Emy Ruth Reviews: Mole Removal with Apple Cider Vinagar

I have a mole on my leg that has always bothered me. I would nick it when I shaved, or accidentally cut it with my fingernails when I would scratch my leg, it was just a pain to have this mole on my leg. I had gone to a surgeon to have it removed but the cost would've been $300. No thank you!

So I took to the internet, saw a plethora or reviews that apple cider vinegar would remove my mole and so I decided to give it a go. This is my mole prior to the treatment done to it:

 The items I used were:

• apple cider vinegar
• band aids ( large and small)
• cotton balls
• vaseline

 The procedure goes as follows:

1.  Soak the cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and ring out the access
2. Place the cotton ball on the mole
3. Place a large band-aid and cover the mole. Use smaller band aids to "outline" the larger band-aid to keep it secure *
4. Try to sleep on your back or in a position that won't take the bandage off your mole
5. Place Vaseline around your skin if your skin turns red and shows signs of irritation ( I noticed irritation by day 3 so I started the Vaseline that day)
6. Continue procedure until the mole falls off

*The first two days I tried to cover the mole, I used just small band-aids to hold the cotton ball and it kept falling off so I "traded up" to larger band-aids to keep it more secure and it stayed in place.



 This is what my mole looked like each day I covered it:

Day 2

 I saw a change the second day when I observed redness and the mole began to turn black, it felt crusty too.

Day 3

 I saw a lot of change on the third day, an increase in redness, the mole turned solid black but also flattened - it was no longer raised. I touched it gently and it was sore so I left it alone.

Day5

 I will note that by Day 4 my skin was very irritated so I stopped covering it and the next day the mole fell off. I immediately started to cover it with Neosporin to let it heal. During the day I covered it with Neosporin, but at night I left in uncovered and placed Vitamin E oil on it. I did this for two weeks.

The final result:

Good luck!

It's Okay to be Happy

How can I begin to describe where I am now to where I have come from? This moment in time, this chapter of life God has written for me is unlike any other I have known. My life has been a roller coaster of good times and bad times, sometimes I was so unsure of what would happen to me because things would turn for the worse and I felt I had no way out. One of the biggest lies the enemy ever told me is that because I was a sinner and made wrong choices that I was not allowed to be happy anymore. I was not allowed to enjoy life and anything that made me happy or brought a smile to my face, I had to stop immediately. I felt I deserved to be sad and couldn't be free to live life fully. I was so broken.

But as I stood in my room, I caught the a glimpse of the breeze blowing over the trees and leaves bearing the colors of orange and brown hit the ground as I got ready to spend the evening with my family. I got dressed while listening to Moonrise by Brain Crain and playfully danced as I got dressed, the music made my soul joyful. I was happy. Not just emotions and feelings happy but a different kind - it was joy. Joy had finally come and was here to stay.

I have been attending CR for almost 11 months now and the freedom of God healing my past and bringing me into greatness and building me up to be the woman of God I was called to be, I am declaring freedom. Freedom from anger. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the abuse and neglect and ridicule I had endured most of my life. Freedom to be me and to enjoy what I loved. God had opened my eyes to show me that it was OKAY to be happy and enjoy the things I love.

I go on morning hikes and admire the mountains and neverending landscapes, I watch my Star Wars and Harry Potter movies, I listen to my Lord of the Rings and Twilight movie scores, I enjoy my comic books as well as my fantasy filled books such as "The Neverending Story" and "A Wrinkle in Time", I drive to work while blasting Backstreet Boys ( since 1997 baby!) and sometimes the Sound of Music. I go to church and work and love my toddlers as if they were mine. I hug my friends and leaders and enjoy the worship music. I live.


Although I continue to work on myself and my walk with God, I allow God to break barriers down and show me what must change. Step study has been HARD! I'm not even exaggerating, it has been intense but God is pulling it all out of me. I'm actually glad that God is having me work part-time closer to home because He is truly having me focus on recovery now more than ever. It feels uncomfortable and painful, sometimes I see no hope but God is moving wonders in me. I am excited for my breakthrough! I'm thrilled that God has amazing things for me!!! My future looks BRIGHT ❤️

Emy Ruth Reads: The Land of Stories:The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer

I was very curious to read that a Glee actor wrote a children's book, the fact that it is a children's book is what stuck out to me more because I am a pre-school teacher and any literature for children grabs my attention. I purchased the book at Barnes and Noble for $20, I got a discount because I have a Teacher Educator card.

