Cover-Up CoverGirl

The first day of things can be weird.  They can be scary.  My friend had her first day of college today, and I asked her how her first day was.  Her answer was similar to how many college freshman, it's just okay.  For something we are super excited about, the first day can be a huge let down.  Or if it's something you are scared about it, it might surprise you and be awesome.  First days can be exciting, hard, panic-inducing, scary, sometimes sad, or just plain old okay.  I think that's how I felt today, and I just thought to myself, "Self, what is the purpose of me doing this?  Why am I so passionate about a subject many don't even think about?" I don't really know.  I don't have some long philosophical answer about this, but I for some reason Ellen Degeneres came in my head.

Not sure why, I am I like Ellen and her show, but it was kind of weird. I started thinking about Ellen right after I walked out of dorm, "If I just had a little bit of cover-up on, than I would feel better about myself right now." That is ridiculous! I need to stop covering up, and start being vulnerable.  Ellen is someone who genuinely believes that everyone is beautiful, and beauty is skin deep.  But today I just needed some humor in my life, and I read this part of her book, "Seriously...I'm Kidding."

Ellen: Since I am a CoverGirl, I thought if any of you are interested in learning a little bit about modeling I could offer you some tips. I’ve sashayed down plenty of catwalks in my day - well, one. But I know what it takes to make an impression. So here are some suggestions, as long as you are willing to be fierce.

One: The LookAlways look like you’re angry at the universe for making you too pretty.

Two: The WalkTrot. Aggressively, like you’re a horse that’s trying to avoid puddles.

Three: The SquintSquint like someone is bouncing sunlight off their watch and directly into your eyes.

Four: The PoutGet those lips out there. Purse your lips like you’re trying to sip out of a straw that someone keeps moving away from you.

Five: The PoseBe mysterious. Always pose with one hand in your pocket as if to say, “I’m so mysterious, this hand in my pocket could be a hook hand. You don’t know.”

Six: The BreezeCarry a giant oscillating fan with you at all times. No exceptions.

Now put it all together. Trot! Squint! Get the straw! Who’s a pretty girl? You are. Keep trotting!

Hahahahah I seriously died of laughter when I read this.  Thankful for laughter on days when my heart is heavy, and for people who tell others, "You are beautiful, especially because of your heart." 

Oh and enjoy this video. Happy Monday! http://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=-7YzJr3ZJu0

Day One

Today is the day! I am stripping away my make-up for the day, and hoping to chip away at any insecurities I am feeling.  Right now I feel alright, but it is nerve-racking to document this picture.  But I am going to do it, and I want to continue to encourage others in this.  Here we go:

No make-up Nina! Here I am. No backing down now.

"A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears."- Anne Roiphe

Maybe you will want to try to go with make-up today or want to wear comfortable clothes out, and I hope that you do.  But I want you to know that it is okay if you feel comfortable with make-up on or nice clothes, but I want you to love the life you were given as well. Have a wonderful day friends!  How about today we decide to choose confidence and beauty over shame and insecurities. It will be so much better.

You're Only A Day Away!

Tomorrow is my first day.  I'm scared.  I know it does not seem like that big of deal, but I am really nervous.  To many girls, make-up is the most important thing in their bathroom. I would probably agree (although I'm also a huge fan of deodorant, and toothbrushes.)  And that probably won't change overnight, it will take awhile. That's why this is an extended project.  But I am excited to see where this road takes me because I know deep down inside that maybe one person will feel better about themselves. I hope it's me, too, but I hope it is anyone reading this.

"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you."

Cannot wait to see where this adventure takes us.

What Makes Us Beautiful

We've all heard the song.  Some of us love it, some of us love to hate it. "What Makes Us Beautiful," by One Direction was my most favorite song for about a week, and then I moved on. But yesterday I listened to the lyrics, and I realized how appropriate they are for this little project of mine.


                     "You're insecure, don't know what for.  You're turning heads 
                       when you walk through the door. Don't need make-up to 
                            cover up being the way that you are is enough."

While these lyrics aren't exactly earth-shaking like the lyrics of other bands I love, they can be used for the purpose of this blog. Whenever I meet someone new, I always try and find what is beautiful about them. Maybe their smile, maybe their eyes (usually their eyes), or just their overall warmth as a human being. Everyone is beautiful. I don't mean that in a cheesy way, or to say it because you have never heard someone say that.  But how often do we tell each other, "You are so beautiful."? Probably not often.  No wonder why so many people (especially of the female variety) do not feel like they are the lovely creations that they are.  No one is telling them that they are! And a lot of times, no one has ever told them.  Remind someone today that, "being the way that you are is enough." It could end up making their day, and probably yours too!

I've Tried This Before

Sometimes in life we just have to be vulnerable, and let people in.  To have friends or family who you just let in.  I'm also going to promote a healthy lifestyle on this blog from eating healthy, to healthy skin, and more importantly healthy relationships. Here is an older picture of my naked face. Just know that by putting up this picture, I am breaking through a wall of my own and being vulnerable. Crazy!

The Naked Face Project

http://yourlife.usatoday.com/mind-soul/story/2012-03-27/Naked-face-project-Women-try-no-makeup-experiment/53810002/1

Here is an article about two women who started a project appropriately named, "The Naked Face Project." They did not wear make-up for sixty days, and encourage others to try it as well. You can see their blog, and some of the women who have done it with them. Very cool!

You're Gonna Do What?!

Okay, so I've tried many different blogs out, and they are super fun.  I love blogging because often times no one takes you too seriously, and you get to just write whatever is on your heart.  But this blog has a specific purpose, and there is a reason behind it.  I'm sure you have heard of, "No Make-Up March," or, "No Make-Up Monday," sometime in your life.  I'm doing something like that. I'm going to start by just not wearing make-up on Mondays.  After a couple weeks, I will stop wearing make-up two days out of the week, and try to progress from there.  All the while I want to tackle BIG issues that a lot of women, and men face every day.  Most dealing with vanity, insecurity, and low confidence.  My faith will also be a huge part of this journey because that's what we will help me push through my own insecurities.

I want everyone in the entire world to know how deeply beautiful they are while bringing to the table that it is not about how your face looks, it is all about how your heart looks.  But I have to do some research in my own life, and practice what I preach.  To set my own heart free from the lies of media, peers, and just the world in general.  Then, I can fully encourage others to be free of their own issues that hold them back.  I want to change the world, but I also need to examine my own life as I try to do that. You give, and you take.  I need to take a little love in, and love myself through this.  That way, I can love others because I have experienced it. You know, take your head knowledge and use experience to create a wise heart.

I am imperfect. I have flaws. But they will no longer hinder a great work that is being done in my life.  I hope I can inspire you to live freely, and simply.  To take off any mask that you hide behind, and to begin to experience life to the full.  It will be a beautiful, and worthwhile journey.  I just know it.