Life Challenges

We're constantly faced with difficulties and challenges as we travel along life's long and winding road, but there are some ways to embrace life's challenges that will make things a lot easier for you. Whether you're struggling with difficulties at work or at home, these ways to embrace life's challenges should enable you to cope a little better. 

One of the ways to embrace life's challenges is to learn from the experience. Remember, there are no bad experiences, just lessons and tools which we can arm ourselves with in the future. We can use these to help us get better at what we do and who we are. There are certain things that we just can't control in life and when you learn to let go, things become easier to deal with. Making sure that you have time to do the things you enjoy and to look after yourself will make it easier for you to embrace the challenges that you're faced with along the way. I have an experiment I would like you to try. Bear with me. Grab a sheet of paper with writing on it and hold it at arm's length. It looks clear, doesn't it? Now bring it closer to your face until it's touching your nose. It doesn't look so clear now, does it? The writing's all fuzzy, isn't it? Well, that's what your problems are like when you're so immersed in them that you can't see any way around them. Stepping back and making time to do the things you love will help you to see around the challenges you may be facing in life.

I  love a good positive affirmation, especially in the morning. They can make you feel so empowered and ready to face the day. Use positive affirmations every day to help you feel amazing and to help you achieve your goals.Talking your problems through with someone can help you deal with life's challenges too. They say that a problem shared is a problem halved. It can be helpful to articulate a problem because once you do, it can make you see that the problem perhaps wasn't so bad after all!

Journaling is another helpful and empowering tool. Use a journal at the end of the day to write out your thoughts and feelings about what has happened in your day and to set out your goals for the days ahead.

We do it every minute of the day and without it, we wouldn't be able to do much. If someone held your nose or held your head under water, you would relish the next breath you took, wouldn't you? Next time you're feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, breathe in deeply for a few seconds and breathe out for the same amount of time. Concentrate on your breathing and feel it as your body begins to settle and relax. Enjoy breathing. After all, it's a free gift!

Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself
-George Bernard Shaw

Giving Advice

A lot of my friends comes to me for advice on there relationship, family, life, problems in life that they are going through, And I try to put myself in there shoes and ask myself what would I do if I was in this situation that they are in. There are some things you should remember when giving someone advice. Advice can be wonderful and absolutely help you though something difficult your're going through. Probably all of us are thankful for some good advice we received at some point in our lives. But there are some tips to remember when giving advice for it to truly be helpful to someone you care about.

1. Consider If They're Open To Advice

The first thing you need to consider when giving advice is if the person is open to receiving it. If its a person that doesn't want anyone to give them suggestion, its probably better to say nothing at all. If your advice isn't welcome, its best to accept that. Otherwise, you could end up with hurt feelings even if all you really want to do was help them. If the person seems open to listening and receiving advice, that's the time to give it.

2. Offer Advice Gently

Advice offered gently usually helps the most. Sometimes others can think your're being pushy when you don't mean it to a come across that way. Giving advice in an easy way works out the best. People are more likely to listen when they receive some gentle suggestions. Think back to when you received the best advice Its was probably offered gently too :)

3. Share Personal Experience

Personal experience can be a great teacher. Sometimes pulling from that can make the best advice. Sharing lessons you’ve learned with others can help them with what they’re going through. Personal experiences always make interesting stories. I think we tend to take advice better when we know the person has taken it themselves.

4. Be Compassionate

It’s good to be compassionate when giving advice. The person who needs advice may be in an emotional place. A person can easily feel that way when they’re facing something difficult and don’t know what to do. Giving advice in a kind manner can make them feel so much better. They’ll always appreciate that from you.

5. Share Why Your Advice Will Work

Sometimes it’s good to share why your advice will work. It helps the person connect the dots. They can understand better how your advice can work for them. It helps your suggestions make more sense. They’ll be more likely to take your advice when they see your point.

