May will be here soon!

For weeks, I have been searching for true direction in my life. I felt like night after night I was praying that I would see a neon sign flashing before me giving me detailed instructions on God's plans for my life. I kept thinking maybe God wasn't listening. Over the past few days I have come to realize that he has been showing me signs after signs, and today I finally put it all together.

I have been going back and forth between trying to decide if I wanted to pursue a career or be a full time mommy. While I adore my little people, I have known for a while that my desire for a big girl career still remained. I had begun to feel like I kept trying to pull ideas from thin air and nothing seemed right. Today something clicked!

Many of you may know my undergraduate degree is in Education, but what you may not know is that I never finished all my Praxis Exams to become a licensed teacher. Half way through my junior year I was so actively involved at the U of A that I was inspired to shoot for a career within higher education. Thus, my focus on the public education sector faded and I pushed full force towards a master's in higher education. I soon realized after beginning my masters that while I loved the college campus and all it encompassed it would be difficult to raise a family and have the crazy hours that came with the collegiate environment.

Today I thought... Why don't I finish what I started years ago?

This afternoon I gave the University of Arkansas teacher licensure department a call and found out I have till June to take two more exams before exams I had previously taken became invalid. I quickly jumped on ETS where I found I have the chance to become a licensed teacher by the end of May! Thank you Jesus!

I have been told that if you write down the goals you want to reach, the likelihood of you achieving them increases dramatically!

1. Study, study, study
2. Pass the PLT  
3. Pass Content Knowledge 
4. Be a licensed Teacher by the end of May
5. Apply for a big girl job

It is going to be a crazy couple months for me as a prepare for these exams in the midst of babies, babies, babies, but I am excited for the journey! I downloaded all the materials this afternoon and as I was looking at all the content, it made me smile remembering how much I loved learning it all college. 

Cheers to flashcards, library visits and the goal of being an educator that impacts the lives of my future students! 

~Megan Leigh 

It's all about the Application

A couple days ago I was playing around on Pinterest and I found a gem, that I just had to share! I am always looking for a great mascara and I can never seem to find the perfect combo. After watching this video I realized that the issue may not be the mascara but how I am applying my mascara. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/368661919468494761/

After trying this, I have to admit that it really works. It does take a bit longer than just applying one coat and heading out the door. But for me, spending the extra time really helped my lashes stay lovely all day long. It may just be me, but I always hate looking in the rear view mirror and my eye lashes look pitifully droopy! 

I love that she uses drug store mascaras in this video. I am a bargain hunter and these two mascaras work wonderfully together. It doesn't always take expensive products to give you a great look that lasts. 

Products she uses: 

Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies Flared Mascara - $4.99 at Target

Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Lashes-  $5.99 at Target

Let me know what you think! 

~Megan Leigh 

Exposed

This is me... fully exposed, but hoping sharing this will empower others to see that during your own trials you are never alone in the fight. Many of you may or may not know that I was diagnosed with Disordered Eating in 2006 when I was a freshman in college at the University of Arkansas. If you didn't know that, well, now you do. I used my control over food to deal with stress and anxiety in my life. You can't always control every moment life throws your way, but it is pretty easy to control the food you choose to put into your mouth, or lack thereof. While I may no longer be 90lbs and counting carrots or lettuce leaves, this label still runs rampant through my body. When my parents took me to Laurete in Tulsa for treatment, I had no idea what the road ahead would look like for me. Luckily, I was completely aware that I had an obsession with controlling my food intake and working out, so I was never fully admitted to the treatment facility. But I will forever remember stepping on a scale weekly to check my progress and my mom putting butter into anything she could without me noticing. What she may not have known at the time is that I did notice. I watched her every move when she was making me food. Countless times I hid food in napkins or pockets so that it would look like I ate the food that was given to me, but in reality I was continually showing myself that I still had control. It was a daily battle. No matter how upset my parents got or how many times a doctor would tell me I was slowly killing myself, I didn't listen. The more force people put on me, the more I retaliated.  In my mind I knew exactly what I was doing and that sense of control motivated my every move. Many of my college friends and roommates would tell you I rarely ate what the cafeteria offered. I would bring my own food with me in my backpack. As I look back now, I just have to laugh, because I am sure I looked flat out crazy. I actually kind of was. What is important to note is that having an eating disorder is an actual mental illness. There was and still is a chemical imbalance in my brain. My dr.'s put me on Lexapro 10mg, which is the lowest dose you can take, to help address the imbalance. I like to think this makes me "less" crazy than the next person on 15, 20, 40 mg. ha! I am still on this medication to this day. After seven plus years, you can definitely tell when I haven't taken my medicine.... Ask Justin :)

Myths: 

Eating disorders are a lifestyle choice and you can choose to stop.... While I wish this was true. it isn't. Most need treatment and counseling for years to come. Recovery is hard work and is way more complicated than just deciding to not act upon the symptoms. I had to choose to take the STEPS to change my life and I couldn't have just woken up one day and been a new me. 

