9/29/12

"Gaga"



Happy Birthday to my beautiful grandmother! I am so blessed to have you in my life. You are an inspiration.

Love, 
Your First Granddaughter

9/26/12

Transitioning.

There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.
Ecclesiastes 7:20
The fact that all men sin has always been a difficult one for me to truly accept. I am the kind of person who LOVES to be right. And when I'm wrong...I don't know what to do with myself. I'm horribly embarrassed and have to hide for a little while until my pride returns and I try to be right again. Lately, I've learned even more about how I think I'm right most of the time. I think I know how people ought to live their lives better than they do. God's been showing me how I live this out and it's so wrong. My concerns with other people's lives separate me from Him. I have to remember that in the end it's just me and Him and our relationship is all that I should care about. 

It's sort of fall here. This morning it felt like it, and now it's up in the 80s again. I wore this aviator jacket this morning and definitely didn't need it after eleven. 








What I wore:
striped button-down--Anthropologie
charcoal leggings-- J. Crew
leather riding boots-- Frye "Melissa"
aviator jacket-- old
cross bracelet-- a sweet gift from Mrs. Sparks, THANK YOU! 

9/25/12

Daily Routine.

 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

I always love hearing about a person's beauty routine. There are so many different products out there, it's nice to have them narrowed down a bit! And I always learn about new tips that I would have never known otherwise. So I figured it's about time I share my routine of the moment. I say "of the moment" because it really is always changing. I am always trying new products, tips, and tricks. This one seems to be working for me right now. 
daily routine



Chanel / Bare Escentuals , $32 / Marc Jacobs fragrance / Murad / Clinique , $28 / Beauty product / Bumble and Bumble bumble, $45 / Bumble and Bumble bumble, $25 / Bumble and Bumble bumble, $28


1. A new Sephora just opened at the mall in Columbia and I have made some not-exactly-necessary stops to visit. Ever since I made my hair ombre, the ends have become so tangled after I shower. I have been on a search for a shampoo and conditioner that will make my hair easy to comb through without causing it to lose volume and take away the already small amount of texture I have. This seaweed shampoo/conditioner by Bumble and Bumble seems to do just the trick. And the smell is heavenly.

2. It is incredibly important to exfoliate. I notice such a big difference in the look and feel of my skin when I exfoliate on a regular basis. I use this Clinique Exfoliating Scrub every other day and it works wonders.

3. A guy at Sephora recently convinced me to invest in the Murad Clarifying Cleanser. I've had some problems with breakouts for a while and have been looking for a better cleanser. In the past, acne-treating cleaners have not only failed to clear up acne, but have also dried out my skin to no end. I've been using this Murad cleanser for over two weeks now and it has made my skin so much clearer but has kept it the same level of hydration. I'll be sticking with this one for a while.

4. My face is very combination, but the rest of my skin is very dry. I've tried several different kinds of body lotions over the years and I always come back to Curel. The one I posted here is their daily moisture body lotion, which is great. I use the itch defense one, though, because when my skin is dry, it's itchy and horrible. This lotion lasts for 24 hours and keeps my skin from being itchy.

5. I recently acquired the Bumble and Bumble mending masque in an effort to heal the damaged ends of my hair. I used it for the first time the other night and I could just feel my hair saying "THANK YOU!". It did a wonderful job of restoring moisture to all the right spots, as well as repair damage. This is a weekly treatment and I am excited to see how it works over time, as well.

6. I've been a loyal follower of Chanel make-up for a while now. Their Inmitable Intense Mascara is probably my favorite of their products. I can't imagine using any other mascara.

7. In the past few months I've abandoned foundation. I have yet to find one that I truly love. But I still believe it does a lot to protect skin, when you have a good one. Instead of foundation, I've been applying Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil every day. It has SPF15 and does a great job of absorbing oil and protecting my skin from the world. It's also so weightless, I never feel like I'm wearing make-up!

