My blog and social media activity basically ceased last week after my Dad suffered a pretty extreme heart attack early Wednesday morning. Only 2% of people survive the type of attack he had – we are all so incredibly lucky he’s still with us today. He’s doing really well and is so, so strong; there’s no doubt in my mind he’s got many active, happy, and healthy years ahead of him; we’re going to make sure of it.
When something like this happens, life changes, your family changes…everything changes! I don’t want to recap the craziness of last week or get into the details, but when you work primarily online and you disappear for more than 2 days, people start to wonder what’s up! Last week, our priority was making sure my Dad recovered well, and got home okay. After a few days of tests and monitoring, we were able to get him back home Friday afternoon. We laid low with family and close friends over weekend — but now that he’s all settled and a fresh week is here, it’s time for him to begin his new life… and for the rest of us to somewhat resume ours. 🙂
I have been hustling the past couple of months and after going through all of this with my family, it makes me want to work even harder. I’m so grateful I was able to drop absolutely everything to be with my Dad, and I’m so thankful to the brands and companies with whom I had commitments for completely understanding and postponing deadlines for me. This flexibility is something I’ve always longed for and I will continue to work my tush off so that I can maintain this kind of life. Family first, always.
With that said, I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and I’m excited to continue creating content and building this blog.
This post was supposed to go up last week, but today will have to do. 🙂 I want to quickly introduce you to Valerie Cosmetics. They have a line of ultra matte liquid lipsticks that I had the opportunity to swatch and review. We are doing an Instagram collaboration (which you can catch later tonight by following my account here), but I wanted to briefly chat about them on my blog as well.
I love liquid lipsticks, but they don’t always work out so well for me. I’ll be 100% honest, this formula didn’t change my life, but I’d say it was comparable to many of the other brands I’ve used. After a few hours of wear, liquid lipstick tends to feel very dry and flaky…even if it’s not. For me, it’s just to be expected. These lipsticks are waterproof, and do hold up pretty well!
I selected four shades to try, and will admit, it’s hard to pick a favorite. They all smell downright delicious and I have been wearing them on the daily. I love the soft and bold Summer colors!
Left to right: Secret, Coco, Foxy, and Passion.
There’s nothing like a fun pop of lip color to complete your makeup; and after the past few days, I think these bright, upbeat shades are pretty fitting. There’s lots to celebrate and be happy about, so the more color…the better! 🙂
Be sure to check out these swatches live on Instagram tonight, and thank you in advance for any and all well wishes! Take care of yourselves and your families.
We’re getting back to our regularly scheduled programming. 😉
XOXO
OMG! I almost cried when I read about your dad. We’ve never met, but after the last couple of years of chatting and following your journey through your blog it really tugged at my heart. I know how close knit your family is. I’m so glad that he is doing better. PS. Love all your shades of gloss! 🙂
Thank you so much Angie! It’s been an emotional week for sure, but he’s really doing well. It’s strange trying to get back to normal life when your life has been flipped upside down; but I suppose you’ve got to start somewhere. Thanks for the well wishes, we’re all feeling pretty lucky/grateful/blessed lately. XOXO
Omg! Hope your daddy is back to 100% very soon! 🙂 Sad to hear, and i totally understand how it puts life/family into perspective when something like that happens!
These colors are super pretty though – i like coco and foxy the best though!
Thank you sweet girl! Yes, it makes everything else seem so trivial. I’m so happy he’s recovering well. I really appreciate the love & support! XOXO
I was starting to get worried about you! I am so happy and relieved to hear your dad is doing better, and that you were able to drop everything to be with your family! Sending lots of love and prayers!! XO
Thank you so much Dana! It was a crazy week. I don’t usually like to share anything too personal, but I knew I’d have to get back to normal eventually and felt odd not mentioning this huge event in our lives lol. We’re all so happy & grateful he’s okay. Thanks for the love girl! XOXO
Love this post and love you! You are one tough chick… must get it from your daddy! XO
Mwah! I hope I’ve got a little of his strength in my blood, he’s one tough cookie! XO
I love how you let us in sorry about your dad heart attack and I’m happy to hear he doing better on a lighter note the lippies look great
http://sheismelrose.net/
Thank you! This was such a strange post LOL. I debated even sharing, but it was weird coming back and pretending nothing happened. I’m so grateful for all of the on and offline support. You guys are like a virtual family. 🙂 XOXO
So glad Daddy Bella is back to rock n and rolling and all is well! Family always comes first… you cant ever get those moments back! Love these lip colors… they all look amazing!
Brittany 🙂
http://www.kingdomofsequins.com
Thanks Brittany!! Yes, Daddy Bella is a miracle!! He’s doing really great. We’re all very lucky! 🙂 XO
I’m so sorry to hear about your father! I am very glad that he is recovering and doing okay. And don’t worry about missing your post schedule, family is so much more important than a website. Also, I love those colors. Very pretty. And your blog is one of my favorites!
Thank you so much Natalie! I’m glad I was able to unplug and be with him and my family last week! He’s doing much better and we’re all just trying to get back to a new normal. 🙂 XOXO
Oh my goodness.. you’re sweet dad! That photo of you and him is precious. I’m so glad everything is okay and he’s back home recovering. I can only imagine what you and your family have been through. Family first… always! 🙂
xoxo,
Danielle
Thank you so much for the kind words, Danielle. I really do appreciate it. And yes, Family is always first! XOXO
I’m so glad your dad is ok and healing! I know that gave y’all quite a scare. I will have to check out that lipstick line. You know I love liquid lips. Prayers for continued health and healing!
Thank you so much, Hannah! Definitely quite the scare. We’re all so happy he’s okay 🙂 You are definitely the liquid lipstick queen!!
I did notice you hadn’t posted but figured it wasn’t my business, lol. I’m glad you were able to take time away and do what was best for you and your family!! 🙂
These lipstick colors are fab!! Thanks for sharing!