A 90 Degree Fall, Soon-to-Be Beauty Space, and Mini Tut

YALL. ITS FALL!

But it sure doesnt feel like it here in South Texas! I am still in shorts, tanks, and flip-flops, but I am dying to wear a sweater, rock the boots, and slay some scarves. Who's with me?   

Tyler and I have finally moved into a new home on the outskirts of Military City, U.S.A and we could not be more thrilled. We have put a dent into the amount of boxes piled up in our new home and it only took us a month! We can now use our own pots and pans in the kitchen and were able to open up our beloved wine bar! We have been nonstop with work and unpacking, but I have been feeling more and more inspired to start filming makeup tutorials again. I am feeling like y'all would totally be okay with that! Leave some inspiration pics you want me to do a tutorial on in the future in the comments below!

Anyways, back to filming. A few short months ago, I had no job, no car, and no life. This meant TONS of time to get inspired, challenge myself, and film more for the site. Then my computer crashed and we had no WiFi where we were living at the time; This made it an act of congress just to get a two minute video filmed, edited, and shared with the world. Now that these hurdles are crossed over, be on the lookout for more videos coming soon!  I am currently setting up a space in our new space to film more in depth, non iPhone quality makeup tutorials, but I just had to take the day to jump on this fall bandwagon with this mini-tut! This maroon, red, and gold trend that the world is slaying us with is giving me life! Here is a quick peek into the under ten minute look I did today to commemorate the autumn solstice! ENJOY!

Product List:

Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Full Coverage Foundation in Ivory Light 10 and Maybelline Matte + Poreless Fit Me Foundation in 115 Ivory (mixed)

Maybelline Matte + Poreless Powder to set face in 120 Classic Ivory 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Light

Colourpop Cosmetics Blush in Cruel Intentions 

Anastasia Beverly Hills contour palette in "Light to Medium" 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer in Medium Brown

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette in Tempura to set eyeshadow base, Golden Ochre, Realgar, Cyprus Umber in crease, and Red Ochre packed on the lid.

Colourpop Cosmetics Gel Liner in Swerve in waterline

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper for that fierce wing

House of Lashes "Mini Iconic"

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Hoe Hoe Hoe

Anastasia Beverly Hills "Gleam" Glow Kit in Crushed Pearl

All Brushes used by Morphe Brushes

Song Credit: Breath of Life by Florence + The Machine(I really was listening to Seraphim and Devastator by For Today while filming but half of you would not keep watching if I left it as the background music)

Love & Peace

l.w.

Gardening and Flourishing.

There is this crazy thing that we humans do and it is beginning to wreck our lives in a massive way. I noticed this in my own life recently and then when sharing with others, I realized that it wasn't just crazy old me.
You see, this year has been a year of a drought. We moved to Texas all fired up in obedience to God and ready to do what He had called us to do here. The beautiful rivers were flowing with milk and honey. The flowers of our lives were in full bloom and nothing could stifle our exuberance; then the tiny lies crept in.
Loneliness, doubt, suffering, and loss were the constant banner over our lives. We gave into Satan's tricks and fell for his antics. We suffered, our health suffered, our marriage suffered, and in turn, our faith and walk with Jesus suffered. We were so flipped upside down, we didn't know which way was up. We were in an ocean full of pain and the waves kept tossing us, settling just enough to catch our breath, and then pushing us under again. We were gasping for air. We were stuck in a desert with no water.
In the tumbling, we lost sight of Who holds our hearts. We took our gaze off of Jesus and placed it on the massive, Job-sized pity party we had created for ourselves.
Then, after so much pain, hurt, and loss, we couldn't do it any longer. One night, a night I will soon never forget, we spent the entire night, laying in bed, yelling, kicking, and screaming at God. Our words of prayer were portraying every emotion we had felt for so long. We were angry and enough was enough. After hours of this and after we grew tired and weary, Jesus met us right where we were and said, "Are you done now? Good. Now pick up yourselves, your cross and follow me. Trust in me. Abide in me".
In this moment, I couldn't help but picture a tiny little child pitching a fit in the grocery store, the parent letting the kid scream and yell, and then when the kid wears hisself out, then they pick him up, dust him off, and move on.
For the next few weeks, we were still gasping for breath but each breath became deeper and full of oxygen. After what seemed like an eternity of suffering, Jesus is in the process of renewing us, reviving our marriage, our relationships, and our time here in Texas.
He has shown His unfailing love towards His children in subtle, but mighty ways. That was a long winded story, but like our lives a few short months ago, the story doesn't end there....

