Rule the Rules

As I was sipping my coffee this morning, I found myself thinking about all I want to accomplish in my lifetime. I also, found myself counting the reasons why certain ideas were silly, or why I could obviously never do a certain thing- "Oh my goodness, people would be so annoyed if I even attempted that." I find that so many of us are quick to put our OWN selves in a box of what we are expected to do in life. We act in a specific way because we feel that people expect a certain *insert your name here*. I have realized that many people don't pursue their dreams because they feel they are already "too deep" in their current life. That they have already made a certain name for themselves and if they stray away from that, people will view them differently.

UM HI. Lest you forget, who's life it is. Yours. It is yours. You've known from the very beginning what excites you. You've known since you were young what makes you feel confident and capable. Somewhere a long the way you let your validation and worth fall into the hands of others reactions and approval. Somewhere along the way, you suppressed what you love to "be loved". Somewhere a long the way, the girl who was jumping out of bed in the mornings with feet stomping down the stairs, began walking on eggshells. You are so much more than what others have shaped you to be. I believe you forget that you do not have to explain yourself to anybody. You do not have to fit in anyone's box, or tell them why you are leaving it. You do, however, have to leave. And I hope you do. I hope you realize that you were created with so much passion, creativity, determination, and interests that are specific to you. I hope you realize that those specific talents will propel you into the plan God has for your life. Use them. See what truly happens when you focus on you. Be all that you love. Like I always say, "You are what you love, not who loves you."



Also, how cute and happy is this wall on 12th South! For more "12th Southy" adventures, check out my instagram!
Insta: @hannah_neese

Love me? Love U? Love O.

Ahh, I cannot get over how cute and comfy these pj's are and I am so excited to be partnering with Love Ophelia to spread the cheer! If you know me, you know I'm the kind of girl to have the hair done, makeup done, jewelry on, THEN change out of my pajamas in to "real world" clothes. Therefore, I don't accept just any pajamas in to my life, but this set may just be at the top of my list! They are just as comfy as they are cute and I'm having a harder time putting on actual pants each day.

Love Ophelia is a loungewear line with the cutest selection of pajamas, robes, and rompers. Perfect for lazing around the house, or matching sets for all the lovely bridesmaids getting ready for the big day! Especially as the weather gets cooler, Love O. is perfect for a lazy day indoors.

Not to mention, this is the perfect Christmas gift for all the ladies in your life! Their prices are super affordable and clothes fit true to size. Hey, never underestimate the happiness a pajama set can instill. Pajama gifts are so underrated. Scroll on down for their contact info and get to gifting! Yes, it is acceptable to buy yourself gifts for Christmas.

While you're surfing the internet for cute things, make sure you check out my sweet friend's blog, Daily Shealeigh for the most recent fashion picks and what she has to say about Love Ophelia, too!


CONTACT
 - Instagram: @loveophelia
 - Blog: blog.loveophelia.com
 - Website: loveophelia.com

SHEA
 - Instagram: @shealeighmills
 - Blog: dailyshealeigh.com

Christmas is Close = Christmas Clothes

Hi hi! I am definitely the kind of person to put up the christmas lights and tree before Thanksgiving. Hate me all you want. I also like Nickleback, so it's all a mess over here. BUT- I say it is never to early to start the Christmas spirit! I love this time of year. Coffee tastes better somehow. Houses are more beautiful. People are weirdly nicer. It is a beautiful season, so I start as early as I can.

I am so excited to share with you a brand that I have been LOVING lately: Solidlightco. This company makes the cutest clothes and I absolutely adore the message sent along with their items: Jesus. Go check them out by clicking on this link! You won't be disappointed. https://www.solidlightco.com

This top is the cutest and oh so comfy! I am wearing a medium and it fits perfectly.

It's also a steal- only $20.

and HOW CUTE is this sweatshirt?! It's also just as comfy and only $30.

Over all, I am very impressed with how cozy and cute these tops are and I highly recommend you go check out their content and follow their Instagram: Solidlightco

Tis the season <3 

Fall is for Relaxing

       It's fall time!! Which that in itself is a reason to relax, right? I feel like the second a leaf turns orange on a tree, I find myself digging out my comfy socks and a big sweater whilst brewing coffee. Fall is my guiltless lazy month and I am more than happy with it. So let's talk relaxing. That word has come to be a sin in America. One should always be working harder, staying up later, studying more, getting that LAST thing done no matter how exhausted they are. We don't listen to our bodies because the world is telling us to never stop. "Hustle. Hustle. Hustle" has become the newest trend. The media isn't encouraging you to take a nap, or read a book for your enjoyment. So, I will. (u welcome) 

Life is rough, it is crazy and exhausting. But you never have so much going on that you can't take some time for you. 

1. Turn off your phone. Nothing is more distracting when you're trying to relax, than scrolling through Facebook looking at people doing more than you. So turn it off. Do you. 

2. Put on comfy clothes. Obviously don't be wearing jeans. Oh my goodness, no. We're trying to relax here, dangit, not subconsciously feel the love handles.

3. Make tea or coffee. A warm cup of coffee resembles a hug and we can all agree on this. 

4. Listen to music or read a book. Sometimes I find my "relaxing" time still focused around what I should be doing. Read a completely unrelated book from school or work. One that you enjoy. REMEMBER YOUR PHONE IS OFF SO NO ONE CAN TEXT YOU SUBTLY TALKING ABOUT HOW MUCH THEY'RE STUDYING.

