Make Barbie jealous

Hello, everyone!
In winter I did a dramatic/romantic pink makeup and it was quite popular, now I decided to update it, using a grey-brown shade aaaand the white pencil which is extremely important here. It's summer now, so it's hot, make up doesn't last all day and we need to make it "stronger". That's why you need a pencil here, it will "lock" your colour so it won't fade away during the day. Plus I used a lighter shade of brown here that made this look less dramatic and absolutely wearable. Besides, I chose a slightly fuchsia pink shadow which is very popular right now. You can find a green or a yellow shadow as well.

Products:
ICING (pink)
NYX 112 palatte (soft grey-brown)
Urban Decay Naked (Virgin)
El Carazon white pencil (take any white pencil)
the Maybelline Rocket

Boots, Socks and Apple Pie

I am frustrated.

It’s a beautiful day, I had an exciting weekend planned with friends and I am in bed with what may be walking pneumonia. Rats.

There are so many things I want to be doing right now! A neighbor and dear friend said the fish are biting like crazy at their pond and to bring my fly rod over and see what I could get. I desperately want to. I want to go for a run on a new little trail I can see disappearing into the trees. I want to go for a hike with Adrian in the early morning darkness and I really want to go shoot some clays.

So while I’m lying here in bed, feet twitching and slightly higher than a kite thanks to a very strong pain pill, I’m looking at beautiful pictures of all the things I want to do. And will do as soon as I get my feet under me! I keep different folders of pictures to look at when I’m down, ridiculous or just need a little bit of inspiration….I hope they’re as inspiring to you as they are to me.

xo xo Liz 

Photo Credit: A Well Traveled Woman, Tomboy Style, Between the Woods and the Water 

The Mountain in Bora Bora

When we arrived in Bora Bora, I was fascinated with this mountain. It's just an incredible site to see and is actually the side crater of the volcano that lies beneath the water. Who would've thought lava could pile high enough to create this peak? Every time I go outside, I look at that mountain and  wondered "What's on the other side?" 

We took a jeep tour on that island--yes, where that mountain is. I wasn't too thrilled with this climb in an old vehicle that looked like it hadn't had a brake inspection in 20 years. I don't care for heights, especially when rocks are sliding under our tires and we are inches away from death over a cliff.

When we got to the other side of this mountain and stepped out of the jeep, the view took my breath away. My eyes couldn't take it all in and were in overload. Now I knew why I've been so mesmerized by this mountain and why I needed to get to the other side!

Your spiritual walk of faith can often look like an incredible mountain to you.You watch others have faith and walk through the storms in life and come out victorious on the other side. You wonder if or when you'll get to that point of being able to place your problems and issues into the hands of the Father. But it's so easy to get comfortable on your side of the mountain because of the fear of the steep climb and the falling rocks that may come down in front of you, not to mention the dramatic drop off the mountain just inches away. Because of fear of failure, you're simply stuck with admiring the mountain but never going to the other side.

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, "We live by faith, not by sight." 1 Corinthians 2:5 says, "...so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom but on God's power."

So my question to the guide on our tour was: Has anyone ever climbed this mountain? The answer is no. It's too steep so the people just go around it by going on the other side. Interesting....

If you knew what's on the other side of your spiritual mountain, you'd go around it. There's no need to climb it when you can go around it. Move forward, in faith, and get to the other side so you can see what's ahead in your growing relationship with the Lord.

She's Like Nowhere You've Been

I am happily content, sitting in a tangle of blankets, dogs and my little sister's stories. Adrian came home late last night from the WRCA's Championship Ranch Bronc Riding in Texas where she opened for Reckless Kelly.We stayed up until the wee hours, unable to sleep until we filled the void that is created when we are separated for very long. 

We chat, we squirm, Adrian leans over and bites me on the shoulder, so I respond with a clumsy kick to her hip. We giggle, seriously discuss upcoming life changes and cry, we discuss new books we've read and drink copious amounts of tea...I get a piggy back that no doubt does nothing for Adrian's old compression fractures and she dances off to a go for a 2 mile run.

From my vantage point here on this big leather couch, I can see our family's flag on the porch. It flaps in the wind with a mesmerizing grace and I think back to a discussion my dad, the mums and I had yesterday about Memorial Day. I say a quiet "Thank-You" to those who laid down their lives in service of our country and Roo picks her head up, wondering if I'm talking to her. 

