thecurvychateau – The Curvy Chateau

The Trying of Your Faith

Published on May 2, 2023May 2, 2023 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

Written By Donna Marie Leonard May 2, 2023

The other day, I was reading Jesus Calling. This book is a daily devotional, so there is a page of encouragement with supporting scriptures for each day of the year. Even though I don’t read this book all the time, the days that I do read from Jesus Calling, it’s always on point with where I am. And I know that’s God.

The scripture that went with the text was James 1:2. I had never read all of James 1 before; however, I am familiar with James 1:5 which tells us that we can ask God for wisdom. So, that day I decided to start at the first verse of the chapter and read to verse 5. I did this so that I could understand the entire context of what was being said in this part of the chapter. But, I did not stop at James 1:5. It was all coming together, so I read through to verse 8.

This all made me decide to meditate on James 1:2-8 for this week. Please read it for yourself (see the scriptures below). It will bless you! In these six verses, God is telling us that we are to “Count it all JOY” (verse 2) when we are being tested. Why is this joyous you ask? Because in verses 3 and 4, it tells us that through these trying times our patience is tested and therefore made perfect and want for nothing. Now, we could just stop there for those scriptures are great on their own. Yet, if you read verse 5 which tells us that if you don’t have wisdom it’s because you have not asked for it; thus, if you ask God for wisdom he will give it to you.

Then, verses 6-8 are a testament of your faith. “But let him ask in faith, not wavering…”(verse 6 KJV). As believers, we have already experienced that magnitude of God when we became saved; however, sometimes we don’t exercise our faith. Hence, think of this as a call to action of your faith. Verse 7 says it so plainly, “…let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord” (KJV). And verse 8 wraps it all up with “…a double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (KJV).

In summary, don’t fret because you are in a storm or your faith is being tested. Your breakthrough is on the way! In James, he tells us to count it all JOY when our faith is tested because the testing of our faith worketh patience. And if you have faith that you’ll get through it, you will.

It is not a comfortable feeling when you are being tried or tested, but know that you will always find comfort in the word of God.

Stay encouraged. You’ll make it with God on your side! I hope this blessed you, the way it blessed me.

Be Blessed, Jewels!

James 1: 1-8 KJV

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

²My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

³Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

⁴But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

⁵If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

⁶But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

⁷For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

⁸A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

James 1:1-8 NIV

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings²Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

References

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Photos.Burst.Shopify.com

Written By Donna Marie Leonard

Donna Marie Leonard has been blogging for ten years. She is the published author of children’s book That’s Me. Additionally, Donna Marie is a magazine columnist and freelance writer. She is a script writer, actor, and producer in the Houston film community, as well.

Top 5 Makeup Must-Haves

Published on April 30, 2023May 1, 2023 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

Written By Donna Marie Leonard April 30, 2023

I’ve reached a point where having a ton of lipsticks, blushes, bronzers, highlighters, concealers, foundations, primers, and all that jazz just becomes clutter and another item for me to store and keep organized. Plus, if you aren’t consuming that much makeup in so many months, the makeup may no longer be any good.

I don’t know about you, but I despise items that are just present in my home just to take up space. If it does not serve a purpose, it must GO. This includes makeup. I was that girl in college and even as a teacher that had many different eye shadow palettes, pretty much every color MAC lipstick, every shade of blush, just so much of everything. And back then, I did use all of those things. But now, I need simple. My makeup routine is pretty much the same day-to-day except special occasions where I may add eye shadow and lashes.

Here is a list of my top 5 makeup must-haves:

ONE- Foundation

This is essential to having that flawless, airbrushed look. With so many options to choose from, do your research before going out to buy. Not all foundations are created equal. It helps to know your skin type as well when selecting foundation.

TWO- EYEBROW ENHANCERS

Unless you are blessed with gorgeous brows, you may need the help of a brow pencil, gel, and things as such. Eyebrows really do make or break your face. You cannot consider your makeup done without brow makeup.

THREE- MASCARA

Mascara or lashes, whichever you prefer, one of them is a must. Your makeup will be great without it, but when you add lashes or mascara, it raises the bar. Definitely have this in your kit.

FOUR- LIPCOLOR

This is icing on the cake. Lipstick, lip gloss, lip stain, satin, or matte this must be in your makeup bag. Now, when it comes to lipstick you may want to have a few different colors. Unless you’re a red lipstick lady, like my mom, then you only need one color. But for those of us that like to switch it up depending on what you are wearing and the occasion, it is nice to have options.

