Please Stay

After seven years of blogging, where I posted usually five days a week, taking and editing my own pictures, creating hundreds of original DIYs, I ceased.

 And I had no intention of doing such a thing. I blogged through illnesses, vacations, through losses, personal struggles, deaths and depression. In fact, I had recently posted about my overcoming a recent bout of depression. I kept blogging as other bloggers went through burnouts or life changes and faded away. Not me! I had THREE YEARS of draft ideas for future blog posts. Nothing was gonna stop me!

And then I stopped.

For a month.

So here’s what happened when I stopped: 

Nothing!

Now this isn’t a new phenomenon. I have read plenty of posts on how bloggers took a break and had some sort of epiphany, like they were spending too much time away from family, that they were always on their phones, not really living life, you know, stuff like that. Not me. I was still on my phone or computer. I thought I would be sitting around finally catching up on all of those books I never get a chance to read. Or some nagging chore. Nope, I still tried out beauty products, I still took pictures, I still made things. 

I thought others would notice my absence, just begging me to come back. Nope, that didn’t happen either. Instead, I got encouragement from many to quit, something I’d not considered. It was like people didn’t notice I wasn’t blogging anymore (hey, we are all busy doing our own thing, so I didn’t take it personally). 

After another “maybe you should quit” message, the thought of leaving for good started to weigh heavily on me. I mean, I’ve never really felt like I fit in the blogging world. I’m not a gorgeous young 20 something sharing killer outfits. I’m not a Mommy blogger writing about the adventures of her family and the struggle of being a mom. I’m not an Instagram beauty blogger—I keep my makeup pretty natural-looking. Maybe they were right. I should just throw away all of that hard work. Maybe it was time for goodbye.

I opened up a draft to compose my last blog post, after not opening Blogger for a month. I decided to let the words flow. I just wrote two:

Please Stay

That was it. Those two words to you might mean an incantation to cajole my readers to not leaving me. But I saw it as a message to myself. You see, I felt lost when I wasn’t blogging, as if a part of me was missing. Blogging was never a chore to me. I always loved it. Sure, there are plenty of tedious, time-consuming aspects to it, but I truly have missed this space.

Those two words were a reminder to the advice I had always given—I write this blog for me. Me! Yes, I want it to be informative and helpful, but even if no one read it, like in the beginning, I stilll wrote. Elle Sees, the blog about all things beauty, is just who I am. And being here is what makes me the happiest.

But I can’t go back to how things were. There need to be some changes in this space that I created and love so much. First, I probably won’t be able to post 5 days a week anymore. My life (new job, 10 hour work days) and my body (restless legs, feeling tired), aren’t allowing it right now (although I’m really hoping that changes). Second, I am going to put more of ME into my Blog. It’s not going to be easy. I’m an introverted guarded person to begin with. I’m still uncomfortable in front of the camera. But it’s time to do it. Finally, I’m going to freshen up the design—it’s been this way for too many years, so expect some changes soon. Maybe it’s the season—I’ve always equated autumn with change.

I hope you will please stay.

I know I’m going to!

HELLO! Let's Catch Up!

If you're reading this, thank you. It means you're still here! And I am very thankful for that. Thank you.

Hey y'all. It's your friendly neighborhood beauty blogger, Elle. Remember me?

Since it's been a minute since my last post, I thought it was time to get caught up.


First of all, THANK YOU for the overwhelming response to my post last week. It's been hard, but I'm feeling better and more like myself each day.


I've got dozens of blog posts just itching to be finished to put on here. I've missed this place.

I started a new job! I love it and am very happy!

However, the hours are different from my last job, so I will not be able to visit blogs until night. It will be a balancing act, but I will figure it out!

I unfortunately am dealing with some sort of stomach virus. I'm feeling better though!

Last weekend I got to visit my family in my hometown--the last time was May I think? We celebrated my nephew's 8th birthday! It was VERY hot, but so wonderful to see my nieces and nephews.

Speaking of birthdays, congrats to my cousin who had her first baby last night!!!!

I haven't been watching much tv lately, other than a few eps of Ozark (filmed in GA!!) and definitely Game of Thrones. The whole fantasy genre doesn't interest me, so I'm surprised at what a fan I am of this show. Finale this weekend!

