Stellar Day Magazine, April Issue, 2016

STELLAR DAY ISSUE 8 | APRIL 2016

The

April Issue

INTERVIEW WITH STEPHANIE NEIHEISEL Tips , her passion for makeup artistry , and what she thinks makes every woman beautiful

FINDING BEAUTY Searching for beauty during hardships , trials and the struggles in our lives

7 TIPS FOR TEACHING LITTLE GIRLS ABOUT BEAUTY

One mama ' s journey to helping her daughter discover true beauty and self esteem

stellar day table of con tents

03 Healthy Is Beautiful 05 From Brokenness To Beauty 07 A Conversation About Curves 10 7 Tips For Teaching Little Girls About Beauty

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13 DIY Natural Sugar Wax 14 Interview With Stephanie Neiheisel 17 Enhance Your Beauty 19 Beauty Isn't Always Pretty 21 Real Talk, Real Moms 26 Finding Beauty

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28 On My Knees 30 Clothe The Nations 32 Deeper 34 Forever 21 + 21 36 Dear Mother of A Newborn 39 Editors Note

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stellar day magazine www.stellardayblog.com

HEALTHY IS BEAUTIFUL

By Jessica Williams Photo by Jason Williams

I

am at a place in my life where I no longer want to focus on being good at it all. For most of my adult life, I've focused on being good at certain things, achieving certain goals, and making sacrifices and priorities to make it all happen. Through this past year, I've really learned more than I ever thought I would learn about balance.

And that there is no such thing.

News flash! Balance is something we convince ourselves that we need. We tell ourselves that if we could only just balance all the things in our life well, we could have it all. When in reality, sometimes there are seasons of our lives when certain "plates" should just plain be PUT DOWN in order to attend to other things that need to get done.

Then, when we have a free hand again, we can graciously pick up said plate that we put

down for that season. There is no shame in that. We CAN do it all, we just can't do it all right NOW. There are seasons in which we must recognize what needs to come first, and what needs to wait.

For me, my physical health always seems to come last. Eating right, working out, and skin care are often plates I put down temporarily and know full well they need to be picked back up. I try to do little things to ensure that I'm taking care of myself, and I make sure not to beat myself up too much when I can't do more than I'm doing. I have three kids, I'm running two businesses, my husband is a pastor, and we travel a bit. So I know that giving myself grace is so important.

I try to workout for at least 30 minutes three times a week, drink lots of water, and I NEVER go to bed with makeup on. NOT EVER. I read for ten minutes a day, enjoy food but make as healthy choices as possible BUT I always have one small piece of chocolate a day. I try to juice once every day - it takes me ten minutes, max. For me, those small gestures are the small ways that I put myself first on days or in seasons that I don't have much left to give. If I'm able to do more, believe me I do! I'm a huge believer in self care and taking care of your body, mental health, and emotional health. I truly believe that health ALL THE WAY AROUND is beauty. And since I don't have my entire day to devote to just myself, I need to make sure I'm doing things that help support my WHOLE being and not just one area. I try to take care of my physical, emotional, AND mental health in ways that get me through each day, when so much of my day is devoted to giving it all away.

One of the things I do, is I wash my face once a week with oatmeal! YES. Oatmeal. It's SO GOOD for your skin, and is a natural exfoliate. I have really sensitive skin, but this is gentle enough for me to use. It freshens up my complexion, is really inexpensive, and it makes me feel pretty when I'm done. Ideally, you could do this 2-3 times a week, but I don't always have time for that.

It's simple: -Grab a handful of dry oatmeal out of your pantry into your hand.

-Allow warm (not hot) water to run over the oats and squeeze gently, allowing the "milk" from the oatmeal to form.

-It should start to create a paste in your hand, and once it's smooth-ish, begin to rub and lightly "scrub" onto your face in a circular motion.

-I leave it on for 1-2 minutes after scrubbing.

-Rinse off with luke warm water and moisturize right after. I use Egyptian Magic as my moisturizer and can be found at Whole Foods. It's the best!

That's it! Being healthy is beautiful. That means a lot of different things for all of us. Find a few things that speak to your soul, work for your body, and mentally lift your mind and spirit to incorporate into your day.

You don't have to do ALL the juice cleanses to be healthy! Just juice 4 oz one time a day and be satisfied in that! It's the small changes that add up to a lot. Give yourself some grace. Working out for an hour a day might not be doable for you right now, but can you squeeze in ten minutes?

Find the ways to achieve health in all aspects of your life and remember that a little bit goes a long way!

You've got this mama!

FROM BROKENNESS TO BEAUTY

By Rachel Deitrick

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Never once thought that my story would be in a magazine for thousands to read, but I was asked to share it for this issue. This isn’t really my story, it’s God’s and the way that He orchestrated every part of it is truly beautiful.

The year 2013 had just begun and life was great. I had just transferred to Arizona State University and was dating my boyfriend of seven years. Everything was fine until spring came along and I began to experience unexpected health problems. I went to different doctors for different conditions and little did I know that the combination of medications that each doctor prescribed for me were making things worse. My digestive system eventually stopped functioning normally from the medications, and I could no longer digest food properly. Over time, this led to severe malnourishment.

It took a while to figure out that the combination of medications I was taking were at the root problem. After several months of improper digestion, my body became “allergic” to everything I ate or drank. It didn’t matter what it was, and it was terrible. I developed somewhat of an eating disorder. I would look at food and think that it would hurt me, because for my body, it was. My body wanted nothing to do with food. Because I couldn’t digest and absorb any nutrition, several problems followed. I lost so much weight that I was down to 80 pounds. I looked anorexic, I was deficient in everything, my hair was falling out, and my skin was extremely pale. My body was shutting

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STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE down and I began to suffer from severe depression to the point

my attention and pursued me through my fears. He showed me

where I did not want to be alive anymore. All of this resulted in

true inward beauty. What it means to be me, the woman He

me breaking up with my boyfriend, quitting school, and all of my

designed with the thoughts, talents, abilities, characteristics,

jobs. I put my life on hold. I had tried doctor after doctor, test

spiritual gifts, and desires that He placed in my heart. What it

after test. There was hardly any improvement.

means for me to be Rachel - without depending on anyone else to make me feel complete, without trying to be someone I’m not. He

It seemed as though every door in my life was closing and I had

taught me that it’s ok for me to be me, because that is who He

nowhere to turn. All that I knew to do was completely trust in

created me to be. So when I start laughing hysterically at

God and place my circumstances in His hands. This act of trust

something that no one else thinks is funny, to the point where I

was the beginning of the most important relationship I will ever

am clapping and crying, it’s ok, because that’s who God designed

have. I always believed in God, prayed, did the normal Christian

me to be, and I love it. I have been able to fall in love with myself

routine, but never knew what it was like to go beyond the surface

because I love and adore the mind and heart that God has given

level and experience an actual relationship with Him. When I

me. That is the true secret to beauty: you be you, the one who

trusted and let Him be in control, it was amazing how I began to

God put so much thought and detail into, and love it. After all,

see God reveal to me what was wrong when doctors couldn’t,

when we are truly ourselves, being who God created us to be, we

how He brought specific people into my life who had exactly

glorify Him and He delights in us.

what I needed to help my health improve, and what He taught me along the way.

So let me encourage you, that when you are completely broken in every way, have no more tears left to cry, and wonder where the

It took a few years for my health to really make a comeback, and

God who loves us more than we can imagine even is, He is there,

everything I went through took much longer than I ever expected.

holding your brokenness and making it unbreakable. He is

We tend to always want the quick and easy way, but I have

teaching you things that you could not learn any other way. He is

learned that when God is showing us who He really is, He takes

opening your eyes to the wonders of His beauty. His ways, His

His time. I look back and often ask myself the question

“what

timing, every part of His plan is beautiful in its own way. And in

if?” What if God hadn’t allowed me to get sick? What if I hadn’t

the end, you will look back and see how all of your brokenness

been brought down to my lowest point in life? What if that

was made perfectly beautiful.

season hadn’t lasted as long as it did? Would I be here writing this? No. The process He took me through during that time broke down all my walls, allowed me to realize that I can do nothing without Him, and helped me to place all of my trust in Him in every circumstance, the good and the bad. He showed me time and time again that He is completely in control, and can take whatever is broken down to uncountable pieces and mend it back together in ways that I had never imagined.

If I hadn’t gone through that time in my life, I would not have learned who I was as an individual, learned who God is as a Father, would not be where I’m at in my faith today, and would not be writing this for you to read. He used my sickness to grab

A Conversation About

By Christine Cram & Sarah Trapp

After talking with Jessica, the editor of Stellar Day, Sarah and I decided to really put it all out there for the Beauty issue. We wanted to write about what it has been like for us curvy women with health issues, discussing a topic that we, as curvy women, feel like we have no room to talk about…beauty.

Can you really feel beautiful as a curvy woman? Our hopes are that whoever reads this will be encouraged and uplifted and not afraid to truly love themselves for who they are, not for what this insanely screwed up world tells us whom to love. So here goes.

What were you taught about beauty when you were younger?

Christine: Growing up for me, I honestly can’t remember ever sitting down with my mom, and she telling me that I was beautiful, and what true beauty looked like. Not to fault my mom, I honestly don’t think she was ever encouraged or told that she was beautiful, so it makes sense. I always

thought that the “skinny girls” were the beautiful ones because they got all the attention, so I associated beauty with attention at an early age. Since I was not skinny as a kid (I was always the bigger boned girl who loved sports), I figured I would use my sense of humor and personality to get attention. So crazy. Looking back I just think about how insecure I was, and how I was searching for acceptance. I found it to a degree, but never really believed it.

Curves physical self forward. I think that the world can be rather cruel for the chubby kids. Most of my lessons about beauty were learned through observing the world around me. The skinny girls with the long hair, boobs, and tiny waists always got more attention from the boys and were shown favoritism from the teachers. Being the nerdy, smart, chubby girl did not fit the definition of beauty around me.

How would you describe beauty?

Sarah: Like Christine, I can’t really remember a time when I was presented with a healthy view on beauty. As a rather chubby kid who had problems controlling her abdominal muscles, I was often told “hold in your tummy,” and when my tongue would wander outside of my lips, I was often told “pretty mouth.” I remember a girl in my class in junior high telling me that I had blackheads on my nose, and she asked if I needed help popping them. Beauty was covering your flaws with makeup, and putting your best

Christine: I would say that beauty is all around us. The older I get, and have gone through many different adventures in this life, I see that statement to be true. Beauty is accepting who you are and loving and savoring yourself. Like truly loving ourselves. I think it starts with our stuff that’s deep down in us. Things that make us who we are and things that we love to do. I think those attributes combined make us who we are, and that’s what beauty is. Not conforming

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The Lord loves my daughter more than I can imagine.

I want her to savor her uniqueness’s and not find faults.

I know it starts with me." "

to this world. Being our unique selves. Being who we were created to be. I would always say I am so glad the Lord is so creative and how He made us (even though I struggle with that from time to time), but we all look so different. We are not cookie cutter-and man that’s a GREAT thing. If only this world would wrap their minds around that. I look like me.

No one else. That’s so awesome.

Sarah: After almost a year of therapy and a lot of introspection, I’m still learning what beauty means. When I think of beauty, I always think of radiance. This doesn’t mean clear skin, a teeny waist, no stretch marks, but instead is the beauty found inside us. Beauty is confidence. Beauty is wearing lipstick because you feel like it. Beauty is the goodness and grace that comes from within us. Beauty is when you find that your worth is not tied to your appearance.

I’m still in the process of believing these myself, but there is so much truth. Like Christine said, beauty is fully loving and savoring yourself.

Savoring who God has made you to be.

Do you think you are beautiful?

Christine: To be completely honest, yes I think and believe I am. Believing that has taken me such a long time to get to. I still struggle with things, but I really believe that I am. I love the fact that no one else is like me. I’m the only me in this world. I think too, after getting married to an amazing man, and having our daughter, I have never felt as beautiful as I do now. I have accepted that my body will never look and feel how it did before having a kiddo, and you know what…that’s amazing. After having my daughter, I realized just how amazing my body really is, and accepted it and asked for forgiveness for hating my body for so many years.

I have had a child living inside of me. There is nothing like that experience. I am so beautiful because the Lord has created me. Period. I love Jesus and follow Him, and I know He doesn’t make mistakes. We each are so beautiful in our own ways. Embrace it instead of rejecting it.

Sarah: Oh, this question makes me cry. I’m slowly getting to a place where I believe I am beautiful, but I’m not there yet. I think that I have value and worth outside of what I look like, but living in a society that shames women based on their appearance, it is so difficult to truly believe it.

When I can pick out every single flaw that I have in the mirror, have to shop in special plus sized stores, and when I know that people have torn me down in the past based on my looks, there is a lot to work through to believe it. I have a tattoo on my wrist that says “worthy,” and it is a reminder that my worth is not found in the things of the world, and that my worth and beauty is found in Christ. I am beautiful and worthy because He made me.

If you could go back to a time where you were most insecure, what would you tell yourself?

Christine: Hi Jr. High days…can I get an amen?

Worst days ever in my life. That’s where my body started changing, I tried to be accepted, tried to figure out who I was, and tried to gain independence while being so dependent on my parents. Hormones going insane. I would love to go back to those days and just give myself a big hug and say that I’m going to make it, and that I am awesome and that I do not need to try and be like anyone else. I would post Psalms 139 in my

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locker and have it memorized. I would also recommend embracing who I am and the things that I love. Just really embracing who I am.

Sarah: Oh my goodness. Like Christine, junior high was absolutely the worst for me. People can be so mean, and will say the worst things about your insecurities. If I could go back to when I felt so unsure about myself and who I was, I would say “Girl, life is rough. But you are SO much more than your body. You are beautiful in every aspect of the word, and don’t let ANYONE tell you otherwise. You are the daughter of the most high King, and you are so loved by Him.” What do you want your daughter to learn/gain about body image?

Christine: This question hits home to me since I have my very own daughter. She’s a toddler and man; she is totally watching every move I make, every word I say.

Sometimes its hysterical, other times I cringe. She watches me put makeup on, and I always think to myself, how will I explain makeup to her? You know? Things that you just don’t think about until you have one of your own. I honestly want my daughter to love who she is, and embrace that. I tell her already that she is beautiful because the Lord made her. She did not have to do anything to deserve that love, its just there. The Lord loves my daughter more than I can imagine. I want her to savor her uniqueness’s and not find faults. I know it starts with me. She sees me and watches and I need to make sure that I am talking positive about myself and other women. I also want her to know that God created every single person the way He did, uniqueness and all. Some girls are taller, shorter, or more athletic. That’s awesome and so fun. I pray that my daughter easily accepts others and loves them for who they are.

What is the best thing about being a curvy woman?

Christine: I love when I comfort my daughter; she has arms wrapped around her, and a comfy tummy to rest on. I think she feels safe and finds comfort with me, laying on my body. That’s one of the best things about being curvy. My hubby grabbing my booty and being able to hang on…you know what I’m saying? I love good food. I always have and I always will. I love how unique and strong I am as well. I think when we start viewing ourselves in a positive way, no matter what size we are, then that’s when we can accept and love ourselves for who we are, not for what we look like.

Sarah: Can I just say, having boobs and a butt are awesome?! I do love having a little more junk in the trunk, and my girls can rock a top with a little cleavage! I love that by being curvy, I get to love on my littles at work better. They have a soft spot to cuddle when the classroom starts to get a little too crazy. And there is nothing better than a booty grab by the husband! I love that I am loved and adored by my man no matter what size I am, because he has seen me at my thinnest and my largest. As a curvy woman, I get to show grace and love.

What do you wish people understood about being a curvy lady?

Christine: That we are not lazy and just eat food all day, although that sounds amazing. The way our bodies are is just how they are. Some people have bigger bones than others. That doesn’t mean that smaller boned people are better and more successful. Some have health issues (like myself, I have had a thyroid issue since my early twenties) and those issues cause people to gain or loose weight. I remember when my hubby and I started dating, he told me he loved how I looked, and loved my body just the way it was. He didn’t want me to change, he loved me for me. So hot. Even before meeting him, I was at a point in my life that I finally embraced me for me, and started truly loving myself, issues and all.

SEVEN TIPS

for Teaching (little) Girls About Beauty

BY STEPHANIE CROSS STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 10

Right now she thinks the world is beautiful. She thinks frogs are cute and snakes are pretty. She smiles at people when they walk by and tells her little brother how awesome he is at sports. People tell her she’s beautiful and with confidence she replies, “thank you.” At six-years old, my daughter knows she is beautiful. Here are seven tips I’m taking to try to keep it that way.

wants to be! Ask her for her opinion – and then don’t be afraid to disagree with her; this will help her learn to defend her stance. Talk to her often about what she wants to do when she grows up, and then embrace the answer you get. My six-year old wants to be “singing, veterinarian, mommy” and I think that’s a beautiful thing.

1. Speak positively about yourself Your daughter is like a sponge that soaks up every word you make.

That’s why it’s incredibly important to speak positively about yourself.

Phrases like, “Does this make me look fat?” and “Can we take another photo? I look horrible!” teaches your daughter that body shaming is okay. Instead, make sure you’re giving yourself compliments to show her what positive body image looks like.

5. Build her confidence Let someone be her coach. Enroll her in gymnastics or sign her up for the soccer team. Having another individual, other than yourself, teach her the fundamentals of a sport and about teamwork will help her grow in confidence and teach her incredible life lessons. A coach, just like a teacher, can be extremely influential on your daughter’s confidence.

2. Teach her to avoid comparison Jealousy is human nature. It’s only a matter of time before your daughter experiences this emotion. Emma will be a better gymnast, Katie will get an iPhone, and Avery will have cooler parents.

It happens. I can only ask that before you teach her through it, you listen to how she is feeling.

Girls need to be heard. Listen and then reassure her for her own strengths. Remind her that we are all different and being different is what makes us beautiful.

6. Let her feel pretty Being a girl is a lot of fun! Let her play around with makeup, allow her to try on your high-heels, and show her how to express individual style through fashion.

It’s important she doesn’t take herself or these things too seriously. You can’t put lipstick on a personality, so teach her that real beauty comes from within.

3. Let her dress herself As long as it’s appropriate, who cares if she wants to wear purple fringe boots with a polka dot shirt and a winter hat? Let her do it.

When she picked out those clothes, she did so because she thought they were beautiful. So many times I have had to bite my tongue from telling her how silly she will look in winter boots during the summer.

The truth is, she will not look silly in that crazy outfit because that outfit made her feel confident. And confidence is beautiful.

4. Give her the power Empower her to rule the world; after all, she can be anything she

7. Give her faith This is a personal choice that everyone must make for themselves, but in our house, we’re teaching our daughter about Jesus Christ and what His love means for her life. My hope is that she will turn into a beautiful woman full of confidence, faith, and love; knowing there is someone larger than life who constructed her just as she was intended to be. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing.

Stephanie Cross is a Christian, mother of three kids, writer of manyhatsofamom.com, and Senior Digital Marketer at Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

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DIY Natural

Sugar Wax

By Rennai Hoefer This recipe has been around for centuries, but I just discovered it myself, so figured I’d share in case anyone else is behind the times. This stuff is so easy to make and use, you’ll never need to shell out $20 for an eyebrow wax again!

Ingredients 1 c granulated sugar (any kind, organic, turbinado, refined white, as long as it’s granulated) 2 Tbsp water 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice Directions Combine all ingredients in sauce pan and turn on high. Once mixture gets foamy/bubbly, reduce to medium heat, and stir continuously until golden brown color achieved (honey colored). Remove from heat, allow to cool a few minutes, and transfer to a glass container, cool completely (or to warm). Not for immediate use.

To use, wait for mixture to cool or reheat in the microwave 30 to 60 seconds and stir. Mixture should be nice and warm but not too hot, test a tiny bit on your finger if you’re unsure and if there’s any sting or burning, it’s too hot. Use a popsicle stick or similar to spread wax along brow line, allow to cool to room temp, lift an edge and then quickly pull away! Look in awe at all your brow hairs stuck in the wax.

