{Soulful Sunday} Fictionist

In a humble accident last year, I encountered a live show at WhySound (now a favored haunt of mine, especially on nights like this upcoming Friday, when Alarmingly Charming is headlining! Wink wink.) for which the band Fictionist headlined. WhySound is a pretty modestly-sized venue, which fact some may frown upon but I happen to be enamored by because of this particular band. When everybody in there is compacted together like sardines, you have no other option than to feel in depth the power and emotion in an incredible live performance such as the one displayed that evening. Stuart Maxfield, inimitable as lead vocalist and bass guitarist, literally perched within inches of the standing audience. This, my friends, is an experience.

It's one thing to write intricate rhymes; it's another unmitigatedly to dispense your soul into the air and leave it hanging over the heads of all in privileged presence. Each member of the Provo, UT-based band yields a unique contribution that seams flawlessly to establish a strong sense of integrity and breathtaking intensity. They're one of those sets that unabashedly offers up their every internal weakness, struggle, virtue, heartbreak, and passion with such finesse that you're either torn open and stitched back up or simply placed atop the world, and no matter what you won't leave without having learned a lesson. The five bucks I paid for an hour of this music resounding in my eardrums are among the best-spent of my life.

P.S. For the record, I totally talked to Robbie Connolly (one inexplicably amazing guitarist) and informed him that their music is the reason I don't need drugs. Is that weird...?

{Beauty Tuesday} Here Comes the Snow

Last night, I drifted off to sleep with the pitter-patter of raindrops on the window singing in my ears. It was slightly chilly, yes, but here in Utah there seems to be a brief period of inconsistent rain between seasons. I figured this would be a kickoff event for the next week or so of jumping in puddles and dancing in storms. That's always fun! I love the rain. As long as it's not snowing yet, I'm carefree. This morning all was silent. As is habitual, I rolled over and checked the time on my phone and found a text message waiting for me. This particular message happened to be sent from a friend of mine who lives 1300 miles away. The precise content of this message:

isnt there snow in the valley today? have fun with that :)

My eyes closed and my lungs attempted a few mandatory deep breaths to counteract an ensuing panic attack. This had better be a joke. How would he even know? Maybe if I just lay in bed all day I won't have to find out... Slowly, I ambled over my pillows (I have about 16 too many) and crept up to the headboard. Shaking fingers stretched forth to part the blinds, and I stuck one courageously opened eye up to peer outside. A fluffy white crocheted blanket mocked me with undue enthusiasm, and I groaned as I dropped back under the covers. Here we go again.

This vendetta for snow is completely nonexistent after, oh, say, Thanksgiving, but until that point I would really prefer a steadier transition into dry-skin weather. While Utah's climate is triumphantly inconvenient, it is inevitable and therefore I have no choice but to begin adjusting my beauty routine to synchronize. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of a permanently inclement atmosphere:

1. Drench your skin. Year-round, it is necessary to wear a moisturizer with SPF on your face. Even on the most humid day of the summer. Even on the oiliest of skin. I learned that several years ago and have sworn by it since, especially thanks to my impossibly dry facial epidermis that refuses functionality without moisture. The skin on the rest of my body, however, is usually satisfactorily balanced until winter rolls around. So today I used a heavier emollient face moisturizer (try Hope In A Jar for Dry Skin SPF 20) and smothered my limbs with body lotion (try Bath and Body Works Triple Moisture Body Cream in Paris Amour).

2. Be kissable. There's nothing worse than chapped, cracked lips when you're...well, when you're doing anything, really. But notably so when you're with a special someone - or a potential special someone. Keep a petroleum-based balm on hand to ensure soft, smooth lips (try C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve No. 12). Sorry, but after that you'll have to figure out just how to score that kiss on your own. Good luck!

3. Combat redness. A rosy, frostbitten complexion can be quite pretty, but the Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer look can be reserved for your little sister's Christmas pageant. A green-tinted primer works wonders for blotchy, puffy skin (try Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Adjust) and a yellow-based concealer is perfect for intense spot treatment (try Benefit Perk-Up Artist).

4. Rescue your hair. Dry air doesn't only attack skin; it can be deadly for your scalp and strands. To keep locks healthy and vibrant, use a leave-in conditioner once or twice a week (try Bumble and bumble. Leave In Conditioner).

5. Keep warm. It doesn't hurt to throw on a jacket and a beanie before you dash out the door! As cute as the idea of being fed chicken noodle soup by a well-meaning (and accommodatingly attractive) boy, I have to remind myself that this generally only happens in my imagination, and losing ten seconds to grab some cold-weather essential attire is worth not getting sick. Try some fuzzy earmuffs.

