ARBONNE || it's a long story

I began my health + wellness journey (it's all the rage) about four years ago.
It was shortly after the birth of my first son and I was suddenly "very sensitive"
to the world around me. My husband began affectionately referring to me as the
"girl in the bubble" around this time as I began to avoid all of my triggers.

It wasn't just food. It was household cleaning products, hygiene products, the clothes
I was wearing (latex), the candles I was lighting in my house, the cigarettes my neighbor
was lighting 20+ feet from the building, etc. My initial reaction was to actually purchase
a giant bubble to live in. When your world is spinning out of control, and you're trying to
figure out how to make a cake with kale flour and scrubbing your toilet with the same vinegar
you make pickles with, you get desperate.

I started with nutrition, but in the past year or so I've been focusing more on household
and beauty products. I was reluctant to give up my tried and true beauty products. And honestly
I couldn't, and still can't, afford to just wipe the slate and start over again.

But when my sister, Nellie, started working with ARBONNE... she lured me in. Like she's a
good saleswoman or something! She's so passionate and dedicated to this company, and I'm
proud of her. I realized it could totally work and be affordable if I just paced myself and
bought replacements for my drugstore brands full of chemicals, preservative, dyes,
fragrances, etc. as they ran out.

And the truth is, I will never go back.
The difference was that obvious.

My eyes are no longer red and puffy.
My skin is softer than ever.
I am getting safe + quality coverage.

Some of my favorite beauty products (left to right) so far are:

CALM Gentle Daily Moisturizer
Make-up Primer (more here)
Charcoal Eye Liner
It's a Long Story Mascara
Dusty Rose Blush

My newest addition being "It's a Long Story Mascara"!!! Waterproof. Lengthening. Strengthening.
It goes on smoothly and comes off easy - not tearing out my eyelashes like some other product I
was "so in love with" before. I never need to reapply and it doesn't leave any "dust" on my
face. Even after corralling babies all day. It basically transforms me into a movie star.
____________________________

ARBONNE's ingredient policy reads...

"Transparency and honesty. They are the hallmarks of our product integrity. At Arbonne we are continuously improving and evaluating our ingredient policy so we can develop the most thoughtfully designed, innovative, safest products. And we’re always striving to do better. Each and every single day.

We formulate without...

talc | tallow | carbon black | animal products or by-products | parabens | formaldehyde-donating preservatives | phthalates | formaldehyde | alkylphenols | benzene | monoethanolamine | triclosan | synthetic dyes | hydroquinone | artificial sweeteners | artificial flavors | cholesterol | trans fats | mineral oil"





Nellie is giving away one It's a Long Story Mascara to one of my readers this week!
Head on over to my INSTAGRAM account to enter to win <<<

Or if you'd like to join the Arbonne conversation,
catch my sister at Nellie.Simoneau@gmail.com
or leave your e-mail in the comments below.

Blanqi Girl || answering FAQ

confession:
I would be lying if I told you that I feel so totally normal and content in my skin from pregnancy to postpartum. I think I'm like most gals out there. At least I hope I'm not alone! We know the incredible privilege and honor of carrying and bearing life, but also feel a little scared at times; unsure of ourselves, stretched, tired, given up for the tiny beautiful people who crown us:

MOMMA.

I do love my body! And it has taken 3 pregnancies to arrive at that level of enthusiasm. All the weird aches and pains, stretch marks, and changes! Ricky Ricardo would say "ay-yi-yi." I kid you not, after Bella was born, I had 3 moles FALL OFF. Strange. But she is my third. Just another walk in the park. Nothing to see here. But I am more in love with the "new me" than I ever was with the "old me" because all the lines (and there are many under my one piece swimming suit) tell the greatest story of my life.
It's a trilogy called: Isaiah, Judah, and Bella.

In the ever-changing climate of motherhood, there has been one constant for me; a company that has delivered the one thing that I honestly feel like I can't do pregnancy or postpartum without: BLANQI.

If I was a tattoo kind of girl, I'd have (( BLANQI )) in ink over my heart.

I've raved about this company, the owners and designers, Valerie and Sabina, before.
And if you know me in real life, you know that I lose no opportunity to share the little
secret behind my maternity and postpartum clothing that is "holding it all together"!!!


// currently wearing this support tank

::: FAQ :::
______________________________________________________

can you wear it postpartum?
YES! I use the maternity underbust support tank postpartum the same way, and with as much frequency,
as I do when I am pregnant. I, unlike some lucky ducks I know, don't bounce back to pre-baby body very
quickly. The tank helps smooth everything out and hold up those pants that don't exactly fit just yet.
The fabric is tight enough that you can literally wear your pants unbuttoned and not worry about
anything showing. Makes me feel more like "me".

can you breastfeed in the tank?
Due to the underbust design, it truly is IDEAL for breastfeeding. The fabric keeps your tummy
and all covered; leaving momma and baby easy access to breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
And the six other meals they need. Ha.

what is your favorite color?
I use the winter white, teal (limited edition) and deepest black. My favorite color is the
black because it works best with the colors in my wardrobe. I would buy the color that you most frequently prefer to wear in a camisole or layering tank top.

does it get stretched out?
I have gained 50-60 pounds with each pregnancy and I can testify that my BLANQI bodystylers
are as good today as they were the day I bought them. If you properly wash and care for your tanks,
you should never have a complaint. And NO - you do not have to dry it to make it shrink back to
preferred tightness/support. It's magical. Like a unicorn.

how does it compare to a belly band?
BLANQI offers ALL OVER support. This is not just about holding up your pants or taking some
pressure off your hips. The unique design literally helps spread out the weight, tension leaving
you in better posture and comfort. During my third trimester, I SLEEP in my BLANQI because it
helps THAT much. Also, unlike a belly band, the bodystyler helps smooth out EVERYTHING --
from your bust to your thighs. Can I get an "amen"?!

can you see it under your clothing?
You cannot see any funny lines. Not bulky. Not awkward looking.

is it worth the money?
Absolutely. You get what you pay for. Quality. Satisfaction. This is like the Cadillac of
bodystylers. Period. My sister and I have shared four different tanks (of various colors and
lengths) back and forth through SIX pregnancies (both gaining 50-60 pounds each time) over the
past 5 years and they are still functioning 100%. There you go.

what size do YOU wear?
I know the charting and all can be confusing. I am 5'7" - ranging from 130-190 pounds (pregnant
to postpartum.) I wear a MEDIUM. Hope that helps!


// SECRET CHECK-OUT CODE
Want to try BLANQI?
Use my personal discount code: B117 at checkout to get 20% OFF your first purchase!!!
Feel free to ask me any questions if you need help! #blanqigirl #forever
XO- B

WEAR || Bizzy B Crafts

Last year we discovered Miss Brittany over at Bizzy B Crafts and
absolutely fell in LOVE with her work! She makes the BEST child-size infinity scarves!
Soft and oh-so-hipster, right?! They are a MUST for my boys' fall/winter wardrobe.

Seriously, there were TEARS when my boys discovered that they had to WAIT for their new
scarves to come in the mail this year. TEARS. Thanks for saving their little lives, Brittany!

Brittany has been so kind to offer my readers a 15% OFF promo code!

ENTER: THELILYFIELD

Hello, Christmas shopping?!
Don't worry - she makes beautiful things for people of all ages!!!
Check it out.



Bizzy B Crafts || Instagram || Twitter || Facebook

InStyle with the Bump || Dark + Floral

"This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, InStyle,
Vogue, and Elle, but all opinions are my own." #pmedia #inspirefallfashion // full disclosure
_____________________________________________________

I believe that "fashion" is for all. It's a natural, creative desire within us that radiates forth - bursting
into sequenced pumps or classic flats, layers of cotton or ruffles in satin, boot cuts or skinnies forever.
We all have our own unique style and drive and I believe it is to be CELEBRATED!

I am currently a 36 weeks pregnant hot mess.

Confession: the other day I seriously texted my husband, "I want to be so cute, but I just feel so
big and large and round!" - with some very sad emoticons for all-intensive, visual purposes. I think we as
women, myself included - right smack in the front of the line, can be so critical of ourselves when we
could be taking all that God-given, beautiful, radiate energy and using it to ROCK what we've got!

