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Showing posts with label Personal update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal update. Show all posts
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Trip to Wisconsin - Part One
Friday, November 15, 2013
Update! (More to Come)
Hello everyone!
Just a quick update before I release some of my new posts. I know I haven't been here in a while and I wanted to let you guys know what has been going on.
These past few months have been very hard for me.
I've been very sick and have been to several doctors. I've been unable to wear eye makeup up until recently, which has also been frustrating. I'm just now getting better. Those of you who follow my Instagram might have noticed I'm a bit more cheerful lately-- this is why!
School and work have been pilling on me to the point where I haven't had much time for anything else. A few of my co-workers recently quit and that's caused a strain at work. As for school, I'll be graduating this Spring! This, however, means I have a lot to get done. I've decided to go on for my Master's degree and I've been using my downtime to figure that out.
Some of you may remember a personal post from a long time ago when I mentioned my little brother had passed. This weekend marks one year since his death. I don't know how to feel about this or even what more I can say.
With everything that's been going on, I just needed an extended break to deal.
But....I never wanted to completely step away from the blogging community. Even then, I still would write down blog ideas or map posts out a bit.
I do have quite a few update posts to tell you what I've been up to, aside from all this negative stuff, which I'd rather not dwell on!
I've missed blogging and I'm ready to come back to that.
I hope you guys are still interested.
-Claudia
Just a quick update before I release some of my new posts. I know I haven't been here in a while and I wanted to let you guys know what has been going on.
These past few months have been very hard for me.
I've been very sick and have been to several doctors. I've been unable to wear eye makeup up until recently, which has also been frustrating. I'm just now getting better. Those of you who follow my Instagram might have noticed I'm a bit more cheerful lately-- this is why!
School and work have been pilling on me to the point where I haven't had much time for anything else. A few of my co-workers recently quit and that's caused a strain at work. As for school, I'll be graduating this Spring! This, however, means I have a lot to get done. I've decided to go on for my Master's degree and I've been using my downtime to figure that out.
Some of you may remember a personal post from a long time ago when I mentioned my little brother had passed. This weekend marks one year since his death. I don't know how to feel about this or even what more I can say.
With everything that's been going on, I just needed an extended break to deal.
But....I never wanted to completely step away from the blogging community. Even then, I still would write down blog ideas or map posts out a bit.
I do have quite a few update posts to tell you what I've been up to, aside from all this negative stuff, which I'd rather not dwell on!
I've missed blogging and I'm ready to come back to that.
I hope you guys are still interested.
-Claudia
Friday, September 13, 2013
Pixiwoo at Ulta!
Pixiwoo is on a tour through the U.S. and stopped by the Ulta in Kildeer, IL today. You guys might have noticed I'm a pretty huge fan of Pixiwoo, so of course I trekked it on over to Kildeer from South Chicago. My husband would note it took nearly two hours, with traffic.
The event was advertised as a meet and greet with Samantha Chapman, but I was so happy to hear (I was checking the Facebook every few minutes on the ride over) that Nicola would be there as well!
I wasn't sure what to expect and I was very nervous walking into the store.
When I arrived, Sam and Nic were posing for fan pictures. They had just finished a set of Q&A's. I quickly got in line and worked my way up to where they stood.
I hadn't quite made up my mind on what to say until it was my turn for a picture. I told them how their videos have been such an inspiration and help in getting my self-confidence back. They were so sweet and humble. Nic told me I had plenty to be confident about and should be confident in myself. They both thanked me and we took this picture. It came out a bit blurry, unfortunately. I wish I could have told them more about how hard my life has been and to have articulated just how much makeup has come to mean to me, but I think the sentiment came across to them.
After the picture session, the girls began another Q&A. There were some great questions asked, one of which was from a guy asking how to conceal a black eye! Samantha applied a red lip on a fan who had a question on lip liners. She looked great! I asked them on tips for picking the right undereye concealer. Their advice was to look at whether the concealer made my undereye area gray (if it does, it's too light). Nic also said to try applying a very small amount of orange or red lipstick in combination with my concealer to see if that works.
