What I'm loving Wednesday.

This Wednesday, I'm totally loving:

I purchased a similar looking top today at Ross. It's a short-sleeved version, and absolutely has me in the mood for Summer time!

I painted my nails with the Sally Hansen Sun Kissed orange yesterday. It's so bright and cheerful! The shade pictured is slightly more metallic, but mine is very glossy and bright hued.

I'm so thrilled that my sweet pea will celebrate his 20th birthday on Sunday!! :).

I was so happy to be missed by my sweet little angels I babysit. They told me how much they missed me yesterday ( when I was out sick), and how excited they were that I was back. I love them so much!

Last, I'm loving that I serve such a powerful, yet forgiving God. I listened to a talk radio show today and the pastor was talking about how naturally inclined we are to clam up to God when we sin against Him... We try to hide ourselves and do a few good deeds before approaching Him again. That's totally a wrong method. God wants us to genuinely confess and move on from our sins. I'm thankful that God always forgives me instantly, even before I ask. What an amazing Creator!

Hope you are having a fabulous mid-week!!

Can't wait to document this weekend's festivities and share them :).

xoxo

Gluten Free diet.

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After coming down with a major stomach ache last night, I decided to finally try going Gluten Free. I've been battling foods for years now, but I have never wanted to put the time and energy into preparing, planning, and shopping for gluten free foods. No more quick fast food stops or on-the-go foods without mapping out the plan first. I know this will be very hard, especially since I will be in college, living in the dorms next Fall. I'm going to do my best to stick to the diet and see if I feel any better. My body has been suffering for too long, and I'm finally going to give up my favorites: bread, candy and breaded chicken.

Luckily, gluten-free is becoming a popular trend, so much information is available online. I found one helpful site that helped me plan my shopping list:

* Vegetables

* Uncooked Meats

* Fruits

* Chick Peas

* Juice

* Eggs

* Plain Yogurt

* Cheese ( any but Blue)

I'm going to start with this tiny list and mix around a little bit.

For lunch today, I had 2 hard boiled eggs. They are my new favorite! I love the consistency, and they even double as snacks if they come out un-crumbly. This fantastic site helped me make them perfectly. I didn't watch the video, but I did time my egg for promptly what the site suggested.

I also had mixed fruit and water for lunch. I needed something to give me a small burst of energy. I still feel so icky! :/.

I'm looking forward to trying some Gluten free recipes I find and sharing them on here. Sometime soon I really want to experiment with Juice Pops. Making popsicles out of fresh fruit juice! yum. A neat way to eat a frozen treat without all that excess sugar.

Skin Care Routine.

I recently changed up my Skin Care Routine. Here is the one I currently use:

A.M.:

I start by cleansing my face with a gentle acne wash. I have very sensitive skin, so I use Neutrogena. It's very gentle and never irritates my skin, but I always feel really clean and refreshed after using it.

Next, I use a tightening toner. I really love this one:

but since it can be a bit pricey, I am using the CVS version right now. I've been just as pleased with it, and it's a ton cheaper!

After toning, I usually apply my moisturizer. Since my face is extremely pale, I've been using Jergen's natural glow. It's already darkened my tone significantly!

After my moisturizer I usually start with my mineral makeup. I've switched to mineral make-up because it doesn't "cake" my face and clog my pores like liquid makeup does. I do still use a liquid concealer, just because I feel that I don't get enough coverage with the powders.

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Then onto my p.m. routine:

I usually start by taking off my makeup with a remover. I like these:

I received a sample of Lancome's makeup remover and really loved it! My only complain is that it is very, very oily and the lid is not ideal for disposing. I ended up spilling the remover multiple times and finally throwing it away because it kept going everywhere! The quality of the remover is fantastic though, and I'd definitely recommend the product.

I believe Almay makeup remover was the very first I ever used! I love the formula and it works fantastic. I've branched out and tried new products lately, so I haven't used this one in about a year or two.

I've recently used Expert Eyes by Maybelline. I really like the product and it works quickly, without much scrubbing, but it can be a little expensive, especially if you use a lot like I do.

I then wash my face with the soap listed above, and rotate a scrub every 2-3 days to keep my skin fresh and exfoliated.

I follow up with toner and then a heavy night cream ( I use mark. skin brightener right now)

What is your skin care routine??

What I'm loving .

This springy week I am loving:

that i get to doggy-sit this precious little guy! (Sorry the picture is microscopic; I couldn't get it to resize!)

