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First Day of College #momlife 


FIRST DAY OF COLLEGE

I miss the days when you would just crawl into my arms and my hugs and kisses were all you seemed to need….. I can only hope that we have taught you the most important lessons about life….ethics, morality….if not in words then at least through our actions and deeds.

You will have temptation from every direction, and will need to have the guts to know what is right and not just follow the ‘pack’! If you still have any doubt on how to proceed…..REMEMBER…now that you are 18, you will always be tried as an adult!

There is always someone smarter than you, dumber than you, more confused than you, more secure, less confident, more sensitive, less reserved….and even more dysfunctional! Enjoy the benefits of meeting some, and show compassion for the others. Roles may be reversed next week!

In these upcoming years, don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and work hard for what you want! You have never shied away from hard work…..don’t start now! Believe in yourself and never be afraid to say what you really think or feel. You will be facing adversity……make sure you get up when you are kicked down, holding your head high! Continue to be the loving, caring son/friend I know you to be. Compassion is everything in life!

You have been so focused on who and what you want to be since you were 5 years of age. With the endless possibilities in front of you, don’t be afraid if your goals take a couple of twists and turns. This is only natural and expected. You are surrounded by our love and support.

I am so proud to be your Mom. You are a true gift from God and one of my greatest accomplishments. I cannot wait to see what your future holds, the possibilities are endless.

I Love you ❤

 
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5 issues to be addressed in Premarital Counseling

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Planning your wedding is stressful enough, but it’s a piece of buttercream-frosted cake compared to the day-to-day reality of actual marriage.

Indeed, so often couples get caught up with everything involved in prepping for their Big Day and romanticizing the concept of marriage that they forget to (or don’t realize that they should) address all of the less-romantic issues that will inevitably arise when two people commit to sharing their lives together.

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Premarital counseling is an excellent way to confront these issues upfront and establish a stronger, healthier relationship moving into matrimony.

1. Money
Finances are a common cause of contention between those about to be married.

2. Time
Time can also be a big problem in a relationship. One may feel neglected if their partner is often away at work, school or other functions. Conversely, a partner may value their space and wish they could spend more time alone.

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3. In-Laws
When you marry someone, you’re not just marrying them – you’re essentially marrying their family as well. It’s important for you to learn how to get along with the whole family, especially if at this point you’re already on shaky ground. It’s also helpful to establish what sort of boundaries as a couple you will put in place. Some family members may be in the habit of just dropping by for a visit. This may upset your new partner. Also, it would be helpful to discuss how you plan to spend time with both sets of in-laws during holidays.

4. Resolving conflict
All couples disagree sometimes. What’s less important than the frequency of conflict (though frequent fighting is a serious issue that must be addressed, of course) is how a couple reacts to said engagements.

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5. Religion
Again, now is not the time to sweep lingering issues under the rug. Statistically, couples that share the same faith (or lack thereof) are more likely to stay together than those that don’t. If your partner is of a different faith, you need to decide whether this is something that will bother you long-term or not. This can be a critical issue.

Be sure to discuss these critical issues during premarital counseling. Ultimately, it all comes down to honesty and respect.

If you’re able to be honest with your partner and respect their traits and beliefs even when you don’t like or agree with them, and if your partner can do the same, then the future of your marriage looks bright.

 

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{Wordless} Wednesday with my favorites from 2010 

These are just a few of my favorites of 2010 as a lover of the photography profession I got the privilege to experience what it was like to photograph a bride at her most special day and do a Photoshoot of a this beautiful little girl that her natural was what made her perfect. My little cousins on her first birthday. Being natural on her porch.  And of course with a camera in my hand I always got to experience, capture and register my boys most silly special moments. 

  

” Photography can only represent the present. Once photographed, the subject becomes part of the past.”

  

” Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling. If you can’t feel what you’re looking at, then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures.”

  

“Photography is about capturing souls not smiles. ” 

  

” When people ask me what type of equipment I use —I tell them My Eyes. “

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Argan Oil Hair Mask #Review

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Argan Oil Hair Mask, 8 oz. Hair Treatment Therapy, Deep Conditioner for Damaged & Dry Hair, Heals & Restructures Hair Shaft & Growth, Detoxifies Scalp & Nourishes, Removes Products Residue Buildup (Misc.)
Received package on time
Packaged with plenty of padding
Container was properly sealed and not leaking

Argan Oil Hair Mask
I use to have the worst dry, damaged hair. I decided I wanted to try this Argain oil hair mask.
First because I hear Argan oil is super good for the hair and secondly because I had the opportunity to try it for a discounted price and give you all my honest opinion.
I was exited and happy I got the chance to do this. Like all my reviews If I don’t like something It’s going to get a one star and if I like something it will get a full rating. My honest review is what I’m here for. No matter if I got the product for free or If I paid for it.

