Wednesday, February 20, 2019

I Learned The Truth At 17, Learning More Truth Entering 27...

Hello my darlings! I know that it's been ages since I've posted, so my sincerest apologies, but I figured it's time to get out of my head, pour out my heart/mind/soul and just start again... 😌

AND on that note... Guys, it's my 'Birthday Month!" 👸🏻 There are 3 days left until my birthday and I have quite mixed feelings about it... Am I nervous about transitioning into my late 20s? A bit. Am I scared? Not exactly. Am I a combination of anxious-rumbly-in-my-tumbly-excited and also, looking forward to what's ahead? Oh, absolutely! 👀😅

I recently had a discussion with one of my girls and we both acknowledged that within our close-circle, we've all been going through this trying season or going through a bit of a "funk". Like we're all trying to find our way with our goals, our dreams, our desires and our fickle plans. I know they say there's always time, but also the proverb that states: "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring," comes to mind. The reality of the matter is, tomorrow really is not always promised. Think of all of the people that may have had plans for today, but did not make it... Think of those that may have wanted a different life for themselves, but the circumstances did not work in their favor. And that can happen due to an accident, peer pressure or by simply taking an alternative route... 💬

I think sometimes we may be hesitant to dwell in the present because the future seems so much more promising or sometimes we may want to drown in our present out of fear of the unknown, fear of what's to come... The fact that I've been a planner most of my life, it almost feels quite liberating in a way to release control over things that I cannot change. Practicing the concept of "letting go" is really difficult at times. I'm sure most of us would prefer everything done "our way" and on "our time-frame." But I guess that's the thing, huh? Life may not always be fair, but it sure finds a way of working out somehow. I do believe that everything has a purpose and that God does have a sense of humor. Most of us are just so wound up with our selfish, pity-parties that we sometimes fail to see it's all on His timing. I don't know about you, but I would much rather embrace the delays/the wait, if I know that God will never disappoint me the way I, other people or the world has. 🙏

Pardon the intense self reflection, but I needed to clear my mind and prepare for the new year. I must get ready for this next chapter in my life. I hope you all may find such peace. 💞

With Love,
Sharon 💖


Sunday, April 15, 2018

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



Monday, March 26, 2018

Bonjour, Paris!

Pardon for the short hiatus!

I've been busy trying to come up with potential content and also getting details sorted out for my upcoming trip to Paris in May. FINALLY! 💃🏻 It's primarily for a family wedding, but I'll have plenty of time to explore during my stay. This will be my first solo trip overseas, so I'm definitely nervous yet excited. Thankfully, everyone that's aware has been very helpful with possible places for me to explore during my time there. Lastly, I plan to spend a weekend with one of my cousin's and his family that live in the South of France, so that's also something to look forward to! 🙌🏼

Thus, I've created an itinerary of "Places to See/Do In France" which I will share below:






  • Montmarte - Morning is best to avoid large crowds for the Afternoon/Evening, sunset
  • Picnics - Pont des Artes, The Tuileries gardens near the Seine (and the Louvre or Lake in Vincennes)
  • Latin quarter - See/Meet people in my age group
  • Château de Versailles - May take half a day, so plan accordingly! 👑🏰
  • The Lourve - Closed on Tuesdays!


South of France - La Provence 🌸
  • Orange - See the Roman town with its Antique Theater 
  • Mont Ventoux - Famous Cycle Tour & perhaps see the Lavender Fields!!!! 🚵🌷
  • Avignon - Famous Bridge
  • Nîmes - Arena, Canal of Nîmes
  • Marseille - La Fontaine de Longchamps, Palais de Longchamp
  • Cannes - Explore where they hold the "Festival International Du Film" and its incredible views
  • L'Escale du Ciel, Côte d'Azur (French Riviera)
       
                                 Peonies At A Flower Market In Pezenas, France




I may add to the list, but that's what I have for now. I hope you all have a fabulous week and be sure to leave me a comment below on your thoughts or suggestions on what to share next. Thank you so much!

Bisous,
Shar 💋

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Birthday Weekend

I'm so grateful for this past weekend! It was not only an emotionally and spiritually fulfilling weekend, but it also happened to be my birthday weekend. I'm officially 26! Yikes! 🙈 Haha!

Anywho, a group of my friends and I took a road trip to Leominster, MA for a young adult seminar known as, GodEncounters. It consisted of young adults between the ages of 18-35, all together looking for a close encounter/experience with Christ, perhaps see old friends, make some new friends (and possibly meet Mr./Mrs. Right, God-willingly. Haha! 🙏) This year's social media hashtags were #GodEncounters18 and #ExperienceHim18. We all came to the consensus that we may have preferred last year's format over this one, but overall there were still some note-worthy messages presented. Regardless, it was definitely worth it and we look forward to attending next year's. 🙌

And can I just say that I had the best roomies? They're some of the most wise, considerate, fun-loving and "clatchet" young women that I've been fortunate enough to call sisters. So, not only did we all gain spiritual rejuvenation, but we also formed much stronger bonds. I hope that more people can find and cherish friendships/sisterhoods such as ours because this life ain't easy (we all have our share of hardships and heartaches, trust me) and as the saying goes, "we all need somebody to lean on." 💞


Have a fabulous week everyone! 



