5 little confessions

I feel like I want to bust of a box that I've been confined to
for a week now...and one way I can do that i typing up this fun blog post and linking up with Jacque and friends!

I think link-ups are pretty fun. not so serious. I've been too serious lately. Time for a little fun. I always enjoy reading other people's posts like these that give what seem like random details into their lives...stalker-ish much? ok, you do too?! great! :)

There's no set theme for my five little confessions, so here ya go:

1. I've been sick with respiratory problems for over a week. There's been lots of extra albuterol breathing treatments and naps. Last night I took my last dose of prednisone (steroid and tastes gross!).  I go back to see my pulmonologist tomorrow to make sure I am A-Ok. I am feeling better but not quite 100%. The many thoughtful prayers I've had on my behalf and priesthood blessings I've received are helping me. This past weekend I felt like I had an epiphany spiritually and I think that's helped my health overall, because being stuck inside has lead me to think of myself as the bubble girl.

2. The House Bunny, The Vow, Full House, Criminal Minds, Hart of Dixie and The Backup Plan have been seen this past week. *guilty mindless indulgences*. I just love Anna Farris. I don't watch much tv, but since being sick, I've watched more than usual.

3. I know over ten people who are graduating this month! From Kindergarten to Medical School. I want to give everyone a gift but I can't afford it, so a nice card will have to do.

4. I am planning to enroll through ASU online and take a class by August. I am quite excited to start school again (been out for 4 years) and work toward my bachelor's degree.

5. I can only drink organic milk. I did an experiment with different milks about three years ago. Soy, Lactose free, almond and it wasn't all fun.They all gave me stomach cramps and diarrhea! My stomach doesnt agree with regular milk. I am thankful my body can handle organic milk because I LOVE chocolate milk or strawberry milk (thanks Nestle Nesquik!) and I sometimes crave cold cereal. Mmm, multi-grain cheerios, fruity pebbles, honey bunches of oats or good ol corn flakes.

mmm chocolate milk

* no Nestle or cereal companies did not pay me to say the above. just my own opinion!

what are your favorite cereals? Have you seen any good movies or shows lately?

you are beautiful. for reals.

as we end this saturday night, I am so honored to be coming together with tons of other beautiful bloggers for this movement. It's all for the support of encouraging girls and women to believe in themselves and that they are worth more, far more than what society might say.Will you join us?

Positive change starts with our thoughts; those thoughts lead to what we say and what we do.
`

Ellie Coburn // elliecoburn.com | Christina Soto // Piecing it all together | Shane Prather // Whispering Sweet Nothings | Vicki // My Vickilicious Life | Kristine Foley // The Foley Fam | Jenny // Diary of a Dreamer | Nina // Nina's Bargain Beauty | Ashley Griffith // After Nine to Five | Christine Rosko // Life With a Side of Coffee | Megan Flynn // Freckled Italian Kendra Newton // Kandid Kendra | Julie Grimmett // Julie is Coco and Cocoa | Kayla Leppelman // Love Sparkle Pretty | Ashlea Durrett // Ashlea with an A | Sarah Hallstead // A Plethora of Pondering's blog | Cassie Yielding // Live. Laugh. Love. | Laura Euler // Storybook Reality | Brett // What Happens at Bakertown | Brittany Trevino // Sunny Tales and Happy Mail | Ashley Wilhite // Your Super Awesome Life | Eliza St. Clair // Case Study | Diana // Fly to the Wall | Elle // Dig Deep Studio | Cody Doll // Catching Cody K. | Wendy E. // Blush and Barbells | Brenda Wilkerson // Don't Stop Believing
Today is an exciting day, new friends!  Welcome to the first ever community fair for women empowerment. 

My name is Ellie Coburn, I'm the owner and founder of the Speak Now Organization and movement for women empowerment. 
Today exists to inspire you to love yourself. Today exists to challenge you to empower yourself.
Today exists to spark a movement that is of such importance.....
A movement of self-worth, self-appreciation, and self-love. A movement that strives to create a community thousands strong of women who believe in themselves and their abilities. 

Today Speak Now is teaming up with 30+ bloggers, woman, and empowerment leaders and telling you that you are beautiful. 

Why are we here sharing this information with you?

We live in a culture that defines our successes based on our weight, general appearance, or financial successes. A culture of female mothers, lawyers, doctors, waitresses, bloggers, realtors, house maids, interior designers, graphic designers, photographers, and endless other lifestyle choices. Interestingly, despite our dynamic differences based on demographics or choices we are expected to fit in with the expectation of the "ideal woman" Today we are here to tell you: 

Speak Now exists to inspire and empower you to look in the mirror each day and pledge to love yourself. Are you in? 

Link Up Below to Show your support. Be sure to share your support with family, friends, and fellow bloggers. Like us on Facebook to stay connected!

Special Thanks to,  Sarah Moog, Casey Wiegand of the Wiegands, Annelise Rowe of Aunie Sauce, and  Jenni of Story of My Life

 

This Event is Sponsored By: 

The Transformation Survival Guide

Pretty Little Beauty Swap Reveal

I am so excited to finally be posting about the Pretty Little Beauty Swap I participated in. The lovely hosts were  Southern Beauty Guide and Sleepy Single Girl. This was one of the two best swaps I've taken part in ever. I figured with a budget of around $15-20 and all things beauty, it was a perfect swap for me.

I was paired with the awesome Jessica of A Different Kind of Plan. We had a month to be able to email with our partner and get to know them. I really liked this aspect of the swap because it gave us more time without being rushed as there were days between emails to get to know each other, I mean, we all have full days. Jessica and I of course talked things beauty, makeup, skin tone, etc but we also talked about push-up bras, our backgrounds and youtube channels. It was pure joy because now I have a new friend! Jessica is so fun, honest and down-to-earth.

This girl TOTALLY spoiled me and sent me SO many fabulous things!! Here are my packages from the box waiting to be open! It was like Christmas day!

I love the little notes she put. and the card was so sweet. I like the quote:

She knew I was dying to try any NYX products so she gave me oodles to try..such as eyeshadows and lipsticks and glosses. Oh and she let me know that NYX is now sold at Target! Whhhaa? Yeh. Before, it was only sold at Ulta.

She also knew that I get breakouts so she made sure to throw in a green concealer by Physician's formula which I had never tried! I've been using this product this past week to hide some redness on my face and it does help tone it down. yay!

Look at this!!!

Look at these eyelashes!! The note on the package said, "for your wild night out" hahah.

 

Jessica sent me a pretty E.L.F eyeshadow palette which I've already tried a few shades. Then there is this at home gel manicure set by Sally Hansen that I need to break open. I like the color she picked. It's a light pink, perfect for a mani. I haven't had the opportunity to test everything yet because she sent me so much fun, good stuff!

Oh and one of my fave items that she selected for me is this translucent mattifying powder by E.L.F. The compact itself is very sleek and the powder does help reduce the shine on my oily face!

Jessica! Thank you so much for everything you sent me!! I love it all! To find out what I sent Jessica, you'll have to check on her blog maybe later this week. My friend is busy with work and her internship! :)

tuesday top 10: facts about me

For the first time, I am linking up with Kate of Life as I know it for Tuesday Top 10! It's a fun, simple link-up that happens every week. Sometimes I don't know what to blog about or don't have shmancy fashion pics on hand, so this is perfect for a day where I am in lounge wear and had six hours of sleep last night.

Today's topic is 10 facts about you...so let's get to it!

1. I am eating sunflower seeds as I type this
2. I have way more lip products than necessary
3. I prefer working alone when crafting but I wouldn't mind the company
4. I love reading at night time, snuggled in my bed
5. My voice can be loud and carries like my dad's
6. I have a fear of smelling, so deodorant is a MUST er'day!
7. I am very patient. I don't mind waiting 20 minutes in a line. Take me black friday shopping. lol.
8. I prefer the mountains/meadows/farms over the beach.
9. I like to keep my fingernails and toenails short!
10. I haven't been on a real date in 6 years!

{Three things thursday}: things you hate to eat

I am linking up for the first time with Myranda and Kristyn for Three Things Thursday!

It's a little fun activity to particate in! even the smallest of facts about ourselves is cool to find out!

So this week's theme is: 3 things you hate to eat!

Oh wow, there's quite a few, but I'll keep it to three.

1. Peas. Eckkk! I can't stand the way they taste nor the texture. I have a thing with weird textures, just like soggy bread!  I might be able to eat peas if they are mixed in lightly with say, rice. But other than that..nope!

2. cow's tongue. Yeh, I know that sounds extremely gross and it is (to me!) In Mexican culture (as I've found) some people really love cow tongue tacos!! Omg..I cannot do it. I've tried a bite of it and So chewy and I keep imagining elsie's face! lol. side note: there was this little dinky mexican food place diagnol to my junior high and they were famous for these kinds of tacos!

3. salsbury steak tv dinner. gleehh! (that's my vomiting noise). SO distusting! The meat itself looks weird and then again, the texture! Kinda rubbery with like no flavor! Not even adding salt or pepper will help this fellow!

So there you have it. my top 3 things that popped in my mind first that I can't stand to eat!!!

What is your least favorite food!? come join the partay ! Maybe i'll see ya there! :)

passion for fashion #1 & mini-view on beauty

Two purposes for today is share my passion for fashion and to address the topic of beauty. 

First, I am posting a fashion post on a friday because i want to..and because i felt motivated to really get dressed today and put some effort into my appearance. It's almost my first time linking up with Beth and Lena for Passion for Fashion Fridayyyy!! woot woot! a clap of hands all around everybody!

 I liked what Lena & Beth say that, "Fashion is for everyone. Whether you're single in the city or a stay at home mom from the country... we all have a passion for fashion!"

With fashion, we are most likely talking about the clothes, accessories, shoes we wear and that's great! What we decide to make or buy to wear is our choice and our choice alone. It's a choice that expresses our creativity, style, comfort and personality.

 I can't afford fancy, expensive designer brands, but might occasionally "splurge" on such brands IF i happen to see a good deal like a huge percentage of savings & free shipping or coupon codes! I am pretty content shopping clearance racks first then browsing around Target, Oldnavy, Ross, Forever21 or Walmart.

Everyone has a sense of fashion, their fashion and what they like. For me, when I get nicely dressed and put makeup on, I feel better and most of the time, feel beautiful. Let me take this moment to say that we are beautiful no matter what...you, me, us. Even if I don't feel like putting a stitch of makeup on and wear my capri yoga pants and a tee shirt, I am still beautiful.

I LOVE Ellie and her mission to empower women, young & old, by reminding them that self-love, self-respect and self-confidence makes you beautiful! Have you heard of Ellie? She's a wise beyond her years teenager who founded Speak Now.

We've all heard the cliche saying, "beauty counts more on the inside of a person." and to me, that is quite true. In my 30 years of existence, I've encountered more than a handful of people who were so beautiful on the exterior--what I thought they had perfect makeup, perfect hair, outfits so stylish and put together BUT their personalities and behaviors made them ugly. I actually felt bad for them.

It doesn't matter if you're a size 2 or size 22, each of us IS beautiful because we are loved SO much by our Creator! Our worth is not based on a number!! Our beauty speaks louder in the displays of kindness, love & service that we do. I am still learning to fully love myself despite being a size 18 jean with my budha belly as I call it lol. All I can do is live right now. Be in the now.

Sure, I do and can take baby steps toward being more healthy, just like with anything else, improvement takes times, but I can be present and embrace who I am now and still feel beautiful barefaced or dolled up intentionally. I will love myself today. Can't worry about tomorrow, nope. Though, i will then too :)

This is me today.

undershirt: downeast basics
shirt: ross
skirt: target
headband: gussy sews
earrings: gift

dating disasters

When I saw this link up being promoted on Tales of a Twenty-something, i just knew i wanted to join Allie and Bold Baby Butter for a walk down memory lane in talking about some of our dating disasters.

One perfect storm one came to mind. 

This was about 4 years ago when I was on an on-line dating service. You may have heard of it, Plenty of Fish?

omg, i THOUGHT that I was talking to this cool guy. We'll call him D. we had corresponded online for about a month before we decided we'd like to meet in person for our first so-called date.

he made me laugh. he was dark blonde with hazel eyes, i think? lol. he was Christian. he called me darling. We were close in age.

I started to like him even though he was kinda dorky and he told me he loved brunettes. hello! we both enjoyed talking on the phone with each other.

because I can't go anywhere alone due to my medical situation, my caregiver Sofia went w/me to meet D for coffee. we decided we'd just pick up some starbucks and then find a place to sit & chat, and while us 2 were sitting together, sofia sat at another table some distance from us to give us privacy.

Well, we of course arrive early (i don't like to be late) and he called lost & running a little late.I told him where we were and he'd be there in a few minutes. I keep my eyes peeled for him and what I think he looks like (according to his profile pics). I was weaving my gaze through the people approaching and I spot him!

I mumbled, OH NO! I see him. I can't believe this, that's him! I said to sofia, OMG this is not going to work! hahaha..I was like what the hell!? (i know, i might sound conceited, but this was a preview of the date)

As he walked closer to the door, he dawdled like how shaggy walks from the cartoon Scooby doo, which made me chuckle. Plus he looked like he just rolled outta bed! His shirt had stains on it and not tucked into his shirt or anything. He wore dirty tennis shoes, his hair a mess.

Oh geez. 

SO I smiled and greeted him. I was nervous already and more so when I already knew I was probably gonna have to let him down.

We got into line for coffee and made small talk. He first went in front of me in line and just paid for his drink. He didn't offer to pay for mine! Sofia met my eyes as she couldn't believe that and that he was not so gentlman-ly. We both smirked.

So we get our drinks and go find a table to talk.

I put alot of effort into looking cute for this first "coffee date" and I was pretty bummed to see him in person without making any effort.

Maybe I was being too harsh, i thought?
Maybe my expectations were too high?
How shallow was I to be making fun (in my head) of how he carried himself?

I said No way especially in the first 15 minutes of sitting there talking with him because I was getting this weird vibe from him.

My guts did not give me a 100% comfortable feeling being in his presence.

To me, that was the sign from the Spirit telling me this dude was a no-go!

I ended our supposed-to-be-an-hour meeting a bit early and made the excuse that Sofia wanted to go check out this store before we left the shopping area and that i had to go.

I called him later that evening or he called me, I can't remember. But i just told him, I am sorry, this isn't going work.

Oh D, I am really sorry I hurt your feelings.

Sorry i had to break your heart.

It sucks because I've been broken-hearted and the heart-breaker.

That's what happens in the realm of love.

Never again have I met a guy in person from on-line! lol.

mani monday

Hey lovelies!!

I am joining Heather of Glitter and Gloss for Mani Monday!

I am usually more into the makeup side of beauty but I've been getting into polishing my nails more lately and thought i'd be fun to do this!

Now, I am no nail art fanatic, though there are some really cute, creative & snazzy nails shown by women. I like to keep my nails more plain with just an all over color.

This past weekend while at walmart with my mom, I saw these smaller bottles of nail color by Rimmel for $1.50 each.

I got the London look in more than 60 seconds.hahaha. 
I needed to roll the bottle in my palms to mix up the polish so it wasn't so thick and to avoid bubbles on my nail beds.

mintilicious and blue eyed girl

 I am slightly obsessed with mint and coral right now, but i thought these two would look good together.

I am glad the sun is shining and I tend to gravitate toward bright colors..or at least that's my mood lately.

 are you sporting any certain colors on your nails right now? what are your fave color combo's now?

 

meet & tweet thursdays! i am a co-host!

This little bird is so excited because I am co-hosting this meet & tweet hop with host Laura from Our Reflection! I am lookin' forward to meeting new peeps that tweet (haha) AND whenever i write a new blog post, i *usually (trying to get in the habit) tweet about it on twitter--so you've got the latest 411! so link up my friends!

*****

I heart Thursdays! I love the opportunity to meet so many new friends.

Last week we had a record breaking turnout with over 200 link up's! AMAZING!

This week I'm raising the bar just a little more....

If we can get to 300 link up's, one lucky person is going to win 

250 custom business cards for their blog. How cool is that?!

Now let's get this PAR-TAY started! 

Ready to make new Twitter friends?
Sweetness, just follow the rules.


RULES:
Link up your Twitter account, not your blog.
Follow your host and co-hosts. {The first 8 in the linky.}

HOST: Laura from Our Reflection

Thanks so much to my amazing co-hosts:


Maria from Agape Love Designs
Erin from Pretty, Polished, Perfect.
Mar from Raising Bean
Jamie from Moms Test Kitchen
Amanda from Tales from a Far
Brittany from Bee Little Queen
Elizabeth from La Vita e Bella

Loving this hop? Shout it out to all your friends!

The more the merrier.

Tweet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Co-Host spots for August are now available. Interested?

Email me for details at momsgonnasnap@gmail.com.

Thanks so much for linking up today!

Hope you've had fun and made some amazing new friends.

Save the Date! Next Hop: 8/2

Grab a button and add it to your blog!

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coffee date: questions answered

Hello lovelies! Here I am today with another vlog for our coffee date!! Linking up again with Alissa of Rags to Stiches! I am excited to check out your posts and see what you are sharing today. Also, hope you don't mind that I came in my comfy clothes: an american eagle tee and pajama shorts from target!

