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31 Lessons in 31 Years/31 Thangs About Me
February 1, 2019
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| When you grown. Photo by: Erica Lee Photography (2018)/ MUA: Makeup by Kristin Gray |
My favorite national holiday has circled back around another year: my birthday! I saw a post on ScaryMommy.com that inspired this blog and title. I wanted to share 31 truths I've learned in my 31 trips around the sun and mix in some fun facts about me.
31. I can do bad all by myself.
30. "What you seek is seeking you" - Rumi
29. Nothing happens before it's time. This is such a hard lesson to accept. But as I get older, I am more at ease.
28. Quality ALWAYS outweighs quantity of friends. I have some of the best people in my circle and it is only a select few.
27. "To thine ownself be true" - that sums it up for itself
26. A "no" doesn't mean forever, it just means right now. Be open and receptive to other options and possibilities you weren't considering.
25. Nothing can ever happen if you don't take a chance. The older I get, the more hesitant I have become about making exciting, new, promising decisions. This was not a problem in my youth. I chalk that up to being a single mom in a single income household and bearing the brunt of the responsibility. What I have learned thus far in my womanhood/motherhood journey is that what works for me is usually what will work for Liam. If I can see the benefit for me and us as a family, then that's the green light. My parenting goal in this life is to raise a child/children who don't have to get therapy to recover from childhood trauma and to be present in my children's life.
24. I have a secret desire to own a mini farm lol. I want a cow, about 3 dogs, 2 cats, chickens, a garden and a good size house on about 5 acres. Now, I don't know how to farm or garden, but I'm willing to learn lol.
23. Motherhood for me has been one of THE most stressful, fulfilling and life-changing adventures and aside from having more money, there is absolutely nothing I would change.
22. I used to have constant anxiety about providing for myself and my son, but EVERY TIME things work out for the best. "Won't He do it?!"
21. My favorite color is Cerulean.
20. I was born on a Monday.
19. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk is my absolute favorite foundation (My color is #10 if anyone is feeling gifty lol).
18. I prefer lipgloss to lipstick, but love them both.
17. I am NOT a cat person, but my pound cat (got her from Lexington Human Society) Luna is my pride and joy lol.
16. My mama is one of my favorite people in this world. (That don't mean I don't love my Daddy because I certainly do)
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| photo by Christina Terrano/ HMUA: me |
15. I know with certainty in my heart that I will meet my soulmate/life partner this year. Don't ask me how I know, but I do.
14. I'm intuitive and as I like to joke, ALMOST psychic. I have a way of sensing/feeling things that I usually can't explain. I am an ENFJ personality.
13. Liam was on my short list of baby names and when I saw him for the first time, I knew the name I picked fit perfectly.
12. This is year 10 for me as a single mom. I'm a whole decade deep!
11. I've never been married, but come close...
10. I believe working on yourself is key to getting better in all aspects and to helping those around you.
9. A dream/goal of mine is to have my own talk show a la Oprah meets Ricki Lake with a dash of Cardi B lol
8. Nursing is a 2nd career for me.
7. I'm a candle junkie. I love candles. Check out www.hausofhoodoo.com and www.poshcandleco.com
6. I like to surround myself with positivity and flowers (I often by myself flowers)
5. Outside of childhood, I've only had two good Valentine's Days. But this year that will change (because I'm taking matters into my own hands)
4. I recorded my previous weight loss journey on Youtube...it's still up for you to see lol
3. There are very few people you can rely on in life. The ones you can, be sure to cherish and honor them while you have the chance.
2. Be thankful/grateful every day. A positive mindset and outlook always spawn positive actions in your life. This is NON-negotiable.
