[Food Stop] A Memorial Day Mexican BBQ, with a Vegetarian Option, andNo-Fry Fried Ice Cream

Hi there!

What's nice about a holiday weekend is that mid-week is Thursday, which means it's almost Friday!   For Memorial Day, we just spent it at home with the kids and my oldest daughter's boyfriend.  We usually have Kalbi, Korean barbecue short ribs (featured in this post here), but the hubby was craving carne asada tacos.  The kids were in charge of grilling this year and cleaning the tables off so we could eat outside, while I prepared the fresh guacamole and salsa, black beans, and Mexican rice. Here's my plate when we were finally done!

Starting from top left:  1. Carne Asada Taco with grilled flank steak seasoned with McCormick's Taco Seasoning as a dry rub, Cabbage, Fresh Salsa - Tomatoes, Cilantro, Red Onion, Lime, Salt & Pepper, and Crema Mexicana (Mexican Sour Cream...SO good!), 2. Grilled Peppers, 3. Fresh Guacamole - Avocados, Tomatos, Jalapenos, Red Onion, Lime, Cilantro, Salt & Pepper, mixed together (keep pit in to keep from browning), 4. Mexican Rice *recipe below, 5. Black Beans simmered with some Taco Seasoning and a bay leaf, 6. Queso Fresco Taco, a VEGETARIAN option, with Queso Fresco Cheese (Mexican crumbly cheese), Fresh Salsa, and extra Cilantro.

Everything was made fresh, as noted in the caption above, and I just mix things in until it tastes good! I kind of hate recipes and once I make a dish, I try to make it without one.  But there are some things that need a recipe, like baked goods, or if I just can't remember.  With the Mexican Rice it happens to be the latter. Maybe it's because I can't remember how long to simmer and boil the rice more than forgetting what the ingredients are.  I originally found this on foodnetwork.com in 2009, but have altered it a bit.

Mexican Red Rice (Serves 4 - 6)

Ingredients-

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups long-grain white rice

1 teaspoon achiote powder (I use 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder if I don't have achiote)

1 bay leaf

2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (I use only 1)

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Directions-

Heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add onions and garlic and cook until the onion is soft, about 2 minutes.  Add the rice, achiote powder, and bay leaf.  Cook and stir until the rice is opaque, about 2 minutes.  Add tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.  Cook until the liquid evaporates to just below the level of the rice, about 10 minutes.  Reduce the heat to the low, cover, and cook until the rice is tender, about 20 - 25 minutes.  Uncover, fluff with a fork and serve.

That's it...pretty easy, but just make sure you watch it so it doesn't burn.  

For dessert, I made fried ice cream upon a request from the kids (which means they had to go get the ingredients at the store).  I totally forgot about a no-fry fried ice cream recipe I found that I used to make when they were younger, so it was perfect for our Memorial Day Mexican BBQ theme!  

Vanilla on left, Coffee on right with a raspberry on top.  I forgot to tell the kids to get heavy cream to make whipped cream, so we didn't have any...oh well, it was still delicious!  Remember the recipe in general, but couldn't remember ratios, so I used southernplate.com recipe as a guide.

No-Fry Fried Ice Cream (makes about 20)

Ingredients-

Two 1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream (we got one vanilla & one coffee) 

6 cups corn flakes

6 tablespoons butter

6 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cinnamon

Melted chocolate &/or whipped cream (optional)

Directions-

Heat the oven to 350 F.  Scoop out ice cream balls and place on a wax-paper lined plate; freeze for about 30 - 45 minutes.  In the meantime, melt the butter and mix in sugar and cinnamon, set aside.  Place the corn flakes in a large zip-lock bag and crush the flakes, then place the butter mixture in the bag and shake to mix into the corn flakes.  Place on a cookie sheet and put it in the oven for about 5 minutes or until toasted.  After it's cooled, roll the ice cream balls in the corn flake mixture.  Refreeze for about an hour, then take out and place in a bowl.  Drizzle with chocolate & whipped cream, if desired.  Enjoy!

Well that basically was our meal for the day with lots of random snacking.  We ended the evening by watching The Vow, which was really sweet...true love and all...

What is your favorite barbecue recipe?  What is your favorite Memorial Day tradition?  Let me know because I could use some ideas.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Shoe Lookbook] 3 Hot Pink Looks With Ann Taylor & Friends

Hi there!

I thought that I would do a Shoe Lookbook with an old friend, Ann Taylor, and three fairly new ones, Calvin, Kenneth, and Michael!  The guys are basic black, while Ann is providing the pop of color, a 90's hot pink shift dress, being the girl and all...

The Shoes -

Left: Calvin Klein Lenora Bootie, Kenneth Cole Mid-calf Boot, Michael Kors Cork-heeled Pumps.

The First Look with Calvin - Cardigan: Target, Pearls: Gift from my parents, of course!, Bag: Target (handed down, or would that be handed up, from my eldest daughter)

Like my hair?  My oldest daughter just trimmed it and styled it the day before...she is so talented and creative!  Next, she'll do my highlight and root touch-ups.  So nice to have a Hairstylist in the family!

Calvin was worn to church.

 The Second Look with Michael - Shirt: Benneton, Tights: Old Navy, Headband: Missoni for Target.

Michael was worn to a HS graduation luncheon (it got windy and cooler, so this look was perfect).

The Third Look with Kenneth - Necklace: Kenneth Cole (borrowed from my eldest daughter, which was a gift from us), Jean Jacket: Allen for ABS purchased at Nordstrom, Hair tie: Goody (I seem to always have this...I guess just in case my hair is driving me crazy, but today it was perfect because of my daughter!)

Kenneth was worn to an early evening HS graduation Open House...it's good we took photos before we left because it started to rain and my boots were perfect for that!

It's so nice to pair old friends with new ones, don't you think?  Which one of the looks was your favorite pairing?  Let me know so that I can start contemplating other pairings with old and new friends.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[The Scenic Route] First Look

Hi there!

This post column, The Scenic Route, was inspired by The Everygirl, Use Fancy Words blog posts.  I thought that it was so clever, and I thought it would be neat to integrate something like this into my blog.  Another reason for this column is that these are areas that I want to strengthen, like my vocabulary and appreciation of art.  I also hope to pass my desire for more practical knowledge, brain power, spiritual strength, healthy living, and artistic appreciation on to all of you!

Vocab Builder -
betide[ bih-tahyd ]
verb (used with object)
1. to happen to; come to; befall: Woe betide the villain!
verb (used without object)
1. to happen; come to pass: Whatever betides, maintain your courage.
www.dictionary.com

Thought Provoking -
"If you can't own it, don't do it"
--- HS Bible & English Teacher and 2012 Commencement speaker at our local school.

Art/Graphics/Photography Appreciation  -

This print by Leanne Weissler was given to me by my parents, and is one of the inspirations for my new blog design.

Mind Stimulation -
Clink on link for the Washington Post Magazine Second Glance Column  Picture Game and links to other mind stimulating games like Suduko and Crossword Puzzles.

Wellness Tip -
Go to your local Farmer's Market and eat seasonally.  It is not only healthy for you because you get the freshest produce, it supports the local economy because you support area farmers.  See more wellness tips at 360-5.com from the Cleveland Clinic.


Verse Meditation -
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."  James 4:10, ESV from www.youversion.com

I hope that you will like this column and will take the time to enjoy The Scenic Route in order to enrich your life and broaden your mind!  Did you like this column and would you like to see it continue?  Let me know because I would appreciate any comments or suggestions.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Stylish Steps] A Scarf Repurpose into a Turban?

Hi there!

Happy Memorial Day!  It was so nice to sleep in!  Now I've got to clean the kitchen and get ready for the barbeque with the family.

I've been seeing this turban style popping up recently and I'm thinking, "Really...I'm not sure about that, plus I would look horrible with that on my head!".  Ironically the other morning, I didn't know what to do with my hair, so I tied it up into a high bun.  Then I used the scarf I tied on my hat the other day (post link here) and tied it on my head.  I put the scarf on, twisted it a couple times on top and tied it in the back and thought, "Hum, that actually looks pretty good!"  I Goggled "turban style" because I thought that this headband look mimicked the turban look, and I found "turban style headbands".  So yay for me!  I guess that I am wearing a turban style after all!