INTERVIEW WITH

Stephanie Neiheisel Interview by Jessica Williams Photo by Michelle Herrick

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I first met Stephanie at The NINE Retreat that I attended last September. She was a scheduled speaker and I had followed her on Instagram for a bit. I was ecstatic to hear her speak and learn a few new skincare and makeup tips.

What I learned instead was how huge a heart this wonderful human has. She cares deeply about helping women look AND feel their best. She's passionate about beauty, but ALL kinds of beauty. She loves encouraging women to take care of their skin with products that are truly are going to help. She has an incredible amount of fun with makeup and color, but can make anyone feel glowing and beautiful. She's a gem. When she jumped on board excited to

do this interview with me, I couldn't have been happier. She inspires so many, and I'm thrilled to have her here sharing about skincare, makeup and beauty!

1. When did you get into makeup artistry and how did you start?

S: I started working in the beauty industry in 2008 when I took a retail job with Bare Minerals (BM) inside a Nordstrom when I lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. I was working as a server at a sushi restaurant downtown and going to school when I felt like I needed a change. I grew up as a tomboy but I always loved makeup. I had terrible skin growing up and it flared up again in my early 20's. I started changing my lifestyle, diet, and I started wearing BM. My skin felt so healthy and

STELLAR DAY INTERVIEW I wanted everyone to feel happy and healthy with their skin. So I applied at BM and the rest is history.

2. Where are you working right now?

S: I'm currently working for myself as an independent makeup artist as well as a part time member of a natural beauty bar in Phoenix called Citrine.

3. What is your biggest passion in what you do?

S: Working with people. Helping everyday women find products that are not only good for them but help treat their skin so they can feel beautiful naturally.

Makeup is fun and I love it, but there is nothing more beautiful than a woman who takes care of herself, with safe and healthy

products, who owns her natural glow!

4. What is your biggest discouragement within the industry?

S: Honestly, my industry in general is pretty discouraging. Being a woman is hard enough, now we feel like we have to live a certain way or look a certain way and display it for the world to see on our website and social media accounts. It bums me out daily hearing the absurd standards women hold themselves to when it comes to their appearance.

5. If you could encourage women with one thing in the area of makeup, skincare, and beauty, what would it be?

S: SKINCARE. Skin is EVERYTHING. If you don't love your skin, you're not

going to love anything else you put on it. Some SPF won't kill you either. ;) 6. What is one product you can't live without and that you would recommend to others?

S: I have two. Tata Harpers' Hydrating Floral Essence and May Lindstrom's Honey Mud mask. I can't live without them! The Hydrating Floral Essence helps moisturize and tone the skin while boosting the strength and elasticity.

The Honey Mud is rich with gentle yet detoxifying clays that help rejuvenate the surface of the skin and it also has raw honey which helps with any redness and inflammation. Both products hydrate and restore my complexion. Must have!

7: What plans do you have for

What I really want women to know and understand with every ounce of their being, is that they are absolutely perfect and beautiful just the way they are."

"

Photo by Ale Vidal

Photo by Ale Vidal the future? (which you can share) S: Oh man. I'm in such a fun chapter of being a makeup artist. I think the problem right now is that I have TOO many options... I’m trying to go with the flow and ride this wave I'm on. I eventually would love to work fashion week and build a collective of makeup artists.

8. If you weren't doing makeup and skincare, what is something you would love to be doing?

S: Photography or clinical psychology. Random? I have always loved photography as an art/hobby and I found through college that I was fascinated with the mind, our reactions to experiences, and abnormal psychology. Plus, I love working with people.

9. If you could give yourself any skincare advice 10 years ago, what would it be?

S: STOP tanning, wear sunscreen, and NEVER sleep in your makeup. But I do have to applaud myself... 11 years ago (when I was 18) I stopped tanning, I started using a morning and nighty skincare regimen, I stopped drinking soda, and overall I started living a more active lifestyle. It has paid off!!

Stephanie has been a makeup artist for 8 years. She is currently working for herself as an independent makeup artist as well as a part time member of a natural beauty bar in Phoenix called Citrine. To view more of her work, please visit her website at www.snmakeupartist.com.

10. What is one misconception about the beauty industry that you wish women would understand wholeheartedly?

S: I think what I really want women to know and understand with every ounce of their being, is that they are absolutely perfect and beautiful just the way they are. Makeup should be fun! It should be used to enhance yourself naturally to feel your most confidant and radiant self. It should be used to embrace your tenacious personality! But it should never be used because you think you need it. You don't NEED anything.

Take care of yourself first! And have fun with color along the way.

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HOW LEADING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE HELPS

ENHANCE YOUR BEAUTY

By Alexis Hegarty In a world where botox parties and cosmetic surgery seems to be the norm, we often forget that women before us achieved beauty in their own right by doing it a more natural, healthy way. Don’t get me wrong—I have nothing against those who want to get a little work done, but there are certain habits that can be instilled in our routines that yield some awesome beauty and health benefits.

I believe that choosing to lead a healthy lifestyle will only enhance (I say enhance because we are already beautiful the way God made us) our beauty and can help us feel beautiful in our own skin. With that being said, here are some tips to help keep you looking and feeling at your best HEALTH TIP #!

Drink water. Lots and lots of water. Not only is hydration important for keeping many of your bodily functions in working order, it helps keep your skin looking radiant and younger looking. Why? Your skin is an organ, and our organs need to stay hydrated to function at their best.

By not drinking enough water; your skin will dry up, get flaky,

and will be more susceptible to wrinkling. No thank you, my kids have already helped me in the wrinkle department. So, bottoms up ladies! Aim to drink half of your weight in ounces each day (if you weigh 160 pounds; drink 80 ounces).

HEALTH TIP #2 Get moving. Exercising has so many great benefits for your overall health, as we all know.

Besides losing some pounds or sizing down in your favorite pair of pants (for the record, leggings do count!), staying active has some beauty benefits too! Sweating it out helps clear your pores (another great way to take care of your skin!), it helps pump blood to your scalp which can improve the strength and shine of your lovely locks. Exercising also releases chemicals called endorphins, which trigger positive feelings in your body. Audrey Hepburn said it herself, “Happy girls are the prettiest.”

HEALTH TIP #3 Rest up. They don’t call it beauty sleep for nothin’. Getting enough sleep literally has visible benefits from the get-go. It keeps your skin

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properly hydrated which reduces the

veggies will help hydrate your skin and give

appearance of dark circles and puffiness

it the nutrients and vitamins it needs for

around your eyes (any excess water pools

optimal functionality.In addition to fruits and

under your eyes). While you sleep, your skin

veggies, be sure to include healthy fats, lean

cells regenerate and facial muscles relax

proteins, and whole grains.

(which helps with less wrinkles, yay!) The

“Beauty is in the

recommended amount of sleep is between 7-9

Have you heard the quote:

in or take a nap, try going to bed early on the

You can look at your reflection and say out

days you really feel run down. The laundry

loud

can wait, I promise.

contributed to your own beauty by focusing

hours. Since it isn’t always possible to sleep

eye of the beholder”? You are the beholder!

