Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social media. Show all posts

4/29/17

10 Ways to Feel Beautiful (Even When You Don't)

10 Ways to Feel Beautiful (Even When You Don't)

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Some days, you feel like a movie star. Your hair is put together, someone complimented your outfit, and you seem to radiate confidence and beauty. 

Most of the time, however, you don't feel that way. You feel gross. Unattractive. Messy. Most definitely not beautiful. 

The key word here is feel.

The truth is, we are beautiful whether we feel it or not, but we often don't believe that we are beautiful because we don't feel beautiful.

Stop right now and remind yourself that feelings aren't truth.  They are wonderful and helpful, but they are not to rule over us. God is to rule over our feelings.

Here are 10 ways to embrace your beauty even when you don't feel it:


1. Pray


Talk to God about your feelings of inadequacy. He cares for you. More than that, His Spirit will guide you to live in His way of love. Give Him thanks instead of comparing yourself to others. Praise His name instead of wallowing in a pity party. 


2. Smile


I know this sounds cheesy, but a smile is the best makeup a girl can wear and is even scientifically proven to lighten up moods. Enjoy life, and you will find beauty everywhere. 




3. Stand Up Straight


Don’t shrink back from life because you don’t feel beautiful. Stand up straight and start doing the beautiful work of God! Be confident in the grace of God and the beauty He gives you.





4. Remember God's Word


The best methods I’ve discovered to stop body image insecurity is to replace it with the truth. 1 Samuel 16:7 is my favorite verse for this because it reminds me how to see things as God sees them: 




5. Give Someone a Compliment


You are not the only one who feels un-beautiful sometimes. By helping someone else remember that they are beautiful, you remind yourself what truly is beautiful- love. Nothing is more encouraging than giving encouragement. 


5. Eat Something Healthy


Sometimes you need to put something beautiful in to feel beautiful out. Eating fruit always lifts my spirits and has me feeling ready to take on the day beautifully. Here are five other healthy snack foods!


6. Wear Something Special


This doesn’t mean that you should only feel beautiful in beautiful clothes, but sometimes a new dress or nice necklace helps! Know which clothes fit you best and complement your beauty.




7. Do Something Beautiful


Beauty is, as we all know, found on the inside more than on the outside. Don’t let outward beauty steal our inward beauty!

Instead, focus on doing beautiful things. Give someone a ride and encourage them. Bake cookies for your neighbor for no reason. Make a note for your pastor. Do the dishes for your sister. There are so many beautiful things in the world, most of them in disguise.


8. Give Media a Break


Media fills you with lies. “You should look like her.” “You should own these things.” “Your life should look like this.” I’m not saying that we should avoid media. However, you should know when you are susceptible to believe the lies and not the truth.


9. Don't Give the Lies Thought


Sometimes you get so focused on trying to fix your thoughts about beauty that you get stuck in a thought-loop where you don’t stop thinking about your failures and problems. Sometimes the best thing to do is to simply think about something else and not give those lies another thought.


10. Use Your Gifts


Beauty is more than skin deep. It is also more your abilities to do everything. You are given specific gifts and talents from God. You are meant to use those gifts and talents and should never let insecurity stop you from giving glory to God through the gifts He has given you.



You might not feel beautiful right now, but dear sister, you are beautiful. Isn’t time that you started living beautifully? Isn’t it time that you started believing the truth that you are beautiful no matter what, not because of who you are but because of who God is?

Let us not forget.

Comment your ways to feel beautiful!


Princess Hannah
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Hannah
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3/19/17

Grace In Everything- Two Years Later

Grace In Everything- Two Years Later

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GRACE IN EVERYTHING TURNS TWO TODAY!!!!!!!



Part of me feels shocked that it's been that long, and the other part can't remember a time where I didn't learn something and instantly start forming a blog post in my heart.

First of all, THANK YOU.

THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU.

Without you, reader, Grace In Everything couldn't have done what it's done. And what has Grace In Everything done, you ask? Let me tell you:

Two Years Later: Grace In Everything changed my life. 




It changed how I viewed the lessons God teaches me. I started looking for them and seeking to interpret them into thoughts and words that others, and mainly I, could understand. God made me so much more aware of life through blogging.

It changed how I used my gifts. If you can't tell, I have the spiritual gift of teaching, and this little blog offered me chances to discover how to use this gift to help people, even as they helped me.

It changed how I spent my time. Because, SPOILER ALERT, blogging takes time. I've struggled with this a few times (I'm sure you noticed). Sometimes I didn't have the time to properly blog, but I've learned about time management and also how to write up a blog post in one night!

It changed my major. I went into college majoring in marketing because that was the useful, practical thing to do. I liked business, but it didn't feel like me. That's when I discovered mass communications. My experience with blogging and enjoyment of connecting with the "masses" prompted me to change my major to what I now LOVE.

Two Years Later: I wrote some fun posts.




In these two years, I published 108 posts, so picking a favorite is near impossible. (Like, trying to decide my top five almost hurt physically.) Buuut here a few that I'm pretty darn proud of: 


I often go back to this post myself when I'm struggling to know what to do next. 


This post documents my adventure dancing at AAB in New York two summers ago. Man, I learned so much then! 


I poured out my deepest struggle here, and it was hard. It was hard to face the facts and tell others how I struggle. It was worth it, though, because Jesus shines through me, and in Him, my weakness is strength. 


I love outfit posts, but my fashion testimony in this one made it a favorite! 


Guys, this post freed me so much. It freed me to be me. 

Not mentioned but still treasured are almost every other post I've published. Nbd. 


Two Years Later: I met some cool people.




Whenever life steals me away from blogging, I feel something missing. And no, it's not the sound of fingers typing on a keyboard (school essays will never let me forget that noise). It's the friends that I've made through blogging. Y'all really make it worthwhile. 

Grace, like, I blog for you. You are such a good friend that you deserve your own post of appreciation. 

Erin, I think I've finally gotten over how weird it is that God teaches us the same things at the same time. God is just cool like that. 

Emily, you make my heart smile. 

Abbie, you never cease to inspire me. 

Olivia, you are the coolest. 

Madison, I didn't even know someone could do that with fashion until you showed me. 

There are so many other people too. Really, every person that has commented, messaged, or contacted Grace In Everything is a blessing to me and the blog, so thank you. 


Two Years Later: I did some cool things. 


CHECK IT OUT!!


Paper Comets Magazine. I was a part of a AWESOME collaboration that put together an online magazine! Shout-out to Abigail and Ava for making this happen! A bunch of spectacular people designed pages focused on different inspiring words, so you should check it out. 

Burning Youth. Speaking of awesome collaborations, I am a part of the Burning Youth community. Katie and Abbiee started a fabulous network of bloggers who have a thing or two to say about life. Yes, I haven't posted in a while, but that's about to change.  But seriously, if you want some inspiration, go check it out. 

Instagram. I went out and started an Instagram account for Grace In Everything, and it's been fun! Give your girl a follow. 

Facebook. Yes, Facebook still exists. Plus, it's been very useful in promoting Grace In Everything. Like the page! 

Twitter. Sometimes I'm funny. Most of the time, I just quote my sisters. 


Two Years Later: I'm looking forward to another two years




For the next two years, I have some fun things planned, like...

A YouTube Channel! I'm in the process of starting a YouTube Channel dedicated to my Disney Adventure! It's called Hannah's Disney Adventure- Grace in Disney World. (See what I did there?)

More posts about college life and tips on how to survive. Many of you are in college or about to start, so I'm going to post more about how thrive and enjoy college! 

More posts about beauty and body image. This is one of my most passionate topics, so expect more Edition 139 posts. 

A new look! I'm learning how to code websites, and I've already started on creating a face lift for Grace In Everything! 



Comment below if you remember anything from this rediculously long post! (Since it's my blogiversary, I'll allow myself a bit of grace here.) What's one of your favorite posts from Grace In Everything? Are you as excited for these next two years? 

AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! GRACE IN EVERYTHING WOULDN'T BE HERE WITHOUT ALL OF Y'ALL!!!! So much love to each and every one of you <3 div="">

Princess Hannah
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Hannah
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3/15/17

Is Your Instagram Too Aesthetic?

Is Your Instagram Too Aesthetic?

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Do you take hundreds of photos of random objects against a white background? Are your friends tired of you forcing them to take 25 carefully posed candid pictures? Do you spend more than 15 minutes editing a picture before you post it? Do you regularly go back and delete Instagram posts that no longer fit your aesthetic?

If you answered yes to some of these questions, you may have a condition known as Compulsion Aesthetic Disorder. It is a disorder where you feel a compulsion to made a perfect Instagram feed that may or may not represent your life.

You are not alone, though. It is a disorder that affects many people in the digital world, especially young girls, especially young bloggers.

Do not worry, though; this disorder is treatable! With diligence and confidence, you can reclaim your life from Compulsion Aesthetic Disorder.

Take Instagains today, and free yourself from Compulsion Aesthetic Disorder.












Medicine blurb silliness aside, I want to get real with y'all all about Instagram, how it affects our perception of life, and what we can do about it. Although I completely made up Compulsive Aesthetic Disorder, it is a very prominent tenancy among our generation and something that I struggle with as well.

You see, I want to have a beautiful, clean, fun Instagram profile. I want to post engaging, pretty content, and I spend a lot of time to produce that content.

But what if I, and perhaps you, have it wrong? What if the aesthetic doesn't matter as much as the authenticity? What if there is more meaning in imperfection than perfection?

So I want to give us three challenges when facing the struggles of seeking that perfect aesthetic for Instagram.

1. Examine before editing


How many times have we gone straight to the fixing-up process of posting on Instagram without examining how this photo expresses our lives and influences the lives of others? How many times did we post a pretty picture just because we needed a pretty picture to fill our feed? (I'm guilty.) This verse will bring some conviction to us!

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." -Ephesians 4:29

This counts for Instagram too, gals.

2. Share a story, not a stock photo


I look back on my Instagram account and sometimes think that it looks too messy. Each picture has a lot going on and doesn't "match" the feed, but I wouldn't have it any other way. You see, every picture is rich with a story, even if it's as simple as a beautiful sunset or a a throwback to summer camp. I try not to share something because it will fit my aesthetic; I share because I want to share a story with people and Instagram helps me do that. (Not that I am perfect in doing this at all.) The world, however, tries to get us to think solely of our aesthetic. 

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:16


3. Remember before deleting


It baffles me when people delete all of their posts so that they can start a new aesthetic. There is a time and place for deleting photos, but I haven't found it for me yet. I look at old pictures and marvel at how I've grown. I see lessons that I learned. I see embarrassing things, yes, but that was me. I want people to see me, even bored me at 16.

Today, I challenge you to examine your Instagram and more importantly the heart behind why you share the way you do. I don't want us to lose the heart of our story to get hearts. I don't want our feeds to foster envy more than delight.

This is NOT to say that you shouldn't post pretty things. I am not recommending that you never post a styled post again or a posed candid picture. I also don't expect every picture to contain a blog post's worth of content. These things are good and fun, but I don't want us to get into the mindset that the aesthetic is more valuable than the authenticity or that we much appear to look like we have it all together.

This is a fine balance, and I don't pretend to have it all figured out, but will you join me on making our Instagram accounts beautiful again? Will you join me in seeking to find an aesthetic that is less aesthetic-y and more authentic?

Comment below your thoughts on Instagram. If you have a different view, then please share! I in no way impose my view upon you, and for different people, different Instagram outlooks work better than this one. I love all of your Instagrams, and if I'm not following you, drop your handles in the comments! Also, feel free to check out the profiles that inspired this post: my personal Instagram at @princesshannahp and the blog's Instagram at @graceineverythingblog.

Princess Hannah
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Hannah
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2/28/17

5 Tips to Give Up Social Media for Lent

5 Tips to Give Up Social Media for Lent

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Are you tired of how social media is taking over your life? Do you want a richer, deeper relationship with Jesus? Then you might want to try giving up social media for Lent.

What better time to detox from social media than when we're also preparing our hearts for Easter? What better time to remind ourselves of the true things of life than the time that we remember where our life comes from?

When I tell people that I fasted from social media for Lent, they gawk just a bit. After all, Lent is over 40 days long. Most people can't last 40 hours without social media, let alone 40 days. They think that I might be completely severed from society by the time I get back.

Giving up social media for Lent is not only doable, it is a great experience! In fact, I liked it so much, I've done it twice. In those two years, I've learned a few things that can help you too give up social media for Lent.