This product Deeply conditions and hydrates your hair with Argan, Rosehip, and Coconut Oil it will heal your hair, bringing it back to life without chemicals or pricey treatments! It Undoes years of damage brought on by over-processing hair.
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The hair mask formula was specifically designed to improve your hair’s overall texture and health. Natural oils work to revive hair to its natural beauty.
You’ll see shiny, voluminous hair that’s easy to manage and full of life.
The mask contains botanical ingredients that clean away residue and buildup, nourishing the scalp and helping promote new, healthy growth.
Loaded with organic ingredients like Coconut Oil, Ginger Extract, and Rosehip Seed Oil, this mask gives your hair an abundance of Vitamins like E and B5.
They use natural ingredients to give all types of hair safe, stunning results.
They also give you a Money-Back Guarantee: Why not try something if the company stands by what they are offering you?

You don’t have to spend a fortune on treatments to restore your hair to its natural health and shine. Trust me using this Argan Oil for Hair Mask from Pure Body Naturals you will get the same result!
This do-it-yourself mask is easy to use and offers unbelievable results. This is why I recommend it.

It deeply condition the hair and scalp with essential vitamins and nutrients, the mask nourishes the hair and protects it from further damage.
I got Stronger, luscious hair that’s silky smooth and easy to manage. Not to mention the great smell. It did work for my hair.
Directions
Apply a generous amount to towel-dried clean shampooed damp hair. Use your hands and fingers to evenly distribute through hair, beginning at scalp to hair ends and leave for 5 to 15 minutes and then rinse. Use 1 to 2 times weekly.

Benefits of using this mask

REPAIRS DAMAGED HAIR:
SOFT AND SILKY MANE:
CLEANS AND SOOTHES SCALP:
SUPERIOR SPA QUALITY:

I have received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub #ReviewWithElly

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100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub 12 oz. with Organic Coffee, Coconut and Shea Butter – Best Acne, Anti Cellulite and Stretch Mark treatment, Spider Vein Therapy for Varicose Veins & Eczema (Misc.)
Received package on time
Packaged with plenty of padding
Container was properly sealed and not leakingI tried the 100% Natural Arabica Coffee Scrub for about 2 weeks now. As you can see in my Photos the product is almost gone.
This scrub smells SO good! If you love the smell of freshly brewed coffee this is perfect for you.
The Coffee Body Scrub is loaded with antioxidants, the description states it helps to fight premature skin aging like wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines. When applied under and around the eyes, it can help in minimizing the appearance of puffy eyes as caffeine restricts blood vessels, which reduces swelling and inflammation. It can also help lighten dark circles under the eyes.

I have used this on my face every single day. Although I didn’t see any difference as far as the appearance of the puffy eyes and dark circles.

I did notice a BIG difference in my pores and black heads completely clean and gone.
My face is as clear as it ever was, smooth and acne free.
It does say the product is 100% Natural exfoliating scrub & acne treatment.
I stand by that statement 100% they are correct.
It helps remove dirt, giving you a fresh, younger more moisturized skin.
The Coffee grounds in this scrub acts as a mechanical exfoliation that helps to scrub away dead skin to reveal the new, healthy skin underneath and as a chemical Exfoliator removing skin cells with enzymes or acidic properties. It provided my skin with a more glowing and radiant appearance upon 1st use.
All I did was Gently massage scrub in a circular motion in the bath or shower, rinse well. Your skin will have a fine film of oil, do not worry, just gently pat your skin dry to leave it feeling super smooth and soft!

I also noticed it says on the bottle it GETs RID OF CELLULITE: By combining the best quality of organic coffee grounds with moisturizing, skin-soothing organic coconut oil and dead sea salt for an extra exfoliating kick.

I applied the product everyday for two weeks to my belly, legs and arms and it did NOT reduce the appearance of cellulite.
This product also did NOT target any of my stretch marks.
There for I would have to say It is not very effective for stretch mark removal.
How ever it does soften skin as it scrubs away dirt and dead skin cells.
This formula also contains skin-loving Coconut Oil, Olive oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Grape Seed Oil making this aromatic exfoliating scrub a luxurious staple in any skin care regime.

Benefits of using this Scrub:
Exfoliates your skin
Super Hydration

Instead of using body scrubs with harsh chemicals, I would defiantly recommend using the coffee to scrub that combines coffee grounds with salt, sugar, and oils that leave your skin nourished and moisturized rather than just cleansed.

My Honest review on this product I loved it. Even though it didn’t remove my stretch marks or the cellulite. It’s the best Exfoliator I have ever used and for this price it’s a bargain. Also, just because it didn’t work for me. it doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.

Why waste money in high-priced spa treatments? Indulge in this coffee grounds facial scrub to soften the delicate skin on your face.

Organic Kona Coffee, Coffee Arabica Seed Oil, Dead Sea Salt Granules, Organic Coconut Extract, Dead Sea Salt, Organic Olive Oil,Organic Sweet Almond Oil, Organic Grape Seed Oil, Cacao Extract, Organic Shea Butter

I have received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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#Review WithElly ORGANIC Argan Oil

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BEST ORGANIC Argan Oil for Hair, Face, Skin, and Nails – 100% Pure Certified Organic Argan Oil – GUARANTEED to Provide Beautifully Healthy, Nutrient-Rich Moisture… Known as Liquid Gold for the HUGE list of Uses & Benefits – Anti-Aging, Vitamin E – Cold Pressed, Unrefined, Virgin, Eco Cert & USDA Certified Organic – Use Alone or Infuse Moisturizers, Lotions, Serums and More! Purchase backed by Amazing Guarantee 2oz (Misc.)

Foxbrim. 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil.
Foxbrim proudly provides you the freshest argan oil available. Unrefined,
Certified Organic, Cold Pressed, and Virgin Argan Oil.
Doesn’t aggravate your skin.
Abundant in fatty acids, Vitamin E, and antioxidants.
Extremely fresh and long-lasting. This oil is the best moisturizer out there.
I tried all the methods recommended to me.

Overnight Hair Treatment – I Applied 4-5 drops starting from the scalp to the end of my hair. Wrapped my hair in a shower cap leaving the oil in while I was asleep next day washed it out and styled.

Face Moisturizer – was my favorite did it every day Placed 2 to 3 drops onto the tips of my fingers. Rubbed to spread over fingertips and then applied. Also used as a moisturizer for my arms and legs.

Hair Glow & Shine – All I needed was 4 to 5 drops massaged into the hands it was perfect.

Need to try the Lip Moisturizer suggestion using the oil- Lightly massage a drop or two onto lips.
No doubt I recommend this oil for everyone or anyone with any type of skin or hair. you won’t regret it.
I will most definitely be buying this again due to the high quality.

I have received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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#PhotoaDay Challenge

It is not necessary

It is not necessary to improve your appearance, get a lot of culture, raise the heels of your shoes, or make more noise.
We need to reduce the noise, walk more slowly, pay attention to those arriving, lower our heads and put the humility to work. We are big, when we are small.

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Day 8 – A Bad Habbit 
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Day 9 January 20th Someone You Love

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Day 9
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#PhotoAdAy

#30DayPhoto

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Day 2 what I wore

I started a 30-day photo challenge and only did a day one.
Didn’t get to keep going. My days have been so busy I can’t keep up with all I’ve set up myself to do.

I started way too many challenges and I never finish LOL.
I wanted to upload all the images up to date so I can catch up in this post and go on day to day as the days go on. I do apologize to the people who follow my blog and expect it to be so right all the time, but hey! I’m only human.

First of all, I’m a wife, (to a pastor of a church) and a mom to 3 teens 🙂 (so this includes all mom and wife duties LOL)
We go to church 3 times a week
I’m currently on a 365-day prayer challenge that I do every day (just don’t have the time to post it)
I’m on a Theological school that I have to study and do a test every month (that’s in Portuguese and extremely hard because of the language) I’m taking a 6.00.1x introduction to computer science as a tool to solve real-world analytical problems at MIT. (Also, really hard and time-consuming)

I have online media groups that requires me to post every day or every week in order for me to remain a member (time-consuming)
So, keeping up with all this and feeling sick, and all doctors appointments is not easy but it’s something I love to do. It’s me 🙂
I just wanted to ask for patience .. and say thank you!

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Day 4 Something Green – My kids playing at the Gillette Stadium
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Day 5 – From a High Angle
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Day 6- From a Low Angle 
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#ReviewWithElly Alina Skin Care

My Review __ The Alina Skin Care Vitamin C Serum is THE BEST FORM OF VITAMIN C AVAILABLE; it has the most AMAZING SCENT FROM NATURAL EXTRACTS. It is loaded with powerful antioxidants to help prevent premature aging of skin, including Vitamin C, green and white tea, and vitamin E.
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I have used this product 2x a day every day since the day I got it. That’s about 3 weeks. I think it was a short time for the visible results I got. I read many reviews on this product and I read a lot of negativities about it. People saying that the company basically paid for those reviews. Well, yes, I got the product for free, but the results and my opinion, no one can make it up. It’s honest. I wanted to come here and write an honest review. But not just write, I wanted to show my untouched (no photoshop) photos to you of the results.
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The directions on the package of this product says not to use on your eyes. I wasn’t sure if that meant not to apply to the dark area under the eyes. I’m 36 years old and I don’t have any spots (dark spots) on my face or any wrinkles or lines, besides the very dark spots under my eyes so I used it on all my face including my eyes. Or should I say especially there. you will be able to see the difference and judge for yourself.