You see, earlier, I mentioned this crazy, stupid thing that us humans do that is killing The Church. It's the concept of doing something stupid in life, receiving the grace, forgiveness, and redemption of Jesus, and then having the audacity to dig it back up when we throw a pity party for ourselves.

We recently have felt God calling us to do something that we have no earthly clue what to do about, the timing of it all, or what it even looks like. It is a position of leadership and I, of course, was like, "heck yes, God!" But then I grabbed my metaphorical shovel and started digging. I started digging up everything that I have laid down at the feet of Jesus.
"How am I supposed to be a leader when I myself was in such a place not even three months ago? God can't use me like this. I'm damaged goods right now. There is no way anyone would or could ever look up to my walk with the Lord right now. I'm still dealing with this crap. Once I am good and perfect, THEN I'll step out in faith and give it a shot. Maybe then I could do it."

NO.
NO.
NO.
NO!

I am so unbelievably wrong. Although I know the truth, I allowed Satan to start trickling in with his little lies again. As he was trying to demolish the intimacy between Jesus and I, I began to pray for God to remind me just how amazing He thinks I am.

So tonight, it's come full circle. As I sit in my old lady chair, with some calming tea and my fluffy blanket, I read this:


"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,..."
Ephesians 1:1

...and in tears, I stopped there. Paul, who was chosen to be an apostle of Jesus because of Gods will, is writing to the church in Ephesus. He is leading a movement of Jesus followers and reminding the church exactly who they are to God. Paul, who was once Saul and had murdered thousands of people just because the followed Jesus. Paul, who was going through towns and killing off people who worshipped the savior.
Saul the Prosecutor became Paul the Proclaimer.
And because of Gods will, he was used by Him. He was used to proclaim the holy name of Jesus to the ends of the earth. He became a pivotal figure in the growth of The Church.

Angrily, I loudly ask myself, "Who am I to sit here and have that Job-sized pity party of worthlessness and insecurity? Who am I to sit back and not step up because I feel like I can't be used by God? That is NOT who I am or who I am called to be!"

We are called to be proclaimers of the Gospel and worshippers of Jesus. We are made alive IN Jesus and BECAUSE of Jesus. If God can use Paul to proclaim His name to the nations, then He can use you and me to shine His Light and Love in the darkest places. Because we are lavishly loved, He can and will lead us on this amazing adventure. We just have to put our shovels down, about face, and sprint after Him.

Three Month Update and Pursuing Dreams.

December 27th was a day our lives changed. It was expected. It was planned. Many preparations had taken place for this day. Plans were made and boxes were packed. We were bright eyed at the newness of the adventure before us and we're prepared for anything that could possibly come our way. What I didn't know was that within all my preparations, I rejected to properly prep my heart. 

What I didn't know as we pulled out of the home we had created for ourselves in Atlanta was that I would feel emotions that I never have felt before. I would feel extreme anxiety over not knowing the next step, the loneliness of starting at the beginning of friendships, and the common meltdown in the grocery store over trying to find ziploc bags. (Don't worry. I found them thirty minutes later.) 

I would love to write to all of you that are following our story that we are doing fantastic and that everything is wonderful here and I still could, but we're all about the truth here at TLTH. 

I can say that in the last three months, I have had those really tough prayers with God. I've had the moments of wanting to grab all of our stuff (because most of it is still packed in boxes in storage) and make the drive back to familiarity and family. 

But even in the midst of those hard moments, I've had some of my most cherished memories happen. Moments of a pure heart surrendered, the most amazing night skies where I've heard the voice of The Lord more than I ever have, and the little moments that His provisions have come to be. Jesus is constantly reminding me that He has called us to this little corner of the world. These reminders have come in the smallest, yet massive ways recently. 

Tyler and I spent Easter weekend in Oklahoma visiting his parents new home. 

The few weeks leading up to this past weekend, I could tell I was being spiritual attacked and in turn more specifically questioned if God was still calling me to pursue my dreams. On our way back home to San Antonio, we were planning on taking the route that passed through Waco. Because of circumstances, we added another day to our journey, giving us time to not rush home and take our time. I had mentioned to Tyler that I felt like my soul needed a dream day. I needed a day to sit and rest on what my dreams are and why God had called me to them in the first place.  (Two of my dreams are to 1) soon own a home that has a touch of Joanna Gaines design and 2) to get my doctorate degree from Baylor University.) This day, I had strategically planned on making two pit stops in Waco to fuel and ignite those dreams again. 

