A Giving Heart...

Amy Nowill has a smile that can light up a room. The minute you meet her you instantly know that there is something so special about this kind soul. I met her earlier this year through a mutual friend, who is also an amazing woman. I am lucky to find these women and count them as friends.

Being that we all grew up in a small town, I realized that Amy's husband Dan and I went to school together and that we in fact have many mutual friends. After meeting her I found out something very special about her that I find completely heartwarming and admirable.

Amy is a former preschool teacher and is now a stay at home mom of two boys. In 2011, as part of Love in Motion, a ministry of Monadnock Bible Conference that has been in Haiti since 1983, she made her first trip to Port Au-Prince, Haiti with a group of 12 strangers for mission work. A trip that has changed Amy's life forever. According to Love in Motion's website this is what they do...

"As we meet physical needs of hunger, thirst, nakedness and sickness,we have the opportunity to speak to their spiritual needs in Jesus’ name. The majority of our efforts are focused on: building schools and orphanages, medical clinics, food and water distribution, and child sponsorship. Some of these are initiatives that Haitians could not provide or would have a difficult time providing, like medical clinics and food distribution.  Others are done side by side, encouraging our Haitian brothers and sisters to take part in the project."

To hear her talk about what they do makes your heart smile. It also makes you very aware of how lucky we are and how fortunate we are to have "Amys".  Amy will head there again in 2013.

To fund her trip to Haiti, Amy makes beautiful wrap bracelets. The bracelets are available in a variety of bead colors, leather choices and lengths to suit your personal taste. Each one is made to order, so it is a custom piece - unique to you. They are $15 each. Amy donates all of her time and money to this cause. Once she has reached her $1700 goal to pay for the trip, any money over and above that goes towards medicine and food to help the Haitians that she takes care of during her trip.

Her bracelets have caught on like wildfire. At this point, she needs 6 weeks to fill orders. If you are interested in ordering a bracelet, you can contact her through her facebook page .

Amy is also looking for donations. Even if you are just cleaning out your medicine cabinets and want to bag up what you have, she'll take it.

Things like:
Emergen C, Aleve, Ibuprofen, iron pills, anti fungal cream, eye drops, Selsun Blue original shampoo, LOTS of prenatal vitamins, Children's Tylenol chewable for ages 2-6 and 6-11 and Tylenol infant drops, etc...

Even if it's expired, she'll take it. It's better than nothing. Amy is willing to accept donations at her home. You can bag them and leave them at her home 8 Glen Rd in Keene, NH.

So check your cabinets, maybe scope out the clearance section or pick up an extra item when you shop. It is greatly appreciated by Amy and the people that she cares for.

Amy is the true essence of what makes someone beautiful. It shows in her actions and on her face. I hope that she inspires you to do something for someone else.

Smiling heart,
xo
Bethany

Fa La La La Frazzled? Be Dazzling Instead!

Anyone else feeling fa la la la frazzled instead of feeling dazzled by this time of year?

The holiday season is in full swing! Shopping, baking, parties and events fill our schedules faster than you can say "Merry Christmahanukwanzakah"! Wow...that's a mouthful! I can barely say it after 3 cups of coffee never mind a glass of Christmas cheer!

My schedule has been a little nutty as of late but I am trying to enjoy the holiday season and not dread it. See, my normal 9-5 (well 5a-12p) job makes it so that I get inundated with everything Christmas. As wonderful as that is, it makes it hard to keep it up 24/7.

I am a big fan of enjoying the important part of the holidays. Not the commercial spend, spend, spend part. I try to make sure the true meaning of the holidays is not lost on me. I want to do for others and spend as much quality time as I can with the ones I love. That being said, I know gifts are bought and received. It's part of it. If I can choose, I love a gift that makes the recipient feel good.

So in keeping with the "do for others" theme, I have a few things going on.

First, during this month I will feature some health and beauty companies that give back to others. By supporting them, you are helping to support other amazing organizations that can really use our help.

Second, after being asked by several people, I will be offering a few different types of gift certificates/services for holiday giving. Maybe for yourself or someone on your list. Here's what I have available...

Makeup Application
Do you have a party or function to go to over the holidays and want an extra special look? Let me make you sparkle for the evening.
Allow about 30 minutes

Show Me The Way - Consultation/Shopping/Application
Want to learn how to do your makeup and what products to use? We shop (with whatever your budget is) and then we sit side by side while I show you how to apply your makeup and teach you what I know.
Allow an hour and a half

Make Me Over
This could be a combination of many things. Maybe you want makeup, hair or fashion advice or a lesson on false eyelashes. The possibilities are endless!
Inquire for options

Feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at radiobethany987@gmail.com for questions about gift certificates or consultations.

I hope you are all enjoying the season so far and not stressing out. It's so easy to get caught up in it. If you are stressed out and feeling fatigued, check back tomorrow. I'll have some helpful tips to get you through!

xo
Bethany

I Will Not Share Before Photos...I Will Not Share Before Photos

Once in awhile you have to break the rules, swim upstream, grab the bull by the horns, be a rebel, show'em who's boss, stick it to the man! Enough cliches? Thought so. There comes a time when you have to take control of a situation and be the boss. In this case, it is the seemingly endless battle of the bulge. 

I could wait around and do the typical New Year's resolution of losing weight, getting healthier and working out more like 75% of the population but I want a jump start. I do work out and eat relatively healthy now. I take Zumba, teach it and do other workouts when I can. But, I will eat chips or a piece of candy. Life is too short not to. I have also been known to enjoy a glass of wine, a martini, shot of tequila, vodka...anyone else thirsty? Ok, I'm getting off track. After eating too much Halloween candy and really enjoying Thanksgiving I decided to hit the ground running this week.

This time around, I grabbed a buddy, my girlfriend Kylah. We workout, eat, play, drink and relax together on a regular basis. I knew that she had been wanting to get more serious about her eating habits and workout routine. And for myself, if I am being perfectly honest...I want a hot body. I don't want anything "extra" hanging around. I want to be toned and have the best body I can while I am still young. I'll admit it. That's not a bad thing. Is it vain? Yup! Do I care that it is? Nope. I have no shame.

I've done this before. I know what to do. A few years ago I teamed up with the owner of a gym. I changed my lifestyle, lost over 30 lbs and got in shape. I figure if we start now, we have a head start on New Year's resolutions. It's so easy to let a cheat day turn into a cheat month, especially this time of year. It's a month long excuse to throw caution to the wind. If we wait til January 1st, we could have an extra 10 lbs hugging our hips.

So we have armed ourselves with recipes, workouts, motivational tools and goals. Today was not the most fun day of the whole process. We took before photos and measurements. I have PROMISED that those photos and measurements will not be seen by anyone. Otherwise, I will have to sleep with one eye open for eternity. So, for the time being, I will say that we weigh *** and *** lbs respectively. We don't have goal numbers, we have goal images and we know how we want to feel about ourselves. (Maybe when we reach our goals she'll let me tell where we started?!)

We will be each other's drill sergeants, cheerleaders, confidants and motivation from this point forward. I will let you know from time to time where we're at, what we've found out and if we have tips and tricks for you to try. 

If you've been thinking you need to do this too, grab a friend. Write down what you eat, drink and when you workout. It makes you accountable. Do it for the "hot" body, your health or to set a good example for your kids. Everyday you wake up with a choice of whether to take matters into your own hands or let them slim through your fingers. It's up to you!

You make your life what it is!

xo
Bethany

Channel Your Inner Snow Bunny Not Polar Bear

In the summer we wear less clothes. We're tanned, bronzed and blissful. Sundresses, bathing suits, flip flops and not a care in the world. In the winter we are bundled, pink, static-y and always searching for another layer.

Put the Snuggie, Elmer Fudd hat and long johns down! Here are some adorable and warm winter solutions to keep you fashionable and frost bite free!

Put a hat on!

Not all women like wearing hats or think that they look good in them. I'm a bit of a hat junkie. There are so many styles to pick from. Most importantly, a hat keeps the heat in and keeps you warm. If you really can't do a hat, there are these adorable headwraps/headbands that will keep your ears covered and warm. I love this beautiful headband. Tons of these on Etsy. I love getting hats from places like TJ Maxx too. They always have unique choices, great brands and a good selection.

