Hair

My husband and I had an opportunity to attend my cousin’s 35th birthday celebration in December. It was indeed a beautiful celebration. This celebration allowed me to step outside my comfort zone. It allowed me to further lean into my journey of self-transformation, and it opened my eyes to some things.

For one, this event was not your typical birthday party. It was going to be the event of year. I had to find a dress, shoes, makeup artist, hairstylist, and nail salon. I had to do this within two weeks because I waited until the last minute. Honestly, I procrastinated because the thought of getting all of it together was overwhelming to me. I knew I wanted to look dang good, but I did not know where to start. I have this habit of minimizing myself, and this mindset tends to take over. This event was not the time for that.

Fast forward, I was able to get everything done, and I was so proud of the result. This event opened my eyes to several things.

I have to stop minimizing myself. If I keep doing that, I will continue to set myself up for failure.
I need to stay true to my authentic self, bring confidence from within, and truly learn to enjoy the moments.
I looked dang good in that Fashion Nova dress. I could see how sticking to my workouts had paid off, and seeing those results made me want to continue my fitness journey.
I can walk and dance in block heels.
I want to learn how to do my own makeup for events.
I need to work on taking quality photos. I took some at the event but taking quality photos is something I want to work on especially for this blog.

Check out the beautiful photos below.

Dress: Fashion Nova – Luxe Occasions Sequin Maxi Dress – Black (Size:L)

Shoes: Black block heels (Old)

Jewelry: Belk – Silver Tone Metal Jet Black Crystal Linear Drop Earrings and Silver Tone Jet Crystal Teardrop Stretch Bracelet

Makeup: Her Pretty Face, LLC

Hair: Courtesy of my beautiful baby sister

This past November, I turned 35. For many, that is a milestone. It was for me as well. I went into this birthday wanting to do something different and feel different. So, I did just that. I took some birthday photos. To know me is to know taking birthday photos and doing something for myself is something out of my norm. It took a lot of mental encouragement and encouragement from family and friends to get the photos done. I got my hair, nails, and makeup done. I even went all out and ordered myself a dress outside of my comfort zone. I truly wanted to represent the vision I saw for myself in my head. I wanted my photos to show confidence and growth.

Initially, I was not proud of my photos. I immediately found all of the things I did not like about them. All I saw were physical things that needed improvement in my eyes. I later came to grips with my negative mindset. My mindset has since shifted. I am thankful to God for who I am, his grace, my body, and another year of life.

I’ll be honest and say that I still have some things I want to work on (physically, mentally, socially, spiritually, and emotionally). I’ve learned to give myself grace in the process of becoming the best version of myself. These photos were step one in that direction.

Cheers to 35! Thirty-five years of life, lessons, and love!

Photos by: Andrea Foster @ Princess Andrea Photographics

Makeup by: Cendy Leway Makeup