Pictures of Samantha were then passed around and a line was formed for autographs. These fans were pretty intense! One of the fans asked the ladies to sign her arm! Samantha said it was a first.
When it was my turn, I once again thanked Sam and Nic for everything. My husband, Sam, jokingly said I was a huge fan and he was a "longtime listener," which made the ladies laugh.
After signing the picture, we posed for a "selfie." My arms were too short, so Samantha took the picture for us haha. I was still a bit emotional at this point, as you can tell. I gave both another hug and then that was it.
I walked out in an almost state of shock, not fully accepting what had just happened; I met Pixiwoo! One life goal, down! I'm so glad to have met them and to have walked out knowing they really are as great in person as they are in camera. Thank you, Ulta for hosting the event and thank you Pixiwoo, for your years of advice.
-Claudia
The event was advertised as a meet and greet with Samantha Chapman, but I was so happy to hear (I was checking the Facebook every few minutes on the ride over) that Nicola would be there as well!
I wasn't sure what to expect and I was very nervous walking into the store.
I didn't even notice the free brush promotion until after I'd purchased a set!
When I arrived, Sam and Nic were posing for fan pictures. They had just finished a set of Q&A's. I quickly got in line and worked my way up to where they stood.
They were so tall compared to this tiny gal, haha!
I hadn't quite made up my mind on what to say until it was my turn for a picture. I told them how their videos have been such an inspiration and help in getting my self-confidence back. They were so sweet and humble. Nic told me I had plenty to be confident about and should be confident in myself. They both thanked me and we took this picture. It came out a bit blurry, unfortunately. I wish I could have told them more about how hard my life has been and to have articulated just how much makeup has come to mean to me, but I think the sentiment came across to them.
Captured the moment she addressed the black eye issue.
After the picture session, the girls began another Q&A. There were some great questions asked, one of which was from a guy asking how to conceal a black eye! Samantha applied a red lip on a fan who had a question on lip liners. She looked great! I asked them on tips for picking the right undereye concealer. Their advice was to look at whether the concealer made my undereye area gray (if it does, it's too light). Nic also said to try applying a very small amount of orange or red lipstick in combination with my concealer to see if that works.
Pictures of Samantha were then passed around and a line was formed for autographs. These fans were pretty intense! One of the fans asked the ladies to sign her arm! Samantha said it was a first.
When it was my turn, I once again thanked Sam and Nic for everything. My husband, Sam, jokingly said I was a huge fan and he was a "longtime listener," which made the ladies laugh.
Samantha was concentrating on taking the selfie!
After signing the picture, we posed for a "selfie." My arms were too short, so Samantha took the picture for us haha. I was still a bit emotional at this point, as you can tell. I gave both another hug and then that was it.
I walked out in an almost state of shock, not fully accepting what had just happened; I met Pixiwoo! One life goal, down! I'm so glad to have met them and to have walked out knowing they really are as great in person as they are in camera. Thank you, Ulta for hosting the event and thank you Pixiwoo, for your years of advice.
-Claudia
Monday, April 29, 2013
Kryolan: Letting Creativity Out
This month marks my one-year anniversary working for my preschool. It's been such a crazy journey; I have both amazing and some sad memories (kids leaving the school, being switched to a different location), but the biggest change I've seen this year has been my confidence.
I'm heading into finals week, so you may not hear much from me for the next week or so. Check out my Instagram and Twitter if you'd like to keep up with me.
Until then,
I've never been the most confident person. I've been through a lot in life that has actually caused me to doubt and limit myself. Maybe someday I'll write about what I've been through, but today I just want to talk about the positives.
A kind note from one of the parents, she wrote in Spanish! (I blurred out the names)
Working in the baby room, I've been encouraged to let my creativity loose. Every month, the lead teacher asks me to paint something on the class window. It's the first classroom all the children and parents pass by. I've never been put on the spot to let my creativity flow like this. While I paint, the children pass by and are so excited to see the process from start to end.
I spliced two pictures together for a good shot of this one!
I've been so inspired lately and I began to wonder if I could do something more with this. This may seem like a strange leap to make, but I've started to face paint.
My face, my husband's face.