The books starts off introducing two young children, twins a boy and a girl. Conner Baily, whom I really like because he is sarcastic and smart mouthy which is A LOT like me, and Alex Baily who is a book worm with Hermione-like characteristics (i.e. knows all the facts, wants to be right, etc.) Both characters are relatable but not necessarily predictable. They had good moments, bad moments, and you can see the contrast of how different they are but yet they tend to also think a lot in some cases. I won't give away too much, you just have to read the book and find out.

 A Map of all the kingdoms

What I liked most about this book is that the author didn't make the fairy tales to be so a-typical and keep the whole "happily ever after, we never have problems" illusion. The author brought reality in a humorous way to each of the fairy tales. I did laugh at Cinderella being pregnant and feeling tired rather than her gracefully singing with mice while scrubbing stairs ( who does that anyways?) I also thought it was funny that Red Riding Hood was this snobbish girl longing for attention, going after a man who doesn't want her but then when I found out what she did with Goldilocks (read to find out), I thought that was harsh but also relatable because people do do cruel things to get what they want. I did laugh when I read about the Big Bad Wolf pack who act sort of the police, I thought that name was simple but just clever.


I really enjoyed getting to know all the fairy tale characters in the "after fact." Like how Cinderella adapted to being married and soon to be a mother, Goldilocks after she broke into the three bears home, how Sleeping Beauty is running a kingdom now that she is actually awake, each seemed to be facing troubles but getting through it all. Also each chapter has simple picture illustrating what's to come in the chapter.

One of my favorite chapters

 
Each "task" that the twins were asked to go on, you learned something new about their family and the twins personality. I did feel it was a bit slow in some parts, or I would read on and think, "Oh my gosh, it's still not over yet?" but what made me laugh is what I was thinking while reading the book, Conner would say it. At one part of the book when they thought they completed all their tasks to go home, they still had more to do I thought, "What? They still have to keep going??" and Conner said something so similar in the next line! Conner's humor and sarcastic remarks made him my favorite because I most likely would've acted/said most of the things he said in the book. I understand his annoyance. Alex, I can relate to her in the sense that it's important to keep your head in the game and use knowledge to help get you through life, I too can be a know-it-all and I do enjoy reading books ( obviously, I'm writing about a book I read) but despite how different they were, Conner and Alex did grow in character along their journey and it made their relationship stronger.

The book took me about a week to read, it was fairly quick but the book just kept me guessing about their father, the missing prince, you read it and think you have the answers but you don't. The ending did take me by surprise because it was very unexpected and I love the unexpected! The author ends the book knowing there will be a sequel and leaves you wondering, what is next for Conner and Alex?

Have an open mind and allow your inner child to come out, don;t be so shut off thinking it's too simple or not original because it is. Chris Colfer takes our known basic fairy tale characters and turns them upside down.

Get it. It's worth the read.

Emy Ruth Reviews: Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer

Aveeno is very well-known and for someone with sensitive skin ( such as myself) can appreciate that the products are:

• Oil-Free
• Hypoallergenic
• Noncomedogenic

The moisturizer I've chosen to use and review is Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Moisturizer 4 fl oz (120 ml). This product was purchased at Target for $15. I am using this product twice a day, once when I first wake up and right before I go to bed. 

An appreciation I had for this product is that the cream was soft and didn't have a harsh smell to it. It glided on very well to my skin and didn't leave any oily traces. 

What's nice about this cream is the amount you see in my hand is really all you need - it doesn't require much which is a nice bonus. I've been using this cream for about two months and I do notice my skin tone is more even, I had discoloration around my eyes and cheeks due to sun damage but it's mostly evened out now. I also have less break-outs on my skin, the small bumps that I used to get on my forehead are no longer there. 

I do recommend this product not just for helping with acne but to also help even your skin tone and give your skin the nice moisture touch.