Eating Disorders are caused by photo shopped images in the media... This couldn't be more false. Eating disorders are psychological illnesses. Can these images impact a person's body image, of course, but millions of people in the US see altered images everyday and a very small percentage actual develop an eating disorder. I competed in the Miss America Organization for several years and if anything this drove me to gain weight because being skinny without muscle was definitely not going to win me any awards! For those that know, the year I won a swimsuit preliminary was a moment I will treasure because I had worked SO hard to even be able to get to that moment. Less about my body and more about my emotional win over my illness. 

You can tell if a person has an eating disorder simply by looking at them... Visiting Laurete made this very apparent to me as I saw girls and guys of varying sizes. Anorexia is easily seen due to being drastically underweight, but binge eating and bulimia are just as detrimental and are less apparent to the eye. Even athletes who appear fit can be bogged down with a psychological disorder. Men are also just as susceptible to eating disorders as women.  

Recovery from an eating disorders is rare... While challenging, it is completely possible! Recovering from an eating disorder is probably one of the hardest things I have been apart of. But I am who I am today because of this journey. 

While you may not have an issue with eating a Mc Donald's cheeseburger, I know we all have our own trials we go through and this is just a glimpse into mine. 

~Megan 

Beautiful Monday

The best of the best..... Conceal me, Please!

Maybeline Age Rewind Concealer and Treatment $7.99 (Target)

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer $19 (Dillard's or department store selling MAC products)

These two products were by far my favorite over this last week. It took me a couple tries to find the right color in the products, but they truly work magic! I am a firm believer that you have to find what works for you, but either of these products would be great buys for your makeup bag! 

Maybeline Age Rewind;  is medium to full coverage that did not seem to cake or change colors on me throughout the day. I plan to continue using this as it does have a treatment in it that works to lighten the dark pigments under your eye over time. The sponge applicator at the top was great for a quick application!

MAC Pro Longwear; medium to full coverage, lasts 15+ hours, and comes in a array of colors! Which is a huge plus for girls like me with fair skin. Unlike the Age Rewind I have used this product for months The only thing that I would change is the squirt bottle. After trying the Age Rewind I wish all concealers came with the sponge applicator at the top. I have heard about a dupe for pro longwear, called LA Girl HD Concealer ($2.99) but I haven't been able to find the product at a store yet. Expect a review on that product as soon as I can get my hands on it. 

 

Application of concealer.... 

1. Apply in a triangle shape (See photo below)

2. Allow product to settle for a minute or two before blending (I brush my teeth or pick out my clothes)

3. Use a beauty blender sponge to blend in the product. 

Side note: I use a powder foundation, so I apply the concealer before my foundation powder. BUT, if you use foundation, apply the concealer AFTER your foundation, blend and follow with a setting powder. 

From the Pros...

1. What I have learned is dark circles can be an inherited trait for both men and woman. It is going to be easier to conceal them than to actually correct them. Yes, eye creams will work over time, but the only instant fix is to camouflage them. I would recommend going to ULTA to grab your concealer products because if it isn't the right color or product for you, you can return it again, and again, and again. 

2. Mix colors for the perfect match... I found that using a salmon tinted concealer first and then applying a lighter colored concealer really helped to conceal those nasty dark circles and blended in for a beautifully highlighted under eye. 

I used Maybelline Age Rewind in Neutralizer first and then applied a small amount of Pro Longwear NC 15

Other 5 Star products I have tried this week

Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser Primer... one word... Awesome! Many have said it is a dupe for Smashbox's primer, but I have tried both and honestly like the Maybelline product better. 

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Scrub and Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer

I absolutely love these two products! Every girl wants beautiful skin without makeup and I look forward to continuing to see these products work their magic. 

Hopeful you can find what works for you! If you have ideas, products you love or suggestions feel free to share! 