Blogging at night has been nearly impossible. I can't tell you how many times I've tried but my restless legs won't let me do anything. I do take a homeopathic treatment at night and it works fine. It's only when I'm sitting down at night that it starts.

Whew! I think we're caught up! Tell me, what's new with you??

I Was Told Not To Post This, But I Am Anyway

Depressed.
Depression.
I have depression.
I think I've typed and erased this sentence around 20 times.
I even made a video about it. I erased that too.
I was talking to my friend about this post. She said not to post it. Stop being a Debbie Downer.

I'm posting it anyway.

I have depression. But I'm getting through it.

That's such a huge relief, a weight to finally get by typing those words. But the words themselves have such weight to them that so many throw around casually with any sort of mental illness (see "I totally have OCD because my shoes have to be in order." Or "They messed up my Starbucks order. I was SO depressed for the rest of the day." And so on).

So I didn't want to really admit the heaviness of the word "depression" unless I was absolutely sure. I didn't want to belittle it, especially for those who are suffering from it far worse than I am.
I'm sure now.

I also felt shame because there's such a stigma to depression. There's a stigma of any mental illness, isn't there? It means you're weird. Not normal. Something is wrong with you--you're crazy.

I didn't want to talk about it because I didn't want to appear weak. I didn't want to even admit I had it. I didn't want anyone to worry. I've always been the strong one, the one people rely on. That means I couldn't possibly be depressed, right?

Severe depression, to me, was due to by some tragic event. Nothing tragic had happened to me in a few years, so I couldn't be depressed, right? I was wrong and in denial.

Depression to me was a tv commercial of a woman confined to her bed, in the dark, and crying all day. That couldn't be me. I went to work every day, right? I couldn't be depressed.

And then I realized for the past year I've been sending out a sort of decent facsimile of myself. She got dressed, went to work, ate, and even blogged sometimes.

But then things stopped happening. I went to work every day, sure, but instead of giving 110%, I started giving 90%. I showered every day but wore wrinkled clothes, no makeup, hair in a bun, no polished nails, and no skincare, save for testing for a sponsored post. You might be laughing, but for a beauty blogger, that's kind of my life.

Speaking of the blog, I kind of gave up that love of mine. I went from posting 5 days a week for 7 years to only two or three times. I gave up visiting blogs, on social media. I stopped answering emails and they began to pile up from a few hundred to thousands. I missed deadlines. I started forgetting things, commitments. No one noticed. No one cared.

It began to take all of my energy to do ANYTHING. Anything. I was tired all of the time, but couldn't sleep. Just breathing was heavy. I felt alone.

The one day it hit me: this is depression. This is affecting my life. I need to not feel this way.

I thought about everything that got me here: having a period for three months, the constant sickness of the flu and pneumonia, the defeat of wanting to move for a job opp that didn't work out but yet I was sad about leaving the city I love, the watching my blog crumble, the sadness of my current job ending, and more...of these things are small but they built up and weighed on me over time. I developed horrible anxiety, which I've talked about before.

It was that realization that sort of brought me out of the fog I had been living in for nearly a year. I allowed myself to feel the way I was and not feel shame, but to accept it. And know that it wasn't always going to be like this.

Now, this didn't happen over night--there's no magic trick here. It's been a gradual thing. I gave myself small goals: get out of bed. Shower. Eat. These things took all of my energy. They took hours to do. And slowly I began to add more things. I talked to others. I could feel moments where I felt like myself again.

I'm still shaking the cloak of depression off of me. I'm not 100% me just yet, but if you could see how far I've come! How close to "me" I am now. I can see her! There are still times when I feel overwhelmed or defeated. Then I realize how far I've come. And I know this can happen again. But I won't allow it to win or defeat me. I will win.

Trying Something New

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Plenty of Fish.

Y'all. I did a thing. A big thing!

I tried an online dating app!

I have never tried anything like this before. This is completely different from unlike anything I've tried.

But I've made a lot of changes this year! I entered a new decade, I lost 40 pounds and wanted to give this online dating thing a shot.