“I am beautiful” knowing that you

on being as healthy as you can be. When you HEALTH TIP #4

take care of your health--you become

Nourish your body. Be mindful of what you

stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually.

eat and focus on nutrient-dense foods. Try to

You feel more capable as a mother, wife,

limit your sugar and salt intake. Too much

sister, daughter, and friend.

sugar and salt in your diet can not only hinder any fitness goals you may have, but it’s

known to aggravate your skin (especially acne-prone skin). Eating whole fruits and

Alexis loves sharing new recipes and workout tips to help you stick to a healthy lifestyle, and highlighting the importance of self-love and self-care. She believes making ourselves a priority will only help us be at our “best” for those that depend on us. You can follow her at www.FITspirationmom.net.

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 19

BEAUTY

ISN'T

ALWAYS

PRETTY

BY NICOLE THOMPSON

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”Elizabeth Kubler Ross I first came across this quote after having a miscarriage.

It gave me such hope. I was struggling with multiple things in that season of life- loss, loneliness, insecurity, and hopelessness. Hopelessness stemmed from a few different areas, one of which being how much weight I had gained since getting married.

I was so bound up in fear which gave way to stress which led to a lot of comfort eating. Although I had lost a decent amount of weight running on the treadmill (and eating a lot of salad and chicken) I still felt so far from where I once was. In some distorted way I felt like I had let God down in not taking care of myself and that He agreed with all the negative thoughts I had about me.

While searching for something online the week before I miscarried I read, “Your circumstances are not a reliable indicator of how God feels about you.” I wrote them down on an index card thinking what a great quote that would be to encourage someone someday.Oh how God’s Father Heart must have grieved for me in that moment! He meant those words for me. He knew I would need them to remind me what I knew to be true from scripture.

18 My circumstances were not a punishment from God. They were the result of a broken world and an enemy who hates me.

Not only does my God love me, I am beautiful to him. He was using circumstances to prune away the ugliness of lies and sin in my heart. 1Samuel 16:7b tells us, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at.

People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” The Lord was working in me so that my heart would reflect the beauty of The Gospel. He took my impatience and turned it into long suffering.

He took my hurt and used it as a catalyst for compassion, gentleness, and a deeper concern for others. He took my sadness and gave me hope and joy. Through the wellmeaning yet hurtful words others spoke He taught me the importance of sensitivity.And if God looks at the heart then surely He finds those things beautiful. There is beauty in the process and the fruit produced from it. I have to believe God finds such beauty in our surrendered hearts. To a Savior who carried our sin and shame to the cross, he must see such beauty when we step out of our own comfort into the dark and hurting places to bring light and love to others. I’m not saying there is no beauty in outward appearance.

We need only to look at nature to see that clearly God sees outward beauty.

However, I just don't think beauty is always pretty. In fact, I think it probably feels a lot more messy than pretty.

Spending the night next to a hospital bed with a loved one.Single mothers missing hair appointments to afford new school clothes for their children. Wives crying their hearts (and eyes) out to God on behalf of their marriages.

Sleep deprived mamas up at 2 am with sick babies. Friends who bring you a meal, fold your laundry, and take out your trash because they see the struggle you’re in and just want to ease your burden. These are the things that although not always pretty, surely are beautiful to our God. So buy that new lipstick, get your hair done, dress up for a fancy dinner, those things certainly aren’t bad. We are daughters of the Most High King, I don’t think He calls us to walk around in rags. However, let us not forget where kingdom beauty lies, the kind that has an eternal value.

BY ALEXANDRA EVJEN PHOTOS BY RENNAI HOEFER

THIS IS A POST I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO WRITE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW, AND I'M SO GLAD IT IS A TOPIC THAT IS PART OF THE REAL MOM SERIES THAT SOME OTHER FEMALE BLOGGERS WILL BE ADDRESSING TODAY AS WELL. PLEASE BE SURE TO READ THEIR PERSONAL STORIES AS WE SHINE SOME LIGHT ON HOW WE ARE TRYING TO TAKE CARE OF OUR BODIES AND MINDS WHILE BALANCING THE ROLE OF MOTHERHOOD: TO SEE THEM CLICK HERE.

This is me four months postpartum. I'm 148 pounds in this picture and wearing size 12 jeans. I took these photos knowing that I wanted to eventually discuss this topic of caring for your body and mind postpartum because this is probably the hardest thing for me to do for myself. In fact, loving my body and mind well has been hard for me to do all of my life, but motherhood definitely makes it more challenging. My hope is that any mom that reads this and feels similarly knows that she's not alone and that she is completely normal.

Motherhood forever changes your body and mind no matter if you have carried a child or not. Worries that were never there before race through your brain, sleeping through the night is a rarity for months, and time for yourself seems to be scarce. And, if you have had the gift of carrying a child in your body (I purposely say gift because I recognize that not every woman gets this chance even if they want it), you know that your body changes drastically during and after baby. This change is something I felt anxious about before I got pregnant with Elle and it returned when I was pregnant with Levi.

The funny thing is that my body was in better shape after Elle was born. I was thinner, I started to eat a lot better and go to the gym 3-4 times a week, my stress levels decreased, my strength increased, my energy increased, my mind was able to relax, I started sleeping better and my clothes fit better. So, after bouncing back better than before, why in the world would I be anxious again about the changes in my body for my second pregnancy?

Well, I have even less time juggling two kids, my business has grown since my first pregnancy, and I'm

older. That's reality, folks! Is having another child the 56 greatest gift in the world? YES! Would I trade it for anything? NO! Would I go through this again? In a heartbeat! That doesn't mean my struggles to love my mind and body go away. That doesn't mean I should just automatically feel like celebrating these stretch marks, loose skin, and added pounds. Especially, given my profession as a style blogger, it's incredibly hard to stand in front of a camera time after time posing myself in looser clothing to hide the muffin top.

But the voices around me sometimes pile on guilt for having this frustration and dissatisfaction with my

18

physical state. I hear, "How dare you complain for a second about these changes when you have the gift of children when so many women don't?!

How can you complain when you have all of your limbs, a working heart, no cancer?..."

Thankfulness for my children and body is so evident in my words and actions, but knowing that I have the potential to feel and be better than I currently feel haunts me every time I look in the mirror and see a tired face, weak, and out of shape.

It's a process and it takes time. That's what I remember about my last pregnancy and that's what I have to constantly say to myself this time around. "Be patient with yourself, Alex.

You will feel like yourself once again." I can't really rush it as much as I want to.

Some of it isn't even in my control. Levi is still having a hard time kicking the 4am feeding, but I know he will eventually get there and that this is only a season. In fact, I'm now 142 pounds and a size 10 two months later. Change has been made, and though I feel weaker than ever due to some complications with my thyroid, it's an encouragement to me that progress is there.

