Hello everyone! I’ve been away from the blog this past week—apologies for the silence. I celebrated my birthday over the weekend and had hoped to get my hair braided, but time simply ran out. Lately it feels like there’s never enough time in a day; my to‑do list can be overwhelming and just thinking about everything sometimes gives me a headache. I’m working on letting go of that anxiety and learning to enjoy life more. On a brighter note, I completed my first two Mary Kay makeovers—what an interesting experience!
The first makeover was relaxed and straightforward. I did it in my own home, took before-and-after photos, and shared them with my Mary Kay Facebook group. I’m keeping those images private to respect my model’s privacy, so I won’t post them here.
The second makeover turned into a little adventure. I packed my bag and visited my model at her house. She’s a mother of two grown children; her husband is working in Africa while she lives here. When I called ahead she sounded hesitant, but she’d postponed our appointment before and couldn’t say no. When I arrived she let me in while still on the phone. As I stepped into the living room, I noticed a middle-aged man sitting on the couch. While she finished her call I showed him some of the products I’d brought. Once she joined me, I began the makeover, but she was reluctant to try the products on her face.
She mentioned she’d used Mary Kay for two years but couldn’t remember which products. Throughout the session she seemed a little disoriented and confused. The man on the couch complimented her appearance as I helped her apply a bit of foundation, and she blushed like a young girl. The atmosphere felt tense and slightly off, but we completed the session. Enough about makeovers—now back to my birthday.
For my birthday celebration, Mr. N. treated the girls and me to an Italian meal at the Mall of America. Italian food is always a treat. I enjoyed Chicken Chipotle, a fresh vegetable salad, and watermelon juice. Below are some photos from the meal:
We also attended a truly moving church service. The sermon focused on making a difference in the world by living generously—offering our time, talents, and resources with open hands. During the service we were presented with a chance to practice that generosity immediately. A delivery driver from a doughnut shop had been asked to bring doughnuts to the pastor during the service. The congregation was invited to contribute so she could receive an unusually large tip. Unaware of the plan, she was escorted to the front where the lead pastor announced the gift. She received an incredible tip of $1,402. The room erupted in applause and tears as she hugged the pastor. That moment deeply moved me; it was a powerful example of how kindness can change someone’s life. It inspired me to look for more ways to brighten other people’s days through generosity.
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead!