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

Sunshine comes to all who feel rain

The past few years of my life have been hard, and the past year has been the hardest season I've been through.  We all have hard seasons, and no matter what your difficult season is (divorce, loss of job,  a sick family member, loss of a loved one, or a low time), it can seem impossible that there could be better times ahead.

This year my moto has been to simply put one foot in front of the next, and keep moving forward. It has kept me going on days where planning weeks or months out would have been overwhelming and impossible. Then there are days where hope shines through, and small moments where you realize there could just be, "... a thousand beautiful things waiting for you." I wish today is a day of hope for you!

love, jayme

Noah Turns 4!

  My sweet boy, Noah, turned 4 this weekend!  I had decided after last years over-the-top LARGE celebration, that this year I wanted something small and sweet.  Guys, it was wonderful!  We had the best day!  It was just our immediate family and one set of grandparents, a small table set up, and a day full of Noah and his favorite activities.  It turned out to be exactly as I had hoped... less running around frantic-ness for me, and more of a chance to focus on this little boy, who stole my heart 4 years ago.  Perfect.

Where to buy:
banner - Two Green Olive Trees
4 lollipops -Vintage Confections
fabric party hat -Paisley Handmade
balloons & cupcake wrappers - TomKat Studio

ox, Jayme

when life gives you rain... play in it

Because sometimes you just need to play in the rain, to feel you're alive.
I hope everyone is having a happy day.

ox, jayme

Our Easter...

I hope you enjoyed a peek at our Easter weekend.  We had an amazing time spending the day with our family and sweet friends.  I hope you each had a special day as well, celebrating life and love.

ox, Jayme

LOVE

Wishing everyone a great amount of LOVE on this valentine's day!

xoxo,

jayme

"only LOVE can do that"

You know that ice breaker question people ask, "if you were to have dinner with any 7 people, dead or alive, who would you choose?  Well, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is on my list.  Happy Birthday, MLK.

Love, Jayme

Happy Holidays from Uruguay

 I hope you all had a sweet holiday!  My little family returned from our travels in Uruguay a couple weeks ago feeling rested and full of love.  Half of our family lives in Uruguay so we feel so lucky every time we have the opportunity to go visit and enjoy our family, the beach, the sun, and the amazing foods and friends.  The highlight of our trip was seeing our Niko surf for the first time.  He stood on the first wave we put him on... this kid has talent!  Even I had a chance to surf some waves when "Abu" (grandpa) was watching the littles.  I can't think of a better way to have spent our holidays.  I hope you all had sweet family time as well!  I hope you enjoy the pics below!

ox, jayme

A Sweet Customer Party: by Candy and Cake

 I am head over heals in LOVE with this sweet birthday party by Candace from Candy and Cake!
Candace contacted me a few months ago about the floral invitation that I designed for HGTV and asked me to create some matching food labels.  Candace chose this adorable boho chic theme for her little one's first birthday that combined sweet florals and elephants with this lovely color palette. This party is filled with sweet details and homemade touches.  Candace also created most of these gorgeous desserts and designed and created the cake.  I'm in love with this cake, people!!!  These stunning photos were taken by Juli Labrecque Photography and you can see even more lovely photos of the party, here, on the blog On To Baby.

Credits:
Event Design & Desserts: Candy & Cake
Photography: Juli Labrecque Photography
Lemon Macarons: Bridge City Cakes
Lace paper cups and cupcake liners: Shop Sweet LuLu
Paper straws, chevron favor bags and wooden cutlery: Green Munch
Plates and napkins: Superstore
Paper Goods: Jayme Marie Designs
Grass Placemats, Lanterns: Dollarama
Aqua Lace Diaper Cover: Always Under Pay
Party Hat: Vivianne Rose
Yarn Pom Sticks: DIY with tutorial from Domestifluff
Yarn Garland: DIY with tutorial from Green Wedding Shoes

ox, Jayme

A Paris Party : by a sweet customer

It is no secret that I LOVE Paris.  So, when my friend and neighbor Kathryn Whitaker, from the blog Team Whitaker told me she was throwing a Paris party for her daughter Anna - Laura, I was thrilled.  I knew the party would be fabulous as Kathryn goes all out for her little one's parties.  I couldn't wait to see the pictures of all the details, and let me tell you... the party was darling! The party included a brunch served in their lovely backyard, amazing activities such as crepe making, Eiffel tower making, pin the butterfly on the Eiffel tower, and delicious sweets such as Macarons (of course!!).
You must check out Kathryn's blog for the amazing details and photos!

Also, Paris paper collection will be in my shop soon!
ox, Jayme