Sarah Jessica Parker (btw, she's 40+)!  Full Turban Style from Reclaimedwreckage.blogspot.com

jbrclothing.blogspot.com  showing turban style headband

Turban Style headband for sale at etsy.com

Here's my whole outfit with the scarf only tied behind my head, which is a whole different look!  Jacket: ABS by Allen, Black Tee: H&M, Black Jeggings: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Ellen Tracy, Bag: Target, Earrings: Banana Republic.

Did I change your mind about this unique turban style like I changed mine about it?  I'm honestly not sure if I will ever do the full turban style (will post it if I do!), but would you do it? Does anyone have any other ideas using scarves as a headdress?  Let me know and send me photos, especially of the full turban style, because you may be able to convince me...  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Sole Inspiration] My Mission

Hi there!

In starting this blog, I wanted a creative outlet to express my ideas and thoughts, as well as to dabble in some of my hobbies (e.g. writing), and learn new ones (e.g. photography).  As I have said before, this is obviously a fashion/lifestyle blog, but I want it to be more than just a superficial presence.  As stated in my profile page, "...my mission is to provide inspiration & encouragement through fashion, as well as through the blessings & challenges of life, while gaining a little bit more wisdom and perspective for myself".  But what does that mean?  Well it can mean anything from readers being inspired by an outfit or a recipe I present, or a reader being touched and encouraged from an inspirational post I wrote.  For me, I am learning more about myself and what I can do, while just enjoying myself in the process.

After I had picked the name ShoeAxis for my blog, I started thinking about how cool it would be to get to the point where I could donate shoes to needy children.  Kind of like how Tom's donates a pair of shoes for every pair purchased, I thought somehow, I want to do something similar with my little blog someday.  My youngest daughter had just returned from our church mission trip to Nicaragua through Maranatha Volunteers International, and I thought that this would be a great way to someday do this and give new shoes to these children.

"Momma always says there's an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes. Where they're going. Where they've been. I've worn lots of shoes. I bet if I think about it real hard I could remember my first pair of shoes".  ---Forrest Gump

My daughter with a Nicaraguan boy that she bonded with.  She said that they were so sweet and loving, and although their situation is very poor, they are just happy and were so receptive to all of them !  She had felt the desire to go on this trip a couple months before the trip and did a great job raising the $2000 she needed to go, and she was so glad she went!

She helped in Vacation Bible School as well as helped in the construction of the new church and school building. My friend and pastor's wife told me that the kids just loved my daughter and she was so good with them!  I am so proud and awed by her and how she was able to follow her calling to go on this mission trip.  See her baptism here because of this inspiring mission trip!

So part of my mission and goal is to be able to provide shoes for needy children, whether it be in another country or here in our own backyard.  I may even follow in my daughter's footsteps and go on a mission trip myself!  What can you do to make a difference?  Do you have a particular altruistic goal or passion?  Let me know what they are and if you would someday be willing to donate to ShoeAxis towards giving new shoes to needy children.  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[ShOe Inspired] Staying Neutral with Jessica Alba

Hi there!

I'm ShOe Inspired by Jessica Alba today!  I have always loved her style; sexy yet elegant, and even stylishly casual, like this look I will attempt to emulate...

Inspiration is Jessica Alba from celebrity-gossip.net

I obviously styled my look a little differently, using a black hat instead, 3/4 length sleeve sweater with a cami and no scarf around my neck.  I don't have 2 bags, as it appears she has, and mine isn't slung across my shoulder.  But I do have my iPhone with me :-)

Almost like Jessica Alba?

So maybe this is my irritated, "I hate when the paparazzi takes random photos of me..." look.

My Outfit - Hat: From a street vendor in Aurba, Scarf (tied around hat) & Watch: I can't remember...probably gifts, Cowl-neck sweater blouse: Forever 21, Cami: Target, Pants: old Banana Republic, Nude Stilettos: ShoeMint, Bag: Target (from my oldest daughter), and my iPhone!

I almost got rid of these pants from Banana during my closet purge because I wasn't sure what to wear them with anymore.  After I saw this outfit on Jessica Alba, I immediately thought of these pants and was so glad I still had them!  Have you ever gotten rid of a piece of clothing you wish you hadn't or kept something and repurposed them later to look updated and fresh?  Let me know because I've done both!

Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!  See you later!

Cheryl

[Food Stop] A Sit Down Dinner and Costco

Hi there!

Have you ever gotten home and not wanted to cook, but don't want to get take out, yet still want to sit down for a nice dinner with the family?  Well, here's a solution...Costco!  I really try to be healthy overall and prepare home-cooked meals, but I'm a realist and life is life...

Prepackaged Costco food

In order to make the food more presentable, I brought out some white platters, and presto!  An attractive, healthy meal for the family taking minimum time and preparation.

Apple, Cranberry, and Walnut Salad with Feta Cheese and Balsamic Vinegarette

Spinach and Cheese Ravioli with Browned Butter and Manchego Cheese garnished with Baby Kale.  To prepare, cook Ravioli according to package, brown 2-3 tablespoons Butter, adding Kosher Salt & Cracked Black Pepper to taste.  Place ravioli in pan to "toast" in the butter, then place ravioli on a platter, shave your choice of cheese on top, garnish for presentation, if desired.

Pugliese Bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar with Kosher Salt and Cracked Black Pepper

Fresh Mango, Blackberries, and Raspberries for a healthy dessert!

That was dinner for the other night for my two girls and myself, since the boys were out.  Have you ever purchased prepackaged food, but presented it in a way that elevated it, making it look more appetizing and homemade?  Let me know because I don't want to feel alone in this, so leave me your comments!

Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Life-Style Forum] 40+ with Leopard Pants! Fashion Faux Pas?

Hi there!

Last week, my youngest daughter and I went to Target because she needed mascara, and guess where we ended up?  In the clothing section where she found some pants and shorts, and I bought leopard pants!  They were on the sale rack for $11, so I couldn't resist, especially since they fit and looked halfway decent.
Well...at least I thought so, until I tried them on at home and my kids said, "You need to get a smaller size Mom, 'cause those pants are supposed to be worn tighter".

Whew! At least they didn't say, "You shouldn't be wearing those leopard pants, Mom", because I love them, and if my kids approve, then it must be okay, right?  Here is my Shoe Lookbook with 3 different shoes and my smaller sized leopard pants!

Left:  ShoeMint Nude Kathyrn Stilettos, Middle:  Target Suede Ankle Boots, Right: Black Sling-Back Pumps from Nordstrom (Back story...my husband picked these out and bought them for our anniversary years ago).

First Look -
Scarf: gift, Shirt: TJ Maxx, Belt: Target, Purse: Kate Spade, Watch: Rolex, Braclet: Banana Republic

Second Look -
Shirt: Forever 21, Cami: Old Navy, Belt: Old Navy (borrowed from my oldest daughter), Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Third Look -
Shirt: Banana Republic, Belt: Old Navy, Bag: Target, Sunglasses: Forever 21, Earrings: Francesca's Collections

Although I can be quite practical and relatively conservative in how I dress, I admit that I tend to push the envelope sometimes.  I like to have classic pieces, but I do like to stay stylish and on trend and I don't want to feel like I can't express who I am through my clothes.  I've always been like that, but sometimes I was too scared to wear or purchase something because it seemed so different.

As I have gotten older, I am actually more comfortable wearing and purchasing these "fashion risks".  But at my age, I know that can sometimes border on being that woman that is "40 trying to look 20".  I don't have any delusions that I am 20 anymore, nor do I wish to be.  I just think that as women, we need to embrace our style and individuality within tasteful boundaries, and walk with our heads held high!


So what are your thoughts about women over 40 dressing in a certain way and following certain age-appropriate rules?  I will continue this series on some of these fashion "no-no's" and fashion rules for this age group in upcoming posts, so stay tuned!

In the future,  this "Life-Style Forum" column will be a place where readers can discuss questions or topics that you are all interested in, so start thinking of topics or questions you would like to discuss.  I will also use this column as a way for readers to submit any photos that may be posted in Life-Style Forums.  Thanks for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Sole Inspiration] What I've Learned From My Kids

Hi there!