Tyler was so amazing and even though this so called "dream day" I had formed up in my mind would put us home even later, he graciously and encouragingly agreed. 

That day, God so specifically spoke into my heart and gave breath to my dreams more than ever before. I learned that God not only wants us to pursue our dreams in His timing, but He delights in the little things that make us happy (like something so small like going to Magnolia Market at the Silos or driving passed Baylor). 

So there I stood, in the middle of my Graceland in Waco, TX in tears at how gracious and good our Father is. How perfect He orchestrates things so we can be encouraged and find joy. Plus all the pretty things around me made me realize how much He is in the details of life, just like the tiny little details Joanna has put into her store. Everything in the market was so meticulously placed and for a reason and purpose, just like we have been placed in Texas; for a reason and purpose. 

I walked away this weekend with two tangible items to remind me on the hard days of His purpose and how much He delights in me pursuing my dreams. 

So three months later: i've rested. I've cried. I've praised. I've cried happy and sad tears in the same breath, and have learned more about the incredible Heavenly Father we serve. 

We still have no idea what we are doing and still feel all the emotions, but I can say this: Jesus is faithful. Yesterday, today, forever, He is faithful. And no matter what kind of day it is, a hard one or an easy one, I'll continue to praise Him for moving us here. I will continue in trusting what He has planned is this season of life and will keep stepping in knowing that He is so for us. 

Let Yourself Rest

Rest. 

Everyone needs it, but I find it hard to allow myself to do it. 

I'm the type to always be going. Always doing something. I have an addiction to my planner and in 2015 it was jammed packed full of color-coded events. 

2016 has looked drastically different. Here's our 2016 story so far: 

Starting December 27th, 2015, we left our home in Georgia at 6:40AM. We wanted to leave earlier but none of us had slept decent enough to start the drive any sooner. 

Our friends Sarah and Colin drove with us in shifts so we could make the drive straight through. They were nothing short of lifesavers and so was the cargo van the we rented last minute. We ended up not being able to fit all of our stuff in the Penske truck and had the dogs and the rest of our belongings packed in the cargo van. 

The drive at first was a blast for Sarah and I. For years, we have talked about doing a road trip and this was it. Bieber and Destiny's Child kept us company for most of the drive. Once we hit Louisana, we were exhausted and were so over driving. 

Then we got the Texas state line. I believe I said something like "YES.  We're almost there!!!!"

.... No. No were not Lindsey. Not at all. We still had five hours left and we had a massive storm cell stretching across the full state of Texas to drive through. It was pouring down snow in north Texas and south Texas was getting tornados. I hear Houston is an amazing city, but we could barely see ten feet in front of us to see its beauty. If we weren't over it by this point, we really were at this point. Just about the time I was going to call Tyler and Colin to see if we could pull over, it all stopped. The last five hours were brutal. 

We pulled into our destination on December 28th at 3:30AM (Atlanta time). 21 hours. 

The next morning we had to wake up early to unload the cargo van and Penske truck so we could return them. We were now on the brink of crazy drinking coffee like it was our job. We unloaded that truck so fast, it was unbelievable. 

The next few days we all took a break and made sure that Colin and Sarah were able to make this somewhat of a vacation. We took them downtown to eat at one of our favorite restaurants and see the Alamo and the Menger hotel, had a girls day shopping, celebrated New Years here at home, and they eventually headed back to Atlanta on the 2nd and Tyler headed back to work on the 4th. 

After Tyler went back to work, it was just me and the dogs at home. We haven't found a car nor a job for me yet so I am sitting at home reading the Harry Potter series for the first time (I know. It's a shame.) or watching a marathon of Fixer Upper trying to find ways to persuade Joanna to come fix up our future home. 

When we first got here, we were surrounded by so many beautiful people excited for us to be here. To celebrate us and new years. And then slowly everyone went back to their lives. To be honest, I struggled a lot the first few days of our new life here. I wanted our home back. I miss my family and I wanted to be able to see them and hug their necks. But I had to hold onto the promises of Jesus and knew that moving here was in obedience to His calling. The first few hours of being here, there were many times through tears I had to whisper out "Jesus I trust You. This hurts but I trust You." These

moments have been the most tough, yet the sweetest. 

The last few weeks I've had a lot of rest. This was (and still is) one of the hardest parts of this transition. I've taken at least one nap a day, read three books in the HP series so far, and spent hours in silence. The Lord is teaching me what it truely means to let your soul rest, what true, unquinchable thirst for Him is like, that He IS enough for me, and that fully trusting Him is the best yes for my heart. 

I still have days where I feel like I am going to go crazy if I don't leave the house, but mostly I am finding so much sweetness in the silence and the mundane. There may never be a point in my life where I get to experience this again.  

So I'll keep taking trips out to Tractor Supply and for Chinese takeout the same as a trip to Disney World. I'll keep learning how to find happiness and joy in the small things in life like a husband coming home with suprise Starbucks because you've been missing your white mocha, an extra snuggly snoring pup, or watching sun rises and sunsets everyday. 

We are so grateful for our friends who have stepped in the gap for us and helped us as we get back on our feet. 

For our family, who never once questioned us in our decision to follow our dreams, for supporting us in the middle of their own heartbreaks, and for helping us pack our home and load it in a truck when we know that's the last thing you want to watch. We love and miss you all so much. 

For Sarah and Colin, who took off work to help us drive and who were up for anything while they were here. Thank you for being so flexible with whatever was thrown our way and riding this roller coaster with us. 

For our friend Zack who graciously opened his home up to us and our crazy pups until we can find a more permanent home. 

For others who are helping me find job openings, offering me their cars are loners, and those who are continuously following our story and lifting up our family. We are so thankful for each of you. We feel your prayers. You are a such a huge part of this story. Thank you. 

I Can Read Minds Now.....Psych!

Today, I woke up a college graduate for the very first time. 

Yesterday was so surreal.

For five years, I worked hard, barely slept, and spent long nights writing papers.

For five years, I seriously contemplated leaving college three separate times.

The university asked me to leave one time because of my grades.

I was on academic probation for 30 semester hours my sophomore year.

I was a research assistant to our department chair my senior year, a position I clearly should have never been offered because of my grades and past history of failing. But she showed me grace. She saw my potential.

After many of nights crying, sobbing, and having breakdowns thinking I could never get to yesterday, I did. I made it. 

As I sat during the ceremony yesterday, I can be honest in saying I barely even listened to all the speakers. I sat there, looking up in the stands, seeing my family, and taking it all in. 

The faithfulness of the Lord, the support and encouragement of my family, the grace of many professors, and the forgiveness of a university to take me back three years ago after being asked to leave made yesterday a day I will hardly ever forget.

Christmas Traditions

HAPPY DECEMBER!

Finally. My favorite month. Everything about this month makes the little kid hiding inside of me jump for joy and my heart smile. The lights, the music, the cold weather, fires, fuzzy socks, and candles are all my jam. But decorating the house for Christmas gets taken to a whole new level. 

Before Tyler and I married, I warned him about our house relocating to the North Pole on November 1st of every year. 

Last year, he knew I wasn't kidding. 

But this year is a little different for us.  This Christmas, were packing up our stuff in a stack of boxes taking it room by room. Then we will proceed to play Tetris in a Penske truck. Thrilling. 

This year there is no decorating. No fires (mostly because I'd burn the house down) and definitely no living in the North Pole for a cold minute. Although this goes against everything my heart desires, I'm can truly say I am totally 100% loving this season. 

It is making me realize that trees, decorations, gifts do not make Christmas Christmas, but that Christ makes Christmas. And the faster I remember that, the better. 

I am loving the fact that I don't have any decorations to take down if I don't get to put them up. 

I'm loving the fact that this season is making me less worried about how the tree looks but more worried about spending time with family before we roll out. 

So yes I will decorate again. Yes I will buy gifts for everyone again. I'll fill the stockings up like Santa ain't playin and make those fires. But this year, I won't. Am I'm pretty freaking happy about it. 

Comment below and share some of the traditions you and your family have during the Christmas season. The ones you love, the ones you hate, and the ones that are down right crazy. We all have them. We're all a little bit crazy. Life's better that way.

Ps. I did break down after writing this and put our baby tree up on our wine bar.  Sue me. 

What College Really Taught Me.

