If you've been following the blog, you may have noticed that I have slipped up a bit and not posted anything for the week yet, in which I do apologize. Because I didn't have any content to put up, I just decided that since I updated the "about" page, I would post that and what it has inspired in me here for y'all to read!

To put things in all honesty here, I feel like I have had some sort of revelation recently. There was one night when I was driving home at a completely unreasonable hour after a night out with a friend. If you know me, you'll know that I absolutely do not stay out late or do anything really crazy haha. But this one particular night it was getting into the morning hours as I drove home, tired, sort of sad, listening to worship music. As I drove along, I was hit by this overwhelming presence of God, fully awakening my soul. It was just like I had been sleeping for so long, pressing snooze on the alarm clock that is my God, and that night He finally woke me up. My walls lowered to a crumbling pile, and I just remember the tears just coming down my face as I lifted my hands (safely as I drove) to the One who had gotten my attention. There was no fear. Just thankfulness. I felt Him and saw Him with me that night.

Fast forward to tonight. I've been hit by some raw, honest truth. Movies have always highly affected me, making me feel like the main character in the storyline after watching. Tonight I saw Before I Fall, and I still just can't get it out of my head. There was one instance when she said in the film, "I want to live each day worthy... I wanted it to mean something, and not just for me." That just keeps resonating with me. It's difficult to wrap my head around the fact that one day each of us will pass. This day, this moment, this life will be no more. And after seeing this film, no matter how annoying it was that she kept living the same day over and over again, I have this sense that it's okay. Rather than being afraid, I should just live each day as though it means something, and despite how cheesy it sounds, as though it is my last. Because we really never know when there will be a halting end to all of this.

What good is it to just get by, when what we're doing doesn't actually mean anything?
I want to live with God going directly before me, in all that I do, all that I say. In every action, reaction, word, expression, emotion. I'm just this human who fails so easily. I fall short in things that I do and even in how I love others. I shame even myself in how I am often so quick to react in a selfish manner. But starting now, I just want God to go before me and be the key factor in everything that comes out of me.

I want to live a life that matters. But most of all, as the song goes, the only thing I want in life is to be known for loving Christ. I pray it's said about my life, that I lived more to build Your name than mine.
(The Cause of Christ by Kari Jobe)

As promised, here's more beauty content! I have received quite a few comments about my hair, so I thought I'd show you all how I do the color at home - because unless you have money to go to the salon, this is the best option. It's quick, simple, and easy. Oh and it lasts for months!
*By the way - this post is not sponsored. I just enjoy the products/doing my own hair and wanted to share! 



Both of these boxes can be found for around $8 each at Publix or Walmart or even online if you don't feel like going out and searching for them. I first did the darker color all over (my hair is naturally blonde so I wanted to go a little darker for the balayage to show up, although it ended up looking lighter than I expected!). It's best to wait at least a day - but better if more - to go back over with the lighter color. The less time that passes between dyes, the less healthy your hair will look. So bare with the darker all-over color for a few days and then you can get to the fun part!


The video below shows how I went through with the light blonde color to get that balayage highlight look. I split the hair in half, applying color to the bottom portion first. It's easiest to split the hair into small bundles of strands, leaving space between each of them and going back in with the hair dye to saturate each one thoroughly. Then release the top of the hair and do the same thing!
I'm not sure if pulling the hair up into a bun makes too much of a difference, but I did it so that the dye wouldn't get everywhere as I waited the 25 minutes for it to set. Once waiting time is up, wash it out and use the conditioner that comes in the box.


You can either blow-dry your hair to see the results right away, or if you're like me you can just sleep on it damp, waking up to effortlessly pretty blonde hair in the morning!



I'd love to see your hair results if you try the blonde balayage at home too. Leave a comment or message me on any of my socials (@ahappyblur on everything)!

Top & Skirt Co-ord: Boohoo // Jacket: H&M // Shoes: Zigi Soho // Bag: Steve Madden // Jewelry: Forever 21

It's been quite the gloomy day - actually more like days - here in Florida. Weather like this really makes me better appreciate sunny, productive days surrounded by palm trees and pretty things. It's been a moment since I have posted on the blog. Summer tends to speed up for me, coming up with all kinds of things to do, and before I know it I'm struggling to keep up with the different responsibilities. This is where the lack of motivation and productivity sneaks its way in, putting things off to focus on other activities.

As much as I try to combat this and get back on top of things, sometimes a rainy day in to catch up on sleep is much needed. It proves rather difficult to be productive when you're running on 5 hours of sleep and dragging through the never-ending day.  If you're in the same boat: don't worry or feel bad about taking some time out to recoup. You'll get back on track much better if you don't run yourself absolutely ragged but instead ease your way back into work life.

On a lighter note, I have been online shopping up a storm recently - because, what else is there to do in weather like this with a sleepy mood? This mostly relates to my latest store find which just so happens to be having 50% off everything sales pretty much all the time. Because this is just too good to pass up, I'll let you all in on my little secret!

Boohoo is a contemporary store, similar to Forever 21, that sells affordable, on trend clothing.
*Side note - this is NOT a sponsored post. I just really love this store.*
What's better than clothing that's already cute and decently priced? Half-off sales!!!
I seriously browse this shop every day to see what's new and refill my wish list. This white top and skirt co-ord was only $10 because of the sale. Crazy, right?!

So go go go before the sales end! I'm adding items to my cart as we speak.