Lifestyle

The Blessing of the Storm

The other day was a hot humid summer day. As I was out in my yard in the evening, I noticed the flowers in my garden were all wilting from the heat.

That night as it started to rain, I listened to the thunder and watched the lightning, it made me think… Sometimes the storm turns out to really be a blessing. It cooled off the air and brought the rain my flower beds needed.

Sometimes in life, it takes storms to bring special blessings too. When everything goes the way we’d like, we often forget how much we need Jesus. But when we go through difficult times, we learn more about Him and about how much He loves and cares for us. No matter how fierce the storm seems, He loves and cares for us more than you can even imagine.

I don’t like the “storms” in my life. I don’t like to be unhappy or uncomfortable or disappointed. During those times, I need to learn to stop questioning why God sends storms into my life, and just trust Him to be with me and see me through them. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Having faith in Jesus and trusting Him will give us the strength to brave any storm that comes our way. Then just like my flower beds, after the storm has passed, we’ll be refreshed.

Heavenly Father, help me to search for you in the storm.  Guide me with your strength. May I search for the blessings among the pain.

james 1:2-3 | lookingjoligood.blog

James 1:2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Psalms 46:1‭-‬3 | lookingjoligood.blog

Psalms 46:1‭-‬3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7 | lookingjoligood.blog

Proverbs 3:5‭-‬7

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord , and depart from evil.

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Health/ Fitness · Jillian Michaels Body Revolution

Review of Body Revolution by Jillian Michaels Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4

**Please see update below.

Did you think that I totally forgot about these?  Nope, I didn’t!  My sore muscles haven’t forgotten either! 😉

The Body Revolution program consists of 3 phases that claim to lead to “total body transformation.” It is a 90-day program with 6 workouts a week and one day to rest.  Each phase consists of 4 metabolic training workouts and one cardio workout.  Each workout is “only” 30 minutes long.  Even numbered workouts work the front of the body, odd numbered workouts concentrate on working the back of the body.  Every workout works the abdominals.

What is included with the purchase of Jillian Michael’s Body Revolution:

15 DVDs
resistance cable
fitness guide
90-day journal
“customizable” 90-day fat-burning meal plan,
FREE 30-day web club access
bonus 7 day Kick Start Your Metabolism diet plan that will help to “detox your body and curb your food cravings or addictions.”

The first phase is 4 weeks and includes workouts 1-4 and the cardio level 1 workout.

Here is a review of  Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4:

Phase 1 Workout 3 for Weeks 3 and 4

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level) 
Get ready to squat!
  Regular squats, sumo squats, chair squats, and step out step in squats.

wpid-wp-1447122272758.jpg

Just like workout 1, workout 3 is focused on the front of the body.  It incorporates some yoga moves as well as strength training.  Right away you will notice that the workout is more intense than 1+2, but you will also notice how much stronger you already are.
Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  

  • Chest
  • Shoulders,
  • Abs,
  • Triceps
  • Quads

The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.  Some of these things are harder to name/explain.

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout one

Warm-up

  • Jumping Jacks
  • Cat Cow Stretch
  • High Kicks
  • Lateral Leg Swings R/L
  • Jumping Jacks

Circuit 1:

  •  Push-ups
  • Down Dog with ankle grab R/L
  • Alternating Backwards Lunges-advanced modification-add weights
  • Plank walks outs

Cardio -1 minute Jumprope

Circuit 2:

  • Sumo Squats with tricep extension-advanced modification- add heavier weights
  •  Camel yoga pose with ankle stretch (looks a lot easier than it is.)
  • Squat press -advanced modification-add heavier weights
  • Cable press with static lunge

Cardio -1 minute Punches with half squat-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Plank to Crescent pose back to plank
  • Crab position with dip
  • Side Crunches R/L

Cardio -1 minute- Plie Hops-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use lighter weights – right
  • Plank ups (these are so hard, but I love them)
  • Tree pose with Lateral raises-use liter weights – left
  • Inchworm crunches

Cardio -1 minute-Skiers-repeat circuit 4

Cool Down/Stretches

 

“You have no idea the strength you have within you!”

