fun – Running Erins http://runningerins.co Everything and Everywhere in Erin's Way Sat, 15 Aug 2020 04:16:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.2 http://runningerins.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/cropped-RunningErins-32x32.png fun – Running Erins http://runningerins.co 32 32 Attending a Bridal Shower: What You Should Know http://runningerins.co/attending-a-bridal-shower-what-you-should-know/ http://runningerins.co/attending-a-bridal-shower-what-you-should-know/#respond Wed, 08 Aug 2018 09:00:24 +0000 http://runningerins.co/?p=1827 Until recently, I had never attended a bridal shower. Sure I’ve been to weddings and baby showers but never a bridal shower. And ...

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Until recently, I had never attended a bridal shower. Sure I’ve been to weddings and baby showers but never a bridal shower. And little did I know I was NOT prepared! There were a few things that I didn’t consider until days before which left me rushing. After talking to a few friends, I realized how many of us had yet to attend one. So here’s what I learned from my experience:

What to Wear

It’s a no brainer that you should ALWAYS follow the dress code when one is provided. The hostess of the bridal shower I attended made it simple by requesting floral dress. But what happens when one isn’t provided? First, consider the setting. Will the event be inside or outside? Was the invitation semi-formal or informal? In any situation, a casual dress in a pastel color is a great choice. If ever in doubt just simply ask the hostess!

What to Gift

Now here is where things got tricky for me. Originally, I decided to gift the bride an item from the wedding registry as it was listed on the bridal shower invitation. But after talking to my mom and a few other women, I was told the bridal shower gift should specifically be for the bride. Makes sense right? Well pulling something together at the last minute is a headache. I ended up getting a personalized set of Mr. & Mrs. stemless wine glasses from Things Remembered. Then I threw in a few spa time items like lavender castile soap, body scrub, body butter, and a candle. My tip here is to think about the bride. Is her style extravagant or more minimal? Does she have a separate bridal registry? In the end, other people still gifted items from the registry so my first plan would have worked out. But now I know to prepare in advance.

What to Wish

Most events have a guestbook or frame for you to sign. At a bridal shower or wedding, you may get the opportunity to leave more than a simple “congratulations.” Prepare your words! You never want to be caught off-guard if you’re asked to make a statement for a video or to sign a book. The last thing you want to do is hold up the line thinking of what to say. Depending on how well you know the couple will determine what you should wish. Something as simple as “Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness” is quick, simple and sweet!

Remember, a wedding is the start of a new journey for the couple. Whether you go simple or more thoughtful being apart of the moment is what matters most! Have any bridal shower tips? Leave them in a comment below.

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Los Angeles Recap http://runningerins.co/los-angeles-recap/ http://runningerins.co/los-angeles-recap/#respond Thu, 12 Jul 2018 10:00:54 +0000 http://runningerins.co/?p=1785 What’s not to love about the West Coast? It’s warm, there are palm trees, and so much to explore. My trip to Los ...

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What’s not to love about the West Coast? It’s warm, there are palm trees, and so much to explore. My trip to Los Angeles embodied all of that! Being that it was my first time in California, there was so much to do, see and eat.

Where to Stay

I wasn’t really a big fan of AirBnB after my experience in Canada but it is so much cheaper than hotels in California that we didn’t really have a choice. We were able to get a place 1 block away from Sunset Blvd and live like locals. The apartment was very nice and clean. And our host actually owned the whole building so we didn’t have to worry about upsetting neighbors. The neighborhood was very quiet. The only problem we had was finding parking on the street. But in the grand scheme of things that isn’t too bad when the place is nice.

 

 

Get a Rental!

 

The best decision of the trip? Getting a rental car! We went back and forth on this decision for awhile before the trip. I’ve never rented a car on vacation and thought it would be easy to get around. There’s Uber and Lyft everywhere right? But in California nothing was really that close because of traffic and highways. LAX was about 45 minutes from where we were staying. But that’s normal driving distance for EVERYTHING in California. The closest thing to us was an In-N-Out Burger which wasn’t a disappointment. It also allowed us to drive to Vegas for 2 trips in 1. I booked a rental through Expedia for fairly cheap, however, they make you use their insurance of course which made it more expensive. But it was a decision I don’t regret! I’m actually considering renting a car more often.