I'm loving that I finally caved and bought a legitimate waxing kit. I'm a little nervous about the pain factor. eh.

I'm loving that my Yankee Candle order arrived today. I bought a small package to support my sister's Senior Class, and in return I received this yummy candle!

I'm loving that since I've been religiously applying my Jergen's natural glow- I'm actually developing a natural glow! I don't really want to risk my health by bathing in the sun ( like I have time for that anyway), and this is a great, cheap alternative!

oh. my. word. I tried Starbuck's Cake Pops today. they are to die for. I tried the Tiramisu. oh. i cannot brag enough.

I'm so thrilled that this spring weather has appeared so quickly! 80 plus degrees today. Yikeseys! I was actually hot in a short-sleeved top and shorts.

Hope you are having an energetic mid-week!!!

xoxo

Wedding likes: for the bride.

Here's a tiny compilation of my wedding favorites (possibilities for my wedding!):

nail color:

otherwise engaged by OPI.

charged up cherry by OPI.

holy pink pagoda! by OPI.

Shoes:

the yellow j.crew are my favorite.

Veil/ hair:

love the birdcage veil.

fascinators are great as well.

That's about it for now!

Scripture Sundays:

My Pastor talked about this verse this morning and it really stuck with me. It was one of those aha moments when you've heard something a thousand times but for some reason you never actually understood it until now. I hope it does the same for you:

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Typically when hearing this verse, I think about unsaved people, how those who don't know Christ and have sinned against Him will not have eternal life. My pastor pointed out that we all sin (like duh), even Christians, and our "wages" for our sins are death too. Like: death of happiness, death of our joy, death of contentment, death of love.

When we chose to sin against God, we are choosing to be punished! Though we will still go to heaven to be with Him, we chose to make our lives here on earth miserable and tiring. Be inspired to live for Him!

Friday Faves:

I know I've really gotten out of Friday Favorite mode recently; my fridays seem so busy! nevertheless, here is the Friday fave post:

Fave bicycle: Schwinn. I keep day dreaming about coasting through breezy streets sometime soon! I am really hoping to start biking regularly when we get married.

Fave Snack: These banana babies are so yum! My fiance's mom shared one with me and they are ah-maz-ing. Fruit dipped in chocolate is always a fave for me.

Speaking of fruit, I love me some raspberries! Raspberries and Blackberries are my favorite fruits, but raspberries have definitely won out recently. I bought a carton a couple of nights ago; they are already gone!

My fave wedding invites are the very simple ones. I love modern designs in very simple taste. I found these two so charming!

I'm thinking of and praying for the losses in Japan. Such a sad time. I am thankful that God has a plan, and that I can fully trust in Him!!

Have a wonderful weekend, I'm looking forward to watching some basketball tonight with my doll and catching some rays in this beautiful weather!!

xoxo

Themed Engagement Sessions.

I've been peeking around at themed engagement sessions recently.

I found this sweet Up themed one:

The Notebook:





So creative!!

What I'm loving:

This week I'm really loving:

I'm loving that I found this site. I'm really trying to get on a stiff wedding diet- mainly to tone and sculpt and lose excess. I'm hoping that it will come off easily because everything I read says 5-10 pounds comes off in a hurry! yay because 5-10 off is my gooaall :).

I think the Keel Simple Diary is just perfect to give as a gift. Even if the recipient isn't typically a fan of journaling, this diary makes it easy and fun to record your moods and thoughts!

I'm really loving this Nikon D3000. I've been looking at cameras for quite some time now and I'm really considering purchasing this one really soon! So excited to expand my photography.

"It's not what happens to you in life, it's how you handle it that determines your character!"

I'm really loving this quote. It is so encouraging and reminds me to always live for God alone!

I'm loving the wide selection of fruits and snacks available at Publix. I'm constantly looking for fresh, yummy snacks and meals on the go. Publix has a huge selection of items to-go like: hummus and crackers, various fruits and dips, salads, sandwiches, and a full deli bar. Everything is so convenient and I'm typically in a hurry during meal time.

I'm loving that Spring Break is right around the corner! So looking forward to getting really rested and having relaxing yet productive days!

Honeymoon Attire: J.Crew

I've started looking at different shops for attire to wear on my honeymoon. I've always loved the style of J.Crew so it was one of the first shops I started looking! Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

swim:

I really love this ruffly bandeau!

bottoms:

tops:

dresses:

shoes:

bags:

jewelry: