"How can a world that makes such wonderful things, be so bad?" YES I just quoted The Little Mermaid. There is so much beauty all around us but sometimes it is so easy to focus on our trials, our weaknesses or toxic people around us. I have found that surrounding myself with beautiful things helps me keep my thoughts positive & not dwell in adversity. I'm not saying that material things will help you find happiness, because they will not. THIS post that I wrote a few months ago talks about finding happiness.  

These are some of the things that I surround myself with to help me keep my thoughts positive: 

• Art, photography & editing 
• Postcards 
• Uplifting music playlists 
• Coke Zero 
• Photos of Christ & the Temple 
• Fresh flowers 
• Shopping at thrift stores 
• Having my nails painted 
• Scriptures 
• Yummy salads 
• Perfume 

Take some time today to reflect on the little things that make you happy. Smells, tastes, things you look at or see on the daily. Surround yourself with little things that help you feel pockets of happiness to get you through the long says & hard times. 

xoxo, Lexie

Necklace: Kelly Annie Jewlery

xoxo, Lexie

Photos by: @angelo_attackk

xoxo, Lexie

Aside from painting, I love anything & everything creative. I especially love content creation. It is so fun for me to come up with concepts & bring them to life. I have big visions for my Lexie Faith Designs content but don't have the time to make it happen. That's why I'm looking to collaborate with you. If this is something you're interested in please apply. I'm not looking for someone with thousands of followers, I'm looking for someone who can create killer content for my brand. Here are the requirements:
· Has a love and passion for content creation.
· Can create a dozen quality, professional & unique images that are on brand with Lexie Faith Designs.
· Owns a blog or runs an Instagram account.
· Is optimistic, professional, positive and down to earth.

If you feel like these bullet points describe you as creator, email me at lexiefaithdesigns@gmail.com with the subject line LFD COLLAB. In that email please include your name & a little bio, links to your blog and/or Instagram, and attach some professional example images so I can see if our styles fit!
​
Thank you so much for all your love and support. I'm so excited for this project!

xoxo, Lexie

I've been putting off buying a 50 mm lens for quite some time now & I finally ordered it. Best choice of 2018 haha! It's so inexpensive & has totally changed the game! I can't wait to travel with this lens this year & capture amazing memories.

On Friday I will be making an announcement for my company Lexie Faith Designs. I think a lot of you will be interested in it. If you love to create, make sure to stay tuned!!

xoxo, Lexie

earrings: Forever 21 | coin ring: c/o: Kelly Annie Jewelry | watch: c/o Arvo | sweater: H&M | scarf: My aunt's from the 80's lol | boots: Sperry 

I'm a dancer & love anything you can groove to. This is my January playlist:

1. Weak - AJR
2. I Miss You - Clean Bandit
3. Sorry Not Sorry (Clean) - Demi Lavato 
4. Hearts Ain't Gonna Lie - Arlissa & Jonas Blue
5. Low Life - Soleima
6. The Kids Are Alright - Chloe x Halle
​7. End Game - Taylor Swift

photos above by: Sara Owen

xoxo, Lexie

I love the phrase, “you do you.” Obviously not when it’s a sassy sting used in a heated conversation, but truly no one can know what is best for you but yourself. There are so many things in our lives that are out of control but there are also many things that we get to choose. YOU are the only one who can make decisions for yourself & you are the only one who can choose how to react when life throws you a curve ball.

The past few months, I have been trying to find my place in this world. The logical next step for me was to go back to college. It seriously felt so wrong though. I knew it was the smartest choice but each time I would even think about it, I just felt sick. I made the choice to take this semester off & to start school again in the summer. When I made that choice, a job opportunity fell right into my lap. A full time job that has given me purpose again, has helped me have a schedule again & is giving an opportunity to do service.