And, although I still have so much to learn, I'm having a BLAST!
A few weeks ago, I went out to Kryolan in downtown Chicago and got some face paints + brushes. This is slowly turning into my newest obsession. If you follow my Instagram, you will clearly see how crazy I've gotten with this. I'd like to point out that these are not my original designs, but designs I've based on some I've seen online. I'm still learning how to face paint!!
I'm heading into finals week, so you may not hear much from me for the next week or so. Check out my Instagram and Twitter if you'd like to keep up with me.
Until then,
-Claudia
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Update!!
Hey there! Sorry for the lag in posts. I've been incredibly sick this past week with a virus. One or two sick days? Alright bring on the Netflix and soup. But a whole week?!
It's been rough! I've been going stir crazy from all this laying around waiting to feel better. I'm so glad to be going back to school and work next week!
But enough about that! Let's move on to the good stuff!
I do have quite a few posts in the works (including a review for the new and coveted Maybelline Summer 2013 Color Tattoos). So look out for those coming out within the next few days.
Thanks for reading and being patient with me!
-Claudia
Just like Sophie, begging to be let outside!!
But enough about that! Let's move on to the good stuff!
I do have quite a few posts in the works (including a review for the new and coveted Maybelline Summer 2013 Color Tattoos). So look out for those coming out within the next few days.
Thanks for reading and being patient with me!
-Claudia
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Update + Google Reader Shutting Down!
Hey all! Sorry for the lack of posts lately. School and work have been kicking my ass and, to top it off, I just got sick.
But finally, SPRING BREAK IS HERE! You guys really don't know how happy I am to have made it to this halfway point.
I have quite a few blog posts upcoming and am going to be cracking down over spring break, so look out for that!
***On another note, Google Reader is shutting down this July 1st!***
The website Bloglovin is offering an option to import the blogs you follow on Google Reader for you {here} That's not a link to my account, but a link to the import page.
Hopefully, you guys still want to follow my blog. For those of you who follow me on Google Reader, you can follow me on the variety of networks listed on the bar on the right.
Google Reader will be shutting down July 1st, so if you'd like to keep following me, bookmark my site OR you can follow me on the following networks:
{Here} is a link to a petition to keep Google Reader running, if you'd like to sign.
-Claudia
But finally, SPRING BREAK IS HERE! You guys really don't know how happy I am to have made it to this halfway point.
I have quite a few blog posts upcoming and am going to be cracking down over spring break, so look out for that!
***On another note, Google Reader is shutting down this July 1st!***
Logan's expression just about sums it up!
The website Bloglovin is offering an option to import the blogs you follow on Google Reader for you {here} That's not a link to my account, but a link to the import page.
Hopefully, you guys still want to follow my blog. For those of you who follow me on Google Reader, you can follow me on the variety of networks listed on the bar on the right.
Google Reader will be shutting down July 1st, so if you'd like to keep following me, bookmark my site OR you can follow me on the following networks:
Sites that will give you updates on my blog:
Personal sites:
{Here} is a link to a petition to keep Google Reader running, if you'd like to sign.
-Claudia
Monday, February 25, 2013
My Sister's Wedding
Here are those pictures from my sister's wedding I promised to post a few months ago.
Enjoy.
-Claudia
Enjoy.
My best friend, Bree, and I taking pictures while waiting for the "party bus" to pick us up.
I love the makeup I wore that day.
My sister and my mom. This picture of them is so sweet.
My sister and her gorgeous dress. She and my mother made the veil.
The family cat, Toby, looking freaked out by the cameras. Poor kitty.
My brother walking my sister down the aisle. I miss him so much.. (RIP)
My brother-in-law seeing his soon-to-be wife.
The church.
This reminds me of the Bridesmaids movie cover, haha.
The guys being silly.
Group shot of the girls.
I swear this was not planned. Waldo was downtown as part of a school's orientation game.
My hubby and I.
With my brother and sister. We were being heckled.
The reception site (picture taken later at night)
The placecards.
Picture of one of the tables. Everything was put together by the bridal party. There are mini patron bottles, candles, flowers, and mini satchels filled with Colombian coffee.
Custom made cake topper. How cute is that?!