Enjoy!

Emy Ruth Reviews: Organix Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

I am a big fan of hair care products and any product that delivers results is like Christmas Day for me!
I purchased Organix Moroccan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner at Target for $5 each. The bottles are kinda small, they fit into the palm of a hand quite well.

I purchased these products because due to the heat drying out my hair, I needed to restore it's moisture. I normally use Neutrogena Triple Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner but since I have been hearing about Moroccan oil in virtually every magazine, I wanted to try something new.

The shampoo and conditioner both smell wonderful! The smell from both products reminds me of being clean, it's not harsh but quite soothing to smell. The shampoo is a light shimmery beige color that feels oily loose. The shampoo glided on well to my hair and not a lot was needed. I also love to massage my shampoo into my hair which is really good on the scalp.

The conditioner is a light orange-like color but looks like cake frosting and feels a lot thicker. The conditioner coats the hair really well (be sure to concentrate on your ends) and washes out clean.

 

                                              Shampoo                               Conditioner

If you choose to use actual Moroccan oil that comes in a spritz bottle, be careful not to overuse oil on your hair because then your hair will become almost limpish with all the oil and your hair will become so smooth that it will be hard to style ( I'm speaking from experience) With that being said, I suggest not using Moroccan oil based products for long term but every now and then to give your hair some each love and lust to it. You can use it to restore moisture back to your hair, sort of like a starting-off point, but then switch to hydrating shampoo and conditioner to keep the softness of your hair going.




Enjoy :)

Emy Ruth Interviews: Bordin Marsinkul

 Bordin! We go way back to like 2010. How are you enjoying WonderCon?

- WonderCon has always been one of those show i look forward to be there every years.  I never get tired of being here. As much as I attended many show through out the US. None of them have the same vibe as WonderCon.


How long have you been attending this particular show WonderCon?

- For the pass 6 years now LOL


Seen any cosplays that have stood out to you?

-Umm... most of the time I really don't have the chance to look up, since I'm always looking down drawing at my table and pumping out those commissions LOL. But when I go on my break I did have the chance to look around for a bit, I can't say there's one stood out to me, since everyone look amazing on that weekend and it's hard to say. I do admire those transformer cosplay though LOL

When did you first start attending cons?

- Back in 2001 LOL right after High School

When did Hyper booster first emerge? Have you always been an independent artist or did you coincide with other companies before branching out on your own?

- I start out being individual artist right from the start. With what i know and can do now, it's really hard to work with others. I say being your own boss is the best decision I made.

Hyperbooster and myself back in 2011

Who was your inspiration growing up? Any particular artists or people that drove you to do this particular business?

-Many Japanese Artist. Such Toriyama Akira ( Dragonball ) Takehiko Inoue ( Slam Dunk, Vagabond ) I love their style so much that I want to be like them in terms of drawing skill wise. But as for business, I really didn't follow anyone. I just think about , how can I get people to see my work as much as possible
 
Are there any  projects you are currently working on?
-As for project wise, I'm currently working on some more fan work prints such Avatar.


What has been your favorite commission so far?

-This one painting I did for the guys who work at Disney LOL that one painting alone hep me paid off my credit card dept hahaha. So that was one of my favorite piece.

Any bizarre commissions?

- OH yes but I rather not type in detail here LOL you can come and ask me when you see me.

Oh I will next time I see you!!! How can people contact you?

- You can go to my website at www.hyperbooster.com or friend me on Facebook at 'Bordin Marsinkul"or even email me at hyperbooster@gmail.com

Example to Assumption

I want to help people so I allow myself to be vulnerable so people can see I am human and I am approachable.

I was sitting with my friends and we were just talking about work issues, family, future plans and somehow the conversation turned into talking about cops and I won't hide it - I don't like cops very much. I have had some mean run ins with cops, they have very scary attitudes to me. Plus, coming from a commuters frustration, I get so peeved when I see cops turn their lights off to get off the freeway or drive in the carpool lane alone or even run over double-yellow lines constantly - little freeway choices peeve me because I do my best to follow all rules on the road and the exact people enforcing them are running around breaking those rules and then turning around and issuing tickets who do the exact same thing they do. It just peeves me.

