How To Blend Inner And Outer Beauty

Beauty has always been about more than appearances. Although trends and standards change (sometimes in significant ways, sometimes in subtle ones) over time, the idea that true beauty comes from both within and without remains constant. It’s something we’re taught from a young age, and it’s something we should all try to remember. It’s not easy, of course, but it can be done, and with that in mind, keep reading to find out more.

Photo by Olena Bohovyk

Nurturing Inner Beauty
Inner beauty begins with wellbeing, and that means a whole range of things like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest.They all play roles in giving you more confidence and energy. Over and above physical health, working out how to stay positive, kindness, and resilience can transform the way you see yourself and how others see you. People often find that when they take care of their inner wellbeing, through mindfulness, self-care routines, or nurturing relationships, for example, their outer appearance naturally reflects this inner glow.

Simple practices can make a difference too. For example, journaling helps organise thoughts and reduce stress, and practising gratitude, even for small things, can change your perspective and improve your mood. And surrounding yourself with supportive people who lift you up can strengthen confidence and make inner beauty shine more strongly – who could say no to any of that? 

Enhancing Outer Beauty 
Outer beauty is often viewed as the first impression, but it goes far deeper than surface looks. Grooming, skincare, and dressing in ways that make you feel confident all play a part in shaping your appearance, and for some, professional treatments or aesthetic enhancements could also be part of the journey. In fact, many people choose to work with experts in the field to explore safe and effective options, whether that’s advanced skincare, non-invasive treatments, or in some cases, plastic surgery, and professionals such as plastic surgeon Dr. Ariel Ourian provide guidance for those looking for safe ways to refine their features while keeping results natural.

The key is to view outer beauty not as a mask but as a complement to the confidence and life inside you, and choosing routines and treatments that make you feel comfortable helps to do just that. 

Creating Balance
Blending inner and outer beauty is about balance, not extremes, and it’s absolutely possible to enjoy self-expression through makeup or treatments while also focusing on emotional and mental wellbeing, for example. The fact is that taking time for both self-care and appearance creates a more holistic sense of beauty, and that’s going to be more sustainable than anything else in the long run.  

One way to achieve balance is by creating daily rituals that touch on both. For example, a morning skincare routine paired with a short meditation can set the tone for the day, and good evening wind-down habits, like removing makeup while reflecting on positive moments from the day, can be perfect for both body and mind.

Final Thoughts
True beauty shines brightest when the inner and outer meet in harmony, and by investing in health, self-confidence, and personal care, and exploring professional support where it feels right, you can create a balance that feels both authentic and empowering.

9 Ways to Make Your Faith a Bigger Part of Your Daily Life

Those of us who have faith know just how important it is to carry it with us no matter what we are doing. However, sometimes daily life gets in the way, as it has a habit of doing, and thoughts about faith can sometimes take the back burner as a result.

Pexels – CCO Licence

If that sounds all too familiar to you and you want to make faith a more significant part of your daily life again, here are some excellent ways to make it happen:

Get Creative with Prayer
Let’s face it: if you’re just mumbling your morning prayers with the enthusiasm of someone reading the phone book, you’re doing it wrong. Prayer should be like your daily espresso shot for the soul. Mix it up! Sing your prayers, write them down in a journal, or turn your morning jog into a moving meditation. Whatever shakes up the routine and gets you genuinely connected.

Make Church a Regular Gig
Instead of simply going to church at the weekends, get involved! Join a group, volunteer, or even help plan events for the church. Think of it as your spiritual gym where you flex those faith muscles and spend time with like-minded people.

Tune In to Some Holy Jams
Who says the only good beats are played at clubs? Turn your daily commute into a praise party with a playlist filled with your favorite spiritual tunes. Let your faith be your soundtrack, whether it’s gospel, Christian rock, or peaceful meditative tunes. It’s like having a tiny choir in your earbuds, minus the robes.

Read Up and Reflect
Grab that dusty old holy book (yeah, that big one you’ve been using as a coaster) and read a passage daily. But don’t just read—reflect! Maybe even start a blog or a vlog where you share your thoughts and connect with others. It’s like starting your spiritual book club, but you’re also the president.

