Month: May 2017

Inspiring Articles

Hello Summer 2017! Featuring Shannon Wilkerson xo

by alyssahotrum3 Comments on Hello Summer 2017! Featuring Shannon Wilkerson xo
Hello Summer 2017! Featuring Shannon Wilkerson xo

Summer is fast approaching and if you’re like a lot of women, the moment you saw a sign that the weather was changing from winter to spring you immediately started to work on your “summer body“. You started eating burgers without the bun and having just one cookie instead of 6 ( or is that just me?). You may have even tried a body wrap, The Green Smoothie Cleanse, which is amazing or some other quick remedy to get your body “snatched” for summer. Some of us got gym memberships. Oh how I dislike the gym, but I suffer through it to look great on the beach. 

There’s nothing wrong with being the best possible you, but who determines what that looks like and who’s to say you’re not already your best you? Why do we torture ourselves with the worlds standard of beauty instead of loving who we are exactly how we are? Maybe you don’t need to drop 30 pounds. Maybe you’re perfectly healthy the way that you are now and isn’t that what’s important? I know Skinny Minnies who can’t walk up a flight of stairs without becoming out of breath. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with self improving. Do what makes you feel good, but do it for the right reasons. It should always be about you, how you feel and your health, not what the world or even your family feels you should do or be. 
Regardless of season I’m always very conscious of what looks good on my body. This is even more important during the summer because we naturally dress less. It’s hot! You may just need to find clothes that flatter your body so that you feel more confident about your look when you present yourself to the world. You may have the perfect legs for mini skirts and hot pants as my mom calls them, but maybe you don’t. Maybe you would feel more comfortable in a long flowing skirt that covers your legs. Or maybe you’re comfortable with what others may call your imperfections and put the hot pants on anyway. As long as you look and feel good, continue to create your own slay. Just make sure you’re summer looks are what really looks great on you! 


Don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself to fit someone else’s mold just because summer is approaching. Be the best you yeah, but do it for you! If you like makeup, put some on! Try out new hairstyles and buy a cute summer time outfit. Heck try one of those monthly subscription companies that send you clothes and shoes like Stitch Fix, Gwynnie Bee, Justfab ect. Step out with your confidence on full display. Head out to the cook out, pool party, day party ect and enjoy a freeing no pressure summer! 


Shannon Wilkerson, Founder

The Shanni Wilke Company 

& We Shine 

http://www.weshinenetwork.com 

http://www.meetup.com/weshinenetwork 

http://www.facebook.com/weshinenetwork 

1-855-742-6767
Thanks again Shannon for being apart of my opening summer blogs! Be sure to follow Shannon up above and support her journey through blogging πŸ™‚ Be sure to follow my other social media accounts to stay updated with the latest blogs ! Xo

Storytimes

Most Embarrassing Moments Part 3

by alyssahotrumLeave a Comment on Most Embarrassing Moments Part 3
Most Embarrassing Moments Part 3


Hey my beauts, I hope you are all having a wonderful Friday so far! I know I am super excited for the weekend, as I am back in school now. I have been in school for about a week now for the Social Service Intensive Program. I really am loving this course, but as you know, intensive means a shit ton of work crammed in a short amount of time, unfortunately, so that is overwhelming to take in. I am sure I will get used to it, just not used to sitting in a very small classroom that resembles high school, I am used to sitting in a huge lecture hall where all you have to do is listen and take notes. College is much different than that. I am expected to engage in the material and actually learn hands on, so it has been a huge change for me. So I have been trying to balance blogging as well in my spare time so bare with me here. I thought for this blog, why not have some laughter to start off this weekend with a bang? I remember my previous embarrassing moments blog post and it was a real hit, everyone seemed to enjoy making fun of me….. no, I am kidding! But it’s always fun to share a good laugh once in a while.  So without further or do let’s jump into the times when life hated me!

