Would You Like Twenty Dollars?

 

Would You Like Twenty Dollars?

crumpled-20-dollar-noteA well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked. “Who would like this $20 bill?”

Hands started going up. He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you – but first, let me do this.”

He continued to crumble the 20 dollar note up. He then asked. “Who still wants it?” Still the hands went up.

“Well,” he replied, “what if I do this?” He dropped the $20 on the ground and started grinding it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now, who still wants it?”

Still the hands went into the air.

“My friends, we have learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless; but no matter what happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.

Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes, not in what we do or who we know, but by …who we are! Author Unknown

You are special – don’t ever forget it.”

clip_image001.gif

lady 4

dotted-lines

Reflections

It was wonderful to be away in beautiful California and spend time with family and friends. I was able to sightsee a bit, shop and enjoy the San Diego Bsan 2ay.

Seeing familiar places and remembering the moments and places where my mother taught me to dream and laugh. She always saw beauty in everything.

I loved the times we spent at San Diego Bay, having shrimp sandwiches or fish tacos with a blanket on the grass at Shelter Island. We would watch the naval ships come home with grand display after being deployed from home for months at a time.

I loved the smell of the ocean and watching the small fishing, and sail boats glide peacefully by, as we visited and just enjoyed each other’s company. We often shared our thoughts, dreams and hopes, and occasionally funny stories, along with our secret hurts. But most of all we would speak of our blessings.

How I miss her laughter, her warm smile, and beautiful green eyes. I admired her strength and accomplishments against insurmountable3fe0ab12-a49a-42f4-ac32-cfeacc95092c odds. Mother often said, “With God nothing is impossible.”

How true it is, even on those days when we feel worthless, crumpled, and broken by life’s circumstance God cares.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God

and are called according to his purpose for them.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

If God is for us, who can ever be against us.

Romans 8:28 & 31

You are special – don’t ever forget it.

 

 

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, The newsletter will be back in your mailboxes every Saturday morning again.

If you know anyone who might enjoy it please pass it on.

I loved being away, but my pillow feels wonderful. lol.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs to all.
Lovingly, Karan

Only a Designer Label Will Do! Lol

Only a Designer Label Will Do! Lol

two-teen-girls-shopping

When my daughters were younger, I loved to take them shopping for their clothes, and they appreciated my input. However when they became teenagers, each one soon developed their unique personal style. One of my daughters decided she didn’t want to wear Levi’s anymore; she wanted designer labeled jeans like all her friends. My husband, Lyle wasn’t sure what designers were famous, but he thought surely as long as it had a name on it, it would work.

While visiting a western-wear store, he found a sale on designer jeans: “Kenny Rogers” with the name and face embroidered on the back pocket. Wow, he thought he had hit the jackpot and bought two pairs. He couldn’t wait to get home and show off his find.

I had a hard time keeping a straight face when he gave those “Designer Jeans” to our daughter. They say, “A picture is worth a 1000 words.” I wish I had that picture. She certainly didn’t have the same enthusiasm that her father had for those jeans, and she said, “I’m not wearing ” Kenny Rogers” picture embroidered on my butt.” Who knew?

She never did wear those jeans, and two years later we packed them up and gave them away.

When I think back, I just laugh out loud thinking about those “Kenny Rogers” jeans. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have worn them either.

My husband thought he was giving her the greatest gift, but she didn’t see those jeans as wonderful. How often I do the same with God. When he doesn’t give me what I want, or my struggles overwhelm me, I begin to doubt his love and promises.

Jeremiah 29: 11-14 states, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.

My plans are often complicated and stressful; I tend to over research and worry about every detail. It is such a relief to know that God has a plan for my life, and he cares about the details too. I am learning to trust in His plans and promises for my life, confidently embracing the hope and future he has planned for me.©

Lovingly, Karan

Do you find it hard to trust God in the in the hard times of your life? What time of the year do you find the most stressful for you?

Thank you, dear friends for spending your time with me, Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs to all.

clip_image001.gif

 

 

The Beauty Bag Downsize

The Beauty Bag

makeup bagIn my wardrobe, I use 2 different units of 13 pieces each.  Each unit has one dark neutral, a light neutral and a favorite color. I have taught how to build wardrobe for years and have found these units, not only save time shopping, but also save on the budget.