Phase 1 Workout 4 for Weeks 3 and 4

Like workout 2, workout 4 is focused on the back of the body but has more compound movements than the earlier 2 workouts.

jillian-michaels-body-revolution | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

What will you need?  exercise mat and free weights (3, 5 or 8 lbs depending on your strength level)

While this phase is still meant to be low impact you will still be sore when you first start out.
Where can you expect to be sore the next day?  

  • Back
  • Biceps
  • Glutes
  • Hamstrings
  • Abs

The workout is broken down into 4 circuits; each of which are repeated once with  one minute of cardio  in between the circuit repetition.

comfortable with being uncomfortable | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Here is a breakdown of phase one workout four:

Warm-up

  • Butt Kicks
  • Single Leg Hip/Glute Stretch
  • Backwards Arm Circles
  • Repeat

Circuit 1:

  •  Alternating forward Lunges
  • Static Squat with a Medium Row
  • Single Leg Deadlift with Upright Row
  • Opposite Leg Deadlift

Cardio -1 minute Plyo Skaters -repeat circuit 1

Circuit 2:

  • Side Lunge Bicep Curl
  •  Bent Over Wide Row High and Wide
  • With arms holding weights strait up, step back with front knee down onto the ground into kneeling position back up to standing with weights lifted over the head the entire time (does that even make any sense?  Trust me, it is super hard and not fun at all!)

Cardio -1 minute-Alternate step up/hops with weights-repeat circuit 2

Circuit 3:

  • Side laying single leg lift with heavy weight
  • Plank with alternating leg raise
  • Side laying single leg lift with heavy weight opposite side
  • Hollowman

Cardio -1 minute- Fast Feet-repeat circuit 3

Circuit 4:

  • Terry Pulls right side (looks easy, but if done correctly it is a lot harder that it seems)
  • Good Mornings with 2 heavy weights
  • Terry Pulls left side (not an ab move, think about the terry muscles that you are using.)
  • Swarms (crunch up and rotate touching your ankles.)

Cardio -1 minute-Jab Cross Hook Upper Cut Combo- repeat circuit 4

Cool Down/Stretches

Since I haven’t written about Body revolution in a while, I finished phase one and now moved on to the second half of phase 1-workouts 3 and 4.   I was super sore from the workouts the first two days, but after that not much at all.
I will write a detailed review of Workout 2 and Cardio 1 soon.

If you are interested in my review of Workouts 1+2 and Cardio 1 click HERE.

I hope this was helpful if you are trying to decide if Jillian Michaels Body Revolution is right for you!

One of Jillian Micheals’ strong points is her motivational quotes:

This is where it matters the most. This is where lives are made, in these moments when you can choose whether or not to say ‘I cant’ or ‘I can.’ It is a choice that will either make or break you for life.

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**Update:

Initially, I found Jillian Michaels’ approach to exercise and dieting highly motivational. Her intense workouts and strict dietary guidelines pushed me to achieve remarkable physical results, which fueled my motivation and determination. I embraced her no-nonsense attitude and believed that pushing my body to its limits was the only way to achieve success. However, as time went on, I began to realize that this approach was taking a toll on my mental health. The relentless pursuit of physical perfection and the constant pressure I placed on myself led to feelings of anxiety, guilt, and a distorted body image. It was then that I decided to change my perspective and adopt a more balanced and loving approach to my body. By prioritizing self-compassion, listening to my body’s needs, and embracing acceptance, I discovered a newfound sense of mental well-being. This shift in thinking allowed me to find joy in movement, cultivate a positive relationship with my body, and ultimately, achieve a healthier and more sustainable approach to overall well-being.

Free/Good Deals · Lifestyle · Love and Life

The Greatest Gift- Eternal Life

I have been writing here on Looking JoliGood for almost three years now. (Wow, does time fly!!!) I have shared many things about all kinds of different topics, some beauty related, some health-related, some related to spiritual things.

Today I am sharing with you what I believe to be the purpose of our lives here on earth.  I believe that God gave us life so that we can love and glorify Him.

