She Created a Life She Loved

Whoa! It's been a minute since I've been on here, but boy does it feel good. Maybe it's because I know I'm finally settled and there is no more moving for a very long time. I hope. You never know what the future holds. It feels awesome not having to rummage through storage to find things I need.

For the people who have followed my blogging journey and career....you guys...I feel like you grew with me and watched me grow which is so amazing.  I love watching a good story unfold and an inspiring one at that too.

I've had ups and downs through it all.  I think the hardest part of it was moving and having to reinvent myself every time (military life). For a profession as the one I am in everyone knows your bread and butter is an established clientele.

But somehow I've managed to persevere.  I'm blessed to officially work for myself and who knows take on some projects down the road. ;) They are just thoughts right now but eventually I will put those into action when the time is right.

I'm here to share with you something that really brought me down for a while.  And talk about perfect timing it happened around the same time quarantine did.  Yeah, not good timing but I pulled through.

I want to share this for anyone who has been underestimated, underrated, or over looked.

Now,  I'm not going to go into a lot of detail because I do want to keep this person anonymous.  Calling out people is just not my thing.  People make mistakes, people change, people reflect, and even though they can sometimes be straight up cruel it's not worth it to hold a grudge.  You can always learn a thing or two from these experiences like, not to be like them. :D

A person I admired and who I even looked up to crushed my spirit when they basically told me that I would do better in makeup and I should stick to that. This person was a spa owner and being that I looked up to them and admired them hurt even more so.  Their words had weight.

All these thoughts were racing through my head after that conversation.  Didn't this person see my talent, my potential, my passion in what I do? Yes, makeup is my absolute specialty but that does not mean I am not great at anything else.

I was mad at first, then sad, then really sad. I didn't even want to look or be active in my business pages.  I was questioning who I was in my career. I was doubting myself, like perhaps this person is right. I should just stick to makeup.

You know thank God for quarantine because it truly was a blessing in disguise.  The same time I was in the pits and didn't want to be active, quarantine came along and forced me not to be active. It was a good time for me to really chill, take a break and reflect on who I was and what I wanted.

I prayed and I picked myself back up as hard as it was and my spirit healed.  I vented to a good friend about what happened and soon after I was on the mend I got a text with this quote on it.

If a door closes, quit banging on it. Perhaps it closed because you are worth so much more than what is on the other side.

I stared at the quote and tears started streaming down my face.  In hindsight I now can see that God had better things planned for me, far greater than my own understanding.  And I'm going with it. And you should too!

If you have ever been in a similar situation like I have, I want to encourage you to ignore the people that limit you based on words and opinions.  It means nothing. Only you know who you are and only you know your true potential.  Don't let any body limit you.

If there is anything I've learned in life is that there is beauty in the breakdown, the hard ships, the storms, etc.  These trials and tribulations only build you up, make you stronger and hopefully they stir up something inside of you to fight for what you believe in and to never give up.

The enemy is a Liar.  You are a daughter of the King! Chosen, treasured, created for a purpose, set apart, redeemed, pursued and forgiven!

And this is why I create a life I love.  I chose joy and love over and over! I forgive.

I love this picture I got at Hobby Lobby with this amazing quote.  I saw it and I said that's so me I have to have this!  :D

I want to hear your experiences if you have one similar to mine.  Tell me how you dealt with it.

xoxo,
Marilu

Update on Life

Hey guys! I have exciting news.  I'll be moving to Dallas in less than 2 weeks.  I'm excited for new beginnings and all God has in store.  The past couple of years have not been the easiest for my family and I.  Moving is always a pain and as you know as a business owner it is important for me to establish a business and grow a clientele. I'm looking forward to doing that in Dallas and call it HOME!  I'm thrilled to network with other professional makeup artists and photographers in the industry.  If you are in the area and follow my blog and  my work I can't wait to meet you.
Also I've been swamped with life and I'm currently working on getting my Esthetic license so I've been a little MIA on my blogging and social media posts.  I can't wait till I get settled because I am going to bring you the BEST!  Thank you to all of you for your support.  It seriously  means EVERYTHING to me!!!
When I was at church this Sunday I vividly remember one of the pastors speaking a word to the congregation and it ministered to my heart because I felt like God was speaking that straight to me.  He said we might feel like life isn't going anywhere and you maybe stuck in a waiting period and wondering if God's forgotten about you but in that time that is when the most action happens from God.  He is perfecting your plan, He is aligning everything for that right moment for you.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

His Promises are YES and AMEN!!!!

