Friday, May 30, 2014

May 2014 Favs!

Good grief! I can't believe that we are already almost half way through the year. It feels like it was just Christmas. Anyways, this month I have been loving quite a few things so I thought I would share with you what they are and why I have been obsessed with them this month!

 
 
Beauty:
Clinique Peach Pop Blush- I did a review on the product here and as you can tell from that post, I absolutely adore these! I own the one in peach pop but I have my eye on the other three as well. On the website they only show the ones that are in stock online but if you go to a Clinique counter you can see all of them. These blend beautifully and look amazing on the skin. Not to mention, I lovvvvee this packaging!
 
Covergirl Invisible Concealer- During summer, I love to dab just a smidge of a light concealer under my eyes to make me look more awake and it also makes you look very glow like and youthful. This concealer doesn't look caked up under my eyes and does the job for me.

Clinique Eyeshadow Quad in On Safari- We are back on Clinique and this time it is for their eye shadows. I received this quad in a free gift there and I love it. I have green/hazel eyes so I love popping some greed on my lids to make em pop! The quality of these shadows is also just wonderful!

Mint Nails- This is probably every girls favorite nail color for spring and summer but I thought I would share that it is something I have really been liking this month!

EOS Shaving Cream in Vanilla Bliss- I know this is very random but I didn't even know that EOS made a shaving cream so when I saw this at my drugstore I had to buy it. This is super moisturizing and I don't even have to put lotion on my legs afterwards! I also love the sweet smell. I think they also have it in raspberry which also smells amazing.


Music:
Hey Brother by Avicii- This song is so catchy and I don't really know why, but I have been listening to it a lot lately.

Sam Tsui on Youtube- I am obsessed with this guys voice. He does covers and CRAZY good mash ups and I keep his videos on repeat.


Movies:
Moms Night Out- This movie was SO hilarious! I went to go see it with my mom and we can both say that it was not what we were thinking the story line would be. It was slow moving at first but once it kicked into gear we both found it to be hilarious, dramatic, and a bit heart retching.

Million Dollar Arm- I recently went to go see this movie with my sister and we both found it adorable. I had heard some mixed reviews about it, some saying they loved it, others saying it was too predictable. I found it to be a simple topic with a very complex storyline. I loved the acting and a lot of the characters in this movie and would recommend seeing it!

What were a few things you have loved throughout the month of May? Comment below or tweet me @jgraceblog! As always I love to read y'alls emails so don't hesitate to reach me there also.
 
 
Hope you all enjoyed!
 
 


 
 

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Tag: Get to Know Me!

I came across this tag multiple times and there were several different versions, so I just randomly picked the 21 question one. I hope you all enjoy learning some very random things about me.
 
1. Are you named after anyone?- Not really a person. My mom growing up always named her baby dolls Juliana and loved that name so it was a given I suppose.
 
2. When was the last time you cried?- Wellllllllll, I watched the movie Johnny on Netflix last night with my sister and that was a definite tear jerker I have to admit...
 
3. Do you have any kids?- Well I am 15 so that would be a no and not for a while.
 
4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?- Pssh yeah! I find myself hilarious! (haha kiddin!)
 
5. Do you use sarcasm a lot?- Eh, sometimes.. I seem to find my sarcasm a lot funnier than other people do! :)
 
6. Would you ever bungee jump?- YES!! I would right now, but my mom says I have to wait until she is no longer responsible for me :P
 
7. What's your favorite cereal?- This is very random but I love Chex Vanilla cereal.
 
8. What is the first thing you notice about someone?- Their confidence. I know this sounds weird but I usually notice if someone is confident but not cocky.
 
9. What is your eye color?- Hazelish Greenish I guess you could say.
 
10. Scary movie or happy ending?- I usually prefer happy ending movies however I do love certain crime shows like CSI, Scandal, and Castle.
 
11. What is your favorite smell?- I have a few: I love the smell of sweet things like cookies or vanilla. I also love just a clean smell like lemon or anything fresh smelling. I also LOOOVEEE the smell of guys cologne. (Side note: I hate the smell of flowers in perfumes or candles, but LOVE the smell of real ones.)
 
12. Summer or Winter?- I live in Florida so I don't really have a choice! I do love the beach during summer so I would say summer!
 
13. Computer or Television?- I use both the same I guess.
 
14. Where is the furthest you have been from home?- Virginia which is not far but this summer I am going to Washington D.C and Pennsylvania so that is about to be the new record.
 