Preaching to myself: life is too short to not embrace the fashionista within!

From size 0 to plus - from tiny to voluptuous - from petite to tall - from maternity to post partum -
raise your glasses... because the Fall fashion magazines are dripping with ideas for YOU. Yes, you!


I ran to Target (because I ALWAYS run to Target!) and picked up the September issues of
InStyle and Elle. Fun fact, right now if you buy any two (InStyle, Elle or Vogue) fashion magazines
through September 13th, 2014 you get a $5 Target gift card. Um - that's a pumpkin spice latte on your
way out the door! Read and sip, my friends - read. and. sip!

All the dark colors paired with floral immediately caught my eye! *Swoon*
So this Fall I'm going vintage-classy and I'm taking "the bump" with me!!!





black stretch turtle neck // Target (similar)
floral skirt // Carol Anderson
moccasin flats // Nine West
slouch hat // American Eagle
rings // Target

Be encouraged, be inspired, be who you were created to be and dress accordingly! There are lots
of beautiful ideas out there (hey thanks - InStyle, Elle, Vogue!), so I'm going to highly recommend that
you start at Target and get that PSL with your $5 gift card on the way out the door!!!

InStyle || TWITTER + FACEBOOK + INSTAGRAM

My Husband Gave Me a Modesty Lecture

"Your dress is a little revealing," my husband stated in the most monotone, obviously
not impressed, voice ever.

"What does that even mean?" I shot back a tad defensively. I suddenly felt on the insecure
side of it all; trapped in a car, on the way to church, with no way to change or alter the outfit.

He apparently saw something that I didn't see.

"I'm pregnant and married. And pregnant. Nobody cares, babe."

"You can think what you like, but that's not true. I care," he gently shared.

"Are you giving me a modesty lecture?!"


Oh man, he's serious. Immediately my mind races to the fact that I am 28 weeks pregnant
and bursting out of all my clothing in EVERY direction. He's lucky I didn't erupt in tears
right then and there just focusing on the fact that my body is "not normal", and clothes that
I typically wear with a size A bra, most likely from the junior's department, suddenly don't
look so "modest" anymore. I chose to play devil's advocate. Because I'm feisty like that.

"What? So I'm my brother's keeper or something holy like that?"

Before I knew it, bible verses were swinging, analogies were flying, and I found myself
passionately declaring: "I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANOTHER PERSON'S SIN!"

Like for real. That came out of my mouth.

"So I can't drink alcohol because someone might be an alcoholic? I can't eat cake because someone
might be a glutton? I can't go shopping with a friend because they might be a thief. I can't wear
*this or that* because someone might struggle with lust? Sin is just waiting to happen.
EVERYWHERE."

Seriously, there's a very hormonal, 16 year old girl trapped somewhere inside my body.

The idea of having to think through every situation, outfit, is absolutely overwhelming to me;
positively scrupulous, slightly on the fundamentalist side of things with a dash of puritanism.

For me, modesty is not about the rules and regulations. I've never thought of it that way,
and I never will. I've met girls who live by the "2 inch" tank top and "finger tip length" shorts
law. That's just not me. But you know what, if that's their thing, all the power to them.

Because I truly believe that modesty is a matter of the HEART.
And it's a two-way street, brothers and sisters... a two-way street.

And I feel like there are two dominating strains of thought in this country:

1.) the body, sex, anything closely related is TABOO

2.) the body, sex, anything closely related should be EXPLOITED

No happy medium. It's either just "bad" or made "worse" by glorifying all the wrong things.

The body was created GOOD. So very good. Genesis 1:31. After "the fall", most obviously seen
in our present day and age, is the distortion of what was created GOOD - all things being bent and
twisted. Pleasurable, but not necessarily honorable. Desirable, but not necessarily properly ordered.

Break it down for me, Church:

"Modesty protects the mystery of persons and their love. It encourages patience and moderation
in loving relationships; it requires that the conditions for the definitive giving and commitment
of man and woman to one another be fulfilled. Modesty is decency. It inspires one's choice of
clothing. It keeps silence or reserve where there is evident risk of unhealthy curiosity.
It is discreet." - Catechism of the Catholic Church 2522

"Teaching modesty to children and adolescents means
awakening in them respect for the human person."
- Catechism of the Catholic Church 2524

Respect for the human person. And this is why I think that modesty is a matter of the heart -
falling as a responsibility (let's say: "loving honor" - because it sounds less dutiful and more
of what it should be) on both the shoulders of men and women alike. I mean if we get it?!
If we get that our OWN BODIES are something precious, awesome, holy, creation-good -
along with the bodies of all those around us - then won't we EXUDE that respect
that the Church is talking about?

So I take it back. Blame it on pregnant hormones. I DO think we are our brother's keeper.
But remember that two-way street? Men are just as responsible to be keepers of their sisters.

"Because we transcend the physical world - being created in the image of God - we are all
capable of forming this kind of deep communion with our fellow human beings. It is part of what
makes us distinctively human. Living in community, we form bonds and help each other. We live for
each other's sake - not just our own." - Torode

I'm sorry if you were hoping I was going to dish out some juicy details about a husband who turned
the car around to drive home and make his wife change! It's not like that. It's more like:
"Hey, I love you, did you think about that dress you put on this morning?"
- sister's keeper, people.

At the end of the day, when I wash the make-up off my face and crumple into bed, I am not thinking
about how short my shorts were or how tight my tank top - I guess I'm examining my heart.

Do I see the GOODNESS in my own body? The people around me?
Do I know that I am loved? And that others deserve love too?
Do I feel respected? Did I show respect to others?

How did that play out, NOT ONLY in the way I dressed myself today,
but in my words and actions too?

The heart. What we do and say, how we act and dress - such a powerful reflection of what's going
on underneath it all - of what's being believed, bought, and sold below the skin, deep inside the
soul. We are all a beautiful mess, aren't we? Let's "keep" ourselves and encourage others, as a
loving honor, to express the goodness that lies within.

"Modesty is always beautiful." - G.K. Chesterton


_________________________________________
Currently taking applications for online BFFs. Have we connected?
FACEBOOK. || INSTAGRAM. || TWITTER.

My New Skins || $50 GIVEAWAY with VivoPrint.com

I LOVE me a good print company!!!
There is just something about your photos, logo, ideas, inspiration, creativity coming to life!
Personalized "tools" - from key chains to iPad cases make me happy happy happy...
said a Duck Dynasty fan.

I mean who doesn't want to head off to work with a picture of their stunning wife...
ahem... I mean cute babies on their coffee mug?!

VivoPrint.com was so easy to use - from uploading to designing to ordering -
piece of cake! They did a pretty outstanding job on my new laptop case and business card holder!!!

Check it out...

VivoPrint.com is so kindly giving away a (one time use) $50 giftcard (online code) to
one of my readers to be used before May 31st, 2014!!! Are you thinking what I'm thinking?
Two words: Father's. Day. Really though, a perfect gift for any occasion...
or to keep for yourself!!!

There's also a 30% discount code for all Lily Field readers: vivo30 // expires May 31st, 2014!!!

Many ways to enter of course. One winner takes all.
Best of luck. Happy printing.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway ends Monday, May 19th, 2014. Winner will be notified via
e-mail no later than Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 and will have 48 hours to claim
prize or a new winner will be chosen. The $50 giftcard must be used in a one-time
transaction no later than May 31st, 2014.

Special thanks to VivoPrint.com!!!

Matilda Jane + $50 Giveaway

If I was a little girl, I would beg my mother to buy me all things Matilda Jane!!!
Seriously some the most whimsical, magical clothing I have ever seen!!!
Here are some of my favorites from their recent launch of IT'S A WONDERFUL PARADE!!!
Dare you not to wish you were 5 years old.

I was kind of thrilled to discover that they carry clothes for "big girls" too!!!
Their women's line is just as fun, free, and playful - cozy, comfortable...
I'm never taking this outfit off! Confession: I'm on day 3 with these pants.