It is said that children are a parent's pride and joy. That is true of me for my kids. They are the proudest thing I have done in my life and give me the greatest joy. They can also be the most frustrating, yet the most fulfilling aspect of my life.

I recently received a nice compliment about my kids, from a college friend of my husband and I, after she had viewed their Facebook profiles.  She stated that she was happy to see the success of our hard work as parents through our children.  It is validating when other people can see that your children are good & beautiful people and my kids truly are that.  My friend wanted my advice as her kids are younger; saying she saw that I have lived through it and have done a great job. She was curious about my children's upbringing and the challenges I've had as a mom, asking for any tips on how to handle the teen years, since parenting seemed to become more challenging as hers got older.  I felt honored that my friend would ask for my advice, because the truth is that I am not sure what I'm doing sometimes and I just pray that my best is good enough.

It's neat to see your children start to come into themselves and become their own individual person as they grow.  The teenage phase can be rough because this is when they start to separate from you and they stop looking to you for guidance and approval.  As they enter into the young adult years, it can be hard to step back and let them be, yet still guide them, because they are still young (remember when you thought you knew it all in your 20's?) and we will always be their parents!  But don't be fooled...they still need and want our guidance and approval, and believe me, this is where the finesse of parenting comes in.

Left: The Kids in March 2002, Right: The Kids in December 2011.

As far as advice is concerned...wow...I think, "Me giving parenting advice?", because being a parent is rough...baptism by fire, and you can't take things that you have said or done back.  We ourselves are human and individuals who are flawed.  So with that being said, there are so many things that I wish I would have done differently...like relaxing a bit and laying off them more with less nagging and yelling, not taking things so personally and making it all about me because we are a family unit working together, not being so hard on myself by giving up the guilt of not being a "perfect mother", and just getting over it and having fun!  Finally, I wish I had just enjoyed them by just being present and just seeing them for who they are, because as cliche as it sounds, they do grow up fast.  

As us parents go through the different stages of our child's life, and our kids get older, we can sometimes feel the best time was when they were little.   Being a  parent who has seen two of my children into young adulthood and one soon to follow, I know that each phase has it's own challenges as well as rewards.  I think that's how it is as parents; we look at a past phase fondly because we are going through the struggles of the current phase now!  But sometimes we forget to just pause and just enjoy the moment with them and bask in the rewards and pleasures that our children bring us.

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." 
-Angela Schwindt

My Thoughtful, Classic, Creative Son

My Wise, Modern, Stylish Girl

My Honest, Preppy, Fun Baby Girl

I have to say truthfully, that I have learned most of the things I have talked about from my kids.  In regards to upbringing, well...I have a wonderful and beautiful husband, as well as family, friends, and church community that have surrounded my kids.  It truly does take a village to raise up a child.  Whatever your beliefs are, we really should train up a child in the way they should go, for if we direct them onto the right path, they will not leave it when they are older.  (Paraphrased from The Bible, Proverbs 22:6)  

If you are a parent, and even if you aren't, how have the children in your life impacted you?  What have you learned from them, and has it made you a better person or at least made you want to strive to become better?  Let me know because I love comments and I am not above taking suggestions, even from a child! Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[ShOe Inspired] Color Block

Hi there!

So I'm mixing it up a bit for this column.  I am ShOe Inspired by this blouse my kids gave me for Mother's Day because my shoes and toes matched perfectly with it!  How great is that?!

Outfit - Blouse: Sugar Lips, White Jeans: Free People (Blouse & Jeans purchased at Nevaeh), Earrings: Borrowed from my oldest daughter, Shoes: Marc Fisher purchased at DSW, Bag: Gift from my mother.

I have great kids with such great taste, don't you think?  I admit that they let me shop and pick out what I wanted, but they had to approve!  It is honestly something that I wouldn't have normally picked for myself, but since it was a gift, I let my stylish side overrule my practical side...and I'm glad I did because I love it!  


Have you ever gone outside the box and purchased something you thought impractical or something that wasn't "you", but ended up loving it?  Let me know and tell me about it!  Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl

[Life-Style Forum] How I Feel Beautiful

Hi there!