15. Do you have any special talents?- I score pretty well on the state writing tests so I guess I am good at writing. I also have a special talent called 'never being able to stop talking.'
 
16. Where were you born?- I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and grew up around there for half my life.
 
17. What are your hobbies?- Swimming in my pool with friends and family, biking around my town with my sister, going to the movies with friends and family, shopping, and blogging!!
 
18. Do you have any pets?- I have a miniature dachshund named Prissy but I call her 'Percy' :)
 
19. What is your favorite movie?- I LOVE the movie Elf. When the Winter times come I watch it almost every day. I also really like Frozen though too now. I seem to have a theme in my favorite movies here! Ha.ha!
 
20. Do you have any siblings?- Yes! I have a younger sister who is 2 years younger than me and she is my bestie!!
 
21. What do you want to be when you grow up?- I am keeping my options open but one dream I have is opening up my own boutique or my own non-profit company to help people, with what I am not sure of yet. I also love writing so possibly a journalist. Who knows though, I am only 15 I might change my mind tomorrow :)
 
Hope you enjoyed this little tag. If you haven't done this tag I tag YOU! If you do this or have done it already, give me the link and I will check it out! Comment below or email me!
 
 
Talk to you on Friday ladies!
 
 
 
 
 
Sunday, May 25, 2014

Winning The War- Weekly Devotion

 
Hey gals! Today I am going to be sharing with you a subject that really touched me this week! My pastor at my church did a fantastic sermon with 3 simple points and I thought I would share with you all and let you in on what I got out of it.
 
This devotion is all about fighting the enemy in your life. Us Christians and even those of you who don't have a relationship with God are at spiritual warfare. It is very important to maintain a war time mind set rather than a peace time mind set. Let me explain a little further.
 
Who is the enemy?
 
The devil is always echoing any negative thoughts you think or believe about yourself. For me, the enemy in my life is fear. I have a fear to do what I know God is calling me to do because I am scared of what others are going to think. I think a lot of people can relate.
 
If you don't figure out what the enemy is in your life you can't defeat it.
 
Often times, the devil tries to take the word out of your heart. I personally have seen this happen to me. I have gone from a place of being so close with God and knowing his word to all of a sudden not feeling like its important and not spending time to study it. That was the devil at work.
 
 
What do we fight?
 
You want to fight the enemy in your life. Once you have found what it is that is holding you back from fulfilling God's purpose for you, you need to fight it.
 
2 Corinthians 2:11 explains that we may not be able to fight Satan/ the devil if we do not know what his schemes are. In other words, if you don't identify the enemy, it can control your life.
 
Also, one thing that I am so guilty of is telling myself a story, and not believing anything other than what I have planted in my mind. For example: 'As long as I have my daily devotions, and go to church on Sundays I really don't need to be involved through out the week.'  Any time anyone told me otherwise I refused to believe it because I had put that story in my head. The devil will make this permanent if you don't fight it.
 
You behave off what you believe.
 
 
How do we fight?
 
This is simple. The Gospel= the key to defeating the enemy.
 
One point that I have written down on the back of my door (post on my quote door here) is the quote "Put on your armor before battle, not during battle." When you think of this literally you say 'Of course I would train before battle and put on my armor before battle. Who would anyone wait until they are in the middle of war to arm themselves and train?'
Well apply that to spiritual warfare. Why wait until you start facing something hard to train and put on your armor? 
 
Hard things are going to come to you, whether you are ready or not so I suggest you pick up your bible and start training and put on that armor.
 
There have been times in my life where I was going through a hard time and just then started to read my bible and apply verses to memory. There have also been times where I have been consistent in reading my bible and praying, and then faced a hard time. I think you can guess which obstacle I was more prepared for.
 
Don't wait until you are going through war to train, that's crazy. Put on the armor now, so when war comes, you are ready to fight, with God's help and guidance.

I love my amazing pastor Dr. Mercer! This was a great sermon.
 
If you have any thoughts or ANYTHING, comment below! As always, don't hesitate to email me if you would like. I always love receiving y'alls emails!
 
 
Hope you all learned something! Talk to you all on Wednesday!
 
 
 
 
Saturday, May 24, 2014

York Peppermint Brownies Recipe | Sweet Saturday!

Hello everybody! It has been a little while since I have done a Sweet Saturday! Today's recipe is just mouth watering thinking about it. They are pretty much self explanatory from the title. This recipe is so different from anything I have ever had before and I will DEFINITELY be making these again. I have never tasted anything so good, that took so little time and effort.
 
