Category Archives: Life

Finding Hope in Difficult Times

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As a woman who has faced many storms in life, I am often asked, “If God is so good, why doesn’t He keep you from these difficult circumstances?” My answer is, “He is so good that He keeps me through them.”

Storms happen

Storm:  a disturbed state of environment, marked by significant disruptions to normal conditions. A center of low pressure w/ system of high pressure surrounding it. Opposing forces create stormy weather.

Why should any of us think that life is not fair because there is a significant disruption in our environment? In my experience, the more turbulent a storm, the deeper my faith has grown. 

There is a certain sweetness that builds when we face difficulties without casting blame or comparing circumstances.

Continue reading Finding Hope in Difficult Times →

Finding Balance When Life Changes

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There is a balance between self-care and selfishness. Finding this balance will likely always be a challenge for most of us. I’m fifty-two years old, yet I, too, often feel the guilt of taking time for myself, especially now that I have slipped back into a self-sacrificing mommy mode. 

The “mommy-mode” of always putting others first is actually a beautiful thing when our heart is right.

To be “others-conscious” and put our family’s needs above our own is sweet and honorable. 

As long as our heart is.

Since my last post, I have been swept up in a tornado of drama and difficulties that tend to consume those of us who love an addict. The chaos and confusion isn’t new to me, but over the past years of my son’s addiction, I’ve found a way to continue with most aspects of my own life, no matter how out of control his was. This time, however, Continue reading Finding Balance When Life Changes →

New Children’s Book Equips Reader to Discuss Body Image Issues

Confidence, Kids, Life, Personal Style,

Image-Coach Reveals the 6 Clothing Personalities Through the Story of Katy’s Struggle with Self-esteem.  

CAPE COD, Ma. (May 22, 2019) – The next generation is struggling with serious body image issues and it’s imperative that we help them. Parents play a vital part in how children see themselves, but this sensitive topic is not easy  to discuss. With her latest book, author, Catrina Welch, taps her 30-plus years in the beauty industry to teach children confidence before their image becomes a life-long hang up. With a fun story, beautiful illustrations and suggested questions, this book unlocks a profound and pivotal message that could save your child from struggling with low self-esteem.

Like various flowers and trees, each boy and girl is beautiful and strong in their own way!

Journey with Katy as she lets go of comparison and learns to appreciate her individuality. As she finds the confidence to be who she was designed to be, so, too, will your child.  Continue reading New Children’s Book Equips Reader to Discuss Body Image Issues →

Raising Confident Kids

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With the first hospital visit, adults begin “speaking life” over your baby: 

She’s beautiful!

He’s so big!

As children grow, we naturally announce and affirm each progression of their development:

Look how he holds his head up.

She took her first step!

A healthy self-esteem is encouraged. 

Every child comes into this world with the need to know their worth and understand their purpose. Naturally, they find their answers (right or wrong) from their environment and the things we teach them.

If you have  a healthy self-image then you will be better equipped to help your children avoid Image Issues.

But not necessarily.  Continue reading Raising Confident Kids →

Is it Better to Be a Good Mother or a Grand Mother?

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With my last child leaving the nest  and a granddaughter on the way, I am often told that it is more fun to be a grandmother than a mom. 

Mothers typically find their identity in their relationships–especially with their children.

I’ve gained three important insights on motherhood:

  1. Moms have tremendous influence on the life of a child. Our kids lives are swayed by our faith, opinions, perspectives and words.  A child whose mom believes in her is more than a conqueror. A child whose mom condemns her will struggle with self-esteem.
  2. Moms have little power over the way they interpret that influence. Children will interpret your heart according to theirs. We say, “Clean your room, honey.” They may hear, “You’re such a slob!”  or “I need to do better to be loved.” It is vital that we understand our strengths and weaknesses and study them as individuals so that we can train them in the way they should go.
  3. It is very important that we know who we are and take our role seriously. There will be times when parenting is the hardest “career” on earth, changing jobs is not an option. No matter how difficult the relationship may get, we must continue to be the best mom we can be. As they grow up, we are no longer responsible for their choices, but we will always be responsible for how we treat them.

Our challenges with motherhood Continue reading Is it Better to Be a Good Mother or a Grand Mother? →

Gamine – the Bold Beauty

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Some women are strong, spunky and secure in their opinions. The Gamine clothing personality is average to short in stature,  but she is not fragile: not in build, and not in personality. 

She is like a Cala Lily: strong, sturdy and full of color and variety. The trumpet-shaped flower can endure almost any condition, in the same way, Gamines thrive in situations where most of us would not know what to do. When they see crisis, they jump to action—like the flower that pokes through the ground before the rest of the plant. 

Grace makes or breaks the Gamine’s beauty

The Bold Beauty has an intense work ethic, which sometimes overrides her intense love for fun. She has a quick wit, level head and a passion to fix things. Unfortunately, sometimes her drive for justice can be intimidating to others–and to herself.  Continue reading Gamine – the Bold Beauty →

Natural – the Casual Beauty

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Some women are simply laid back and casual; calm, cool and collected in nature. Those with the Natural clothing personality are athletic and nature-oriented and tend to be comfortable with themselves.

She is like a wild flower, strong, sturdy and able to endure most environments; she has little need of care and attention. The Natural’s bright cheer brings life to any occasion, making a formal affair less stuffy and a casual event more inviting. She should be careful, however, to stay true to her casual nature, no matter the formality of her environment or she may come across as phony.

Simplicity makes or breaks the Natural’s beauty

The Natural has little interest in fashion or Continue reading Natural – the Casual Beauty →

Dramatic Video

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Often misunderstood to be overly confident, the Dramatic is actually a very sensitive woman.

The Dramatic clothing personality (which I call the Exotic Beauty) is like a tropical flower. Her unusual beauty has a powerful presence that stands out and makes a statement. Unless she has a secondary style, this girl is tall and has strong, straight features. She is passionate and expressive and has a strong drive for excellence.

All too often, girls with this Image Identity (Img.ID) are completely unaware of the influence they have on others.

Intimidation may look like rejection

Continue reading Dramatic Video →

Dramatic – the Exotic Beauty

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Some women are fast-paced, hardworking and unafraid to take risks. Those who are Dramatic in style have a daring nature that is seemingly uninhibited by the influences around her. Her long, straight features and extreme height are indication of her character. The Dramatic woman (or man, or child…) is focused and passionate about all she does.

She is like an exotic flower, her unusual beauty has a powerful presence that stands out and makes a statement. All too often, however, this girl is completely unaware of the influence she has on others. In reality, this Image Identity (Img.ID) really has a very sensitive spirit and when others feel intimidated by her, she often reads it as rejection. 

Relatability makes or breaks the Dramatic’s beauty

Continue reading Dramatic – the Exotic Beauty →

Classic – the Refined Beauty

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Some women are dignified, sophisticated and professional in all their ways. Those who are Classic in style are graceful and conservative and a pleasure to look. A balanced figure and proportionate features give evidence to her character. The Classic woman (or man or child…) tends to be very proper  and detailed in all areas of life.

Like a rose, the Refined Beauty has a guard about her, making it rather difficult to get to know her at first. In her younger years, she is tight and withdrawn and a bit protective of her heart. When upset, her words may be sharp, but in general, she doesn’t speak up unless spoken to. 

Peace makes or breaks the Classic’s beauty

Continue reading Classic – the Refined Beauty →

Ingénue video

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Often mistaken as naive, young or innocent, the Ingénue is actually a very strong woman. She may have a girlish figure and a high voice, but don’t let that be confused for youth or ignorance! Like the Baby’s Breath that first appears to be a small flower but is actually a very strong bush, the Ingénue is an amazingly tenacious woman. The flower is used to covers the stems in a bouquet of flowers. This girl also completes others with her beautiful creativity and encouraging heart.
Ingénues need to be true to their authentic personality or they may lose their confidence. This is also true with their image. When the Delicate Beauty dresses in heavy fabrics or dark colors (unless she is a combination), her look is overpowered and she may come across as a little girl trying to look grown up. Continue reading Ingénue video →

Ingénue, the Delicate Beauty

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Some women have a sweet, innocent nature that brings with it a quality of freshness that does not threaten others, but uplifts them and inspires them. These women have a gentle strength that is like a breath of fresh air in our otherwise stressed and striving world.

The Ingénue, like the Baby’s Breath, is the kind of woman (or man… or child!)  that completes those around her. The flower is often used to cover the stems and spaces in a bouquet. The Ingénue’s creative and complimentary nature makes her friends all look and feel more beautiful and strong when she is with them.

little girl, IngénueThis Image Identity, or Img.ID may appear to be dainty and delicate but in reality is strong and sturdy, like the flower that is able to survive environments most flowers cannot endure. In fact, as long as this flower has a mostly-sunny environment and well-drained soil that is not acidic, the Baby’s Breath can thrive and grow into great foliage that covers any area it is given. This young lady is like that: She will do whatever you need her to, she will do it with joy and she will become very influential in any space she is given the authority to. Continue reading Ingénue, the Delicate Beauty →