Beautycounter - my "why"

You GUYS!  I tried to record a welcome video explaining my why, but it was incredibly AWKWARD and, um, I don't care for my voice. {Insert laughing emoji} Hopefully, in time, I get used to liking my video self. :)

So, a blog post will have to do for now! 

My Story:

I started using Beautycounter 2 years ago.  I was intrigued by their safer products and the mission to change laws so that every person will eventually be able to use safer products; free of chemicals, parabens, and other harmful ingredients. I was intrigued but a tad skeptical... could safer skincare still be good and work!?  I started slowly buying a few products at a time and everything from the packaging to the products felt luxurious!  Immediately I was hooked.

My interest in starting to use safer products was two-fold.  One reason my interest has grown is that I have an 11-year-old son who has started washing his face, needing deodorant and other products.  I found myself searching for things that were safer and chemical free, but still good.  I had researched things and learned startling facts such as:

It only takes 26 seconds for chemicals we put on our bodies to sink into our skin and in our bloodstream. 

Some of these chemicals along with other environmental factors have been linked to cancers, infertility (in men and women), hormonal imbalances and more. I just didn't want to put my kids at risk, thus began my search for better products.

Secondly, over a series of some life ups and downs, I have been learning the art of self-love and self-care. I only have one body, and I know that taking care of it and trying to be the healthiest I can be is what is best for both me and my boys.  I want to be here for them for a very long time.  AND, when I take care of myself, I just feel AMAZING.

What Now?

I have been using the products and loving the way my skin looks!  I turned 40 this year and I love my skin thanks to Beautycounter!!  I have also watched the company closely for those 2 years, and I have to say, it is LEGIT!  They lead with education, they go to Washington DC to advocate for laws regulating the beauty industry, they are a B Corp, which is a big deal and a prestigious title to earn.  They are up there with companies like Patagonia, because of the good they do. They have a "never list" with over 1,500 ingredients that they will never use due to their harmful effects.  

I couldn't sit back any longer.  I just wanted to be a part of such an incredible mission.  So, here we are!

Call to Action:

I'd love for you to follow along, try a sample or two if you like, and do some research for yourself.  If I can ever help you with anything I would absolutely love to!  Even if you choose to buy elsewhere, it is always good to "know better, so you can do better." Do it for you, do it for your kids, do it for the environment, your sisters, friends, and men in your life.  💕

xo, Jayme

It is Well With My Soul

It is well with my soul, and I pray the same for you.  This is a new art piece I am working on and I hope it inspires you. xo

love, jayme

You are worthy

This photo was taken of me four months after my 14 year marriage fell apart.  The girl in this photo was so heartbroken that it hurt to breath.  They say that grief is a powerful emotion, and I know this to be true.  The man I loved decided he needed out.  In so many words he said I was not good enough, I was not worthy.  These are the words I felt so heavy, and at times still face a year later.

The girl in this photo couldn't eat, woke at 3 am in the morning with nightmares of her reality and was so exhausted emotionally that it took every bit of me to continue to care for my children.
This is a pain many people know too well.  Grief hits us all at some point in our lives, whether it be the passing or loss of a loved one, or a failed relationship.  The heartbreak and emotional pain becomes so strong that you feel physically ill. It's a pain like no other.

If this is you today...if you are experiencing trauma and loss.  I want you to know that you are not alone.  There are days where you may feel as if you won't make it, and that you cannot go on.  I want to be a voice that tells you to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Live minute to minute if you have to.  Eventually, those minutes will grow into hours, and those hours for me have now grown into weeks. Weeks of happiness.  It's a slow process that requires SO. MUCH. PATIENCE.  But the YOU on the other end of this trauma is stronger, has more self love, and will be able to give and receive love like you never did before.  Allow yourself time to heal, let your friends and family walk with you and love on you.  If you have a belief system, then lean into that.  For me, praying to God has helped me lean on something larger than myself, in a time where I was barely here. 

You, dear love, are so worthy. In time your mourning will become less, and joy will become more. Just hold tight for one more minute, for one more night.

love,
Jayme

A Valentine's Day Post

"Just when you think you know love, something little comes along to remind you just how big it really is." 

This valentine's and last years valentine's were different the 17 valentine's before that. This valentine's there was no one to wake up next to, no surprise flowers or chocolates or gifts. And yet, I've never felt more love. I find myself being even more focused on just how grateful I am for the love that is all around me. I have friends who are my sanity and family who are always there for me. I also have these amazing little people. These little people who have taught me what true love is, and who push me to always grow and be the best I can be for them. 

Whatever your Valentine's day looks like, I pray you find time to be grateful for the love that is all around you. 

love,
jayme

All of This is Life

Life is full of hard times and beautiful times,"...for all of this is life." I'm learning to have gratitude for both.

love, jayme

Be brave, my soul

I needed this reminder today and I pray it gives you hope as well.  We are stronger and braver than we know.  If we hold on, and keep hoping and putting one foot in front of the other, love and goodness and beauty will find us.  We must always believe.

love, jayme

Touch the Rain

"Touch the Rain" May you have the courage to feel your pain; rather than mask is, to sit in it's darkness; instead of ignoring it. May you have the bravery to face it straight on, because that is when it will teach you, and that is when you will begin to heal.

love, jayme