my first D.I.Y

Hi lovelies! The last few months I've really been struggling with horrible, horrible acne. I've always kind of struggled with breakouts, especially as a teenager, but lately it's been so out of control. So, I've been attacking my breakouts by getting on a regiment. Washing my face every morning and night (I sometimes get really lazy and skip washing my face at night, removing my make up...big NO-NO!). It also dawned at me that I hadn't cleaned my make up brushes since I bought them (eeeek!). That could be a big reason why my face hates me right now! I immediately went to youtube to try and find a D.I.Y bush cleaner...and I found one! I'm going to post it on here, but let me just say this video is not the best quality...and maybe sketchy for some, but I found the cleaner to really work.

Hopefully my skin gets better :)

xoxo, Annie

trusting God

Trusting in God to me is not an act I have to do, nor is it something I do because I have no other choice. Trusting God, to me, is simply a response to the fact he is Good & the work he is doing in my life (even if the process hurts) is good. When God created the world it was a process, and each day even though the world was not yet complete, he would see it as good. He knew the Earth, and exactly what it was missing. He knew the dark, formless, & empty Earth needed light, living things, and beauty. He provided all those things in an orderly, creative, and perfect way.

I trust in God who is in control of his work, and is so creative about it. I trust in God who knows exactly what is coming next in this process.

I trust in God because I am his creation.

tacky or trendy?

Today is December 1st. It is officially okay to play Christmas music without annoying certain people. If it were up to me, I'd play Christmas music all year long! This Christmas will be incredibly different for me. It will be the first Christmas away from my mom, sisters, in-laws, and nieces/nephews. However, my husband will be coming down to Mexico to spend it with me & my family. *MUST FIND MISTLETOE!*

Anyway, since we are on the topic of Christmas...have you ever been to a "tacky Christmas sweater" party? They are so much fun! Although most Christmas patterned sweaters can be pretty gaudy and well, tacky...I have found some to be wearable. And by wearable I mean out to the store without being looked at funny.

Source: us.asos.com via laurel on Pinterest

Source: fashionsalade.com via Jules on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Carley on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Kinzie on Pinterest

Source: modcloth.com via Tina on Pinterest

Source: modcloth.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: kieljamespatrick.tumblr.com via Ana on Pinterest

You see, not all Christmas sweaters are tacky :)

skype dates

Hi, friends! I LOVE technology. Without it I would not be able to communicate with the people I love. I am especially thankful for skype. I LOVE having skype dates with my friends and family. It makes being so far away just a little bit easier. Thank you to all my friends who are constantly keeping up with me while I'm in Mexico. This has been such a difficult process...We could not do it without your prayers & encouragement! Here's a few screen shots of some of my favorite skype dates :)

my brother in law checking himself out on the camera

having pillow talk with my mommy :)

meeting my baby niece for the first time :) Such a special moment

Diego was showing me how many teeth he has lost!

being silly with Cole bear

Let's have a skype date soon, shall we? acontreras0821! call me ;)

four weddings and an outfit

wedding attire with a hint of mint by acontreras21 featuring antique hair accessories

I just love weddings, don't you? Talk about lovely. I was in the mood for a good wedding, and it just so happens that I have FOUR to look forward to, one of which I have the honor of being a bridesmaid in :) Sounds exciting, huh? & expensive for sure. In light of the up and coming wedding season I thought I would put together a dream outfit on polyvore. I love the simplicity of this dress with the addition of accent mint accessories. Overall lovely I'd say. I'm inspired. Definitely something I would love to wear to one of the four weddings! Now, if I could only get back to the states so I can see my friends say, "I do" Doesn't the government know how many weddings and parties I need to attend? Ugh!

Do you have any upcoming weddings to attend? What are some rules you have on wedding attire?

Love you, my friends.

Annie

currently obsessing over...

leather pants!

Source: google.com via Alexandra on Pinterest

To be honest, I've never been a huge fan of them. I blame it on Ross and the episode of "Friends" when he fails to put them on. So, thank you Olivia Palermo for making leather pants cool again.

If you need a good laugh, go here. It's one of my favorite episodes :)

"Someone comment on the pants!" -Chandler

I used to be a creeper

Don't you love finding pictures of your adolescent self? I sure do. Especially when they are as lovely as the one I found in my grandmother's album. I also LOVE my creeper glasses! No wonder I was so popular in middle school :)

Anyway, I like to think I've grown into myself quite lovely. I got through my awkward "is that a boy or a girl?" and "tweezer happy (I use to tweeze my eyebrows SUPER thin)" stage with help from my friends and family. Thanks you guys! :)

But, no really...Thank God beauty is only skin deep. & I'm blessed to have had people in my life to teach me inner beauty is far more valuable than physical appearance.

Now, speaking of glasses...have you guys heard of warby parker? It's like the TOM'S for eyewear! I'm excited to try them out. I'm gonna order my 5 test glasses as soon as I'm home! Hopefully I can restrain myself from ordering creeper glasses...we all know how much I love them! You guys should look them up...buy a pair, give a pair.

Love you all! xoxo.

Annie

P.S. I changed the blog a little...what do you think?