FIVE- PRIMER

Now, you cannot start applying all this makeup without this right here. Primer is everything. It serves as not only a makeup enhancer, but it is a barrier between your skin and the makeup. I can tell the difference when I forget to put on primer. And you use the right primer, your makeup will last through hours of Texas heat. See my previous blog about my go to primer.

Those are my five makeup must haves. However, I would like to add three more that will make your makeup, pop!

CONCEALER

Concealer is great to cover up what we don’t want exposed. It is also our friend those mornings we may not have had enough beauty rest the night before, for the bags under our eyes.

HIGHLIGHTER

I LOVE highlighter! It couldn’t be in the top 5, because it is not a makeup essential, but if you can add it in your makeup bag, grab one! I love to sparkle, so a little highlighter is all I need for extra glam!

COMPACT POWDER

Liquid foundation is great. It does a great job on it’s own. Yet, compact powder seals the deal. Compact powder provides a smooth texture on your face and helps to diminish the appearance of pores.

Well Jewels, there you have it! These are my top five, well eight, makeup must haves. Share in the comments which one of these you can’t live without either.

References

Photos.Burst.Shopify.com

Written By Donna Marie Leonard

You Matter

Published on January 2, 2023January 3, 2023 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

By Donna Marie Leonard Jan. 2, 2023

After I became a mom, it seems like little by little I began to stop doing the things that made me feel good about myself. It’s like the time we have in a day is never enough. It’s not even just enough to get by. I don’t know about you, but everything quickly became rush rush for me. Rushing in the morning to get dressed and ready for work, rushing after work to pick up my little, rushing home to make dinner, rushing to do a few house chores, take care of the little one, and then bed.

So let’s just say, nail and hair appointments, massages those all became a thing of the past. But I am here to say that this year, I am here to claim it all back and then some. It’s a lot being a parent. And if you’re anything like I am, you want the absolute best for your child. But it is all at the expense of ourselves. I’m not complaining about giving my child the world, because she deserves it. However, it takes a toll on you. It’s like my economic professor taught us, opportunity cost. You can’t have it all. Well, maybe. But for majority of us, the energy you put into one thing, is going to cost losing time with whatever else you would like to do. Yet, there is hope. You just have to squeeze it in your time.

And this is not to say that only parents get caught up and never have downtime. This applies to just about anybody who is trying to build their best life.

This is all to say two words. Self. Care. Yes, self-care. You forgot about it, too. I know I have for a long time. I have been daydreaming of a pedicure for two months now. It’s never enough time. We have to know how to slow down and take care of ourselves.

In 2023, I am ensuring self-care is a part of my weekly plans. I will fit her in my schedule some magical way. We need it. We’re only human. And all this rushing and going about each day draining ourselves until our heads hit the pillow is not ok. A part of self-care is time management. Time is truly a gift, and it matters what we do with each second of our day.

I dare you this year, each week, all 52 of them to find time for yourself. Maybe spend 10 extra minutes doing a facial mask, or go for a mani and pedi, or my favorite sit alone at the local coffee shop and read or write for 20-30 minutes. Do whatever it is that makes you happy, that you see fit as quality “me time” just to fuel yourself back up. You are totally worth it. I know for one of my friends, it doesn’t even have to be as long as the ones I listed above. One of my friends finds so much joy in having an ice cold can of coca cola. It’s that simple. She refuses to have them everyday, but there are moments she has that, and she claims she’s brand new.

Share with me in the comments Jewels, how you are going to spend time with you this year. I’ll go first, tonight I am going to spend ten minutes reading a book before bed.

Below is a list of ideas for self-care:

Take Care!

References

Photos. Burst.shopify.com

Written By Donna Marie Leonard

Donna Marie Leonard has written blogs for thecurvychateau.com since 2013. She is the published author of children’s book That’s Me. Additionally, Donna Marie is a magazine columnist and freelance writer. She is a script writer, actor, and producer in the Houston film community, as well.

No Longer Holding Yourself Back

Published on January 2, 2023 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

By Donna Marie Leonard Jan. 2, 2023

Purpose has been the theme for years. Year after year, we hear people talk about the key to life is knowing your purpose. This is not a lie. In fact, it is far from it. However, what happens when you know your purpose, but you lack a sense of fulfillment? Well, that’s where executing comes in.

