Well...

I didn't end up going to that speech thing I mentioned, life got in the way...

So I apologize for the lack of update.

#slacker

But I have poked around their website a bit and there's some interesting stuff.
You can check it out for yourself here.

In other news, enjoy this fantastic video a pal of mine tagged me in on Facebook...

Can Beauty be Redefined?

It is interesting that I chose to write my last post about looks, and that I've been thinking about them lately because just the other day, my two sister-in-laws came to my house and as one began to compliment my outfit, she stopped herself and proceeded to tell me about what they had just learned at a speech given called "Beauty Redefined".

The speech is given by two 28 year old twins who tour the country talking about redefining beauty and not letting what others say dictate whether or not you believe you are beautiful.

I don't know the whole gist of what they talked about but my sister-in-law did mention how the twins talked about how women often will get together and talk about how great Suzy's hair looks, how fab Kelli's dress was the other night, or even, how horrid Ashlyn looks with her make-up done that way.

The twins contrasted how silly it is to think about men doing that same thing. Imagine a group of men getting together and complimenting each other on their looks. "Dude! Your muscles look really great today! You must have been working out a lot lately." or "Whoa, man! You look mighty fine in that shirt."

Anyway, The points that were brought up with my sister-in-laws, I thought, were very interesting. I'm planning on attending the speech this Sunday evening, so you can bet I'll give you a recap afterward.


Until then, remember your worth.

Sarah

Do Looks Matter?

I posted a picture of my niece on Instagram the other day. The caption was "She's just too cute not to share" then with a few necessary hashtags. Granted, she really is the cutest baby, and granted, it was an adorable picture of her, but still, the thing I highlighted about her was her looks.

You often hear about parents and teachers telling their children "Looks don't matter," and "You're beautiful, just the way you are." And I know that's what most parents really think and what they intend to teach their children, but do we send them subliminal messages when we highlight their looks, or work so hard to get them dressed or do their hair or get them out of their princess/pirate costume they want to wear to the store?

I'm not necessarily saying that it's bad to care about our own and children's looks, but it makes me wonder, do looks matter?

And not only with children, in the adult world, do looks matter?

Part of preparing for an interview is usually getting the right look for the job you're applying for. You wouldn't go into an interview for Hot Topic in a suit and tie, and you wouldn't go into an interview for a banking job in ripped jeans and a t-shirt. Do looks matter?

Dating. There's another pandora's box. Do looks matter in dating? Is physical attraction important? What do we often first notice about someone we end up dating or having interest in? Their looks. I dare to say that it's not often we end up dating someone that we are not physically attracted to. Although, I also believe that physical attraction does grow and we are not always attracted at first to the people we end up dating. But, do looks matter?

One of the first things I do in the morning after I wake up, and before I leave the house, is get ready. I shower, do my hair, make-up, get dressed, get re-dressed in a different outfit... it ends up taking time. I've wondered if I added up all the time I've spent on getting my looks to be the way I want (not to mention the money spent on clothes and cosmetics products) how much it would be, and what I would have been able to do with that time (and money). I'm not saying it's a bad thing, my parents will attest that I do own my fair share of clothes, but, do looks matter?

I think the conclusion I've come to, is yes. Looks do matter. The question then becomes should they? and how much?

The answers to those questions, I do not know, and can wait for another day.

Anyway, those are the ramblings of my crazy mind, have a great day and be happy!

Instagram Recap

So I'm lame, and I looked online for ideas of things to blog about. One suggestion was an "Instagram Dump" where you just put on your blog all of your photos from Instagram. Well, people love pics...

Instaram: sarbrads

Disclaimer: This post does not contain all of the pictures on my instagram, nor are the pictures up to the pristine filtered status that Instaram allows me post them at. Anywho... Enjoy!

Second Disclaimer: The captions under the pics are those that were used on Instagram.

Tbt to the Angels game last week #firstpost #firstmajorleaguegame #laangelsofaneheim

Missing this Elder already! See ya in two! #knoxviletennesse #elderbradshaw #siblings @tbradshaw8

Just really missin this boy today. #elderbradshaw #lilbro #tennesseknoxvillemission #i<3pday

Andy Grammer and Karmin at redfest Friday night was great! #crazybeautiful #keepyourheadup #acapella

We're never quite sure who the third wheel is. #lovetriangle #awkwardthreesome #afterdatecrew #helovesher #sheloveshim #ilovethemboth #bradshawcharm

There's no denying it, winter is fast approaching... #snowinseptember #weskippedfall #mynephewslippedonice

Take a trip with me down memory lane... #flashbacktoelementaryschooldays #haventdonethatinyears #nynephewiscool #familytimeatthecabin

Just thought I'd treat you all to a fairly recent pic of the babe we currently call Sister Smith #myfavoriteginger #nevadalasvegasmission #missherlikecrazy #almostsixonthsdown #october2014 #colony2014

I guess you could say I had a pretty good weekend. #stgeorge #dayinlasvegas #nanashouse #itsanannualthing

Welcome to the world Brooklynn Amelia Richards! I can't wait to meet you!! #loveheralready #missherbeforeiveevenmether #auntforthe16thtime #congratsamyandjon #ilovemybrooklynnbabe

I may be a little biased, but he's definitely the best looking, greatest elder out there! #missingmybro #eldertbradshaw #lessthan22monthstogo #iheartpday #nashvillefilterseemedappropriate #tennesseknoxvillemission #hesgrownupsomuchalready

In all reality, what Elder couldn't use a letter? In his own words, "WRITE AWAY!" #eldertbradshaw #tennesseknoxvillemission

Elder Tyler Brian Bradshaw

Tennessee Knoxville Mission

11320 Station West Dr Ste 101

Farragut, TN 37934

Enjoy peeps!

"Children are Angels of God in Disguise"

This is Brooklynn.

She is the newest member of the Bradshaw clan. Born to Amy and Jon Richards early in the morning on Friday, October 18th 2013, she has stolen my heart already before I've even had the chance to meet her.

This is Emi, and Brooklynn.

Are these not the cutest cousins you ever did see? I haven't met Brooklynn, and I don't get to see Emi often as they both live a plane ride away, but I still love them both with all of my heart. I am honestly amazed by Emi's cuteness. She's just this happy little girl, full of love and smiles.

And this...

is Precious.

Thoughts on a Sunday

Lately I've been thinking about how I really should pick up on my blogging. As life has gotten complicated and busy, blogging has been one of those things that has gotten on the back burner. I still love it though and I still love writing and blogging is something that makes me happy, and things that make us happy are often things that are worth choosing to pursue. 

As I was poking around on Facebook today, I came across this video, I HIGHLY encourage you to watch it. Wow, what powerful images and messages this video conveys. For those of you who don't know me, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The members of our church are also known as "Mormons". This nickname comes from our belief in a book called the Book of Mormon. It is a book of scripture that was divinely inspired and created to be a companion to the Bible and to convey doctrines of the LDS Church, outline God's plan for his children while they are here on this earth, an help men know what they need to do to be able to feel peace in this life, and to gain eternal salvation in the next.

I'm grateful for the existence of the Book of Mormon and I know that it is true.

Happy Sabbath!

"Cast Not Away Therefore Thy Confidence"

If you haven't ever watched, read or listened to this talk, you should. Especially if you are in the same stage of life as I am of making many big decisions and figuring out what to do with your life.