HelloKeri

Categories: Fashion, Makeup

Momcation, Skincare, and Makeup

This mom took a much needed momcation. If you are not sure of what a momcation is, my defintion of it is a solo mom vacation to the location and hotel of your choice for rest, relaxation or whatever you need it to be. This can tend to be a new concept to men/husbands/dads, so you may have to ease them into it. I know I had to with my lovely husband. As mentioned on IG, I had all these preconceived plans to rest, knock out work, etc., and it did not happen. What did happen is that I had some much-needed alone time, and I took some time to explore different skin care products, makeup brands, tips, etc. I accomplished my goal to get my skincare and makeup routine together. I still need to work on contouring, but I am happy with my products and my beginning look. Just an fyi I have sensitive skin, so I have to be mindful of that when selecting skincare and makeup products. Check out the deets of my products below.

Makeup remover – Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover

Facewash – Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Retinol – Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Vitamin C – Cerave Vitamin C Serum

Moisturizer – Cerave AM and PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Primer – NYX The Marshmallow Smoothing Primer

Brows – Maybelline Xpress Brow in Black Brown

Foundation – The Lip Bar Just a Tint in Caramel Delight

Concealer – The Lip Bar Caffeine Concealer in Caramel

Powder – The Lip Bar Powder in Golden Girl

Contour/blush – Maybelline Master Contour Pallet in Medium to Deep

Setting Spray – NYX Dewy Finish

Lashes – Almay Thickening Mascara in Blackest Black and Maybelline the Falsies Lash Lift in Brownish Black

Lips – Loreal Glow Paradise in Mulberry Bliss

Categories: Fashion, Hair, Makeup, Nails, Outfits

METGRADY Celebration!

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.

  1. I have to stop minimizing myself. If I keep doing that, I will continue to set myself up for failure.
  2. I need to stay true to my authentic self, bring confidence from within, and truly learn to enjoy the moments.
  3. 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.
  4. I can walk and dance in block heels.
  5. I want to learn how to do my own makeup for events.
  6. 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

  • My husband and I
  • My beautiful middle sister and I
Categories: Fashion, Hair, Makeup, Nails, Outfits

Happy 35th Birthday to Me!

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

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