I decided to go with the online dating service Plenty ofFish. I have heard amazing things from friends about POF, and even a few of you have reached out to me--one of you even met your husband on it! I'm looking to find love, and I know many of you are in the same boat, so I thought this would be worth it to give it a shot.

I took a leap of faith and tried Plenty ofFish. And I'm so glad I did!

There are over 150 million users on POF, and I immediately found out why. Because the first thing I did was fill out my profile for POF--this was really easy and quick to do. Setting up a profile doesn't cost a thing.

But then I saw there is a free app, so I downloaded that. It made it easier to keep up with my matches and mail. We have our phones on us all the time, right? I could check things and be notified instantly, no matter where I was, even while blogging. And yes, that's iced coffee in my cup. It has been hot here lately!

You can download the POF app here:

●      iOS app: http://apple.co/2sWfmMr

●      Android app: http://bit.ly/2rW5Lk6

But what I really love are the conversations. What started initially as a match has sparked some fun conversations with me getting to really know these guys. Online dating seems SO intimidating--I'm kind of shy in general--but with the conversation-focused features that POF offers, it made it a breeze. The ice was immediately broken. And it's all thanks to Spark!

POF recently unveiled a newly redesigned mobile app which includes Spark, a new in-app feature that allows a user to easily initiate a conversation. By picking up and dragging a conversation icon over any aspect of a potential date’s profile, users can instantly quote and comment on profile content – from photos, to interests. Spark is part of POF’s commitment to helping singles connect in a meaningful way, to more confidently and successfully engage with potential dates. 

So far I've had some great conversations and met a couple of guys over coffee. Thanks to POF, I'm still looking for love because there are plenty of fish!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Plenty of Fish.

We Need to Talk

Friends, we need to talk. 

After 7 years of blogging 5 days a week about beauty products and some of my life, I realize I need to do more of the latter.

I'm a very private person and never want to trouble anyone with my problems. But I have realized that not reaching out for help or not sharing our struggles only causes us pain the long run and creates this unnecessary stigma of weakness.

So here goes:

I have been suffering from extreme anxiety.

Anxiety is nothing new to me. I have had it since I was about 4. But lately it has hit an all-time high. It all started back in October. TMI alert here, so you can skip this paragraph, but essentially I ended up having a period for 3 months. Yes, you read that correctly. It really wore me down, just having no relief, and that I got no answers as to why it happened. Everything is fine now, but it kind of made me depressed, I guess you could say. My hormones definitely felt out of whack. I didn't feel like myself.

Then in December, as I was leaving for Christmas break, I overheard at work that my position would end when the new school year begins. I am a nanny and the youngest will start preschool, so they won't need me anymore. I love the family and my job and 100% support their decision. However, it totally broke my heart and I finally got the confirmation it was true a couple of months later. I will miss those kids something awful. I began to panic on needing to find in job in 8 months. That's plenty of time, but at the time, I felt overwhelmed.

In February, I had the flu. In March, I had pneumonia. I felt so down, so tired. No energy.

And then after a really good end of 2016, my blog stats, my Instagram, everything started to plummet. It really bothered me. Why was this happening? Was it me? Why didn't people like me? I refuse to be a blogger that does things for click bait--do your makeup with Cheetos using a sock! Um, no. I refuse to be the blogger that buys every single new beauty product, every single shade, just to be first. I can't do it. I don't look like the contoured to the Heavens girls of Instagram. I don't want to be like everyone else.

I began blogging just a few times a week. I thought maybe taking a break would help. It didn't. It made things worse blog-wise and that made more anxiety.All things beauty--my biggest passion--weren't enough. My last haul was in January. I never shared any of those products and they sat in a box for months. I quit painting my nails, wearing makeup most days, even doing my hair. That sounds SO artificial/first world problems/vain, but those things make me feel better about myself. I wear makeup/paint my nails/do my hair only for myself. I didn't feel like myself. 

All of these things, plus some additional personal issues, caused my anxiety to build up. I began to retreat into myself and away from everyone.

But one day I couldn't take it anymore. Something had to give.

I began to open up to others and share what I'd been going through.

It turns out that I'm not alone. Imagine that!

