Hey you. Happy March! I hope you had a good weekend. I celebrated two friends' birthdays and then binge-watched House of Cards. I'm finally getting over this cold. All good things. Before I get into today's video, I have something to get off my chest:
I love this blog, my Youtube channel, and work so hard on them, without any outside help. It brings me such joy to share my beauty knowledge, my DIYs, tutorials, my makeup reviews with you, and occasionally my life with you.
But when the comments I receive are only on the life tidbits and don't mention the beauty post itself, it really frustrates me. It makes me feel like the commenter skipped to the bottom and commented on the end of the post only. I have no desire to write a personal life blog, but do enjoy marrying beauty with some of my life. I'm thankful for comments, but wanted to be honest with my frustration. Just something to consider. Thank you.
Today's video has some very personal, devastating news that I have not discussed yet on the blog. I just felt more comfortable discussing it on the video. I might share it here later; I just have so much to deal with emotionally. I appreciate your patience with me in returning comments and emails, as well as your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
I say all of this and then I offer you today's video, Coffee & Chit Chat, where I share my month in review, fave blog posts, fave beauty products, and more. I think you'll enjoy it, and yes, feel free to comment on anything:
http://youtu.be/iEPnH3tiLCg
And to end this post on a really happy note, I have TWO GIVEAWAYS for you!
and
a Rafflecopter giveaway
UPDATE: Thank you everyone for your kind words and prayers. Since I am not posting today, I encourage you to read my Guest Post over at So About What I Said. It talks about my dream for 2015 and this recent personal news. It's the most proud I've ever been of a guest post.
Read my post here.
Your glitter heart nails really were lovely!
ReplyDeleteI have increasingly been more present as well (one has to be with a daughter). Get outside, have a treat, see your friends and you'll see that being present can be pretty great!
xoxo,
little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living
OMG Elle I'm so sorry to hear that, you are a very strong and I will keep your dad in my prayers. Sending you hugs.
ReplyDeletexo
PinkSole
I've been thinking about you a lot since watching the video last night. Do what you need to do to get through this.
ReplyDeleteElle, First of all, you're so cute! :) Thanks for taking the time to make this video. So sorry to hear about your dad. I hope you are able to spend lots and lots of time with him in the next few months. I'll say a prayer for your family.
ReplyDeleteI just heard of this "just a little something" thing....fun idea! I am going to think of something for this month...
Oh Elle! My heart just breaks for you and your family. I will keep you and your dad in my thoughts and prayers. You have such a positive outlook and you are handling it so well. What a beautiful JALS challenge. One we could all challenge ourselves to really.
ReplyDeletexo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Just wanna send you more hugs, Elle. (((Hugs)))) You're doing the right thing by concentrating on the positives right now. You do a great job on this blog. Keep it up:)
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your dad! I will be thinking and praying for your and your family in the months to come.
ReplyDeleteI so need to catch up with House of Cards. Continue to be positive. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteEye See Euphoria | http://eyeseeeuphoria.com/post/eye-see-euphoria-updates
Your outlook on this terrible news is what makes you Elle! Praying for you and your family! I can't imagine how hard it is for you not being near them, but I know they know how much you love them and how you are doing everything in your power to be with them as much as possible! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, congrats on your little niece, Elle!
ReplyDeleteI'm currently drinking some peppermint tea while I watch this. I was going for more of a calm vibe today...
I'm so sorry to hear the news about your Dad, Elle. I'll be keeping him in my prayers. Keep doing what you love, because I'm sure your Dad would want you to do that. And if you are ever feeling out of sorts, feel free to share with us (only if you'd like) because I'm pretty sure you've got a huge community online here that cares a lot about you.
I had heard you talk about the JALS before but I didn't really get what it was...sounds interesting! Maybe I should try that this month...not sure what change I will make...but it's something I will think about today.
And finally...oh my gosh, I hadn't tried Makeup Geek shadows until last year...I ordered their Vegas Lights palette, was blown away, and recently just ordered like 15 more singles and a Z palette. They're currently waiting for me in the US...so I can't wait to try them next time I go back.
Stay positive, stay strong and have a good week! xx
I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your father, Elle. I am keeping him {and you!} in my prayers. It is incredible how powerful prayer can be - for both physical and emotional healing. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
ReplyDeletexx
I am so so sorry to hear about your dad. i'll be keeping him and you in my thoughts and prayers! i think it's good that you are focusing on the things that make you happy and you are trying to stay positive. xo jillian
ReplyDeleteOh Elle I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I am not sure what to say except that your family will be in my prayers. Perhaps you can do something like take a family trip in the near future. That time is precious. On a happy note, congrats on your new niece. She is darling(: I would have to say that my favorite February post was the glitter nails. I bought all of the supplies and ma waiting until we have a free moment to do it! My daughter loves the idea!! Blessings to you friend. Susan
ReplyDeleteYay giveaways! And thank you for answering my question earlier on the foundation vs. color corrector.. I went to buy foundation, and my Target didn't have it! Grrrr!! Gotta find one that carries the brand now, or just order it! lol! Anyhoo, thanks again! - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteDear Elle, I read your post attentively and though it I felt it could be for me what you said, and for others that I don't know, of course. I read about the products you review and choose the ones I don't really know, take notes and wait till I am again in England - cause right now, I chose to spend winter in a sunny place and where I am most of the products are not available. So I confess that lately I tend to take a look at what I don't know and wait to purchase or look for in a few weeks. I am sorry that you feel this way, and I have subscribed to never miss a post - it's not to get you on my blog, although I am always happy when you visit me. The "Have a great weekend" must have been for me, because I like to finish my comments that way, sincerely wishing that people have a great week or weekend - I genuinely wish this. Now your niece is looooovely! And to end... I have to tell you that I couldn't watch the whole video. I had to stop when I got the news about your dad. This is a sensitive topic for me. I spend years - many, not 1 or 2 - crying everyday for the same reason. And I feel like crying now as I write this.So I hope you excuse me because I heard the bad news and came to comment. Dear Elle, it's very bad, of course. I have been there in my family. It's not easy. But I hope - sincerely - that everything is a mistake. You know, mistakes happen! Doctors are not always right. And eve then, maybe there's the right treatment? I really really really hope so, and please forgive me to stop the video. All comes back to my mind, what never left it. I really hope you stay strong and be very sure I am praying for him to be fine!
ReplyDeleteDenisesPlanet.com
So sorry to hear about your Dad! That is so hard. Prayers that everything will work out. <3
ReplyDeletewww.amemoryofus.com
Heading over to your chit chat ! :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Awesome Giveaways Elle! I am so sorry you are having a difficult time! Wish you lot´s of strength and love, Sissi www.beauty4free2u.com
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes we do skip some personal matters over the beauty review not because we didn't read. Sometimes I write a comment because I want to give the support + it's sometimes hard to review your review if it's not close to the reader (e.g. I don't use these kind of products). I'm unable to watch you video with sound right now - so I'll get back to as soon as I Have a chance to listen.
ReplyDeleteLyosha
Inside and Outside Blog
Oh my gosh... I am so sorry. What devastating news. I can't even imagine what you are going through right now. I'm glad you did share the news because while there are those people who just 'blog-surf' & don't really care about learning about the person & care more about the numbers... there are a LOT of people who care about you & what you are going through. & you are right - any number of people praying & sending good thoughts, gotta help!!! I am one of them.
ReplyDeleteOn a MUCH lighter note - I always love seeing what mug you have & I so want those Starbucks mugs from Disney now too. :)
Hugs to you & your family lady!!!
So sorry to hear about your dad. Prayers for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your dad. My prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOn a happier note I love the Starbucks Disney mug! I've picked up all the parks so far now I just need Animal Kingdom to release theirs already so my set can be complete haha.
Sorry to about your dad. Hope you and your fam find comfort in each other. Stay strong.
ReplyDeleteOh, Elle! I'm so sorry, girl! I will be praying for your family and praying for God to grant y'all some grace while He wraps his loving arms around you. I 100% support whatever decision you make about the blog. Do it because it makes you happy or don't because there are more important things to do. Who cares what anyone else thinks, you do you, lady!
ReplyDeleteI love that picture of your lip scrub. putting it on top of the pretty colored sprinkles was SUCH a genius idea :)! <3 to you!
I am so heartbroken to hear the news about your dad, Elle. Though I've never met you in person, I consider you a treasured blog friend, and I am sending you a huge virtual hug right now. I will keep you and your family close in my thoughts and heart in the coming weeks and months. Lots of love to you, your dad and family.
ReplyDeleteOh Elle, I am so very sorry. Big hugs girl. Thinking of you, and if there is anything I can do, please let me know. Your outlook and attitude amazes me, I love that you want to focus on what makes you happy rather than the sad things.
ReplyDeleteOn another note - I love your blog. You know that!! But I am not a makeup girl, at all. Sometimes your posts really relate to me, and sometimes they don't but I still read them!! I hate being like 'well thanks for this info but it's not for me!' so I will read it, and comment on what I do know, or have an opinion on, you know? For me, that might be your extra Elle or stuff about your life. I am so sorry if I made you feel like I wasn't reading your blog or anything like that - please be honest with me, and if you'd rather me not comment at all rather than just commenting on the life stuff, I am happy to oblige.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, please know that my prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just read what Kristen said in the comment above me, and I totally identify with that--I LOVE reading your blog but I'm not a big makeup lover either, so that's why I sometimes comment about your "extra Elle" tidbits, which I love!