 
*Also, a little side note, if you don't like Yorks you are welcome to use any candy like Reese's or anything! I will be trying that next! ;) 
 
 

Ingredients:
-Brownie mix of your choice and the ingredients needed for it (I used Pamelas Gluten Free Brownie Mix)
-York Peppermint Candies
 
Directions:
-Mix ingredients for the brownie mix
-Pour half of the mix into your pan
-Lay the York candies down, covering the mix
-Pour the rest of the mix on top and bake as directed!
 
SO EASY! SO QUICK! SO SO SO DELICIOUS!
 
If you choose to give it a try comment and let me know how it goes! Do you have a recipe you would like me to try, comment the link or email me!
 
 
Hope you all enjoy this tasty treat! Talk to you soon!









QOTW: "It's a good thing to feel like you have to prove something.." -Lauren Conrad
 

 
Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Clinique Peach Pop Blush Review

A little bit ago I was in the mall and walked past the Clinique makeup counter and saw the cheek pop blushes. I am a huge fan of Clinique's skincare and makeup so I decided to pick up the one in Peach Pop. I didn't own a peach blush that looked quite like this. After trying it at home I can say that it is just beautiful! I would describe it as not sparkly, not matte, but more of a sheen blush. This blush just makes you look very perky and awake so I love it!


 
My Grading:
 
Packaging: 10/10- This is, for me the perfect packaging. The beautiful flower design doesn't wear off easily and the clear packaging is super sleek and clean looking, which I always love about Clinique packaging. They definitely did this one right!
 
Pigmentation: 7/10- This blush isn't super pigmented, however that is kind of what I like about it. It doesn't give you the appearance of wearing too much blush but it rather gives you a very nice youthful, awake look, which I actually really like here at summer time!



Longevity: 8/10- This blush lasts several hours on me but I wouldn't say it lasts an entire day, which I find quite rare in blushes any ways. This does last about 4 1/2 hours on me though which is expected.

Final Verdict- 8.5/10- This is my overall grade for the product. I can honestly tell you that I use this blush almost every day. This is great for all ages whether you are just beginning with makeup or you have mature skin, this is going to look great! This isn't very dramatic so it is more for an every day use, probably not great for costume makeup or anything!

What is your favorite blush? Comment down below! If you have any questions or anything feel free to email me too!
 
 
Hope you all enjoyed! Talk to you soon!
 


 
 
Monday, May 19, 2014

Leaving The Past Behind...


Hello ladies! Today I am going to be talking about a subject that is based off a sermon from one of my favorite pastors Andy Stanley. This sermon series is called Starting Over and it basically teaches you how to leave the past where it belongs; behind you.
 
There were several points from this series that I loved. However, there were a couple that really got me thinking.
 
"The past will remind me, not define me." That right there is so important. The question that continues to come up is; How long are you going to allow people or events from your past, have an effect on your future?
 
If you don't choose to take control of the issues now, you are going to continue to let the issues of your past control you.
 
Dealing with the past can often times be difficult and painful, but spare yourself the pain that it will continue to bring and face the issue now.
 
I encourage all of you to watch just these quick 30 minute messages here about how to deal with past events so that you can go forward and make your tomorrow better than yesterday.
 
If any of you watch one of the four messages, let me know what you think. I really enjoyed this series and hope you do to! Comment or email me with any questions, thoughts, or suggestions. I would love to hear from you!
 
 
Hope you all enjoy! I look forward to hearing what you think!
 
Talk to you soon!
 


Friday, May 16, 2014

Decor- Door Quotes

One thing I am not very good at is art. I have never been good at crafts or painting or drawing so when I find me a little artsy project that is easy yet enjoyable, I am always excited. Something I started doing about 2 years ago is putting note cards on the back of my door with my favorite quotes on them. I am OBSESSED with good quotes off my Pinterest and thought I would cover the back of my door with them. I started with the quotes on neon note cards but then switched them over to white and wrote them in colors that matched my room so it looked less tacky. My room is pink, cream, and has some pops of mint. Basically my room is kind of vintage-teeny looking if that makes any sense. :)
 
This is a super easy and enjoyable thing to do. If you love quotes as much as I do you will definitely enjoy writing quotes and putting them in your room as time goes on. Below are some pictures of my door of quotes.
 
 
 
 
 

What other types of decorating posts would you like to see? Comment below! Tell me if you try this as well! You can email me with any questions or thoughts also.
 
 
Hope you all enjoyed! Talk to you soon!
 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Safe Haven- Movie Review!

