New post comin' at ya! (pretending it hasn't been over a month or so)
I'll start this on a real note - it's 3 am and I am pushing through the sleep deprived foggy brain to get this post published.

If you keep up with me at all, you know I can keep pretty busy and tend to be distant at times, which is usually when I'm overwhelmed/stressed/sad/all of the above.

Y'all, with everything that has been going on, it's taken everything to not feel completely defeated and done with it all. Because I haven't written in a while, I thought I'd do a quick life update for those who'd like to be in the know of just what's been happening lately!

So first off, I started a new job. (I feel like I've said this over and over again just from telling people in person/over social media.) It's similar to what I've been doing, which is personal styling online from home, but it's laid out differently and a lot more to take on, so I've been feeling the weight of it since even the application process.

I wasn't sure if it was going to be the right thing for me, but I trusted that if the doors opened, then God will pull me through and teach something in it to add experience/knowledge/a better job or doorway to somewhere else. I still believe that's true, it's just been more difficult than I had thought.

I've been anxious since putting together my first practice interview lookbook. It's a matter of putting together outfits for clients and trying to figure out their style and what they like without even seeing them face to face. Yeah it may seem at first glance like something anyone could do, but when you really get into the fine detail of it all, it's definitely not. It takes patience, fashion knowledge, a good eye, being able to read people, staying organized and self-managing, even keeping track of time (which I'll admit I've never been very good at - shout out to all my fellow late people).

I'm anxious just trying to get things done in time and staying on top of this as well as the other commitments in my life. It's hard not to let my focus become fixed on one thing like this job and not to let the other things slack off, like this blog and starting my own styling business. But the more I do this job the more I realize and yearn to be able to do my own thing and not have to rely on working under someone else to bring them profit rather than supporting my dreams and goals.

One good thing that has come of it I would say is a thicker skin, though. At first I thought "man, if they don't like my outfits then that must mean I'm not a good stylist." But now working through this with many picky people who don't really even know what they like or want, I know now how to handle it when people say they don't like anything (although definitely still frustrating and can lead to a short rant at times) and understand that it's nothing to do with me or my skill or personal worth. Just that people can be people sometimes and they don't always appreciate or get the effort put into something that's meant to help them. It's alright thought, we do our best and move on.

Speaking of moving on, I'll wrap this up just by concluding that life changes. Whether we like it or not. No matter how hard we try to keep things the same. I thought I had at least another solid year of working with my other job, but then things changed and I couldn't stick with it anymore. So at first I thought oh no I need something that pays more. And while I searched, I started putting together plans to get this blog up and better and starting my own business, and that made my heart flutter with excitement for the change. Then this job opened up, honestly a 'will' choice since I went and found it myself. And I can't help but feel like it's not something I want to be doing for long.

I've just now started to see the good in it, with what it's been teaching me and furthering styling experience/ability. But something I don't wake up looking forward to the day and instead feel anxious about, is something I don't want to hold on to for longer than necessary.

I know that God has a plan in all of this, and He's guiding me through the path that's best. And even if this new job isn't the best or the right thing or long term at all, I can see that He's still working through it and using it for good. I know He wants more than anything to see me wake up in 5 hours, exhilarated and anticipating life and what's to come. Even if it means quitting my job after only a month and going after what He's laid on my heart. I want His will be done. I want to stop living as if I have an endless amount of days ahead of me. I want to take each moment of each day and make it count. I want to be happy and excited for tomorrow. Don't you?

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.