I love that Matilda Jane has a heart for the DETAILS when it comes to their pieces.
The touch of some ruffle, the flair of buttoned arms, bright, but soft colors!!!
Perfect Spring/Summer wardrobe!!! Be sure to check out their latest collection!!!
Excited to be giving away a $50 gift card to one of my readers this week!
It can be used to make purchases via
TRUNK SHOWS, PHONE OR ONLINE at Matilda Jane Clothing.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway open to U.S. & CANADA residents ONLY.
Enter to win between: Monday, April 14th, 2014 - Saturday, April 19th, 2014.
Winner will be notified via e-mail no later than Tuesday, April 22nd.
If winner fails to respond within 72 hours, the prize will be forfeited and
a new winner will be chosen. BEST OF LUCK!


_______________________________________________
Special THANKS to Matilda Jane Clothing for sharing this outfit
and giveaway with us!!! All opinions expressed are my own.

The Girls with the Fake Eyelashes

When I was in junior high, I used to curl my bangs. Like a perfect, little roll -
straight across my forehead - held in place with one too many squirts of hair spray.
It was so bad that a friend who knew me only from college once stated: "Man, you really
grew into your cuteness!" when a picture of the "turd" bangs was viewed.

And the truth is, people MADE FUN of me here and there or would try and stick
objects in my rolled bangs. I did not care. I mean, I thought about it all -
and obviously took some of it to heart... as I'm blogging about it centuries later,
but it didn't make me change anything. Partly because I was stubborn.
Mostly because I had enough confidence to sink a ship.

It's funny the things we remember; the things we allow to tattoo themselves upon our hearts.
I like to think that I'm STRONGER than I am. Woman of steel. Hear me roar. Knock me or my friends,
and I'll knock you back. Part truth, part facade - due to the deadly combination of being
"oldest born" and choleric.

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
-Proverbs 18:21
"You are fluffy." || age 8

"You have caterpillar eyebrows." || age 15

Words that were spoken over me by people who will not be named.
Why did these words stick while others just rolled like water off a duck's back?

I see so many expressions of discontent and inadequacy on the faces of women everywhere.
She looks down, she looks away, she wishes, she watches, she tries, fails, gives up...
Someone cover her?
Anyone?

I love how so very often on social media girl #1 will post a picture of herself and then
girl #2 through #4872 comments:

"Your hair! Tell me all your secrets!"

"Your make-up... I must know what you are wearing!"

"You're gorgeous. Give me your hair."

And so on and so forth until it becomes downright redundant and slightly ridiculous.

More often than not, girl #1 comes clean and tells her fan club that her golden locks
are mostly extensions and that no mascara on planet earth can beat the va-va-voom
of fake eyelashes, that she all but admits to wearing.

Images, ideas, words - a social media whirlwind that sweeps up your average girl
and spins a web of LIES concerning what TRUE BEAUTY is, should be, better be, or else...

no one may like you, want you, or see you.

We are HARD on ourselves as women. Naturally drawing things "within" ourselves -
holding all the details and memories like a bowl of spaghetti in our brains.

Drop the spaghetti and "be your own kind of beautiful" today and always?!


Not every girl out there has the COURAGE,
but I want you to look at the face, the hair, the body God gave you in the mirror
right now and KNOW, know so well, that every detail is NOT lost on your Maker.

And I am applauding, standing ovation kind of thing, the gift of beauty you have
been given. No one has your exact combination of skin tone, bone structure,
hair + eye color, nose + lip size... so go tell the social media, advertising agencies
all about THAT fact.

Encourage, embellish, define, highlight, FRAME the beauty of YOU today.
And share the (( heart )) of this message with someone else - cover them with me?



XO

ACCESSORY || Ginger Lane + Goods for Good

I had the honor of meeting Ginger at the Influence Network Conference this past September!
Her joyful spirit, sweet smile, and enthusiasm for her handmade business totally captivated me!
Is still captivating me. She works for a cause and I love that. A portion of all sales goes
towards sponsoring children through Compassion International.