...which wouldn't have been complete without miniature cats, Toby and Iris (deceased), and the dog, Munchies.
The cake....was fake! Except for a small piece in the back for cutting. This was handmade by my father and sister.
We even put those straws together by hand. They each had little sayings on the cards.
The dessert...
Did I mention the food was amazing?
Here's an action shot of me giving my speech and the newlyweds actually enjoying it! Job accomplished.
The sweethearts at the sweetheart table.
The infamous dollar dance.
I had no idea, as we were rushing around the bride and groom, that my mom and I had passed each other.
Some silly shots in the photobooth.
-Claudia
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Personal Post
Before any new posts, I wanted to say something personal here. I hope you guys don't mind.
Last week, I lost my little brother. He was only 20 years old. I won't go into the details of his death, other than to say that he was the victim of a drive-by shooting. He died in the arms of his best friend.
The news article of his death was posted on a neighborhood blog I follow and I was surprised by both the support and accusatory posts I read.
Most people assumed that, because he was "Mexican" and "in a gang" he deserved what he got. Well, he's not Mexican and he was not in a gang. He was a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
After having gone through this horror, I can't say that if he was in a gang it would have been deserved. I don't understand how anyone could be so callous as to say something like that.
I think it's easier for people to accept these kinds of deaths when they are "deserved,"but I don't think ANYONE deserves to go that way.
The priest who spoke at one of his prayer services put it best: "living in this neighborhood, we see death so often that it becomes normal to us. While it may be normal, it's important to remember that it is not natural. It is not natural for parents to bury their children."
My brother was a GOOD person. I realize that now more than I did then. He had so many people in his corner who loved him and tried to pull him out of this neighborhood.
I can only hope and pray that he is in a much better place now. He left us much, much too early.
-
The news article of his death was posted on a neighborhood blog I follow and I was surprised by both the support and accusatory posts I read.
Most people assumed that, because he was "Mexican" and "in a gang" he deserved what he got. Well, he's not Mexican and he was not in a gang. He was a victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
After having gone through this horror, I can't say that if he was in a gang it would have been deserved. I don't understand how anyone could be so callous as to say something like that.
I think it's easier for people to accept these kinds of deaths when they are "deserved,"but I don't think ANYONE deserves to go that way.
The priest who spoke at one of his prayer services put it best: "living in this neighborhood, we see death so often that it becomes normal to us. While it may be normal, it's important to remember that it is not natural. It is not natural for parents to bury their children."
My brother was a GOOD person. I realize that now more than I did then. He had so many people in his corner who loved him and tried to pull him out of this neighborhood.
I can only hope and pray that he is in a much better place now. He left us much, much too early.
R.I.P. Freddy
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Coming Up
With the help of my amazing husband, I now have my site banner! Yay!
It's been a week since I last posted. I haven't felt too motivated to write, but this banner has helped pick that excitement back up again. :)
What have I been up to?
I'm back in school, officially working towards my Bachelors degree and loving it (though not loving the distance I travel to get to the school)!
I'm also the matron of honor in my sister's wedding and I've been helping with that a bit. My main train of thoughts recently, of course, is the makeup for the day of. I have no clue where to start with that, but it's exciting!
Also on my mind: IMATS! I won't be able to make it to the one in NY, but I'm hoping that I can go to the one in California. It seems like a lot of fun...all those vendors and classes and people to meet. I'm planning ahead and saving, saving so that I'll make this a reality this year!
It's been a week since I last posted. I haven't felt too motivated to write, but this banner has helped pick that excitement back up again. :)
What have I been up to?
I'm back in school, officially working towards my Bachelors degree and loving it (though not loving the distance I travel to get to the school)!
I'm also the matron of honor in my sister's wedding and I've been helping with that a bit. My main train of thoughts recently, of course, is the makeup for the day of. I have no clue where to start with that, but it's exciting!
Also on my mind: IMATS! I won't be able to make it to the one in NY, but I'm hoping that I can go to the one in California. It seems like a lot of fun...all those vendors and classes and people to meet. I'm planning ahead and saving, saving so that I'll make this a reality this year!
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