Crocheted Headband
Etsy $15

Frost bitten toes are not sexy or comfortable

Sexy boots are great but they are not going to prevent frozen toes! Frost bite is not fashionable. Just because you need to stay warm doesn't mean you can't look great too. Now, I love these. They are a small fortune. BUT...they will get you through a few winters before they are worn out. They are warm and stylish. I'm going to ask Santa for them because my wallet already said "HELL NO".

Joan of Artic Wedge Boot
Victoria's Secret $270

Wrap it up!

I am a HUGE fan of scarves and pashminas. I must have at least 30. A scarf is a super easy way to add an accessory that compliments your skin tone, there by making you look better. Perfect! Maybe your black coat isn't your best color, add a gorgeous scarf and you've instantly brightened your face. There are so many styles to choose from too. I tend to love pashminas because they keep you warm but you can also wear them inside too to accessorize your wardrobe. One of the new styles I love are the infinity scarves. They are attached end to end and you just loop it a couple of times. 

Brighten up a grey day
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to stay in dark, muted colors. Wear something warm and bright! A bright cashmere sweater, colorful pants, a dress or even just a scarf will take the blah out of a 20 degree day.

Lovely leather
I love leather gloves for winter. I instantly feel like my outfit is complete with a pair of them on. They are classy and functional. I personally like the longer style. For one, they cover more territory, keeping you warmer and two, they work great with ponchos and cropped sleeve jackets too. Check out this beautiful pair from Macy's.


Don't use winter as an excuse to throw on 4 layers of fleece and be bulky like a bear. You can be warm and fashionable. Use winter as a time to channel your inner snow bunny. Legwarmers, bright tights (double up for a more opaque look and warmth), fur (fake or real), ponchos etc... are all fun winter friendly items that can add a lot to your look. 

Winter offers us beautiful fabrics, more accessories, rich colors and reasons to dress up! It might be freezing outside but you can still look hot!

Stay warm!
xo
Bethany

Stuck in a Rut? Let Me Pull You Out.

I get bored easily but I am also a creature of habit. One of the things I do love to switch up and experiment with is my makeup and hair. It can totally change your appearance. One of the best things about being a woman...we never have to look the same way! We all get in our comfort zones though and I know so many women that do the same thing day after day, year after year.

Are you stuck in a rut? Let me pull you out!

A great time to experiment with your looks is when the seasons change. Think about it, being bronzed and golden is gorgeous in the summer but once the winter months roll around, it seems a bit out of place. Don't get me wrong, I am a sucker for a good tan and sparkly summer shadows, but I try to phase it out once the gloves come out.

Here are some tips and things to try during the winter months.

Prime your canvas
If you've never tried a makeup primer, winter is a great time. Your skin tends to be drier in the winter. Putting foundation on dry skin is tricky, it can accentuate it more than hide it. Put your moisturizer on first and then slick on a primer. It will help to hold your moisturizer in and it gives your face a better surface to start with.

Laying a foundation
Your skin is most likely paler this time of year. It's important to match the color the best you can. The other important thing to look for is something that is creamier than your usual makeup. You want to keep your skin moisturized so choose a foundation with oil in it. Even if you have oily skin, it's a good idea. What you need to make sure you do is remove your makeup at the end of the day. That's what causes an issue.

You're making me blush

I love a cream blush. It provides a more natural look. Think of how your cheeks look when you've just been outside in the cold. That's what you want to achieve. Skip the bronzer. Go with colors like a berry or mauve. Redheads like me, go more towards a coral tone. I love to contour my cheekbones for a more sculpted look. To accomplish this, hold your fingers like I have them in the picture. 

1. Highlighter above the top finger.
2. Your normal blush in between your two fingers
3.Then underneath your bottom finger (in the hollow of your cheeks, when you suck them in), put a little darker blush color.
4. Blend well with a brush so that the lines aren't sharp.