5. Finally, spend some time with Jesus. Life can get so overwhelming and I find myself immediately trying to do it all on my own. Every little thing, I quickly grasp with my hands and try to fit it in MY schedule. This usually results in a stress-cry and the realization that I was never meant to do this on my own. "The Lord will fight for you. You only need to be still."

So, be still. Give it to God. Relax for a little bit today. Even 30 minutes to yourself, completely undistracted, can change things. This life is doable once you realize how uncool it is to actually "hustle so hard" that you lose a little piece of who you are. 

Like I said, it's fall. A month of forced relaxation and cuddles. Calories don't even count this season!! Take some time for you each day. Enjoy, lovelies <3 

Something so Beautiful

   
    There's something so beautiful to me about someone being whole heartedly themselves. Something so beautiful about someone being silly they're so happy. Something beautiful about someone being proud of themselves for something they've accomplished. To see someone run up to another in order to tell them good news about themselves is stunning. There's something so breathtaking about a woman who walks into a room with a smile and glow in her eyes because she isn't one bit worried about another's opinion of her. Something so beautiful seeing two friends laugh until they cry in public. There wasn't one friend saying, "Stop. People are looking." Something so beautiful about a man being proud of his girl. Something so beautiful about a man spending more time talking about his girl than himself. Something so beautiful about someone praising another's accomplishments, even when they are the competition.


     However, our culture has this all wrong. When someone is so happy that they're silly, they're psycho. When someone is excited for their accomplishments, they're conceited. When a woman walks into a room with confidence, she is immediately arrogant. When two friends are laughing in public, people are thinking, "Pull it together." When a man talks more about his girl than himself, he is whipped.

Why do we do this? Why is this the culture we live in?

     There is something so earth shattering to me seeing someone wholly happy, but receive the wrong look from another and watching their smile fade with embarrassment. Something so earth shattering seeing a girl walk into a new room full of beautiful girls and instantly feel inferior. It's heartbreaking to see someone telling another of their success, only to be told by the other what THEY have done. To belittle someone to make you feel worthy is disgusting. To make someone feel wrong for being happy is revolting. To not let someone have their moment because you haven't had yours is sickening.

     Take a minute to watch someone's eyes when they are talking about something they love. Take a minute to watch the reaction of someone when you give them a compliment instead of waiting for one in return. Turn the camera around on someone else today and capitalize their beauty and talents.

Life is so beautiful. Let people live theirs freely.

The Thief of Comparison

     As you can tell, I post most on body confidence. I find that this is where I am most vulnerable, but also most strong. I have found that the view of my body can ruin or propel my productivity. I have found that comparison is the largest trap, that I sometimes don't even plan on wandering in to.

     Today, I wanted to write about overcoming comparison. I write in my personal journal whenever I feel down, and I use that time, to build myself up. After writing for my own eyes, I wanted to share it with you. I believe that vulnerability is the most beautiful thing about someone, because everyone puts on their masks each day. 

     I originally wanted to use my journal as a template for writing this post on comparison. However, as I typed, I found myself scratching out the sentences where I appeared too distressed. I found myself attempting to ice over something that many women struggle with. 

     So I decided to give you my journal entry. An entry that is raw and 100% how I feel and what I struggle with. An entry that shows how I  build myself up when I am down. I hope this helps many women see that they are not alone and are breathtakingly beautiful.

7-16-16

"I've been struggling with comparison still. I know my body isn't how it used to be, but that doesn't mean it isn't absolutely beautiful. Stunning!- A carefully made work of art. Each curve, bump, and scar is unique and flawless. Why have we been taught that a size over 4 is too big?Why do we cringe when we reach for a large top or bottom? Why have we been taught to grab at our hips in disgust? When did it become wrong to not be stick thin or rippling with muscles? When did the true body of a woman become something we fight endlessly against? Why on earth are these thoughts and feelings put into our heads?

I am stunning.

I buy clothes that compliment my personal body type. The size of those clothes do not matter. How well they flatter your specific, incredible, unique body matters.

A pose that one girl looks great doing, may not flatter your body. Just as a pose that shows off your beauty, may not work for them.

I look at how stunning one woman is, and another. Yet, realize that the two look absolutely NOTHING alike. One is blonde, plump lips, skinny body, and a button nose. While the other is a brunette with a healthy fit body, strong legs, and a freckled face. She doesn't have a stomach as flat as the blonde, but I have found myself comparing myself to BOTH, when neither resembles the other whatsoever.

This goes to show that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. There is no "one" universally beautiful girl. Just like waves crashing on the shore is a beautiful sight, so are christmas lights at night. Yet the two are absolutely nothing alike. Someone else's beauty does not diminish yours. Just because one girl's smile is stunning, does not mean yours isn't.

Freckles are breathtaking and enviable, yet most girls with freckles are quick to cover them up with foundation and self hate.

Strong legs are enviable and desired, yet those same girls are googling ways to shrink themselves.

I once was at the gym on the treadmill. I was doing sprint intervals because sprints increases leg mass, rather than long distance running. A girl got on the treadmill right next to me. She was wearing spandex and her legs were so toned and gorgeous! TOTAL CARRIE UNDERWOOD LEGS. However, when I went to fill my water bottle up, I overheard her telling her friend how badly she wants to get rid of "these" while grabbing her thighs.

No woman is satisfied with themselves. It's how we are. In a good way, it helps us improve. However, just remember while you are wishing and working to look like some one else, another girl out there is admiring your beauty and is jealous of you. 

Don't waste time in the comparison trap.

Your life, your body, your beauty is so enviable! AND IT IS ALREADY YOURS. So go live- gratefully and confidently. 

#YouAreWorthy"

How to Survive the Dressing Room

The dressing room is a terrible place to be, let's just be honest. The lighting is horrifying, unless you're in Victoria's Secret because somehow that lighting really does make you look like an angel. Most dressing rooms, however, are lit with a terrible fluorescent glow that magnifies all of our problem areas. AND HOW DARE THERE BE A MIRROR WHERE YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF FROM EVERY ANGLE?! WHO INVENTED THIS?!

Anyways, the dressing room can be a stressing room if you aren't careful. So how do I survive the dressing room?

1. I try to avoid it at all costs.
     If I know an article of clothing is not going to work for me, I do not lie to myself and say that it will to only get horrified in the dressing room. I simply put the skin tight tank back on the rack, and run away.

2. Continue to tell yourself it's the lighting.
    "Wow, I really didn't think this top would look this bad on me." "Oh yeah, wait, it's just the lighting." It is always the lighting, ok?

3. Take in more than one size of the article of clothing.
     This may sound like a no brainer, but I rarely do this and I just end up leaving the store because I'm sad the one size didn't fit. The next size will ladies, and you will look great in it and leave happy. It's just a number.

4. Take pictures and send to your best friends for advice.
     If they are real friends, they'll reassure you that you look fine and normally it will go like this: "Oh my gosh!!!! You look so good in that! YAS buy it now!"  Then buy it and go hug them. Everyone needs a hug after the dressing room experience.

5. Never go shopping if you are on a time crunch.
    If you are planning to enter the dressing room, do not do so during a lunch break or a quick shopping run. A mental breakdown will ensue and you will be depressed for the rest of the day and hungry because you didn't eat during your lunch break, so.

6. IT'S ALWAYS THE CLOTHES FAULT.
     Last but not least, it is never your fault. Duh. Always blame the clothes. When the lady at the desk asks, "Did those work for you?" Simply respond with, "I'm sorry  but these clothes were not adequate enough for my incredible figure and sensational personality." 

Clothes. What even are they?

   

End it.

For some time now, my heart has been very heavy for the women and children being trafficked in and outside of this country. I hate how hushed of a topic this reality is. Everyone knows about Daniel's white Vans, but few are aware of what all is happening with sex trafficking. It is far, far too common and it shocks me how little is known. I believe it is so hard for people to accept that something so disgusting is happening right in front of our eyes, that we simply don't think about it. We don't want to imagine what each woman or child is going through, because that mental picture is honestly horrific. But it is happening and more attention needs to be brought to it.

I have wanted to be a part of something to stop this. We ended slavery in this country! For crying out loud, we can end sex slavery in our lifetime as well.

A period symbolizes the absolute end of something. 

When history is made, articles, headlines and stories spread like wildfire. At the end of each article, at the end of each history book, at the end of every written accomplishment is a period. Meaning, it is over. The End.

Due to my desire to help put an end to sex trafficking, I have created pieces of jewelry to sell in order to raise money for this cause. Each item has a golden circle (period)  to signify the end: The end of sex trafficking. Wear it proudly! When people ask, "What's the circle for?" TELL THEM. Bringing awareness is the largest step in ending trafficking.

All money raised will be donated to Together1Heart. This organization supports survivors and soon to be survivors by meeting the simplest need of each human, "love with no conditions". They rescue, rehabilitate and regenerate. Their mission is incredible and I am more than happy to be donating any money raised to an organization such as this.

Message me for details on purchasing! Each $5

Neese.hannah@yahoo.com

Stop Hating Your Body

Personal Time: I've struggled with body confidence for so long it's embarrassing. I have hinted at my struggles within past blogs, but I decided to dedicate a whole blog to the issue. Who knows? If it can help even one and a half of you feel better, ya girl is happy.

It all started in the summer of 9th grade when I realized that guys liked girls who were thin and or fit. For the first time, I thought that the reason I never had a boyfriend was because my body wasn't ideal. (MIND YOU, I WAS ONLY 115 POUNDS AT THIS TIME. SO SILLY.) That summer, I began spending hours on the internet looking at images of thin and fit women. That summer, I cut my daily caloric intake to 1200 calories. I was flooded with guilt after eating a freaking muffin. A MUFFIN. That summer, I turned down hanging out with my friends so that I could just get one more workout in. I began measuring my waist, hips, and bust, simply to make sure I was shrinking. I began measuring my self worth on the size of my waist.

Funny thing is? I was never ever satisfied. I never began resembling the girls I was striving to look like on a tumblr "Fitspo" page. Why? My body, my bones, my curves, my entire structure was created differently. The thinner I got, the worse I actually looked. I wasn't proportional. More importantly? I was unhappy.

One day, I simply quit. Sad thing? That one day was 6 months ago. Five years I spent living with a striving heart. A striving heart is someone who is so focused on their own goals, that they have no time to give to others. No time to simply sit down, listen to others, and offer support. I love helping others, but I struggled with putting my whole heart into a situation because "there was always something I could be doing to better myself."


TURNS OUT IT'S OKAY TO GO UP A SIZE IN YOUR  CLOTHES. Turns out, you don't die. Turns out, you lose absolutely no friends. Turns out, not a soul notices or cares. Turns out, you become more beautiful when you accept yourself.

Accept who you are. 

Once I accepted the face that I will never be Candice Swanepoel and began loving myself, everything changed. I found out what I really enjoyed: my personal interests and hobbies. I began looking at the things I loved about myself in the mirror instead of the 933984302 things I could find wrong. I began to realize that not everyone is going to like the things that I like and that's okay.

Open your eyes to the passions that God has placed in you, and run with them. Stop putting your life on hold to have a certain appearance to the world. God gave us dreams, desires, and talents, why waste them trying to achieve someone else's?

The Generation of Lonely

If one were to explain this generation by their actions, many ideas would come to mind: The Party Generation, The Narcissists, Sex-obsessed, or Spoiled. Each log in on social media, follows a log off with envy. We subconsciously are comparing ourselves to the lives of others. The media has suffocated us with the idea that we are missing out on life if we aren't drunk at least 3 nights of the week. You're missing out if you aren't sleeping around while you still can. The only way to achieve happiness is through wealth, success, and endless attention. However, if you haven't noticed, some of the most lonely people in the world have gained all those things. The same pop culture that tells you how to be happy, also has substantial suicides, drug abuse, and divorce. Why? They are so lonely. 

Our generation drowns themselves in alcohol, drugs, sex, etc. due to the underlying terror of being alone. Our generation has grown up in a time where the media targets our biggest insecurities in order for their industry to thrive. Depressed? Alcohol. Lonely? Sex. Stressed? Drugs. Insecure? Lose weight. Everything we have access to is to distract us from the feeling of loneliness that we mustn't ever accept, right? 

But what happens when your high crashes or your partner for the night leaves? The media never tells that side of the story: The Lonely. We are all so incredibly lonely. We look for anything to fill the holes. The more God is silenced, the more lonely we feel. 

Do you ever wonder what we, as humans, were made for? If you say companionship, you're right. In fact, the media is not wrong with their portrayal of happiness as a group of friends laughing. However, our main relationship was meant to be with God. God wired us for community and connection, yes, but if we aren't careful, we make the mistake of placing our happiness in friends or a significant other. We were created for a relationship with God, above all else. 

"...The Lord your God goes with you; 

He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

We were never ever created to be lonely. God says over and over, "I am with you." He says He will never leave us, nor forsake us. Everything in this world is fleeting, and will constantly leave us wanting more. Not God. He knows our every need. If we would simply spend time with Him instead of googling our struggles, we could actually feel whole and complete.

I hear too many times, "No one understands me", or "You just won't understand". Although we all struggle with loneliness differently, Jesus knows exactly what it's like to be alone. In His scariest, most vulnerable moments, his friends neglected Him. His closest friends pretended they had know idea who He even was. Amidst the worst hours of His life, His own father had to turn His back because he couldn't bear to see the sins (OURS) His son had taken upon Him. 

Jesus knows what it's like to be alone. Go to Him. Believe in Him. Not the world. 

The world is so, so lonely.

Photography: Amberlee Fletcher; "Lilac Lens Photography"

Summer Makeup: BEAT THE HEAT

What comes to mind when we hear the word Summer? Beaches, tans, smiles, etc. But what we look past is the brutal heat. You can look like Beyonce walking out of your house, but by the time you reach your car, the heat has attacked your makeup. At this point, you're lucky if you're resembling a decent looking clown.

Now for those of us who don't exactly look like Beyonce underneath the makeup, Summer is a rude makeup wipe that we didn't volunteer to use. So how do we beat this? How do we get away from blotting out face or reapplying the makeup every other hour? Less. Is. More.

However, wearing less makeup doesn't necessarily mean you have to look like you are wearing less makeup. Let me share with you some summer makeup tricks to keep your makeup lasting all day.

Face

- Instead of applying your regular foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer! The foundation you used during the winter months will literally melt off your face in the summer. Therefore, moisturizers are your safest bet! They still have full coverage to even out the skin tone, yet they are of much lighter weight than a regular foundation. This lightweight option leaves your skin looking flawless without the worry of melting off.
- Plus: Tinted moisturizers have SPF, which is very important to protect from the summer sun.

Drugstore vs. High End

1) Sonia Kashuk Radiant: $14

2) Nars Tinted Moisturizer: $42

Blush: Trade the cream or powder blush for a cheek stain! The cream tends to melt/ smear, and the powder will settle in to fine lines the more you sweat. A cheek stain does what it says! It stains the cheek to give a natural flushed tint without the hassle of reapplying.

1) Benefit's Benetint Cheek and Lip Tint: $30

THIS IS THE MVP, I AM NOT EVEN GIVING YOU A DRUGSTORE OPTION.

Eyes

- If you are spending a majority of your Summer day outdoors, waterproof mascara is your safest bet against the heat and sweat. Normal mascara can leave smudges even when you blink due to it's different consistency than waterproof. 

- Again, if a majority of your day will be spent in heat, false lashes are a major "no-no". The glue will melt and the sweat will impede the lashes from sticking to your lids. WE ARE TRYING TO LOOK REAL BY BEING FAKE, SO NO ONE WANTS TO SEE THOSE LASHES POP OFF. HONEY, THE COVER IS BLOWN.

Drugstore vs. High End

1) Benefit They're Real! Waterproof: $12

2) Maybeline Falsies Waterproof: $5

Lips

- Find a good long lasting lip tint- these are everywhere! Lip tints are long lasting and don't dry your lips out like many other 24 hour lipsticks.  I personally am loving Revlon's Just Bitten Lip Tint. It's basically a marker for your lips. No gloss or cream, just a tint that will last through the heat!

1) Revlon Just Bitten Lip Tint: $6

No liners. No powders. No creams. Look for tints and waterproofs for long lasting summer makeup! Go get em ladies.

Gym Bag Essentials

Going to the gym is fun. By fun, I mean it's a horrific experience that requires any form of anything to motivate me. So what does this chick have in her gym bag to get her through? 

LET ME JUST TELL YOU!

1. Shoes

Turns out they are incredible helpful when running. Not only are the a necessity, but these specific Nike's are SO comfortable and not to mention cute. Cute gym clothes are always motivating, right?

 Asking for a friend.

2. Water

Honey, if you only knew how much I sweat during a workout, you would understand the need for my water consumption every two seconds. Not only that, but it's incredibly important to stay hydrated when and when you're not working out! SO MANY BENEFITS. I could talk for days on this, but I'll let you google it.

3. Secret Outlast Deodorant*

Since we are on the topic of my unnatural perspiration (sorry), I have to give a shout out to Secret Outlast, specifically. TALK ABOUT A HOLY GRAIL. I smell like a floral goddess the whole time I'm working out. I don't get pit stains or emotional stains from embarrassment. This stuff must have been created by Jesus himself. I highly recommend. 

4. Headphones

I mentioned in a previous post my hatred for the sound of my breath when working out. I sound like a dying pig rolling in burning rocks and it is horrific and extremely un-motivating. Therefore, I stay cranking the Mulan soundtrack and happily finish my workout.

5. Dry Shampoo

Did I tell you guys about how sweaty I get during a workout? Let me tell you: I get really sweaty. Which means my hair is plastered to my face upon finishing and it isn't one of my best looks. Therefore, if I have somewhere to be after or just want to appear more human- I spray some dry shampoo on my roots and I am good to go!

6. Lastly, up in the right hand corner of my gym bag essentials is a bag of tears

Self explanatory.

*ad

Not Everyone is Going to Like You

"Not everyone is going to like you."

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We hear it all the time, but do we actually understand? Are we actually seeing how incredibly positive and freeing that reality is?

Our society has become so obsessed with pleasing others that it has subconsciously become a character trait in many of us. We post our best images and statuses in order for others to think highly of us. We learn which posts receive the most likes and we post more in that category, even if it isn't exactly what we'd prefer. IN FACT, if a certain post doesn't get a double digit number of likes, we delete it and wonder why no one else shared the same outlook. How sad is that?

It's only human to want to be respected and loved. As a human, we want little to no enemies and behave accordingly until we essentially lose who we are.

Since when did it become wrong to do what you wanted to do?  Since when did one person's negative opinion stop you from being yourself? Stop letting others dictate your actions. Stop pouring milk in someone else's cereal. For crying out loud, goodness gracious, be yourself!

Say what you want to say. Do what you feel. Wear what you want to wear.

If you're silly and a little crazy because you are simply in a good mood- be that.

If you are labeled "nerdy" because you like Star Wars and interesting facts- be that.

If you are labeled "fake" because you like to wear makeup and style your hair- be that.

If you are labeled "fat" because you are eating a donut- eat that person while you're at it. Jerk.

 So many of us miss out on opportunities because we are overly worried about what other's think. Within all of us, there are multiple things we have a passion for. There are many dreams we really really desire to follow, but don't, to spare the opinions of others.

- Traveling the earth has people admiring you or talking about how you should be at home working.

- Starting a business you've always dreamt of has people inspired or laughing at you, saying that you are wasting money.

- Posting blogs/ vlogs has people entertained or scoffing at how narcissistic you are. (Love that one)

Bottom line: Not everyone is going to like you. It wasn't meant to be that way. Personalities clash. People like different things. Do you know one person loved by everyone? Do you know one famous person who doesn't have an equal following of "haters"?

Historically speaking, the most loved and inspirational individuals were also the most hated. Jesus, Abraham Lincoln, etc. They did what they were placed on this earth to do, no matter the consequences or opinions of others.

Why aren't we?

To the Girls Who..

To the girls who are starving themselves,

To the girls who are seeing something very wrong in their reflection,

To the girls who are thinking that if they could just be 10 pounds lighter they'll be happy,

To the girls who feel like their friends will finally accept them if they're thinner,

To the girls who believe the boys will find you beautiful if you are skinny,

Stop.

You are enough.

The idea you have in your mind that being skinny and thin will bring happiness, success and opportunities, is disgusting and wrong. Skinny is only skinny. If there are people in your life that are making you feel self conscious about your appearance or your body, run. Run from them. They are not worth your skipped meals, your mirror-inducing tears, and they are especially not worth your time and energy. 