I turn my favorite song of the moment on so that it's quietly playing in the background and look up when a red-faced and sweating Adrian comes through the front door. 

She smiles at me and I smile at her and for now, 

She is home. 

xo xo Liz 

Quote of the Week

I Like

I like the sounds of a piano as it drifts out the open door into late afternoon sunlight.

I like bunches of peonies, wild flowers and roses crammed into gorgeous bunches all about a house.

I like the smell of bacon in the morning and I like to share it with people; be they family or the random traveler. Food always taste better when shared.

I like the sound the horses in the wrangle pen make at night, and how it just touches my subconscious as I’m sleeping. I always smile before I drift off again.

I like men who have integrity and women with confidence.

I like the way a dog just knows.

I like the way my saddle feels tucked under my arm when I go to saddle my horse. The upwards swing, the comfortable settling of blankets, wood and leather on my horses back.

I like the way dirt changes colors and smell when you water a garden.

I like the business and energy of a NY city street and the stillness and (different) energy found in the wilderness and mountains. 

I like the gathering of fishing gear the night before and the excitement of heading out to land a big one in the early morning smell and mist.

I like the cold feeling of cotton sheets when you first get into bed at night.

I like sweaters that are too big for me all year round.

I like the sound of my horse playing with the cricket in his bit,

and most of all,

I like being me

with you. 

Manta Rays in Bora Bora

I have recently returned from the picturesque island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia with Rodan + Fields Dermatology. I had shared some of my experiences and how they relate to my spiritual walk with many of my business partners and thought I'd share them with you as well.

 

One adventure in Bora Bora included a swim with the underwater sealife. Now, I'm NOT the adventurous one of this group. I'd much rather stay ON the boat and not UNDER the boat.

After a short lesson about what we would possibly see while underwater, I had convinced myself there was no way I could do it. I'm not an expert swimmer, especially when there's a tremendous current  (the worst the natives claim in 4 years), but I could certainly spout off the instructions the guide gave. I listened well, could recite word-for-word the instructions on watching out how deep you can comfortably dive without a tank, but there was NOOOO way *I* was going to dip in THAT water.

So a couple of us ladies decided we would cheer everyone else on and stay in the boat. But something began to happen. I watched as others, who aren't expert swimmers either, jump into the glassy blue waters and immediately pop back up. I heard the laughter, the fun, the comments like "Look what's under here! Oh my goodness!" The smiles of amazement were making me even more curious.

All I could think of was: Do these people know manta rays can kill you?! Finally, the guide looked up at me from the water and yelled out, "You don't know what you're missing!" I was content to stay on the boat and watch everyone else swim with the underwater creatures while I played it safe.

Have you been guilt of doing that in your walk with Christ? You long for the peace and joy you see your Christian friends living and you wonder, "Why not me?"

So after watching everyone else talk about what they were seeing and experiencing, the positive peer pressure got to me and I couldn't stand the thought of someone else having fun and fear talking me out of an experience. The guide grabbed my hand and down I went. A manta ray came up, blinked at me and acted like a purring kitten wanting to be touched again and again.

Fear isn't pretty. It's Satan's primary method of attack because he knows when you step out of fear, you step into faith. Psalm 91:3-6 says, "Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday."  Psalm 89:8 says, "O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you."

When I got back in the boat, I was so glad that I got out of the boat. Listening to what I was supposed to do by the guide was a good thing; but actually DOING it brought me a sense of fulfillment that watching others do from afar couldn't match.

I asked the guide why the manta rays seemed so tame, friendly and didn't scare me? "They had their barbs pulled out years ago when they were babies. They can't hurt you." As it turns out, I was afraid of something that didn't even have the ability to hurt me at all.

Worry of the unknown gives small things a big shadow. Stop watching everyone else have the "peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) and start taking a dip into the water yourself. Chances are, not only will you learn things about yourself that you never knew but your faith in God will increase in ways you never imagined....all because you got out of the boat.

(Barbie will be sharing a few more highlights of her trip to Bora Bora with Rodan + Fields Dermatology in the coming days.)