My what beautiful eyes you have

Skip the pale sparkly shades for winter. They will wash you right out. This time of year is perfect for trying browns, greys and jewel tones. You can find great color combos to make it easier. Black eyeliner is always a good choice but I like to experiment with plum, navy, hunter green and brown too. If you don't want a harsh line on your lower lid, use a small angled brush and use eyeshadow instead for a more smudged look. Add a nice thickening mascara or falsies to finish it off.

Lips of an angel
I'll be honest. Lipstick is the hardest thing for me. I have full lips, so I tend to stick with my lip shade but glossier because I don't want my lips to enter the room before I do. It takes a lot for me to veer away from my comfort zone. If you want to experiment, the winter is a great time for rich berries and plum shades. They will enhance the overall color in your face, plus because they are a blue base color, your teeth will look whiter. Score! You can always try a gloss version if lipstick scares you. Everyone can wear red lip color too. You just have to pick the right shade for your skin tone.

Play around with your look. Most importantly, have fun experimenting. One of the great things about this time of year, when it comes to your beauty routine, is that so many companies put together special kits and palettes for gift giving. You can score some great deals too. So why not, give yourself the gift of winter beauty and scoop up some new
things just for you.

xo
Bethany

"Snooki on Ice", Snow Bunnies and a Cold Shower

Ready or not...here it comes!!!

What?! Noooo! I'm not ready! The calendar doesn't say it's winter yet?! But as we know, only in New England do we go from sunshine and 60 degrees to an inch of snow and 20 degrees in a matter of hours. I admit, I actually wore flip flops into the gym tonight. And yes, it was snowing at the time. I need to get over it.

Mother Nature may give us a run for our money this time of year but my goal is to help you stay a beautiful snow bunny even if you are freezing your tuckus off.

So, what kind of effect does winter have on your beauty routine? For today, let's talk about your hair and skin. In the next couple of blogs I'll talk about how to change your makeup for the winter and then what my favorite products are for the winter months.

For your skin, here's what you need to know...

Taking a long hot shower
I know in the winter, when you're freezing, this seems like a great idea. Unfortunately, it's not a great idea for your skin. After about 15 minutes, you make it so that your skin loses its ability to hold moisture. So either take a cooler or shorter shower.

Dry skin
Are you guilty of the long hot showers? Plus rough feet and dry hands are common issues too. Use a body lotion as soon as you get out of the shower. At night, before you go to bed, slap on some foot cream and then put on thick cotton socks. For your hands, remember to use a rich cream as often as you can. I also rub my moisturizer into my hands after I put it on my face.

Chapped lips
It's almost impossible to not get chapped lips in the winter. I am a bit of a lip balm junkie. I have them everywhere. The important thing to remember is you want one that is rich but not waxy. Also, if it is a menthol type, it can actually make it worse, which means you use more, which makes your lips more chapped and so on and so on. Vicious cycle. Avoid ones that have artificial flavors if yours are really bad. My favorite is actually made by Aquaphor. If your lips are really chapped, rub them with a warm wet washcloth to exfoliate them and then slather on the lip balm.

Bronzed beauty
Go easy on bronzer and self tanner in the winter. "Snooki on Ice" is not the look you want. Use a lotion with a gradual tanner in it if you must. Especially since sunless tanner really needs to be on moisturized skin or you'll like like a gator.

Frizzy, static-y hair
Cold air, heat, hat head and wind don't make for a great hair day. Try using hydrating and smoothing shampoo and conditioner. Also, a silicone based smoothing product works great too. Static is a huge issue for me. I've actually taken my radio station off air before from a big zap! I'll spray a brush or my hands with Static Guard or hairspray to tame unruly pieces and to keep it under control.

Summer hair needs to hibernate
Think about adjusting your hair color for the colder months. Looking sun bleached can seem a little off when there's 2 ft of snow on the ground. It's a great chance to add some richer tones to your hair or maybe low lights. Even if they are just temporary. Whether you're blonde, brunette or a red head, remember that you aren't as tan in the winter so being too light or too one dimensional can make your skin look pasty.


Those are just a few tips. Tomorrow I will let you know how to adjust your makeup routine. I'm going to go and put all of my flip flops away now and dig out the winter boots. Wait...what? It snowed tonight but it's going to be 60 this weekend. Typical. Maybe I'll keep one pair out. Just in case.