So, to all of you mamas who might be in the same place or even ten years postpartum, it is possible for us to feel the best versions of ourselves. If there is a normal reason for dissatisfaction with our bodies that is in our control and within healthy expectations, let's remind ourselves that progress is possible even if it comes slowly. Just be patient with yourself.

If you are someone that is dealing with unrealistic levels of dissatisfaction and trying to control your body in unhealthy ways, please seek help with a counselor. I'm more than happy to recommend some if you live in Arizona.

Alexandra Evjen is a West coast fashion stylist and Pinterest influencer creating original, well-styled content for brands. To visit her website, please click here.

Finding Beauty BY: ROBYN BALDWIN

I remember waking up early one morning and looking through our chicken-wire window. With my imperfect vision, I blurrily saw a furiously red sky. In anger I tossed and turned hoping I could fall back to sleep, but alas, my body would not shut down. I reached for my glasses, walked out our double doors, to the right of our little hut and looked out. The sunrise was astoundingly beautiful. The birds were chirping with joy, the monkeys were howling in the background, the dogs were barking at all the commotion, and I sat there with tears pouring down my face; full of hatred, anger, and bitterness.

I sit here, thinking about that day from over a year ago, and I can’t help but actually be thankful for that season. In that season, I never saw the faithfulness of the Lord or the way that His love was lavished upon me; the way He not only was with me the whole time, but carried me through. But as I reflect upon that time in my life, where every day was a struggle to get out of bed, I look and see now the beauty that filled those days. I think about those days and all of their difficulty and I reflect about the scars and the wounds each difficulty brought me. I think of the trepidation I now have with certain things, the astounding anxiety it brought me, the depth of pain that loneliness brings, and the way my heart concaved in His lurid silence. I think about the way I process things now and who I used to be before all of those things took place. I think about the things I’m passionate for now and the friendships that were deepened in that time. This is where I choose to find the beauty.

We will always have trials, hardships, and quite frankly; the shit will always hit the fan. We will develop bruises, broken bones, and scars. There will be days, weeks, months, and maybe even years where we experience oppression. There will be times where everyday a stitch pops on our broken heart and blood begins to pour out again. But we must never Iforget that every single trial brings about a good thing for those that put their hope in Jesus Christ.

I remember hating Him and toying with the idea of walking away from Christianity. I remember lying in bed and crying so much my head would ache and my pillow would be soaked. I remember all the prayers, all the

pleading, all the begging, and all the conversations that begged Him to take away the season. And I remember how every day for 365 days, the season did not end. Trial continued, pain ensued, and the hard times got harder. I have spent the last four months processing, talking, thinking, and crying through that season. I’m looking at these lessons wondering how I could be thankful for them; where I could find the silver lining. At first I saw these scars and I found them to be terribly ugly. I hated them and I despised the One who allowed them to develop. Then one day, my heart began to change. My eyes began to open, and thankfulness started to leak into the cracks of the concrete bitterness that was forming around my tender heart. These things that I experienced left their mark on me and I have this choice now; I can wear them proudly and remember the lessons I was taught in accordance with each one, or I can mope around still bitter about the hardships I had to experience.

I remember the anger and the bitterness and the tears and the silence on the other end of my prayers. But I also remember the sunrises, sunsets, flowers, conversations, and belly laughs. I remember the way I felt when I looked at someone I loved and knew that they felt the same way about me. I remember the way I felt incredibly beautiful in my own skin. I remember the way I heard Him speak for the first time in ten weeks and the way it felt like coming up for air after drowning. I remember the truths I learned as I read thirty-six books; the way foundations

were formed and strengthened for my faith by my agreements and disagreements with the books I read. I remember the way I truly learned how to wrestle with the Lord. I remember the way He spoke promises over my future. I remember the way He opened the door to start working towards my dreams.

I sit here and I reflect and yes; I see all the hardships and the hurt I experienced. But I sit here and I reflect and I also see the beauty of hardships and how I am who I am now because of all of those things. I see pain but even more than that; I see the beauty of an incredibly redemptive God, who takes the worst of situations and turns them into something beautiful. I once read a story about Jacob from Genesis; the writer talks about how Jacob walked with a limp for the rest of his life after he wrestled with God. He then asks a question, “Do you think Jacob hid his limp from people, or do you think he proudly showed it off saying, ‘I wrestled with God and lived to tell the story.’”

So here I am; pain, hurts, joys, and all. I have these scars, bruises, and limps. But there is beauty in trial and that’s what I choose to see when I look at my scars. I no longer see an ugly mark on my once clean skin; now I see a beautiful lesson that formed who I have become today.

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 27

On My Knees A prayer by Sarah Costa

Empty. Searching. Overwhelmed. Concerned. Heartbroken. Fearful. Joyful. Silent.

How do you come before the Maker of the universe? Let my words be few. Who am I that I come before Him at all?

Holy Spirit fill me. Who are you that you dwell in me even while I have sin in my heart? What kind of a God are you? You reveal my sin, yet you see the blood of Christ. How can that even happen?

Empty. Not my thoughts, God. Fill me with your truth; your Word is truth. Be still and know that I am God, I will strengthen you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Searching. Be quiet. Listen. I do not speak in the thunder and waves but in a still small voice.

Peace, be still. I have poured out my love to you.

Overwhelmed. These are too much for me to bear, how can I quiet my mind? Ask, and you will receive, knock and the door will be opened unto you. Seek and you will find.

Concerned. Is this quiet thought really your voice? Yes, I will show you great and mighty things which you do not even know to think of. I have sent you my Spirit.

Heartbroken. How do I bear the pain and suffering? I am your Comforter. I gather every tear drop you cry. According to the riches of my glory, my grace is sufficient for you.

Fear. I have not given you the Spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind. Fear has no place in your heart, for I am here.

Joyful. Laughter through tears. Who are you that you think of me this much? My thoughts to you number more than the grains of sand in the sea!

Silent. Stunned. How beautiful is the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.

STELLAR DAY MAGAZINE | 28

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.

Coco Chanel

Clothe The Nations

By Allison Hotchkiss

Millions of children are starving in the world. So many people drink muddy, bacteria-filled water every day and have never known any different. People are stuck in cycles of abuse and don’t know how to get out. They don’t know what it’s like to live in healthy relationships or community. We all live in a fallen world and my heart is so broken over it. I was lucky to be born in Scottsdale, AZ and now getting to live in beautiful Portland, OR. I know we hear it all of the time in our communities that we’re blessed and lucky. It’s a common, feel-good thing to add #blessed to our social media pictures, I’ve done it many times. I really do know that I’m blessed and I’m very grateful but over the years it seems the more blessings I see in my life, the more my heart deeply breaks for others in the world. I want to do something about it. I want to make a change.