With my college graduation approaching in 15 days, I figured I'd piece together some advice for those that are going through the hell of getting a college degree. It took me (almost) 6 years to get a 4 year degree and I NEVER in a million years thought I'd get to this point. Sharing what got me through it is only the right thing to do. Here are the top 25 things that college really taught me. 

1. College is really all about teaching you how to put together a somewhat presentable outfit with leggings and dirty hair.

2. Coffee is needed by the pound to survive. Invest in a good coffee maker and a large coffee mug that keeps it nice and toasty. Also knowing the closest coffee shops within a 3 mile radius of campus is key. 

3. Studying really does help with improving your grades. 

4. So does cramming. 

5. Memorizing information for tests will get you great grades the first two years of your career but no where later on in your degree. You actually have to know some things. Might as well learn them earlier than later. 

6. Making a bad grade does not define you. It's not the end of the world, even though it may feel that way at times. 

7. Buckle down in the midst of the extreme chaos and get crap done. It'll make you feel like the baddest on the block when you finish your list of things to do. 

8. Procrastination does not help you. Ever. It will only bring you more anxiety and stress. The whole myth of "I work better under pressure" is the biggest lie since the one about Santa Clause is real. Don't buy into it. 

9. No one cares what you major in so make it something that you are being called to and passionate about. BUT also make it something you can actually use for the rest of your life. There is nothing worse than spending 4+ years of your life stressed out and forking out the major dough to only end up in a job that has nothing to do with your degree (and that you most likely hate)

10. Schedule time for yourself. Your mental health is important. 

**(Hint: if you are a psychology major, professors take the excuse of "I'm taking a mental health day" over "I'm in the hospital dying" day.)**

11. Stress, unfortunately, will be with you forever. Learn how to manage it. There are many sources on every campus to help you with this if you need it. It's their job and they get paid to do it. Make them work for their money. 

12. Learn how to say no. Being a people pleasing college student is not for the faint of heart and not knowing how to say no will result in your university giving you a 'mandatory break.' Your true friends will understand you can't go to that party because you have a test tomorrow. Those that don't, just go ahead and just ditch them. 

13. Math. Math. Math. Math. Math. Math. Math. Math. Math. And more freaking math. 

There is no way of getting around it so you better learn it and learn it good. (unlike myself who had to learn basic algebra at age 21.)

14. Don't ever take yourself too seriously. There is always going to be someone that is better at something than you. Don't try to be a perfect student. It won't happen and you'll die trying. 

15. Learn how to use Word, PowerPoint, SPSS, and Excel like a boss. They'll always haunt you in your dreams if you don't. 

16. It's not about what you know, but who you know. Learning about your professors, what their degrees are in and forming a professor-student relationship will help you later on in your college career. (i.e. Letter of Recommendations, Research Opportunities, or just someone to talk to who has been in your shoes) 

17. All those PowerPoint special effects are a no-go. Stop it. Do. Not. Use. Them. EVER. 

You WILL be laughed at and graded accordingly. (Neutral colors are also much more presentable than a bright green background and red font. Killing your audiences eyesight will not result in a passing grade)

18. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in. It may get you in "trouble" in class at the time, but you'll gain respect from others for it later on. 

19. When you write a paper and have a choice on the subject, choose one you are passionate about. It'll make it easier to write about and you can continuously build onto it as you progress in your degree. 

20. Never ever ever ever buy your books before the first day of class. Professors are required to post a textbook by the university. Most never even open it during lecture. You'll want to get that head start, but you'll end up not ever using the book for the class and returning it.

21. Speaking of books: do NOT sell back your books to the school bookstore after you're done. They will jip you like a used car salesman. Go on studyroom or Amazon to sell them at the price you bought them for. 

22. Ask for student discounts everywhere you go. Most businesses surrounding your university will offer them because it is you that drives their buisness. It'll save you big bucks in the long run. 

23. Sit in the very front row in class. You'll look like the biggest nerd to your classmates, but it shows the professor you care. (Even if you don't care, it'll keep you from being distracted by Netflix and Facebook) 

24. Nothing is worse than a student that makes excuses for everything. Do all of your assignments no matter how dumb they are. Turn everything in on time. Go to class. Put forth some effort. Boost the professors ego by showing them you care about their class. If you do this, the professor is more likely to bump you up a bit if you are sitting on the border of two letter grades. 

25. You will want to quit more times than not. But you CAN finish the race. Keep stepping and graduation will be here before you know it.