I've been completely COMPLETELY overwhelmed by the outpouring of support you guys have shown this project. I can't thank you enough for supporting this, for spreading the word about it, for posting about it--everything. It's such an important cause, so to have you guys support it with me is pretty amazing.

So, as a fun way to thank all of you, I'm offering up a $50 ModCloth gift card!

It's in honor of this week's challenge--wearing what you want to wear because YOU love it. The only stipulation is that if you win, you HAVE to buy something crazy you love that you normally wouldn't buy. Something crazy and bold that you'd normally be scared to wear but secretly want to.

HOW TO WIN

1. ) Just follow my blog and leave a comment below listing one thing you've done this month to love yourself! (MANDATORY ENTRY because I want to hear how you've been doing in the revolution!)

BONUS ENTRIES (LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH!)

2. ) Tweet about the revolution using this:

"Love yourself and enter to win a $50 ModCloth gift card on @amorby's blog! bit.ly/wBTMUp"

3.) leave another comment telling me one unique thing about you!

The giveaway will be open all month with the winner announced on March 1. GOOD LUCK! And love yourself this weekend!

This post is part of the self-love revolution going on all month long here on A is for Ampersand. Be sure to sign the declaration of self-hate independence and join in on the revolution!

Have you taken self-love challenge #2 yet? I decided I better practice what I preach and do it with all of you.

This little dress is a number I picked up thrifting last year for $5. I altered it, but ended up never wearing it out once I did. I don't know why. I think I just felt scared about just HOW vintage-y it was. The lace collar was what made me buy it, but it's also what scared me about wearing it.

So, after issuing this challenge to all of you, I figured I better get real and wear it out. I paired it with my thrifted jean jacket and my Blowfish boots to modernize it a bit.

dress: vintage // jacket: thrifted // boots: c/o Blowfish // tights: target // purse: thrifted

See? I survived. I even wore this out and about to run all my errands. Yeah baby! Self-love challenge accepted.

Have you done the challenge yet? How did it go? Link me up if you blogged about it!

This post is part of the self-love revolution going on all month long here on A is for Ampersand. Be sure to sign the declaration of self-hate independence and join in on the revolution!

I am so honored to have been asked by Amy to partake in such a beautiful cause. My name is Jessa and I am the heart and voice behind the blog Confessions of the Cupcake Countessa. My blog started with a simple concept in mind. That we are all created from the same mold, like a muffin tin, and although we may come in an array of shapes, sizes, and packaging our core ingredients remain the same. For what is a cupcake but a muffin in a party dress?

Today I am going to be showing you how I created my Jar of Hearts and what it means to me. This is my jar...

A Jar of Hearts is a tool I use as a reminder to be kind to myself. They say that we are our own worse enemy and I am no different. I have gone through a lot of self abuse in my life and have found tools I can use in the prevention of such self destruction. Whenever I find I am having a negative thought towards myself, I put a quarter in the jar. You will quickly realize just how often you hurt yourself and how something so simple can become a powerful tool in the correction of this pattern. It's all about awareness. The best part? If you find your path gets rough you can take the money, cash it in, and treat yourself to a pick me up! Want your own? Let's get started!

1. What you will need...

♥ A Jar
♥ Paint Brush
♥ White Glue
♥ Tissue Paper
♥ Scissors
♥ An Air Tight Container
♥ Water

Most of these items can be found at your local dollar store!

2. Making your own decoupage (Modge Podge)

Take your container and mix three parts white glue to one part warm water. I used a four ounce glue bottle which required two and a half tablespoons warm water. Mix well. Set decoupage aside with lid tightly closed.

3. Gather up your tissue paper and scissors. Pick patterns that reflect what you love! I choose pastels, polka dots, & cupcakes, of course! If you'd like your hearts to be more apparent choose solid colors that gradate from light to dark.

Time to make your hearts.

4. Cut your sheet of tissue paper in half and then fold. Cut into squares keeping seam intact.

5. Create half hearts at seam line of square.

6. Open up to reveal your hearts!

7. Be sure to pre-cut all your hearts as you will need to move quickly with the gluing process.

Now that you have your decoupage and hearts we can begin gluing.

8. Take your jar and paint on a then layer of the glue. Place heart over glue and apply thin layer of decoupage over tissue. I recommend starting with the lightest color tissue paper.

9. Create layers with each color/design of tissue paper working to the darkest on top.

10. Allow jar to dry over night upside down.

Once your jar has dried you can add any accents you'd like! I added pastel rhinestones, ribbon, a bow, and a little plush heart! It's all about using things that bring you happiness and remember this is not about perfection. Quite the contrary, it is about imperfection and loving it!

I hope that you all have enjoyed my visit here at A is for Ampersand and that you all remember to love yourselves no matter what package you present to the world. You are beautiful in the most imperfect of ways and when you open your heart to loving yourself you open your life to a world of love!

Love & Lollies... Jessa

PS The possibilities are endless with this simply little tool. For more ideas visit Her Name was Greta with my list of lovely suggestions!

Thank you so much, Jessa! I absolutely love this idea, and will be making a jar of my own today. I think a visual reminder of how often we trash our own bodies and selves is the perfect way to wake up and realize how often we do it and that it's not ok. If you make one of these, link us up or tweet me a picture! I'd love to see it. Have fun!