5 Ways To Renew Your Confidence This Spring

5 Ways To Renew Your Confidence This Spring

Monday, April 3, 2017

This shop has been compensated by Colective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MyJergensGlow #CollectiveBias

Hey babes! I hope your week is off to a great start. It's officially spring [ hello sunshine and hot temps ] and we all know what that means - tank tops, and shorts, and swimsuits, oh my! Spring and summer can do number on our confidence. There are so many filtered and curated false images out there to make us question whether we are enough, and start to feel a serious lack of confidence.

Today I'm sharing my top 5 ways to renew your confidence this spring! These are my personal aids in fighting off the temptation to doubt my own value, and boost my confidence.

Read on for some tips and tricks to help you renew your confidence this spring, and make room for more joy!

Start Your Morning Strong

Feeling healthy and energetic is an instant confidence booster. Start your morning strong with a healthy breakfast. Make a smoothie bowl, drink some water, or munch on some greens! When our bodies are nourished properly we feel a heck of a lot better! Am I right or am I right!?

One of my favorite ways to get a boost in the morning is to make a mixed berry and spinach smoothie with orange, lemon, and tart cherry juice or a delicious coffee infused smoothie!

A Few Favorite Breakfast Smoothies:

Wake You Up Coffee Breakfast Smoothie

Protein Packed Banana Oat Breakfast Smoothie

Immune Boosting Triple Berry Kiwi Smoothie

Get A Natural Glow ( Without Baking In The Sun )

Natural glowing skin is a great confidence booster for spring! I have always had very fair skin, and worked to protect it from the damaging effects of the sun. The easiest way to get that natural sun kissed glow, without exposing your skin to potential fine lines and sun damage, is to use a sunless tanner. We all know how easy it is to start to look like an oompa loompa.. rolled in cheeto dust.
So, finding the right sunless tanner is key! Especially if you're very fair. My favorite tried and true sunless tanner is the JERGENS® Natural Glow® Wet Skin Moisturizer and Natural Glow® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse. They are a fair skinned girls dream!

The Natural Glow® Wet Skin Moisturizer and Natural Glow® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse are my go-to for adding just a touch of color to my skin for spring! You can gradually glow or instantly tan with these products and I love that. I personally opt for the gradual glow so I don't shock my friends. Ha!

My Instant Sun® Glowing Skin Routine:

Cleanse & Exfoliate skin

Apply Sunless Tanner

Let tanner dry completely

Enjoy perfectly glowing skin!

How simple is that! These sunless tanners are so easy to use. For the most natural looking color, be sure to exfoliate your skin. It is the key to success! 

The Wet Skin Moisturizer is  just as easy to use. Simply apply on wet skin immediately after showing!

My Natural Glow® Wet Skin Moisturizer Routine:

Shower and exfoliate skin
Towel dry as normal - this is key to achieving a streak free glow
Apply Wet Skin Moisturizer as you would any other moisturizer
Enjoy a subtle, gradual glow!

Using both the Natural Glow® Wet Skin Moisturizer and Natural Glow® Instant Sun® Sunless Tanning Mousse in conjunction with one another helps maintain a hassle free natural glow. 

Walmart carries all of the JERGENS® Natural Glow® products, so I just pop over there whenever I'm feeling a little too pale ;)

I honestly love these two sunless tanners because they're easy to use and give me a little confidence boost when I'm wearing shorts or tanks. We should all choose to love ourselves just as we are, but, it's also nice to do something for yourself that makes you feel good! 

Shop my favorite JERGENS® Natural Glow® products here!

Stay Off Of Social Media In The Morning

I know what you're thinking: That's not possible, Jenna. I have content to share to grow my brand!

I hear you, girl. There is plenty of time to work on your social media game or peruse your favorite feeds. First thing in the morning is not one of those times. How we start our day determines our outlook. When we lack confidence it puts a damper on our happiness, and that is reflected in content that we share! Comparison is such an ugly thing, and it is all too easy to fall into. If the first thing that we are feeding on in the morning is curated social content then we do ourselves a disservice.