Cara Delevingne inspired

Hello, ladies!

I've come back to my favourite Cara... Damn, this girl is priceless! Accidentally (as always) found this neutral summer make up look and aaabsolutely loved it! hope you'll enjoy it too! You can actually play with colours, instead of orange - pink might be nice, or light green, purple... turquoise! 

Products:

ICING makeup kit (orange eyeshadow on the lid and under the eye)

Urban Decay Naked (neutral naked shadow)

REVLON gel liner

NYX brown pencil

Natural brown wing

When the summer comes I always have the same problem. How to make my make up natural! Because I can't simply use just some mascara! It's boring... I love not only the make up but the process itself. Still I realize that I need to minimize the amount or at least the brightness of the shadows. So here I came up with a quick, natural but still noticeable (in a good way) eye make up. Hope you'll enjoy it as I've created tons of variations of it by just changing the eye shadow.

Products:
the Falsies (looots of mascara)
NYX Caviar&Bubbles (the light brown which is on top right, the gold next to it and the combination of the same gold and white to brighten the corner of the eye and under the brow)
REVLON gel liner

Good Night

Tomorrow, I get on a plane with my mums and fly to a strange, strange city.

I am excited.

I am hopeful.

I am a little bit frightened.

I have also manged to forget to pack underwear and shoes, two very important necessities in my mind. I am not very surprised at myself though.


So, I should go to bed because I have to wake up and start functioning at 4:30AM, but before I sleep I just had to share this with you all.....

 

I just thought it was so beautiful and it inspired me, 

I hope it inspires you. 

Good night. 

xo xo Liz 

Change

As soon as you let go of the unhealthy things in your life, the negative people and the "wrong-for-you-loves," you almost instantly feel like a new person. 

You look forward to your life with the old excitement and joy that you didn't remember losing. 

When you let go on of the things that are bad for you, almost instantly you start dreaming about the hopes you had quietly given up on. You probably didn't even realize you were doing it. 

I held onto something unhealthy for WAY too long, simply because it was familiar. It happened so slowly and quietly that I almost didn't notice what was going on....I started thinking about myself the way that person thought of me, and most frightening of all, I stopped writing. That scared me. Thankfully, as soon as I made the decision that I deserve the best of the best in all my relationships, the words came pouring back. 

If you're in a place that you know is not good for you, but you stay because it's familiar, 

Leave Now. 

If you're with someone who doesn't treat you like you hung the moon and the stars,

 Remove Yourself. 

If you're friends with a crowd that drags you down just because you've always hung out with them, 

Leave Immediately. 

Get rid of the things in your life that you know are bad for you and have the courage to make your life the most inspiring, exciting story you can dream up. You have so many possibilites and experiences waiting for you once you release the negative. Do it. You'll be glad you did.  

xo xo Liz 

Rainbow

Hello, guys!
I'm obsessed right now with everything bright, peachy, and summery. A new coral top was my inspiration))))
Pink lid, orange crease, golden eye corner and waterline, Virgin from UD under the brow, Creep with Hustle for the wing. Screw brown.
Products:
ICING makeup kit
Urban Decay
NYX (112 palette)
the Falsies
PUPA golden pencil

Oh, spring! There you are!

Finally! Shiny days have come to my northern capital))
Voila my peachy-orangy interpretation of a beachy-spring mood.

Products:

ICING (the crease and bottom)

MAC (the light coral colour, have no idea what the name is)

REVLON gel liner

EL Corazon white pencil

the Falsies

and my little fun addition - what you can do if you have a chalk ;)))

( for dark hair - I suggest colouring when your hair is wet)

Thoughts on Emails & Social Media

Being in the public eye for the last 18 years, I get my share of critiques. With the advent of the internet and social media, they come more often than they would should someone take the time to sit down and write a handwritten letter to express their disdain. I remember asking my predecessor, the late Woodie Assaf, if he received as many emails as I did when it came to critical viewers? He said, "If I did, I wouldn't care because I'd tell them where they could put it."