6. They May Not Take It

Lastly, it’s important to remember that the person may not take your advice. It’s good to keep that in mind and not feel hurt if they choose not to take it. Everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their life, right? If they choose not to take your advice, remember that it isn't personal. It’s about them making the decision that they feel is best for them and that’s okay.

Being A Young Mother

I had my son when I was 20 year old. I have faced negative comments about me being pregnant so young. I always use to hear "You ruined your life now your pregnant" or "You can't do anything anymore now you have a child" That is not true, If you are focus on what you want in life to better yourself and your child, You can make anything happen. There are many pro's and con's of being a young mother. The definition of what constitutes a “young mother” has changed somewhat as the average age of mothers has hit 30, and being a young mother in your early twenties can naturally be quite different to being a young mother at sixteen. Many of the blessings and problems are the same though, So here are 6 pros and cons of being a young mother. ♥

1. You've Got More Energy

You can’t discuss the pros and cons of being a young mother without considering the fact that younger people naturally have higher energy levels. Mothers in their teens and early twenties will probably find it easier to physically cope with sleepless nights and running around after a lively toddler.

2. Your Body Will Repair Itself Easily

As women get older, our skin becomes less supple and everything takes longer to heal. Young skin is able to cope with the stretching better and may be less prone to stretch marks, while any scars will heal better.

3. All Your Friends are Partying

Staying in changing nappies and cleaning up sick can be hard when all your friends are out having a good time. If you’re thinking about trying for a baby and considering the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a young mother, this is definitely one thing to consider. I was never a party hard kind of person, So it doesn't bother me. I rather be at home with my child anyways than partying like crazy.

4.You'll Still Be Young When Your Kid's Have Grown Up

While you might miss out on going out while you’re young, younger mothers will naturally be younger when their children grow up and are ready to move out. While your friends are starting to deal with difficult teenagers, you’ll be regaining your independence.

5. People Judge You

People are more likely to judge young mothers but I've faced negative comments about being pregnant at 20. It’s best to just ignore people’s negative comments but some people may find criticism and disapproving looks difficult to deal with.

6. Education And Career May Be Put On Hold

If you’re considering the pros and cons of being a young mother, you need to think about the impact it could have on your education and career. Many young women drop out of school and university when they find out they are pregnant, and it can be harder to study after having children due to childcare costs. Other people of the same age will also have more work experience. My son is three years old right now about to start Pre-K and I am myself considering going back to school for something in the medical field. Never give up.

Check out my recent post on
"Being a mom changed me"

Top 5 Favorite Childhood Movies

My favorite thing to do on a Friday or Saturday night is relaxing with my family and watching old movies i grew up with as as a kid. I was born in the 90's so all the good movies came out then! Here are a list of childhood movies i remember when I was little. What are your top five favorite childhood movies? Comment below :)

1. Jumanji

This movie was my all time favorite movie ever, when I was little. I was so amazed by this movie, I watched it over and over again. Just the other day I was watching this movie for the first time with my three year old and he was amazed himself. I enjoy watching old movies with him, So he can see all the amazing movies I grew up with when I was his age.

R.I.P Robin Williams ♥

2. The Lion King

Another favorite of mine! Can you blame me! This movie is amazing! I swear I cry all the time when it gets to the seen where Simba dad (Mufasa) dies, Oh my God I get so emotional (I am probably not the only one) Even though I have seen this movie millions of times. I have yet showed my son this movie, But when I do I know he will love it just

 has much as I do.

3. Tim Burton The Nightmare Before Christmas
I remember watching this all the time, when i was little to when I was in middle school. I use to be so scared of this movie until I actually sat down and watch the whole movie, and I fell in love. I love the whole story line. 

4. Matilda

"I'm smart your dumb, I'm big your little, I'm right your wrong and there's nothing you can do about it!"  Everyone knows where that catchphrase came from! If you were born in the 90's I know you seen this movie and its a favorite of yours also. I watched this movie all the time. I pretend when I was little I had her powers. I loved this little girl, 

5.  The Littler Mermaid

I used to be obsessed with The Little Mermaid as a kid, And even now I still love it. The music is good and the story is entertaining. What makes me adore the movie was the romance between Ariel and Eric. They're so sweet together because he loves her despite her mermaid heritage and she loves him despite the bad things her dad said about humans. I like how in the movie, Ariel gets her voice back and Eric said, "you can talk! You're the one!"

