Ok, but first, before I say anything and get off track... just look at my hair!! Can you believe I didn't even straighten it?! Literally all I did was wash, let it air dry overnight like usual, and brush it the next day. And it turned out perfectly straight and smooth. Like, what?

Keeping up with your hair can be a tough thing, especially when its long like this. You want it one way but it goes the other, it doesn't stay in place, can frizz out or become flat.. you name it. But I'm learning now that it's all about the products you use that can make or break your love for your hair.

I've collaborated with Maple Holistics previously on the blog and absolutely love their brand. Not only are their products high quality, all natural, cruelty free and totally affordable, but they are the most genuine, kind people to work with! I appreciate everything they do for their customers and how they collaborate with people like me.

So, on to the product that made my hair look like this..

I tried out their new Silk18 Shampoo, meant to strengthen and protect hair for a smooth, soft finish. The moment I opened the bottle I immediately loved the scent, like a light vanilla that's not overpowering but just right. It doesn't take a whole lot of shampoo - as I quickly learned and probably should've read on the instructions first - just a quarter sized amount and that's it! That way it lasts way longer and your hair gets all the benefits it needs.

It also says in the description that it's sulfate and paraben-free! There's a blog article on their website that explains damaged hair and the best shampoo to use for it, if you'd like to learn more.




Because we're on the natural subject, I think it's something people often mistake about fashion and blogging. After scrolling through what seems like just 'highlight reels', others can be quick to make up their own thoughts about this kind of career - that it's all glam, no natural, fake, half-sided, and what have you. But that's why I, and so many others like myself, find the value in taking the time to write about the real things. I love being honest on here and speaking truth about a life of doing something I love but also opening up about it not always being at a high point. Because let's be real, more than half the time it can seem just plain tough!

It's important to always stay authentic and natural, though. If you're at a good spot and loving what you do, there's no shame in that at all! And if you're not in such a great point of life right now, keep your head up, and be happy for those you think may be having it better, instead of feeling jealous or mocking them for what they have. Your good times will come to you too, and if you really go after what you love, following after God's will for your life and keeping up faith, then you can get to the same place of peace and happiness in your life.

At either end of the spectrum, just stay true and kind. Be there for yourself and be there for others. If you find yourself stuck on on the sidelines for now, cheer on those who are out there running their race. They'll be there for you when you start to run too.

At the beginning of January, I told everyone that I would start on Valentine's content early. Well, today's the day, and here we are. It's kind of amusing how things work. But also amazing in its own way. I don't think its an accident or just a result of putting it off. I think that I needed time to work through things and understand what God was speaking to me.

So here's the words that I felt so honestly today that they just flowed out in such a simple way. On that note, I hope you've all had a lovely day. ♡



Do you ever have days when you wake up and you just feel whole?

Today truth has been knocking at my heart in such a profound way. I am complete, made whole by the One who created me, the One who saved me. I no longer feel the need to seek out someone else to fill a void or be my other half. Because I know now that I am whole on my own since the day that Jesus came in and completed who He made me to be.



On a day that often feels filled with sorrow and loneliness, please let this truth fill you too. A significant other will not complete you. Only the One who created you can do that. So take this day with a thankful heart, knowing that you can stand perfectly fine without having a crutch to hold you up.



Maybe in a year or two or five, just leave it to God's timing, someone will come into your life and you'll notice a difference. Because they won't complete you, they will compliment you. You will be whole with or without them. But they will show you your best self, challenging you to keep on growing and being exactly who you know yourself to be. They will love you for who you are, not what they want you to be. Just as Jesus does.



So that's my hope today. And the point of truth that has been pouring over my heart. I have finally come to the place where I can say that I am whole. I know who I am, and because I am exactly who God made me to be, I love every bit of me.



I think that in order to really love others, to see them for their best selves and not their insecurities, you've got to throw your own away and first love who you are. Love your flaws, for they make up a part of you that no one else can be. Know and accept who you are in Christ's eyes.



Only then can you love others as yourself. It doesn't mean being conceited or overconfident. No, that comes from a place of deep insecurity. Loving yourself gives you the understanding to see others through Christ, and the platform to extend complete love without any sort of limitations.



My hope is that you may see this as an encouragement today. You are loved. And you are perfectly you. Whether you believe it or not, Christ is waiting for you to see yourself through His eyes, so then you can see others the same way. Only then will you know that you too can be made whole.

As you can see, this post is allll about lipstick! I recently received these three shades of L'Oreal's new Rouge Signature lipstick line complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes, and I just had to show (and tell) y'all all about it!

As soon as I first put this lipstick on, I knew from the very first moment that I loved it. The application was so smooth with the angled flat brush. It went on evenly in literally less than a minute, with vibrant color and a matte but moisturizing texture. I honestly couldn't even feel it on my lips, like I wasn't even wearing anything at all, it was so comfortable! The only downside to this lipstick is that it wasn't totally transfer-proof, so when I would eat or drink or touch it then it did come off slightly. But despite that, it still lasts for quite a while. If I apply it at the beginning of the day, I can usually make it through the whole day with just a couple touch-ups!

So with that said, I would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a new statement color that's comfortable and goes on easy!




One thing that rings true to a trying a new lipstick like this is the concept of a bold move. Many people mistake a bold move as something big and flashy and in your face. But I think most of the time, it's the decisions that we make, knowing it'll be tough but doing it anyway because it's what's best.

It's letting go of someone that wasn't right or even good for you. It's saying 'no' more often, to stop people from taking advantage of you. It's leaving the place that you've begun to feel a bit too comfortable in and going to different adventures. It's moving on from the hurt that has held you back for far too long.

It's trying something new. Not just for the heck of it, but because it's the right thing to do. I think every step we take has the potential to be a bold move. Especially when it's something life-altering. One of the greatest bold moves that we can do is laying down what we once thought were 'our' lives and surrendering to the only One who can come in and make it right. And when that move is made, everything else seems to fall into place. Maybe not in the perfect way you thought, but in the best way.




So go on with your bold moves today. Let go, say no, get up, move on, surrender. And go ahead and try that new lipstick, the one you thought might be a little too bold for you. Because nothing's too bold when it's meant for you. ♡