Let’s stick to baseball bats

I believe I was around 12 or so maybe even younger and I was at my babysitter’s house while my mom was at work after school. I was with my cousin, sister, and the babysitter’s son. So we were dumb and young, and thought “hey, why not play baseball with a rock and tomato stick?“. Cause that is the thing to do these days right? Ya okay… So it’s my turn to pitch the rock, fantastic. I am pitching the rock to my cousin and low and behold, I did not move away far enough. My cousin, determined to wack this rock so far decides to smoke my eye with the stick instead. Doesn’t he run back home, everyone goes inside and I am left bawling. The end of the story results in me missing the African Lion Safari Trip with my class at the time and having to stay home. I also tried to convince my mom I couldn’t see well from the accident, as I really wanted glasses. I didn’t get glasses, but I give myself an A for trying

 Fire Hazards

When I was in sixth grade, I had severe OCD. I mean we are talking I could not touch light switches was hands that were slightly wet, or I would call my mom at work explaining I was burning the house down. So one day before school, I decided to make toast, nothing new, and accidentally left the toaster on…… dear lord help us. So my OCD was very bad that day and I could not remember for the life of me if I had unplugged the toaster or not that morning. I literally was almost sweating and I could hear my heart racing.  I finally got the balls to ask my teacher if it was okay if I went home at lunch time to check to see if my toaster was unplugged so I would not burn the house down. Needless to say, the house wasn’t burnt down and the toaster was unplugged.

Independent at the Gym

So I decided to join a gym… surprise! I thought to myself, “I got this, I can go by myself, I mean, the equipment is easy enough to learn right?“….. maybe for a normal person, not Lyss! So I was at the gym one fine day and decided to try out some new equipment as it was leg day. I went to another section of the gym, where I have never been before, and literally tried out some new things. I saw a machine that I was kind of familiar with, as it looked easy enough. Do you think it was easy for me? Absolutely not. I think it was called a leg press or something, don’t quote me on that though. So I was at the gym trying out this new machine and then I started getting into some problems. I then realized, okay…. I literally have no idea how to work this machine and there are no instructions on it…great! So I decided to pull out my phone and start YouTubing and googling how to work this god damn machine. Here I am thinking I am being so sneaky, meanwhile some broad was watching me the whole entire time I was YouTubing and watching this video on silent. She walks over to me, looking at me like I have three heads, and asked, “do you need some help I saw you on Youtube“. I then had to explain my situation and it was literally so simple how to work this machine. I was so embarrassed! I am looking up videos before I go to the gym next time, and not at the gym.

“Don’t even ask”

I was at my old place for this story and was still living with my mom and dad…holy that was years ago! I am pretty sure we were watching a movie as it was late out, and I eventually passed out watching this thing…no surprise.  So the movie is over, my mom wakes me up and states, “Alyssa go to bed”. So I wake up, didn’t even know I was awake, I thought I was still dreaming, and slowly walk to my bedroom….or so I thought. I went into the laundry room, opened up the trash can, peed in it, and just sat there. My mom walks in startled and wonders what the hell I am doing, I look at her, give her the hand and state, “Don’t even ask”, and I pull up my pants and head to bed. Sleep tight!

I didn’t know where I was

So this lovely story was just last year when I went on a trip with my boyfriend to Mexico. We, of course, went out pretty much every night to a bar that was around our resort. I was pretty intoxicated, to say the least, and we went abouts on our way to the club. So I was having a great time and then BAM… don’t remember the rest of the night. The next morning, my boyfriend informs me that I was standing in the middle of the dance floor, by myself, not even dancing, just looking around… cause that’s attractive. I was so embarrassed but let out a giant laugh because I can just picture how stupid I looked. For sure that Mexico water did me in.

I thought my boyfriend was a wolf

Okay okay, this is honestly one of my absolute favourites. I was at my apartment building sleeping away, and it was probably in the early morning. I was literally having one of the worst dreams ever and thought I was getting attacked by a wolf no joke. So what’s a girl going to do when she is getting attacked by a wolf? Obviously, punch it hello. Thanks to my lovely boyfriend being right there I punched him square in the face. I woke up immediately as he yells “what the FUCK”. I thought for sure I was getting sent to the couch.