~Megan Leigh 

Leave it all in the box

After having lunch with a sweet friend today I realized this thing called life is tough. Lately, I have had this overwhelming feeling that I missed a step somewhere. Many go to college caring less about future careers and more about their MRS degree. However, that wasn't me. I wanted a career, a true big girl kind of job. I committed myself to academia and extra curricular activities to provide myself with not only a stellar resume but also poised interview skills that would be tough to beat against other interviewees. So what happened? Well... I fell in love. I went to Mimi's Cafe to meet a long time friend for lunch and that lunch turned into a several hour conversation, a trip to fast lanes where I schooled him in laser tag because he had his gun upside down and after countless laughs;  I became a bride, a wife, and shortly after a mom. My life was now consumed with beaming at the successes of my husband and full time motherhood.  While I may be a mom to three little ones now, I still feel like that same girl dreaming big dreams even when I couldn't see the stepping stones to get there.  Underneath all the spit-up, diaper changes, cleaning, cooking and laughing with my better half,  I still want that career. When God blessed me with my children I truly thought an enormous about of success would come from being a mommy to them. But the true reality is...It isn't all rainbows and butterflies or a facebook post worthy of hundreds of likes.  Of course, there are moments where I can't get enough kisses and hugs;  but there are also moments where I want to shut myself off from babies just to give me a glimpse of quiet time. You may ask, what is stopping me from pursuing a career? The answer may be shocking.... I have no idea what I want to do. How does a girl who committed herself to graduating at the top of her class and community service not know what she wants to do for a career? Children changed everything. My mind at times seems like a box of chocolates. One minute I have taken a bite of one and have my mind made up and the next I am reaching for another piece of chocolate and more confused than I was before. Ultimately, I want to feel a sense of success outside of being a mom and wife. Right now, I don't know what that success looks like. There are days I wake up hoping I would find a piece of paper giving me step by step instructions on defining my success, but today, I did learn about a special project to help me through this journey called life. A prayer box. I actually write down my prayers and place them in a box symbolizing truly giving over my prayers to God and trusting his guidance and answers. Being a mommy is my current profession but I know i need to allow God to help me define what personal success is in my life so that I can stop questioning every bite and know the chocolate I've chosen is the profession for me. 

Beautiful

Here goes this blogg'n business again! However, I have a slightly different mission this time around. While I am sure my family will be all over the blog I have also decided to add a dose of beauty, fashion, and DIY crafting into the mix. I don't exactly have a plan of how often I will post but expect to see makeup tutorials, favorite products, outfits, bargains, craft ventures, all things Boeving's and maybe even giveaways here and there. Overtime I have come to fully believe that we all need outlets to express ourselves whether that be an outside career, hobby, bible study group, blog, or a combination of many things. While blooming up three little ones I know having an outlet is vital to my sanity. Lately, I have been spending a lot of my free time (doesn't come around often) on pinterest and fashion/beauty blogs which has sparked up my interest to take my love of all things beauty and put my spin on it. Being a mom can cause me to push my own fashion and beauty routines to the side when in reality feeling pretty is something that we all need for our own true happiness. For you, it may be a new moisturizer that makes your face glow, a fabulous outfit that makes you beam from ear to ear, a quick trip for a mani/pedi or for some, just simply taking a shower that doesn't have children yelling in the background. Whether you are a mom, student or career woman, I want to push you all to do something for yourself today to make you feel beautiful. 

Here are a few of my favorite things lately! 

Ulta Super Shiney Lip Butter- $8......Currently Buy 1 get 1 Free at Ulta and Ulta.com

Comes in a variety of colors

Leaves your lips moisturized and is the perfect mixture of gloss and your favorite lipstick

Mac Studio Fix Foundation Powder- $27, comes in a variety of colors for every skin tone

After spending years trying countless foundations, this is my go to. All you need is a Kabuki brush and a freshly moisturized face. Side note... It is important to add that your face needs to be treated like a baby and nourished. The way your makeup looks is a direct correlation to how well your skin is taken care of. 

I use MAC's pro longwear concealer underneath my eyes and on blemishes then swirl the powder foundation around my face with the kabuki brush. My skin is fair and gets irritated easily. This product stays on, doesn't irritate my skin and comes in a color that matches my skin tone perfectly. You can also continue to add more throughout the day and it doesn't cake up on you. I am a HUGE fan! 

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser- $7.29 Available at Walmart, Walgreens, Target and Sam's club even carries the cleanser and moisturizer in a combo pack.

I have been using this cleanser and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Moisturizer for years. Numerous facial products break my face out and can cause irritations but this never has.  

St. Ives Timesless Skin, Collagen Elastic Moisturizer- $5.99 Yes, this was on Dr. OZ haha

I use this product every single night after washing my face and even during the day. It is a thick consistency so a little goes a long way. I have had the same jar for months. Smells great and after just a few uses I noticed my makeup went on smoother. 

Great Lash by Maybelline- $5.99 

I have tried countless mascaras both expensive and drug store and this one is what I keep coming back to. No clumps, brush allows you to reach every lash and multiples the look of your lashes. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain- $7.49

For those without an Ulta near by, this balm stain is comparable to the Ulta lip butter. Comes in a variety of colors and is a perfect balance of moisture and color for your lips! 

A bun for those days your on the go and need a quick hair fix!  

What you need: a couple bobbi pins, a pony tail and hair spray

Put your hair up in a pony tail. Take a chunk of hair from the underneath and bring forward. The left over hair pull back through the pony tail so it looks like a fan on top of your head. (View top right picture) Take left over hair and wrap around the fan. Pin and spray. 

~Megan Leigh