a little too jolley: April 2015

How We Wore It // April Florals

I love participating in these How I Wore It posts. It helps me look into my closet and rediscover pieces I forgot I loved.

Here's the photo we were to recreate via Little Miss Fearless...

Here's my recreation of it!

Here's all the other wonderful bloggers who joined in on the fun! Go check out their outfits!

Bonnie at Life of Bon

Megan at And Here's to You, Mrs Robinson

Brooklyn at A Little Too Jolley

Laura at Sincerely, Laura

Aubrey at Dreaming About Someday

Kyla at FordOlogy

Kallie at Life Through a Lens

Kaycie at Redhead Memories

Deidre at Deidre Emme

Brooke at Silver Lining

His Grace

I was relaxing today when my husband came in and asked if I'd like to listen to a talk with him. His Grace Is Sufficient by Brad Wilcox. I'd heard it before and remembered the impact it had on me so I said, "Of course!"

In the talk, Brad Wilcox talks about how Christ's arrangement with us is similar to a mother who pays for piano lessons for her child.

"Because Mom pays the debt in full, she can turn to her child and ask for something. What is it? Practice! Does the child's practice pay the piano teacher? No. Does the child's practice repay MOm for paying the piano teacher? No. Practicing is how the child shows appreciation for Mom's incredible gift. It is how he takes advantage of the amazing opportunity Mom is giving him to live his life at a higher level. Mom's joy is found not in getting repaid but in seeing her gift used-- seeing her child improve. And so she continues to call for practice, practice, practice.

In the same way, because Jesus has paid justice, He can now turn to us and say, 'Follow me.'"

Don't give up on yourself just because you're not perfect. I fall, I sin, I am weak. I am not a Christian because I am perfect at following Christ 100% of the time, I am a Christian because I keep trying. Because I rely on Him.

"Grace is not a booster engine that kicks in once our fuel supply is exhausted. Rather it is our constant energy source. It is not the light at the end of the tunnel but the light that moves us through the tunnel. Grace is not achieved somewhere down the road. It is received right here and now."

I'm trying harder to give everything over to Christ. To serve Him as he would have me serve. We don't have to wait until we hit rock bottom to turn to Christ, he can be with us every step of the way.

Associate's Degree

I've officially done it! I've completed the last class I needed for my Associate's Degree!

After I decided to go to hair school I knew it wasn't worth it to put off getting my cosmetology license to wrap up English 2010 which was the only class I needed for my Associate's Degree. So I spent 13 months of full time school to get my cosmetology license and the plan was to take English 2010 after.

My plan went great! I graduated from Paul Mitchell the School with my cosmetology license at the end of September 2014 and started my last online USU class in January 2015.

Tuesday night I turned in my last assignment and Wednesday my teacher graded everything. 96% and an A!

Right now I don't plan on going back to school, I think maybe one day I will, but for now I'm very happy with the education I've received.

I'm doing hair in my home salon and LOVING every appointment I get, and spending my days helping other student's get enrolled in school for the online university I work at. I want to be less busy so I can help train our puppies, keep our house clean, and focus more on the young women I serve in my ward. Right now, I'm exactly where I need to be and even though my life is turning out so very different than I ever imagined, I'm happy. I'm so so so happy. And when I grow up, that's what I want to be... happy.

Unite Blonda Review- For My Blondies

Awhile ago I reviewed Paul Mitchell Platinum Blonde Shampoo. Truthfully after continued use, I didn't love it. It seemed SUPER drying. I needed an intense deep condition after using it and I never liked the way my hair felt even with a deep condition.

Then I went a little darker for awhile and it didn't matter to me if I used purple shampoo or not. I recently went back to being a blonde blondie and decided that I need to get to the bottom of this. There HAS to be a good purple shampoo out there somewhere.

Enter UNITE Blonda. Here's what the description is...

"Hey Blondie, you spend a lot of time and money getting those cool tones and highlights just right. Don't you just hate it when your hair starts to go straw yellow like a stressed out scarecrow having a bad day? BLONDA will keep your color vibrant, cool and totally you.

• Keeps blonde or grey hair vibrant

• Prevents blonde hair from turning yellow or brazzy

• Protects, strengthens and repairs while adding shine

• Free of Parabens and Sodium Chloride

Wet hair, lather and rinse. DO NOT exceed 60 seconds in hair. Alternate with your favorite UNITE Daily Shampoo as necessary and follow with BLONDA Condition. Achieve your final look using UNITE styling and finishing products."

Back to my own words- this stuff is AMAZING. I used an entire bottle before reviewing so I could give you my 100% honest opinion.

This stuff smells like yummy yummy grape. And it is super pigmented so it is great for blondes. I usually do leave it on for more than 60 seconds, but it's pigmented enough that you almost have to watch it and make sure you don't get purplish hair ;)

My hair feels healthy and soft after using it, even if I don't deep condition after. I've even RE-PURCHASED more UNITE Blonda, which is basically unheard of for me because I love to try new things.

What about you? Have you ever used Purple Shampoo? Do you have a favorite?

Filling Your Life With General Conference

I love General Conference. Those 2 weeks each year are my absolutely favorite. Getting in comfy clothes, cuddling up to my husband, taking notes on thoughts and impressions and getting to hear from prophets, apostles and other amazing church leaders. It's so refreshing.

Growing up I never used to watch the Saturday sessions. We'd have it on the radio playing around the house but I sure wasn't listening, it was white noise amidst my day. But now, I can't get enough. I crave the power I feel when I listen to General Conference.

I've started re-reading some of the conference talks that really stuck out to me. The great thing is, I have a smart phone! Which means I have the LDS Gospel Library downloaded on my phone. Which means I can listen to conference talks anywhere!

The past few days I've listened to talks while getting ready. It helps calm the anxiety of the mornings and remind me exactly what is most important. I've set a goal to listen to at least one general conference talk a day. Take advantage of your commute and listen to a talk. Listen to a talk while cooking dinner, or cleaning the house. It always takes me at least 15 minutes to get ready in the morning, and it's the perfect way to start my day.

Filling your life with the power of General Conference will bless your life.

President Spencer W. Kimball's words:

"I have made up my mind that when I go home from this conference... there are many, many areas in my life that I can perfect. I have made a mental list of them, and I expect to go to work as soon as we get through."

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