I think it is important to get advice & I am thankful for the people around me who influence me. Sometimes it is so easy to be stubborn in our own ways and have tunnel vision. This time, I am so grateful I trusted my gut. I know that this is part of the plan that God has created for me. Have a fabulous day & girl, YOU DO YOU!!

xoxo, Lexie

watch: Arvo | coin ring: Kelly Annie Jewelry

Hey everyone. Don't worry it's still me, just a new year. None of that "new year, new me" nonsense. Hopefully by December 31, 2018 I'll be a better version of myself, but for now, I'm still the same. Sometimes I set serious resolutions, sometimes I pick a word of the year, sometimes I make a quick list of easy goals. This years word is: FOCUS. I need to take this year to focus on myself & on my future. I want everything I do to have focus. All my relationships, adventures, daily activities. Happy New Year everyone!! Let’s all soak it up before real life hits us in the face tomorrow haha!

HERE is my new years post from LAST YEAR! I actually did most of these things, so HOLLA!!

HERE is my 2017 overview post!

xoxo, Lexie

2017 was by far my hardest year. It was also the best in many ways. I was able to experience so much this past year. Some experiences are so dear, special, sacred & honestly, just once in a lifetime opportunities. Other experiences I had this year were heartbreaking, painful & traumatizing. My year was full of travel; 38 flights, 18 passport stamps, & 7 countries. In each place I learned something new about the world and about myself. Here are some things I learned in 2017 through my travels:

• SAN FRANCISCO- It's okay to do things alone. I've never been one to follow the crowd but this trip taught me that only I alone can create the life I want to live. This is so random but... I also learned not to be embarrassed to show emotion. You can read more about that HERE!
• CHICAGO- I had to go on this trip to realize how much I was going to miss my family before my mission. I almost booked a ticket home because I was so sad & mad at myself for thinking I needed a last minute trip than last minute cuddles with my mom.
• FLORIDA- Own your choices & make the best of it. I also was hospitalized for the first time in my life. I ended up having 3 ruptured ovarian cysts. After I decided to switch up my attitude, I turned that trip into a party & made some lifelong friendships.
• PROVO- Lol. Provo is only 2 hours away from my house but leaving my family changed me. I will still ugly cry if I think about it long enough. The Provo MTC was also one of the highlights of my mission. I love that place & the things I learned there.
• BARBADOS- I learned a lot about leadership here. The sister who picked me up & took me out contacting for the first time made me feel so at home. She led by example & made me feel confident. She helped me love the people, all in just a few hours. 
• SINT MAARTEN- I learned how to serve others. I discovered the beauty of serving my companion. It made me feel better & it strengthened our relationship. I also learned SO MUCH about humility. Without flipping through my journal & my planners, the first part on Sint Maarten is a blur. A happy, humid blur. I would leave the island every few weeks for exchanges with other missionaries but the majority of my time was spent in SXM. In May I became a trainer & met one of my best friends. Sister Olsen changed my life in so many ways. Although I was her trainer, she taught me so much. Probably more than I taught her haha. On the 7th of July a soccer ball changed my life haha. Dramatic... but not really. I got hit in the head with a soccer ball while we were playing a game with the locals & I got a concussion. Normally I am someone who doesn't like help. I like to do things myself & I hate putting others out. This people... is called pride hahaha. I had to rely on my companion for support but most importantly the Savior Jesus Christ. Hiking up hot hills to find people to preach the gospel to isn't easy. It's so painful with a pounding headache, but I'm grateful for the strength the Savior gave to me. He helped me with every step. I was always so tired but I felt like I had earned my pillow & that was something important to me. I didn't want to have any excuses. I wanted to do what my Father in heaven expected of me & I wanted him to feel proud. Even though it was so hard to do missionary work with that injury I met some of my favorite people during those months & built relationships with people I will love eternally. I love the people on that island. I feel at home there with them. At the beginning of September hurricane Irma came & demolished SXM. 
• GUADELOUPE & MARTINIQUE- We were on Guadeloupe for a few days before Irma, then went back to SXM, then got evacuated & went to Martinique. These islands are BEAUTIFUL! I don't speak french so that was hard but luckily I wasn't there too long.
• BARBADOS- My mind was so scattered when I first arrived. People kept showing us pictures of Sint Maarten after the hurricane & it destroyed me. I wanted to grieve but I felt like I couldn't. I felt like everyone expected me to be fine & continue working like nothing had happened. In my few weeks on Barbados I fell in love with the people there. These strangers I taught helped me heal. I'm sure a lot of that was through the spirit. The last weeks (& days) of my mission I relied so heavily on prayer & on my scriptures. I had an empty canteen that I was filling full of hope. That hope has lasted me through the last few months of this year. 
• UTAH- Home again, home again!! I freaking lost it when I came home. I was so in pain physically & emotionally. It was hard to process everything that had happened to me & it was even harder to move on. I still feel like I'm transitioning. I recently did a post on how I started to find "my happy" again. You can read it HERE! This has truly been the BEST worst year. I've learned, grown & stretched so much. I have loved like never before & my heart has been broken like never before; both in ways I would've never expected. I learned how to truly love myself & that is something I am so grateful for. 2017 was the worst because of the events that occurred but it was the best because of the hundreds of people I met & grew to love. I couldn't have done ANY of it without the people I already knew. The ones who have been there for me since the beginning. Also... you can handle WAY MORE than you think!