1. Find an Accountability Partner

An accountability partner makes giving up social media not only easier but more fun. You can exchange struggles, joys, and accomplishments. You can keep each other strong even when Instagram beckons like a purple square of immediate satisfaction.

2. Give Up Responsibly

Don’t make your fast an excuse to not check important notifications or people. Some groups communicate exclusively though social media. Other people find social media a key instrument for keeping up with family and friends, especially international friends who can't text. Don't sever relationships or commitments, but also don't make excuses because you want to goof off on Instagram during your "fast." Know what is wise for you and stick with it.

3. Replace Your Habit

This is the BIGGEST tip I can give you. The first year I fasted from social media, I didn't replace the extra time I created with anything else. Therefore, at the end of the fast, I didn't accomplish much aside from abstaining from social media.

The second year that I fasted from social media, I replaced looking at social media with memorizing scripture. I got this app called Scripture Typer. Whenever I wanted to click that Pinterest icon, I would go to the Scripture Typer icon. At the end of Lent, I not only got a break from the instantaneous culture of social media, I created a new rhythm that continues to benefit my spiritual walk.

You don't have to memorize scripture. What about reading the Bible, praying, reading other books, texting people encouragement or simply being aware of your surroundings and welcoming the stillness? Find something that excites you to give up social media.

4. Glorify Jesus, Not Yourself

If you fast from social media, you shouldn't shout it out on all of your social media platforms beforehand. Then you will be like the Pharisees in Matthew 6:16-18 who fasted from food and made sure that they looked sad about it in front of others. You shouldn't complain or brag in front of your friends about your fast. It's okay to talk about it, for maybe you'll inspire them as well, but try not let it become a point of pride. This is about Jesus, not you. (Much easier said than done, for we love to pretend things are about us.)

5. Persevere

This is a fancy, Biblical way of saying, "just do it." Don't give up, even when it's hard, because it will be hard. I found it hardest when I felt tired. My mind didn't want to think, so I automatically went to social media to sit around and, well, not think. (That scares me just a bit.)

Go back to those habits that you are trying to pursue over social media. Talk to your accountability partner. Pray. Be wise if you need to adjust your fast, but don't give up simply because it is hard. Know that the Spirit who was with Jesus during his 40 day fast is also in you.

Giving up social media for Lent is a practice that I treasure and encourage all to try sometime. I won't be doing it this year because I am taking a class in social media and must use my personal and blog accounts to get a grade, but I will not use it just for fun.

If you want to check out some other great thoughts and resources about Lent, go to AnnVoscamp’s post and devotional concerning Lent!

I would love to know if you are giving up social media for Lent or thinking about doing it. Leave me a comment! If you're a bit late, no worries. Just start now, and have a great Lent! 



Princess Hannah
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Hannah
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6/29/15

10 Most Useful Pins on Pinterest

10 Most Useful Pins on Pinterest

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So, Pinterest.

I have a mixed relationship with Pinterest. I've been pinning for around three years, and over those years I've wasted hours and hours mildly entertaining myself, pretending to research things, and sometimes actually finding helpful information. This totals up to over 7,000 pins onto 32 boards and I-don't-want-to-know-how-much time spent on this site.

Please don't misunderstand me, I really like Pinterest. I think that it is a useful site to gather lots of ideas on projects. For example, Pinterest helped me research and plan my graduation party and actually made me more productive. Pinterest also provides a refuge for when I don't want to think. It makes me laugh. It prompts me to cook. It inspires me to create. But sometimes, I spend too much time on Pinterest. Do you understand? It's a blessing or a curse, depending on how you use it.

With all of that said, I want to help you to use your time wisely but still get the most out of Pinterest, so I've compiled my top ten useful Pinterest pins I've ever pinned. Ever. And as I said earlier, I've pinned quite a few things.

I'm what I like to call a versatile pinner, meaning I pin lots of different things. Verses. Dresses. Make up. Recipes. Room decor. Ballet. Humorous things. Cats. Quotes. And more. So narrowing my almost 7,000 pins to the top ten useful pins made things challenged me. But I did remember, without much searching of my boards, my ten most used pins on Pinterest.

Get your mouse ready to click that pin-it button.