I began to practice self-care--that sounds like such a selfish thing to do, but taking time out for myself really, really helped. I know we're all busy, but scheduling that time really helped.

This was drawn for me by Rebecca Jo! Thank you!

I turned to my faith.

I focused on the good, on the positive, on the things (not necessarily material here, just a general term) I have instead of the negative. Is __issue worth getting upset over? Will it matter in 5 minutes? A month from now? No? Then let it roll off your back.

Instead of focusing on overwhelming big problems, I put them into smaller pieces.

I realized that it's okay and that there is no shame in having anxiety.

While I am not currently on any medication for my anxiety, there is nothing wrong with that either. No shame. The same goes for talking to a professional.

I write this today because I see that light at the end of the tunnel. I am closer to feeling back to myself than ever before, closer than I've been in months. I feel like I am over the hump and running towards the finish line.

Not allowing anxiety to have its grip on me has been the most freeing feeling. Taking things one day at a time, allowing myself to feel emotions and not hide them or bottle them up is freeing. And then letting them go.

Today I feel free.

Have you suffered from anxiety?

Life Can Change In An Instant

Starting the weekend with a personal post. Reposted by request from my Facebook. Please give it a "like" if you haven't. Thanks!

Ten years ago today I was in Costa Rica. And this pic reminds me of how things can change in an instant.

Fewer than 30 seconds after this pic was taken, I boarded a bus. As soon as I hit the first step, the door rammed into me (the bus was turned off and no one was in the driver's seat) leaving me pinned half inside the bus and half outside of it. I was in incredible pain and couldn't move. It was difficult to breathe.

People tried to pull me out. Didn't work. They tried to push me inside the bus. Still stuck. After nearly 15 long minutes (it felt like hours), I was finally freed. It took the force of three men to pull me from the crushing door. I was left swollen with bruises and had small veins burst on my legs from the pressure. Ten years later, I can still feel that sensation of being trapped and the scraping of door as they pulled me out. I can see and hear the door snap shut, so finite, so quick, like a guillotine.

I was so embarrassed because it was such a weird thing to have happen--y'all that know me in real life know how I have the most random freak accidents, another post for another day--but the lovely ladies of Costa Rica took care of me. They had all sorts of natural remedies to help and I later floated in the healing Baldi Hot Springs (near the active Arenal Volcano, pictured) until the sunset.

Seeing this pic today is a great reminder that life can change in an instant, so never get so comfortable that you take things for granted, and to be open to receiving help from others.

Have you ever had a life-changing moment?

Extra Elle: How is it June already? I'm in denial. No big plans so far for me this weekend. Lots of de-cluttering going on and lots of blog work, hopefully. Hope yours is wonderful.

My Birthday Surprise For Charlie

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of BarkBox for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey y'all! I've got something fun today, and it just happens to be about my little sidekick. If you've been around this space of mine, you've surely seen my dog, Charlie. I'm totally biased, but he is the CUTEST DOG EVER! He's a Morkie--half Maltese, half Yorkie. And he's a rescue. He was actually rescued on my birthday a few years ago. So his birthday is estimated to be somewhere in April. He just turned 8! For a special birthday treat, I decided to get him BarkBox. Y'all--this was the BEST idea!! He's so sweet and loving, plus he the most chill dog. He deserves the best, and I was so excited to give him this.

What is Barkbox? Barkbox is a monthly subscription box for all dogs! Each box comes with treats and toys, just for your pup! Yes, even though he is 8, I will always call him a pup. But back to Barkbox--have you heard of this before? If not, let me introduce you!

Here's Charlie checking out his box! Y'all--he gets SO excited whenever I come home with something for him. Because I'm a Crazy Dog Lady, I took him to the park for this, as a special birthday surprise! I happen to live by Piedmont Park, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity. Luckily, I took pics of everything inside before I let him have it--that's the Crazy Blogger Lady in me. Fellow bloggers, I know ya'll feel me. Gotta get those pics! Ok, enough chatter--here's what's inside:

Barkbox has different themes--this one is travel-themed. The Passport explains what comes in the box. I thought this was SO cute and such a great idea! 

