A Must Watch for Women Everywhere

Elle Magazine recently had the opportunity to sit down with Grammy Award-winning artist, Colbie Caillat, and talk about her brave, new life mantra.

Her newly released EP, Gypsy Heart, boasts a "powerful new music video in which she makes a powerful statement about unfair beauty ideals by shunning hair and make-up." She opened up to the fashion magazine about why she is tired of being Photoshopped, has shut down people's expectations for women, and has never felt better.

{via}

"When I see gorgeous models and singers and they look perfect on their album covers, it makes me want to look like that, too, and it makes me feel like if I don’t Photoshop my skin on my album cover, I’m the one who’s going to look a little off and everyone else is going to look perfect. And that’s what everyone is used to seeing."

Watch this video.
You can see just how freeing it is for her to wipe off her make-up, unclip her hair extensions, and simply feel beautiful being in her own skin. What an amazing message for women everywhere to be vulnerable and real.


 

"We shot the video in reverse, we started bare, and by the end we finished with the full hair and makeup, and then reversed the film for the finished product. All of the women were amazing. My favorite was the woman who has no hair. I first saw her completely bald, no makeup, with a huge smile, she was just so happy and confident. She was so beautiful to me."

Wow. How brave and refreshing. Bravo, Colbie!
Help spread the word to women everywhere.

Just a reminder...

YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL.

(and don't you forget it!)

{Full Elle article here.}

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A MUST WATCH

My dear sweet friend, Ally, posted this on Facebook today.
I didn't even make it to the 30 second mark before a wave of conviction set it.

You've got to see this...




Wow.

What a battle. Especially in the days of smart phones and social media at our fingertips.
I so desperately needed to be reminded that being present is far more beautiful and memorable than any Instagram photo ever will be.

{via}

Are you in the same boat too?



PS - Don't forget to link-up and gain new readers ALL WEEK at my Mingle Monday Blog Hop link-up!

Embracing Imperfection

My whole life I've grown up with innate people-pleasing tendencies. For whatever reason, the universe just seems to align for me when everyone is getting along, conflict is absent, disappointment doesn't exist, and everything is peachy keen with ice cream on top.

Drama makes me cringe. Conflict completely tugs at my soul until it's resolved. 

I'm a tender-hearted softy whose feelings get hurt easily, and who desperately wants to make people smile. 

In the depth of my heart I know three things to be true. I want to feel accepted. I want to feel loved. I want to feel wanted. 

Don't we all?

{via}

It wasn't until college that I realized that people pleasing is a slippery slope and learned some good lessons...

Sometimes people, who you thought were your friends, change and you drift apart... and coming to terms with the fact that it's actually for the better. That standing up for what you believe doesn't always go over well with the cool crowd. That being true to yourself doesn't mean you're being selfish, it means you're being true to yourself. 

And most importantly... I learned to embrace my imperfections.

And trust me, this wasn't an overnight quick fix. In fact, it's still an everyday demon for me to battle off doubts and insecurities that tend to creep in. But in my weakest moments, I know that I am done apologizing for who God made me to be.

I choose to be vulnerable. 

I choose to be transparent. 

I choose to be me... imperfections and all.

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

I am the girl who double and triple checks the locks each night out of paranoia.

I am the girl with the lead foot who is incapable of going the speed limit.

I am the wife that totally intends on cooking a nice dinner after work until Chipotle sounds insanely easier on my drive home.

I am not the girl who gets song lyrics right... or even close... ever. 

I am the girl whose eyes well up with tears on my way home when working with cancer patients all day has taken a toll on my heart.

I am the girl who orders whole wheat crust on my pepperoni pizza to make myself think I'm eating healthy.

I am not the girl who succumbs to blogging drama or pressure.

I am the girl who dreads setting my alarm to teach early morning Sunday school, and then instantly feels guilty after spending the morning with adorable 3rd graders.

I am not the wife who can successfully finish a load of laundry from start to finish (darn folding!).

I am the sappy wife who misses her husband the second he leaves. Every. Single. Time.

I am the girl who knows every Disney movie by heart, and would kick your arse at Disney Scene It.

I am the girl who fully intends on arriving on time, but always seems to find myself 5 minutes late.

I am the girl who is completely romanced by life's littlest blessings.

.

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

The world is full of people trying to tell you who you need to be and how you need to get there. But you know what? Nobody knows who you are and what you stand for more than you. 

So. 

Be. 

You.

Be confident.

Use your gifts.

Let yourself shine.

No apologies.

After all, life is too short to be anything but your beautiful self, darlin'.

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PS - Check out on the awesome $25 Amazon gift card and ad space giveaway! 
Click HERE!

PPS - Don't forget to link-up and gain new readers ALL WEEK at my 
Mingle Monday Link-Up!

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...

Dream A Little Dream

Do you know those little daydreams about what you'd love to be doing or where in life you'd like to be going? You know, the ones that seem like such a perfect idea and you wonder why you haven't pushed harder to make that dream a reality?

I have those too.

There are so many things that I think I would enjoy and actually think I could be really good at. Usually I wonder if a change in career path would take too much work, or stifle my passion for other things.I get lost wondering  where I would even start.

And then after entertaining different thought for a while, the self-doubt starts to creep in, keeping my vision at bay. Why is that?

  

{via}

 What is it about this dream-chasing business that is so intimidating?

After thinking about it for a while, I've come to realize that chasing a lofty dream takes insane amounts of courage. It means opening yourself up to vulnerability, potential rejection, and really putting yourself out there. I think too few people talk about how scary taking a leap of faith can be.

But here's where we miss the big picture.

Call me an eternal optimist... but what if actually taking that leap of faith lead to something bigger? Something beautiful. To think I would've completely missed an opportunity due to my own self-consciousness gives me knots in my stomach.

I want to reach that place where it feels so right to be there. Where I feel like not only am I good at it, but I sincerely love what I am doing. So here I am, reevaluating passions and building up the courage to take that massive leap into the unknown.

Anyone else in the same boat with me?

Maybe it's work, a hobby, a relationship. Whatever it is, you are absolutely capable or reaching it! Take heart my friends, with a little patience, determination and grace we CAN get there.

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"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is

greater than any obstacle."

- Christian D. Larson

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PS - Don't forget to check out the $25 Sephora gift card giveawy (open until Sunday!)

PPS - Head on over to link-up with the WEEK-LONG  Mingle Monday Blog Hop! A great place to network, get blog exposure, and snag new readers!

Have 3 Minutes? This is a Must Watch...

I'm not sure if you've seen this brilliant experiment by Dove yet, but it will blow you away.

Dove hired an FBI-trained forensic artist to interview and draw several women. The artist couldn't see any of the women, and based the first drawings solely off of the description that each women gave of herself.

Next, the women were told get to know another woman in that group. And one by one, the artist brought up the woman's partner and based a second drawing off of their description of that woman. To see the two distinctly different photo side by side is incredible.

Take a look...

How incredible is it to see our own critical self-image verses through the eyes of the world.
We're too harsh on ourselves and our imperfections.


It's time to embrace true beauty.
It's time to thrive in our uniqueness.
It's time to encourage each other.


I think we all need this reminder, so please pass the message of truth on.

And remember, you ARE beautiful.
(and that's the truth.)




PS - Don't forget to link-up and gain new readers ALL WEEK with my Mingle Monday Blog Hop link-up!

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The Heart of Life is Good

{via}

"Pain throws your heart to the ground, Love turns the whole thing around.
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood, But I know the heart of life is good."

- John Mayer

Today was one of those days where I woke up and realized just how blessed I am.
My alarm was set for 7:10 (the usual), and for some reason I woke up at 6:10 a.m. on the dot. Wide awake. I couldn't figure out why I all of the sudden woke up... until I remembered that I had a meeting across town at 7:30 a.m.

Pretty sure my uber punctual guardian angel woke me up on that one.

I breezed through getting ready and Adam offered to do all of the things I usually do in the mornings (since I leave after him) with a smile on his face. Then an "I love you" and kiss goodbye. What a blessing.

The sun was coming up as my car was full of great soulful music that a new friend gifted me. My heart was full and I think joy and thankfulness washed over me. Despite seeing lots of pain and brokenness that friends/family are facing in different ways, I remember this truth of hope...

The heart of life is good.
God is good.

I went to grab a coffee and I thought about the fact that not everyone feels the way I do today. I had an overwhelming urge to spread the joy in any way I could, and picked up the tab of the lady behind me in the drive-thru.

I don't say this to brag about my intentions, I just hope that she was simply able to see a little joy and sunshine this morning. And I hope that when she too feels that, she can pass on the love to someone else who might need it.

Because heaven knows we could all use a little dose of sunshine every once in a while.
As I drove off, I let the words of the songs wash over me, smiled, and thought about so many things to be grateful for today and everyday. Good days and bad.

.:: Thankful ::.

+ my wonderful family who I love more than life itself
+ a puppy dog nose resting on the pillow next to me this morning
+ dear friends, new and old
+ belly laughing the night before
+ a selfless, kind husband who makes me feel beautiful at any size, makeup or no makeup
+ beautiful spring weather
+ the promise of new adventure in the air
+ a weekend to relax and restore
+ the precious gift of sacrificial love and life to celebrate this weekend


Today I am overwhelmed and humbled. Although life can get tough and painful at times, there is peace in knowing that there is always hope. Just keep going, because there are great things for you on the horizon, I just know it.

Maybe you need a little encouragement today?
Take heart my friends.


May you experience the true joy, hope, and love this Easter weekend...

A Little Pick-Me-Up

Ever have those weeks where you get in a funk?
You know, the ones that no matter how hard you try, you still seem to be at the end of your rope? Those are the weeks where the tiny things that are normally no biggie completely overwhelms you.

At some point you kind of give up on life temporarily...

...and then you sulk.

(and you're totally okay with it.)


That's where I'm at this week. I've let everything pile on to the point where it crushes my spirit, and takes away from my generally happy/always optimistic personality. And then I get to asking, "who is this crazy lady?"

After awhile, the temporary gratification of wallowing fades, and it's in that moment you realize life is too short to be not see the beauty.

That's when you have to choose to be happy...

Source: a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net via Meg on Pinterest

I read an incredible quote that I fell in love with, and it led me down a more joyful path today. Maybe it will offer you some encouragement too...

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“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it,

change your attitude.”

- Maya Angelou

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Huh...
Change your attitude.

My attitude is pretty terrible?
Woah, talk about wake up call.


So I may not be able to fix a given situation, but I can choose how I want to view it. I can decide to let it roll off my back or let it get me down.

Well, I kind of like that idea, although it sounds easier that it is. And I don't think a lot of people like to talk about how choosing joy in any circumstance is hard. Because it takes some courage to do that.

But you know what?

It's totally doable.
We have the strength to power though.

So today, I'm focusing on changing my crappy attitude. I will choose joy today, and it's not easy. But I've made myself a happy list of things that make life great.

{ My Happy }

+  a sweet puppy dog kiss when I woke up

+ light traffic

+ my mom was super thoughtful and made me green smoothie for breakfast

(and organized my WHOLE room yesterday!)

+ minimal e-mails in the work inbox

+ warm coffee

+ date night = watching an animated movie in our sweats
+ parentals took the pups to their haircuts

+ an encouraging "I love you" text from Adam

+ wedding shower this weekend

+ sleeping in and time to workout

+ a realization that at the end of 37 days, no matter what happens,

I get to marry my best friend

+ super bowl party sunday at the almost in-laws

+ antigua is waiting for me

+ pay day is Friday

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

And you know what I am also so thankful for today?

You.

As I reflect on my humble little blog, I am just blown away by the friendships I've made, and the encouragement I've gotten from my blog friends.

It's incredible that you visit. It's heartwarming to the core that you leave comments and send e-mails because you care.

You truly brighten up my spirits and make life fun.

Thanks for being you.

...and thanks for adding to my happy.

May you find courage and joy for whatever struggles you're facing today, dear friends!

You are loved.

Believe In You

I shared this with a very special person this morning who was needing some love... So I thought you might be able to use some encouragement this morning too. It's so easy to slip into the deep waters of life seeming very overwhelming. Getting caught up in the details of the day-to-day can bog us down, but don't forget how amazing you are.

I absolutely love this quote so much . What a great reminder of all the things we're capable of if we just believe. Just believe.




You know, whenever I feel a little over powered or beaten down by work/life/situations, I love to play this song by NeedtoBreathe. Such a powerful reminder that I'm not in control, but God's got me in his hands. Life will feel overwhelming at times, but He will never let me down.





Feeling bogged down today? Take heart, friends. You are much stronger today than you were yesterday, and a little less than you will be tomorrow.


Sending love and hugs!





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PS - In case you missed the Mingle Monday blog hop yesterday, go check it out! Get your blog some exposure and find some other great blogs!

PPS - Keep up with me on the fly! Tweet tweet...
Follow me HERE!
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Life is Good

Ahhh!!! I've missed ya'll so much!
First off, let me get this out there so you know why i have been a little MIA. My Daddy was diagnosed with throat cancer a few weeks back and this week is his first chemo week. Needless to say I have been distracted, but everything is going well! He's such a superhero!

Despite these crazy little bumps in the road. Life is too sweet not to focus on the good things. So, let's catch up shall we? Here's what makes me heart so happy and I've been dying to share...




1) I'm in love.

- Yes, I know I have been dating BF for almost 2 years, but I fall a little more in love everyday... *sigh* I feel so blessed to have someone love me so unconditionally, despite my craziness and emotional breakdowns. I couldn't be more thankful to have someone hold my hand through life's hard times, and celebrate the good ones.





2) Brother is HERE!

- My little broski moved to the big KC yesterday so that he could hang with his sister (or work his first awesome big boy job?!)! Couldn't be more excited to have one of my very favorite people doing life with me here in the big city!



{Sibling Love - Christmas 2010}


3) Livestrong Sporting Park opens tonight!
- I've grown up a complete soccer fanatic, so I was definitely all in when BF, Brother, and a close friend decided that we should get season tickets. The brand new multi-million dollar stadium opens tonight and we can't wait to enjoy tailgating and the first game!





4) This weekend = R-e-l-a-x-a-t-i-o-n!

- Although I am working one of our fundraising events on Friday, I'm looking for a mini date night afterwards. BF is leaving for bachelor weekend, so it will be fun to catch up before he heads out! Saturday is a community volunteering project, followed by some pool time, and Sunday is a girl date with my sweet friend Erin! Bring it on.


5) My Dad = Superhero

- Seriously, this man is awesome. It's the last day of chemo this week and now he gets to rest and recover! Hang in there, Daddio! You're doing SO great! :)





5) Despite the curve balls, life is so so good.

- I'm very thankful to have such supportive friends and family! I've received gorgeous surprise bouquets of flowers just letting me know people are thinking of me and praying for my sweet Daddy. The heart of life is good, so I have to keep striving towards optimism!

Here's my little life theme song. If I was in a movie, I would want this to be the culminating movie moment movie song. Completely love it.






.:: Missed you to pieces! ::.

Tell me what's going on with you? Excited about life?

Weekly Weigh-In: Week 2

IAM alive, I promise!
Despite being ridiculously under the weather while visiting my family, and taking Monday off to recover, I have made it out of the yuck unscathed!

So here we are again for a weekly weigh-in! Due to feeling awful, I can honestly say i didn't workout a lick in the last 5 days, so I was decently pleased to see a good loss from just eating well!


{ Total Weight Loss = Exactly 2 lbs! }





.:: So excited!! ::.

I was a little worried that i wouldn't lose much since I was unable to hit it hard at the gym, but this just goes to show eating healthy works! Now eating healthy and getting my rear in gear at the gym, it's going to just fall off, right?

2 lbs. down... 29.2 lbs to go!

I also went on a little Barnes & Noble shopping spree with some awesome Groupons (LOVE those awesome Groupon deals!) I bought, and stocked up on 2 amazing cookbooks! Looking for new recipes? This one and this one are absolutely amazing and the food is to die for! Plus, Weight Watcher points are already calculated for each recipe online - so easy!

Not to mention I got some extra inspiration through my bloggy friend Rachel's story on A Blonde Ambition yesterday! Thanks Rach & Leslie! :)


Cheers to success! More Megnificent posts coming soon!

7 Tips to a Skinnier You

Greetings from gorgeous, sunny Kansas City!
How's your Thursday going? Everybody doing okay? The good news is the weekend is in sight and it's absolutely beautiful here in the big KC today - hello 68 degrees!

I'm super looking forward to my post-work walk in the park with Bella Beast.

So anyway, as we make our slow decent into March, it's a little surreal to see the upcoming dates on my calendar. Knowing that my best friend's wedding is vast approaching, I've been pretty motivated to whip my bod into shape!




Well, Lord knows I am not the only one with important dates arriving soon! Whether you are also trying to get that more sleek toned little body for your wedding cruise/high school reunion/etc. I thought I would share some helpful diet/exercise tools that have been working great for me!

After all... that's what girlfriends are for, right? I hope you share tips you've learned with me too!

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{ Who is motivated for the slim down? }


1) Set Realistic Healthy Goals

Last week I sat down and wrote down my goals on paper. Now I know it's really easy to think that you don't need to write them down, because you generally have them in your head.

But let me tell you... listing your goals on paper and posting them where you can see them everyday is a visual reminder to your commitment.

Every morning when I wake up and walk into my bathroom they are there. They set the tone for the day and I'm determined to reach my goal by the date listed. It makes it way easier to turn down that donut in the break room if you are committed.



2) Schedule Your Exercise Dates

Most of us working big girls know how hard it is to find the time, motivation, and energy for a post-work sweat. I recently joined the gym a few blocks from my downtown office so that I can schedule an hour-long workout during my lunch break.




I went from working out 2 days a week to 5 and it's been easy! I'm shocked! Plus the extra time and energy I gain to finish my day, and my workout is done by 5 p.m. - hello free time!



3) Accountability is Key

Whether it's finding a workout buddy or joining a weight loss group, the accountability can really help keep you on track.

Lucky for me, I signed up for Weight Watchers last week to help me be accountable for a healthier diet (it's working!). SparkPeople is a wonderful free online tool that will help you count calories with a food journal and keep track of exercise.




I also have a wonderful friend, Karen, who just happens to be my co-worker too! We love running together and working out with me over lunch. I also have a handful of good friends who will take evening classes or go on weekend walks with me and the pup!



4) Plan Ahead

If I know that I have an evening meeting or will be traveling, I like to keep healthy snacks on hand. Whether it's fruit or protein bars, when snacks are easy to grab and readily accessible, it makes it easier to turn down the junk food temptations.






5) Ask for Help

There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for help. Whether I am in a fitness class or running with a gal pal, I treasure any tips I can get on exercise technique and tips!

I recently joined the gym a block away from work and with my gym membership I get 3 free consultations with a trainer. Today was my first session and it was SO helpful! I am more motivated than ever now!




Don't have a gym/trainer? Sign-up for a fitness based magazine subscription. I personally love getting SELF Magazine every month! Between the easy-to-follow work-outs and healthy {delicious!} recipes, it helps renew my motivation!



6) Glam It Up!

Whether you buy yourself some cute pink running shoes or new colored sports bras, remember that health is worth your investment. If buying new cute workout outfits gets you to the gym, go for it!

My current gym obsession: GAP Gym Bag






7) Try Something New

I have loved trying new classes and workouts. Switching tings up gets me excited and motivated. So, try out that spin class or start going on evening walks with a friend. Having something to look forward to will definitely spice it up.




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So there you have it, my friends! i know the whole thought of working out and eating right can be a little overwhelming, but if I can do it I know YOU can do it too! I promise it gets much easier the more it becomes a habit!


Please share your success and tips with me!!


{ What keeps you motivated? }

Cheers!

As the final days of 2010 wrap up and we venture into 2011, I wanted to take a moment to wish you the warmest New Year's blessings! It has been a beautiful year full of love, new opportunities, great celebrations and beautiful memories. May this new year be kind to you in every way...



Wishing you a year full of...


+ peace
+ friendship
+ exciting new adventures
+ plenty of things to celebrate
+ the deepest love
+ good health
+ overwhleming success in all you do
+ courage for your ambitions
+ new beautiful memories

.::.::.::.::.::.









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Enjoy my favorite version of "Auld Lang Syne"
from Sex & The City...

Love.




I know I'll be ringing in 2011 via amazing costume party... can't wait! I hope you plan to welcome the New Year in style! See you at the start of next week for some Mingle Monday... 2011 style!


Happy New Year, Lovelies!

Wishes & A Sprinkle of Inspiration

Over the last few weeks I have been collecting a whole slew of photos that I absolutely adore. Things I wish for my life, things that warm my heart and make my face smile, things that give me butterflies, and things that inspire me to be the best version of me this next year...



May these warm your heart like they do mine...

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.

After thinking about what my 2011 new year's resolution(s) should be, I've decided not to focus on the typical resolutions: get healthy, save money etc. Weeks of thinking have gone by, and I believe I have finally found just one.


{ Be Genuine. }


Trust me, I thought about this for a good long time. What I've realized is that it's the most important thing in the world to me... be genuine.


Love with all my heart.
Be inspired.
Care deeply for people.
Don't let a day go by without working hard.
Write what I care about.
Go out of my way to help people in need.
Speak peace and truth.
Follow my dreams.
Learn how to be courageous in uncertainty.
Cry when I need to.
Belly laugh.
Learn that it's okay to be vulnerable.
Ask for help.
Do what makes me happy.
Cherish every single beautiful moment of this crazy life.
Trust in the power of prayer.
Discover exactly who I am.
Celebrate life.

.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.:::.



...what inspires you for the new year?


Genuinely wishing you a beautiful 2011...