Now, I would venture to say it's a relatively well-known fact that health and beauty go hand in hand. Therefore, Beauty Tuesdays will now include something healthy-ish enough to almost neutralize the Halloween candy and pumpkin pie headed your way. Today, a super simple recipe for an excellent snack!

1 cup frozen mixed fruit (strawberries, pineapple, and peaches are my favorite; you can add half a banana)
1/3 cup vanilla yogurt (this will make a thicker smoothie; use up to 1 cup for a runnier consistency)
1/4 to 1/2 cup baby spinach or kale
1 handful ice

Dump all ingredients into blender. Press blend. Allow to blend thoroughly. Pour into cup. Enjoy.

Happy winterizing!

{Thoughtful Thursday} Mary Oliver

"Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"

- Mary Oliver

If I hear the term YOLO one more time, I might just throw an unabridged dictionary. Obviously you only live once. Unless, of course, you believe in reincarnation, in which case you may as well just take your time with everything. My point is, tossing this phrase in the face of anyone who encourages you to make rational decisions is sort of beleaguering. Recently I spoke to a girl who encountered trouble with a possessive, manipulative, much older guy. She wasn't sure whether she should break it off or continue to date him. The majority of other friends who took part in our heart-to-heart told her off the bat that if she didn't move forward with him, she'd never know if she could have had a great relationship. They insisted that she had the opportunity to change him for the better, and explained her (um, absolutely logical) worries away with "Hey, you only live once! Might as well go for it!"

That particular situation is a prime example of how dangerous such a mindset can be. It is due to such lack of cerebral decision-making that I dislike hearing people say "YOLO" at only a moment's perspective glance. However. Mary Oliver's poem "Summer Day" ends with the above words that I consider especially impelling. I first saw this quote on my granny's refrigerator door several years ago and didn't really think about it until I'd passed by it enough times to actually pay attention. This theory can truly make for a profitable way of life if implemented properly. 

Humans are intended to learn and progress. I emphasize that idea often because of its primary role in my own life. Living inside a shell is always more detrimental than wholesome, and mental and physical health improve when we push ourselves outside of our comfort zone and even take premeditated risks. Think of the stock market - you'll get nowhere if you just sit on your stocks, but a smart investor does his homework before he concentrates his entire life savings into McDonald's. Many, many, many times have I benefited from stepping out on a limb or jumping off a cliff. The only difference between my leaps and those of all my YOLO-obsessives is that mine do not generally involve 80-foot-high geographical dropoffs. Something to consider?

{Beauty Tuesday} Good Grades

I was a little skeptical of my ability to pull off this look, but the process was bewilderingly manageable. The colors are up to you; just make sure they're able to blend without turning muddy. Here's how to throw together a tri-tone gradient eyeliner:

{MATERIALS}

BareMinerals Prime Time Eyelid Primer

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Electric (a metallic turquoise)

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Sabbath (matte navy) and Zero (smoky grey)

{PROPER USE}

Pat a neutral eyelid primer all over the lid. This creates an
even base and helps keep your look in place.

Using your lightest shade, draw a medium-width line from the
inner corner to the center of the lid. 

With the middle shade, overlap the first shade slightly and then draw
a slightly thicker line down to the outer edge of the lid. Also use this
shade to fill in the upper and lower water lines, which are right next to
the eye itself.

With your darkest shade, overlap the middle shade and then draw a small
wing past the outer corner of the eye, directing the tip toward the top
of your ear. Fill in any blank spots to create a smooth line, then use
your fingertip to blend each color's edges together. Finish up with
a coat of black mascara (try BareMinerals Flawless Definition
Volumizing Mascara) and try to not be as sleepy as I was today.

Happy grading!

{Soulful Sunday} Coldplay

I have yet to meet a person who genuinely and legitimately does not care for Coldplay. Rest assured that if I ever do, that will not be the last such a creature sees of me. In fact, I subjected myself to the daunting and extremely rewarding task of listening to all of Coldplay's released albums and EPs and I couldn't even find a song I didn't like. To be fair, I'm not the most snobbish musical critic out there, but I do consider myself to have an adequate sense of taste and no experience with their material has left me feeling sour.

Due to my severe inability to say no to good things, this is a bit of a longer playlist. Do not despair! It won't be a second of your life wasted. Actually, why don't you just go listen to all of their music? Good plan. Enjoy.