Unit #1 – Black and White color combination, and Red.

Unit #2 – Black and White color combination, and Fuchsia & Pinks

These units can be used all year. When I buy an item I look for these colors only.  No matter what I pull out of my closet, every piece will match in their unit.  Over the years I have added other accent colors, to make a new unit, but I have always stayed with the same two neutrals, black and white. 

Building these units makes it so easy to splurge on accessories which I love. It also save big on makeup.

I will show you what is in my cosmetic bag:

Unit #1.

  • 1 – Red Lipstick
  • 1 – Red Blush
  • 1 – Charcoal eyeliner pencil, and Charcoal eye shadow

 

Unit #2

  • 1 – Fuchsia Lipstick
  • 1 – Fuchsia Blush
  • 1 – Brown eyeliner pencil, and Brown eye shadow

These will cover all my wardrobe needs, so I am seldom tempted to look at other colors.

Many people ask about my favorite tips from 40 years in the cosmetic field with makeup artistry, photography makeup, modeling, theatrical and personal makeups.  Here are a few that I love and are not to expensive.

  1. M·A·C STUDIO FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION, this formula provides a long-lasting, water-resistant finish and light weight.
  2. Lancôme Effacernes, Long-wear, waterproof formula won’t crease or fade. I have cried through many weddings, graduations and funerals. This product is a keeper in my books!
  3. Eucerin Q10 anti-wrinkle sensitive skin cream, a dear friend turned me on to this cream. It inexpensive, and works like a charm. I use it both morning and night after cleaning my face.
  4. Olay Regenerist, Serum, this goes on after my cream and works well under your makeup.
  5. Lara Geller Spackle this is a beautiful primer, I call it my crack filler. LOL
  6. O. Bigelow Cinnamint supreme 2X lip moisturizer, non-greasy and does a light plumping.
  7. Maybelline Super stay 24 hour color lipstick, at my age this is feather proof which I notice I need more and more! Lol
  8. Coconut Oil, I use it on face at night under the Eucerin cream, on my fingernails and hands, and hair. This has helped the dryness.

 

dotted-lines

fd31681b-2ad0-48d5-bb50-5ce1150ef7e4

dotted-lines

 

What are some of your favorite tips, let me know. I always am interested to see what others are doing. Let me know if this was helpful to you. Also if you have any questions regarding this blog let new know and I will try to answer you.  tons of love and Hugs

Lovingly Karan

Budget Saving Tips for the Fashionable

 

Budget Saving Tips for the Fashionable

       

 scarfe stylesI love accessories and I can spend much of my time in those departments.  I love how a simple scarf, pin, jewelry or shoes can change the whole look of an outfit with so little cost. Helping you can get great mileage out of your basic wardrobe.

Today I thought I would show you some tricks with scarves. There are so many beautiful colors, combinations and sizes which will add pizzazz to any outfit.  Also giving you many great alternatives for your wardrobe.

Be creative, try using scarves in different ways, be imaginable you may start a fad!

 

Use them for:

  • Blouses under your jackets
  • Belts for both casual and evening events
  • And even used them as jewelry, with pins, pearls and necklaces intertwined.
  • Hair and head designs
  • Don’t overlook large scarves, they make wonderfully elegant shawls for evening
  • Also remember the men in your life, masculine scarves in wool’s, plaids and plain colors look great but also add warmth on chilly days. 

 

I have added a PDF for you,  of different scarves and styles to try:  scarves 

Next week I will continue with other Budget wise tips to save money. If you enjoyed this blog and found it helpful let me know.

Thank you Julie for sharing this scarf video, of Wendy’s Lookbook from youtube.com  Hugs

clip_image001.gif

 

“Fashion is about something that comes from within YOU.”
Ralph Lauren

No matter what your style or fashion, It is such a wonderful comfort that when God see’s us He thinks we are perfect. Like the flowers of the fields He has personally clothed us with His design and purpose. In Matthew 6:28-29The Message (MSG) it  says,

 Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference?

Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

Thank you for spending your time with me, I love this time together. Also thank you for your prayers, I am doing better and feeling much stronger with more energy. I am honored by your friendship and compassion, Hugs

 Lovingly, Karan