The past day or so I have been super sick with a soar throat so I can't talk at all and feel just awful. Of course I get sick right here at the end of the school year when I am trying to finish all my work and exams however, I do love to cuddle up on the couch and watch a good movie when I don't feel well. One movie I came across on Netflix is the movie 'Safe Haven'. I have seen this movie on Netflix several times but I never actually clicked on it and watched it. Recently I decided to watch it and FELL IN LOVE WITH IT.
 
The trailer doesn't do this movie justice. This movie has so many twists and I have to admit I shed a tear or two... or twenty. I think the two main characters share great chemistry, and I love how as the movie keeps going you learn more and more about the past of the characters and you learn more about what has happened.
 
"A young woman with a mysterious past lands in Southport, North Carolina where her bond with a widower forces her to confront the dark secret that haunts her."- IMDb
 
I recommend you watch this movie if you have Netflix, because it will leave you on edge the whole entire time!
 
Rate: 8/10
 
Have you seen this movie? Did you love it as much as I did? Leave a comment and tell me! If you have any questions or just want to chat you can also email me!
 
 
Hope you all enjoyed! Talk to you soon!
 
 

 



 
Monday, May 12, 2014

3 Ways to Show Love to Your Mom Everyday!

Mothers day just passed and I hope you all did something nice for your mothers. However, our moms do so much for us every day that I think we should show more appreciation and love toward our moms everyday! Here are 3 ways that you can easily say I love you!

1. Offer to help with a meal or clean up. We all, myself included, dread having to put a few dishes into the dish washer, but just taking 5 minutes to do this will really make your mom happy (and probably put you on her good side. Haha!).

2. Massage her shoulders. This is one of those things that I am scared to start for fear I won't be allowed to stop however, our moms do a lot through the day and deserve a quick little back massage.

3. Ask to do something with her. Whether it be a board game, watch a T.V show, or just eat breakfast with you, your mom I am sure would feel honored to be asked to stop what she is doing and spend time doing something relaxing with you.

How do you show your appreciation to your parents? Comment below! Go and treat your mom because if she is anything like mine she deserves a little break for everything she does. If you have any suggestions or questions, feel free to email me as well! I love hearing from you all.

jgraceblog@gmail.com

Hope you all enjoyed! Talk to you soon!




Friday, May 9, 2014

The Perfect PAMPER NIGHT!!

Whether it is before a date or special occasion or we just have some time on our hands, one thing all of us ladies love to do is pamper ourselves! This doesn't happen often (at least for me), but when it does, I do it right! Pamper nights are often times just what you need to feel refreshed, relaxed, and yet energized at the same time! I have 5 easy steps to a perfect pamper night that is sure to make you look and feel fabulous!
 

 
Step 1: Bubble Bath- This is a no-brainer because who doesn't just want to sit and relax in a calm and peaceful bubble bath?! My favorite way to do it is either with a Lush Bath Bomb (you drop them in the bath and they fizz and bubble), or my favorite body wash/ bubble bath the Ulta Beauty Smoothies! They have so many great scents! I personally love sweet smells on pamper nights, but that is just me!
 
Step 2: Face Mask- While your bubble bath is heating up, put on a face mask! This is a great refresher for your face and cleans off any germs and bacteria you haven't been getting recently with your regular face wash and makeup remover! My favorite is the Merle Norman Miracol Creamy Formula Revitalizing Cream Masque. Whoo that's a mouth full! There are also ones that are super thick but this one really makes my skin glow once I rinse it off!
 
Step 3: Calm Music and a Nice Book- This is one of those things that though you listen to music and read all the time, when you are purposely doing it during a bath while pampering yourself it makes it all the much better! I listen to calming playlists on Spotify and right now I am trying to finish The Unexpected Mrs. Polifax. Reading is known to make people really relaxed!
 
Step 4: A Great Moisturizer- This is vital after turning into a prune in the bath! I love Curel lotion and I also love the beauty smoothie shimmer lotion if I am going somewhere fancy and want to look a little shimmery!
 
Step 5: Watch a Chick Flick or go to Sleep- This is just the final touch! Whether you want to get some beauty sleep or grab some ice cream and watch your favorite chick flick by all means do so! You are all beautified and will feel just magnificent!
 
 
What are your favorite things to do on a pamper night? Leave a comment and tell me! I am always looking for suggestions! You can as always email me too!
 
 
Hope all of you got some great ideas and by all means go pamper yourself! You deserve it! :)  Talk to you soon!
 