If you are still reading this, wow, you rock! Stay tuned for a post on my plans to make 2018 ROCKIN!!

xoxo, Lexie

This week I lettered a canvas that said, “Life is grand, love is real & beauty is everywhere.” It totally echoes my life motto “all things pretty.” I believe that there is beauty everywhere. Even in the trials we face, periods of grief & locations that can seem dark & depressing. I was shooting with Angelo & he randomly suggested to go shoot at Lowe’s Home Improvement store. SO out of the box but we were able to capture these beautiful images. I love this time of year with all the beautiful decorations, Christmas lights & fresh blankets of pure white snow. I hope you all have a safe & merry Christmas Eve.

xoxo, Lexie

Photos by: Angelo Cruz

When I saw this sweater (only $5 HOLLA) I thought, “this is going to be the cutest ugly sweater ever.” (The tinsel touch is a little much.) But then... it started to grow on me & I’ve been wearing it every other day. Be extra this week. Blame it on Christmas!!

Tee: Thread Tanks

We’ve all heard it, “happiness is a choice.” TOTALLY! But sometimes it can be hard to feel happy when you’ve been dealt rotten cards or you just feel SAD. There have been a few times in my life where I can vividly remember feeling sad. Thinking about those moments now, pierces my soul and is honestly making me tear up right now. Even though I've had traumatic moments, it's those moments that make feeling joy and happiness that much sweeter. I am NO expert. I’m not a doctor, or a psychiatrist and everyone is different. But, these are a few things that work for ME when I hit a rough patch in life. I see enough depressing posts on social media to know some of you feel sad, lonely or dark. If you are one of those people, try out what you want & find your happy again. I promise it’s in there!!

In the last year, my relationship with Heavenly Father has developed so much because of meaningful prayer. What ever your religious beliefs are, talk it out. It may not instantly bring you immense happiness but eventually it will lead to not only happiness but peace.

I have followed Mr. Kate on YouTube since I was in elementary school. She posted once on her Instagram about therapy. She said she started seeing a therapist when she was young after her parents divorce & that as an adult she still goes to therapy. She has said therapy is what's helped her be mentally healthy. I thought, dang I want to go to a therapist... haha. Fast forward a few years. I was evacuated from hurricane Irma, had a serious concussion & came home from my full time LDS mission. My angel mother set up so many doctors appointments, including a therapy appointment. The first time I walked into a therapist's office I told myself out loud, “I can’t believe I’m going to a shrink.” I thought, I am THIS broken? I have to have someone help me with my problems? I was mad at myself for not snapping back, not pulling myself together & being “okay.” After only minutes of sitting & talking with her I realized I wasn’t “okay,” and there wasn’t anything wrong with that. It was simply cause & effect. I haven’t made an appointment for many weeks but if something happened tomorrow that rocked my boat, I would NO doubt go back. Be humble & let others help you!

