Trust

Sometimes it sucks to be such a positive person.  Look, hear me out.  If you're the person who is always spouting out the "It'll be ok"s and the "Don't quit!"s, you have a little more accountability to practice what you preach.  And when I say you, I really mean me.

Because 95% of the time, I feel the zest of life and see the great potential in all of us.  But 5% of the time, I wouldn't mind punching life in the face.

And when I feel this way, I feel SUPER guilty. Because it really isn't so bad. I think of all the horrible conditions I could be living in... I could have died from lack of nutrients from only being able to afford ramen noodles as my only form of sustenance.  I could have a debilitating, terminal disease.  I could be hooking for a sandwich! (see here)

In the end, I cut myself a deal.  I can rationally know something very well, but I can't help my emotions.  If I felt disappointed with my performance at an audition, I am allowed to feel that way.  If I want to cry because everything feels just so overwhelming, I shouldn't bully myself for feeling the tears come on. If I had so much anxiety during sleep that I nearly cracked my mouth guard, I can't blame myself.  I just have to focus on the bigger picture and trust that there is a plan.

My lovely friend, who was aware of my frenzied state, texted me today.  She said that life sometimes calls for us to be in hibernation or a cocoon as God prepares us for what's next.  Trust that you're walking the right path, keep praying, and try to learn as much as you can from where you are.  And a beautiful finishing piece of advice: be good to yourself.

Her text actually came after a weekend away from it all.  It gave me time to enjoy the beauty around me, celebrate how far I've come, and be more in tune with my loved ones.  And when I did return to the world of emails, work, and auditions, I found that I had a lot more to smile about.

I need a mental break.

That is all.

Destination Wedding Date ROULETTE

Asking someone you are seeing to be your wedding date can be a little tricky. Sure, maybe you just want someone to hold your purse or have a guaranteed dinner conversation partner. Or maaaaaybe, you really want that person to know that you like him/her out of ALL the people you're dating and are willing to show that person off to your circle of friends and family. (What a hoot.)

Or maybe you just want someone to share the cost of a hotel room.

What? Ok, I'm merely joking, but there's some truth to it.  Finding a date to a local wedding isn't a big deal. Going stag for several hours might even be a blast.

But when it comes to asking someone to a destination wedding, you're bringing in a whole set of new factors. And I really wasn't aware of it until I started planning my own destination wedding.

Allure Best of Beauty Awards & more Contest fun!

I have a Sephora gift card that I am excited to use, so I was very happy when this was released!

I especially love the Cheap Thrills section for beauty bargains under $10. Yippee!

Some of the cheapies include:

E.L.F. Eyeshadow "C" Brush, $3. Its downy bristles pick up loads of pigment and blend smoky eyes flawlessly.

Hard Candy Fox in a Box in Skinny Dipping, $6. Swirl together the orange and bronze shades in this duo for a believable sun-kissed flush. REMEMBER when Hard Candy used to be expensive??? This is perfect for the upcoming "pale" months.

You can help The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and enter yourself to win some prizes!

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a great organization that offers services and resources for defenseless animals, including adoption centers, behavior centers, investigations into possible animal cruelty, and Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics.

I originally got the idea from a Mark rep to raise awareness and encourage donating. You can always make any amount donation here on their website.  It can be monthly or just a one-time donation. Don't forget that you can write it off when you do your taxes.

I also wanted to give the opportunity for you to give just by shopping. All commissions from sales through my Mark eboutique until October 31, midnight, will be donated to ASPCA! There are only a couple of products that have no Mark commission, such as the m.powerment line, in which the proceeds go directly to charities working with victims of domestic violence. Everything else...you would be shopping AND helping ASPCA!!