So through this conversation it was apparent that I don't like cops for that reason but after ranting I felt this feeling come over me and the Lord showed me how I was being an unfair person by having the attitude today and that how the world today judges ALL Christians based on the actions of just a few Christians - just like I was judging ALL cops based on the actions of just a few cops. I saw that I was having a worldly attitude and that I needed to change that. I am a Christian and I am putting myself out there as a Christian so people know this is who I am and it will not change. I am not ashamed of being a Christian, and I am trying my best to fight those accusations that come against Christians and showing that not ALL Christians are mean and judgmental, and that we are loving and are full of Gods love but I don't be successful if I am having that exact attitude I am trying to fight against. It won't work and God won't be able to assist me if I'm full of this negative attitude- kind of defeats the purpose of helping people.

Which leads me to tell everyone out there reading this is don't judge an entire group of people based on one or two bad experiences. It's just as silly as having a bad encounter with a person who has black hair and than assuming everyone who has black hair is a mean person. Absurd right? Same thing thing goes for Christians- and in my case cops.

Pick Your Battles

I first heard this phrase from That 70s show, Kitty was telling Jackie to not fuss about every little thing and just pick your battles, whats more important? Kitty was seeing how Jackie would fight with Hyde about what he said, what he wore, what he ate, and she would go on and on and so Kitty explained to pick your battles and just decide whats more important to fuss about.The same concept can be found in another show called "Boy meets World" in which Mr Feeny had to help Cory, Topanga, Shawn, Angela, Jack and Rachel all be friends again. Why? They allowed silly pranks to overcome and take out their friendship. ( On a side note, it came out that it was Rachel was the one who was most hurt because she felt like she didn't belong with any of them so she ran out crying) Both of these things can be seen in everyday life how people allow tiny things to just destroy friendships, relationships or even marriages. It all boils down to whats more important to you? Why fuss about something that will be forgotten tomorrow? And remember this.....no matter how much you try to please people, its never enough.

I had some interesting talks with people about how they've been hurt, talked bad about for no reason and all this stuff that people have done to them and it makes you sit and realize...you're not alone. People get into oddball fights all the time. Now in BMW the gang didn't resolve their fights at first. Instead, they left the classroom and didn't talk about anything and just ended the entire friendship, later on all 6 of them were reunited about 10 years later at Mr Feenys retirement party. Now, what stood out of me the MOST os when Rachel said how they allowed the fight over her tear up their friendships for good and she mad the comment "Wow I thought nothing could break you guys apart." and that stuck out so much to me. Its baffling to me how people can change in the blink of an eye over something not even worth fighting about. Seriously? You say to yourself why are we arguing about something so petty? Is it worth it? Is it THAT big of a deal and if so......why? Now near the end of the episode they went back in time and they got to re-live that meeting in classroom and the gang got back together again and they all lived "happily ever after" but in real life we cant do that. We cant re-wind anything, we have to deal with the now.

Take a step back and look at past fights you've had with people, what were they about? Was it even relevant or in any way important that it had to end in anger and hurtful words? Life is hard enough as it is, instead of fighting about silly non-sense we need to try and build each other up. Be encouraging of each others talents and if you view things differently....talk them out. Be rational and understand people have different view...try to see them, talk them out and if a solution has been concluded then DON'T look back and bring up old stuff that have been resolved, its not worth it. *Remember the love verse that love keeps no record of wrongs!* If a situation has been talked about and dealt with, throwing it back at someone doesn't solve anything. Why are you beating a dead horse?

Anthony, my friend, put it great when he said that I am too busy doing Gods work to worry about non-sense and petty fights. He told me that the devil wants to try and keep us busy and worried over silly non-sense, setting little traps here and there to make us trip up and worry about "He said this!" or "She said that!" or "she is doing this over here" while "He is doing that over there" when all the while the Lord is saying to us "Stop pleasing man and keep living this life I gave you!" Complete the race with joy as Paul would say it. The Lord gave us a mission here on earth and instead of tripping up, do your part for the kingdom.