To execute is everything. The only thing stopping any of us from reaching our goals and living out our dreams is executing them. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines execute as “To carry out fully: put completely into effect” and my favorite “…to perform what is required to give validity to.” Now, this raises volume to exactly what many individuals are lacking. They fail to “perform” that which is “required” to bring their dreams, their goals to pass. At the end of the day, you must put in the work. Without the effort, there is no effect.

And if mediocrity has taught us anything, it is that doing the bare minimum will continue to give you bare minimum results. The time has arrived to get out our comfort zones and execute our missions. Focusing on how you are going to execute those big, beautiful, brave ideas you have. You don’t have them by coincidence. Stop letting fear stop you. No more procrastination. No more excuses. In fact, I challenge you to write out every excuse you have that is limiting you to executing your goals, and little by little remove those excuses from your daily habits and begin to hone in on executing your dreams.

These past couple of years, we have watched so many people on social media fulfill their dreams. These are people just like you and I. The only difference is they decided to stop dreaming and start executing. Really think about it, what is truly holding any of us back from being just like them?

If you have new year resolutions, write execute next to them. Let that be your reminder to daily work towards fulfilling your goals. Like Mama used to say, “There’s nothing you can’t do.” And that’s the truth. Again, challenge yourself to write down those things that are holding you back from executing your goals, and begin to monitor yourself to ensure you aren’t falling back into those habits.

You got this! Remember, there’s nothing you can’t do. You are counting on YOU!

Happy New Year, Jewels!

I’m working on not disappointing myself this year, how about you? Let me know in the comments.

References

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Execute definition & meaning. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved January 2, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/execute

Photos. Burst.shopify.com

Written By Donna Marie Leonard

Taking Care of Ourselves: Breast Cancer Awarenes

Published on October 7, 2018 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

Unfortunately, many have experienced the loss of someone dear to them due to this cruel disease. And while we are all aware that breast cancer exist, we must make sure that we are taking the steps to ensure our health. I have been left heart broken a few times in my lifetime learning that someone I cared about passed to this disease. It is so important that women educate themselves on understanding the signs of cancer as well as monitoring themselves at home.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides a great deal of information on how to perform an exam at home, early detection, the stages, treatment, support and much more. And there are several other sites out there that are credible in providing similar details.

breastcancerbeads — Bracelets serve as great reminders to be aware of breast cancer and other illnesses. I made these to distribute at Women’s Wellness & Fitness Day.

As women, we are so engulfed into being mom, wife, our careers, basically taking care of others that sometimes we do not take the time to check in on ourselves. We matter so much to our families. They are depending on us; for this reason, we have to take care of ourselves. So if you have reached that plateau in your life for annual mammograms, get it done. Even if you haven’t reached that age, it doesn’t hurt to monitor at home. We have to strive for great health, our families are counting on us.

Jewels, let’s always do what we can to stay healthy for ourselves and our loved ones. Your health truly matters. Without good health, we are good for nothing.

Raise awareness for breast cancer, Jewels.

I’ve Been Living: 2 Years Later

Published on June 27, 2017June 27, 2017 by thecurvychateauLeave a comment

It’s Monday, and I am told that today will be the day. On this day, there are so many flutters, thoughts, omg this is really happening, to me. As I suspected, because we all have those gut feelings, the ones where you just know before it even happens, that this will not go the fairy tale way as planned. And indeed it did not go as planned. But a happily ever after is in play.

By the time the moon marked the sky that night, those flutters turned into smiles, because it was going to be any minute now. So I thought. With everything that is beautiful; everything that makes us smile and release those warm tears of happiness, they take time. So patiently, in a not so pleasant manner, I waited.

An entire day has passed. And with a couple of hours to go, the wait is no more. As they say, “The time has come.” Was I ready, heck yeah! The process was long, but not as long as it had been.

Early Wednesday morning, I became a part of Mother Nature. For I too, became a mother. I’ll never forget the cry of my baby girl as she entered this world. In that moment, I cried too, to rejoice of her safe delivery.

Ever since that bright starry night of August, I have experienced and been granted the most beautiful job on Earth, Mom.

But before becoming Mom, I be wed a charming fellow. 2015, my life changed. I met the man that I committed forever to, and weeks later conceived our heart beat.

There are many other changes, but those two are the grandest of them all. While being a wife and a mom is relatively new to me, I failed to make time for my blog. I wrote throughout my pregnancy and up to now. Yet, I strayed away from blogging.

I have many new helpful tips to share, and I cannot wait to get them all out there.

Life is a wonderful adventure; it’s just about making the right choices.

Be great, Jewels!

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