What to Do

There’s definitely tons of things to do in LA but we took the more scenic route. From visiting Candytopia, an interactive pop-up shop, to the Museum of Illusions. It was more about creating experiences rather than partying. We also went hiking to the top of Mount Hollywood which I will never do again in my entire life! We took steep hills all the way up and you can’t even get close to the Hollywood sign. It definitely showed me how out of shape I am but the site at the top is definitely breathtaking. And our hiking guide, Leo, gets a full 5 stars! We found him through AirBnB experiences for $20 per person. Last but not least, you can’t go to LA without hitting the beach. We spent a few hours on Santa Monica Beach just taking in the sun.

We also made the 4-hour drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to visit my friends! Originally, we had plans to leave early in the morning but we were so tired from the night before that we didn’t get up early. There isn’t much to see along the way but we did stop for food and gas. Leo told us to stop at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner so we did. It was a very dope restaurant that reminded me of one of my favorite movies, Grease. From the juke box to the records on the wall and even the waitresses uniform it did not disappoint! And the food options were endless; from breakfast to burgers. Speaking of food….

Where to Eat

When I go on vacation, I try my best to eat a places we don’t have at home. Any foodie knows that when you visit the West Coast you have to try In-N-Out Burger. My first time eating there was actually when I went to Nevada but of course I went again in Cali. We also hit the world famous chicken spot, Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. The restaurant was nothing how I imagined it would look (it gives the hole in the wall feel) but the food was still great! Another brunch spot we loved was Blu Jam Cafe in Hollywood. The wait was a little long (about an hour and a half) but we expected it and the food didn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a spot dinner, try Saddle Ranch Chop House on Sunset Blvd. There’s a mechanical bull, a duo who sings covers of whatever you request, and menu options from nachos to steak. If you’re headed to Vegas check out Tacos and Beer. It’s an authentic Mexican Restaurant with amazing empanadas!

 

Crunchy French Toast from Blu Jam Cafe

Overall, my trip to California was memorable and I truly enjoyed myself. Where to next?

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Hey Sis! Packing Social Recap http://runningerins.co/hey-sis-packing-social-recap/ http://runningerins.co/hey-sis-packing-social-recap/#respond Wed, 11 Jul 2018 12:00:33 +0000 http://runningerins.co/?p=1796 One thing that I’ve always enjoyed doing is volunteering and giving back. Since elementary school, I’ve participated in activities that taught me the ...

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One thing that I’ve always enjoyed doing is volunteering and giving back. Since elementary school, I’ve participated in activities that taught me the importance of helping your community. I’ve been considering starting a non-profit organization for a while now but there are a lot of steps to take in the meantime. So my business partner and I decided to start off by hosting small social events that focus on philanthropy.

This weekend, we hosted our first event titled “Hey Sis!: Women Empowerment + Packing Social.” Packing socials are events where a group of people get together to pack items to donate. The bags we packed were given to Goodie Girl Bags, a non-profit organization who delivers them to homeless shelter throughout the DMV. Each bag includes 1 bra, feminine hygiene products like pads & tampons, breast cancer exam cards, and a hand written note for encouragement. In planning our event, we set a goal to pack 150 bags. Little did we know that we set the vision a little too small as we collected over 80 bras before the event.

 

Both of us have a passion for helping other women so it was important for this event to embody that. Not only in the items we packed for the homeless but by making sure we spoke to the women in the room too. The 2 of us shared a bit of our backgrounds along with one other woman. All with the theme that everyone struggles but it matters how you push past it. Our hope is that we continue to inspire and improve the lives of those around us. Whether it is through a non-profit our hosting other social events like this one. Either way, we know we can make a difference.

Each attendee left the event with a bag of items from our sponsors. We were also able to supply desserts and drinks during the event. My business partner and I are extremely grateful to each and every person who saw our vision and made it come true.

We would like to give a special thanks to all of our sponsors:

Ardell Beauty
Eden BodyWorks
Essentia Water
Jamaican Mango & Lime
This Is L.
OhMazing Food
LiquidJoy Beverages
Sweet Sticky Thing Bakery
Blessed Vessels
Faye Smith Realtor

 

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Traveling Across the Border to Canada http://runningerins.co/traveling-across-the-border-to-canada/ http://runningerins.co/traveling-across-the-border-to-canada/#respond Sun, 25 Mar 2018 09:00:02 +0000 http://runningerins.co/?p=1696 Traveling is one of the ways I like to clear my mind. And when you have a passport the possibilities are endless! A ...

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Traveling is one of the ways I like to clear my mind. And when you have a passport the possibilities are endless! A friend of mine decided she wanted to go Canada for her birthday. Even though Canada is a hop, skip, and a jump away you still need a passport to cross the border.

To our surprise, the drive from Maryland was only about 8 hours and we only paid one toll. Driving up the mountainside of Buffalo was definitely much easier than driving through New York City traffic. But there were a lot less sights to see. Crossing the border and stopping at the Duty-Free shops were the highlight of the ride. We also had a short drive through what I like to call “Porn Town,” one of those areas with “Adult Movies Here” signs everywhere. But we listened to music and audio-books along the way to keep ourselves entertained.

We decided to stay in Niagara Falls for a night before heading to Toronto. The room we picked at Marriott on The Falls had an amazing view of the water. If you’re looking to stay in Niagara, this is definitely a hotel I would recommend. It was very nice to be in the middle of all the activity. There is a casino, restaurants like Margaritaville, and an amusement park all within a 5-10 minute drive. The room was very clean, beds were comfortable, and the bathroom was very modern. We had difficulty figuring out how to get down to the falls because we didn’t ask. But it’s close enough to take an inexpensive cab ride or maybe even walk when it isn’t too cold out.

We used a Groupon to have dinner at the Skylon Revolving Tower, a 775-foot dining experience that I will never forget! The food was great and seeing the falls from above at night was breathtaking.

 

Before heading to Toronto, we decided to get up close and personal with the falls. Seeing the view from our hotel window versus seeing it in person was a very different experience. The sound of the rushing water was very similar to being on the beach. But being that it was the beginning of March it was very cold so close to the water.

The drive from Niagara Falls to Toronto was only about 2 hours but of course we had to stop at the outlets! And we were so glad we did. I got 2 pair of Uggs for $200 Canadian which translates to $150 USD! Talk about a come up. We picked an AirBnB in Downtown Toronto and it was definitely an experience. This was the first time I’ve ever stayed in an AirBnB and I’ve always seen how nice they are. Don’t get me wrong, the home was nice and clean. But the description neglected to say that we were staying above a block of corner stores. Nonetheless, we didn’t run into many problems besides the loud city life at night.

We picked a lot of the places we ate it by looking at Yelp reviews. Many of them were very small, intimate diners but the food did not disappoint! My favorite meals were a breakfast burrito from Easy Restaurant and a la carte tacos from Grand Electric in Downtown Toronto. I found a food festival by searching Instagram and we were able to see people making ice sculptures and try maple taffy (it was gross). We also stumbled upon a dispensary while we were exploring the city. It was much different from the one I visited in Vegas. Very “hole-in-the-wall chic.”

Our last adventure was up to the CN Tower. For the price you pay it was pretty underwhelming if I’m being honest. The building is currently under construction so you can’t see the main observation room. They offer the option to substitute the main room with the higher Skypod, however, there was a 2-hour wait and there isn’t much to do inside the building to waste time. The construction also takes away from the glass floor exhibit because the walls are all boarded up.

The biggest thing that we didn’t expect is that most businesses do not take American check/credit cards. If you are able to swipe your card, you may be charged an International transaction fee. In non-tourist areas your best bet is to have cash on hand (American and Canadian bills were accepted everywhere we went).