{Thoughtful Thursday} Our Deepest Fear

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

- Marianne Williamson

The other night I was discussing with a close friend the necessary distinction between confidence and arrogance. I approached the subject in an uncharacteristically hotheaded manner toward him and his external personality, but fortunately he was able to set the record straight and help me to understand his point of view. Within an arrogant individual is found narcissism and self-absorption; within a confident individual is a knowledge of oneself and gratitude for what one has been blessed with. An arrogant person is consumed with what he can gain from others, while a confident person is focused on what he can give.

A vital point to remember is that we all still have our individual needs that must be prioritized. Without our own internal stability, we haven't the capacity to share with those around us. When we recognize what power we have, how infinite our own potential is, we hold a witness that can be magnified through sharing it with other people. You have so much to offer! It doesn't matter who you are reading this; the principle is true for every single human being. There is not one wasted soul in existence. 

I've said this before, but it really is so important to spend time alone and look at who you really, truly are inside. I know it sounds silly. There is nothing immature about analyzing yourself and your life. Write down everything that you like about yourself and everything you don't like. Exclude anything about physical appearance. If it's a weight issue, be specific about what causes the problem. A poor diet? Lack of motivation to exercise? Don't just say "I'm too chubby" or "I'm too skinny." Then, review your list of Don't Likes.  Maybe you're lazy or habitually disrespectful. Perhaps you procrastinate or you can't break an addiction. There's a reason why certain things bother you, and that reason is that in doing those things you aren't being true to yourself. Research if you must, but come up with ways that you can turn your weaknesses into strengths.

Now, go through your list of Likes. Not on Facebook. Does your talent lie within the field of music performance, or are you better suited to listening intently? Do you have time management down pat or are you an expert at enjoying the simple things in life? You should have a long list. If you don't, think harder. This exercise is not intended to fish for your own compliments. It's meant to enable you to recognize all you have and all you can give. Own it! Allow yourself the epiphany of "Hey, I make a contribution to society." Because, like it or not, every person does in one way or another.

At this point you must make the decision - what kind of contribution will I make? Determine to make it a positive one. Marianne Williamson knows what she's talking about! It's absolutely true that by sharing the light you have, you are leading the way for others to do exactly the same. Be true to who you are and you will become an example. Don't be afraid to step forward. It's worth it!

Happy shining!

{Beauty Tuesday} Make It Last and Make It Count

Once upon a time I discussed the merits of wearing lipstick and all kinds of it. Just as vital to the wearer as shade and formula is the preparation and application thereof! We've all seen - or, at least, heard of - the smeared coffee mugs and sacrament cups, stained men's dress shirts (that's always a fun trip to the dry cleaner), and messy napkins. And let's not forget the dreaded ring of nakedness in the center of the lips after a particularly fulfilling meal! Here's how to eliminate flakes and make your color last:

Use a small amount of lip scrub (try C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Buffer) and rub it in well to create a smooth, even base. Remove any remaining product with a tissue.

Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or clear lip gloss (I love Hollister Lip Gloss in Ocean Berry; it tastes sensational) to moisturize lips. Allow ten minutes for it to sink in; otherwise, it won't penetrate the surface and will just mix in with your lipstick. Which doesn't work very well...

Use either a nude lip liner or the edge of the lipstick you're going to wear to create a thin line around the edge of the lips. Focus color on the cupid's bow and the very center of the bottom lip.

Fill in entire lip surface with lipstick straight from the tube.

Separate the top and bottom layers of a tissue, and use one layer to lightly blot lipstick. Reapply straight from the tube, blot again, then dab on one final coat of color.

Find something to be unfathomably happy about.

Happy sticking around!

{Beauty Tuesday} Get Glowing

Start with a clean face. If you use foundation, put it on prior to highlighting.

Of all the promises and paraphernalia being thrown at us by beauty companies these days, one of the most common phrases I see used is "lit-from-within." This term refers to a state in which the face and skin appear naturally bright, clean, and youthful. Now, I have met a few women with naturally flawless skin. I do my very best not to envy them, but it can be incredibly difficult. The vast majority of us have dealt with any number of skin catastrophes, but fortunately there are ways to adapt and overcome.

Dab a sheer luminizer underneath each eye.

Dot and blend a highlighter (I use Benefit High Beam) right atop the cheekbone...

...underneath and above the brow bone...

...and along the center of your nose.

Blend a tiny dot of cheek tint onto the apples of your cheeks.

Finish with a dusting of bronzer below the cheekbone and under the jaw line.

Happy highlighting!