Striped tee (Similar here and here) | Burgundy hair scarf | Distressed jeans | Cut out booties

Transitioning to fall

Everything’s pumpkin-flavored right now and I just wanna wear sweaters and pretend it’s chilly out! But since that’s not happening yet here in the desert, I had to improvise. The best way I’ve been transitioning my wardrobe to fall (so to speak) is by wearing fall colors, but in a summery way! Read on for details on this stripes and jeans look.

Stripes and jeans

This Madewell striped t-shirt caught my eye on another blogger recently, and I immediately fell in love. The colors are unique and just POP! I knew I had to have it and I’m already wearing it a ton. And since it’s a t-shirt it’s also great for hot summer weather too. And once it gets cooler I plan on throwing a cardigan or denim jacket over it and continuing to wear it all season!

Another trend I’m digging lately is bandanas as hair scarves. Snatched up the beautiful burgundy one pictured from Target, once again a Universal Thread gem! Sadly it’s sold out but here’s a very similar bandana hair scarf that’s still available. (Update: I’m also wearing it in this post in a different way!)

Maybe you guys recognize these distressed Levi’s jeans from my spend or splurge post back in March. They’ve definitely been worth the investment so far! I’ve had them for about a year now and don’t see them leaving my closet anytime soon.

My favorite new wardrobe staple, though, has to be these cut out booties from Target (you guessed it… Universal Thread does it again!). I’ve had my eye on the more expensive version of these for awhile now. When I saw Target release a dupe I bought them immediately!

That was a few months ago, and even though it was too hot for them at the time I knew they would be perfect come fall. And probably sold out by then. I think I was right on both counts, haha! But lucky for everyone, they’re back in stock and I’m guessing they’ll be around for a long time!

Hustling & iced coffee

Some of you may know I recently picked up another part-time job at Starbucks, and the last few months I’ve been adjusting to that new schedule. So far so good, especially because there’s always coffee!

Not only that, it’s been such a fun place to work because of the awesome coworkers and also the customers. I’m getting to meet tons of new people (who share my love for caffeine) and build relationships with them, which is awesome.

Thank you Madi Robison for the photos!

Right now I still don’t know exactly where life is taking me, but I’m trying to enjoy the journey even in the unknown. I know God has a plan and will lead me to my ultimate destination! In the meantime… here’s to another day of hustling, iced coffee, and trying to enjoy “fall” when it still feels like summer!

So how are you adjusting to the changing seasons where you live? Is it hot still? Cold already? I’m curious! Leave a comment and let me know. And tell me what you think about this stripes and jeans outfit!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – My favorite easy fall outfits from last year, and 10 things you don’t know about me!

The post Stripes and Jeans & Transitioning to Fall appeared first on Live It Lovely.

Plaid button down | Blue denim shorts | Gladiator sandals | Striped button down | White denim shorts | Rainbow sandals | Stranger Things tee | Madden Girl sandals | Scoop neck tee | Linen blend shorts | Slide sandals

Outfit 1: summer blues

I love loose-fitting, breathable button down shirts. They keep you cool and comfortable while also looking a little more put-together than just a regular old t-shirt! Win win if you ask me.

The first outfit I’m wearing is a blue checked shirt from Old Navy, and my basic blue denim shorts that go with everything. I love that this pair is a little longer than my others and not too tight, which makes me feel super comfy in them no matter where I am. And my gladiator sandals make me feel a little more chic while being deceptively comfortable.

Outfit 2: stripes & whites

The second outfit is a striped red top from Target that I cannot stop wearing! It’s super soft, almost like a silky texture, and I love the fit. It’s by Universal Thread, Target’s new women’s brand that I am LOVING so far!

White shorts are a fun change of pace from regular old blue jeans, plus they make your legs look more tan (wink). Sometimes in the summer I have no motivation to put on any shoes other than my trusty flip flops. I’ve had this pair of Rainbows for years now and they’re still going strong!

For both of these looks I did the classic “front tuck” to define my waist a bit and give my body balance. This is extra important for me since I’m super short (under 5 feet) so if I leave the shirts untucked I tend to drown in them! But a front tuck looks great on everyone. It’s super flattering but also easy and practical.

Outfit 3: Stranger Things

Although I love me some cute button downs, I’m a t-shirt girl through and through. I made these shorts-and-a-t-shirt outfits a little more interesting by tucking the shirts in.

The first one is once again my trusty blue jeans, paired with of course none other than a Stranger Things shirt (my fave)!! Love me an interesting graphic tee any day of the week. I paired these with my Birkinstock dupes, which I got from DSW (and truly think they’re much more comfortable than the real things).

Outfit 4: vacay style

The last outfit is a bit of a different style of shorts. These ones are soft with an elastic waste, have a drawstring tie, and pinstripes. I got these specifically for vacation because I think they’re perfect for travel and the beach. And hands down they’re the most comfortable shorts I own.

A black tee was the perfect balance to these patterned shorts, and this particular shirt has a wide neck and a front pocket which adds a little extra something! I wore my beachy slides from Target to top off this California vacation outfit, also from Universal Thread!