Even though it was cold we had a great time. We were more into exploring than partying so I couldn’t tell you about the nightlife. But if you’re into adventure then I definitely suggest Canada!

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I Sold Sex Toys in College http://runningerins.co/i-sold-sex-toys-in-college/ http://runningerins.co/i-sold-sex-toys-in-college/#comments Wed, 31 Jan 2018 12:00:54 +0000 http://runningerins.co/?p=1622 What can I say about college? Some of the best times in my life so far. But also some of the craziest experiences. ...

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What can I say about college? Some of the best times in my life so far. But also some of the craziest experiences. College can also be expensive while also making it hard to maintain a job; which is how I ended up selling sex toys.

During my junior year of college, I started working seasonally as a photographer for a department store. I was under the impression that the manager was going to keep me on as a part-time associate. But then I noticed I was no longer on the schedule. Which meant it was time to find something else to do. But what?

Being let go without actually being told you are being let go leaves a lot of things up to chance. School was starting back up pretty soon and stores were losing the hours they had gained during the holiday season. But I needed a job which meant it was time to get creative. I knew about companies like Avon and MaryKay but I couldn’t see myself doing that. I needed something fast. Something that would interest college students. Something that would be easy to sell.

How it Went Down (no pun intended)

I was browsing a Facebook Group for my school when I came across a post from a girl who was looking for other girls to join her sales team. I don’t know how I knew it was sex toys right away–maybe it was the wording. She was only looking for girls, it’s in sales……had to be sex toys right?  I sent her a message expressing my interest and she was excited to bring me on the team.

I honestly don’t know why I thought I was cut out for the job because I tend to be an introvert. But it was something to do. Something different and had the promise to bring in a lot of money. The ladies on my team were extremely nice and had receipts to show how much money they were bringing in. This was a multi-million dollar team. I needed a piece of that! Show me the way ladies. I was all in.

I started searching for customers by asking a few of my friends if they would come to or host a sex toy party. Pretty much everyone said “Hell yea!” They were so excited which gave me the confidence to put myself out there with this new business venture.

To get started, I had to purchase a kit with all of the essentials for beginners; products, catalogs, order forms. Then I started learning about the products and attending parties hosted by my upline to get a feel of things. Looking at some of the products made me super nervous! They offer everything from lotions and books to lube and some of the weirdest looking toys I had ever seen. And the prices? Whew! I had not realized yet that this was a lifestyle for some people. But my team was confident in my ability to sell and so was I.

Related:  I Purchased Tickets To A Burlesque Show On Groupon

While I was confident in selling, I was not comfortable letting everyone know what my new job was. Blasting “Come buy sex toys from me!” on the internet is not ideal for an introvert. Plus people are very judgmental and hold onto stigmas when it comes to sex. But of course, the biggest way to gain customers is through word of mouth so I had to figure something out. I decided to set up my kit in my living room and invite some friends over to get some practice on selling. We had such a great time and I felt so comfortable explaining products so I just knew this was going to go great for me.

That was short-lived. The biggest problem I ran into was remaining active with the company. You had to sell X amount of dollars in products in X amount of months. And I tried my hardest to remain active and keep bringing in customers. I bought samples to hand out. Came up with cute ideas. Got the word out to a few people I knew around campus. But I still wasn’t making enough to remain active AND still make a profit.

Why I stopped

Although almost everyone is open and willing to talk about their sex life in college, it was difficult to get customers. The one thing about trying to sell something as a college student is that everybody is just as broke as you. They are also just as busy as you. Something I wish I would have thought about when signing up. I met plenty of people who said they were going to purchase things or throw a party and it never worked out. And I never wanted to be down someone’s throat about placing an order or throwing a party. I felt like that would be like saying, “I know your sex life really sucks so come shop with me!”

Between random sales and the few parties I did have, I was able to remain active for a while. But I found myself using the money that was supposed to be my profit to purchase extra items to meet the requirements. Within the year I decided to call it quits. I had picked up a part-time job because I needed a steady income (sis had bills). The job mixed with school and having a social life left no time to dedicate to selling (or begging). And of course, as soon as I went inactive people started asking me, “Hey, do you still have that business?” Girl–where were you months ago?!