Have a beautiful and warm night!
xo
Bethany 

Even Wonder Woman Needs a Little "Me Time"

"I don't have time."

How many times have those words come out of your mouth? So many women use this as an excuse not to take the time to take care of themselves. We work, raise families, take care of homes and everyone else but ourselves. It's so easy to do and for some reason we justify it. Taking care of yourself is just as important as anything else.

Taking care of yourself is not being conceited. It is not being vain. It does not make you high maintenance. It means you value yourself and take pride in who you are from the inside out. It is not something to ever feel guilty about.

I promise you, you can still be a great mother, wife, employee, keeper of the house and Wonder Woman even if you make some "me" time. Honestly, you'll probably be better at it all.

Here are some of my best tips for being the best you possible with a limited budget and even less time.

Keep your makeup and hair products in a central location
Little ones running around the house? Locking yourself in the bathroom to do your makeup and your hair is probably not an option. I keep all of my stuff in my kitchen. It's in the middle of the house. I can see what's going on and get ready in between packing lunch and signing permission slips. You can also keep a small makeup bag in the glove compartment in the car for quick touch ups.

Pick your clothes out once a week
It may take you some time initially but if you set aside your outfits on Sunday night for example, you know what you need and can have it ready to go. Instead of that last minute rush at 7am scrambling around the house looking for socks, you can get started on that second cup of coffee.

Don't wash and dry your hair everyday
First off, its not good for it. You strip it of natural oils. If it's colored, your color will fade faster. Dry shampoo, I can't say it enough, it is a life saver. I have red hair. Red hair fades fast. My routine is straight hair the first day, curly the next and if I have to, an up-do day on day 3. There are so many cute hair ideas on Pinterest. Check them out. I love to spray my hair with salt water spray, braid it and sleep on it. Instant beach waves the next day in no time. Also, get a great haircut. Something that works with the natural texture of your hair. It will take less time to style.

Multi task with skin and hair care
A moisturizer that is tinted and has a spf, hair spray that adds shine and protects from heat and a face mask that also exfoliates. There are tons of great ways to cut corners.

Schedule your time for yourself
Pre-book beauty appointments. Even better, book them with friends. Then you get the added benefit of girl time. Set them for a time when your little ones can have a play date. Maybe you can return the favor for the mom hosting it.

Work out during commercial breaks
Can't find time to work out? Yes you can. I know you're exhausted but if you exercise, it helps with your energy level. Try this great little workout routine during the commercial breaks of your favorite shows. This one is great! Commercial workout
 

Boost your wardrobe without shrinking your wallet
Having a family is expensive. As mothers, we tend to take care of the children first, naturally. Which means a lot of times we are left with a less than stellar wardrobe. Check out thrift stores. So many times you'll find great designer items at really inexpensive prices. Have a clothing swap with friends. Gather all of the items you don't wear, get together with girlfriends and swap stuff. "New to you" can be as good as new! You can also add to your wardrobe with accessories. They can instantly change the look of your wardrobe and update your style.

Eat well
How many times have you skipped a meal because you are busy? Big mistake. It messes with your metabolism, blood sugar and makes you feel sluggish. Stash some protein bars or snacks in your car, purse or at your desk. It might not be a full course meal but it's better than nothing.

These are just a few ways to make time for yourself. I will go into more options with future blogs.
  
But for now, repeat after me...
"Taking the time to take care of myself makes me a better me. I am not neglecting my children. I am teaching them a valuable lesson."

Your children learn from you. Do not feel guilty for taking the time to take care of yourself. You are teaching them to take pride in themselves. This is a HUGE lesson. It matters as much as being nice to others, respect, etc...

If you are doubtful, do me a favor and try it. Even if just for a couple of days. Take the time to pull your outfit together, do your hair, put on a little makeup and see how it makes you feel. I hear from women all the time that try it and can't believe the difference. I am not saying devote an hour and a half each day because most of us can't and don't need to. But take a little time. You deserve it.

If you have ways that you cut corners and costs, I would love to hear from you!

Have a great night!
xo
Bethany