Overnight Beauty Tips! Wake up with a glow ♥

Happy Monday! 16 days until Christmas I can't believe it! This year has gone so fast! I feel like the older you get the faster the years fly by. Today I wanted to share some "Overnight Beauty Tips that I do on a daily basis or sometimes a few times a week. I love to wake up feeling refreshed! Who doesn't want to wake up glowing! So fix your beauty problems overnight to wake up to a whole new glow. Treat your skin and hair overnight with natural treatments with the following beauty tips and tricks to wake up pretty. ♥

1. Soft Feet: Use Vaseline or warm olive oil to massage your feet, cover them with socks to treat dry, rough feet overnight.

2. Moisturized lips: Wake up to kissable lips by using a thin layer of sweet almond oil over the lips before going to bed. 

Two products I use all the time before I go to bed is Carmex & Vasline Rose Lips! They are my favorite, both of these products leave your lips so smooth!

 3. Moisturize: Cleanse and exfoliate to deep clean the skin from dirt and makeup, follow up with a good moisturizing process to rejuvenate your skin overnight. Use a small drop of vitamin e oil under  your night cream to wake up to a  radiant glow. For an all natural night cream use olive oil and massage it into your skin before going to bed. Another product I been using since I was in high school is Ponds dry skin cream, my skin gets really dry at times. And this works miracles, I always use a small amount and rub on my face.  

4. Cuticle/ Nail Care: Soften the cuticles overnight by using a small amount of coconut oil to moisturize the cuticles and strengthen the nails.

5. Eyebrow/ eyelash growth: Moisturize and condition your eyebrows and eyelashes to make them grow longer and stronger by using castor oil.

6. Hair Care: For a healthy hair and better sleep massage a small amount of warm hair oil into your roots. Use your finger tips to gently massage in circular motion for faster hair growth.

7. Split ends: To treat dry, split ends use vitamin e oil to nourish and condition the ends overnight to wake up to smooth ends.

8. Eye care: Massage a small amount of almond oil around your eyes using your ring finger to treat dark circles and fines lines. 

9. Soft hands: exfoliate the hands using a homemade scrub using olive oil and brown sugar. Massage in a small amount of hand cream or vitamin e oil and slip them into some soft gloves  to wake up to softer, smoother and younger looking hands.

10. Satin beauty: Sleeping on a satin pillow reduces friction to prevent breakage and frizzy hair. It is great for your skin too satin pillow reduces the stress on the skin so you won’t wake up to sleep lines.

My Must Have Drugstore Makeup

 Most days I don’t bother with makeup (because I hate taking it off!) but when I do wear makeup, I usually stick to the same look that covers all of the basics. I've compiled a list of my must have beauty items are drugstore items and very affordable!

1.  Maybelline Baby Instant Skin Pore Eraser

I have very dry skin and I was having a problem with foundations looking very uneven and sticking to my dry patches. This smooths out my skin making it feel very velvety and changed the way foundation glides on my skin. I use it as an all over primer because of the way it makes my skin feel but as far as pore erasing I don't think it does the job. I wouldn't advise people with oily skin to use this because it can create excess oil.

2. L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder

[My Shade: Soft Sable]

For a drugstore product, I find that it is better than most of the dept. store expensive counterparts. I have used this product for years and I always get compliments that I have great skin complextion. It.It is long lasting and never looks heavy. Great colors to choose from. Stay on all day ! Like the smoothness of this product. If your skin colors deepen with the summer you can easily change your shade. 

