Tag: #bloglikecrazy

I am

IMG_5247I am deflection and depression. I am angst and anger.

I
am
anxiety.

I am thousands of hours of wonder and wandering, love and leaving, crushes and crying.
I am made up of my ancestors before me and the legacy I leave in friendships.

I am proud power getting stronger with age. What doesn’t defeat me now only drives me harder and clears my head.

I can overcome anything with His grace.
So can you.

I have been bitten, betrayed, bloodied, and beaten. I am not those things.
I have been raped, released, reneged, rattled, and ruined. I am not those things.
I have been broken, but healed. I will break again. I will rise again.
So will you.

I am precious, passionate, people. I am spirit, love, dance. I am intelligent, resourceful, loyal.
I am me.
So are you.

It takes time

15457664175_ba8c8cb11e_z
Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

It’s been a minute since I wrote more than a few sentences, but it’s time again for the annual #bloglikecrazy challenge. Each November, Javacia Bowser, founder of See Jane Write, challenges anyone and everyone to write a blog post every day for 30 days. Sometimes I make it, sometimes I don’t, but I always give it the old college try. And try again I will this year.

Why do I want to try #bloglikecrazy again? Because my blog needs a refresh. My site needs a refresh. I need some new menu options, some new graphics, some new everything. Maybe this month will give you, my dear readers, some chances to help me decide on the changes to be made…a new picture here and there…some color changes. Maybe some polls in there for you to vote on. But the blog will definitely be filled with new breath because that’s all I’ve got now. So much has happened since we last ran into each other (doesn’t it always seem that way), and I’ve got a lot to say.

I hope you stick around for the month – and after – and see what I’ve got for you on YouGotRossed. I’ve got some new ventures and adventures headed your way. More soon, loves!

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

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!

 

Thank You

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.

Clothes Shopping Makes Me Sick

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!