And there you have it, friends. Four super casual summer outfits with shorts to inspire you if you’re in a style rut! Which one is your fave? Leave a comment and let me know! I’ll talk to you soon!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – When to save and when to splurge, and my everyday makeup using natural products.

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Button down shirt | Comfiest jeans ever | Slip-on shoes | Shoulder bag | Statement earrings

I think everyone liked my last style post about shopping on a budget, so I wanted to share some more great budget-friendly spring style ideas. Because who says you have to spend a fortune to try out the latest trends?! Definitely not me!

One of my favorite styles of all time, which I think will always be in fashion, is stripes. Blue and white are my fave, especially this time of year! I can’t tell you how comfy this buttondown shirt is. (It reminds me of this Madewell shirt that I love!) It’s a little oversized on me since I’m petite, and it’s so light and breezy. I know I’ll wear it all summer, too.

More striped shirts:

1. Button down   2. Ruffles   3. Bell sleeves   4. Tie front   5. Peplum   6. Long sleeves   7. Tee

And these jeans I’m wearing are hands down the comfiest, most flattering jeans I’ve ever worn. Definitely my fave (also wearing them in this post). They’re super cheap too. If you haven’t bought them yet then you better before they’re gone. You won’t regret it!

I’ve been playing with a couple different spring trends lately, specifically slip-on shoes and statement earrings (which you can also see in this post!). I took a risk on these white sneaks and wasn’t sure how they would look on. Turns out I LOVE them and can’t tell you how much I love being able to throw them on before running out the door! Plus they’re super comfy!

Slip-on shoes:

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine

And these earrings were a bold choice for me. I’ve seen these tassel earrings everywhere but never thought they’d look good on me. I just never get around to switching up my earrings. But I finally thought, heck why not?! I think they really jazz up the outfit and add an element of surprise!

Statement earrings:

Oh and did I mention this bag and how much I love it? Another super affordable dupe for this Madewell bag that I hope to own someday! There are so many purses I’m loving right now, especially anything round and/or straw! I’m definitely on the hunt for the perfect one but here are a few currently on my radar!

Purses & bags:

Are you digging these spring trends and have you tried any of them? What else are you loving this season? Oh, and what are your favorite stores to shop at for great prices?? Let me know in a comment below!

Xo,

Becka

P. S. – In case you missed it, when to save and when to splurge, and my favorite off-the-shoulder top for summer!

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The post Favorite Spring Trends For Less: Style Roundup appeared first on Live It Lovely.

I have to admit, life never turns out the way you expect. If you would’ve asked me a few years ago where I’d be at this age, I probably would’ve said I’d be married and maybe even have kids by now. But God’s plans are much better than ours, and clearly His plan for me is on a different schedule than mine. All I can say is thank goodness for that!

This season of my life is filled with learning and growing and finding what I’m passionate about and loving the people in my life to the best of my ability. Although it might look different from other people’s stories, I have more peace and excitement now than I’ve ever had before. Which I am SO thankful for!

In honor of turning 25 I thought it would be fitting to share 25 of the most valuable things I’ve learned so far in my 25 years of life. I hope they can encourage you in some way, wherever you are on your journey!

Dress (dupe for this one; also love this similar one) | Shoes (similar pair, also love these ones)

25 things I’ve learned in 25 years

1. Your parents are usually always right.

2. You don’t have to do the same thing everyone else is doing just because everyone else is doing it.

3. Most worries & fears are so much bigger in your head than they are in reality.

4. What you care about as a teenager is probably not what you’re going to care about as an adult. You think you know everything, but you actually don’t. In fact you basically know nothing.

5. When you go on adventures, make sure you take pictures of the people you’re with, not just the places you go. Those are the memories you’ll cherish the most.

6. Nothing lasts forever. Seasons come and go, good and bad. Something new is always coming.

7. Nobody remembers who the cool people were in high school. “Cool” doesn’t actually exist anymore once you’re an adult.

8. Having a boyfriend/significant other is not the key to happiness.

9. You’ll never fix your problems by running from them. You can’t run from yourself. You’ll never have true peace until you face them head on.

10. If you’re not sure what to do about something, trust your gut. As a wise person once told me, “When in doubt, don’t!”

11. Going to college doesn’t automatically make you successful. And not going to college doesn’t automatically make you a failure. Life is what you make of it.

12. It’s not about where you go, it’s about who you’re with. Anywhere can be a blast with the right people, or even the most extravagant vacation can be miserable with the wrong people. 

13. Life is too short to be stuck doing something you hate everyday. If you’re not happy with where you are, change it.

14. Nobody is going to respect you if you don’t respect yourself first.

15. If you try to do everything at once, you’re never going to accomplish anything. Instead, focus on one thing at a time and take baby steps to reach your goal.

16. How you look doesn’t matter – what matters is your confidence in yourself.

17. No person/thing/achievement/circumstance is going to make you happy. Only you can choose to be happy wherever you are (and only with God’s help).

18. Less is more. Physical clutter causes anxiety, but owning a small number of things that are valuable and useful will clear your mind and give you peace.