If you asked me would I sell sex toys again I’d tell you yes! No question. I think the greatest thing about my team was that we were very big on teaching women to feel beautiful and confident in their sexuality. I had so much fun working for the company and I met some great women. I even reached out to one of them to host a party a few years after I stopped selling. I’ve also learned to be a lot more comfortable talking about sex and pleasure as I’ve gotten older. It’s nothing to be ashamed of!

The only thing that would keep me away is the structure of the company. I just don’t think the idea of a Multi-Level Marketing company is as enticing as it once was. But with a quick Google search, I’m sure you can start your own company.

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2017 Travel Round Up http://runningerins.co/2017-travel-round/ http://runningerins.co/2017-travel-round/#respond Thu, 04 Jan 2018 10:00:47 +0000 http://runningerins.co/?p=1569 Oh the places you will go! And trust me, in 2017 I went and kept going. In the month of July alone I ...

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Oh the places you will go! And trust me, in 2017 I went and kept going. In the month of July alone I spent 3 weekends away from home and loved every minute of it! Travel is one way I keep myself rejuvenated and happy. It gives me the chance to escape stress, clear my mind, and experience new things.

If you don’t travel often I encourage you to do so in 2018. There are plenty of opportunities for you to travel if you search for them. And trust me, I’m quick to find a reason to get up and go! Trips for work, birthdays and even to reunite with friends and family. Going by plane, car or even train. To places I’ve been before and places I’ve never seen. As 2017 comes to an end, I thought it may be nice to do a round up of the places I went this year. Hopefully, it will encourage you to visit somewhere new or revisit an old favorite in 2018.

Related: How to Prepare for a Road Trip

South Beach, Miami

Starting your year off with a trip is very refreshing! You get to unwind after the holidays and escape the cold if you’re headed somewhere warm. For my best friend’s birthday in January, we went down to Miami for a girl’s trip. I’ve been to Florida plenty of times but always with family and never with friends so I was super excited about this trip. My favorite part: the food! We ate at somewhere different everyday and there was nothing that I didn’t like. I tried Thai food for the first time, munched on some conch fritters, and went to The Sugar Factory. We explored the beach, went shopping, and partied it up at our hotel’s hookah bar. Miami is always a great quick getaway when you just need some fun in the sun.

Related: Exploring South Beach

Brooklyn, New York

Where Brooklyn at?! *inserts Milly Rock* While Miami might be a quick plane ride away….New York is a short drive from DC. It’s also one of my favorite places to visit. There is so much to do and so much to see. There are so many events and pop-ups that happen in the city that you’re bond to experience something new. This trip to New York was for Curlfest, an annual natural beauty festival. Curlies and Naturalistas alike come from all over to show up and show out! There’s nothing like being around people who have the same interest as you. From the hairstyles to the freebies, it was definitely a great time! The trip was very quick but still fun nonetheless. Quick trips are the best when you need to clear your mind.

Disney World, Florida

The big kid in me has always loved Disney World. So when I got the chance to go this year with my boyfriend + his family I definitely couldn’t pass it up. I was in high school the last time I went and this time I was pushing 25 but the excitement was still the same. The drive down to Florida was the most intense part. Almost 24 hours in the car because we stopped to visit family along the way but it was definitely worth it. I was grateful that my boyfriend and I chose to fly back though (don’t think I would have survived more time in the car). Disney is one of those places where they have something for everyone. From the adults to the kiddos. The Pandora World of Avatar was my favorite part of all the parks. The lines for it were long of course but so were all the other lines. I definitely recommend planning your days out in advance though. 1 park can take up your whole day so we didn’t even get a chance to hit the pool.

