Dec
2015

Smashing Goals and Then Some

categories: goals, Uncategorized

art-broken-explosion-glassThe past few months have been interesting. Since I was turning 40 this year, I set some goals for myself to go with the big milestone birthday. I wanted to exercise more, fly in an airplane again, conquer Vulcan, get a tattoo and more. I’m happy to report that I did all of them! Even though I didn’t write about them until July, I had been working on them since my birthday in February and am glad I finally met all my goals this year (first time!).

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I finished a 5k yesterday. For most people, that’s no big deal..for me, however, it was epic. I did one in August, but it was hellacious and I never wanted to do it again. But I attempted this same 5k last year and had to bow out due to pain in my foot. I wanted so badly to do it this year and get my medal. I still have the planter fasciitis, but with proper preparation, I was able to finish the 5k yesterday in much better time (and shape) then the August one. Having a wonderful crew and group waiting for me at the finish was the icing on the cake.

IMG_0517This month also finds me giving my second presentation on social media to a business group. I’ve never considered myself a social media expert, but I do believe in harnessing the power of social media to engage the community. I guess that has magically grown wings of its own and am humbled that people have asked me to speak on it. Getting to help others while talking about something you love is so much fun!

And the cherry on top of the sundae this month was being picked as the December Blogger of the Month for Alabama Women Bloggers. What an honor to be in the same company as some of the bloggers I admire most. I’ll be doing four guest posts for them throughout the month and will be sure to post links to them here when they are published. The theme is magic, so it’s perfect for December!

Please know that this post is not written to brag. I wrote it as a thank you and reminder. A thank you to the amazing support system and sisters who help me everyday. You know who you are. You are my tribe. My girls. My #girlbosses and I can’t do this without you.

And a reminder that you can do anything you set your mind to – I firmly believe that. Keep an open mind and an open heart doing what you love, you never know who is watching and learning from you. Be sure to help others as you have been helped, we all need it sometime. And most of all, believe in yourself. You should be your biggest fan. I’m happy to be a close second.

Bring on 2016!

 

 

 


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

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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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