Charlie got two toys--Squeakin on a Jet Plane  and the Toothpaste Rope Toy. Those totally go along with the travel theme.

Treats-wise, he got a pork roll chew, trail mix bone-shaped treats, and fish treats. What's cool is that Barkbox has special accommodations for allergies, heavy chewers, etc. It's for dogs of all sizes! Just reach out to the customer service team for that--they're great! I love that I can personalize this for him. 

I loved this too--the treats are made in the US and Canada and are all natural! You get two treats and one chew per box. 

Here he is checking out the toys--it was so much fun to let him play in the park, meet some new pups, and get attention from everyone--and then pull out the Barkbox from my bag! I had already opened it, so when I placed it on the ground, he immediately went crazy for it, sniffing to see what was inside. It was too cute. He likes to run off when he gets a new toy, so I'm glad I was able to snag this pic.

I opened one of the treats and gave him some to make him sit for pics, but I was too slow so this is an after shot, haha. I think you can tell he enjoyed it.

Loved this birthday surprise! He brings such joy to me that I loved doing this for him! If you're interested, plans start at $29 per month. BarkBox is billed monthly, and decreases in price if you commit to 6 or 12 month plan. For a 6 month commitment, it's $25 billed monthly and 12 months is $21. You can also get an extra toy club option for an additional $9/month. There's also BarkShop.com--they sell not only the goodies you get in your box but other items from the collection as well!, if you're interested. Charlie loved his BarkBox!

Extra Elle: 5 Things

It's been a busy week around here, one of those where I don't know if I'm coming or going, so I thought I'd share 5 Things! I've never done this link up before, so y'all bear with me! Here we go:

Pampering Day

Yesterday, I had a mini pampering day before going to work in the afternoon. It started off with a blow out from the Cherry Blow Dry Bar Midtown. I posted pics on my Instagram story of my Beachy Keen waves. I grabbed some coffee next door before heading to get eyelash extensions--I'll post pics and everything next week. It was a nice treat to sit and relax.

Movies + Mint

Yes, I am one of those crazy people who has to try whatever the latest Starbucks treat is. So sometime last week, I took my dog Charlie and we headed out to get one for me. While walking around I noticed they were filming a movie, which never gets old! I love looking for celebs and stuff--they are currently filming 60 something shows and movies around Atlanta. Because I'm a dork, I kept walking Charlie by the set. I was hoping they'd see him and think he's so cute he had to be in the movie. Better luck next time, Charlie! ;)

Good Weather

I feel like I've officially become an old lady talking about the weather, haha. Atlanta has two seasons: REALLY hot and not as hot. We had a dip in temps recently and it was so, so nice to be in the 60s. I stayed out with the kids for hours. I took really long walks with Charlie. It's back in the 80s, nothing crazy yet, but it was a wonderful treat while it lasted.

Soft Skin

Earlier this week I posted about my 3 faves for soft skin. I have dry skin, plus keratosis pilaris, so I am obsessed with have soft skin. Go check that post out if you haven't. But my fave thing has been the sold-out-online Scrubee from Lush. Yes, I'm still talking about it. Even the kids I nanny for have noticed my arms are softer. Go find a Lush store and grab one while you can. I'm still figuring out how to make my own.

Heading Home

I live about 5 hours away from my hometown, so I don't get to pop home every weekend to see my family. But this weekend I'll be there for Mother's Day! I can't wait! We are also celebrating my late dad's birthday, so it will be great to see everyone. If you can, be sure to give your mom an extra hug and maybe even take a pic. After losing my dad suddenly, I DO NOT take my mama or the rest of my family for granted. Trust me on this one. But back to the topic at hand--Homeward bound tonight!

So that's it for me this week! Be back Monday with a review of a new product you've heard of--I'll explain! Safe travels if you're on the road like me! And please, please enter again to win $200 from Sephora from me, as a thank you for reading my blog!

Happy Mother's Day!

20 Things You Might Not Know About Me

I'm taking tomorrow off--I'll be busy but I'll be back Friday. Since I've had a lot of new readers lately, I thought I'd answer some questions! Here are 20 things you might not know about me that I found in various places online! Play along!