Also, wow on all those goodies you got! Fun!
Congrats on your niece! She is adorable and I love that name :)
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your dad. I can't imagine receiving that news, nor can I imagine living away from them. My heart breaks for you and your family. I will pray for you all and I hope that your being present goal helps you through this. Hugs friend!
I cannot express how much I 100% understand how you feel. I'm getting so frusterated with the "great post," "this is great," and my favorite, "thanks for sharing," type comments. I love to write and most of my posts are lengthy. When someone writes tiny comments like that, it's sort of a slap in the face to my writing. I'm not going to lie, your extra Elle tidbits are my FAV! Just keep doing what you're doing. (: Headed over to the Tube next. (;
ReplyDeleteLoved the video and your southern accent. Glad you enjoyed Disney and got a cute souvenir mug to bring home. I deeply sorry to hear the news about your Dad and hope the news changes for the better.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on becoming an aunt. I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I know what you are going thru. Like I have told you before. take care of your self and you family. They your blog will still be here.
ReplyDeleteAlso I hate people that don't read a the blog post.
Sending you tons of prayer and hugs.
http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home
Wonderful post, love this bag. *__*
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week...
Congrats on your niece! She is adorable!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your father! I know it must be hard living far away from your family. Sending positive thoughts and prayers to you and your family!
Jill
Doused In Pink
I totally understand what you are saying when you feel like people skip over your post and just comment on whats on the bottom. I think everyone who has a blog has experience some kind of comments like that before. Theres been times where people comment on my posts and I just want to ask if the actually read what I wrote lol! Also I haven't watched your video yet, (i will later, promise!) but I'm sending some positive vibes your way, and I'm sorry for whatever you are going through!
ReplyDeleteWell I applaud you on having the patience for making these videos. And I always find your beauty info very informative. Yep that can be frustrating, I get those too, but I also get good more thoughtful comments too so I guess it all evens out.
ReplyDeleteAllie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com
I definitely understand your frustration. I think that happens to EVERYONE every once in a while and it's PAINFULLY obvious. You can always tell when they haven't read the entire post and are just looking to get their name out there.
ReplyDeleteElle, I am so, so sorry to hear about your father. I'm thinking of you + praying for your family. You are so strong, girlfriend- seriously, I would be an absolute mess, and while I'm sure you are struggling, you have such a brave face on and are resolute to keep blogging and striving for happiness. Let me know if you need anything!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I understand your frustration and I get it all the time. I take so long to read entire posts including yours and I hope you see that. Whether you read mine or not, I read yours because i like your blog and your videos :)
ReplyDeleteI commented on your video last night when I watched but I am so sorry about your dad and I wish him peace and comfort. Sending up prayers. :)
I love this! You are so cute!
ReplyDeleteMelanie @ meandmr.com
Elle,
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear about your dad. My dad was diagnosed with Lymphoma about 8 years ago. He was lucky to have a treatment that works for him, although the cancer will always come back. I understand the emotions you are going through, including preparing for the worst (that probably sounds negative to some people, but it's the reality). My biggest piece of advice is to not listen to those that tell you to be "strong" during this time. I used to HATE when people told me that. This is the one time to be as weak as you need and to let you emotions flow. Spend time with your dad, and I will hope for the best. Prayers, thoughts, and hugs your way <3
You know I love your blog and your posts! You do a great job, keep up the great work! Also, I am so sorry to hear about your father. You, your father, and your whole family will be in my prayers...sending hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry about your dad. This must be a really tough time for you and your family and I'm sending you positive energy and thoughts to you all. It's good that you have things that make you happy that you can focus on for now. I get your frustration on the blog comments but if a post is really long, sometimes people focus on commenting on just one aspect of it. I get plenty of one sentence or fragment sentence comments and sadly I think it's just something we just have to deal with as bloggers.
ReplyDeleteI think that commenting is so different for everyone. I post fashion pictures, but also tell funny stories about my life. On any given day, I get comments about my outfits, and comments about my stories. People are reading and I would never get mad at someone for taking the time out of their day to say hello. Maybe look at it that way; people are coming by, and I'm sure they are reading your blog. I happen to like to comment on a more personal note because I feel like other bloggers are my friends. I do love your beauty tips, but I also like to read and comment about what is going on in your life. Having said that, I am truly sorry about your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.. you always have such fresh content!! Also.. I like your coffee mug, hehe! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteGreat post.. you always have such fresh content!! Also.. I like your coffee mug, hehe! <3 - www.domesticgeekgirl.com
ReplyDeleteCool video! Awesome giveaway! =)
ReplyDeleteNEW POST on http://whattostyle.blogspot.com/
xoxo,
Jessica
Congrats on your new niece! I am so sorry about your dad. I will keep him and your family in my prayers. Sending you hugs. The ball brush looks like a hair disaster waiting to happen...