Music has become another source of happiness & peace for me. As a dancer, I’ve always loved & been able to connect with music. While I was on my mission and now that I'm home, I've decided to only listen to music that would help me feel happy. Whenever I have a hard day or feel down, my go to songs are: My Little Prayer, Be Thou My Vision & Thy Will Be Done. Obviously I have my jams that I so gracefully belt out in the car but if I want the happy feeling to last, I listen to those songs.

It’s simple. Endorphins make you happy & happy people don’t kill their husbands... name the movie!! (Legally Blonde) Getting my body moving helps me stay sane. If the gym makes you anxious go for a swim, bike ride, play tennis or hike. Get out & MOVE!!

Scriptures, Mormon Messages & LDS Conference talks are my favorite! Podcasts aren’t really my thing but try it out!! Surround yourself by good things, do good works & you will feel good!

xoxo, Lexie

sweater: c/o Rococo Modish
Get this sweater for 30% off by using the code: LEXIE30

I just typed this big post about muted tones & how to recreate this outfit but nope... new subject. One that for me, right now, is more important than muted tones & dark green pants. I’ll save that post for another day;)

I saw the quote, “doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.” All my life I’ve felt like a dreamer. Always having new ideas, trying to make them happen, creating, collaborating & becoming inspired!! Lately I feel like I’ve been more of a doubter than a dreamer. I get those ideas or glimmers of a vision & then I back out. WHY??? I think it’s because I get scared. This whole “adult” thing is scary. Investing time, money, faith & passion into dreams seems to get scarier as I get older. I don’t want to live like that though; scared of failure, scared of responsibility. That sounds like a miserable way to spend the next decades of my existence. I want to have a life of learning, passion, creativity & color. I want my mind to be stirring constantly with new photo ideas, memories to make, and places to travel. I want to make new friends in business meetings, on bus rides while vacationing in diverse environments.

SO... blah blah blah, thx for reading & here’s to conquering the scary things & to becoming the dreamers we used to be, when were just weeee lads!

xoxo, Lexie

watch: Arvo

It's freaking cold!!! At least in my neck of the woods. Even though I'm constantly shivering, I love living in a place with seasons. I love how pure & white fresh snow is. I love sweaters. I love when your skin gets really hot when you're sitting next to a fire place or a heater. I love hot chocolate & herbal tea. I love ear muffs. I love waking up & your face is cold but your body is toasty warm under the covers. I love walking outside after a good workout when you're dying of heat & it's cold outside. I love these pictures that McKay took haha. What helps you have a good, positive attitude when the winter months get dreary??

photos by: McKay Findlay

​xoxo, Lexie

skirt: c/o Artichoke Crate | photos by: Cooper Kelly

In the all too famous words of Jessie J, “It ain’t about they moneyyyy.” I’ve always been a savvy shopper. It’s something my parents have taught me. Both my parents are pro sale shoppers & my grandpa is the king of thrift store finds. I’ve learned from the best. I’m also the #1 biggest fan of “hand-me-downs.” Heck, my high school drill coach gave me this shirt lol.

Now let’s be honest. There is SO. MUCH. MORE. to life than what’s in season, who wore what & what the latest trends are. However, clothes have always made me happy. Not the actual peice of clothing itself, but the ideas that come with it. After a big haul at the store (department stores to thrift stores) I lay in bed restless & giddy. It’s seriously a problem. Style goes beyond the clothes. It’s how you put together an outfit, tell a story. I challenge you in the new year to focus more on style, than fashion. Create, discover & learn. I am always so inspired by other bloggers, models, fashion editors & designers. I love taking what I love about their looks & incorporating it into my own style!

Although I LOVE a good sale, I also believe in quality. It’s okay to spend a lot of money on an item, but it better last you forever. Literally, the rest of your life. I never spend more than $20 on a trendy dress & $5 on the newest, coolest accessories. BUT classic items like bags, boots & certain articles of clothing can be worth the splurge. I’ve had the same boots since I was in 8th grade. They’re still in style & going strong. Think about how many pairs of cheap ankle boots you’ve thrown away since 8th grade... Really it saves you money.

