Tag: life

Success, Authenticity, and Gratitude

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Before I started blogging, there were people on social media that I looked up to. I desired to imitate them. I envied their pictures, or their number of followers and likes. If I’m going to be completely honest with you, I still envy their success.

There’s always room to improve and grow. The problem isn’t that I desire success or growth, it’s that I confuse success with happiness. I desire to be successful; I am determined to grow. I know that determination and ambition are both important character traits. What I’m forgetting is that meeting a goal won’t guarantee my happiness. True happiness isn’t found solely in success. Happiness comes from above. Happiness is being grateful to God for what He has granted you.

Through blogging, I’ve also learned that not everyone is who they seem to be. When I created my personal Instagram account into a blog account, I searched for other lifestyle bloggers and tried to learn how they grew their following. I found bloggers who claimed to radiate grace and positivity, but to my disappointment, they failed to support others, and at times were unapproachable. There are times where I see an individual and they seem so glamorous, so sophisticated, so important. Often times, these individuals are also extremely unapproachable. It wasn’t until recently that I realized, I actually don’t want to be like that. I prefer to be who I am, and not try to be better than anyone. My goal is to lift others up. Though I realized not everyone isn’t as kind as they imply, I also realized there is an immense amount of hidden gems in the blogging world. Women with lovely souls and beautiful ideas. Women who lift each other up, and have so much kindness to share with the world. This encourages my heart tremendously.

I’ve also learned that sometimes it’s not the people you expect who support your dreams. I’ve had the chance to meet wonderful, dear souls through blogging. They have encouraged me immensely. These lovely ladies have supported me more than some of even my own friends! I’ve also had dear souls, that I’ve known, but haven’t had a chance to connect with, grow close to me through my blog. The people who are most supportive of me greatly surprised me, but I’m so genuinely grateful for them. I care greatly for them all. I feel very blessed to be able to write about my thoughts and pursue what I’m passionate about.

I would like to add that this post is a bit more raw and honest than usual, but I hope it’s assisted you in understanding me and my thoughts in a more authentic way. Thank you for reading, I truly appreciate it + you are dear to my heart!

Miriam Juliet

Glam Eyes Tutorial

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Heyyyy, loves!! I’m so excited today becauuuuseeee, I have my first makeup tutorial post up!!! I had so much fun writing this & I hope you guys have enjoy reading!!

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1. Start off with a primer

The primer I use is from SmashBox; it’s called the Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I loooovvvveee this primer! It’s so smooth and treats my sensitive skin well. This primer is a little pricy, but you can find it at Ulta or Target for a considerably good price.

I like to apply a little dab of this primer all over my face with a beauty blender & make sure it’s evenly spread out before moving on to my foundation.

2. Apply foundation

I recently started using two foundations- a liquid & a powder one. Doing this provides more coverage and helps your makeup last longer.

For my liquid foundation, I use Covergirl clean liquid foundation in the shade “120 creamy natural”. After applying this with a beauty blender, I switch to my “mineral sheers loose powder foundation” from Neutrogena & apply this with a powder brush.

I highly recommend using both a liquid and a powder foundation together, because it actually does make a huuuuge difference in the overall coverage of your face.

I also occasionally put concealer on any acne before applying powder foundation.  (The concealer I use is: Tru-blend fixstick concealer by Covergirl.)

3. Contour, Blush, + Highlight

Yesss, this is one of my favorite things to do in makeup!! Stereotypical, I know.

For contouring I use a matte bronzer from NYX and apply in layers with a brush.

After I put a bit of color back into my face, I use  the Rockateur blush from Benefit Cosmetics & create a nice warm glow in my face.

Now, for my favoooorrrrite part of this process: HIGHLIGHTING!! I’m always experimenting with different highlighters, but the one I used for this look was the Master Holographic Prismatic Highlighter from Maybelline. I apply this on my cheekbones, nose, forehead, and above my upper lip with a highlight brush.

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4. Eyeshadow

I love love love doing my eyeshadow!  This eyeshadow look was so fun for me to do! You can absolutely personalize this look to fit whatever mood you’re in.

I used the Chocolate Bon Bons eyeshadow palette from Toofaced to do this look. This pallete has a variety of colors and is very pigmented! I would definitely recommend this pallete to anyone who loves doing eyeshadow!

First, I applied the color “Divinity” on my eyelid as base. After this I took a lighter pink color, “Cotton Candy” and spread this from my inner crease to the middle of my eyelid. Then, I took a darker pink, “Totally Fetch” and blent it from my inner crease to the whole of my eyelid. I spent quite a while blending this colors together, and thats because blending your eyeshadow makes a huge impact on the overall look.

To finish my eyeshadow look off, I took a glimmery dark purple, “Black Current” and put this into my creases + the edge of my eyelid.

I loved doing this eyeshadow look; it was one of my favorites yet, so pleeeaase let me know if you tried it!!

 

5. Eyeliner, Lashes, & Browsss

After applying my eyeshadow & curling my lashes, I put on some lashes from Broadway Eyes called “Flirty”. (These lashes were super cheap & you can pick them up at Target, Dollar General, Ulta, ect.) After battling with applying these (If anyone has tips for putting on lashes, let me know in the comments!!), I put on a touch of mascara. (I use Rocket Volum’ Express by Maybelline.)

I put some eyeliner on after my lashes + mascara, but I usually do that before (oops!). I recently got a new liquid eyeliner ( Proline Felt Tip Eyelinerby WetnWild”) and it’s amazing. It only cost 4$ at a dollar general, so I would say it’s definitely a steal!