I continuously have to remind myself of that!  He is faithful to his promise! I can't wait to update you guys on everything!

xoxo,
Marilu

Me As A Bride Again

How lovely are these pictures!?  Thanks to Judy Nunez Photography based out of Charleston.  I never get tired of looking at them because they are just so stunning.  While I went to visit Charleston to do makeup for Charleston Fashion Week I decided to do a anniversary photo shoot.  The location was at Boone Hall Plantation and downtown Charleston.  I can not wait to show you the rest of the pictures.  

The dress was perfection.  It was lent to me by Jodi's bridals in Charleston.  I knew I wanted to wear long sleeves and they had just gotten this dress as a new arrival.  It was the first one I tried on and I fell in LOVE!  

I know I haven't blogged in forever and I apologize for that.  I actually feel inspired to blog more and do more videos.  Sometimes I can't help that life happens and I get tied up but I know I can always come on here and just pour my heart to you guys, it's so therapeutic for me!

And I'm not sure who all follows my blog or even reads this, or who actually accidentally stumbled upon this, but thank you for reading and thanks for letting me share with you my life, my thoughts, my suggestions, my story.  You all mean so much to me!

XO,
Marilu

Recycling A Kardashian Kollection Dress

I finally got to hang out with the girls this Saturday!  It was so much fun.  I seriously can not remember the last time I hung out with a bunch of my girl friends.

As always, being the procrastinator that I am, I went rummaging through my closet looking for something to wear.  This is when I feel sorry for my hubby.  He has to put up with me changing like a trillion times and I'm always asking him his opinion on my outfits. He has great style by the way, so I trust his judgement.  

I ran into my Kardashian Kollection plum dress from last year.  I tried it on.  "Hmm cute," I thought, "But it's kinda boring. It's missing something."  I remembered I had a TJ Maxx crop top shirt that had a little bit of lime and plum color in it.  I tried it over the dress and immediately I knew I was on to something.  Then I grabbed my lime yellow H&M belt that I got in New York while I was on vacation.  

On the crop top shirt I had to alter it so it would tuck in perfectly along the belt.  When you have to combine an outfit together, it's all about getting creative. 

Time for accessories! So there I go looking through my glamour holder, because I knew I wanted a statement necklace.  So I picked out this beautiful necklace from Forever 21.  I thought the color of the stone was perfect because my outfit already had a lot of color.  I wore diamond stud earrings.

Now as you can see a little bit of the design from the dress was peeking out just a tad below the belt.  This can be hidden if you just raise the dress a little bit higher and the belt will completely cover it.  I didn't bother doing this because I liked the length of the dress just the way it was and I didn't mind that little extra design popping out. 

I wore these Aldo nude shoes.  I don't know the name of the style, but they are very popular.  If you go into any Aldo store I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem finding something very similar to this.

And this was my makeup of the night.  The three key products that I felt made this makeup look pop was MAC's mineralized blush in Love Joy! OMG I'm in love with that blush!  MAC's skin finish in Soft and Gentle and my Rimmel Pink Chic lipstick.

This has got to be my favorite pink right now!

I know sometimes we can never find what to wear and it gets frustrating.  I believe it's in those moments when we can get the most creative with our wardrobe and come up with something fabulous.  My outfit was a hit that night and the pictures prove that it will be a hit forever.  Don't be afraid to try something different.  You just may surprise yourself!

xoxo,

Marilu

H&M Head to Toe

Happy Friday to all of you! Here is this fabulous outfit I want to share with you.  I'm wearing an H&M top and H&M crop black pants with black court heels.  The cute little bow bracelet is from Forever 21.

I love how the top has a leather collar on it.  It gives it a little edge. I'm also wearing small diamond studs from H&M.  Jewelry is kept to a minimum because I wanted to go for a classy look and did not want to feel overdone.  This outfit is perfect for work, a girls night dinner and drinks, or even Sunday church.

My hair is up in a messy bun with  a thick black head band from Goody.  I wanted to show off that edgey collar for sure! I  did my makeup with the emphasis on my eyes and a nude lip, with Rosy cheeks to make it soft and romantic.  What do you think?

Hope you have a beautiful weekend!
xoxo
Ari