No one, and I'm speaking to myself, should allow petty fights to take away their peace and joy. Its not worth it. Peace may or may not be made...I am not certain but what I am certain is I have a life that I'm living and I refuse to let an argument stumble me or have power over me, and you shouldn't either! If a fight occurs in your life and no solution can be met than just....move on! Fights here, fights there......just let it go, let it roll right off your shoulder, the hardest part is over. Take a deep breathe and see that life is so much more then....that fight.

Christian Fantasy

A world of fantasy can be an escape for people. A chance to escape in your mind and pretend there is a world out there of mystery and wonder. A world sort of like Neverland in "Peter Pan." I painted Neverland and the painting hangs above my bed as a reminder to take time to "escape" this world and be a kid again. My escape is Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Merlin, Star Wars, comic book heros and Harry Potter.

Since the Harry Potter series has come to an end now and people wonder what will happen in the series, I thought I can write on this topic. I never had a blog when fantasy movies came out and since I have one now, I will go ahead and write on this topic. There is so much to say and I will try to cover all my points.

A debate has been brewing between Christian and the Harry Potter series for a very long time. The books have been banned in private schools. Churches have protested against them and written letters to have them removed from libraries and schools. These debates have gone on for over ten years on whether they feel Harry Potter is good or bad. Some have argued that Christian values can be found in Harry Potter and others says its a mockery to use such evil content as a representation of God.

First off the series talks about witchcraft and the use of black magic.Its used constantly throughout the book. You see potions and spells being casted, the use of wands and cauldrons.
Witchcraft is used in the Harry Potter series. The use of spells and magic is used throughout the entire series. I have read all Harry Potter books and enjoyed them greatly. I enjoyed the storyline. I enjoyed the use of characters and character development. The symbolism, the use of foreshadowing, protagonist, antagonist ( Yes i knew what they were before SparkNotes)
I also can say that not ONCE is the book telling readers to use magic and witchcraft nor does the author herself tell people in interviews that you should try dark magic. JK Rowling actually happens to be a Christian and she purposely included Christian symbolism in her series. You can click here for the interview. Back to magic for a moment......

Now the argument here is Harry Potter is evil because it condones magic and shows it for being "good" and "cute" If you want to discredit Harry Potter because of its use of magic than discredit all of the movies/shows that deal with magic. However two other authors who are as big as Rowling are JRR Tolken and CS Lewis.

Narnia is a magical world filled with magical creatures, witches, sorcerers, spellbooks and evil forces. Lord of the Rings deals with good and bad magic, evil demons, dragons, hobbits, gremlins, elves and dwarfs. Both worlds are filled with magical elements similar to Harry Potter.

I have a feeling some rolled their eyes when they read Narnia because thats CS Lewis, he's a Christian author and uses Narnia to show Christian values. Yes and he also uses magic in his series, how is it CS Lewis can use magic and have it be okay but JK Rowling uses magic and have it be bad? Because with harry Potter you can actually go to books and find spells and witchcraft to be real where as fairies and elves and magical creatures are NOT real therefore you can not find them, you can find however find withccraft practices all over this world

I am not saying witchcraft is good and should be used. NEVER would I condone the use of witchcraft. EVER! Witchcraft and the use of black magic is against God, its evil and demonic. I will not argue that. I do agree witchcraft is evil, its practice should never be condoned. Witchcraft, you are dabbling with demons and spirits that you should not dabble with no matter how "cool" it looks, its an evil that should never been touched. EVER. Just like I wouldn't condone the use of a spellbook like the one being used in Chronicles of Narnia Voyage of the Dawn Treader ( Lucy tried to cast a spell to make herself more beautiful) And I don't condone the use of a magic scepter to call upon spirits to help ( Gandalf from Lord of the Rings)

However I do feel that the argument of Harry Potter is bad because of its use of magic is wrong, look how much magic is used in Lord of the Rings and Narnia and yet Harry Potter gets all the backlash?? Why can magic be used with JRR Tolken and CS Lewis but not JK Rowling?