Many people believe that eternal life in Heaven is something that we earn through good works, or something we inherit because our parents are religious, or possibly we can attain it through good intentions.  While all these things sound good, the Bible tells us that eternal life is not something we can earn or buy, but instead, it is a gift.

God’s gift is eternal life with Him.

Romans 6:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

The thing about this gift is that before you can get it, you first have to realize that you need this it. Romans 3:23 tells us that “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

All of us have sinned by breaking God’s rules.  Some of the rules are broken by things that we have been doing, and some of the rules have been broken by things that we haven’t been doing.  We have all sinned in one way or another.Romans 3:23 | lookingjoligood.blog

Romans 6:23 tells us that the price for those broken rules is death.  That death isn’t just talking about our physical body dying, but about our spiritual body as well.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When our physical body dies, our spiritual body will go to one of two places, either an eternity in Heaven or an eternal death apart from God in Hell.

God doesn’t want to be separated from us! Romans 5:8 says “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 

Christ died for us | lookingjoligood.blog

The price of our sin is death, but Jesus Christ already paid the price for our sins when he died on the cross.

Jesus came to earth as God in the flesh. He lived a perfect life and voluntarily took our place on the cross, all because He loves us!  He took your place, He took my place, He paid your price with His life. He loves you!

The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 3:9 that “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9 | lookingjoligood.blog

Any time you get a gift you have to accept it in order to own it.  It is no different with the gift of eternal life, you have to turn to Christ and place our full trust in Him alone.

Romans 10:13 tells us that “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:13 | lookingjoligood.blog

 

If you have never trusted in Jesus Christ to be your personal savior, you can do it right now! It is as simple as believing in your heart that Christ is the only way to have eternal life in Heaven and saying a prayer that is something like this…

“Dear Lord God,
Thank you for the sacrifice you made in sending your only perfect son to die on the cross for my sins!  It should have been me sentenced to that horrible death, but you Lord, gave Jesus to save me from the punishment that I deserve.  Thank you for this free gift of salvation! Amen!”

You will never regret that decision! I know how much this decision has changed my life!  If you have just trusted Christ and received the gift of eternal life, I would love for you to tell me!

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

Hope Through Disappointment

Have you ever set a goal for yourself then worked incredibly hard doing everything right to make it happen, only to be disappointed with a slip-up?  Yup, that was me the other day. 

I got upset at my failure and started to feel disappointed in my myself.  I found myself at that juncture of two choices…. I could either let the disappointment derail me, ignore all the previous progress that I had made and forget about the whole thing, or realize that I made a mistake, learn from it, and move forward. 

To be honest, I wanted to give up and slip back into old habits. Change is so hard!  Making the right choice is not usually easy!

I woke up this morning with these verses from Lamentations 3:18-25 on my mind…

18 And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord:

19 Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood, and the gall.

20 My soul hath them still in remembrance and is humbled in me.

21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.

22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

Today is a new day. Each morning is a new start.

I had to realize I had been putting my hope in something that disappoints…myself. God has a better plan for me than I could ever imagine for myself.  I had to repent of my pride and remind myself that God is my portion and hope. 

Lamentations 3:21-22 | lookingjoligood.blog

Are you like me?  Are you also having a hard time struggling with a disappointment? Maybe like me even a bit of pride too? (Ouch!) Life is hard and change is inevitable. So let’s encourage each other and help one another out! lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #101: A Makeup Mistake That Makes You Look Older Tip 5: Lipstick

Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Today’s tip is about A Makeup Mistake When Applying Lipstick That May Make You Look Older :

Tip 5: When choosing your lipstick shade, don’t choose a nude shade, choose shades that are closer to the darkest part of your lips:

Losing fullness and pigmentation in the lips is something that happens naturally as we age. While nude lip colors are quite popular and some shades are beautiful, choosing a shade that is too close to your skin tone will cause your lips to blend in causing a loss in your natural lip line.

Since aging causes the lips to thin and nude lips cause a loss of the natural lip line, using a nude shade will cause you to look older than you actually are. Instead, choose shades that are closer to the darkest part of your lips to keep a more youthful look to the entire face.

nyx butter lipstick | lookingJoligood.blog

 

As I mentioned the last few weeks, there is nothing wrong with getting older, but there is no reason to make yourself look older than you are.   Follow these tips to avoid making makeup mistakes that make you look older than you actually are.

laura lipstick | lookingjoligood.blog

Don’t be too hard on yourself, we all make mistakes. 😉

Let me know if you try it out and what you think! If you are enjoying these tips every Tuesday you can check them all out by clicking HERE.

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Beauty Subscription · Make up

Hello, BoxyCharm! March 2018 Box

boxy charm hello charmer! | lookingjoligood.blogI have a feeling that if you love makeup and keep up with the “beauty community” you are already familiar with Boxycharm. But just in case you don’t know what it is…

Boxycharm is a $21/month/box beauty product subscription that includes 4-5 luxury and indie brand beauty related products.  Instead of sample sizes like some other subscription boxes/bags, each month, Boxycharm has full sized products.   It ships to both the US and Canada.

Boxycharm March | lookingjoligood.blog

Each month the value of the box is over $100.  This month’s box has $126 USD worth of products in it. It is a great way to try out different higher priced brands without spending a lot of money.  I’ve received products from brands such as MAC, Tarte, Cover Fx, Becca, Dr. Brandt, and Bare Minerals.

March’s theme is Bae Cation.

Boxycharm March | lookingjoligood.blog

I love that they include a card with the product’s info and pricing on it. This month’s products total $115.15 according to the card and $112.76 according to the prices listed on the Boxycharm site. (not sure why they are different on one vs the other?)

img_20180317_1004258723131395519301360.jpg

Each month there are usually a few product variations between the boxes that are sent out.  This month there were five different possible boxes.  I got variation number one, as indicated by the number 1 in the lower right-hand corner of the info card.

Boxycharm March | lookingjoligood.blog

Here is what I got in my box this month:

PÜR THE COMPLEXION AUTHORITY – EYESHADOW PALETTE $36.00

Boxycharm March Pur cosmetics palette| lookingjoligood.blog“This transitional palette can be used now or later to bring vibrancy back into your look. Our signature silky smooth ultra-mattes are paired with pretty pinks and a vibrant blue to lighten the mood. Plus, you can layer the shimmer shades for a duo chrome finish.”

This palette is beautiful!  It swatches great.  The majority of the shades in this palette are exactly what I would used on a daily basis. I have found that some of the shades on my eyes are not as intense. In my opinion, PÜR The Completion Authority (formerly known as Pur Cosmetics) is a great brand that doesn’t really get enough love in the beauty community.

PRETTY VULGAR – MAKE THEM BLUSH $26.00

pretty vulgar hush blush boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

“Make Them Blush powder blush awakens your complexion and provides a natural, glowy flush to your cheeks. This silky-smooth formula is long-wearing and highly pigmented. The buildable blush powder can be worn alone or paired for a multidimensional pop of color that will flatter any complexion.”

pretty vulgar hush blush boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

The packaging is beautiful!  I love when makeup looks pretty as well as makes you look pretty. . I got the shade Hush Blush. It is a pretty peachy rose mauve shade. I’m glad that I got this shade instead of the other option which is a bright fuschia.  This product is cruelty-free and gluten-free. The 8 vegan-friendly available shades include: Pretty Witty, Shameless Flirt, Tickled Pink, Hush Blush, Prim Vixen, and Charmingly Sinful.

SOUTH MANE BEAUTY – EYE GELS $9.00

img_20180317_100501-13960946771642994799.jpg

“Our eye gels are great for an easy mask without the clean-up. They soften and moisturize to ensure that you look rested and refreshed!”

This is not my type of thing, I didn’t even open these to try, I’m going to give them to my sister.

THE VINTAGE COSMETIC COMPANY – SMOKEY EYE MAKEUP BRUSH SET $21.76
(not $21.75, but $21.76 😁)

the vintage cosmetics Boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

“This brush set trio will enable you to create a stunning Smokey eye. Use subtle tones for a natural look, or bright and bold hues for a party look.”

The packaging is so cute!  Each brush has a little saying on the handle “Step 1 for the money…Step 2 for the shadow…Step 3 go girl go”.  I have so many brushes, I’m going to be passing these along to someone else as well.

BUTTER LONDON – DOUBLE DECKER LASHES MASCARA $20.00

Butter london double decker mascara boxy charm | lookingjoligood.blog“Get 200% thicker lashes in just one coat and a 314% increase in lash curl. The interlocking nylon fiber brush grasps each individual lash to lengthen, curl, and multiply lashes from root to tip.”

I’m so particular about mascara. I have found a winner and I’m sticking to it.  I haven’t even opened this mascara so that I can pass it along to someone else.
boxycharm | lookingjoligood.blog

This month’s box was kind of a dud for me.  I am only using 2 out of the 5 products.  Even still, the box costs $21 a month and the products that I will be using total $62 msrp.  That being said…

I have really enjoyed receiving the boxes for the last 9 months, but I have decided to cancel my subscription for now.  I have so much makeup in my collection that some of the things that I love get lost in the shuffle.  I’m going to be focusing on appreciating the things that I currently own before I keep adding more and more.  Despite the fact that I am canceling, I still highly recommend Boxycharm.  It is a great way to build up your collection with amazing products at such a great price of only $21 a month.

What about you? Do you get BoxyCharm?  Did you get something different than I did? Do you get any other monthly subscription bags/boxes that are worth trying out? Let me know in the comments below.

If you are interested in trying out boxy charm I would love for you to use my referral link by clicking HERE or visiting https://boxycharm.com/refer/laura-AJQSTMGQ  (I don’t think that I actually get anything if you use my referral link, but hey why not!)

Check out my other recent posts about subscription boxes that I recommend by clicking HERE. I am still thinking about trying out FabFitFun, but so far I haven’t ordered it yet. I’ll keep you posted!

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #100: A Makeup Mistake That Makes You Look Older Tip 4: Eyeliner

First of all, let’s just talk about that fact that this is Tip #100! Wow! I can’t believe that I have had 100 tips to share! 

Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Today’s tip is about A Makeup Mistake When Applying Eyeliner That Makes You Look Older :

Tip 4: Don’t use a heavy hand when applying eyeliner:

Using a heavy-hand when applying eyeliner almost always make you look older no matter what age you are.   Think back to your 15-year-old self, when you were trying to make yourself look older what was the first thing you did?  You probably applied a thick line of black eyeliner around your entire eye.

To appear more youthful, instead of lining the entire eye with a dark eyeliner, start your line in the middle of your upper eyelid, working your way out and thickening it slightly as you go. If you want to line the bottom of your eyes, try using eyeshadow instead of liner.  The shadow will still add detail to the eye without adding weight to the eyes.

Let’s compare these two pictures:

LauraLookingJoliGood
This dark liner around and under my eyes adds weight to the under eye area making me look older than I am.

Laura Joli | lookingjoligood.blog

Using an eyeshadow to line under the eye instead of a eye pencil gives a softer appearance to my eye look.

As I mentioned the last few weeks, there is nothing wrong with getting older, but there is no reason to make yourself look older than you are.   have been giving tips on which makeup mistakes to avoid making yourself look older than you actually are.

Don’t be too hard on yourself, we all make mistakes. 😉

Let me know if you try it out and what you think! If you are enjoying these tips every Tuesday you can check them all out by clicking HERE.

lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

Lifestyle

“When Criticism Hurts” by Lysa Terkeurst

Isn’t it amazing when God gives us exactly what we are needing? Here is a wonderful devotional by Lysa Terkeurst that was just what I needed for today! I hope that you find it helpful as well!

criticism Leah Dipascal | lookingjoligood.blog
photo credit Proverbs 31

WHEN CRITICISM HURTS
by Lysa Terkeurst

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

“It was one of those voicemails that left me rubbing the sides of my head wondering, “Why me? Why today?” I was blindsided by the criticism and felt this would be the perfect time to find a hole and crawl into it.

Criticism hurts. No matter who you are, how many people are encouraging you, and how happy you felt before you got “that call” or “that email,” one drop of critical yuck spreads fast and furious.

Oh, how I wish I had a little “criticism antidote” to make it all better. I don’t. But I do have a little sermonette I preach to myself when criticized.

When someone criticizes, I’ve got to quickly discern if they are trying to help me or hurt me.

No criticism is fun, but it can be helpful if it is from a wise person speaking words that are truly intended to help us. Proverbs 15:2a says, “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge …” To me, a wise person is someone who
• Cares enough about me to get their facts straight and isn’t speaking out of assumption.
• Has talked to God and reflects a gentle, caring tone in their communication.
• And wraps their criticism with grace and humility.

This kind of criticism is given with the intent of sharing helpful wisdom that is constructive rather destructive.

If the criticism is destructive and hurtful, I must remember the second part of Proverbs 15:2b, “… but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”

The definition of folly is a “lack of understanding or sense.”

We need to remember this kind of harsh and unnecessary criticism says a lot more about their insecurities than our inadequacies.

We can’t fix whatever hurt caused them to lash out. But we can decide to stay calm and not compound the hurt. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

Proverbs 15:1 | lookingjoligood.blog
Photo Credit Bible App

No matter what kind of criticism we get—helpful or hurtful—it still stings. And we might not feel like being calm at first. When I returned the call that left my heart racing and my head pounding, I didn’t feel like being calm. I had to choose to be calm despite my feelings. I’m learning that staying calm is as much of a gift to myself as it is to the one criticizing me.

Dear Lord, I know You are not a God of condemnation and criticism. Teach me to hold my tongue and trust in You when I am hurt by those around me. I want to be able to take the criticism that is helpful and leave the criticism that is hurtful, but I know that only through You can I do this without the weight of condemnation. Thank You for Your gentle conviction and patience with me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

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Lifestyle

6 Ways To Ensure Unhappiness

We all want to be happy, but yet often we are our own worst enemies!  I know that quite often the only reason that I am unhappy is that I choose to be.  Here are 6 quick way to ensure that you are unhappy!6 ways to ensure unhappiness | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

1.Have Unrealistic Expectations

Unmet expectations will almost always be the cause of your unhappiness in life.

Unmet expectations are usually what causes anger as well. It is not always easy to admit that the true source of your anger and unhappiness is from not getting what you wanted!

Minimize your expectations, maximize your joy.

2. Have Uncommunicated Expectations

Guess what? No one is a mind reader! Can you believe it?! It is true.

If you want someone in your life to do something, first they need to know what you want from them. Don’t get upset when you expect something from someone that they have no clue about.

Give the people in your life the opportunity to choose whether or not they want to meet your expectations.

6 ways to ensure unhappiness | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

3. Don’t Be Honest With Yourself

Sometimes, I have to stop and ask myself “Why am I doing what I am doing?”  Sometimes I know exactly why.  Sometimes the answer is clear and positive.  Sometimes I don’t really know what my motivation is.

Sometimes I have to really take a step back and be honest with myself, “What do I want out of this situation?”  I don’t always like the answer that I have to give myself.

 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
Proverbs 11:3

6 ways to ensure unhappiness | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

4. Don’t Be Honest With Others

So many ugly situations in life could be avoided if we were to live by the simple truth of “Say what you mean and mean what you say!”

Do you want to host Easter dinner? Nope.

Then when you are asked to host, be honest about it and say “No.”  Don’t say you will host and then make it clear to everyone around you that you don’t want to have them at your house.

Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
Proverbs 15:17

Are you upset because someone hurt your feelings? YES!

Tell them the truth about the way you feel, don’t say “Nothing” when asked what is wrong.  If it is important enough to you to make you upset, it should be important enough for you to share.

Be respectful of the relationship and give them the chance to correct the situation.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:18

1 John 3:18 | lookingjoligood.blog
photo credit: Bible app

5. Assign Intent To Others

On a daily basis, we can find a something to get offended about.

What happened?

Your friend didn’t like your IG photo.
Your co-workers went to lunch without you.
Your sisters got together for a playdate with their kids and you weren’t included.
Two people you know were having a serious conversation and didn’t acknowledge you.
Your friends had a girl’s night out and you couldn’t go.

Don’t take things personally! Almost always, people are not against you, they are just for themselves.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:13

Colossians 3:13 | lookingjoligood.blog
Photo credit: Bible app

If you want to be unhappy give intent to the unintentional things that other people do!

6. Compare your life to others.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”-Theodore Roosevelt

In this world of social media, it is so hard not to get sucked into comparing ourselves with others. Due to social media, we see so much more of people’s “private” lives.

The problem is that we are usually comparing all of our flaws with the snapshots of an edited filtered picture perfect life.  Their reality is that they also have flaws that we do not see.

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:4-5

Stop it! Be grateful for what you do have! 

A Flower Does Not Think of Competing With the Flower Next to It. It Just Blooms! | lookingjoligood.wrodpress.com

Follow these simple steps to have a completely unhappy life! 😉

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.

6 ways to ensure unhappiness | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Tips and Tricks

Tip Tuesday #99: A Makeup Mistake That Makes You Look Older Tip 3: Eyeshadow

Here’s another tip for Tip Tuesday:

Tip Tuesday Make up tips and tricks every Tuesday | lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

Today’s tip is about A Makeup Mistake When Applying Eyeshadow That Makes You Look Older :

Tip 3: Choose the correct eyeshadow finish!

The term “eyeshadow finish” describes the texture and appearance of the shadow.  There are 5 basic finishes: matte, satin, frost, shimmer, and glitter.  The eyeshadow finish will affect the ease of use, color, pigmentation, and overall result of the final look.

When you are in your teens and twenties you can get away with almost every type of makeup look.  The older, er um, I mean more mature, you get the more limited these looks seem to get.

I LOVE glitter, sparkles, and shimmer! I’m like a magpie and everything shiny catches my eye. But when it comes to eyeshadows there is a time and place for shimmer and glitter.

My tip is to use a matte transition shade as well as in the crease to frame the eyes.  We want to draw attention away from our sagging lids! 😉

You don’t have to avoid shimmers and glitters, just use them on the center of the lid and in the inner corner of the eye.Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette Review and Swatches | loookingjoligood.blog

Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette Review and Swatches | loookingjoligood.blog

One of my favorite all matte pallets is the Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette

“This petite palette has eight matte wet/dry shades that can be used as a liner, shadow, or brow powder for any look—from understated to amped up. Featuring a step-by-step guide for six eye and five brow shapes, it’s everything you need for creating eye looks on the go.”

Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette Review and Swatches | loookingjoligood.blog

You can read my complete review of Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette by clicking HERE.

Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette Review and Swatches | loookingjoligood.blog

Don’t want to spend $25 on a mini eyeshadow palette?  Try out the ELF Mad for Mattes Palette. It is only $10 and has matte shades in it.

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte lookingjoligood.wordpress.com
I just love matte neutral shadows!

e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte e.l.f. Eyeshadow Palette -Mad for Matte lookingjoligood.wordpress.com

As you can tell from the above swatches, the shadows in the ELF Mad for Mattes Palette aren’t quite as intense as the Smashbox Photo Matte Eyes Travel Palette, but they are still great shadows that blend well.

Let me know if you try it out this tip and what you think! If you are enjoying these tips every Tuesday you can check them all out by clicking HERE.

As I mentioned, there is nothing wrong with getting older, but there is no reason to make yourself look older than you are.  Follow these few simple tips on which makeup mistakes to avoid.  No one wants to purposefully make yourself look older than you actually are.

Don’t be too hard on yourself, we all make mistakes. 😉

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I would love for you to follow me on TwitterInstagram,  Pinterest, and Facebook. You can find me as Looking Joli Good on all four.