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about your dad. Take all the time you need and I know all of your loyal followers, like me, will understand. The most important thing is that you take care of YOU.
ReplyDeleteKay of Pure & Complex
www.purecomplex.com
sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. it's never easy when family members are hurt or sick, especially, like you said, when you are not there. i hope that you do continue to blog - not just because it helps mask the sad parts, but because there are a lot of people who care about you and are here to support you through times like these. keep us posted :)
ReplyDeleteI completely get where you are coming from on the comments. I really dislike that seeing those short, have a great day, oh this looks cool, etc. comments.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty new to your blog and love that we connected on Instagram too, this is the first video of yours I've watched and I just love you, your beautiful Southern Accent and listening to your tips, advice, etc. I love the idea of #JSL...did I get that right? Just Something little? I tried to cut out coffee last month too and it only lasted a week, but I did noticed I felt better and my stomach did too!
I am so sorry to hear about your dad, there has been so much cancer in my life and it is really tough to deal with and watch your loved one go through that. So I am sending you a great big hug and sending you good thoughts and prayers. xoxo
Work is now blocing youtube so it took me awhile to watch. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Being present right now is a great goal. Spend as much time as you can, talking to him and having quality time. Sorry you don't like closer to him. Big Hugs to You.
ReplyDeleteI used to watch Makeup Geek all the time glad her palette is worth it will have to check it out.
I'm drinking hot water with honey and lemon-- my favorite non-caffeinated winter drink. That brush looks soo crazy! I'm awful with styling tools (I use my fingers) so I'll be steering clear of that one.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm a private person, too, but I want you to know that I lost my mother to cancer several years ago and am sending you my supportive thoughts, and I'm totally here to lend an ear if you ever need one.
Yay! Can't wait to watch this video on Sunday a.m. with my java. Just watched your product swam video last Sunday and truly enjoyed. :) T. http://tickledpinkwoman.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI am storming the throne with prayers and have you in my thoughts. As a nurse I I get it and know that you need to holler, cry, laugh and feel it all cause that is normal. Your dad is in my prayers and let him tell you what he needs even if it is the weirdest things! Let me know if there is anything I can do for you for real!
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ReplyDeleteI watched your video! I will admit, I don't always watch them -- some weeks are so crazy and I'm not able to watch all the videos I subscribe to, so I have to pick and choose. But I'm glad I did this week. So sorry to hear your news. :-(
ReplyDeleteI want to apologize if I am one of those annoying commenters who seem like they didn't read the post. I always love to read your posts -- I often finish my breakfast with reading the latest thing that you posts -- and I try to always be mindful when I'm commenting. I think it helps to be a blogger and realize how much time goes into each post --- because of this, I find that I try to be more thoughtful in my comments and to make sure I answer any questions you asked your readers. But there are those days when I'm so busy...but I miss being a part of the blogging world and reading all my favorite blogs. Those are the days where I just want to lock myself in my room and play 'catch up' with everyone. :-)
Anywho, I'm rambling now. :-) Thank you for always being straight-forward and honest with your readers. We really appreciate it. And I'm on my way to check out your guest post... :-D
I'm sorry to hear about your dad Elle, I will keep him in my prayers. And I think your JALS thing is great about being more present, I think that's something I need to work on myself. But yeah I wish you all the best. Oh by the way I'm drinking some chai tea while watching your video! :)
ReplyDeleteNina
http://curvymod.blogspot.com/
I loved your chit chat video this month. You just blog and video as you feel prepared to - we're here for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your news with your friends and let us give you strength.
HUGS!
I'm so sorry about your dad Elle, he and the whole family are definitely in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you are talking about with the comments. We work so hard on each post, I want more than a "thanks for the information". It can be so frustrating. Thank you for always being transparent and real with us.
Elle, I'm so so so sorry about your dad! I'm sending happy thoughts and prayers your way. I think for now it's good that you're still blogging. I would also be hesitant to continue at first, but in tough times I think people need an outlet, something that makes them happy. If you need to make fewer videos or need to take a break, we'll all understand. You have to do what's right for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteP.S. -- I love that mug.
~Sara
Elle, I'm so sorry to hear the news about your dad. I can't even begin to imagine what you and your family are going through. Please know that I will be praying for strength, peace and understanding for y'all. I am glad to hear that you will keep blogging though because I do love your post. I like how you include products that aren't $$$ and even compare cheaper products vs higher end. It helps people like me out who can't imagine spending that much on makeup!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you on the birth of your beautiful niece. My prayers and thoughts to you and your family; following the news you've received about your father. Peace and grace, T.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing something so personal. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
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