Start the day out with a healthy dose of positivity and stay off of social media for at least the first hour. It will have a huge impact on your outlook for the day, your confidence, and your feelings of self worth, and value

Treat Yourself Just A Little

Make a wise indulgence and enjoy it every once in a while. I don't know about you, but, there is nothing in this world that makes me quite so grumpy as depriving myself. That's no way to live! When we have the proper ratio between work and play, health and indulgence we feel more confident because there is nothing to out of balance.

Self control is important, yes, but, so is allowing yourself some wiggle room to enjoy the little things - Whatever that may be for you.

Own Your Flaws

Flaws, everybody has them and nobody wants them! Take a note from Chrissy Teigen and be proud of your stretch marks [ or any other so called flaw ]. They tell a story, and there is nothing ugly about that! I have "stretchies" on my thighs, much like Chrissy, and you know what? They're beautiful. Acknowledge your flaws, whatever they may be, and own them. Your flaws might be different from mine, but, we both have them and they are apart of what makes us.. us. Stop comparing yourself to someone else's filtered life and live yours with joy!

How do you renew your confidence? Have you tried any of the JERGENS® Natural Glow® products? What is your biggest confidence booster for spring?

With love,

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Finding The Good In The Midst of Trials: An Open Book On Suffering

Finding The Good In The Midst of Trials: An Open Book On Suffering

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Hello sweet friends! I am so happy to be able to share some encouragement with you today on finding the good in the midst of trials. I am not an expert on this matter, but I do have insight. I have battled chronic illness for nine years - with no solution, no real answers, and at times no hope. In the last four years I sustained a severe head injury that has left me with painful and frustrating symptoms that effect me everyday. My daily life is muddied by one struggle on top of the other. Sometimes the pain brings me to my knees, and other times the emotional toll does. Life is not easy [ for any of us ] but it can be beautiful and there is good in each day.

As I continue to weather my own trials, I want to encourage you to take on yours with grace and the knowledge that you are not alone. I can empathize with your pain, but moreover, God knows your pain and He will not leave you to be crushed by your burdens. 

Read on for 3 encouragements to help you find the good in the midst of trials.

Accept What You Cannot Change

I firmly believe that God does not give us more than we can handle. It will feel like the weight of the trial is crushing you, but our Heavenly Father has made a way of escape from the burden and pain, through Him. He will not allow the trials to completely crush you, no matter how heavy it feels. 

I have learned through my own suffering that the good cannot be truly appreciated or cherished without the bad. Pain makes us appreciate relief, a questioning heart makes us appreciate peace, and trials that test our resilience make us appreciate inner strength. 

The beauty of the good things in this life is in the pain that we have weathered to get to them. Trials make peace all the sweeter.

Accepting what cannot be changed and choosing to acknowledge what is good will help you find the peace that we all yearn for in life. Until we accept the things that we cannot change, we cannot begin to move forward and prepare ourselves to bear the weight of that burden.

 Be More Than Your Suffering [Choose Joy ]

Suffering of any kind can overshadow who you are. When we battle daily it is easy to become our suffering. You are so much more than your pain and you are more than heartache. We are complete people with loves, talents, unique perspectives, and wonderful creativity. Hold onto who you are - Utilize your talents, explore your creativity, and enjoy the things that you love!

Do not allow your suffering/trials to become all that you are. Choose joy today. Dig down deep inside of who you are, and live. These trials will not overtake you, nor will they overshadow you. 

You are more.

Everyday Is A Fresh Start [ Make The Most Of It ]

Waking up every morning knowing that 'today is a fresh start' makes weathering life's trials or personal suffering a little easier. Instead of tackling the trial or the pain all at once, take it on a little bit at a time - day by day. Yesterday's pain is gone, yesterday's fear is gone, yesterday's struggles are gone. So live today with renewed strength! Face today, and only today.