1. No love compares to the love you should/need to have for yourself. You have to love you first to love anyone else. That doesn't mean that you won't have your bad days and days of doubt, but you need to know that you are a BAMF all day erryday. Okuurrrrrrr? *Cardi*
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| photo by: Christina Terrano/HMUA: me |
2nd degree nursing student
30s
asd parenting
body acceptance
bougie beauty babe
life with autism
moms and sons
motherhood
nursing school
single mom
take care of yourself
Attitude of Gratitude - end of 2018
December 18, 2018
It has been terribly long since I have penned a post. Sorry y'all. Life got in the way! Baaabbbyyyy, when I tell you this semester was one for the books...I mean it kicked my ass and turned me upside down lol. BUT, "still I rise" lol. Y'all know I love my hyperbolic statements. I passed and now I'm on to my 3rd and FINAL semester of LPN school starting about a month from now on January 14.
I was featured as a model in KY Bride Magazine (owwwwwww!). Itwas such an awesome experience. I got to be made up and try pretty dresses on for the day...not mad about it lol. I've been trying to get back into modeling because it's something that I miss. I got to shoot with a really cool chick named Geneva and we got some great shots to update my book :).
Mom also finished her 1st semester of her ADN program successfully! #DontStopGetItGetIt . I'm so incredibly proud of my mama. 'Cuz I know the shit she had to go through to get to where she is and she's fucking amazing. Ain't nobody like my mama. Her resilience and determination is unmatched in my book. So congrats Mama!
Liam is thriving! This has been such a time of growth for him. ABA therapy is helping him grown by leaps and bounds. I'm so incredibly proud of him. I couldn't be happier with how he is doing. He is truly the sunshine of life :).
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| When you had one HELL of a semester, but you survived and you out here letting your melanin push through and having expensive skin and living your best life lol. |
So many things have transpired this semester and it literally has been a game of survival (mostly mentally). I left a job that I truly enjoyed, but that wasn't fulfilling emotionally nor financially anymore and went back to being FT in the hospital and freelancing in skincare/cosmetics. I left my hospital job in Cynthiana and moved to a larger hospital in Lexington. I have learned so much and it's helping me to truly decide if I want to do OB or Nursery/NICU.
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| eating lunch after our last clinical |
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| clinical group |
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| new job on postpartum and nursery |
I was featured as a model in KY Bride Magazine (owwwwwww!). Itwas such an awesome experience. I got to be made up and try pretty dresses on for the day...not mad about it lol. I've been trying to get back into modeling because it's something that I miss. I got to shoot with a really cool chick named Geneva and we got some great shots to update my book :).
The spread. Dresses: Twirl, HMUAs: PinkLouLou, Photo: The Malicotes
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| photo by GRW Photography |
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| Photo by GRW Photograpy |
I also got to be a featured blogger for the Night Market which is a local Lexington initiative to bring a sense of community/neighborhood back to the North Limestone area. I personally know the woman who orchestrates in the 1st Friday of every month and she's so fucking awesome. Shout out to Samantha Johnson (SaManhattanPR), you the SHIT! thank you again for that opportunity. I will do a post on the NOLI Night Market once it resumes again in the Spring!
Mom also finished her 1st semester of her ADN program successfully! #DontStopGetItGetIt . I'm so incredibly proud of my mama. 'Cuz I know the shit she had to go through to get to where she is and she's fucking amazing. Ain't nobody like my mama. Her resilience and determination is unmatched in my book. So congrats Mama!
Liam is thriving! This has been such a time of growth for him. ABA therapy is helping him grown by leaps and bounds. I'm so incredibly proud of him. I couldn't be happier with how he is doing. He is truly the sunshine of life :).
I got to go see the Tapping Wizard himself Brad Yates in Cincinnati with Kristin back in October and had a blast! It was a really cool experience. He did it in a workshop style format and there was lots of participation It was awesome to see him in person.
So while this year hasn't all been roses and rainbows, I am truly thankful for growth. It seems like this year lasted 2 years lol and I will honestly be glad to see it gone. I'm awaiting the changes, challenges, surprises and triumphs that 2019 will bring including being a Nursing school grad in May!!! I promise to pen another post BEFORE May lol.
Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe
Skin On Fleek
May 4, 2017
I have been trying to be much more conscious of my body and how to better myself mentally, physically and spiritually. Since ending the hCG diet at -18 lb, I have discovered a lot about what my former diet was doing or NOT doing for me. Dairy and breads have to be extremely limited or they GOTTA GO completely! I'm not quite ready to release them yet lol, but seeing the change and results in my skin and in my level of bloat/inflammation, that day is coming soon.
Now that I have been off of hCG for a full week and introduced some dairy and a few grains back into my diet, my skin is giving me a BIG middle finger. It's not about this life and I have had texture and inflammation galore. I started my new job April 22 and have been introduced to many new cosmetics and skincare lines. One that currently has my heart is Tata Harper.
Her line is 100% natural, 100% non toxic and 100% effective. Baaabbyyy! 
When I tell you that from using the products only 3 times of the past day and a half I have physically seen and felt the texture difference and brightening of my face, I'm NOT lying. Which brings me to my next point. The price point is about to blow my Bougie budgetin' ass out the water lol.
When I tell you that from using the products only 3 times of the past day and a half I have physically seen and felt the texture difference and brightening of my face, I'm NOT lying. Which brings me to my next point. The price point is about to blow my Bougie budgetin' ass out the water lol.
For the three products I need: purifying cleanser and cleansing oil, hydrating essence and moisturizer - before my employee discount: $300+. I'm sure y'all know when I realized how much it would be, my soul left my body lol. But now that it has re-entered and is back amongst the realm of the living, I truly believe it will be money well spent.
I always choose to spend my money on skin or body because I want to look good without makeup and eventually look good AF naked lol. I figure since the canvas (my face) needs to be clear, it makes more sense to spend $ on skincare...That's my splurge. I don't buy designer bags, clothes or shoes...I buy bomb ass skincare!
So in a world of material things that function as accessories, TREAT YO' SELF. Spa treatments, skincare, vacations...treat yourself to things that are tangible...that yield visible results. Get your skin on fleek and take of the world.
Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe
29 is So Divine!
February 18, 2017
Hi Everyone!
February 1 29 years ago the Bougie Beauty Babe was born - literally! I can't believe this is the last year of my 20s! What an adventure it has been! 2016 was an entire year of learning. There is just so much to reflect on!
Here's what my 20s consisted of:
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| me and baby Liam :) |
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| Worst picture of life! lol think I took this my Senior year...was THAT happy to be graduating lmfao
20-22 - Had been working in skincare and beauty for a few months. I was in my last years of college and at 21 ended a horrendous relationship and leaving a person that didn't and never would serve me, then giving birth to my son. Graduated college at age 22, my son was 9 months old. Founded Liam Artistry, LLC. Did some modeling gigs in NYC. Dealing with being a new and single mom. Started working for Benefit cosmetics freelance and dealt with unemployment for the 1st time. Blogging my way through it, thinking I might become a lawyer. Took and studied for the LSAT.
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22-23 - a whole bunch of discovery and dating trying to figure out motherhood and a hectic life in NYC as a single mom. Got some drinking and partying out of my system. Decided to move back to KY at 23. Tried dating in KY...it was a hot ass mess.
23-24 - living back home with my parents and my toddler son, trying to figure out WTF I was gonna do with my life and make sense of this damn Bachelor's degree I have with no clue wth I want to be when I grow up lol. Went on weight loss journey to find my happiness. My Godson was born!
25-29 - Got certified as a CNA & Medical Interpreter. Got an amazing opportunity to meet and work with an amazing plus size designer in Seattle named Liesl Binx! I LOVE her!!! I met and have a relationship with a man and his 2 kids that I love. Quit working at the hospital and gained back some sleep, sanity and joy. Completed one semester of Nursing school and had to take a break. Liam was officially diagnosed with ASD. Began working for YSL & Armani (2 companies I love). My brother Chris died when I was 27 and I miss him every day. Became a cat mom to Luna.