3. L'oreal Carbon Black Telescopic

[I Use: Carbon Black]

This mascara is used to lengthen and glamorize my lashes especially for evening wear. It makes your lashes look longer fuller and more defined in seconds. I use this product every day. Apply lightly for the perfect daytime look and add another layer for a darker, bolder look perfect for going out at night. It stays in place all day and doesn't flake off. 

It clumps occasionally but the brush allows for this to be easily fixed. By far the best mascara I've ever used.

4. L'oreal Infallible Lacquer Liner 24H

.

[I Use: Blackest Black]

I LOVE this eyeliner. I've only tried the dark brown color but I can tell you that this eyeliner stays put all day long. It works better than any other eyeliner in its category. This is the only liner I've used that does not smudge. Please do not stop making this product. You do have to use a good eye makeup remover but hey, that means it's doing its job and staying on I use this to tight line. After reading dozens of reviews and trying so many different eyeliners I found that this is the absolute best, hands down. It doesn't give a thick line so I wouldn't try the cat eye with it but again, for the tight line it can't be beat.

5.  L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation

[My Shade: Soft Sable]

I love this foundation! It goes on so smoothly and easily. It doesn't at all settle into lines or pores but actually makes them dissapear. My skin looks so much younger since I've been using this foundation. Even when I take my makeup of my skin still looks better then before I started using this.This foundation gives me the beautiful young dewy skin that I wanted. 

6. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

[Favorite colors]
Athens| Copenhagen | Transylvania | Monte Carlo

Went to Ulta for a reasonably priced lip gloss. I found this great Nyx product. I can not believe how nice this gloss is for the price. The color is intense so it is visible on the lips not sheer. Makes your lips feel moist and taste like butter. The color last on your lips also. Many color choices

Being A Mom, Changed Me

I am a mother of one, He is three year old and he is my everything.

He so smart and knows so much. He starts school Pre-K next year and I have anxiety just thinking about it. He makes me a better person, He is the reason why I wake up with a smile on my face. Being a mom has changed my perspective and thought processes. I have worked harder to be more patient, thoughtful, caring & gentle. I am not perfect and not always successful at those, but I am better than I use to be. I cannot imagine what my life would be like had I NOT had a child. It is the most rewarding, beautiful, awesome, joyful thing imaginable in this world, and I wouldn't change a thing.

 Now, I frequently learn through my child's questions and needs, and find myself more motivated than ever to be the best person and mom I can be. While my decisions were previously driven mostly by my own needs and wants, they now center around the needs and wants of my child. I find that I laugh (and worry) more, and feel more free to be silly (will more freely embarrass myself to bring a smile to my son face and warmth to his heart).  Thankfully, my instincts have sharpened, and my spirit has strengthened.
I feel blessed and challenged as a mother, so grateful and loved. 

Embrace your imperfections

Im·per·fec·tion

a fault, blemish, or undesirable feature.

One of the reasons to love your imperfections is that they're unique. They're part of what creates your appearance and makes you familiar to others. Would you really want to iron out your individuality and look like everyone else? So you might think that a different nose would make you look better, but if you tried photo shopping your nose you'd see that it would make you #look unlike yourself. Your physical quirks are part of your history. I have substantial surgical scars, but they've never bothered me. I see them as proof that I survived, and I'd never be afraid to show them. So if you've broken your nose or you have moles, don't be ashamed that you don't fit an idea of perfection. Why should anyone else dictate how you should look? Our imperfections give us character. Just look at how celebrities and actresses are starting to all look alike - the cosmetic surgeries and treatments they go through remove their individuality and make them look like clones. Why would you want to wipe your individuality out and look like everyone else?

Most of us focus on something we see as an imperfection, and form a dislike for that part of us. Yet it's very likely that other people barely notice these 'problems,' if at all. And perfection doesn't exist. It's unachievable. So it's really pointless focusing on these perceived imperfections and wishing we could change them. Everyone has things they dislike about their appearance. But very often the things that we dislike are actually appealing to other people. I can guarantee that if you hate having red hair, for example, there are plenty of people who envy your amazing hair color! So don't hate your own imperfections, as other #people may love them. Disliking things about yourself puts you in a negative state of mind and can lead to you obsessing over these perceived imperfections. It's much healthier for you not to fret over these things. So what if you're not perfect? Nobody is, and that's okay. Learn to accept yourself and stop worrying about things that don't matter.

