The Unbreakable Patty Schmidt does Poland

....or something like that ;)
The difference between triumph and trying is a little dose of "umph."
I have recently stumbled across this glorious show on Netflix. While I wasn't freed from a cult, I find myself relating to the "umph" of Kimmy to face whatever life throws her direction. Who knew a silly Netflix show could be a kick a$# reminder of that.

Life feels like it has been swirling by at a ferocious pace over the past few weeks...
Came home happily exhausted from taking teens to a weekend youth conference.

#lovethesecrazybeautifulsouls
I had a new job potential open up which would have also been a great opportunity + significant pay raise. After a lot of prayer and reflection, I just didn't have peace about it and turned it down. Another chance to practice discernment and radical dependence on God:)
On Wednesday, I leave for 2 weeks with 12 people to attend World Youth Day in Poland. It is the largest gathering of young people in the world. Millions of young Catholics gather with the Pope to celebrate and grow in faith together...think Catholic Woodstock, minus all the drugs and sex and the Pope comes! 
Yesterday and today have been spent shopping for things like stool softener (#thestruggleisreal), Tums, and granola bars. It feels like I have toilet seat covers and toothpaste coming out my ears, but deep down I am really excited for another round of this awesomeness. Please pray for the safety of all pilgrims (and the Pope) traveling to Poland!
When I get home from WYD, I will be moving into a new apartment! I am excited to make a new home for myself while continuing to do my healing work and build a new life for myself.  #lifeisgood
While I am gone, I have some sweet friends who have kindly offered to write here in this space. I hope you enjoy their words as much I did!


With all that being said, I am still on the look-out for turkey jerky and blister band-aids so I best be bouncing to go do yet another round of supply shopping. #joysofbeingagroupleader

See ya in a few weeks!! :)

Power of Community + Membership Perks

Real, authentic community is one of the most life-giving and powerful forces in a world where likes and re-tweets rule. Having a community to call my own has challenged and empowered me; it has called me on to be a more loving Christian woman. 
Two years such a community was a big dream in the heart of Jenna Guizar. 
Since then, Blessed Is She has grown exponentially. What was once a dream and a prayer has turned into daily devotionals with Scripture, brunches for women all over the globe, retreats, journals for liturgical seasons, and regional Facebook groups. 
It has become a revolution of love: genuine love for each other as sisters in Christ and a deeper love for Christ & Scripture.
Blessed Is She is now embarking on a new chapter.

There is now a new membership option.
Your membership will include:

• Monthly workshops offered by a variety of incredible speakers on matters relating to faith, prayer, culture, and Church teaching. Members will also have lifetime access to workshops for easy re-watching.
• The very popular Lent & Advent journals will be auto-shipped right to your door. These journals are just gorgeous!

Priced separately, workshops are $15 each and journals are $20 apiece. So your membership fee of $9.99 a month or $99 a year means you'll save at least $100 each year! 

Even if you cannot financially swing this for yourself, please share with other women in your life who would benefit, who are looking for ways to grow in their faith.

Blessed Is She has has been a community that has totally surprised me and blessed my life in countless ways. As a part of the editorial and writing team, I can honestly say these women are my people; the additional sisters I always wanted growing up.

One of my favorite quotes growing up is from C.S. Lewis: "Friendship is born at the moment when you say to another "What! You too? I thought I was the only one..."

The beauty of community is when we see and experience these words; the fact that we're not the only one. And I am excited to see how this new adventure for Blessed Is She continues to support women.

Subscribe today. I promise you will not regret it.

4 Ingredient Natural Teeth Whitener

Since winter, I have made a discovery about myself. I like coffee, more specifically lattes. 

Before then I NEVER was a coffee drinker, and while I am a ways before taking it straight black, I am quickly enjoying new ways of drinking hot java.
With that being said, I have noticed my teeth getting a little more yellow. This doesn't look so good with a bright pink summertime lip.
My Mom recently told me how she has started making homemade teeth whitener. So the other night I decided to take a crack at it. 
Ingredients 1/2 cup baking soda 2 tsp. coconut oil several drops of peppermint essential oil hydrogen peroxide

1// Mix up baking soda and coconut oil with a fork. 
2// Add several drops of peppermint oil.
3// When ready to use, add a bit of peroxide to make a paste. Apply mixture directly to toothbrush. Brush for at least two minutes.
4// Do not use though more than 3 times per week.

What I like about this is its a cheaper option than going to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. And after a couple uses, I did less of that nasty yellow on my pearly whites.

Easy peasy way to polish your smile while not breaking the bank! Happy smiles:)