Mall of America, Minnesota

The one great thing about having a full-time job: paid travel! In July, I also got to head to the University of Minnesota for a work conference. I won’t lie….when I originally found out where we were going I WAS NOT excited. What’s in Minnesota? Why not California? But then it hit me that I could visit the largest mall in the US. And the one thing I love besides food is shopping! The only downside about work trips is you have to schedule everything around your schedule. And with an intense conference schedule I was able to visit Mall of America twice but only on short time periods so I didn’t get to see all of it. But it was definitely everything I imagined. All of my favorite stores + some I have never heard of. An amusement park + aquarium if you aren’t really into shopping (pshhh). And a bunch of restaurants. Minnesota definitely wasn’t what I expected. It was pretty cold for July *inserts Lil Yatchy lyrics.* And the transit system is definitely nothing like the one in DC. But I enjoyed myself.

Made in America, Philly

Up until recently I was not a fan of big festivals because of crowds. It all goes back to when I was in college and Chris Brown came to the local mall. Talk about hundreds of screaming girls! It just made me uneasy and uncomfortable so I’ve avoided crowds at all costs. But I could not pass up the chance to go to Made in America, Jay-Z  2-day music festival. It’s held the first weekend in September which is my birthday month; even more reason for me to go! And I’m definitely glad I went. The girls and I had so much fun eating cheesesteaks, having Henny for Breakfast, and people watching at Fat Tuesday’s. Not to mention the lineup was pretty good; it included Cardi B, Migos, 21Savage, J.Cole and Jay-Z himself. We also booked our hotel before tickets even dropped so we were able to stay walking distance from the venue.

Henny for Breakfast

Las Vegas, Nevada

If you checked out my post about my trip to Nevada you know I wasn’t there to gamble and party. I actually went for a baby shower. And while the reason was unconventional, I still got to do some of the things Vegas is known for. I won’t say much about this trip in case you have already read about it. But I will say it was a great close out to 2017.

Have you planned any trips for 2018? Let me know in the comments!

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How to Prepare for a Road Trip http://runningerins.co/prepare-for-road-trip/ http://runningerins.co/prepare-for-road-trip/#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2017 12:00:43 +0000 http://runningerins.co/?p=1548 My goal for 2017 was to travel more and I think I’ve been quite successful at it. Although I do prefer to travel ...

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My goal for 2017 was to travel more and I think I’ve been quite successful at it. Although I do prefer to travel by plane, a road trip can be a great experience if you’re prepared for it.
I’ve been on 3 road trips this year; New York (3 hours each way), Philly (2 hours each way) and South Carolina/Florida (16+ hours each way!!). Luckily, I chose to fly back from Florida because 16 hours is extensive! But it was still a trip I won’t forget.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make on any trip is forgetting something. Whether it’s your phone charger or the cute pair of shoes you wanted to wear. It pays to be prepared! Read below for some tips on preparing for road trips.

Made in America Festival in Philly

Road Trip Tips

  1. Make concrete plans or loose plans. No in between.
    One of the hardest things I had to learn about road trips was making the plans. If you aren’t good at staying on task, making concrete plans could be stressful. On the opposite hand, it is also good to make loose plans that. It allows you to go with the flow and see more sights!
  2. Be prepared!
    Get gas the day before. Make sure there are no issues with the vehicle. Set your location in your GPS. Plan out the space in the car so everyone can be comfortable. Plan for traffic.
  3. Dress comfy.
    I love to be comfortable. You don’t want to be cold or hot when you’re in the car for extended periods of time. You can always change your clothes when you’re at your destination.
  4. Pack a positive attitude!
    Who you travel with and why you’re traveling play a big part in your trip. No matter the reason, a positive attitude can take your trip from bad to great. Make a playlist. Bring your favorite snacks. Play car games.

As with any form of travel, your trip is what you make it! Enjoy yourself and make the experience something new. What trips do you plan to take in 2018?

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Continuing Education Classes http://runningerins.co/continuing-education-classes/ http://runningerins.co/continuing-education-classes/#comments Thu, 21 Sep 2017 19:19:53 +0000 https://eisforr.wordpress.com/?p=935 From hair braiding, photography/videography, or event planning there's tons of things you can learn through a continuing education class.

