How About a Challenge?

Photo by: Rory M. 

"Without inspiration the best powers of the mind remain dormant. There is a fuel in us which needs to be ignited with sparks."
-Johann Gottfried Von Herder

Hello Beauty Bloggers! Happy Friday, and Happy Summer!

If it seems as if Alysha and I have taken a hiatus, well, we have. Finishing off the school year is always a busy time for students, whether you're in middle school, high school, or college. I am proud to say that I am now a junior in college (WHAT?!), and am so ready for some summer blogging! 

The start of summer vacation gets me a little nervous. I feel a sense of urgency, like I've been given a break from real life, and I don't want to waste it.

Whenever going on a school break, my friend Jeremy would ask me, "So what will you be working on this week?" Sometimes it would irk me because I'd think, SLEEP. I challenge anyone who stands in my way.

I was no longer bothered by his question when I understood what he really meant by it. What he did NOT mean is: "What things will you accomplish?" What he meant is: "How will you use your gifts and passion in new ways?" When I began looking at it this way, it became a challenge. 


What Jeremy understood is that we have a tendency to fall into routines. Routines are fine, and in many ways, helpful. But if our routines exclude time to explore our passions and challenge ourselves, they get old quick. 


Today, I'm passing on Jeremy's challenge to you: What will you be doing this weekend? This summer? 


Make it count!


Rory

I Love this Woman

Happy Friday, beauty bloggers!

In honor of Mothers Day this Sunday, I would like to dedicate this Friday post to my mother. She is one of the most fabulous women I know, and I am so proud to have been raised by her. 

She is one of the most confident people I've ever met. She knows who she is, and she is shamelessly true to herself. 

She is always honest. Always. 

She has no problem laughing at herself, but will not laugh at another's expense. 

She has the biggest heart for children. That may go without saying because she has 5 of her own, but I've always admired how well she communicates with kids. 

She is so strong in that she will not back down in the face of injustice. Her sense of honor and commitment is like none I've ever seen. 

She is so creatively talented and artistic. I derive so much joy from creativity, and I have her to thank for raising her family in an environment that fueled imagination. 

She never let my siblings and I hurt one another. I have her to thank for the incredibly strong relationships that I have with each member of my family. 

My mother has given up so much in the last 23 years to be the best mom she can, and to give her kids all of herself. I could never ask more from another person. I wouldn't have the life I do if it weren't for her. 

I love you, Momsicle. Happy Mothers Day!

"I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -Abraham Lincoln

Adios, Sophomore Year!

Sophomore year is over!

Where did the time go? So much has happened in a year, and I am so grateful for the awesome times and opportunities that have come my way. 

Whether you're also finished academically, at the beginning of the end, or if this time no longer has that same feel of finality that it once did, look back on what it was that made it special. And look forward to the future. 

Stay tuned for a more in-depth synopsis of the lessons I've learned this year; but in the mean time, take a deep breath with me because I'm loving this summer air.

Happy Monday! 

Happy Birthday, Audrey Hepburn!

I have the biggest celebrity crush on this woman. To me, she is so much more than a talented triple-threat, pretty face, and fashion icon. She is a survivor, a risk-taker, and a passionate liver (not like the kidney sort, haha). 

If you get the chance, I strongly recommend reading a biography of Audrey Hepburn. Her life is so much more than we see in the movies, and- oh baby is it inspiring! 

In honor of her birthday, have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend!

The Secret Garden

If you're looking for a great, feel-good, spring-themed film with plenty of cinematic eye-candy, look no further. 

The Secret Garden (1993) is one of my all-time favorite films from childhood. It's based on the novel by the same title by Victorian-era novelist, Frances Hodgson Burnett. It's the story of little Mary Lennox, an orphan girl who discovers an unwanted garden and the incredible potential that she and the garden share.   

I just re-watched it today for the first time in years, and was blown away by it. There is nothing this film doesn't have- beautiful story, engaging characters, breathtaking cinematography, music, costumes, hair/makeup, set design, lighting- you name it. 

It also carries the message of this blog perfectly: Beauty is everywhere if you look and allow yourself to be inspired. 

Happy Birthday Darling

Happy Birthday to the greatest friend, sister, mentor, and coeditor! That's right, beautiful people, it's Alysha Marie's 18th birthday! Be sure to leave her lots of birthday love. She deserves it. 

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."

-Abraham Lincoln 

This girl is the embodiment of this quote. She's already touched so many lives through her service to others and her passion for people. She inspires me with her honesty and love. It's such an honor and blessing to know her. 

You are one lucky internet.