With Love,

Sharon 💕




P.S. I've listed details below for any items that you may be interested in getting for yourself. If you have any more questions or suggestions for future content, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment and I will do my best to get back to you. Thanks darlings! 💋




Lola Shoetique | Easy On The Eyes - Mauve 
Similar Options

1. Essence of Femme - Blush | Essence of Femme
2. Socialite - Mauve | Socialite
3. Baby Grand - Mauve | Baby Grand
4. Worth The Wait - Mauve Satin |  Worth The Wait
 5. Glammed Up - Blush | Glammed Up
6. Bare Minimum - Blush | Bare Minimum



Zara | Charcoal Bodycon Dress - Size S
Similar Options




Makeup Routine 💋

1. Sephora - Naked Ultimate Basics Eyeshadow PaletteUD Naked Ultimate Basics Palette
2. Sephora - Sephora Collection Contour PaletteSC Contour Palette
3. Sephora - The Original Beauty Blender Original Beauty Blender
4. Sephora - NARS All Day Luminous Weightless FoundationAll Day Luminous Weightless Foundation
5. Gerard Cosmetics - Peach Slay All Day Setting Spray - | Slay All Day Setting Spray
6. BH Cosmetics - Carli Bybel Deluxe Edition - 21 Eyeshadow & Highlighter PaletteCarli Bybel Deluxe Edition



Fashion Nova | Voted Most Popular Bodysuit - Black, Size S | Voted Most Popular Bodysuit
Similar Options

1. Fashion NovaCarnaby Bodysuit
3. Fashion Nova |  Melanie Mock Neck Bodysuit
4. Fashion NovaButton Up Babe Bodysuit
5. Fashion NovaShanaya Off Shoulder Bodysuit

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Pending Birthday...

So, it's officially Pisces Season... WOOT WOOT! 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻  Besides, budgeting and planning ahead, I've been deliberating on what to wear for my upcoming birthday weekend... 🤔 I'll be away with friends to attend a young adult seminar in Leominster, MA. We had a wonderful experience last year, so we knew that we had to go again and have it booked by December 2017. It's crazy how fast time has gone AND the fact that it happens to fall on my birthday, Feb 23rd. 💖

Of course, this whole bipolar NY and New England weather makes it a bit unnerving so you're not sure whether to pack snow boots or sneakers/TOMS?! I think to make our lives a bit easier, it helps to have the basics for quick layering and still be comfortable yet chic. They can be the following: a neutral sweater, a striped tee, black denim or blue jeans, neutral accessories and coat. Plus, the great thing about most of these outfit ideas is that they can already be in our closets. It's all about how you style it to fit your personality and level of comfort. (Oh and if you by any chance have a faux fur coat hangin' around somewhere, by all means, ROCK IT!)


Happy shopping and wishing you all a fabulous week, I mean it's bound to be since it IS my birthday week! YAYYYY! 👸🏻 


With Love,

Sharon ☕️












And in case you want to dress up the look, you can choose to swap out the pants for a sweater dress, add a pair of classic pumps, thigh-high boots or opt for an all-black/neutral ensemble...








Tuesday, February 13, 2018

February Anticipations

It's the day before Valentine's Day and I can already imagine the pending thoughts, anxieties, plans and emotions that most people may be feeling during this time... 😟😊😍😘

One thing that I appreciate about my current season is that I find myself less bitter and more grateful for everything. There's little to no pressure on "what to expect next", but rather more of embracing each day for what it is and every person that's walked in or out of my life. It may sound a bit cliche, but one of the most important commitments in life is to loving yourself. Yes, I've planned my future wedding down to the guest list and favors (I promise that I'm not neurotic, I just adore details and the concept of wedding planning,) BUT the older that I get the more I've realized that if I don't learn to be thankful or content with my present life, a wedding ain't gonna make much of a difference. 😌


Daily reminders:



  • a delay can be a blessing in disguise
  • it's never too late to start over 
  • don't allow anything or anyone to consume your life, it should compliment it
  • accept your past, embrace your emotions, but don't allow it to pollute your present or dictate your future
  • be thankful that you're no longer the same person you were a year ago
  • surround yourself with positive energy and people who support you during your rainy days and not just on your sunny ones 
  • protect your space and those that you allow within it
  • and be sure to take care of yourself, as well as, those around you 🙌🏼


Oh and has anyone else tried any of the latest Valentine's Day donuts from Dunkin Donuts? Aren't they the cutest? I also received my Lilly Lashes in the mail today and look forward to rockin' them for my birthday next Friday (or that weekend.) I'll include photos and links below. 😏


May you all have a fabulous Valentine's day whether you choose to: go out with friends, significant other or enjoy staying-in solo. 💘



With lots and lots of love,

Sharon 🍩




DUNKIN DONUTS
  • 1 Medium Mocha Iced Latte w/ Extra Whip Cream
  • 1 Lovestruck donut (pink frosting)
  • 1 Brownie Batter Crumble donut (heart-shaped chocolate)




Lilly Lashes - Ghalichi GLAM


Tuesday, January 30, 2018

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 💕

Thursday, January 18, 2018

Thursday

Today was quite productive...



  • Had oatmeal with a sprinkling of brown sugar and slices of banana.
  • Updated my resume and did some more job hunting.
  • Had a small bowl of penne pasta with marinara sauce, Parmesan and a small piece of grilled chicken and a glass of coconut water.
  • Browsed through Netflix and decided to finish up the series: Myths & Monsters, and even started up a new series called: Weird Wonders of the World. Fascinating stuff! 🙌
  • Currently trying to figure out this blogging thing again...
I've been trying to come up with a good name for my blog. Something fun and not too complicated or frivolous. Possibly food or fashion related... "Sparkling Wine and Gourmet Cheese" is the default for now, but I'm not quite in love with it. We shall see...

Nite darlings! XO


With Love,

Sharon 💕

Monday, January 8, 2018

Dang....

So, I've spent the past hour or two trying to get the hang of this blog thing again... I don't recall it being this complicated. Ugh. Help! 😩