Where Are My Virginia Followers???

 

It's time for some fun!! What kind of fun you may ask... well we are having an Artistry Show! This event will include food/drinks, gifts, and a runway show for everyone. You will be able to vote on your favorite model looks and mingle with other guests and Beauty Advisors. I would love to send out an open invitation to you guys. So come on out, bring your family and friends, and enjoy the show! 

In addition I am looking for 3 volunteers to walk the runway!! No experience needed. I will be doing your makeup personally which will show off a Fall/Winter look. All models will receive a door prize from the store for attending as well as a special gift from myself. This will be a contest between all cosmetic counters! If we are the winning team, I will definitely show my appreciation to you guys for being a part of this experience. So if you enjoy makeup, free gifts, and want to try Estee Lauder products, email me if you would like to be a model for this show! 

Details (GUESTS):

Date: October 27th

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

Place: MacArthur Center (300 Monticello Ave, Norfolk Va 23510)

Price: FREE

Details (MODELS):

(Same as above except Time)

Time: Will come in between 12pm and 1pm to allow me time to do your makeup before show begins.

Attire: Must wear all black and have hair in ponytail to properly show the makeup.

Interested in attending? Email me at xosimplyellexo@gmail.com and let me know if you would like to be a guest or model. Gifts are given out to only those who are on the guest list. So be sure to contact me so I can put you on the guest list. 

What A Busy Week!

Yesssss! It has been such a busy week for me. I don't know how in the world I got through it and I still have a head full of hair. If you ask me, I should be bald or grey. But I did it and I can finally kick my feet up!

After a 6 day work week consisting of 10 hour days, I feel so rattled and unorganized. I have videos that I have been meaning to upload to Youtube that will be posted shortly. I also have emails that I need to get to from you guys! I also want to thank all of my new subbies/followers from Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, and this Blog. You guys and gals are truly my inspiration.

I just wanted to poke my head out of hiding and let you all know Im doing great and there will be some requested videos posted soon! Thank you all for the support.  :)

~Elle

Caged Bird

I dream of having wings in order to fly

Fly out of my cage into the topless blue sky

It traps me within, containing my rage

People pass me by and are amused, there’s no escape

I scream and I cry feeling powerless… a simple captured bird

They may hear my voice but they never interpret my words

I see all the others walking so free

And I tell myself be firm it could some day be me

But a trained bird gets used to its supervised cage

You let it go free… yet it returns the next day

So I go back and forth getting captured in the storm

I have no other place to rest. I have no other place to keep warm

So I may dream… dream of wings to fly away

But its only a way out… its only an escape

So I realize I dont need to be the gorgeous bird with wild wings

Maybe God made me to be strong and spiritually free…

~Elle

Natural Hair Wash Day!

Am I the only one who really loathes wash day?? My hair has a combination of curl patterns and textures which in turn causes it to be easily tangled. To keep the knots and kinks from forming again while I wash and detangle, I have to wash and co-wash in sections. This allows me to cleanse more thoroughly and detangle with as little damage to my hair as possible. 

I have different technique when washing in the shower and washing in the sink. So here is how I go about washing my hair in the shower.

(1) I separate my hair into four sections, pulling each into a ponytail.

(2) I remove one ponytail and begin wetting that section. While adding my conditioner to that section, I began finger detangling and massaging scalp to break up any debris/dirt. 

(3) After finger detangling, I then go through with either my Tangle Teezer or Denman Brush . This is optional. I do not use hair utensils every time I detangle.

(4) Twist this section up and move onto the next one.

(5) After I have detangled each section, I allow the conditioner to sit in my hair as I do the rest of my "business".

(6) After allowing conditioner to sit, I remove one section at a time and rinse with cool water. I add my leave in conditioner and then re-twist to prevent tangling. 

And there you have it! You have any tips on detangling on wash day? Leave comments below.

~Elle

A Promotion!

This year has been such a blessing for me. If you knew me well you would know exactly what Im talking about. It has been rough and full of twists and turns, but I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and you should grow from those hard times. My family is together and everyone is happy and healthy... what more could I ask for?

Well as previously posted, I just started my new job as a Beauty Advisor for Estee Lauder. It hasn't even been a full month yet and I have already been offered a promotion! I will now be the Counter Manager for my location. Well nothings set in stone yet until it's down on paper. I have a meeting to go over all details which will help me better decide if I want to go that route. 

Previous associates from the counter, who have been there longer, have already shown a new air about themselves since it has been brought to their attention that I would be filling the position. I'm guessing a feeling of "Why didn't I get the promotion since I've been here longer?". So I may have my hands full, but I love a good challenge. 

Have you ever been promoted into a position where you had to manage individuals who you once held the same position with? Was there conflict? Leave comments below.

~Elle

I Smile

Loads of confusion and despair running through my mind and my veins.

Times when Im lost and running in circles, fighting against your reigns.

But each day I rise and part my lips to show you my shine.

Pearly whites dare you to cause trouble, attempting to force them to hide.

I smile when Im angry and even when my face stings from your constant lashing.

I smile when Im bruised and hurt, even when my heart has been given a bashing.

This grin is not always real but it tries to feed positive energy to you.

Simply contagious, I notice, as you return the favor without a single clue.

There’s a dark storm inside but my eyes read calm flickering candles lights.

Calming you slowly as I listen to your woeful and unfortunate plights.

I smile even when I want to be in a corner and live off that pitiful frown.

Forcing myself to produce happiness and swallow all of my troubles down.

It soon becomes natural and I forget why I was originally so worried.

I float on a cloud and dance in the wind just like light snow flurries.

As the day goes on I no longer have to pretend that all my worries are gone.

It has grown on me, mind has cleared, and I continue to spread the smile along.

A Nice Bottle of Wine

Today was a great day. I got to enjoy the full day of nice weather and one on one time with the hubs! We got to shop, browse the malls and stuff our faces with Chipotle. I was a tad spoiled by the time came around to pick the babies up. I didn't want to share Daddy!

But now it's time to wind down and you already know what that involves! Amongst the ironing of clothes, and packing lunches for the next day comes... yes wine. I thought I would share one of my fave red wines. Usually I love to sip on Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, but Menage a Trois has a great red wine that's a mixed blend. It's a combination of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Has a sweet taste due to the Zinfandel that also takes off the bite of the Merlot. I highly recommend if you are new to red wines! So on that note, CHEERS!

Ever tried this wine? What wines do you enjoy? Leave your comments below.

~Elle