Tatas for Everyone

I was at my friend’s house for a sleepover with one of my other friends. I decided the night before to purchase this really cute shirt from lasenza, it was like a crop sweatshirt, I don’t know but it was adorable. So it is night time now and we are all fast asleep. Morning comes and I realize it’s kind of breezy in the room. I usually sleep with my hands over my head just because it’s super comfy. Well arn’t the girls out for the world to see. I could not stop laughing, from this day I will not wear crop tops to bed at sleepovers.

I hope you beauts had a good laugh out of these funny and embarrassing stories. I know at the time I hated life, now they are hilarious and I laugh at myself. Let me know what you guys thought of them and comment down below what embarrassing moments you were a part of! Be sure to follow my other social media accounts located at the top of my home page for more updates on the latest blog posts!

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Beauty, Makeup

A Hint of Gold-Spring Makeup TutorialΒ 

by alyssahotrum12 Comments on A Hint of Gold-Spring Makeup TutorialΒ 
A Hint of Gold-Spring Makeup TutorialΒ 

Hey there my gorgeous beauts! Welcome to my channel if you are new! I decided to change things up again a bit and show you guys a makeup tutorial that I came up with! This one is inspired by spring of course, and is called “a hint of gold “. I am going to be incorporating a gorgeous purple shade by the lovely Modern Renaissance Palette, and add a hint of gold using my Naked Palette. This is a very easy tutorial and I wanted to pass on this look to you beauts! It obviously helps to add a purple top in with this look, just to complete it! Shall we get started?

Cleansed FaceΒ 


1) First ensuring that my face is completely washed and primed! My face has been hating me recently, I usually get breakouts on my chin, if you guys have any suggestions on how to get rid of that acne let me know!

Cover them pimps!Β 


2) Voila ! That’s a little bit better ! I did my normal everyday face routine using all of my facial makeup applicators including my lovely beauty blender! I also applied my contour and highlighter.

The EyesΒ 


3) Going in with my beautiful Modern Renaissance Palette , I am going in with the purple shade labeled , “Buon Fresco”, and applying this all over my entire primed lid. I am dragging this colour into the crease as well just to ensure every part of my lid is covered. Applying this to my crease as well helps the colour look more blended and not so harsh.


4) I am then going in with the lovely Naked PaletteΒ and taking the shade “Halfbaked”, and applying a small dab, literally one stroke, to the middle of my lid. This helps create the spotlight effect that I discussed in my previous blog posts and looks absolutely stunning, hence the hint of gold.



5) I am then done with the eyeshadow of this look, yes it was that easy, Β and now adding a winged liner and mascara.



6) Of course, I need to add some false lashes, this is optional! I absolutely love the way of false lashes complete any look and pull it all together . I also put on my favourite lipstick ever, the NYX Cosmetics Liquid Lingerie Lipstick in the shade ” Embellishment”, and applied this all over my lips. I added a few more accessories to the look as well such as a beautiful light purple satin choker.



And voila! A gorgeous purple spring look with a hint of gold, perfect for day time and night time.


“On a bad day, there’s always lipstick”Β 


I hope you beauts enjoyed this short makeup tutorial perfect for spring! Make sure to follow my other social media accounts located in my bio for the latest updates!


Inspiring Articles

Tattoo Number TwoΒ 

by alyssahotrum2 Comments on Tattoo Number TwoΒ 
Tattoo Number TwoΒ 


Hey beauts ! Hope you are all doing well and had a fabulous weekend! I had an absolute blast this weekend as there was so much packed into one fun-filled three days. I wanted to show you guys and update you’s with what I did this Saturday ! Guys, I got my second tattoo! I wanted to give you guys a quick little update as to how it went and what the tattoo exactly looks like! So we went to St.Catharines and got it done with two of my closest and best friends in life. We all wanted matching tattoos because we are classic bitches like that.


My one friend went first cause she hates anxiously waiting which was completely fine. Hers was around 45 minutes , then it was my other friends then! They both got beautiful thigh tattoos , and I was the odd one out and chose my back tattoo. Guys …. when it was my turn I was completely freaking out! I had to have my one best friend come in with me and hold my hand….pathetic I know. Mine was around 40 minutes I would say ! It hurt so badly. Do not recommend back tattoos unless you have high pain tolerance. That is all.



The finished look was amazing. I could not have asked for anything better. It means so much to me too and that’s the thing about tattoos, the more personalized the better.  For our tattoos we all got some sort of a compass on ourselves with the saying , “no matter where”. This tattoo honestly means the world to me, not only because it was with my two best friends, but the meaning behind it.  No matter where the three of us are in the world, we will always support each other, love each other unconditionally, and cherish each others presence.  I will always cherish this tattoo, and whenever a rough day approaches, I will look in the mirror at my tattoo and instantly smile. I love my friends and this gorgeous tat.

I hope you guys enjoyed this short and sweet blog post on the newest addition to the tat family. Be sure to follow my other social media accounts located on my home page to get the latest updates!

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Inspiring Articles

Social Anxiety Update ! (Post Therapy)

by alyssahotrum2 Comments on Social Anxiety Update ! (Post Therapy)
Social Anxiety Update ! (Post Therapy)


Hey beauts ! I have not written to you guys in a bit now describing and sharing my social anxiety progress with you’s. If you are new to my channel I have been struggling with social anxiety for a long period of time now . Recently I was involved with a social anxiety group therapy program teaching us different cognitive behavioural techniques and skills to help cope . I also had an exposure hierarchy that I was working on , where I would expose myself to my biggest fears which provoke my anxiety and trigger it . 

So it has now been approximately two months passed since I have finished my group therapy sessions and I just wanted to give you guys a little bit of an update as to how I  am doing and coping lately . A lot has been going on lately , especially this month. To my surprise I actually have been working quite a bit on my exposure hierarchy without even knowing . Not going to lie, I haven’t been quite on the ball like before planning out exposures and what is going to happen each day or what I am going to work on. Life gets in the way and that is okay. But writing this post and sharing more progress I have come to the conclusion that I have made some huge progress over the past couple of weeks. 

1) Job Interviews– On my exposure hierarchy list, I had written down that I want to remain more calm and comfortable when it comes to job interviews. Recently I had an interview , a Skype interview, which was completely new to me , on a volunteer blogging position. Of course I was psyching myself out and was debating whether just to cancel this interview or not go online. I was impressed with myself as I pushed through my nerves , and managed to attend the online interview which was 30 minutes long. The interview involved two people listening and watching me speak as they asked questions in regards to my blogging and my blogging channel. It was very easy but still nerve racking for me. So that was that ! I ended up getting the position which I was super stoked about. If some of you are curious it’s for the blogging company ” INKspire“, which I am going to start soon! If I would have let my social anxiety get the best of me , I would not have had the opportunity to get this position. I am happy I stuck to my guns! 


I also have some interviews coming up for part time jobs as I am heading back to school. This will be nerve racking for me for many reasons. Within my job now I hardly have to speak to any people aside from the mom, dad and grandparents. Now getting a “normal“job , I will have to push out of my comfort zone and associate with more people one on one. Fingers crossed everything goes okay ! I got this ! My coping statement that I often use through hard times like this is ,” you are good at interviews, you got this “. 