I'm sure there are some things I am forgetting, but I feel have been through a lot of life in just my 20s. There is a saying "Thank God I don't look like what I've been through"! Amen!
Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe
ASD
asd parenting
autism
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bougie life
life with autism
motherhood
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Parenting and Autism
January 2, 2017
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| selfie circa 2013 :) |
L was officially diagnosed with ASD December 2013, right before I started Nursing school and in the midst of my dad having some serious health issues. I had suspected it and had been spending the previous 18 months trying to get him diagnosed and get the services he needs. I felt like I was constantly battling to get him and help and make sure he didn't fall behind.
I was devastated the first time I realized L might be on the Autism spectrum. I was 100% sure it was caused by something I did or didn't do and was so scared that he would never live a "normal" life. It literally sounds crazy now, but remembering those early days, it is exactly how I felt. I became a Mom at 21 and I know so much more now 7 years later than I did then.
I wanted to give some anectodal advice and some things that were true for me in our Autism journey thus far:
1) get support. Hopefully you have family or a strong support system who can help you emotionally and physically during this time.
2) Educate yourself. Read books on Autism. Research some of your child's symptoms. Think about changing their diet. Think about changing your interaction with your child. There are so many things that we feel helpless over, but upon observing and really tuning into what your kid is telling you, you can learn so much.
3) Cry it out. Let me say it again: CRY.IT.OUT. There were more than a few days where I felt helpless and defeated. On those days I had a good soul cry and then carried on my Bougie Mama duties like a bad ass lol. IT happens, you need to let it happen.
4) Love your child! You son or daughter is NOT Autism (or whatever his/her condition may be) Your son or daughter has a neurgological disorder that will affect him/her for the rest of their lives, BUT they should NOT be defined soley by their disease. L has Autism, but I don't let it define all he is or who he will become.
5) Take care of yourself! In order for you as a mom or dad to be on your A game, you HAVE to take care of yourself. This is particularly hard for special needs parents to do, but it is OH SO necessary. At one point in my life (a point I am actively working on), I was working out and in the gym 4-5 days a week and felt the best I ever have. I was vibrant, happy and was better equipped to tackle the mental and physical stressors of my day!
I'm still new on my journey as a parent and as an Autism Mom, but I hope this post reached you in a positive way and helped a little bit on your own journey! :)
Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe
I wanted to give some anectodal advice and some things that were true for me in our Autism journey thus far:
1) get support. Hopefully you have family or a strong support system who can help you emotionally and physically during this time.
2) Educate yourself. Read books on Autism. Research some of your child's symptoms. Think about changing their diet. Think about changing your interaction with your child. There are so many things that we feel helpless over, but upon observing and really tuning into what your kid is telling you, you can learn so much.
3) Cry it out. Let me say it again: CRY.IT.OUT. There were more than a few days where I felt helpless and defeated. On those days I had a good soul cry and then carried on my Bougie Mama duties like a bad ass lol. IT happens, you need to let it happen.
4) Love your child! You son or daughter is NOT Autism (or whatever his/her condition may be) Your son or daughter has a neurgological disorder that will affect him/her for the rest of their lives, BUT they should NOT be defined soley by their disease. L has Autism, but I don't let it define all he is or who he will become.
5) Take care of yourself! In order for you as a mom or dad to be on your A game, you HAVE to take care of yourself. This is particularly hard for special needs parents to do, but it is OH SO necessary. At one point in my life (a point I am actively working on), I was working out and in the gym 4-5 days a week and felt the best I ever have. I was vibrant, happy and was better equipped to tackle the mental and physical stressors of my day!
I'm still new on my journey as a parent and as an Autism Mom, but I hope this post reached you in a positive way and helped a little bit on your own journey! :)
Until again,
Bougie Beauty Babe
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