I had so much fun playing with her eyes as she has the most stunning

and pure blue eyes.

Don't you think she could be a model?!

I mean seriously she is BEAUTIFUL!

Makeup I used for her bridals:

{I wanted to play up one feature and since her eyes are already gorgeous - 

I chose to make her lips pop}

Foundation - Ivory 1

Translucent Powder

Cream Blush

Bronzer 

{Very lightly applied}

Cream Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow - Chocolate Kiss

Eyeshadow - Hazelnut

Eyeshadow - Spun Silk

Black Eyeliner

Eyeshadow - Coal (on top of liner)

Lash Love Mascara Black

Lip Gloss - Pink Luster

Makeup I used for her Wedding:

{This time we kept all her makeup simple

so her natural beauty really got a chance to shine}

Foundation - Ivory 1 

Mineral Powder - Ivory 1

Concealer - Ivory 1

Cream Blush

Cream Eyeshadow

Eyeshadow - Almond

Black Eyeliner

Lash Love Mascara Black

Lip Gloss - Au Natural

Congratulations Chelise and Ruben - - so so happy for you both!

Wishing you the greatest happily ever after!

P.S. I need some bloggy button help - email me if you are interested in helping me

for some FREE makeup - - ashleyfrederickson@marykay.com