For years now I have been trying to improve myself. I try to not improve myself against others, rather I try to improve myself day to day against myself. I love 30 day challenges and I love finding challenges to do. I have created two Pinterest boards with that kind of theming; Challenge Me and A Better Me.
Both of these boards help me find ways to challenge myself to be better. I don't expect to ever be perfect, but knowing I tried makes the difference for me. So many people tell me that they aren't like me. They can't do the things I do. Well at one point in time I couldn't either and there are days that I have "Ha Just Kiddin'" days. Those are the days that I could feel like a failure but instead I use them to do other things.
Note taking and regular journaling many times get crossed for me. I am not one to just ramble in my own penmanship about what all the day held. I love a good prompt. Here lately I have been using my daily devotion and my daybook of comfort to use for journaling and notetaking.
Simple Abundance introduced me to Illustrated Journal. You use this journal to create the idea of things you like and want to be like. It just helps your mind's eye grasps the things that you yourself like. I even have pages of furniture and perfumes so it's not just fashion, makeup, and hair. I do collages and drawings. Some people paint even!
Bullet Journaling was introduced when I was learning about Midori and what all you could put in one. I was fascinated and within a few weeks I had bought a Leuchtturm1917 and was learning all that I could put in one. I love doodling around the information in my bullet journal.
ListersGottaList is another way that I can express creativity. The Reset Girl comes out with prompts that you can make lists out of for memories. I really enjoy this as long as there are not too many doubles or recurrences.
Doodle A Day is something new that I absolutely adore! It's a daily prompt and you doodle that prompt. There are several different ones you can find. I usually like PTL Doodles.
This binder and the paper is from the Target Dollar Spot. I love that place, that spot. This is my journaling spot where I just let ideas and thoughts go onto paper. This is a page from May and t was really nice. I also keep my Bible Study and notes in this binder as well. The other tab in this binder is my homemaking information as well.
My planner is something that I love decorating. I do plan in it, contrary to those that think I just decorate it. The reason I decorate is because it's relaxing to decorate and it's more fun to look at when things are surrounded by stickers and washi tape. If you want to get your own planner and want to save 10% off just follow this link for your own Erin Condren.
July was explosive. So many new emotions, sights, and everything going on in my life. It was a month that was well received by me. I know it was tough on some people, but I think we pulled through it fantastically.
The month started our celebrating the birthday of our country in North Carolina. We had a blast (no pun intended) with all the fireworks. Vin and I left the next day after the 4th of July to go to New York City. We took the train up there which was an experience. We really had a wonderful trip just the two of us. We went shopping, seen Matilda, and had many massages at Lush. It was very magical for us.
When we got back to Alabama it was just time for family time. I always miss my children while I'm living in Florida for my job. They were all excited. I tried to be as upbeat and positive as I could be. However, my health was still very bad and I finally decided to go see a doctor who would listen to me and not just brush me off. I started a medicine regime. And I started feeling slightly better, it stopped the problem I was having. However, it made other problems occur and this still isn't fixed. But I'm putting it in God's hands.
Going back to Florida after my doctor's appointment was hard. I was nervous about how my body would be. It actually did great except where they had TRIED to take blood from my hand and arm and I bruised because they busted veins (and no they never did get blood.) So I went along with my life like normal. I started running more and took up kickboxing when I felt like working out.
Then it was the birthday week, not only was it three of my friends' birthdays, but my best friend, Jessica from A Pop of Jess also had a birthday! (And if you haven't wished her happy birthday shame on you! Go do so!) We made t through the week of birthdays!
And so at the end of the month I returned back home to discover that I had a new office (and I love it) at my work. And that Vin wanted to go to North Carolina for some wedding things and life things (more on that in the coming months.) It was wonderful discussing the fall festival with the ladies of the town and the new Harry Potter book coming out! And of course the month ended with Pumpkin's birthday, Jessica's youngest! So it ended with a bang!
Eye Makeup Product -
TOO FACED Chocolate Bon Bons Eyeshadow Palette - I picked this backup this month. I received this for Christmas and was skeptical of all the pink in it. However, I've learned that you can really add pink to different makeup looks. It's nice and I love the shimmering shadows.
Eye Makeup Brush -
NYX Cosmetics Pro Blending Brush - This is a cheaper version of what last month's eye makeup brush was. This one does just as good but is a lot cheaper.
Face Makeup Product -
TOO FACED Primed & Poreless Face Primer - I'm loving the brand Too Faced at the moment! They really have stepped up their game lately. It just seems to better than it ever has which is awesome!
Face Makeup Brush -
REAL TECHNIQUES Expert Face Brush - Really a great all around brush. Blending foundation is easy with this brush. The bristles are so soft and don't feel like it's grinding my face. I really like how this brush feels.
SOAP & GLORY Orangeasm Body Butter - This smells so good. I love this stuff in the morning. It wakes me up and it helps me get going and hydrate my body!
Clue Disney - I love playing this with the older kids in our families. They love trying to figure out the what the answer is. It's so much for us on a night when the little ones are already in the bed. YouTube Channel/YouTuber -
Emilynoel83 - I love her makeup videos, but I love her vlogs even more! She has the sweetest little girl, and the most hilarious husband.
Book/Story -
Gone with the Wind - I really enjoyed this classic for the book club. It is astonishing how well it was written. Plus the characters especially the main character has such a personality.
Song/Album -
Bring 'Em On - Casey Thrasher, from American Idol, released a new song. It's perfect for the end of the summer song to make memories with while the last minutes of summer roll on.
Movie -
Top Gun - It had been a long time since I seen this movie.
Pinterest Pin -
Didn't have a favorite Pin.
Disney Moment -
Riding the ferry which is something I don't normally do. It is so awesome!
Running/Fitness -
I started kickboxing this month with a personal trainer. It has really helped to tone up my arms like I have been needing to do. It has really changed my cardio as well.
Food -
SPICED APPLE CIDER ROOIBOS TEA - Frankie introduced me to this tea and it tastes like fall in a cup. When drinking I could almost pretend I was in a chunky sweater with leggings beside a fire pit and leaves were falling. It was heaven in a cup! Spotlight Etsy Shop -
PrettyAgnes - This shop is fantastic. She created me the perfect spoon for work. It has stamped in "Witches Brew" with a tiny witch on a broom. I couldn't love it more!
