Penelope Cruz on V Magazine/Life Update

I love the styling and the makeup in this spread with Penelope Cruz. Androgyny along with the glamorous aspect is just gorgeous. 

I've been really out of it the past few weeks due to my car accident, my Honda is no more but I'm alive and well. Yesterday was the first day I was able to walk without limping or needing a knee brace and I'm very grateful for that. My knee is still really stiff and when I try to stretch it out it hurts like a bitch but I'm making progress. I feel lucky that I live in South End because I've been able to get around without any problems, besides taking the wrong bus. 

light rail sceneries.

I feel like when I move back to New York next summer  I'll  be prepared because I don't think anything is less enjoyable than walking around with a massive recyclable bag filled with groceries in the Southern summer heat, there really isn't anything cute about it but hey, it's necessary! Along with walking around in the heat, I haven't been wanting to wear a lot of heavy makeup or makeup in general. I eventually end up sweating most it off even when I douse my face in makeup setting spray. I've been doing a defined brow and a cat eye with a waterproof gel liner and that's been my go to look along with a bright lip. I've been wanting to experiment with new looks and photograph them but by the time I get home, the only thing I want to do is shower and go to bed. Hopefully, when it cools down somewhat I'll be able to get back into the swing of things.

Home

After weeks of restless sleep and many conversation with my lovely friends who live in New York, I've decided that I'm moving back next year around August/September. I've been in Charlotte for about twelve years and I would always say "I don't see myself living in New York again but I definitely love visiting!" But then, I kept thinking why not? Why wouldn't I want to live in New York? It's a massive city that never sleeps, there is always something to do, diversity is abundant and I think that's what I need in my life right now. I do love Charlotte but I feel like I'm growing tired of it, tired of seeing the same people, going to the same places. When I briefly talked to my mom about it her exact words were "People move from New York to the Charlotte" and I responded "Yes, when they're older and have families. I'm 24, single, and I don't have anything holding me back". I agree that many people from up North do move to Charlotte, the last guy I dated was from Buffalo but the majority of these people have spent most of their life in New York. My family and I moved to Charlotte from Rosedale, Queens when I was thirteen and my sister was six, I never got a chance to truly explore the city. I know I would love it.

Now, as great as this sounds I know the transition isn't gong to be all rainbows and sunshine. Saving for the move has to happen NOW. Since I know I'm still going to be employed at Sephora I would have to interview with several stores up there in order to transfer. Would it be necessary to bring my car? I couldn't imagine being without my Honda but that all depends on the area as well. Cost of living is higher so I would be getting paid more but will I be able to afford an apartment with roommate(s) along with school loans and other bills? I can only hope that I can. One thing that keeps me excited is that I wouldn't be up there alone. Marvin, one of my best friends from high school lives there (and if things work out, we'll be roommates), LaZelle and Leah all people from my Southpark store that have/will be relocating to the city. This is probably one of the biggest decisions I've made in my adult life so far, let's hope it's a good one!

A Career Epiphany

I've been doing a lot of thinking the past few months about which direction I want to take in my career. After Graduation this past December, I didn't have any luck in the photography field so I decided to expand my options elsewhere and look at secretarial like work. After having a few interviews (and by few I mean two) I took a good look where I was at and it just dawned on me. Should I pursue a career as a freelance makeup artist??? Of course, this probably strikes many people as a surprise because even though I've worked at Sephora almost three years I've never considered myself a makeup artist, only a photographer. I'm thinking makeup artist is something that I will in time add to my resume. I still have so much to learn!

At the end of July, I'll be going to Color Encore in New York where I'll become a Color Expert and learn advance techniques about makeup, color, application, etc. I'm beyond excited, I haven't been to New York since 2002 and I was born and raised in Rosedale, Queens and I miss the big city. Once I've completed Encore, in July 2011 I will audition for the Sephora Pro Time and if I get chosen I will work as a traveling makeup artist.

Working my first runway event this weekend sealed the deal for me. I worked on professional models and I got to meet Tim Gunn! I contained my composure, remained professional but I was shaking with nervousness, it was great. Photography is always going to be a part of my life and I will continue to do work, but doing makeup on the side can come in handy for those shoots as well. I posted a photo from the event courtesy of Brian Treffeisen Photography!