You are so beautiful, exactly the way you are. The clothes that you feel confident in should not be thrown away because they aren't a single digit number or the ideal "0". The makeup that makes you feel pretty should not induce self-doubt because your "friends" say you look like you're trying too hard. That part of your stomach or hip you can grab? That is called skin. That is called your beautifully, sculpted body. It is supposed to be there. Just because it appears differently on photoshopped models, does not mean you are ugly. 

The world tells you that you will only receive a decent life if you're skinnier, prettier, or smarter. You will not. You will never have more of a life than God has already planned for you to have, so why on earth are you wasting your time worrying about a silly pound to impress someone other than God, who is already astonished by your beauty.

We are daughters of a King- A KING! That means we are princesses. Disney's portrayal of princesses is actually correct. Princesses are beautiful, strong, brave, and breathtaking. Were any of those descriptions about weight or appearance? They may be portrayed as such, but they are all seen on the inside. You should never define yourself by the inches of your waist or wallow in self pity when you eat a calorie or 7.

You are enough. 

You will never be more enough than you are right now.

Your life begins when you stop caring about what other's think, expect, or want from you. Be yourself. All of you. Stop believing what the world tells you is beautiful. 

Your body hears everything your mind says. Say nice things. 

You are enough. Go live.  

Helpful Hints: Motivation

     It's that time again. I have no other excuses to put off working out. The Christmas cheer has passed (that lasted me until now- April 14th) and Summer is right around the corner. The stores are filling with bathing suits and thinning on oversized sweaters. For those of you who don't know, oversized sweaters are a lazy workout girl's best friend and I am sad that the season has vanished.

     However, there is this lovely thing called motivation and although it is buried 372004829 feet under the ground...it can be found! Here are some tips that help be get going:

1) Coffee
     Guys. I don't know what it is about this liquid, but it is miraculous and definitely helps give me a push in the morning.

2) Wake up early
     I know this doesn't sound pleasant, but waking up early gives you more time in the day and you can't have the excuse of "I didn't' have time." 
    (Which I still use even after hours of watching TV- "I just didn't have time to work out today. Dang.")

3) Inspiration
     BE REASONABLE HERE. Don't immediately google Beyonce and expect yourself to look like her after two days of working out. You will not and it is extremely disappointing, trust me. Find inspiration in people similar to you who are making progress and strive to be better than you were yesterday. (I made that line up)

4) Music
    Nothing is more motivating for me during a workout than listening to music. Hearing the sound of my dying breaths while I run is haunting and mildly concerning. Therefore, I blast my music. Shameless Demi Lovato playlist on repeat. Yes, that includes the Camp Rock soundtrack duh.

5) Burn the negative thoughts
   There is nothing more destructive than your own mind. I can talk myself in or out of something faster than lightning. The first thought I have during a run is, "Yes! What a beautiful day for a run!" Then, "This sucks. This is so terrible. I don't even like moving."  
    Monitor your thoughts. Don't even let your mind finish the negative thought. It will make life 45600 times better all around. 


What I'm Wearing
1) Sports bra: Target
2) Cropped leggings: Target
3) Jacket: Nike






 

Why You Should Never Be Sad

     There is not one single person who is happy every day of their lives. You can act as positive and perfect as you want, but you do not smile when you pour a bowl of cereal and realize you are out of milk. You are not always laughing. You are not always gushing rainbows. You are not always happy, because you are human. It took me a long time to realize that it is okay not to be okay. Some days when I feel down, I feel guilty because I know many people would kill for my life. Whenever I have a bad day, people always say something like, "Seriously, your life is perfect. Stop." Which only leaves me feeling even more upset and ungrateful.

    However, we are able to title certain days "bad" because we have had the opposite days: Good.
So how do I change a bad day to a good one?

I sit down, grab some coffee, and think of all the reasons why I should never be sad.

1) There is an entire "how to" book for life, but some never open it.
    God knew we would have our good days and have our bad. He knew we would worry so much about things that the phrase "Do not fear" is mentioned in the Bible 365 times. Having a personal relationship with God is honestly the only key to true joy. I know I joke around about things, but I wouldn't be who or where I am without Him.

2) Pizza is of existence.
    Need I say more? No.

3) Pizza can be delivered.
    I guess I'm saying more. Turns out you don't even have to move to find happiness. It now comes to you.

4) Hugs
      Hugs can immediately change someones mood. Hugs are soft. Hugs are mushy. Hugs are warm. Basically, pizza.

5) Smiles
     It is said that a smile is the world's universal language. It doesn't matter who the smile comes from or its timing, but it can make someone feel important. It portrays and spreads happiness. So brighten those eyes, and say cheese! Also found on pizza.


Basically, life won't always be good. You are human and I am human. I may have to work out more than you because of my pizza consumption, but none the less human. Embrace your bad days. Don't feel guilty about them. So you had a bad day? No big deal, you'll have way better ones.

What Changed When I Cut My Hair

   
      I have done many regretful things with good intentions in my life, but cutting my hair is number one. I thought cutting my thick, long, healthy, wonderful, flowing..sry. I thought that cutting my hair would make my life easier, lead to quicker mornings, and be a nice change. Bless my heart. 