It is one thing to own and love a certain product... it is quite another to know, that every time
you slip on your cowl or open your clutch, you are helping impact another life!!!

::: GINGER LANE :::
BLOG // SHOP
_______________________________
Christmas is right around the corner, and Ginger has been so gracious to offer
FREE SHIPPING to all Lily Field readers!!! USE CODE: THELILYFIELD
((( good through December 31st, 2013 )))
_______________________________

Kristin from Lily & Light, who is a dear friend of mine, and I had so much fun
doing this photo shoot for Ginger Lane down in the heart of Indianapolis last month!!!
I own the brown, suede clutch and it receives a wave of "ooooooohs" and "ahhhhhhhs"
every time I pull it out! I. LOVE. IT.



Shop and spread some love this holiday season.
GINGER LANE = Goods for Good

WEAR || The Owl Tree Boutique + Giveaway

My shop started as a creative outlet.
For years I've made jewelry... far more than I could possibly wear!
So I started giving it to friends, family, and anyone who would take it.
I just wanted to unload - so I could make more!

I figured: why not open a shop!?



I am the mother of two, little beauties and the wife of a fantastic man.
My daughters have shown me how wonderful and strong we as ladies are.
I want to create things that remind and bring that out in us!

I try to find things that inspire me: music, nature, even a feeling...
and express that moment, that idea, through jewelry.

I want to empower women to be themselves and follow their dreams.
To always know they are strong and capable!

- Taryn of The Owl Tree Boutique

SHOP + INSTAGRAM + TWITTER
___________________________________

// skirt + Kohls // scoop neck sweater + Dillards // jacket + JCPenney // shoes = Wet Seal //



I am in love with my jewelry from The Owl Tree Boutique!!!
Taryn's dream of reminding women that they are strong and capable is coming true in me!
Accessories are an expression of who we are - and these hand-stamped (lots of custom options!)
pieces remind me that I can fly - I can smile - I can reach out and be who I am.

// BEAUTIFUL RING //


// CROSS BRACELET //


// FEATHER NECKLACE //


WIN ONE PIECE OF JEWELRY (your choice!)
from The Owl Tree Boutique!!!

enter below // U.S. residents only //
a Rafflecopter giveaway

All opinions are my own.

Discovering Arbonne

I have arrived. There's nothing else to say really.
Arbonne is BEYOND wow and Miss Amy Zucco succeeded in making a fan out of me! A huge fan.
The more I learn about this company, the happier my heart and skin become.
____________________________________
PURE + SAFE + BENEFICIAL
Arbonne offers health and wellness products WITHOUT animal products
or animal by-products, parabens, or formaldehyde-donating preservatives.
All NATURAL and ORGANIC!
____________________________________

Music to my ears! I have seriously cut way back on using products in my hair and on my skin
due to the very fact that most are loaded with harmful chemicals. Arbonne gives me permission to
indulge in pampering myself as a woman without comprising my health or the environment.

For the past week I have had the LUXURY of using Arbonne's Make-Up Primer.
I wish you could come feel my face! The moisturizing effect that this base offers
leaves my skin feeling silky smooth and clear even when I am NOT wearing make-up.
Miraculous. Tell me about it.




My make-up goes NO WHERE when the primer is applied.
I even took a nap one day and woke up looking like I had NOT just drooled all over a pillow.
I feel like it just makes me glow... and glowing makes me confident... so I love you, Arbonne!




connect with Amy on FACEBOOK || e-mail: amyzucco.arbonne@gmail.com
You can read more about the fabulous company called Arbonne
and see what they offer HERE!
____________________________________

Do you want to glow too?
Amy is giving away one Arbonne Make-up Primer to a lucky reader!
P.S. you DO NOT have to be local to place an order with her! Winning.

I'm so excited for the winner ALREADY! They are gonna love this primer!!!
ENTER ENTER ENTER AND SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
open to U.S. residents ONLY // giveaway runs 8/6/2013-8/13/2013 //
winner will be contacted no later than 8/15/2013 - if they fail to respond
within 72 hours the prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be chosen //
this post is sponsored by an individual Arbonne representative // all opinions are my own