19. Praying is the most important thing you can ever do. Not just because it changes your circumstances, but because it changes you.

20. Life is too short not to eat the chocolate once in a while. Or the donut, or the french fries, or the piece of cake. It’s all about moderation.

21. You’re never going to “get there.” Every hurdle in life is a stepping stone to the next challenge. You’re never finished growing.

22. When you’re feeling stressed out, sometimes the best thing you can do is take a break and go to bed early. Let yourself recharge and start again in the morning.

23. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way. But hindsight is 20/20 and you’ll wish you took the advice before you made the mistakes!

24. Friends come and go but family is family, so those relationships are worth investing in.

25. Apart from Jesus you’ll never find what you’re looking for. You’ll never know true peace, joy, or contentment until you surrender your life to Him 100%. You’ll spend your life chasing happiness, but you’ll never reach it.

Live and learn

These things I’ve learned have come from years of experiences, challenges, mistakes, and growth. What about you? What are the biggest life lessons you’ve learned that you would want to share with others? I hope you’re having a lovely March, friends. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of my life!

Xo,

Becka

P. S. – Last year I wrote a letter to my younger self for my 24th birthday, and here’s the truth about blogging.

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The post 25 Things I’ve Learned in 25 Years appeared first on Live It Lovely.

That’s why these self-care habits are focused on creating more peace and joy in everyday life. My goal is to combat any anxiety or depression that might sneak in when I’m not taking care of myself. I like to keep things simple, which is why these habits are all very simple to add to your daily and weekly routine. I hope you find these self-care habits beneficial to your life as well!

Why I’m focusing on peace and joy

Anxiety and depression are so rampant in today’s world, so I know many of you can relate to experiencing one or both of them in some form or another. But peace is like the opposite of anxiety, and joy is like the opposite of depression. I believe that the more peace and joy we have, the less we’ll experience anxiety or depression.

But where do we get more peace and joy?

I want to preface the rest of this post with this: I firmly believe that there’s no such thing as true peace or joy apart from Jesus. Plain and simple: you can do all the self-care in the world, but you’ll never be filled without His love and forgiveness.

Over the years I’ve been able to recognize and overcome a lot of my own mental and emotional turmoil. I can say for a fact that the biggest reason these haven’t been a worse issue in my life is because of my relationship with God. Nothing can help like the power of prayer, and the healing that comes from truly being changed from the inside out by Jesus.

Now in addition to that, there are so many tools and ways to deal with anxiety and depression that don’t require taking medication or paying for professional help (not that those aren’t valuable and sometimes necessary)!

They have to do with how we live our lives: what we spend our time on, what kind of people we surround ourselves with, what we eat, how well we sleep, how much exercise we get, and so on.

Simple self-care habits

I’ve been integrating in a few daily habits as well as some weekly self-care habits into my routine. I’m loving the positive affect they’re having so far! Of course, I don’t get to all of these every day, or every week.

Remember, it’s okay to miss some every so often. What matters is that you make an effort to be consistent and build some good-for-you habits into your daily life! Regular practice of these self-care habits will help you grow more peace and joy on a regular basis, so there just won’t be room for the weeds of anxiety or depression to pop up.

Daily self-care habits

• Quiet time (prayer & Bible reading) every morning
• Exercising for 30 minutes every day (even if it’s just a walk – this is SO good for my mental health and always impacts my day positively so I don’t like to skip even one day!)
• Journaling, at least 2 or 3 times a week when I have time
• Limiting how much time I spend on social media daily
• Making sure I spend a little time outside each day

Weekly self-care habits

• Taking a whole day off of social media (Sundays)
• Prepping for a new week by taking a detox bath, planning out my week on my calendar, journaling, and going to bed early on Sunday evenings

“Self-care Sunday” is my new favorite thing this year! Sometimes I feel like I have so much to do to get ready for the week that taking the time to slow down feels like too much effort. But when I do even one of these things, I feel so much more relaxed and peaceful. I can go to sleep with a clear mind and start the week fresh!

If you work a regular 9-5 job or you’re in school during the week, it might take a little extra effort to get all your weekend chores and errands done on Saturdays. But I can tell you it’s so worth it to leave Sundays open! You can unplug, relax, spend time with family, prep for the week, and start Monday feeling ahead rather than behind.

Changing habits for the better

Little routines can become habits and building blocks for a happier, healthier life. And I think it’s more than okay to make time to take care of yourself, because you can’t take care of anyone else if you’re not filled up first.

I think God wants us to be filled with peace and joy as His children. And this doesn’t mean a life of comfort and convenience, absent of any hardships. It means a steadfast state of mind and heart that carries us through the storms of life. And God should be our ultimate source of peace and joy. When we’re filled by Him, we have the courage to live out the purpose we were created for!

How can you take the time to add some simple self-care habits into your everyday routine? What do you think that would look like for you? Let me know if you found this post helpful! I’ll talk to you soon, friends!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – How to plant a succulent garden, and my everyday natural makeup routine.

P.P.S. – I’ve been using a new goal planner this year, and so far it’s helped me SOOO much in creating concrete and doable goals for myself. It’s called the PowerSheets goal planner by Cultivate What Matters, and I wanted to share a link for you guys to check out because I think these planners are SO AWESOME!

P.P.P.S. – Here’s a link to the 2018 prayer journal (pictured above) that I’ve been using this year to be more intentional during my quiet time. These journals were created by Val Marie Paper and it’s such a simple way to grow in your prayer life and relationship with God! I love it!

The post Simple Self-Care Habits for More Peace and Joy appeared first on Live It Lovely.

Now in my dream world, I’d love to own less things with greater value that will last a long time. But that can be a challenge because I love shopping and trying new styles! Sometimes I’m dying to try out a new trend, so buying something super expensive isn’t really a smart idea.

So where’s the balance? Here are a few things I’ve learned over the past few years of shopping successes and mistakes. Use these tips when you’re shopping to help you know when to save and when to splurge!

Tie front tee | Distressed jeans, also love the darker wash | Blush mules (and love these lavender ones) | Saddle bag | Earrings (similar) | Watch

When to save

If you’re anything like me, you probably have expensive taste. I love high quality items, like leather purses and shoes, because let’s be honest – they look so much nicer and last forever! In the past I’ve had faux leather items that wear down and fall apart quicker than I wish they had. It’s the worst.

But sometimes, spending a lot of money might not make the most sense, and buying the cheaper version can actually be the best option. Here are a couple clues to know when you should save your money and buy the bargain item instead:

1. When you’re not 100% sure

I can’t tell you how may times I’ve made this mistake: I’m shopping for something specific, and I’m stubborn and determined to have a higher value item instead of the bargain version.

I find one that kinda sorta mostly matches what I want, even though it’s not exactly perfect, and buy it because I’m impatient. But a few months later I realize I never really LOVED the item and then I regret spending so much on it!

I’ve had to sell nice things, like leather boots before, for much lower than I bought them, just because I wanted something nice and let myself settle on something I didn’t love that didn’t end up working in the long run. When you don’t have infinite funds, that’s what I’d call a fail. Don’t do that!

Instead, wait until you’re 100% sure you found the right item, or just save money and buy a cheap version!

2. When it’s a trendy item

If you’re thinking of investing in something, but you’re not sure, I can almost guarantee you can find a cheaper copy at a discount store (a.k.a. Target, Old Navy, Forever 21, etc.). It’s a great way to test out that style and see if it’s really what you want, and not end up with buyer’s remorse like I have.

(That’s what I decided to do with these blush mules from Target – I wanted to try out this style for cheap before buying a more expensive leather pair!)

If you decide you love the cheaper item, you can use it until it wears down, meanwhile saving up for the nicer one. I promise you’ll be SO much happier when you finally get the real deal and know for a fact that it will give you so much use!

And if you didn’t love it, at least you saved some money and still got to try out the trend.

When to splurge

I know I called this post when to save and when to splurge, but I think the word “splurge” carries the wrong connotation. Splurging means spending on impulse, without giving much thought ahead of time. But that’s not what I’m talking about here. I use the word loosely, but a better term for what I mean is wisely investing your money on something of higher quality.

It’s important to be wise with your money and be sure that when you’re buying something expensive, it’s going to be something you use for a long time or that can give you much more value than a cheap version! Here are two ways to know when you should splurge and get the expensive item:

1. When you’re willing to wait

You’ll know something’s worth investing in if you’ve saved up, looked at every option, and know exactly what you want (and know exactly how you’ll use it), and are willing to wait awhile to be sure. It might be hard, but try waiting at least a month before you buy an investment item. That way you can be sure it’s not just an impulse buy but something you know you’ll use for a long time.

2. When it’s a specialty item that you will use a ton

Something I’ve learned that’s worth the money is good jeans. Most lower priced jeans aren’t very comfortable or flattering and I struggle to find any that fit just right! That’s why I’m so happy I invested in these Levi’s. For me these jeans were a higher value purchase, and I had my eye on this particular pair for awhile. I’ve seen them on a lot of different people and knew that they would be flattering on anyone. So I finally ordered them, and so far they have not disappointed!

Even though ripped-knee jeans are a trend, I know they’ll be around for awhile. These jeans are great quality and will last a me long time, and of course they go with everything! And for real – I don’t think it’s worth it to buy a cheap pair of jeans that don’t make you look great from every angle. You should always feel good, look good, and be comfortable in jeans any day of the week!

Not to mention, Levi’s is a reputable brand and known for its quality. I’d say splurge on things like jeans or anything specialty (like running shoes for example) from brands that are known for that particular product! I recently invested in a pair of Nike running shoes, and yes, good athletic shoes are pricey, but totally worth it so I can avoid injuries and have support while running.

You do you

In the end, deciding when to save and when to splurge is totally up to you! Everyone’s budget, values, and lifestyle is different. Maybe you have money to spend on higher quality items, but if that’s not something you value, then you would probably rather buy lower priced clothing and use your money towards something else, like organic groceries or a vacation (or your Starbucks addiction ).

My number one piece of advice is don’t ever compromise your values to buy something that’s in style, or to impress anyone. Don’t be irresponsible with your money. Go with your gut and what makes the most sense for you.