Serve Like a Boss
Faith becomes real when you put it into action. Find ways to serve within your community that resonate with your beliefs. Whether it’s feeding the homeless, tutoring kids, or planting trees, make your actions reflect your faith. It’s doing good, feeling good, and hey, it’s good karma, too.

Digital Detox for the Divine
Let’s be honest: our digital addiction often drowns out the spiritual whisperings we might otherwise hear. Try a tech fast for a part of your day or week. Unplug, go analog, and see what insights bubble up when you’re not drowning in notifications. It’s like a juice cleanse for your soul.

Prayer Buddy System
Everything’s more fun with friends, right? Partner with a prayer buddy to share insights, challenge each other, and keep the faith flame burning. It’s like having a gym buddy, but instead of spotting you at the bench press, they’re there for your spiritual reps.

Decorate with Devotion
Surround yourself in your living space with symbols that remind you of your faith. Art, icons, scriptures, or even colors that have spiritual significance can turn your home into a sanctuary. It’s like interior decorating but blessed.

Mindful Meals
Before you wolf down that next meal, take a moment to bless it, savor it, and contemplate the connection between your faith and food. Maybe even try fasting from certain foods as a spiritual practice—not just because you read about the latest fad diet. It’s about nourishment for both body and soul.

Faith isn’t just a Sunday thing, so add it to your everyday life!



Cabrini (Movie Review and Giveaway)

Hello Beautiful People,

The Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace team recently had the opportunity to preview the new movie Cabrini by award-winning director Alejandro Monteverde (Sound of Freedom). Cabrini is the powerful epic true story of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City in 1889 and fights for orphans’ equality, health, and happiness.

Cabrini shows a woman’s determination to make the world a better place for the less fortunate despite constant opposition from society. Cabrini never took no for an answer, and because of her grit and stamina, she always believed that all things are possible with God. I don’t want to give out any teasers because you must see this film yourself.

“The world is too small for what I intend to do.” Cabrini

Is it time for you to dream again? Can you allow yourself to dream?

We are sharing the trailer to give you a glimpse of the story.

Monteverde masterfully tells the story of Cabrini, who made everyone around her feel they had a purpose to do the impossible.

“One small gesture of love can change everything.” Cabrini

The movie debuts in theaters on March 8, 2024 (International Women’s Day.) For more information on how to buy tickets, check here.

How to Enter the Giveaway
In conjunction with the release of Cabrini, we are pleased to host a $10 Amazon gift card giveaway. To enter, please leave a comment telling us what is the one thing you would do to make the world a better place.

The giveaway runs until Thursday, March 7, at 11:59 pm. One person will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, March 8.
PLEASE NOTE: The giveaway is limited to United States residents. The winner’s full name and email address will be submitted to our marketing team, who will send the Amazon gift card at a later date. We will email you to confirm your full name and email address before submitting it.

Disclosure:
Many thanks to Angel Studios for allowing us to preview Cabrini, write this review, and offer the giveaway to our readers. All opinions are 100% my own.

 

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers and Father Figures!

Happy Heavenly Father’s Day to my Daddy!

I love you, Daddy, and you inspire my life, and you are in my heart each day.

Fun Fact: In this picture the photographer asked my Daddy to put a penny in my shoe for luck at my wedding. Have you heard of that story? It was new to both of us.

JT and Daddy

Memories: My Daddy, my hubby and I, and my mother in love at our wedding at St. James the Greater Catholic Church.

I went to church with my hubby this Father’s Day and thanked my Lord for my Daddy. Hall of Fame St. Louis Rams football player Isaac Bruce was the guest speaker at church. You can watch the entire service with Bruce’s message here.

I honor my Daddy because he loved me and took care of me. This man of God would give me tea every night, and after he went to be with the Lord, my hubby took on the tradition. I am humbled and blessed.

God Is For You!

Happy Memorial Day!

Hello Beautiful People,

Memorial Day is a day to be thankful for the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

We often hear, is it okay to say Happy Memorial Day?
According to Flags of Valor, of course, it is okay to say “Happy Memorial Day”  because you are coming from a sincere heart of gratitude for the generations who provided that sacrifice before.

JT and hubby at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum in Saint Louis.

 

Photo by:Laurentiu-ordache

Memorial Day is meant to be a day of remembrance. It is not about barbecues and having the day off. Please take time today to reflect on the men and women who served for the United States in war and paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. “Freedom is not free.”