8. And the last touch before I walk out the door, perfume. While I LOVE my Miss Dior Cherie and Marc Jacobs Daisy, I have been wanting something simpler as of late. When they first came out, I jumped on the Marc Jacobs Splash bandwagon. I believe I have one of the first scents of the line, Pear. Since then, many more scents have come out. Mine has lasted me a while. It's so light that I don't feel like I have a perfume cloud surrounding me, but I know I still smell fresh and lovely :). This Rain scent seems wonderful. 

9/24/12

Parents Cocktail.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Galatians 2:19-20
Lately God has been teaching me about His righteousness in new ways. I have had some mini-realizations over the past week that have showed me how much He doesn't need me. It doesn't matter how much I plan or how much I prepare, His power doesn't depend on that. His righteousness is limitless. How beautiful is that? He can do wonders without us, but He chooses to work through us. It is His will not ours. 
Sorry for the scattered thoughts, but that's how the Spirit works in me sometimes. 

Last weekend was Parents Weekend. Our sorority had a fun little party for them. Here's what I wore. 







asymmetrical beige dress-- from the Wish outlet in Columbia, SC
sandals-- Michael Kors (spring '12)
belt--from Saks, old

9/21/12

Pinning.

 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
I often don't notice when I am seeking other people's approval until I don't have it. But as Christians we are called to only win the approval of God, who loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. We are to look to please Him, not others. 

Here's some of what I've pinned this week. A variation of awesome etsy artwork, some wants, and some needs. 
An awesome book to which I was introduced earlier this week. Grammar nazis, like me, would LOVE this book. 

Some cool artwork on Artspace. 
These topshop boots are EPIC. 
Love. 

I want this on my wall, please. 
This, too. Just gorgeous. 
 source 
Italian artwork, love it. 
 Big, bold sunglasses always a yes. 
THESE ARE STICKERS!! You heard me! 

Follow me on Pinterest to see my ongoing wish list and other pins. 
Oh yeah, currently listening to Yellow Sun by The Raconteurs on Spotify and it's awesome. 
That is all, enjoy your weekend! 

9/20/12

Flowers and Horses.

" In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory."
Ephesians 1:11-14
I'd like to thank my grandparents for sending me this verse today. It is such a beautiful one I wanted to share it with y'all. There are two things that stand out to me while reading this. 
1. We were CHOSEN by God to live our specific lives. He actively chose each and every one of us. How comforting is that? NO ONE slips through the cracks, there is NO ONE in a place without God's will and protection.
 2. Once we accept Christ, we are GUARANTEED salvation and NOTHING can take that from us. 
Sorry for all the caps but it was necessary. 
God has been doing some pretty cool stuff in my life this week. He's really been showing me how he wants me to live this semester. I just love when I know it's Him communicating with me. Of course this also comes with an attack from Satan, trying to use circumstances to bring me down. But I know I can rest in His presence. No force can take me from the love of God. 










I love these shorts. They're a perfect example of a piece that can be dressed up or down. I love how they're stretchy with an athletic cut. I've worn them quite a few times around campus and feel so comfortable and they look great with sneakers or sandals. 
Mixing patterns and I have a love/hate relationship. Sometimes I hesitate and wonder if it's too much. There's an art to it, I guess you could say. I certainly haven't mastered it, but I think the trick is to not try too hard. If you think the two pieces could go together, you're most likely right. But if you're forcing it, most of the time it isn't the best look. 

I was wearing:
horse print button-down- Zara (also seen here)
floral shorts- Gentlefawn from Bohemian in Columbia, SC
leather sneaks- Michael Kors (old)
gold choker- flea market (also seen here)

9/18/12

GAMEDAY.

[Jesus said] "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Matthew 7:13-14 
Following Christ and dedicating your life to Him isn't an easy one, but it is the ONLY way you find life! It is such an adventure, seeking Him. And it ends with an eternity of completeness and comfort with Him. Why wouldn't you choose life with Him? 

Last weekend the Gamecocks played UAB. We had a fun little group going together. Below are some pictures of me and my cousin. 


It was a silly kind of day. 