My honest and unbiased review of this product is that this product rocks, now I will continue to use it till it’s all done and will buy more. Thank you, Alina, for giving me the opportunity to try your product.

NOTE: People with dry or sensitive skin that have never used a Vitamin C skin care product may experience a slight stinging sensation during the first few applications. This is a normal and typically goes away within a few seconds. It will happen every time you apply. Should you experience redness, swelling or discomfort after using the product, please discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. I received this case at a discounted/free price in return for my honest review.
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About the Product
  • THE BEST FORM OF VITAMIN C AVAILABLE. Alina Skin Care contains Vitamin C Ester, a form of vitamin c that is widely considered the highest quality, best form available for skin care. Clinically proven to deliver greater results than other types of vitamin c; it’s stable, gentle and incredibly effective at rejuvenating your skin.
  • SUPER HYDRATING. Vitamin C can be irritating to the skin, but not if you complement it with rich moisturizers that give your skin a flood of hydration. Our unique blend of hyaluronic acid, organic aloe and vegetable-based glycerin creates a powerful moisturizing boost to this serum. If you have sensitive skin, this is the Vitamin C serum to try.
  • PATENTED INGREDIENTS & CLINICAL STUDIES EQUALS PROVEN RESULTS. Most skin care products don’t contain ingredients that have been through formal, clinical studies. We do. Our patented Inflacin® was developed to calm and soothe irritated skin. What’s more, our patented Qsomes® has been proven to deliver more active ingredients deeper into the skin creating a more effective product.
  • A YOUTHFUL & RADIANT GLOW. Many of our customers have experienced a noticeable difference to their skin within the first few applications. A more even tone, less noticeable wrinkles, and a more healthy, vibrant looking skin.
  • AMAZING FEEL. Upon initial application, you’ll notice the difference right away with Alina. A soft, silky feel that penetrates quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft and alive.
  • Product Description

    SKIN TYPES. This product was formulated for all skin types. Our unique blend using Vitamin C Ester along with rich moisturizers was created to be gentle on your skin, even those with sensitive skin.
    AMAZING SCENT FROM NATURAL EXTRACTS. Many of our customers comment on how much they love the scent of our products. The Alina Vitamin C scent is purely derived from mandarin orange and grapefruit extracts. There is no fragrance used in this product.
    ENCAPSULATION ENSURES PROTECTION FROM LIGHT, HEAT, AND OXYGEN. Vitamin C and other active ingredients can breakdown and rapidly lose their effectiveness when exposed to light, heat and oxygen. Alina Skin Care encapsulates all of our active ingredients ensuring no loss of ingredient efficacy, even after you open the bottle.
    ANTIOXIDANT RICH. Loaded with powerful antioxidants to help prevent premature aging of skin including Vitamin C, green and white tea, and vitamin e.
    WHO IS ALINA SKIN CARE? Alina Skin Care is a science-driven company created to provide consumers with innovative, professionally formulated skin care products. Our team consists of industry veterans that have developed products for some of the top skin care brands in the world, many that can be found today in major department and beauty stores. With more than 50 years of experience formulating both prescription-based dermatological products, as well as over-the-counter premium skin care products, Alina Skin Care has the expertise and credibility you can trust.Ingredients
    Purified Water, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Cyclomethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisopropyl Adipate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Tocopherol Acetate, Pyridoxine HCI, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, PEG-23 Glyceryl Distearate, PEG-12 Glyceryl DIsmyristate, Hyaluronic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Glycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Citrus nobilis, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, Maltodextrin, Xathan Gum, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyenthanol, Caprylyl Glycol NO Parabens, NO Phthalates, and NO Sulfates. No Animal Testing. Made in USADirections
    Apply morning and night to face and neck before application of a moisturizer. Moisturizer can be applied immediately after you apply Alina Vitamin C Serum. NOTE: People with dry or sensitive skin that have never used a Vitamin C skin care product may experience a slight stinging sensation during the first few applications. This is a normal and typically goes away within a few seconds. Should you experience redness, swelling or discomfort after using the product, please discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.You can buy the Product >>>  HERE  on Sale for $24.95
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#30DayPhotography Challenge

Day 1 Self-Portrait

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The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” 1 Samuel 16:7

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