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One thing about me (and I’ve said this many times before) is that I am very optimistic. I also strongly believe in education. When I say that, I do not mean that I think everyone should go to college, get a degree, and end up in tons of debt like the rest of us. I simply mean that I think it is great to never stop learning about things you are passionate about. Whether that is through a 4-year institution, trade school, or simply watching YouTube videos; there is always more you can learn.

Over the years I have developed a passion for makeup. And by passion I mean if you look at my bank statement you would think Ulta and Sephora are bill collectors. I watch tons of YouTube videos (AaliyahJay, MakeUpShayla & Naturally Sunny are my faves) but I wanted to learn more about this hobby. I had learned lots from YouTube (AaliyahJay’s eyelash tutorial saved my life) but I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable enough to work on other people. Maybe even turn it into a way to earn extra income.

In most states, Maryland included, there is no such thing as a licensed makeup artist (MUA). You can be a licensed esthetician which means you’re skilled in skincare, facials, waxing, etc. But not strictly a makeup artist, which is why most MUAs proclaim that they are self-taught. You can also earn a certificate in makeup artistry and that is what I did to help develop my self-taught skills.

ESmithCompCard

 

When I told people I was taking a makeup class, their first question was always “Where?” And they always seemed shocked at the answer. Which led me to writing this post because more people should know about the resources in their backyard.

I earned my certificate from Prince George’s Community College. I usually call it the 13th grade when it comes to education but it can be a great source for continuing education courses. You would be amazed at what you can learn at your local community college. Most offer courses in a variety of topics that can help you expand your expertise or find a great side hustle. It also helps that they often cater to the working adult by offering classes on nights and weekends. From hair braiding, photography/videography, or event planning there’s tons of things you can learn.

To earn the makeup artistry certificate, I had to take 2 courses both 4 weeks long. The classes were once a week, 3 hours long, and I went after work which made it convenient. The teacher was contracted meaning that she wasn’t just someone who created the class. She is a working MUA who also teaches for a company outside of the community college. She was able to share her portfolio along with information on what works for her. For example, her bridal contract and how she prepares for her clients.

 

 

 

 

All the makeup looks we created on ourselves so we didn’t have to worry about someone else making us look like a clown. It was a great experience to be in a room full of girls who were also interested in makeup. (Girls who love makeup can sit and talk for days together!) We were able to share information on products we’ve tried, our favorite indie brands, or even our creative processes. We were also able to share tips and tricks to help each other out. At the beginning of each session, the teacher would ask what we were interested in learning as a group that way she could focus on the areas that were difficult for us. There was also time at the end of class to ask questions if you struggled with something. For example, I HATED smokey eyes going into the class (my eyes are already dark like raccoon eyes) but they instructor showed me how to do it in a way that was a little less intimidating for me.

Overall, the class was pretty fun. I’ve been able to practice and take what I learned to apply it to other people, other skin types, and even give recommendation to my friends who aren’t as skilled in makeup. I would recommend continuing education classes to anyone who wants to strengthen their skills or even if you are interested in a new hobby. You should never stop learning and taking a class with an expert may help strengthen your confidence in your skill.

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#Curlfest2017 http://runningerins.co/curlfest2017/ http://runningerins.co/curlfest2017/#respond Tue, 18 Jul 2017 18:06:07 +0000 https://eisforr.wordpress.com/?p=1238 This weekend I attended Curlfest for the first time! But everyone keeps asking me….what is Curlfest? Curlfest is an annual natural beauty festival ...

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This weekend I attended Curlfest for the first time! But everyone keeps asking me….what is Curlfest?

Curlfest is an annual natural beauty festival hosted by Curly Girl Collective in Brooklyn. It was created to celebrate the beauty of black women in a world where we aren’t the majority. 2017 is their 4th year putting together this event but it was my first time attending Curlfest, or any natural beauty festival. I did not know what to expect but I was extremely excited! I have been natural for about 3 years now and although I often wear protective styles it is exciting to be in the presences of other naturalistas. So many other bloggers, hair inspiration galore, and free samples!