I was wearing:
garnet tee-- Madewell
black, high-waisted skirt-- Billabong (old)
biker boots-- Sam Edelman (old)
sunglasses-- Jimmy Choo 

9/17/12

Sweaters and Boots.

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
I know I talk about Jesus Calling a lot, but this morning the Spirit was moving in that book. Life has seemed scary lately. My future is approaching more quickly than I'd like. I've been trying to figure out what I'll do next summer and in the next few years after I've graduated. Jesus Calling reminded me that God is in control. That I don't have to worry about my future. That I am not designed to plan everything. 
Here's what it said:

"You will not find My Peace by engaging in excessive planning; attempting to control what will happen to you in the future. That is a commonly practiced form of unbelief. When your mind spins with multiple plans, Peace may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion.

I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability. I crafted your mind for continual communication with Me. Bring Me all your needs, your hopes and fears. Commit everything into My care. Turn from the path of planning to the path of Peace."
Jesus Calling for September 17

So that nice fall weather we had in Columbia last week seems to have left us again. It's back to being humid and I'm back to craving sweaters I can't wear. 
Here's a little wish list of my favorite fall pieces. Sweaters and boots. 


sweaters and boots



J.Crew long sleeve top / Madewell sheep sweater / rag & bone dolman shirt / Genuine leather boots / Alexander Wang stacked heel, $980 / Frye flat shoes

9/12/12

What I'm Loving Wednesday.

     [Jesus said]  "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
    Matthew 7:2
       

Insanity yet again. Still getting used to this whole 18 hours of classes thing. Lately I have definitely been learning to prioritize and better manage my time. Or rather, trying to learn. 
I thought I would share a song. This band, Punch Brothers, just came on my radar and I am in love! 

9/10/12

Fall In Cola.

"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Matthew 28:20
Today was hectic to say the least. It seems like things just keep piling up and I don't know how to handle it. Even as I slept last night I was making todo lists. I felt so far from the Father. Like so many tasks were keeping us apart. Jesus Calling was EXACTLY what I needed today. Do any of you read that devotional? It can only be the Spirit speaking through that book. It is on point in so many circumstances. 
This is what it said today:

I am always available to you. Once you have trusted Me as your Savior, I never distance Myself from you. Sometimes you may feel distant from Me. Recognize that as feeling; do not confuse it with reality. The Bible is full of My promises to be with you always. As I assured Jacob, when he was journeying away from home into unknown places. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. My last recorded promise to My followers was: Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Let these assurances of My continual Presence fill you with Joy and Peace. No matter what you may lose in this life, you can never lose your relationship with Me.

Isaiah 54:10; Genesis 28:15; Matthew 28:20
(Devotional from September 10. My underlining.) 

Our Lord is NEVER far from us. Don't let Satan fool you.

(I just learned that if you don't have the book you can still read the devotionals on the blog here)

The weather in Columbia has been beautiful lately. We are getting tiny glimpses of Fall. I will still be wearing shorts for a while, though. This is an outfit adapted for a South Carolina Fall. 


Fall In Cola.



Mango crop top / Short shorts / Sam Edelman boots / Dooney Bourke handbag / ASOS cuff bracelet

I hope you have had a great Monday!

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9/7/12

My Uniform.

 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
    Galatians 5:5

These days all I've wanted to wear are sleeveless button-downs and shorts. I have to find ways to make each arrangement unique, though. Jackets, shoes, and necklaces are my go to pieces for variety. 







Orange Jacket--Anthropologie
Denim Button-down--Mom's 
Necklace--from India, a gift from Maggie
Shoes--vintage Cole Haan (thank's Mom)
Sunglasses--Jimmy Choo 

9/5/12

Labor Day.

[Jesus said....}  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
    Matthew 6:27
I recall a time when my life was not absolutely chaotic. When I had time to myself, time to read, time to "chill". Maybe one day I'll have that time again. But that's why this verse is so incredibly relevant. Lately I've felt like I've had lots of things to worry about, but Christ says we have no reason to worry. That He is in control. I've got to give Him control. 






black tee--Madewell
denim floral shorts--Citizens of Humanity
sandals--Kork Ease