Sunday, July 27, 2014

Changing Direction


Black Top | H&M, Conscious Collection (biodegradable material, fair labor standards)
Gold Buttoned Black Cardigan | H&M, Conscious Collection (biodegradable material, fair labor standards)
Wide Legged Pants | Hanger 221
Orange Eclectic Necklace | Pier 1 Imports

"Heaven Is For Real" Movie Review
Last night I watched Heaven Is For Real.  This movie is a true story based on a child's visit to heaven while on the operation table. Except, this little boy, Colton Burpo, didn't flat line at any moment, and what he described didn't align with the common images of heaven that are commonly known. The first half of the movie seemed to be character development and in the second half of the movie, the story is told. The four-year old boy, who visited heaven, comments on his visit to heaven at random moments since his operation.  At first, his parents don't know what to think. But when this little boy's comments on heaven reveal knowledge on loved ones and a family secret, they begin to consider the possibility that what their son had experienced was truth. Colton's innocence and knowledge on matters that were not introduced to him reveal that the knowledge he has of his trip to heaven are not possibly a figment of his imagination. This story was truly inspiration and an enjoyment to watch.

As for the acting, the boy-actor who played Colton is very talented.  His expressions and reactions are very realistic. Aside from the acting, I was quite impressed with the CGI used, it depicted colors in a brilliant bright, yet rich way which I haven't seen often.

Inspiration from the Burpo Family
Over time, there have been countless near death experiences by people of various or no religion who have seen a religious figure of some sort during this moment of death. But one thing about Colton Burpo's story is that the Jesus Christ that Colton sees while he is in heaven is the same image of Jesus Christ that is painted by a girl who had also visited heaven. Also, as Colton was in heaven, he met his sister, who he never knew he had because she was miscarried. When he told his mother, she was shocked then relieved. She had never told her 4 year old that she had miscarried, as spoken about in this interview on The Today Show and also the movie. Also, one day when Colton's father was watching a CNN interview with Akiane Kramarik, a child who said she had visited heaven, Colton recognized her painting of Jesus Christ to be the Jesus Christ he saw when he had visited heaven.

...Wow. I decided to learn more about Akiane Kramarik.

Inspiration from Akiane Kramarik
Akiane Kramarik is considered the only binary genius in both realistic painting an poetry. The Lithuanian-American,  Idaho-native began receiving visions from heaven when she was 4 years old. She says that the visions were too strong to describe in words so she began painting. What is most interesting about this is that she grew up in a family with parents who were self-described agnostic and atheist.  Akiane wasn't born painting. Where did her visions and talent come from? She says that God teaches her and inspires her. "Everything I do, it has a meaning of spirituality," Akiane says in one documentary. "The most important thing in this world is faith. Without faith you cannot communicate with God. It's just so beautiful up there." Akiane says in an interview she did with CNN called Drawing Heaven.  Below is a painting she finished at age 8. In  numerous interviews she says she had the vision of this painting in her head since she was 3 1/2 or 4. What a beautiful gift.

by Akiane Kramarik, age 8


"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" - Matthew 18:3




Being Inspired,

Christine

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Sunday, July 20, 2014

Summer Romance


Bodycon | H&M
Beaded Dress | Urban Outfitters
Heels | BCBG (borrowed)

Doesn't this dress shout boho summer romance? I'm not exactly sure what that even means and no, I haven't had a summer romance, but it seems like a fitting phrase for this outfit. Gorgeous, gorgeous. This is my 2014 summer investment piece. Every year I make a higher end purchase, something that I can pass on to even my children's children. This one is this year's purchase. Thankfully, I got it on triple sale (woo hoo)! As for the space, when I saw this location I thought..." must-do-photoshoot!"

Unfortunately, there is nothing quite ethical about this outfit, so let's talk about the strides these retailers have taken towards an increased responsibility in their clothing's impact. Urban Outfitters isn't known for their social responsibility, but they did start carrying organic cotton basics, a few community initiative pieces, and an overly priced upcycled line, Urban Renewal.  As far as H&M, they were one of the big fashion stores to initiate the The Bangladesh Accord.  However, what critics are now asking is, "How much this has actually changed the fashion industry?" . As far as their retail end, they have their totally fantastic Conscious Collection, but unfortunately this bodycon is not part of it. I scoured the store for a Conscious Collection basic bodycon and couldn't find one, so I left with this because I needed it in a short time frame.  I'm looking forward to H&M going all out with their Conscious Collection. Yes, I am willing to pay more for clothing that uplifts communities and helps preserve our Earth.


In Summer Light,
Christine


P.S. Insta-insta! Instagram @beyoutfiulhope

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

A Beary Macarony Day


Top | Maurices
Tank Top | H&M Conscious Collection (recycled and renewable materials)
Necklace | Gift from a photoshoot
Cuff | Hovey Lee (reclaimed brass, made in California)
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Okay, so I was helping co-style a fashion photoshoot for Michelle Kim Photo and when I went out for a food run. I stopped by Honey & Butter Macarons, you know the boutique my last post was on, because the night before I saw they had really cute bear macaroons posted on their Instagram and they told me over Instagram that I could have one the following day. So, being the total "healthy, I will only eat what is good for me and I need" type person I am (not), I decided to go and just take a peek. Anyways, they ended up giving it to me for free, and both the owners recognized me from the past two weeks when I stopped by... problems. hehe. The point is, Michelle snapped these pics for me before the actual model arrived for her photoshoot. I felt like a beary happy model from that point on; it was fun. Hehe. <3 Love me some sweets.

Giggling at myself,
Christine



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Friday, July 11, 2014

Honey & Butter Macarons

Necklace | Element Style Boutique, Delafield
Cardigan | H&M Conscious Collection (made of renewable and recycled fibers)
Skirt | Ann Taylor
Flats | Shoes of Prey (Australian, handmade in super wide size)
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In the corner of one of the most "hipster - go happy" locations I have ever witnessed in my 22 years on earth is this gem of a boutique. I happened upon Honey & Butter Macaron boutique when I was out and about scouting a location for an International Princess Project photoshoot. Not only is this place extremely adorable, but the two people who run it are the sweetest!

Macarons are such a sweet treat, but if you pop by this location, you will feel like it is much more than your taste buds that will leave pleased, because I assure you, you will leave with a smile on your face. 

I feel like this macaron boutique is a treasure to be discovered. Let me say carefree meets sweet elegance.  Not to mention, there are free samples of mini macaroons. Every macaron is made with love, which you can tell by the way the owners, Pawel and Leanne, glow as they talk about the different flavors they carry. I was a big fan of the macaroons here because, unlike the ones I got in New York City, these were not as sweet. Although, I thought the pistachio was a bit oily for my taste buds. The texture is just perfect with the light, flaky outside and moist, slightly chewy center. 


---------- Words From the Owners Themselves ----------

"Pawel & I run the boutique together.  We've known each other for over a year but started dating for about 7 months now.  Honey & Butter macarons opened on 6/21.  We actually looked at many many other spaces before the Lab (it was a really dreadful process).  Everything we saw was either too big or the location was not ideal.  The day when we decided to sign the lease for the Lab, we didn't get a chance to look at the inside of the airstream.  But since I instantly fell in love with the airstream when I saw it for the first time, we decided to take a chance.  At the beginning the interior was completely blank, but it evolved as we went along.  I started to buy a chair here, a bottle of honey there, and slowly filled up the inside. The polka dots idea was actually from a friend.  She said: "Wouldn't it be cute if people refer to this place as the polka dotted airstream?" Totally right! 

I love love a Japanese street fashion called lolita (fluffy dresses with lots of feminine elements).  But it's too hot in California right now to parade around in a cupcake petticoat so I just play dress up with Venice.  She helps attract the attention of people who walk by.  As soon as someone stops to take a look, either Pawel & I will chirp: "Would you like to come in for a sample?"


The thing that I really really love about macarons is that the flavors are endless.  You can fill them with whatever your creativity allows.  This permits me to have fun with the flavors & decorations! Bacon & cream cheese macaron. I'll take a dozen for breakfast please.  Grasshopper & morning dew?? Sign me up!!"

And there you have it, people making their dreams come true!


Feeling Like a Jewel Princess,
Christine


P.S. Have you checked out my Facebook page recently? ^_^

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Where the Sun Kisses the Ocean


Outifit #1
Top | Maurices
 Seamly Olive Maxi Skirt | Seamly.Co (Made in the USA of recycled materials)

Outifit #2
Top | Gap
Blue Maxi Skirt | Gap
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It seemed as though the sun was painting colors across the water. 

 As I descended the steps to arrive at the beach with my friend, I wide-eyed realized what beauty there is at the beach. It is so easy to forget this if you live in a very developed area. Although, no matter where you live, there will always be a sunrise and sunset (unless of course you live by the poles of the planet :p).  Looking out into the ocean reminded me that I need to look up and into the sky more. Whether you live where the skies are clear, cloudy, or colorful (lived in all these places), there is always something to love about looking up. Being the generation that we are, always glued to the screen, taking more time to look up is really something we should all consider and adopt.

People many times forget that awesome has the root word awe in it. Without a doubt, I am in awe at how God can create things in which we each find so beautiful. I really need to take that word more seriously and actually appreciate all the wonders that God has created. This photoshoot helped me realize how selfish we as a people can become. Taking things for granted is super easy for those of us blessed with means to live in this highly consumer culture, but as we take a step into nature, or even look up into the skies, we should remember to enjoy creation with the same zest that we have when we receive new technology. And in nature, let's remember to thank the creator.

Looking Up,
Christine


P.S. For real time pics+inspiration, follow me on my new Instagram account! @beyoutifulhope

Friday, July 4, 2014

The Beauty Beyond

Outfit #1
Crown, Bralette | Free People
Jewelry | Thrifted, Gift
Top | Lola
Bottom | Hanger 221

Outfit #2
Crown | Free People
Necklace | F21
Seamly Maxi Dress | Seamly.Co (Made in USA of recycled materials!)

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The world is such a big place. Sometimes it is easy to become lost in your own world and forget to look up or to look around you and see how small you actually are. But, when you actually take the time to embrace your environment beyond the negatives, you will realize the importance of loving yourself, and those around you. Every moment is an opportunity to learn more about the people not only around you, but on the other side of the planet. The more you learn about others, the more you can learn about yourself.  The more you know about yourself, the more strengths you can uncover within you. In doing this, you will have a greater impact on the world. 

Be sure to hold tight to your faith and use it as a lens to acknowledge and take awe in the vast array of God-created beauty surrounding you. 



Looking In Awe & In Christ's Love,
Christine


P.S. I'm now on Instagram! Follow me @beyoutifulhope