Finally, why not accept that you are the way you are? We all have things about ourselves that we'd like to change, but some things can't be changed - and anyway there's nothing at all wrong with being how we are. Our imperfections are part of what makes us who we are.

So love your imperfections - you wouldn't be who you are without them. They make you interesting and individual, and you can be sure that other people either like them or don't even notice them. Don't waste your life wishing that you were taller, slimmer or had amazing cheekbones. Some things you can't change, and others you shouldn't. 

What 'imperfections' do you have that you love?

Fun things to do in December

 

There are so many things to do in December with your family, As a child, I delighted in every aspect of the holiday season—the music, the decorations, the gift-giving, and even the weather. Through my eyes, everything was touched by Christmas wonder, from the tidy homes with manger scenes on the lawns to schools, churches, and businesses displaying colorful lights and candles in their frosted windows. It was all magical. Pick any of these month long activities to enjoy your quality time with those special adult and kids in your life.

1. Sending Holiday Cards

Get the family involved in sending holiday cards to your family and friends. Buy a box at the store and get creative. Homemade cards are a treat to rebut they  also give you one on one time with your children while you create them together. Paint your cards, use Christmas stamps or use the computer to design your own holiday card. Anything you use will be spectacular. 

2. Christmas Portraits 

Put on your matching green, red or gold sweater and capture that moment with family holiday portraits. Posed photos are normal but be creative, do something funny or have a different and unique. Keep your camera ready all month long so you can capture amazing holiday pictures of your family.

3. Visiting Santa Claus

Visiting Santa is children favorite thing to do when its Christmas time. Take your kids early this month to see Santa to avoid the crowds closer to Christmas day. The guy with the white beard in the bright red suit can be scary to younger children so prepare yourself for what to expect during their visit with Santa Claus. 

4. Bake with your kids

You probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen in November and December. Lets the kids be your little elf's, Bake with them to extend your holiday fun. Make gingerbread houses, snowman cookies, or Santa Claus cookies, this is one fun children enjoys.

5. Donate time and goods

December is a great month to introduce your children to the concept of giving to charity. Donate your family time. Drop off a toy at a qualified charity event to help other kids in your area. Participate in a fundraising walk or run. There are so many ways to help others during the holidays.

6. National Stress Free Month

The crowds, traffic and family time overload can be very stressful even if your usually the merriest of people. December is National Stress Free Family Holiday Month. Part of it purpose to help you survive the holidays and reduce your family holiday stress.

7. Write to a friend

Grab a pen and paper. Encourage your children to write to there pals. they can write a kid-friendly thank you card to their friends or simply write to say hi Its an excellent exercise for all age group that doesn't include phone calls, text messaging or emails. Preschoolers can practice their writing skills and older children can learn letter writing basics. Your not off the hook either haa, Write your children lets to tell them how much you love and appreciate them.

About Me

A B O U T    T H E   B L O G

"Welcome to Flawless Goodies"
Filled with beauty, D.I.Y projects, fashion, baby, and lifestyle.
Its a place where interest and passions are expressed and people can connect.I hope to inspire others with love for mama and baby fashion. I also hope to inspire those who love life and all the sweet and beautiful things it has to offer.

A B O U T    E R I C A

I am currently 25 years old, living in the beautiful sunshine state Florida,
Mother to a handsome little boy I call my son, I am a lifestyle blogger, (sprinkled of beauty, fashion, baby and d.i.y projects), After spending many many late nights on Pinterest and Blogs, I decided it was time to start my own personal creative platform. So here we go!

C O N T A C T

I would love to hear from you! Feel free to contact me anytime! The best part of having a blog is connecting with all of my amazing readers. Hear from you soon. xoxo