    It made my life harder, lead to longer mornings because I had no idea what to do with this inch of hair on my head, and it was far from a "nice" change. I went from the confidence of Kanye West to feeling like a pinto bean in one "snip" at the hair salon.

So what did change? What did I learn from my hair cut experience?

1) I hate myself.
    I am the worst.

2) I now know why all the Disney princesses have long hair.
    Besides Snow White...who was basically depressed all the time and sleeping- Probably because she had long hair and cut it.

3) You will not leave the hair salon looking or feeling like the picture of Jessica Alba you took in.
     Why do I always think that if I bring in a picture of a celebrity's hair, that my face will change into theirs as well?

4) I don't make fun of people with extensions anymore.
    Envy. Envy is what I have now because you can afford them and you are blending them so well. 

5) Too much of my identity lies in my dead skin cells.
     Ew.

Take It Off

        Now before you turn the brightness down on your computer, so no one knows what you're reading. Let me explain what we are taking off: The mask.

    Take it off right now. If you have an actual mask on your face, then yes, definitely take that off. Where did you even get that?

    What I am talking about is the mask you put on everyday when you get out of bed and the one you take off at the end of each day. You don't know you do it. You don't feel yourself grabbing the mask along with your jacket as you walk out the door, but you do. You put it on, sip your coffee, and you start your day.

    The mask has a mouthpiece just small enough for a few words and a smile to escape: "I'm fine! How are you?" When people ask how you are, they don't really want to know how you are, do they? But that's okay with you, because your mask wouldn't allow that many words to escape anyways.

    The mask covers the scars, the raw feelings we have that society tells us not to share. You're sad? Struggling? Suck it up, honeybun. You are supposed to have it together. Kate Moss never has problems, right?

    We suffocate behind the mouthpiece of the mask because it is so tight around our lips. We cannot speak to share our opinions, emotions, or feelings for fear of what the response will be. Never has their been a time in history where humans based so much of themselves off the opinions of others. We live off likes, comments, shares, and followers. We are constantly checking social media to make sure people are enjoying the mask we've painted and perfected. Isn't it heartbreaking that we are constantly encouraged to be someone else? Skinner, Prettier, Smarter, Funnier, etc. Society gives out free masks without your consent. The worst part? You put them on.

TAKE THAT THING OFF.  Throw it away. Set fire to it. Anything. 

Be free. Say what you want to say and be exactly who God made you to be. Stand up. Break the chains. Make a difference. You were placed on this earth for a very unique purpose. How dare you cover that up with a mask?

"The LORD of Hosts Himself has purposed it; therefore, who can stand in its way? It is His hand that is outstretched, so who can turn it back?" -Isaiah 14:27

5 Things a Girl on a Budget Understands

Let me just start this off buy saying, (hehe, get it "buy" saying...because we're talking about money...*winks*)

...Let me just start this off by saying MONEY DOES BUY HAPPINESS BECAUSE MONEY CAN BUY COFFEE AND SHOES, so don't tell me that I can be happy without money because I cannot be.

Anyways, to the girl on a budget, I understand you and I give you hugs. This is not easy and I get that, but we can do this. We will be fine. Everything is okay. All is well. Trigger the fake smile and tears streaming down my face.

Shall we introduce ourselves? Who are we? What is life like?

How do you really know if you're money constricted?

5 proven poor people actions: 

1) You see a cute shirt at Urban Outfitters. You picture yourself wearing said shirt because it is GORGEOUS. You already see Zac Efron approaching you saying, "Wow. I have never seen a shirt look so good." But upon viewing price tag, all of a sudden that becomes the world's most hideous shirt.

2) When shopping, you pick out two or three things. Stand in the 20 minute line while telling yourself it is a good purchase and you deserve to treat yourself. But when you are next to check out, it happens: The clothes go back on the rack and you exit the store.

3) You are starving- actually meal deprived, but you would rather spend your money on clothes than something you will poop out later.

4) You've googled "Free things to do for fun" more than you're willing to admit. This only results in nothing to do unless you want to make a craft or "Run a 5k" (That suggestion always appears on lists of free fun, which is insulting because "fun" is the keyword here, not death).

5) Goodwill is your ride or die. It is your paradise. It is your bliss. It is your kingdom come. Goodwill has been there for you when humans haven't, and that is okay.

A Park and a Popsicle

     I'm not gonna lie, I've got a pretty good job. When I drive in to work, I drive to a wonderful home filled with love from an amazing family: Two sweet girls, a puppy, and their cherished big brother who truly have superheroes for a mom and dad. Cut out that sparkling family from "The Children's Place" ad and that's who I get to be a nanny for! Sure they have their fair share of life's ups and downs, but I got lucky with this one.

     Most people don't wake up on a Friday excited to go to work, BUT THIS GIRL DID - after her coffee, that is, because everything is bad before that. I had Nora-Jane all to myself today, so we decided to go exploring! We went to the 12th South area downtown and zoomed to the nearest playground. By zoomed, I mean we stopped every half step to pick a flower, twirl around, and collect shiny diamonds (gravel). But once we finally made it and were in the midst of our swinging fun, my eye caught a glimpse of something so beautiful I couldn't break eye contact. Just mere steps from where I was standing the most wonderful sight stood still- A Popsicle Shop.