For the last several years, my husband and I have had a dream to start a company that sells sustainable, ethically-made products called Clothe the Nations. We wanted a way to be able to give far beyond our personal capacity. We wanted to inspire others to live lives permeated by generosity and kindness. Each product is designed to spread a light, positive, happy message to those who wear them but most importantly, the entire company exists to help others.

There are so many amazing ministries, organizations, and causes that need help. The people behind our company are passionate about many of them. As a brand, we back causes that fit within three

main categories: essential physical needs, psychological/spiritual/internal needs, and the need for physical protection. We combined what we have a heart for with the quote, “seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly” and came up with the foundation for who we are as a company.

One thing that’s been weighing on me heavily lately is the fact that one in nine humans are undernourished. Almost half (45%) of deaths for kids under five are because they don’t get enough food. I can’t wrap my head around it. I’ve always had enough food.

During this season, Clothe the Nations is doing something about this problem. For every shirt we sell, a child will be fed for 15 days. That’s at least two extra weeks of life for them. Two extra weeks of playing and being around family. Fifteen extra days to try and get regular, steady access to food so they can live long, healthy lives. That amount of time can make a big difference.

Our shirts are soft and comfy, perfect for an on-the-go or a relaxing day, and they’re designed to help you feel beautiful, encouraged and be reminded of who you are. When you slip one on in the morning, you get to wear it knowing you’ve chosen a life of kindness and generosity, you’re helping someone survive and at the same time, it’s cute and inspirational…and c’mon…who doesn’t want that? I know I do!

Please join us as we work to help others one shirt at a time!

Visit our website at www.clothethenations.org to learn more.

Deeper

by Brianna VanderWeide Photos by James VanderWeide

Do you ever miss the days when you didn’t know what everyone else was doing and what they looked like doing it? I know fashion magazines have always communicated this way, showing us models and celebrities and how they live and look so far above us “normal” folks. But with the progression of social media, now we are all constantly being shown who went where and who wore it best by our peers. And it’s kind of exhausting to surround ourselves with the urgent shouts of of anti-aging, photo-editing, contouring, dieting, and the inevitable and depressing comparison spiral that usually follows.

And today, well today, I miss the good old days. I am 33 and trying to embrace my age and all that comes with it. Currently, that means my habit of smiling a lot has started to leave permanent evidence on both sides of my mouth. And it’s weird, when you Photoshop the lines away, I don’t look like me anymore. Somehow I am now more myself with those lines.

It means a lot has changed.

It means drinking a glass of red wine before bed makes the skin under my eyes a bit darker in the morning, and because of His

goodness, God invented concealer. It means recently chopping my hair off because I bleached it so much last year that I’d rather have it short than to watch it fall out. It means finding new sun spots all over my skin from sunburns that happened when I was 12, reminding me that mom was right when she yelled outside to lather on more Bull Frog. It means possibly getting braces again because teeth apparently like to move back to their mess, and I’m sorry, but wearing my retainers wasn’t a priority my first year of evenings as a married woman. It means finally loving my profile in photos after years of insecurity about my nose and

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"I want to look at myself with freedom and beauty and love, through Jesus’ eyes."

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being told I could easily have it changed if a doctor would take a hammer and chisel to make it tiny. It means wondering if it was more socially acceptable to do so, I could wear a shirt without a bra most days because apparently the “breast fairy” slept over at my friend’s house and forgot mine entirely during puberty. Eh, it has its perks (see what I did there?)

freedom but I didn’t realize I would find so many moments of this freedom so soon. With age comes depth. That’s what I am discovering I look in the mirror and I am fully aware of the aging process for the first time in my life and it’s strange. It doesn’t help that someone told me last week that my haircut makes me look younger. Um. Thank you?

33 says, “you’re welcome.”

It means I get to finally accept myself because the 20s were downright tiring. I mean, I used to actually pay to have a fake tan sprayed on me in a booth just to smell so bad I wanted to peel my skin off. Now? Pasty skin is in, my friends, at least in my house. I don’t know what happened after I turned 30, but something did. I’ve heard many women my senior discuss how getting older brings .

I don’t always fear the aging process, especially when it’s happening to someone else. I look at my husband’s hair above his ears turning gray and I swoon. I like this aging thing, on him! I have moments where I see a photo of us from even just 5 years ago and I am stunned how much we have grown, and I experience a tinge of how cute and young we were “back then.” But then I remember that we have truly grown up. I remember every day and month and year that has brought us here and I am thankful that it leaves marks and scars and strength to bear witness to the good and the bad that life has dealt us. I love knowing that there is beauty in allowing myself to embrace each season and each wrinkle and culturally perceived flaw because it’s also a reminder that this place was never meant to contain my hope of never ending youth. Eternity lies in a heavenly place where I will look however Jesus finds me most beautiful, and that is where my hope lies. And I’d like to think that on the outside, I might look exactly how I do now. Wouldn’t you be amazed to know that you are already perfect to Jesus right now?

That the only truly perfected change will be in your spirit and your heart, not your appearance?

I want to look at myself with freedom and beauty and love, through Jesus’ eyes. So maybe I can look at the canvas of my face today and truly see and appreciate the Artist and His creative work in me. I can look at my nose and see a legacy from my grandfather to my father given to me. And suddenly the trait that others have encouraged me to change is the very part that makes me feel beautiful.

Strong. A feature to be reckoned with! And to do away with that would erase a sweet family resemblance I hope to carry. Instead I can choose to be grateful. I can smile at myself in the mirror, setting those smile lines in a bit deeper, as a thank you note to my Creator for the beauty of 33.

FOREVER 21 + 21 It hasn’t always been graceful and it’s been a long road but… At 42 years old, through some positive self-talk and intentional TLC towards myself, I am at a place where I can more fully (but not totally) embrace the signs of aging that tell of a beautiful life lived well (mostly) and with appreciation for the experiences this body has gifted me.

No, this doesn’t mean that I will completely give in to ‘middle age’, stop coloring my hair and buying cheap but oh-so-cute tops at Forever 21 Plus 21 (Take note: 21 + 21 = 42 and applying this simple addition calculation helps me justify shopping at a place where I am literally twice the age of the actual store name). But I refuse to feel defeated by the inevitable and ongoing aging process that I dreaded even just a few years ago when I first noticed its seemingly deathly grip taking hold on my hair, skin, and body. To all of you young chicks out there, did you just hear that? I’m not trying to be a joy-kill here but it is INEVITABLE and ONGOING. Yes, you will always have access to age-defying, beautifying products at your disposal to help minimize the wrinkles, shrink those sinkhole-sized pores of your skin, and if you have the pursestrings to afford it, plastic surgery to uplift and enhance those wobbly bits and nubs. But the masterful hands of time will continue the WORK OF ART that is YOU… using her fine-tipped brush to sketch out some laugh lines around the corners of your mouth and eyes, or maybe cast a pigmented shadow above your upper lip that could otherwise look like a mustache in the wrong light and without the proper combination of primer/concealer. Yes, your portrait will continue to morph and evolve at the mercy of time’s artful imagination despite your attempts to fight her tooth and nail.