2) Going back to school– So as some of you may know I decided to go back to school! I applied to Mohawk college for social service work , so fingers crossed I get in! I have been wanting to do this program for a while now , so I am super excited I got the guts to jump on it! This process has not been easy. I had to inform my boss that I needed to leave and put in my two weeks as I will be going back to school. Quitting a job is never easy, especially the confrontational part about it. I would rather just send a text but we all know that’s not professional whatsoever….. sigh. But I managed to do it, and phew I am still here today , can’t win this time anxiety! I also managed to fill out my whole application without mammas help (that’s pretty big considering I hate doing school work forms). I will be attending my program hopefully next week ! I know my nerves will kick in as I will have to speak infront of people , but I know that I can do this. Just like that two minute presentation I did in group therapy. I did that , I can do this .


3) Speaking on the phone – Recently since applying to school, I have been on the phone with people trying to sort out my application. What shocked me the most was most times I did not hesitate to pick up the phone, I just went right away and did what I needed to do. I have found that speaking on the phone is not as bad as I thought , and I can do it more naturally now. Not to say the anxiety is completely gone, but I can cope and manage it better than before. 


As you can see I have been slowly working on my exposure hierarchy without really even noticing it . I think the biggest challenge for me will be school, since I was so used to have classes with friends at Brock University, that now I have to start fresh and brand new.  This will be hard for me but I am excited because I was informed there was a program you can register at Mohawk called the “Accessible learning centre”, where they accommodate your needs if you have learning disabilities or mental health issues going on. They can extend your assignments, move you to a separate room to write your exams and so forth. This honestly eases my anxiety a ton and makes me feel way more comfortable with my decision to go to Mohawk. All I have to do is just register for this program.  So that was the update that I had for you guys ! Let me know if any of you guys had tried out an anxiety group therapy program or not , I am curious how it worked or is going for you! If you have any questions in regards to this don’t hesitate to ask! I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week, be sure to follow my other social media accounts located on my home page for the latest updates! 

Makeup

Ocean Blue Makeup Tutorial

by alyssahotrum2 Comments on Ocean Blue Makeup Tutorial
Ocean Blue Makeup Tutorial

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Hey beauts, hope you are all having a wonderful weekend, or should I say, had a wonderful weekend! It has been an extremely stressful week for me, so I have not been really on the ball with blogging lately, I do apologize for that and will try to pick it up again so just bare with me here! Thanks guys! I decided to throw in a makeup tutorial for today, as I have not done one in forever and wanted to change things up a bit. My sister recently gave me this beautiful Sephora blue single eyeshadow and the first thing I thought of was, “what the hell am I supposed to do with that..?”. I never really use colours as you guys know, I mostly stick to my neutrals and away we go! I came up with this beautiful look today using this ocean blue shade, I hope you guys like it ! Again, If you guys are interested in what products I use on my face, just skip back to my previous makeup tutorial posts where I go step by step on which products I use. To same time and to not repeat myself, I decided to just show you beauts my eye makeup. Shall we get started?!

  1. First, I primed my eyes with my absolute favourite eye lid primer called the “Kat Von D High Voltage Primer”, from Sephora. I am going to have to repurchase this product as I am now running super low!

2. I am now going in with the beautiful colourful glitter blue eyeshadow I think called “Curacao Punch”, and applied this with a small eyeshadow brush all over my entire lid.

3. I am then going in with my “Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette”, and using the black for the smokey eye effect. I am applying the black to the outer V, and blending this out, slowly building up the pigmentation.

4. I then am using the same palette and taking a lighter cream shade to apply this to my inner corners of my eyes, highlighting them and making them stand out more. I am then adding some finishing touches onto my eyes such as some mascara, a winged liner, and also adding a bit of the black eyeshadow underneath my eyes.

“Home is where your makeup stash is”

I also took a nude lipstick and applied this to my lips. I thought nude would be the best shade to ensure this look is not overly dramatic and that the lips do not overpower the eyes.

“Don’t let today be a waste of makeup”

I hope you guys enjoyed this extremely short and easy makeup tutorial. This is so beautiful for a night out or if you are feeling spontaneous, you can wear this during the day as well! Be sure to follow my other social media sites located on my home page for more updates on my latest blog posts! Have a great week guys!


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