Be wise, but don’t feel bad if you worked hard and budgeted for something nice and made a well-earned and useful purchase! You’ll save in the long run because of the use you’ll get from it. And you should enjoy the blessings God’s given you and live a little!

What about you? How do you decide when to save and when to splurge? Tell me your favorite brands and places to shop in the comments!

Xo,

Becka

P. S. – My favorite low-budget jeans, and my current everyday makeup routine.

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It would take an entire blog post to share all the information about these chemicals and what they do, but I’ll just list a few to get you thinking about it. Some of the biggest issues caused by chemicals in our skincare products are hormone disruption, increased risk of cancer, thyroid problems, reproductive harm, and respiratory issues, just to name a few. Some ingredients to look out for and avoid are phthalates, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), synthetic colors, lead, petrolatum, and fragrance. (Oh and FYI many of these chemicals are banned in Europe, but still somehow allowed to be used in products in the US…)

Concealer (face), Concealer (under-eye brightener) | Powder Foundation | Eluminating Powder quad | Mascara | Tinted lip balm | Brushes (newest version of my set)

I transitioned to natural shampoos and soaps a few years ago, and now I’m working on makeup – but it’s harder because it’s not easy to find natural makeup in stores. (Although it’s getting easier!) There are so many brands out there that pose as “natural” but are actually not at all, so beware of those! (Some drugstore brands for example include Neutrogena, Aveeno, etc.) Make sure to always read the ingredients.

I’ve discovered a few natural makeup brands at Sprouts, and I’ve been testing out some different products over the last year. Some are great, some have just been so-so… I need to do more research because I know there are a ton of great brands available online, I just don’t know what they are. (If you know of any truly natural makeup brands that you love and would recommend, please let me know!!!)

Today I’m sharing my everyday makeup routine, and the natural products I use! Not every single product I use is natural (yet), either because I’m just finishing an old product, or because I haven’t found a natural version of that product yet that I like. I hope this helps you in your own journey to a more natural and toxic-free life!

My everyday makeup routine

Brushes

First I want to mention the brushes I use every day. I’m a big fan of Real Techniques brushes, but I’ve recently started using EcoTools because they are made with more environmentally (and skin) friendly materials. I’ve loved them so far and use them for blending concealer, and applying foundation, blush, and brows. They are so soft and work great!

Start with concealer

For years I used to use liquid foundation, but now that I’m using a powder foundation, I like to put my concealer on first. (And this concealer for under my eyes.) I used to add it on top of my foundation only where I needed it, but I think it works much better under powder. I’m currently using the Pacifica concealer – it matches my skin great and has a good amount of coverage, but I will say that it’s not as long lasting as I wish it was.

After trying it the first time, I tried another brand available at Sprouts called Gabriel. But the color selection at Sprouts was so limited! They only had 2 colors – one was way too dark and the other too light. I bought the light one and ended up using it only to brighten up under my eyes. It did have a more concentrated coverage and was longer lasting than Pacifica, though.

Apply powder foundation

Like I mentioned before, I was ALWAYS a liquid foundation gal. I like a good amount of coverage and a natural look, which are two things I never thought I could get from a powder! But after no luck finding a good color match with any of the brands at Sprouts (yet again such a limited selection), I decided to try Mineral Fusion powder foundation because I found a great shade that matched me well. I’m actually amazed by how smooth and creamy it feels on my skin! I’ve been using it for about 6 months now and love it. (My color is Olive 2.)

A touch of blush & highlight

I’m not a huge contour person, especially not for everyday (mostly because I’m lazy and like to do my makeup in 5 minutes or less). But I do love a natural flush and a touch of shine for highlight. I love my foundation so much that I decided to try another Mineral Fusion product, the illuminating powder quad. I love these colors and how well they work together! It has a good amount of shimmer to it, but it’s actually very subtle on my skin. I like to just swirl all 4 colors together and put a little on the apples of my cheeks.

Brows (I need your help here!)

Okay, this is where I cheat and don’t use a natural product… yet. I’m not a huge fan of brow pencils and prefer a brow wax. My FAVE is actually Elf’s brow wax kit (Not necessarily recommending it, but hey if you like cheap and don’t care about ingredients then go for it!) because it works amazingly (I’ve finished 2 pans so far) and only costs 3 DOLLARS! Um hello I’m always down for a deal! And I love how it matches my brows perfectly, is subtle, looks natural, and lasts all day. But who the heck knows what that stuff is made of? I would love to find a natural alternative so somebody help me! Any recommendations?? If it’s an eyebrow pencil, you can recommend that too, and I’d be willing to try it!

Eyelashes

I think eyelashes are the key to a makeup look – whether it’s a full face and bold eyes, or just an everyday “no-makeup-makeup” look. I don’t use eyeliner on a regular basis, because 1. I’m lazy and 2. It has a bigger impact when I do actually wear it! But no matter what, I always do my lashes! And by that I don’t just mean mascara. I’m talking giving them a good curl! Nothing opens up your eyes and helps you look awake more, even without mascara. (I just use this curler – hello cheap! And works surprisingly well!)