It is easy to say God is good when there is no suffering. The heavy reality is that we live in a fallen world. God is still good when we are suffering and when we feel like we are crumbling. 

Part of living in the present moment rather than the past or the future is finding strength for the moment. I find my moment by moment strength in Christ. On my own I could not bear the weight of chronic illness, the fatigue, or the uncertainty. Some may not agree with this point of view [ I'm okay with that. ] but there is great strength in the Lord. Seeking Him daily for your moment by moment strength with bolster you like nothing else can. God is good in the pain. God is good in the relief. You will not be crushed

Outfit Details:

Jacket // Banana Republic [ similar ]
Top // Doe & Rae
Denim // American Eagle [ similar ]
Boots // c/o Sole Society [ similar ]
Sunnies // RayBan
Bag // Michael Kors

Life can throw trials our way that often seem too difficult to weather. Finding the good in the midst of suffering or heartache will feel impossible. From one who has suffered [ and continues to struggle daily ] let me just tell you - it is not impossible and there is good to be found and cherished in the midst of those hardships. Seek God's strength, make the most of today, and be more than your suffering.

What trial are you weathering? Do you ever feel overshadowed by your suffering? What is a burden on your heart? Share your heart in the comments. I would love to connect with you and your story.

With so much love,

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On Being Vulnerable: 3 Ways To Face Vulnerability With Courage

On Being Vulnerable: 3 Ways To Face Vulnerability With Courage

Friday, February 17, 2017

Vulnerability if often the first thing that we look for in others, but the last thing that we want others to see in us. How beautiful it is to release those chains of fear that hold us back from showing others who we really are - the good, the bad, weakness, and strength. Today I am getting more personal with this post - plus I am sharing a few encouragements to help you face/embrace vulnerability with courage.

Read on for 3 encouragements to help you embrace being vulnerable.

The Truth About Vulnerability

Vulnerability is something that we often do not want to show, but we need to. We need vulnerability from others, and we need to be vulnerable with others. Vulnerability is a very important link in the chain of relationships. Without it, do we truly know one another? To be vulnerable is to trust and entrust the hidden parts of our being to another for safe keeping - be it a friend or significant other.

The truth is that I was terrified of being vulnerable, of being seen, for such a long time. Opening yourself up completely gives others the power to hurt you, and that, well, that at times seemed unbearable. The funny thing though is that I love being a confidant to others. I want to know their heart and their hurt.. I want vulnerability from others but struggle at times to open up in the same way. I have learned though that vulnerability frees you to experience the deepest love and greatest joy.

The reality is that we are all vulnerable, no matter how hard we try to hide it away. The truth is this: vulnerability does open us up to hurt, to disappointment, to heartbreak - but without vulnerability we cannot experience some of the greatest joys, and the most vibrant parts of life. Vulnerability faces fear with defiance, accepting the possibility of attack, and believing in the potential of shelter in another. 

Understanding what vulnerability really means for us is the first step in breaking free from the fear of it. Remember that vulnerability is courage with tenderness. 

Let Go Of Control

Acknowledging our imperfections, and accepting them helps us let go of the need to control how others  view us. Part of not wanting to be vulnerable is not wanting to be seen for who we really are. Letting go of that control frees us to embrace being vulnerable with those close to us in life. 

We all get hurt. Period. End of story. But you know what? We make it through the pain, and we grow stronger. Hurt doesn't end us. Do not let the fear of potential momentary pain hinder you from experiencing the deep love and friendship that vulnerability builds. 