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

OOTD: Coral, Denim, and Pearls! Summer's Coming!!

Hello my beauties! How are you all? I don't know about where you live but here in Florida it is getting HOT! I can definitely feel the summer weather now! This calls for an outfit of the day!! Right after shooting this post I realized I bought the wrong size in this dress so it's too small and now belongs to my sister but oh well! It is still a good little outfit to show as it demonstrates a good summer outfit!
 


 
 What I'm Wearing:
Dress- Aeropostle Bethany Mota Collection
Denim Vest- Wet Seal
Large Pearls- Love Culture
 
 
What things are you looking forward to doing this summer? Comment below! As always if you have any questions or anything, feel free to email me!
 
 
Hope you all enjoyed and I hope to hear from all of y'all very soon!
 
 
 
 


Monday, May 5, 2014

Is Everything Permissible Without God?

 
 
permissible
   adjective
 
- Permitted, allowed
 
 
-This devotion was inspired from one of the points in the movie 'God's Not Dead.'
 

  If God doesn't exist than why do we have laws?

 
Many people who aren't Christians claim that they don't need God to be a "good person", however I would like to pose the question; If there is no God, than what is the point of doing good? If God doesn't exist, than everything is permissible. If there is not a God than there wouldn't be laws, or punishment for example prison.
 
You may say though that committing murder is a horrible thing to do, and it is.. but who is the judge of that? Who decided that killing people,committing murder, and robbing a bank was a bad thing. If God isn't real than we would have no reason to follow rules. If when we all die we are all going no where, than what would be the point?
 
Many politicians and other important people in this nation are trying their hardest to take God out of this country however this nation was built off the teachings of God. The pledge of allegiance to this country says "...One nation under God...". The founders of this country made laws because they wanted to get rid of wrong doing because God doesn't want us killing, hurting, or stealing from each other.
 
Think back to the very beginning. Someone had to have set a rule saying that doing such things as murder was wrong, or else us humans wouldn't know better. If God doesn't exist than who decided this?
 
You can try your hardest to take God out of the world but there is no point because everything you do, everything you follow is because of God.
 
 The reason most of us try to respect those in authority is because in Colossians 3:20 the bible says "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
 
The reason we don't commit murder is because in  Exodus 20:13 the bible says "You shall not kill."
 
The reason gay marriage was not allowed up to this point is because the bible says to men in Leviticus 18:22 "Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a women, this is an abomination."
 
If God doesn't exist why do we follow so many rules? Comment below and tell me your thoughts. I would love to answer any questions or reply to any thoughts. You may always email me as well.
 
 
Look forward to hearing from all of you. Talk to you soon!!
 
 
 
Friday, May 2, 2014

Top 5 Drugstore Products!

 
1.  Maybelline Blushing Beige Nude lipstick- This lipstick is the PERFECT pinky-nude lipstick for everyday! Now a staple in my collection! It can be a bit drying if you don't put on moisturizer before hand! Otherwise, by far best nude lip in the drugstore!
 


 
 
2. Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator- This product is so great and something I never would have thought to buy before. I mix this in with my foundation or put it on before hand and it gives me a very healthy glow. I put it also on my mom before and she loved it as well! This gives a very youthful happy glow to the whole face!

 
 
 
3. Milani Baked Blushes- These blushes are so great for drugstore blushes! I usually wouldn't pick up things like face products from the drugstore. I love getting lip and eye products there but usually I like nicer face products! Not these! The pigmentation and color selection is amazing not to mention the packaging is kind of cute as well. They have just the slightest bit of shimmer, not glitter, so your face looks glowy and beautiful. I could seriously own every color!!
 

 
 
4. L'Oreal Infalliable Eye shadows- I absolutely LOVE these because they are such nice quality eye shadow for 9 dollars its insane! They are like pressed pigments however I find that they give you more of a sheen than a glitter effect. Absolutely gorgeous and I want to buy them in every color!
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. NYX Butter Gloss- Though I am positive most of you makeup lovers have heard of these by now but I just had to mention them! I know these aren't technically sold at drugstores but they are the same price as them. You can find them at ulta in a range of different colors. AMAZING texture and pigmentation. Go get these NOW! :)  
 
 
 
What are your favorite drugstore products? Let me know by commenting below! I would love to try some things out! If you have any personal questions or anything also feel free to email me!

jgraceblog@gmail.com

Hope you all enjoyed! Can't wait to here from y'all!
Talk to you soon!