I have rewritten this blog post several times because I feel like I’m just rambling. At the end of the day, the only thing I can write that really matters is, BE WHO YOU ARE!! Have a happy & safe weekend!!

xoxo, Lexie

Before I served my mission I would spend Sundays doing homework, making plans for the week, meal prepping, editing photos and catching up on Netflix. While I was on my mission I felt so drained on Saturday night. As I took the sacrament on Sunday mornings my soul & physical body felt renewed. My testimony of the sacrament ordinance grew so much. With that, my love & respect for the Sabbath day grew too.  Since I've been home I've made a conscious effort to do activities that attract the spirit, serve others, & are Christ centered. I've created a list of some of my favorite Sabbath day activities. I am NO WHERE NEAR PERFECT!! & these activities might not work for everyone. 

1. Writing letters (thank you notes, "just because" letters, missionary mail, etc.)
2. Writing emails to missionaries
3. Journaling
4. Taking photos
5. Listening to uplifting music & conference talks while I paint for fun (not work)
6. Bake & take treats to neighbors
7. Send uplifting texts to those who come to mind
8. Plan how to remember Christ that week (temple, sacrament, institute, etc.)
9. Take the "Attribute Activity" in Preach my Gospel
10. Spend time with immediate & extended family

​Tell me in the comments what is you favorite way to observe the Sabbath.

xoxo, Lexie

Who else raids their mom's closet?? ME ME ME!! My mom & I started sharing shoes when I was in 5th grade. By the time I passed her in shoe size, we were the same size in clothes. HOLLAAA!! My mother has amazing style. As I got older, our styles shifted a little. She is super classic & I'm a little more edgy BUT we compliment each other haha. She taught me how to dress, shop, style & save. Can we just take a moment of silence for this beautiful denim jacket from her high school days??? OBBBSESSED! It might sound dumb but I've learned a lot from being inside my mom's closet (really from my mom, but that's not as catchy lol)... HERE'S MY LIST:

• YOU are not your clothes, but that first impressions are a real thing. Always wear something that will compliment how awesome you are.
• If you can't wear it forever (literally to your grave) don't spend big bucks on it.
• Tunnel vision to the clearance rack. Don't even look at the full price merch. In 3 weeks, it will be on sale. You CAN wait 3 weeks. 
• Always remove one accessory before heading out the door.
• One spray of perfume. (still working on this one lol)
• "You need a touch of pink." A touch of blush & lip gloss for the win. "Blush & bashful" If you know what movie is from, we can be friends.
• "You are prettier when you smile" duh.. your smile is your best accessory.
• Lean over, bend down, arms up. If something is showing that shouldn't be, CHANGE!
• "tasteful"
• Leggings aren't pants. Pants are pants. Cover your crotch & butt, or you better be heading to the gym.
• Heels are good. AMEN SISTA.
• Love what yo mama gave ya. Curly hair, thick thighs, big booty, all the things I was self conscious about... she helped me love who I am.
• Be a light & radiate goodness & charity.

Shout out to all the strong & stylish women out there!
xoxo, Lexie

I am constantly get DM's & questions about curly hair care. What I use, my routine, the products, the whole shaBANG. First of all, just like every human is different, every set of curly hair is different. You have to learn what works for you. This is what works for ME, but try it out, switch it around, and add your own twists until you have found the GOLDEN RECIPE for your beautiful curls.

Your hair will look terrible if it is dry. MY HAIR LOOKS NASTY WHEN IT'S DRY. Hopefully your hair is not as dry as mine, but if it is, try out my tricks. It all starts in the shower. I shampoo like normal (I mix my shampoo with DevaCurl No-poo. I'm not a no-poo fan but try it out), then I get my hair full of water & turn off the shower. I condition my hair & then squeeze out the access water. I DON'T rinse it out. When I get out of the shower I put a deep conditioner in my hair. You're supposed to rinse it out but I don't.