1. Cardio Workout by PopSugar Fitness


I go back to this workout again and again when I need a quick cardio burn. It only lasts ten minutes, but it kills you! When I first started doing this video, I needed to pause it at least twice to catch my breath, but now I can do it and PopSugar Fitness's ten minute jump rope workout in a row! This testifies to how much stamina this little beast can give you! (Also, check out the other PopSugar Fitness videos. Most of them are around ten minutes and I find them to challenge me and still build me up!)

2. Social Media Timing by JCSM

Mejores horas para publicar en las redes sociales. Infografía en inglés. Título original: Best Times to Post on Social Media
Found here   
This chart assists me more than I care to tell you. I don't know when the best times to post are, and so I often times refer to this chart to make sure I use my social media wisely. As a blogger, this helps me to spread my content efficiently and effectively.

3. How to Pose for Pictures by Kate Pease

here
Found here
Whenever I pose for pictures, I always remind myself of these tips, and they work wonders too! Multiple pictures and examples accompany each tip, and she makes posing clear and fun! Supermodel status, here we come!

4. Combat Words by Unknown

                                 Combat description... I NEED THIS

For a writer of a fantasy trilogy, this pin helped me to better write battle scenes without repeating thrust and defended over and over again. Also, I benefitted from reading this post on eight things writers forget about when writing fight scenes.

5. Oatmeal Banana Pancakes by Inside Bru Crew Life

Skinny Banana Oatmeal Pancakes - light pancakes made from bananas, eggs, and oatmeal
Found here
I don't make many of the recipes that I pin (I won't lie). But this one I have made many times, and I even developed my own take on the recipe, coming soon to the blog!

6. How to Contour by The Beauty Department

How to contour
Found here
Contouring. It's a mystery. But this illustration breaks it all down, and so I bring it out every now and then when I want to sculpt my face. The Beauty Department gives many useful and simple pins that clarify so many beauty hacks and tutorials!

7. 42 Stock Photo Websites by International Bloggers Association

47 Awesome Websites where you can download FREE STOCK PHOTOS! This is the perfect resources for bloggers and website owners.
Found here
Sometimes, when blogging, I just need a good picture of a desk because I don't feel like cleaning mine, taking the picture, editing the picture, and then uploading the picture. That's where stock photos come in, but finding good stock photos can prove challenging. This website gives so many options that I always find what I'm looking for!

8. How to Half Tuck Your Shirts by Babble

I've never really known how to do the half tuck, but after reading this article, I think I'll half tuck everything!
Found here
Half-tucking shirts baffled me for a while, but this girl shows you clearly how to effortlessly pull off the half-tuck. As a side note, this pin gets repinned constantly from my clothing board. Almost every day someone else will repin it.

9. Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken by Food.com

Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken Ingredients 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 tablespoons brown sugar 3 teaspoons olive oil Directions Preheat oven to 500°F and lightly grease a casserole dish. In small sauté pan, sauté garlic with the oil until tender. Remove from heat and stir in brown sugar. Place chic
Found here
So, technically, my mom pinned this recipe forever ago, but it all counts. (I did go and pin it recently.)

This recipe rocks! We make this simple dinner at least once a month because my whole (rather picky) family eats it (except for one who eats plain meat with no sauce). It tastes delicious and goes well with brown rice and corn. I will add that when we make this recipe, we use chicken thighs instead of breasts because thighs taste better. We've also made this recipe with pork chops instead of chicken. So next time you need an easy dinner, check this pin out!                                                      

10. Blemish Covering Makeup by Lisa Eldridge


This video revolutionised the way that I looked at foundation and concealer. Lisa Eldridge explains things with great clarity (and a lovely British accent) and thinks of makeup with simplicity, emphasising natural beauty. Please go and binge watch her videos, because they will (a) enable you to look extra beautiful and (b) make you want to go to the makeup store and buy everything.

I hope that you enjoyed these top ten useful pins that I've pinned on Pinterest. Now, of course, I love so many other pins on Pinterest, but these have stuck with me and actually benefited my life. To see more of my Pinterest account, please click here. Feel free to follow me and pin away! Also, don't forget to repin my pins from the blog! It means so much to me when someone pins or repins one of the images from the blog!

Enjoy the beauty and laughter in the world, good gifts that come from a better Father!

Princess Hannah

(p.s.- I'm in New York right now, starting my first week at American Academy of Ballet! I appreciate prayers, especially because my back is still healing. Thank you guys so much for all of the support!)
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Hannah
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