It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year... Wedding Season is Here!

“When things are so rough in the world, the intimacy [of a wedding] and this simple belief in building a tiny little nucleus with someone else.… That’s beautiful. It’s what I count on. We’re living through a crazy moment, so let’s just go back to the things that feel real, to people professing love to one another.” -Susan Winget, Marshmallow cofounder. 💖

Ahh, wedding season! Dare I say, my absolute favorite time of the year! 😍 I envision it as the one day in your life that you expect to go smoothly, but then life happens... I'm sure the pandemic has affected many of us with plans to get hitched this past year. Some had to postpone their big day, cancel it altogether or instead, downsize their guest list significantly and have a more intimate yet equally as beautiful, micro-wedding. I swear the concept of having an elopement sounds more and more appealing each day... Whatever you choose, there's still an element of stress regarding how to create your "ideal day." The one day that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Thankfully, it's nice to have the option of having a photographer and/or videographer present, if that's the route you and your partner decide on. It's a great way to make the most out of the experience, in which not only will you have photos and keepsakes for life, but that person could also serve as your witness. Win-win! 🙌🏽

Speaking of elopements... How do y'all feel about that idea? 👀 There's something so intriguing about eloping because to me, it's literally doing away with the opinions and social concepts of others and making the day strictly about the two of you and your love. I always joke around with my mom and ask how would she feel if I decided to elope? She would respond with: "That's okay as long as I can be a witness." Haha! 🤣

I think the only things stopping me from the idea of an elopement is the fact that one: some say you can always have a small or big celebration with your loved ones later on, but my thing is, I would prefer to do it all ONCE! The way my social battery is set up, I cannot be having two or three events at a time. And second, I struggle with the thought of not having my loved ones present. Lord knows that I don't want the entire motley crew there, but just the nearest and dearest to share that joyous moment with us. Then again, even if I don't decide to elope, I keep telling my mom that this is the perfect time to have an intimate wedding because hello, we're still in a pandemonium! Nobody has the right to get offended if they're not invited. I don't take those types of things personally anyway, so DO YOU BOO BOO! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Anywho, we shall see how my love life turns out with all its plot twists and turns... Which reminds me that I need to get on with my "tell-all" novel already! The tea is scorching... Haha! 🍵

And with all that being said... Here are a few of my favorite bridal gowns, engagement rings that are a lovely and cost efficient alternative to diamonds, as well as, some of the biggest wedding trends to look out for in 2021. 

Also, feel free to leave a comment and let me know what wedding trends you’re interested in below! 

Enjoy!

With Love,

Sharon R. 💖

"Social Distancing" An Introvert's Bliss (or Hell)

Hey everyone!

I hope everyone is taking care of themselves and spending time with their loved ones (if possible) during this crazy time. I'm sure extroverts are kinda losing their minds out there, but as a self-proclaimed introvert, try to pause, slow down and look on the bright side of things. 👀

Think of all the things you can accomplish with this time of seclusion... When was the last time you took time for yourself? Have you tried a new recipe? Why not bake that dessert that you've been dying to try out thanks to endless baking tutorials on Youtube? 🍰 Grab that book that's been sitting on your desk for months. 📚 If you're feeling anxious or worried about x-y-and-z (hello, it's me!) perhaps text, call or Facetime someone important to you and vent or maybe grab one of your many journals and write to your heart's content! And if you must cry, let those tears fall and decorate your pages. 📝 Try to find a healthy outlet to release anything that's beyond your control or to simply just breathe. I'm sure that we could all use a rejuvenating nap. Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to not do, but be still. 😌

I'll admit that I'm scared at times... Scared of unexpected changes, scared that I may not say or do the right things, scared to open up my heart and be vulnerable, scared that I won't have enough time, scared that my hopes and dreams feel so far-fetched or nearly impossible and scared that maybe I'm just so focused on the future, that I end up running from my present self... 😔

I read something earlier today and noticed that it fit exactly not only how I’ve been feeling, but how my thought process has shifted as I’ve grown older: “Breaking out of old thought patterns and finding refreshing ways to express yourself are also things to aspire to... Of course, that means risking being wrong or saying something that not everyone will agree with. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO TAKE THAT RISK, even if it means making a strong impression that you’re worried will come across as too bold. Have courage to speak your mind and see things in a new light. GROWTH REQUIRES CHANGE.” Can I say that I felt attacked yet heard? 👀

Trust me, despite my calm demeanor, I'm a clam of worry. I worry about others, their tone of voice, their change in behavior, reading too deep into shit and ya girl manages to find a way to worry before there are even things TO worry about, so how do ya'll think I'm doing now?! I'm an acrobat at jumping to conclusions. 😧😩

But, all is well... I woke up this morning. I'm ingesting way too much tea and carbohydrates. I've managed to wash my hair with one hand (burned my left hand earlier this week, so please be careful in the kitchen guys!) and type up a fresh post. Baby steps... 🙌

Who knew that turning 28 would not only change how my mind and body operates, but also how much I've been self-reflecting?! Ya girl is tired. She's emotionally drained... 🍵

Anywho, feel free to leave me comments on your thoughts and how you guys are handling things during this hectic situation. Take care my darlings! Stay hydrated, get some well-deserved rest and take your Vitamin C!