I wash my hair once a week. You might think this is nasty but I honestly could go even longer, you can't even tell. My hair isn't one bit greasy. I did have to "train" my hair though. I would go one day with it natural, then curl it & let it be for days 2, 3 & sometimes 4. Touch it up with some dry shampoo & some recurling. Then a half up, half down do. Then bun it (or hats) the rest of the days. For the most part I just wear it natural now. I can go more than a week now with it down & no dry shampoo.

DRY SHAMPOO TIP: Spray it in your hair at night & then go to bed with out brushing it out. You can also just use baby powder!!

My dry ends will be the death of me. When I first wash my hair it looks so healthy but whenever I use heat to style it or as the week goes on my ends just look FRIED! When I leave it natural I've found that spraying a tiny bit of water on the ends & scrunching in a little deep conditioner or gel refreshes my curls. When my hair is styled (curled or straightened) I add oil to the ends. Any time I leave the house I put it in my hair. I love all of the Hask serums. A little goes a long way! Those viles are tiny but last forever!! 

I feel like this is the "step" that I've poured the most time & money into. Finding the right curl products that will make me have beautiful, tight, Instagram worthy curls. Well honey, hold up. If that's what you're going for, SEE YA! We have messy hair, embrace it!! I promise that if you do the steps above, it won't matter what definition products you use, you will see a night & day difference. Below I linked the products I use when I'm not being lazy & using my brother's gel hahaha.

Try these out & let me know if any work for you! I would also love to know what curly hair products you use to keep up your curls!
​xoxo, Lexie

necklace: c/o Emi & T Boutique 

I am constantly pondering my blessings but ESPECIALLY the week of Thanksgiving. This is my 19th Thanksgiving, so here’s 19 things I’m giving thanks to today. What are you thankful for?

• paint​
  
• my beautiful mamacita
  
• wrestling matches with Collin
  
• carpet & vacuums
  
• electricity
  
• photo editing & creating pretty pics
  
• the Book of Mormon
  
• My ability to read & my education
• my parents & all their team work
  
• paved roads
  
• the Caribbean ocean
  
• email
  
• gel nails
• natrually curly hair
• all the movies my mom & I have memorized
• Mavrick & 52 oz. Coke Zero
• driving through the mountains
• Jackson & all that he is & will be
• Izzy’s tender heart

xoxo, Lexie

When I left on my LDS mission, I was in the best shape of my life. I loved fitness, nutrition & had FINALLY learned to love my body. I have always struggled with body image. I first became “self aware” when a distant family member made a comment to me, that I couldn’t be a dancer because I didn’t have the “right” body type. I was SIX YEARS OLD. SIX.

Junior High was rough. I LOVED junior high & all my friends but constantly felt self conscious about my body. I had the body of an 18 year old when I was 14 so my perception was a little skewed when I would compare myself to the teeny tiny girls I was around. High school was the same way, until my senior year. I realized that I was never going to be a double zero in Hollister jeans. AND THAT IS OKAY! I realized that it doesn’t matter what the scale says, or what dress size you wear. HEALTH is not about dress size. Once I was mentally okay with my body, physically I just snapped into place. I was healthy & happy! My skin still sucked but that’s another blog post haha.

Then I went on my mission... I don’t think I realized how stressed I was until I got home. I had been stress eating the whole time. When I got home I felt horrible about myself. All the mental strength & the self love I had worked so hard for was GONE! Honestly, I gave Satan the key to my happiness. It took a HOT minute for me to pull myself together but I’m back. I’m happy again.

I sucked it up, bought a bigger jean size & I am working on myself. If you do, or have ever felt bad about the way you look, all I can say is LOVE YO SELF. That is easier said than done, I know. But when we don’t love the person that we are, the creation that Heavenly Father so carefully made, we are letting Satan win. He CANNOT win. Our Savior, Jesus Christ makes up the difference. He makes up for what we cannot do alone.

A lot of pics, treats & family fun!!

Hair: Adison Nicol - Life in Bobbie Pins
​MUA: @makeupfunbymeg

xoxo, Lexie