For most days I’ll leave it at that, but if I have to work or I’m meeting up with friends, I’ll add some mascara to look more put-together. I’ve been using Pacifica’s mascara for awhile now and I think the quality’s great but I want to try the water resistant version next. And some days I’ll even go crazy and add some quick eyeshadow, just using my finger and the golden color on my eluminating powder quad.

Top it off with tinted lip balm

The last step of my everyday makeup routine is a coat of tinted lip balm. Right now I’m loving Burt’s Bees in the color Rose, because it’s soft, hydrating, and adds just the right amount of sheer red color to make my lips look alive and fresh. And just to clarify: I don’t think Burt’s Bees is one of the cleanest natural beauty brands out there. But they’re better than a lot of the completely fake “natural” brands, so I still use their products, because they’re much cleaner than say, Maybelline or another conventional drug store brand! Plus, I can find them at Target which makes my life a million times easier.

Switching to natural products can be hard

Yep, it’s true. For years I never wore much makeup or knew much about it. But in college I started watching those crazy makeup tutorials on YouTube, and it was like a whole new world! I loved learning about all the different brands and started experimenting with makeup more. But it was also right around the time that I started learning about all the harmful chemicals in most products. Before I could really get into makeup, I started switching to cleaner and more natural brands.

It’s still hard sometimes, because I had so much fun shopping for new makeup, but now that I know the negative effects the products can cause, I think the switch is worth it. And honestly, life feels simpler. It’s nice to not feel so controlled by a need to buy and try all the new products that are constantly being poured into the market. I spend a lot less because I only buy what I need and make sure it’s worthwhile to add to my life!

Maybe you’ve never thought about going natural or trying clean beauty products. Maybe this is like an introduction for you to something you’ve never thought about before! I just want you to know I that it’s totally okay to let the detoxifying process be slow and gradual, as you learn more and feel comfortable and confident in what you’re choosing to use and why.

Changing your lifestyle is impossible to do overnight, and if you attempt to do that, I doubt it would be sustainable. Like I said, I’ve gradually switched products one at a time over the last few years. And I still haven’t switched everything! It’s hard to let go of convenience and popularity and (if you’re like me) the cheapest prices. But I know if you take one small step at a time, you won’t regret it.

What about you?

Have you tried natural beauty products? What’s your experience so far? Does this resemble your everyday makeup routine or is yours totally different? Don’t forget to leave me your recommendations! Oh and let me know if you like this post! If yes I’ll do some more posts sharing the natural skin and hair products I’m using lately!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – A post about decluttering your life, and my first ever coffee chat with questions for YOU!

The post Everyday Makeup Using Natural Products appeared first on Live It Lovely.

So let’s imagine we’re sitting at Starbucks (or a coffee shop of your choice), spending some time catching up as friends and sharing our lives with each other. That’s my hope and prayer for this post! So grab your coffee, get comfy, and keep reading for a little heart-to-heart!

What’s this about anyway?

I’m glad you asked!

So one of my goals for this year is to build new friendships and be part of a community. Sometimes it’s hard to know how to go about that in this season of life (a.k.a. the post college, 20-something, still figuring out how to adult season… anyone else?).

Blogging has been a lot of fun over the past year, since it’s allowed me to express my creativity, but it’s also been a bit of a struggle. To tell you the truth, it sometimes feels like I’m having a one-sided conversation, and I tend to wonder if anyone out there is really listening.

I mean what’s the point of having a blog if it isn’t to connect with other like-minded people and build real, genuine relationships, right?!

Real talk

Now it’s time for me to ‘fess up real quick. *I know the following thoughts are the result of someone who spends way too much time in her own head and thinks a whole heck of a lot (a little too much) about herself, so apologies in advance, but thanks for reading nonetheless!*

Don’t get me wrong- I seriously love blogging as a creative outlet and a way to share my passions with the world (or a few friends slash people who stumble upon my posts on Pinterest).

But every time I’m working on a post, there’s a struggle going on in my mind. I worry so much and I’m very hard on myself so I spend a lot of time doubting what I’m sharing, if it’s worth it, if it’s good enough, or if anyone will like it.

I know it sounds so silly!! But it’s hard not to worry what other people think when you’re putting yourself and your life out there for the world to see. It sounds pretty self-centered, to tell the truth, which is why I always fight past those feelings and share anyway. Because who knows who I might encourage and inspire that day!

But sometimes I get so bogged down in the fear and worry and self-doubt that I procrastinate on posts FOREVER and don’t post anything for long stretches of time.

Which is so lame!!

Because who cares?

NO ONE!! (Except me.)

I mean how cool is it to have a platform to share about life and God’s love and send encouragement and inspiration to whoever might need it? There’s so much possibility for impact, for doing GOOD in the world through the power of the internet and social media!

I don’t wanna fake it

But the truth is, it’s hard to share and be open online, when behind the scenes, I’m actually pretty unhappy and stuck in a lot of ways.

When I’m feeling lost or down in my personal life, it can be hard to find motivation to share something inspiring with others. My biggest fear is being seen as a fraud, and sometimes I feel like I am when my blog posts are happy but I’m not.