With Love,
Sharon 🌙

A Sunday Kind of Love

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a good week and enjoyed your weekend! I just made myself a nice, hot cup of English tea and decided it's about time to add a new post... ☕🙌

This past Wednesday evening, I attended my first makeup launch event for Sunday Riley. It was a wonderful experience and despite the crowd, everyone we encountered was so kind, bubbly and considerate. Primarily, it was for the launch of their foundation called, "The Influencer" | Clean, Long Wear Foundation. It's supposedly a "natural looking, long wear, lightweight feel, satin-matte finish and medium-to-full coverage" foundation and most, if not all of us, were able to get our hands on a variety of shades to suit each of us. Let me tell you that the process of knowing your shade was the easy part, but it was the getting a hold of the right foundation(s) that was a bit chaotic... I kid you not, but one of my best girlfriends and I, were astounded to see hoards of people by these boxes stocked with full-sized foundations and grabbing as many of their suitable shades as possible. We figure that guess it wouldn't hurt to grab our possible summer color too! Thankfully, I was able to grab a good enough amount for not only myself, but also to take for my mom. 💕

They had goodie bags as well, but those flew like hot cakes so I didn't get to grab one. Although, I was able to treat myself to a handful of skincare samples, such as: U.F.O.: Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil, C.E.O.: 15% Vitamin C Rapid Flash Brightening Serum, Good Genes: All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, and Saturn: Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask, so all went well.

There were a number of fun inter-active things to do such as: a pink adult-sized slide (included with a landing bin filled with pink plastic balls,) a pink swing, a pink see-saw, a confetti booth, a walk-way with disco lights, a well-lit booth to take a quick 15-second video clip with a pro-videographer that you could then email to yourself, color-matching stations and of course, pretty-in-pink beverages! Did I also forget to mention that Sunday Riley seems to REALLY dig the color pink? 😍🍹📷👯💖

Overall, it was so incredible to see all of these young women (and men) with a passion for beauty, style and coming together in support of a brand that cares about their clients feedback. I look forward to trying out more of the brand's products, get to see what else they come up with next and perhaps attend even more events in the near future.

I'll include photos of the products I received, as well as, some of the what occurred at the event below.

Wishing you all a fabulous night and fan-tabulous new week! 💞

With Love,
Sharon 💋


P.S. please don't hesitate to leave me a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions for possible new content. Thanks so much! XO

The long line seemed quite intimidating, but we made it through... 👏

"Designed for you!" Loved that! 💝

"You mustn't be afraid to sparkle a little brighter, darling."

One of the "Color Match Stations" and got my match, Shade: 200.

"When I was a kid... no wait, I still do that." Yup, I had to take a turn on the pink, adult-sized slide. 😆

My Ride or Die, Mwenya. 💗

We got to write our IG handles on their massive, pink wall and include our shade number. 👌

My shades from natural to "summer tan" (left to right): 200, 210 and 220.

Shade 200: medium with honey-beige undertones.

Shade 210: medium with rich yellow undertones.

Shade 220: medium to tan with golden beige undertones. 

Ready for my close-up for sure! 💁

And lastly, skincare samples! (Listed from left to right.)

1) U.F.O. ultra-clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil

2) C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Rapid Flash Brightening Serum

3) Good Genes: All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment

4) Saturn: Sulfur Acne Treatment Mask

Am I dreaming? How is it still January...?!

I don't think that I've ever realized how slow January seems to go by... But, the fact that we're getting closer to my birthday month does perk me up a bit.

Well, I went to two interviews last Thursday. They went well and everyone seemed kind and accommodating. I'm most likely leaning towards one over the other and it does help that they seem more inclined to cater to my schedule. It's not easy job-hunting in this day and age... There are days when I sit or lay back and contemplate, "What are you doing with your life?" I sometimes can't help, but wonder if I'm missing out on my true purpose in life.

I'm in no way putting my talents on a pedestal, but you would think with my abilities most would probably want to fight for their dream(s). Yes, I've been blessed with the talent of singing but I never saw it as anything to showcase. I'm a romantic, so of course I'm the type to gravitate towards songs that speak to my melancholy heart. I think the only times I truly begin considering exploring the path of music, is when people hear me for the first time (or more than once, apparently I have fans...) and they encourage me to continue. It's fascinating to me because while growing up, art was my passion. I used to think that I was going to become an artist, but then once I discovered my adoration for fashion, that's when the prospect of fashion design came into the picture. Also, with my admiration for cosmetics and makeup application, people have even encouraged me to start-up a YouTube channel or even offer to do makeup for special occasions for some extra money. 🤔🤔

I guess there are so many things that I would like to pursue, so I find myself pushing myself to only go after one and perhaps that's not fair to myself. Maybe I owe it to myself to sit down, grab the nearest and dearest that are willing to hear me out and might even be able to help a girl out (ya gotta support one another), and GET TO WORK!

• Start sketching or coloring/painting again. 🖌🎨
• Practice sewing again. 💆🏻‍♀️
• Start singing MORE! 🎤
• Perhaps write a song.💬🎶
• Record in a studio. 😩🎧🎼
• Perhaps perform (on my terms.) 🎭🙌🏼
• Let loose and dance again! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

What do you aspire to accomplish or try this year? Feel free to let me know in the comment box below.

With Love,
Sharon 💕