I received these emails just this week:

"Maybe I should get a job as a weatherman. It's the ONLY job I know of that a person can be 100% WRONG and still keep their jobs. You and others have said, "make your plans for there's no rain in the forecast". So, that's what I do, to ONLY be poured on. Today is only one example of the past weather reports. What bothers me the most, we get your forecast, make our plans, and when the weather is TOTALLY different from the forecast, then the reporting changes to fit the actual weather. Seems to me, a "WEATHER ROCK" would be a lot more accurate. If what you all report is coming from some other source, such as National Weather Service, maybe another source would be a thought. Please don't take this personal, because it's not meant to be."

"You look great tonight. There are about 50+ of us women watching  from all different walks of life.

You look very professional. But can we get you to cut you hair?" Anonymous

I had even posted one of these emails on my public Facebook page this week. While many were shocked that viewers take the time to email their critiques, one viewer sent me this suggestion:

"As with many jobs in dealing with the public and being such a public figure being in tv as you are I'm sure there are many trying times. I would greatly appreciate it if you would just ignore the comments from negative thoughts and negative persons comments to you and please don't share on Facebook. As one adult to another we have to look over these comments and move forward. Thank you and have a blessed day. PS-- whining gets nothing accomplished."

A few people have asked why I share some of my emails? My reasoning is simple: to expose how superficially critical we can sometimes be. It's amazing the freedom we feel when we can hide behind a computer keyboard, throw stones and hide. And let's face it, emails and social media have made us more susceptible to everyone else's opinion, barbs, jabs and yes, even the "constructive criticism" (is there really such a thing?)

I began to think how I would be taken if I were to walk into my local bank and tell the bank teller, "I don't like how you're doing your job. My first grader can count money faster than you. And honey child, that outfit you have on is a hot mess. I hope you don't mind that I'm giving you constructive criticism because you know I love you. I just want to help you do your job better since so many people come in here every day and look up to you." I believe I'd be sucker punched and then thrown OUT of the bank. So why do we think it's perfectly permissible to tell others what we think of them?

Psalm 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Tapping out your thoughts on a keyboard is easy to do. Before you do, think about the implications of what you're about to share. Would it be considered acceptable in the Lord's sight? If not, hit the backspace key and try again.

A Random List

I love the smell of books….especially old ones. It’s intoxicating.

The nicest decorations for any home, no matter how poor or how grand, are fresh flowers.

Little gifts should be given to those you love frequently and for no reason at all. They’re the best.

Even when the situation is awkward and you feel uncomfortable, in moments of grief it is always appropriate to give the hurting person a hug and say, “I’m sorry.”

Learn to make your own bread. It’s so much better. Especially with good butter and homemade preserves.

Everyone should read the Little House on the Prairie series, the Chronicles of Narnia series and Jeremiah Johnson.

Our families are insane, out of their minds, loud and constantly in your business….but they’re family. Culture relationships with them and stay friends anyway.

Always make time for children in your life.

Watch Hatari! with John Wayne again.

I feel the “sexiest” or most comfortable (those are kind of synonyms for me), in anything with pockets. I’m weird like that.

If you’re having dinner with a group of people, technically the ladies aren’t supposed to refill their wine glasses….a man is. One hopes that the men at the table are paying attention to the state of one’s glass.

Make your own vanilla extract, spaghetti sauce, bread and whipped cream. It’s just better.

Never underestimate the support and pleasure that can be found from a good bra. Also, never underestimate the discomfort that comes from wearing the wrong type cut of panties when playing cowboy all day.

Candles are always a nice touch at supper, even when you’re alone. Maybe especially when you’re alone.

I never fully trust people if they don’t have books in their house.

Never pass up an opportunity to rope the dummy.

I always forget to send handwritten thank-you notes. I was raised to send them, I used to send them all the time, and I always MEAN to write them now. But of late they’ve ended up in a pile on my desk, along with my good intentions. I detest that!

Unless your parents are major dirtballs, never date anyone who doesn’t want to meet your family.

You can’t live a positive life unless you approach life with an amazing attitude and a positive outlook.

Always brush your hair starting from the ends.

I get so nervous to have serious conversations with people that it’s stupid. I replay everything I THINK I’m going to say, which makes me even more nervous so that by the time I actually get around to talking with said person, every coherent thought flies right out of my head. It’s exciting, really. Try it some time.

Never wash your tshirts and socks together.

If you like her, always kiss her goodnight.

xo xo Liz