I personally have that boundary of what is real and what is fantasy. JK Rowling even drew the line in her book that only a person BORN with magic talent can do magic, if they're not born with it they are Muggle and can not perform magic. No one on this planet is born with magical talents so therefore they can not do magic. Harry Potter, much like Narnia and LOTR, is a make believe world that does NOT exists. It is fake. Their world is NOT real. Like Neverland from Peter Pan is NOT real but yet I like to pretend to escape to fantasy adventure worlds form time to time because lets face it: the real world can be cruel and the idea of escaping in my mind to new worlds is fun.

Is a person right for liking Harry Potter? I don't know. Are they wrong for liking Harry Potter? I don't know either. Its a tricky territory with so many gray areas that its hard to nail it directly by saying "Yes" or "No" to the series. If a child wants to start reading the books, I would say let them. Let them read and talk to them about it. Ask them questions about the books to see how they are processing the story such as:

-Do you think witchcraft is real?
-Would you ever want to use witchcraft?
-How do you feel God sees witchcraft?
-If there was a Hogwarts school would you attend the school? Why?
-Do you think its right for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to rebel against school rules to try and stop
evil? (i.e. out of bed after hours, sneak around in the invisibility cloak, etc.)
-Does good always triumph over evil?


Along with Harry Potter, let them read Narnia and LOTR as well and talk about the Christian themes hidden in those books. There is good in Harry Potter ( good triumphs over evil, the value of friendship and family, bravery, nobility, etc.) and there is bad in Harry Potter, if you truly want to look for either...you will find it.

Now if Harry Potter bothers you then don't watch/read it.Since my parents don't like Harry Potter, they have expressed that it bothers them I do not watch the movies when they are home, I keep the movies and the books in my home and dont bring them in the entertainment room, they are kept out of sight...... I am living at home and I want to respect their wishes. If you have friends that are like my parents, don't like the books or movies then don't bring it around them. Show that sincerity towards them by doing the action of "I know Harry Potter bothers you so I won't mention something that makes you uncomfortable" I have friends that know the Bible that like Harry Potter, I also have friends who know the Bible that do not like Harry Potter.

As a follower of Christ, what we do on a constant basis is we work out our salvation, everyone has to walk this road with what helps them and makes them stumble. Being a Christian doesn't mean you say all the right things but you show your changed life to others by living out life as Christ did. In terms of working out salvation, everyone has to decide what they can handle and what they can't. Me personally, I can not drink at all. I cant take alcohol because at one point in my life I was so consumed with alchol that I made it the answer to my problems. I went back to my old drinking ways when I was in that ungodly engagement of mine, I cant have alcohol because I will stumble and just fall terribly. I can be around it (before I couldn't handle being around it) Now I can but I wont drink any of it. Now thats me and who I am. I wont get mad and talk angry to another believer who has a drink because they can handle it, I cant. Theres one example.

Another example is my boss Jack doesn't own a TV. He can't own a TV....not because he hates television but because he gets heavily addicted to watching sports programs; he will watch it all day and get NOTHING done, thats his struggle so he chooses to not own a TV. He doesn't go around condemning those who DO have a TV because clearly its not affecting them as an individual or as a follower of Christ. He just simply doesn't have a TV because thats HIS way of working out his salvation.That is how he draws the line.

Bottom line it all depends on the individual and how their boundaries are. If you find that Harry Potter, Narnia or LOTR upsets your spirit and you can not have it around you than keep it away from you. If you have friends that happens to like fantasy themed books and movies just simply tell them your thoughts on it and if they're sincere to you and value your thoughts, they will respect you by keeping it away from you. I know that I will get backlash from believers for writing a defense to Harry Potter and fantasy type movies and books but this is how I feel. And since I put myself out there at conventions its best to state my opinions on certain areas so people have a clear perception of them. I also know people will read this and feel "Wow she is being deceived by Satan thinking these witchcrafts fantasy stories are not evil." No I am very aware of the magic being used and I know that its not safe AT ALL to try and use magic and I am aware that its evil.

As a reader and an artist I appreciate the art behind them, their stories, their characters and the simple idea of make believe. WHy do you think I like to cosplay alot as well. Not only is it for my podcast but i like to escape and pretend and thats what these stories are to me. My make believe world. Its potinless to fight about fictional stories, why fight over osmething that does NOT exsist?

Are you going to give Harry Potter that kind of power?