One Small Step In The right Direction

Being vulnerable doesn't happen overnight. And we certainly do not have to bare the entirety of our soul in one sitting. Being vulnerable starts out in the simplest form; acknowledging someone else's pain and sympathizing with them is a beautiful example of allowing yourself to be vulnerable without baring it all:

" I had a similar experience. It was a really difficult time for me, but I worked through it overtime. It's hard right now, I know. I'm here if you want to vent and share your heart. "

Just like that, you are vulnerable. You show your heart, without baring it all, and in the process you give your friend or loved one the freedom to be completely open and vulnerable themselves. One small step in the right direction is better than a massive jump. 

Take your time opening up.. Rome wasn't built in a day. Just take one small step.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Dress // c/o Tobi [ exact ]

Jacket // BB Dakota [exact ]

Wedges // DSW [ similar ]

Bag // local boutique find

How do you break free from the fear of vulnerability? What scares you the most about being vulnerable with another? Let's chat, friends!

With love, 

4 Ways To Improve Work-Life Balance As A Home Based Entrepreneur

4 Ways To Improve Work-Life Balance As A Home Based Entrepreneur

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Working from home can be a tremendous blessing. It can also be a little bit of a curse. Living in and working from the same space leaves no room for dropping work stress at the door. As an entrepreneur/blogger I know the challenges of working from home all too well. Maintaining work-life balance as a home based professional is essential in being productive and finding joy in your work.

Read on for 4 tips to help you find work-life balance as a home based entrepreneur / professional!

4 Ways To Improve Work-Life Balance As A Home Based Entrepreneur 

Create A Designated Work Space

Commit to only doing work in a defined workspace, like an office or other sectioned off area within your house. Designating a 'work only' space will help you create a more productive work environment!

If you have an office space in your house that is in a separate room, shut the door at the end of the day. Separation is key. 

Create A Work Free 'Safe Zone'

Just as you need a designated space to work in, you also need a designated space to relax in. Creating a space that makes you feel peaceful and revived is simple and wildly beneficial to your overall productivity. I like to call this space a 'safe zone'. This is a space free of work - no phone calls, no emails, no brainstorming blog post or photoshoot ideas. Don't even think about checking Instagram! ;)

Build a space that makes you feel cozy and peaceful, filling it with artwork, greenery, and accessories that exemplify who you are. One of the best ways to relieve stress is to bask in a little sunshine. So create your cozy work free safe zone near a window, allowing all of that feel good sunlight to pour into the space!

Grab your favorite book and allow yourself to unplug.

One of my favorite pieces in my work free space is a hand-painted watercolor feather by Andrea Lace. Her work is breathtaking - breathing life into any area that it graces. It is is amazing how one piece, be it a painting, trinket or otherwise, can have such an impact on the way that we feel. Glancing over at that metallic gold dusted painting always makes me smile.

Shop Andrea's gorgeous collection at Lace Studios, and connect with her on Instagram & Facebook!
Andrea does custom work as well. She can create a piece tailored to your space!

Set Boundaries For Yourself

Although being connected and communicative with your readership/clients is important, it is equally as important to shut off when your workday ends. This is difficult to do when you work from home, but it is SO important. Designate a block of time in your workday to answer emails, make phone calls, reach out to potential partners/tie up any loose ends with clients, and create content. When the allotted time for each task is up, step away and move on to the next task. When the workday ends - you're done! Cut yourself off right there.

If you can manage your time wisely from the start you will not end up needing to work overtime. Make a schedule, stick to it, and STOP working when the workday is over. Create clear boundaries for yourself and leave all work tasks in your office! 

Take Breaks 

A huge obstacle to work-life balance as a home based entrepreneur / professional is feeling trapped is your own home. You can easily find yourself cooped up at home for a few days at a time.

Get up every hour or so to stretch your legs and take a few minutes for yourself. Grab a proper lunch or brew a refreshing cup of your favorite tea. Do something that relaxes your mind for a few minutes, or makes you laugh.

How do you find work-life balance as a home based entrepreneur? Do you struggle work-life balance? Do you have a designated workspace? Where is your work free 'safe zone'? Let's chat in the comments!

With love,

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