I know for a fact, though, that sharing the hard things, the struggles, and being vulnerable, is where you and I can start to connect and build a real life relationship! 

So friend, I’m showing up today. And I promise to show up every day, here on this blog, as a real human girl who doesn’t really know much of anything but who wants to find other real human friends and also share her crazy passions on the internet!

The truth about blogging…

Basically, here’s the cold hard truth that I’ve learned from blogging so far:

1. Having a pretty blog with pretty pictures of nice clothes and a nice house is not going to automatically give you a happy life.
2. Blogging is NOT glamorous. There is so much behind-the-scenes work that goes into taking pretty pictures… NOTHING is NOT staged, on any blog, just FYI.
3. Blogging is WAY harder than it looks. It takes forever to create a post and it’s pretty tedious to put it all together.
4. Writing blog posts and posting on Instagram doesn’t automatically create the real relationships you long for. (Hence this new series… COFFEE CHATS! Because it’s about time I get to know you too.)

So am I quitting?

Last week, I almost decided to give up on blogging. Like completely. (Haha my pathetic saga continues.) I’ve wanted to quit a few times before, because it is just SO. MUCH. MORE. WORK. than I thought, but this time it was because of the previously mentioned self-doubt.

I’ve been lacking motivation for weeks now, and I’ve been so lost in some areas of my life. And I just started thinking… “maybe I’m not meant to do this. I don’t love my life right now, so it’s not worthy of sharing. I’m not someone people can look up to. I don’t have a closet full of cute and trendy outfits to share. I’m not always confident in how I look in pictures, and I’m embarrassed to show my face without makeup…”

Not to mention, I don’t live in a pretty house that I can take pictures of all the time. (I mean yes, I live in a nice house with a loving family, but it’s MESSY and real and not Pinterest-worthy by any means!)

I just don’t feel qualified to be a blogger because I don’t have the perfect “blog-worthy” life.

But man, does it feel good to admit that and get it off my chest! As long as I’m holding that in, I worry that I’m just trying to fabricate something on this blog that isn’t real. Unless I’m showing who I really am, I’m always going to have that self-doubt. And that connection I really want with people is never going to happen.

And I want you to know the real me, and I want to know the real you too.

Can we be friends?

So I’m turning this conversation over to you now, whoever you are, reading this.

Maybe you found my blog on Pinterest, or maybe you follow me on Instagram and feel like you know me. Maybe you’re a close friend or family member whose support means everything to me. Or maybe you’re someone I’ve met in the past, or someone with mutual friends but we’ve never actually connected, someone from high school… WHOEVER you are!

If you’re looking for real relationships, someone to relate to, to encourage and be encouraged by, will you leave a comment? That way I, along with anyone else reading this, can see it! I know we can all make some new friends by letting down that barrier and sharing a little about ourselves, like a real life coffee date.

Here are some questions I have for you, yes YOU:

• What’s your name?
• Where are you from, and a what’s something you want to share about your background?
• What season of life are you in right now?
• What is currently your biggest joy in life, and what’s a struggle or something I can be praying for you?

I hope you know that your comment will encourage my heart and brighten my day so much!

If you would rather message me personally, you can totally do that too! Just go to the contact page and send me an email. Or feel free to comment on my last Instagram post or send me a direct message on IG! Either way, reach out and let’s connect! I seriously can’t wait to hear from you, and to make this year all about creating a community together.

Until our next coffee chat, friend!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – An unexpected lesson I learned from substitute teaching, and 10 things you don’t know about me.

The post Coffee Chats Vol. 1: The Truth About Blogging appeared first on Live It Lovely.

Sweater | Jeans | Booties (similar) | Carry-all tote | JORD watch (gifted)

Scroll to the bottom to enter the $100 JORD giveaway!

This year is different though. In the last couple years I’ve learned some hard and valuable lessons. I’ve chased the wrong relationships at the wrong times, which has only led to heartbreak. God’s used recent seasons in my life to help me grow up, and now I see how important it is to treasure the season I’m in and not take all the blessings I already have for granted.

Embrace the season you’re in

Maybe you’re in a season like me – praying and hoping and waiting for something. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, choose to see the beauty of life all around you. Love your family and friends well. And most importantly learn to love yourself! Choose to see yourself through God’s eyes. You’re created beautiful and unique and lovely and unlike anyone else.

And maybe what you’re hoping for will never come… but that doesn’t mean your life isn’t complete and can’t be lived to the fullest! Chase your dreams. Pour into your future. Embrace every moment because each day is a gift. This season of life could be the biggest blessing in disguise! Remember, no season lasts forever. The good and the bad – it all comes and goes. So be thankful for what you have right in front of you!

Cherish every moment

If you’re in a relationship, you’re blessed. Cherish that and show the person in your life how much the moments with them mean to you! And if you’re single… you’re BLESSED! You have the gift of time! Don’t waste it.

Take the time to pray for your future hopes, and love those around you like it’s your last day, every day. Give a gift to show your love to whoever means the most to you – your mom, your best friend, your brother… or maybe yourself. Maybe you, like me, need the reminder most of all!