If you watched or saw my post, last week's coffee date i opened up the mic, or is it, the box?, the gallery?, whatever! you know what i mean, right? to you to ask me any question or two that you want!

OH, HELLO!

This vlog is dedicated to answering some questions that one of my awesome readers asked me! I am SO excited and sort of nervous as to the response i'll get to answering these questions, some personal[and really, should i care? NO], but i do like feedback and comments lol! But i am way more excited to share this "girl talk" with you...want to meet me back here next friday for more girlfriend time!? sharing our hearts and thoughts. Let's!

coffee date

So howdy there!

I'm linking up with Alissa of Rags to Stitches for my FIRST EVER coffee date vlog...yay!! 

for  sincere, lovey ramblings watch this:

Happy Friday and I invite you to link up with us!

Also, if you have a question (about makeup, family, my disease or health situation are a few ideas) for me , feel free to ask and i'll plan to answer them next week in another coffee date vlog, probably!

P.s. If you don't know, come meet  fellow blogger  Danette & enter the giveaway here! Four more days to possibly win a starbucks gift card! 

Plus, two of my awesome sponsor friends are having giveaways as we speak! Seriously check em out because who doesn't like winning free stuff!?

Need/want HUGE AD SPACE then check out Life as a young momma's blogoversary giveaway!  Jazmine is also offering 50% off of her normal ad prices!

& if you love reading & like Christian romance fiction, you could win a good read on A Proverbs 31 wife!

friday's letters #dos

it's friday evening and i've just eaten dinner. we had meatloaf, green beans and potatoes..oh yum! I also had myself a cup of iced coffee this afternoon, thanks to Noel for the inspiration ;) we are like on the same page! no pun intended lol. Oh and did i tell you I am reading To Kill a Mockingbird? Are you reading anything currently? what are you reading?

i'm gonna write this post and then go watch Amanda's vlog about things we've all probably thought about (i have!) and what really matters in blogging. I want to be like her in blogging for good! Using our influence for good. I think I am doing a swell of a job so far?

Dear nap, oh it was sooo nice! I've been on the go and out & about this past week and it was just nice to stay home and kinda not do anything. I needed you. i was plain tired.

Dear java-chip-frap-light-with-half-the-chips, you were delicious! I like the little crunch you provide with the chocolate chips & blended ice. you're just sweet enough for me and even though i don't order you often, you're still one of my faves.

Dear God, Thank you for hearing my prayers. I am so glad that you are always there for me, whether i am giddy or feeling low about myself, i can feel your care and comfort. Also, thank you for watching over my loved ones, they mean so much to me.

Dear sparklers, you provided cheap entertainment and made my 4th of july night. I felt like I was a part of harry potter's gang. I channeled my inner Hermoine.  you sparkle so pretty.

Dear mom, you make me laugh. I am sorry about "pancake's" prob last night lol. we'll talk this weekend. i love you.

Dear Christina, I am so glad we became friends! more like sister-friends! dontcha think? I love girl talk and your positive attitude! Distance doesn't matters, it's all heart-to-heart.

Dear lady at the mall, you def have the light of Christ in you. Thank you for your kind words even though you scared me when you patted my shoulder. sorry i jumped! I don't know your name, but a smile is sent your way.

Dear HL, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you're having an amazing day! I look forward to seeing you & our friend next week after your trip! We'll have lots of fun! You're a beautiful person and a wonderful friend! Cheers to many more!

now advertising & a funny video

I'm a few days behind in getting my talent video linked up at Brooke of Covered in Grace, I've Got talent link up challenge!! Go check out her video. I totally laughed out loud WITH her at her talent! I can't do what she can do! There are some pretty talented ladies out there! Plus ya'll get to vote for your top three favorites!! 

My pal James helped me record the video & [yeh, i have zero makeup on, like nothing except lipbalm, i was too lazy today put any on.] I didn't mention it in the video, but i felt like a fish with fins moving along in the ocean lol. you'll see what im talking about if you dare watch my video. he he he.

Also, I have an announcement! i have OFFICIALLY become part of bloggers worldwide who now use Passionfruit ads! OMG! I took the leap!! Jason of Passionfruit is extremely helpful! I am a little nervous, trying not to be overwhelmed and excited all at the same time! If you are interested in sponsoring this little baby of mine, Bee Littlequeen, please check out my Sponsor page for details! I'll be totally appreciative and do my best to help support and promote you! Let's be friends!