So the next time you stand under that hard fluorescent light in your bathroom and look at the canvas that is you (that ongoing work of art that is forever in progress) my questions for you, whatever your age, are:

Will you be kind and respectful of the grand masterpiece that is reflected back?

In between applications of the custom-made eye cream you had specially harvested from your very own placenta, BB and CC creams (can’t we just call it ‘base’ or is that too much of an ‘80’s make-up reference?), and finding the random, wispy fairy hair that sprouts out from your earlobe that, thanks to spikes in hormone fluctuation, randomly pops up every few months (and your husband sadistically likes to pluck for kicks and giggles)…

By Esther Gallahger

Will you pick yourself apart focusing on what you see as artistic ‘ flaws ’ , or will you lean into the reflection and embrace these physical changes as illustrations of the beautiful memories time is capturing for you?

The following is my attempt to appreciate the artistic rendering that I see in my mirror today ( that I might have otherwise mercilessly criticized at other less than graceful times of my life ) :

Strands of glitter woven throughout my crown catching the sun ’ s morning light and sparkling with the diverse, priceless experience and nuggets of wisdom gained as a woman… once upon a time, I may have called you gray hairs.

Sun - kissed spots that hold memories of once - upon - a - time teenage skin slathered with baby oil at the beach and of mommy and me swim classes at the YMCA that seem like just yesterday… once upon a time, I may have called you sun blemished and cursed myself for inadequate sunscreen application.

Soft, supple tricep flesh that my son flaps back and forth admiring its juicy, jello - like consistency for his personal, entertaining pleasure… once upon a time, I may have criticized you as flab that hasn ’ t seen the light of a gym workout for a little too long.

Wild, winding, bumpy paths running down my hips and upper thighs like a topographical map, evidence of 4 cherished seeds taking root within my womb and sustained by my nurturing body for nine months at a time… once upon a time, I might have simply called you stretch marks.

Soft, crepe paper - like hands that are blessed to be held and caressed by my soulmate as we drift off like otters to sleep every night… once upon a time, I might have described you as wrinkly, old - lady, collagen - depleted hands.

Belly that has indulged in good wine, decadent desserts and other calorie laden delicacies with very little restraint or regret… once upon a time I might have told myself to suck in that mid - section and invest in Spanx ’ s tight, ever loving, elastic - y embrace.

Emotions that sharply rise and plummet once a month with menstrual aches and pains that remind me of the miraculous, life - giving power God has given me… once upon a time I might have dismissed you as the vengeful, PMS roller - coasting curse of women.

BUT TODAY… you are precious reminders of the joys, milestones, struggles and challenges that make up this beautiful life of mine and that there is still so much yet to be lived for. You are proof that my body has been good to me and that it deserves kindness and grace today and every day. When I catch glimpses of you, I will choose to appreciate you and the fact that I have at least this very day to grow old [ more ] gracefully.

Ladies, as they say, life is art. Whatever stage of aging you find yourself in today, pay homage to your art instead of disparaging yourself for the inevitable effects of time and gravity. Go on with your bad self and apply that Oil of Olay if you must, but step back and admire your masterpiece a little more along the way.

STELLAR DAY

Dear Mother of A Newborn Photos & Article by Rennai Hoefer

You may not know it, or feel it, or think it, but you are one of the most beautiful creatures on the planet at this moment. You were chosen, hand plucked, to become a mother. Maybe you just delivered your first babe, or you became a mother again; either way, this new version of motherhood looks glorious on you.

I know you’re tired. I know you’re so beyond tired, you don’t even know what day of the week it is, or hardly what month it is. When was the last time you ate? Maybe you’re in pain, maybe you’re healing, maybe you’re trying to navigate life with a newborn you didn’t even know you’d be welcoming until you got the call you’d been waiting years for. You don’t look or feel like yourself, and are unsure of when that feeling may return again. All you know right now is how perfect and how in love you are with this new life in your arms.

Don’t let this moment slip away, because it will. Don’t allow this self doubt, this lie that you need to lose weight, get sleep, clean your house, have time to shower or anything else get in the way of capturing the love you have for your new family. Take photos. Hire a photographer, or take them yourself, but get proof of just how tiny they were, how you could lose yourself looking at their faces for hours on end.

As I photograph families who do just this, they aren’t always open to it at first. I sometimes have to convince mothers they deserve to be in photos too. They are beautiful, perfect, precious newborn mothers the same as their babies are beautiful, perfect new life. When you capture just your baby by themselves, you’re only telling half the story. Don’t photograph half the story, tell the whole story, or find someone who can help you tell the whole story.

You are worth it.

Beauty Is Everywhere TO VIEW OUR COLLABORATING & ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES, CLICK HERE OR EMAIL US AT: STELLARDAYMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM

Thank You.

Teamwork is beautiful.

Editor in Chief Jessica Williams Associate Editor Jennifer Stamps Contributors Brianna VanderWeide Christine Cram Esther Gallagher Jennifer Stamps Kate Williams Nicole Thompson Rennai Hoefer Robyn Baldwin Sarah Costa Sarah Trapp Columnists Alexandra Evjen Alexis Hegarty Allison Hotchkiss Brianna VanderWeide Christine Cram Esther Gallagher Jennifer Stamps Jessica Williams Nicole Thompson Rachel Deitrick Rennai Hoefer Robyn Baldwin Sarah Costa Sarah Trapp Stephanie Cross Stephanie Neiheisel Special Thanks AFC Clothe The Nations Nine Retreat Jay & Jess Photography Stephanie Neiheisel Yardhop

EDITORIAL OFFICES Located in sunny Scottsdale, AZ Want To Advertise With Us? Email Us! stellardaymagazine@gmail.com Stellar Day Magazine is published by Issuu and created in Canva. www.stellardayblog.com

Stellar Day

Magazine

EDITOR'S NOTE

Jessica Williams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

A long time saying, that is still so true. What we all think of and consider as beauty, is different for each and every one of us. That in and of itself, is beautiful.

I loved putting together this issue. Seeing what each writer had to say about beauty, watching some of them rise to the challenge of writing about this, and gripping hands with one another as we all search our hearts about what beauty really is- was inspiring.

I feel like we climbed a mountain together and are standing at the top triumphantly, hugging and laughing and saying WE DID IT. Truth is, that's beauty. It's seeing the world around us and people in it, grabbing hands or a hold of whoever is next to you and lifting each other up. One step at a time, one challenge at a time.

We all see the world differently. We all think of beauty differently. The diversity that we all see and bring, is not lost on me. Truth is? We ARE the beholder.

Beauty is in and all around us. It's a choice on our part to see it. It's an act of faith to help encourage your neighbor to keep on believing and seeing it IN themselves, especially when they've lost sight of it.

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