As I pondered my next step with ShoeAxis, I wasn't sure if my blog meant anything; if it was just random, if it was just like everyone else's blog, or if it was so different that no one could relate.  I honestly didn't know what was out there until I started blogging, and if I had, I probably wouldn't have started because there are some awesome ones out there!  I stumbled upon a post the other day on Sacramento Street from May 14, 2012, where Caitlin shared her, "Things I'm Afraid to Tell You".  She found this movement through Creature Comforts blog, originating from a blog post by Jess Constable.  It basically talks about the reality versus online lives of bloggers, and confessions about how the two don't always match up.  This was perfect for me because as I said, I was feeling insecure about the whole blogging thing, because creatively, I was wondering if I really have a point of view or anything special to share.

The "Things I'm Afraid to Tell You" post got me thinking of all the reasons why I was scared to start this blog, or any other thing in my life, because I was too afraid of what people might think.  Second, I thought of how I struggle with feeling pushy and putting myself out there with the blog, even having my picture taken for the blog!  My mind starts playing the tape of,  "I am not good enough, smart enough, stylish enough, witty enough, beautiful enough", or "People will think I'm too old, too short, too fat, even too skinny."  My intention was to start a blog about not only shoes and fashion, but about the shoes bringing us to people and places in our everyday life...something deeper and more meaningful, not superficial or just a pretty face.  I wanted it to not only be beautiful on the outside, but on the inside too; to have character and purpose (such expectations & aspirations we have for our babies!).

I recently heard of the updated 2011 Dove Study, "The Real Truth About Beauty: Revisited", stating that only 4% of women around the world consider themselves beautiful, and anxiety about looks begins at an early age.  As shocked as I was to hear that, I myself have had those same self-esteem issues when I was younger and still have at times.  The topic of beauty and self-image was also highlighted on the May 11, 2012 post by Erin of Elements of Style blog, and finally the topic of beauty and society was featured on Anderson Cooper's May 7, 2012 show, where he explores "beauty bias", through a hidden camera, where good-looking people are sometimes treated better than everyone else.

The thing about beauty or anything good, is that it can be a double-edged sword.  Too often we are criticized for bringing ourselves up or bringing attention to ourselves because we are told to be humble; don't be conceited or a show-off.  But this is not what this is about.  This is about embracing ourselves and who we are, and being proud of who we are and what we have accomplished.  It is about feeling comfortable in our own skin, seeing what is beautiful in our lives, and being thankful for what we have been blessed with.  So instead of giving you a list of "Things I'm Afraid to Tell You", because I pretty much just summarized it, I am going to give you a list of  "How I Feel Beautiful", because instead of apologizing for who we are, we need to celebrate who we are!

I feel beautiful when someone sees my heart and good intentions.

I feel beautiful when I can just be myself and enjoy where I'm at.

I feel beautiful when I am at peace and know that God is with me and my loved ones.

I feel beautiful when I can be creative and express my point of view in a unique way.

I feel beautiful when I realize that I can overcome past demons and insecurities about myself, like my shyness and speaking in front of people or my big lips and large nostrils!

I feel beautiful when I run and know that my legs are strong and able to take me anywhere.

I feel beautiful when I walk into a patient room, and they thank me for my help and support in helping them improve their health.  


This is how I feel beautiful!

Outfit - Blouse & Necklace: Banana Republic, Long Necklace: Nevaeh, Belt: Target, Jeggings & Clutch: Urban Outfitters, Shoes: Target.

Anyone can look beautiful in nice clothes and staged pictures, but are you living your life and present in what makes you and your life beautiful?  When you start looking around and start comparing yourself to others, it's easy to loose sight of who you are and what's important.  It's okay to be inspired by others and get support and encouragement, but we need to be ourselves and see how we are beautiful without worrying about what other people think or what we are suppose to be.

And now, I need to go and follow my own advice, because even though it looks online like this was easy for me, believe me, in reality it wasn't.  How do you feel beautiful?  I challenge you to think about this and write it down and if you want, share it with others or with me...I'd be happy to hear from you!

Thank you for visiting and being a part of my journey!

See you later!

Cheryl