Question 1: How tall are you?

5'5

Question 2: Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?

I can wiggle my ears

Question 3: What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?

When people don't read your post and just copy and comment what the last person commented on.

Question 4: What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?

People who don't read things before posting them on Facebook--take a few seconds and make sure it's true before you post false things!

Question 5: What’s your favorite song?

Just Like Heaven--The Cure

Question 6: What’s something people wouldn't know by looking at you blog?

I'm super shy. I look mad, but I'm not. 

Question 7: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?

Make DIYs--should I sell them? 

Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?

Anything sweet, but I usually keep it out of the house--almost 30 pounds down!

Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

Charlie!

Question 10: What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?

I added this bc I know so many of y'all love your books. I don't have a fave! I know! I do read The Alchemist every year. I have so many I love and won't get rid of.

Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?

Mascara or lipstick

Question 12: When were you last embarrassed? What happened?

I get embarrassed daily! I'm always doing something, but nothing I can remember off hand.

Question 13: If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sweet tea for this GA peach!

Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?

Sorry, y'all! I'm the worst! I don't have a favorite, but there are tons I will watch over and over. Huge movie fanatic.

Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

I was in the band, but had friends of all groups. I played flute, piccolo, and then I twirled flags.

Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I've been to all the states, so California, but I'd miss my family. World-wise, somewhere with a nice beach. I also love London and Sydney.

Question 17: PC or Mac?

MAC

Question 18: Do you collect anything?

Quotes, memories, makeup

Question 19: Any tattoos?

Yes, one on my wrist of my favorite letter.

Question 20: What blogger do you secretly want to be best friends with?

If I tell you, it won't be a secret!! Haha. Seriously, any of you that stop by regularly and comment genuinely. I love the blogging community. I love y'all!

What are some of your answers? Do we have anything in common?

$200 Sephora Giveaway--Enter DAILY

My Beauty Uniform: Elle Sees

So yes, I totally stole this from Cup of Jo's weekly series: My Beauty Uniform. She interviews all of these lovely ladies and asks them various beauty questions about their beauty routines, products they use, and more. I noticed she once interviewed herself, so I thought I'd do the same! I hope you play along, on your blog or maybe in the comments!

My Beauty Uniform: Elle Sees

Do you wear makeup?

On most days, yes
I am completely fine wearing no makeup, but I feel better when I do!

What is your daily beauty routine?

Wash my face with water, apply various lotions and potions for my dry skin, foundation, concealer, various shadows, mascara, a lip

Do you have any beauty “splurges”?

Armani foundations are so, so good--I wait until they are on sale at Sephora.

What do you do to style and care for your hair?

I wash it once or twice a week and using a curling iron or wand once a week. I also dye my roots every 6 weeks (boo).

What do you like about your look, whether or not it’s something “classically” beautiful?

I like that I never plucked my brows to bits. I don't ever get compliments on my "look," usually that they like my eyes or think I have really white teeth.

What products do you pack when you travel?

The same as I'd use daily--it really depends on where I'm going though.
I do love a good travel hack, and can make something if needed (see hotel beauty hacks).

Do you have a game-changing beauty product?

I have over 20 uses for lip balm--you can use it for so many things.
Curling your lashes and using a really good mascara can do wonders! For me, a red lip just takes it to another level.

Bath vs. shower?

Due to time, I usually shower. I get the best blog ideas in there. I do love a bath, and make all of my bath products, like bath bombs, sugar scrubs, etc. Check out more in my DIY tab.

Do you have a signature scent?

I'm around kids all day and don't want my scent to rub off on them--does that make sense? Plus, I have really bad headaches from most perfumes, so I only wear perfume on the weekends or special occasions, and that's usually Miss Dior (still miss the original version). I love Flower Bomb or Bon Bon too. My daily scent is Pacifica Body Butter in Tahitian Vanilla--I get the most compliments on it. I've tried to copy this scent and I just can't!

Was there a special person in your life (say, a friend or grandmother) who taught you about beauty?

Yes, my paternal Grandmother definitely influenced me with her beauty shop where she did hair and nails for 40 years. And my Mama, of course!!