Baby Fro

The festival was in Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s second largest public park, so tickets are not necessary of course. But if you want to receive a gift bag you must either purchase early bird tickets for $20 (guaranteed bag) or RSVP (first come, first serve). I decided to purchase an early bird ticket to avoid waiting in line for a gift bag with the slight chance of getting one. The $20 was definitely worth it because the gift bags included full sized products plus samples so it was well worth more than $20 (if you’re natural you know how expensive hair products can be honey!)

I’ll start by saying we had an amazing time! Leaving, I felt so inspired to continue pushing towards my dreams. So many positive vibes. So many compliments. So many beautiful people! There were vendors and sponsors galore. But there were also people galore so you have to be prepared to be patient and wait in lines.Alikay Naturals

The event was scheduled to start at 12pm. We arrived around 11:40am and the line was ridiculous. I mean down the street, around the corner, so long you couldn’t see the end. Luckily for us, we had early bird tickets so our line was shorter (but still pretty long). We waited in line for over an hour before getting our gift bags. And let’s not talk about how they only had one security guard at the front of the line so after waiting all of that time the line was rushed (inserts side eye emoji).

Once we got inside, we knew we weren’t going to stay long because it was so hot and the lines for food were about as long as the line to get a gift bag. And the line for the Creme of Nature booth? Girllllll! We spent a lot of time in that line but it was so worth it. Their gift bag was EVERYTHING! No purchase necessary and you got a full box of hair color, a bottle of their ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) rinse, a compact mirror, a hair pick and several different product samples! Hands down they had the best booth which is why their line was boomin’ like Metro.

Overall, I had an enjoyable time. It is definitely an event that you have to plan for and be prepared. This is an event I recommend for all curly girls and if you plan to go check out my tips below!

Tips for Next Year:

  • Buy early bird tickets! (If you don’t care about the swag bag then skip this. There are plenty of freebies inside the festival)
  • Arrive to the event at least 45mins to an hour early.
  • Be sure to eat before you come.
  • Pack snacks and bottled waters in your bag.
  • Bring a blanket and/or chairs to be comfortable.
  • Dress cute! But still make sure you are comfortable.

Free Samples

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Artechouse http://runningerins.co/artechouse/ http://runningerins.co/artechouse/#respond Thu, 13 Jul 2017 20:00:03 +0000 https://eisforr.wordpress.com/?p=1191 2017 has been my year to do dope things. When the year started, I set out to be more social, have more adventures, ...

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2017 has been my year to do dope things. When the year started, I set out to be more social, have more adventures, and overall live life to the fullest. With a busy schedule it can be hard but it has definitely proven to be worth it. This week’s adventure was to DC’s First Interactive Art Gallery, Artechouse.

Letter Tree

Over the past couple of week’s I have seen more and more pictures of it pop up on Instagram. So many of my friends had been and I just had to find out what was this new, intriguing space. Once I found out and was able to visit their Instagram for myself, the nerd in me screamed let’s go!

The current exhibit is called XYZT: Abstract Landscapes. It uses imagery and digital art to create a sensory experience of the four dimensions: X (horizontal), Y (vertical), Z (depth), and T (time). It includes about 11 different pieces, several of which respond to movement and are great for pictures (no flash allowed though). I felt like a kid in a candy shop interacting with many of the pieces.

It is different than the experience you get at most museums where you are just there to see the artwork. In this space, you get to become a part of the art work. If you go after 5:30pm, only people who are 21+ with a proper ID area allowed because they have a bar. Also unlike the Smithsonians, Artechouse is not free. Tickets are $25 per adult and must be purchased in advance because there are time slots. IMG_1829

As with most DC spaces, the most frustrating part about the space is figuring out parking and finding the building. It is located in a building between a pizza shop and a Potbelly’s. The naked eye would not see it at first so make sure you do that thing where you turn the music down so you can see. There is a garage right beside the building as there is not much street parking in the area.

The last day for the XYZT exhibit is September 3 so if the pictures sparked your creativity make sure you head there before the end of summer.

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