Photo by: Ludovic-Gauthier

The complete version of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
National Museum Of American History

The Star-Spangled Banner

O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there,
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream,
’Tis the star-spangled banner – O long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore,
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion
A home and a Country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash’d out their foul footstep’s pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave,
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand
Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto – “In God is our trust,”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

 

How to Handle Teen Anxiety: Therapy, Lifestyle & Communication

Teen anxiety can be an overwhelming and debilitating experience. It can manifest in many ways, from difficulty focusing and restlessness to changes in appetite and sleeping habits. Fortunately, there are effective strategies parents, teachers, and caregivers can use to help teens manage anxiety. This blog post will discuss the importance of therapy, lifestyle changes, and open communication when dealing with teen anxiety.


Unsplash – CC0 License

Why anxiety can be more frequent in teens
Adolescence is a period of intense change in both physical and psychological development. As teens transition to adulthood, they may feel a sense of uncertainty or lack of control over their lives. These feelings of insecurity can cause high levels of anxiety in teens.

Several factors can contribute to anxiety in teens, including changes in hormones, stress from academic pressures or interpersonal conflicts, lack of coping skills, past traumas, and even inherited traits. Teens also face many new social pressures, such as fitting in with peers and being accepted on social media. They may feel overwhelmed by all the new emotions and expectations. This can lead to increased levels of anxiety in teens. 

It’s important to note that while some degree of anxiety is normal, extreme anxiety can be problematic and should be addressed with professional help. 

Can therapy help?
Therapy is an incredibly important part of managing anxiety in teens, especially when they are struggling with issues that can’t be solved through other means. Therapy can help teach teens how to handle their anxiety more effectively and recognize when their worries are out of proportion to the situation.

Therapy is also beneficial for exploring any underlying causes of the teen’s anxiety and providing the skills and coping mechanisms needed to manage it. In a therapy session, teens can learn different strategies for managing emotions, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help teach teens how to think differently about their anxiety and how to reframe their thoughts.

What if therapy isn’t enough?
When therapy alone isn’t enough to manage a teen’s high anxiety, parents may want to consider other options to provide their child with full mental health support. Several options are available, such as residential inpatient treatments or outpatient programs offering comprehensive care for teens and their families.

Residential mental health rehab provides a safe, supervised living environment for teens with severe mental health issues. These centers usually offer group and individual therapy, medication management, and other treatments. They also help teens build strong relationships and teach them healthy coping strategies. In an inpatient setting, teens can benefit from a safe environment to build their defense mechanisms and heal at their own pace without worrying about external stressors.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
When it comes to handling anxiety in teens, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential. Anxiety can manifest itself in physical and mental symptoms, so it’s important to nurture the body and mind to reduce the severity of those symptoms.

A healthy diet is an important component of managing anxiety. Eating nutrient-rich foods that provide the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay healthy can help boost energy levels and improve mood. Ensure your teen eats plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as those found in nuts and fish. Avoid processed and sugary foods as much as possible.

In addition to eating a nutritious diet, physical activity can also help manage anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins that can improve mood, increase energy, and reduce stress. Talk to your teen’s doctor about the most beneficial physical activity. Many teens find that regular aerobic exercise can be helpful in managing their anxiety. Joining a sports team or enrolling in a class that focuses on teaching self-care techniques can also be beneficial. 

Finally, consider a sports coach for your teen. A personal trainer can help your teen find a workout that meets their needs but also act as a supportive friend throughout the training. It allows anxious teens to learn new coping strategies in a safe and motivating environment.  

Building open communication
As a parent, it’s important to build open communication with your teen to support them during times of high anxiety. Open communication helps teens feel safe talking about their worries and fears without judgment. 

– Ask questions: Ask your teen open-ended questions like “How was your day?” or “What’s been on your mind lately?”. This will give them a chance to open up more and tell you how they feel.
– Listen attentively.
– Be understanding: When your teen does open up about their feelings, try to show understanding and empathize with them. Avoid offering advice or trying to “fix” their problems, as this can make them feel unheard and dismissed.

Hopefully, these few strategies can help you and your teen navigates adolescent anxiety safely. 

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