When are times in your life that you’ve felt beautiful?

Anytime I am helping others or playing with kids (nanny or nieces/nephews)

What nail polish do you wear?

Usually something pink! I've going bare more and more lately though. I swear by the new Essie Gel polishes.

Do you have any regrettable beauty trends you tried?

Anything from the 80s-90s...especially those Big Bangs. I can still do my hair like then--my sister and I did it once for fun to make our mama laugh.

Do you have any beauty pet peeves? Or is there any product or treatment you’ll never use?

YES! Using stupid stuff to apply makeup (use a knife to contour! use a tampon to apply concealer!) in a bid to have your blog or YT channel to go viral is ridiculous and makes us all look bad.

Last but certainly not least: Do you have an overall beauty philosophy?

Don't let age, location, or the voices of others dictate your look.
And always remove your makeup at night!

I'd love to hear your answers to these!
What's your beauty uniform?

Extra Elle:
Finished the podcast S*Town earlier this week. As I come from a small Southern town, I found it fascinating and it reminded me of a nonfiction Southern Gothic novel. I wish it had more of an ending! Have you heard it?

5 Things I Am Super Lazy About + 5 Things I Am NOT Lazy About

It's Friday and my mind is already in weekend mode. I have a bunch of beauty posts lined up, but today I'm feeling lazy and I wanted to chat. That got me to thinking--what are you lazy about? What things *must* you do? I chose 5 for each topic, but easily could have gone on and on. I can't wait to hear your answers!

I typed in "lazy" and this is what came up. Looks like anything but lazy, right?

5 Things I Am Super Lazy About

Packing--I love to travel. LOVE it. But packing? Even for an overnight trip? Nah, I leave that until the very last possible second. Note: I must unpack the second I get home.

Making my bed--I know, I know. This is my secret shame that I never share because I get SO judged for it. In my defense, I have a pup that loves to mess up the sheets and comforter AND pillows. I throw the comforter over the bed and then straighten everything up right before I get in at night. No one ever sees my room, so it's no big deal.

Unloading the dishwasher/Washing dishes--I tend to use my dishwasher as more of a dish drainer, but while I was so sick, I ran that sucker constantly. And then didn't unload it. My dishes are few--I am bad about washing coffee mugs and whatever fork I used that day. I'm generally a clean freak, but slack in this area.

Email--I am THE WORST at responding to emails. I am usually reading them while nannying, so I'll take a quick read and then promptly forget to respond. It's not personal, y'all. I swear.

Untying my shoes--I get judged for this too! I see it as I'm on the go, so I need to put those shoes on as fast as possible, whether it's taking Charlie for a walk or chasing after all of the kids in my life.

5 Things I Am NOT Lazy About

Putting the toilet paper roll on the RIGHT way--I thought everyone did this, but no. I've gone to houses where the new roll was on top of an empty one. The horror! And we all know there's only one way to put the tp on the roll.

Waking up--I'm not a hit snooze kind of person. I wake up, usually right before the alarm (boo) and then think of what I'm thankful for or a few things that make me happy. It's a nice way to start off my morning.

Laundry--I don't let it pile up and I don't let the dryer go on and on. I fold it all as soon as it's out the dryer. I'm about 90% good at putting it away though! Ironing will not be discussed at this time!

Getting gas--I have this paranoia that I'll be stranded somewhere, which is absurd because I live in the city. I'm not crazy-obsessed with getting gas, but I don't let it get lower than 1/4 of a tank.

Removing makeup--Even on my most tired, sick, stay-up-late days, I *have* to remove that makeup. I just feel dirty with it on. Keep makeup wipes in your nightstand if you need to for such makeup removal emergencies.

Now it's your turn! 

What are you lazy and NOT lazy about?

Extra Elle:

Did you try the Starbucks Unicorn frapp? I was surprised at the backlash and food shaming--there are drinks already that have way more sugar/calories than this. I wrote an Instagram post on it, here.

Today I'm at the grand opening of a new Sephora at Buckhead Exchange in Atlanta! I'll be livestreaming and everything on Instagram. Come see me and let's shop! I'll have a full write up next week.

$200 SEPHORA GIVEAWAY