Month: November 2015


Nov
2015

I Feel Pretty, Oh So Pretty (thanks to PinkLuxPL)

categories: #bloglikecrazy, beauty, Uncategorized

Christina

I first met Christina (aka PinkLuxPL) a few months ago through Javacia Bowser at a See Jane Write* event. She immediately caught my eye with her stylish outfit and picture perfect makeup. I was mesmerized and I wanted to be her. Just look at the picture above; I rest my case.

I knew I wanted to learn more about her and, more importantly, from her. How did she put that fabulous outfit together? How did she achieve makeup perfection? I didn’t have to wait long. After talking to her over email and then in person a few times, I scheduled her to do a makeup workshop for Birmingham Girls Club. As a preview, I went to her house before the workshop to learn more about her technique and let her do a test-run on my face since I was going to be the model at the workshop. The run through was amazing and I knew instantly that I needed to be a participant in the workshop (and not the model) so I could watch from the audience and write these tips down.

I’ve since been to a few of Christina’s events and I learn new tricks and money-saving tips each time. My top three takeaways from her are the instant facelift (I have had TONS of compliments on my skin since integrating this into my makeup application), how to apply concealer and highlighter for best results and to contour, and lots of money saving tips on where to get good makeup for a lot cheaper than Sephora – including top notch brushes – and ways to save money at home during my beauty routine. Being 40, I thought I knew most everything I needed to know about makeup. I’ve been wearing it since I was a teenager and have mastered a lot of of the tips, but I had no idea how much more there was and how much better I feel about my appearance just from a few new tricks from Christina. The saying is true…you can teach an old dog new tricks. 😉

Christina offers group classes and makeup sessions, as well as one-on-one wardrobe/styling and or makeup sessions. Visit her web site at pinkluxpl.blogspot.com to get all the details. I highly recommend her. You will look (and feel) 10 years younger. And no, this isn’t a paid or sponsored post – the girl just made a believer out of me.

THIS JUST IN FROM CHRISTINA: Cyber Monday discount: Book today and get 40% OFF SERVICES! This includes bridal and prom makeup appointments, as well as wardrobe makeover and online sessions. Tired of not knowing how to apply your makeup or finding yourself with a closet full of clothes but still don’t know what to wear!? Or maybe you want to learn how to create a look and build the perfect wardrobe for your body? These sessions are for YOU! Booking for 2016 is available! Only a few spots left for December 2015. Email pink.lux.pl@gmail.com TODAY to get this deal.

* Learn more about See Jane Write here. Javacia, founder of SJW and MEGA SUPER WOMAN, is offering a deeply discounted special on her one-on-one coaching sessions – $50 for 1 hour (normally $125!!). Click here to submit your payment and then email her at javacia@seejanewritebham.com to schedule your session. It ends tonight so hurry!

 

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Nov
2015

A Letter to my Mental Health

categories: #bloglikecrazy, health

health-846863_1280

Dear Mental Health,

I’m sorry for what you’re going through. I know you’ve been lost, loopy, and just out of it for a few days now and I wish I could change that. I know you’ve been crying out, trying to figure out what’s going on, and why you feel strange and I’m so sorry.

Love,
Sherri

Much like my very brave friend, Andrea, I’m not keeping quiet any longer. Mental health issues are less of a stigma than they used to be, but they’re still shushed and tucked into tiny boxes and shoved far back into the recesses of our figurative closets. I’ve posted before about my ongoing battle with my mind – not necessarily full on depression, but definitely not the happy Sherri I want to be. I recently switched medications from something I’ve been on for years that hasn’t seemed to do much, to a newer drug that seemed to have worked for two days. Now I feel I am right back where I was on the prior medicine.

I’m changing medications again. I’ve read about side effects of medications and also the effects of coming off or going on them, along with the proper way to do it. I’m currently coming off my latest medication completely before starting the new one. Let me just say that I have’t been completely SSRI-free for as long as I can remember. In other words, I can’t remember not being on something.

The effects happening to my body and head right now are scary, to say the least. I can feel changes in my head, along with feeling generally loopy or woozy most all of the time, especially when walking. And I’m so tired. Lethargic, even. I want to sleep all the time right now and can’t get enough. I could barely muster getting out of the car yesterday when we arrived to Thanksgiving lunch at a nearby restaurant. Once I stepped inside the restaurant, I just felt lost. My brain is clear and functioning properly, but there are some synapses not firing quite right in there, too. There are spurts of tunnel vision, moments when I stand up and immediately need to sit back down, and scary dreams. In short, I feel exactly the opposite of how I think I should feel OFF of medication. It’s crazy.