I always fill in my brows just a bit, with whatever eye pencil or dark eyeshadow laying around. I use a little spooly to brush & even it to give it a natural feel.

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6. Apply Lipstick

What can I say? Lipstick is a girl’s best friend! I applied a dark purple matte lipstick (L.A.C. Matte Lipstick) & then just a bit of a shimmery purple lip (Clinique “Long Last Lipstick” in color “Bamboo Pink”).

7. Finish with Setting Spray

This step is crucial if you’re planning on wearing makeup out! I use the Matte Magic Mist and Set by Elf. This setting spray will keep your makeup in place all day. (Also, it’s only four dollars!!)

8. Remember Audrey Hepburn’s Advice

Audrey

I hope this tutorial was helpful & fun for you to read!! If you enjoyed reading this or tried it, be sure to let me know in the comments and let me know what tutorials I should do next! Love yaaaaa!

MJ

Spring Fashion Inspo

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Spring is OFFICIALLY here! Spring fashion is so adorable & I absolutely ADORE shopping looks for it! Today I’m sharing a few must have pieces!

This cardigan is perfect for early spring- it’s still a little chilly out, so I wanted a light cardigan to go with my outfits. It is so cute, so soft, and goes with practically anything. I’m got a large so I could have a nice, relaxed look and it fits nicely. I got this cardigan on sale at Marshall’s. Unfortunately, Marshall’s doesn’t sell online, so I linked a similar cardigan from H&M here.

cardigan

My top is from Old Navy and I literally couldn’t tell you how much I love it! It’s basically perfect (in my opinion!) It has a soft texture and is very light & flowing. This is my go-to spring top. This blouse costs only 22$ (which is cheaper than when I got it!), and is so worth it!! I’ve linked this gorgeous top here.

blouse

I love the pants that I’m wearing; I literally have to force myself not to wear them every day! They fit very nicely and have a fringed hem. They’re absolutely perfect for spring & go with most of my shirts. These are actually the first pair of jeans that I feel completely comfortable wearing! I have such a hard time finding jeans, and these were perfect! I picked these up at target, but sadly they don’t sell them anymore! I’ve linked the exact same jeans on Poshmark here.

jeans

The jeans on Poshmark are used, but they are only 10$. (The picture above is from the seller.) If you’re not comfortable buying used clothes, that’s okay too! I’ve linked similar jeans here.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my take on spring fashion! Thank you all for reading my rambles 🙂 Let me know in the comments what your favorite things about spring are!! Mine is the increase in sunlight!

Happy Shopping!

Xoxo, MJ

Avocado Bacon Salad Wrap Recipe

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*Warning: The following recipe may or may not make you hungry*

Hey, guys! Today I’m sharing one of my all time favorite recipes! Its quick, tasty, and perfect to take on the go! Hope you all enjoy!!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup diced onions

• 1 cup diced tomatoes

• 1 avocado cut into bite size pieces

• 4 strips of cooked bacon

• 1 Tortilla wrap

• Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing (optional)

Instructions:

First, cook your bacon. I fried it, but it’s totally up to you if you want to put it in the oven or fry it.

Tip: Cook your bacon the night before & you’ll be able to make this in about 5 minutes. This is perfect for taking lunches or for days when you’re running late.

While your bacon is cooking, dice up your tomatoes (two small tomatoes or one big one will give you about a cup), onions, and avocado.

After you’ve finished chopping the ingredients, heat up your tortilla then set it aside to cool.

Once your bacon is cooked and crispy cut it into small bite sized pieces for your wrap.

Once all your ingredients are ready, mix them together in a bowl, season with a pinch of salt, and add your Caesar dressing.

After this, put your ingredients in the tortilla and wrap it up!

This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s so easy and so yummy! I literally eat it 1-2 times a week! Thank you guys so much for reading and I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Xoxo, MJ

3 Things I’ve Learned From Blogging

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I guess you could say this whole “blogging” journey has been one of…realizing stuff….

Seriously, though. I picked three things out of the many things I’ve learned, and I really, really believe in them. These are lessons that have been changing my life & I hope they affect someone positively!

1. Embrace your weirdness

That’s right. We’re all different. Growing up, it can be hard to be yourself. It’s human nature to want to try to all be the same, but God made us each with unique qualities, and guess what guys- every quality you have has a good side.

Blogging really helped me understand this better. There are so many bloggers out there and it made me think about who I am and what makes me different. Instead of trying to be how everyone is, I’m trying to embrace who God made me.

Find out what your superpower (or weirdness) is, and use it to your advantage. Embrace it. i like being weird

2. It’s okay to be afraid, but fear doesn’t have to hold you back

I couldn’t count how many times I am afraid to put myself out there. Every day it’s a battle. Everyday I am surrounded with the temptation of giving in to fear. But, I choose to put my trust in someone greater than fear. I choose to put my trust in God. I know that He can use my blog and my other passions for His glory. I know that following Christ is rewarding. I also know that giving into fear prevents me from being who He wants me to be. This is why I write my blog. I am fearful sometimes of putting myself out there, but I am confident it will be worth it. Fear does not have power over me.

3. There are so many awesome people out there

I honestly can’t stress this point enough. I have met so so many awesome people through blogging. I love meeting other bloggers and reading about their lives. Meeting new people can be horribly awkward sometimes, but meeting all these bloggers has been one of the best experiences! besty2

I’ve learned so much from starting this blog and I’m so excited to continue growing it! Remember to subscribe, drop a comment, or a like! Also, feel free to contact me with any ideas for blog content. My blog email is miriamjulietz@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!!

Xoxo, MJ