My favorite wood watches

When JORD gifted me with one of their wood watches, I immediately fell in love. The beauty of the watch to me represents everything I’ve been feeling lately, and I know that wearing it would serve as the perfect reminder to cherish every moment. Everything about this watch is beautiful – even the box it came in is gorgeous! I know it’ll be a timeless piece in my wardrobe for years to come.

I’m letting my watch be a reminder to appreciate the moments today. Just because you’re in a season of waiting doesn’t mean the time isn’t precious. And a unique wooden watch from JORD could be the perfect Valentine’s Day gift to show whoever it is you love (or yourself!) how much they mean to you!

JORD $100 GIVEAWAY!

If you love my JORD watch, you’re in luck! I’ve partnered with JORD to giveaway a $100 gift code towards any of JORD’S wood watches! Just click the link below to enter!

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Even if you don’t win, every entrant will receive a 10% off coupon code to use towards your JORD purchase, just in time for Valentine’s Day! 

*GIVEAWAY ENDS FEBRUARY 4TH*
*COUPON CODES EXPIRE ON FEBRUARY 11TH*

My wood watch was gifted by JORD. Thanks for reading!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – How to make the most of your quiet time, and how to build a capsule wardrobe for spring.

The post Cherish Every Moment & Embrace the Season You’re In appeared first on Live It Lovely.

I’m much more into setting GOOD goals… ones that aim for progress even if I don’t complete them perfectly each time.  I’d rather work little by little and be further than I was before, than try to take on too much at once and fall flat on my face. Anybody else?!

So I bought this incredible new goal planner for 2018 (not sponsored in any way, I’m just a huge fan) and this past week I’ve been working through the exercises in the planner that help you set your goals for the year. And it’s been so amazing so far that I was inspired to write this post!

I’ve already learned so much about goal setting that I had to share. So here are three ways you can set some good goals for the new year and actually follow through on them!

3 ways to set good goals for the new year

1. Think baby steps

Maybe you’re like me – I’m someone who’s very slow at progress. I’m not spontaneous, I’m indecisive, and I take forever to finish things. I’m learning that I grow the most when I focus on taking the TINIEST baby steps at a time towards a goal.

This is my number one tip, and it’s taken me like 24 years to learn this (haha). But tiny bits of progress acutally ADD UP! What goals do you continue to put off because of how long they would take? Is there anything that seems like you’ll never reach it, so you don’t even try? What would take you an entire year (or more) to accomplish?

Take a second to think about how fast this year has gone by. Now think about the next year, and how fast it’ll be before we’re at the end of 2018. That time is going to pass, whether you’re working towards a new goal or not. Either way, it’s going to fly by. You never know how far you can be in a year if you choose to start taking baby steps right now!

2. Start big, work small

When choosing your goals, start with the big picture, and then work down to smaller steps. Think about who and where you want to be a year from now. What are your biggest values and what areas of your life do you want to grow in the most (like faith, family, friendships, work, health, money, etc.)?

Write down a handful of big goals, but make sure they’re realistic and concrete. Then break them down into smaller pieces, and spread those out into quarterly steps. Then break them down again into monthly tasks.

From there you can focus on a month at a time. Break your goals down AGAIN, so for each month you have weekly tasks, and then figure out what baby steps you need to take each day.

Start with just January, and then focus on the next month at the end of the last one. This is a great way to put some small actions onto your daily to-do list and check something off each day! When the goal is in bite-size pieces, it’s not nearly so daunting. You’ll be amazed how much progress and momentum you can create in a month. And before you know it, the months will be flying by and the progress will start adding up!

3. Give yourself grace

Last and final tip: GIVE YOURSELF GRACE! This my friend, might be the most important step. I guarantee you won’t reach every single goal you set out to accomplish this year. And you’ll for sure miss a day, or two, or three, or maybe more. You have to remember that it’s okay. But you can’t let yourself give up! Always aim for progress.

Before the year starts, take time to schedule a day of reflection at the end of each month. Write it down on your calendar! Use those times to check in with your goals and refresh them if you need to. What did you accomplish this month? What did you completely bomb? Have your goals changed? Do you need to readjust next month? Maybe you’ll have to slow down into even smaller baby steps, but just don’t stop.

Just start

Most people who set new year’s resolutions give up before January is even over. By December they might not even remember what their goals were for that year! And when they set out to make new goals, they write the same ones down for another year, and then another year passes and nothing ever changes. Well guys, I refuse to let that happen.

If you find yourself dissatisfied with any areas of your life, the great news is that you can use those negative emotions as fuel to change and grow! Being unhappy is sometimes healthy, because it’s a clue that change needs to happen. Without passion we’ll never have the motivation to actually DO something!

How do you plan to set good goals for the new year? Leave a comment and weigh in with your thoughts. We can keep each other accountable to reach our goals and have an amazing 2018!

Xo,

Becka

P.S. – 4 productivity tips, and 3 amazing benefits of journaling regularly!

The post 3 Ways To Set Good Goals for the New Year appeared first on Live It Lovely.