I’m sharing this because it seems that each time I write about my experience(s) with mental health, I’m reassured that I’m not the only one going through these exact same circumstances. It’s so helpful to know that I may feel crazy in the head (not that there’s anything wrong with that!) and I’m not alone AND that it won’t last. I’m looking forward to starting the new medication to maybe help balance some of this ickiness in my head and body out, as well as get me back to my awesome, cheery self. I’m positive that with my doctor’s help and listening, we will get the right medication figured out. Until then, please forgive me if I seem out of it. I am.


Nov
2015

Thank You

categories: #bloglikecrazy, Uncategorized

Mr. Sheuster telling me I never have to grow up…I’ll take it. #macysparade #findingneverland

Of course I’m going to get all sappy today. I know so many friends and family have experienced loss and trying times this year and my heart aches for them. I am hoping that through all the darkness and grief they are able to see the silver linings that still shine behind the scenes. I know it’s hard, but we still have so much to be thankful for. I can’t speak for them, but I woke up this morning. That is huge – so many did not. Most of the people I know have food, shelter, clothing, and FREEDOM. So many do not. So, as you go through the day – celebrating or not – spending time with family or not – please take a moment to say a prayer or send love to those who are not as fortunate. Even better, consider giving back with your time, talents, or resources to the many wonderful local organizations that can help those in need. If you need any suggestions, please let me know. And, last but not least, take a moment to tell someone you love them and WHY you are thankful for them. Even better, tell someone you don’t know that you love them and are thankful for them. I plan to freak someone OUT at Shoney’s today. Join me, why don’t you?

And thank you to all my friends and family for making this and every day so special. I am blessed beyond measure and I try to remember that each day. I am thankful for the good, the bad, and the ugly that you all bring into my life that makes it so much more bright. You all help give meaning to my life and give so many reasons to keep on keepin’ on. Thank you for the smiles, the tears, the hellos, the goodbyes, and the forevers. I love you.

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Nov
2015

Clothes Shopping Makes Me Sick

categories: #bloglikecrazy, Uncategorized

plaid-dressy

Recently, my fashionista fab friend, Jennifer, asked me if I wanted to have a shopping field trip to my favorite store, Torrid. Let me preface this by saying I HATE shopping for clothes in person. I haven’t shopped for clothes in a physical store in years. As it happens a lot of time, when you are a big girl and the selections are limited, you want to go less and less. Add to that the feeling that nothing fits or looks right, and you pretty much want to bury yourself under your covers and never come out. But, women need clothes and I’m no exception. For me, clothes shopping is akin to going to the dentist – I never go with anyone because I don’t want them to see me cry, sweat, or scream and I get terribly overheated and come out looking like world’s largest radish. So, I browse and click from the comfort of my laptop and try things on privately in my home where I can prance and dance (or burn them) all in secret.

Poor Jennifer had no idea what she was asking when she extended the invitation. Since we are extremely close, I knew I could confide my apprehension to her and she would understand. And she did. But she also asked me to go because she knew I wanted help. I’ve told her more than once how much I love her style and how much I need some style tips and wardrobe suggestions. So, putting my fears and ill feelings aside, I agreed.

Still full of ickiness on Saturday when we met, I was soon at ease. She came in like a fairy Godmother – no kidding – bibbitying and bobbitying all over the store, gathering armfuls of clothes for me to try. Outfit after outfit went from her arms to the saleswomen to the dressing room. I went ahead to the room to mentally braced myself for trying on clothes in the store and in front of someone else that I knew. End result? No big deal at all! Jennifer put the cutest things together, was extremely sweet and supportive of all my insecurities, and quickly squashed any fears that lingered in the dressing room. I felt 16 again, giggling and trying on outrageous outfits alongside tasteful ones and even posed for pictures. PICTURES. AS IN EVIDENCE. AND MY SMILE WAS REAL IN THEM! (blackmail photo above)

She’s not a personal shopper by trade, but the girl has ALL the skills to be one and I know she’d love the opportunity to help anyone with tips and ideas. I asked her for shoe, jewelry, and outerwear advice along with the outfits we put together. We both left with some great outfits and I didn’t vomit. HUGE win. Because of Jennifer I can say with certainty that I will venture back into Torrid in the future to shop and try clothes on. Sometimes all we need is a fairy Godmother!