   That's right. An entire shop completely dedicated to the sugary goodness of popsicles. An entire shop dedicated to making me happy and warm. So many flavors. So many soon-to-be good moods upon ingestion. It took two seconds for me to realize where I truly belonged at that moment: Las Paletas.

 Once we got "so high we could touch the sky" on the swings, we made our way to Las Paletas and ordered two strawberry creme popsicles. Nora- Jane orders ice cream and popsicles based on their color. Luckily, pink is usually a strawberry flavor and that settles well with her (and me...and my hips).



Blog summary: Today was good. Popsicles are good. My job is good. My heart is full.

Unrush Me

   

     My March book was The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst.  Holy guacamole it is every word I have ever needed to hear in a book. From the relatable stories to the harsh criticism, Lysa explains how to be free from the bondage of the word yes. So why did I title this post "Unrush Me"? Was it a cry for help for someone to actually take all my responsibilities so I can take a 2-3 day nap? Yes! Sign up in the comments below and I will give each individual a task I don't want to do this month.

...Just kidding (April fools?). Although that sounds fine with me, it simply isn't reality. My biggest struggle is saying yes to any and everything. You need someone to talk to? I got you- over coffee, please. You need help with homework? Ask yo girl. You need advice on big decisions? I will become the ring leader of your future. You need me to wipe your floor, feed you grapes, and fan you? I CAN DO THAT AT 3:30 ON TUESDAY. I might as well get a forehead tattoo that says, "yes", so you don't even have to ask.

     I am the girl that fills her schedule up to the brim but still doesn't believe in going to sleep past 10:30. If you didn't already gather, this creates some gigantic challenges. The only thing I like being filled to the brim is a cup of coffee. That is it. That is all the "brim fill" I appreciate. I can hear my schedule laughing at me from my backpack as we speak. Jerk. So insensitive, that schedule of mine.

      So how do I show my schedule who's boss? How do I make my schedule understand that I HAVE THE UPPER HAND HERE? Well you see, I make the schedule. I am the reason that the lines in my planner are scribbled with deadlines. It is not the schedule's fault, it is mine. At the peak of my stress last month, I felt like I had jumped in my planner, shut it, and couldn't get out. I felt like I was drowning in the ink on the pages telling me what I had to do survive. Right when I was about to give up and let the waves of deadlines overtake me, a sweet boy showed up with a certain book in his hands.

      This sweet boy is my very handsome boyfriend, Jordan. I don't know how he does it, but without me even saying I am struggling, he knows. He showed up at my door with The Best Yes and coffee, of course, because he gets me. "I feel like this book could really help you when you're stressed" He said. The hours he spent reading through summaries in Barnes and Noble were well spent I'd say because this book came at the exact moment I needed it.

      "Making wise decisions in the midst of endless demands" was the first sentence I read and I knew Jordan had chosen the right one. (I also realized God gave me the best man in the world and I couldn't be more grateful) In The Best Yes, Lisa talks of the dreadful word yes and feeling powerless to saying no. This book portrays the big difference between saying yes to everyone and saying yes to God. In other words, if our schedules pull us away from our relationship with God and the joy that can only be found in Him, it is time to say n-

It is time to say nnn-

*Clears throat* *Breaths deeply* *Sips coffee* *Refills coffee* *Really enjoys the coffee* *Forgets about blog altogether because wow this coffee*

       It is time to say..no. There it is- the two letter word that I felt powerless to saying a month ago makes perfect sense if I can't be the best version of myself for Him. The Best Yes truly shows us which yes is the best yes; If what we are agreeing to do is for selfish reasons to appear that we have it all together or if it is truly what God has in store for you. I would recommend this book to anyone feeling like they are living out of their planner and not their house, as I felt. God is good. God is understanding and sometimes we need the words of others to help us see that.

Who Even is this Chick?

     First dates are always awkward. There is a hyperawareness of your entire body which results in voice cracks, sweaty upper lips, and lots of "pity giggles". You're not yourself at all, which is a bummer because that is exactly what you are attempting to portray for this lovely person who has taken you out. So let's make our first date together go as smooth as possible. In fact, I'll make it easy for you. I'll do all the talking! You don't even have to respond with facial expressions or that understanding head nod moms at Panera do when they agree. Just sit there. Just read. Just meet me.

     Hi! My name is Hannah Neese and I am a college student who has had her fair share of struggles and triumphs. I've faced my giants and conquered them. Well, I may have cried, crawled, thrown a fit or seven..but I have conquered them with the help of two very important things in my life: Coffee & Grace. I have made my hardest decisions behind a coffee cup and a Bible. I have been calmed in the middle of a storm by a latte and a verse. 

     I decided to start this blog to not only relay to others the wonderful blessings of caffeine and Jesus, but to show others that you are not alone on this journey of figuring life out. I will be sharing my life experiences, comforting words I find through devotionals, and plenty of embarrassing moments I involuntarily partake in to make you feel better about yourself. 

     Life is weird. It's messy. So leave some lipstick on your mug, a highlighted verse in your Bible, and start conquering your giants.

Feedback

Even though I said I would do all the talking to keep things comfortable for you, I want to hear what you have to say now and later! So leave comments- ideas, topics, your own struggles. Tell me where I can buy a whole outfit under $30. Anything! I want to hear from you, too.

Contact: hannahneese1@gmail.com 

Instagram: hannah_neese