Life SHOULD Change After Kids

Hey Everyone!

I hope everything is great! Sorry for the infrequent posts last week. Little Tony was on spring break so my days were spent with him hanging out and having family fun nights.

I know everyone may not have kids that read this blog but I still wanted to do this post. I see soooooo (I really could put o's for days but I think you get the point) many people having kids and acting like it's no big deal. Well news flash it is! Having a child is a huge deal and its a huge responsibility that you now have for the rest of your life.

I feel like children are a blessing from God (I know everyone says that), but they are. I feel like if you are blessed enough to have them its your job to raise them in a way that would be pleasing to Him. You are raising the future president, CEO, government official, etc...

So to my point, when you have kids your life SHOULD change. If it doesnt, you are honestly doing something wrong. You should no longer be watching the same shows you may or may not have been watching before you had them in front of them. If you cursed like a sailor prior to children, you should probably rethink your word usage when they come. If you went out every single weekend, that definitely should and will change. 

Your children didn't ask to be here, you chose to have them or chose to engage in 'some action' that brought them here. Your children look up to you as an example of the behavior they should and shouldn't engage in.

I take parenting so seriously and it literally breaks my heart when I see people that are abusing that privilege. It is a huge sacrifice but it's honestly worth every bit of it. When you do things that affect your child in a negative way, its not just you that is hurting.

If you happen to be a single mom and are dating, be careful of how many men you bring around your daughters. They dont understand the dynamics of dating so to them it looks like its normal to have men in and out of your life. If your children watch you in abusive relationships day in and out, they will assume that this how a normal relationship is and they will expect that for their future.

I know this may be a long-winded rant but I write all this to say, if you don't have kids and aren't ready to change the way you live drastically then please don't have them until you are. And secondly, if you do have kids think about your kids before anything you do. Your life is no longer your own, so please consider all people involved.

Stay Fab <3,

Sheri

6 Years and Counting

Hey Everyone!
I hope you guys had a wonderful weekend and a great start to your week. T is on spring break this week so I have been doing activities with him all day yesterday and today.

Next Saturday, will be me and my hunny's 6 year anniversary. That may not be long for some people but in our generation and time it seems like people are getting married and after a year they are ready for a divorce. Not only have we been married for 6 years but he literally is my best friend. We haven't got in an argument in years. Im not joking, I literally can't remember the last time we had one. I say this to say, we are truly happy and we hang out like homies every chance we can.

I wanted to share some of the things that I believe have kept us happily married.

1. Communication
We are very open with each other. From the moment I meant Tony, he has always been honest whether you want to hear it or not lol. He talks to a ton of people every day, girls included, but because he is honest I know about women he has had to stop coaching because of inappropriate comments, etc... We tell each other about our day, each and every day, whether we are together or apart.

2. Let it Go
Every issue isn't worth fighting about. A long time ago, we came up with this: If it's not worth getting a divorce over, why fight about it? Of course, we are human and certain things may bother us from time to time, but if it's not a kingdom issue then we just take a second and LET IT GO. Ladies, if your man is working all day, do you think he wants to come to a nagging wife? I meet so many girls that want to nit-pick about every issue with their partner. If you have something you really want them to change, then have a discussion about it with them but complaining about trivial issues day in and day out will get you left for the next. Sorry, just keeping it real. I know I don't want to hear complaining all day about little stuff and I know he feels the same way.

3. Stop expecting perfection
Don't get caught up looking for some prince charming you see depicted on reality tv. No one is perfect, including you. So often we get so caught up on the things you think your partner isn't doing for you that you don't appreciate the things they do. Tony is an amazing husband, he would give me the world without a second thought, but guess what he sometimes forgets to open doors for me lol. He doesn't always forget but when he does its not a big deal. My husband is faithful, a hard worker, and treats me like queen. It really doesn't get any better than that. When you choose to look for the good in your relationship, you and your partner will both be happier.

4. Keep It Fresh
I know this may be a touchy subject, especially for women. But let me be real: men are visual creatures. So often, I hear women saying, I don't have to get dressed up or work out, I'm not trying to catch anyone. The same effort you put into finding your partner is the same effort you should put into keeping them. Keep your body in shape, get dressed up, still wear makeup, do your hair, etc... He can love you with every ounce of him but if he is not attracted you, it means he is going to look else where. Like I said in my previous post, I am the queen of change up. I am constantly changing it up and my hubby loves it. Right when he might be getting comfortable, I do something to my hair, get new makeup, or buy some new clothes and its like getting to be married to a new person. 

Stay Fab,
Sheri <3

 

Summer Time Fine

 

 Hey Everyone,

I hope you all are having a great day! I head back to the doctor tomorrow and I am hoping to get cleared for more activity (fingers crossed.) It's the beginning of Spring, which means less clothes, bare legs, and days spent at the beach. Five weeks on bed rest mixed with not much movement and strong pain meds definitely takes a toll on your body.

I dont know about you but we spend tons of time at the beach or pool during late spring and summer in Florida and I know I need to get back in the gym and get summer time fine ;)!

I wanted to share some tips with you on getting in shape and keeping it that way so we can be on this get tight program together.

1. Take before pics. Sometimes on our fitness journey we forget how far we have come. It's important to have these pics, no one else has to see them but you. 

2. Set goals and remind yourself of them every day! Set a goal and put it somewhere you can see every day. I usually make a fitness vision board and put it in my bathroom so I see it every day when I am brushing my teeth. I use pictures of myself or fitness models on my vision board to remind me why I am working out and eating right on those days when I just don't feel like it.

3. Eat clean and lean. I cant stress how important your diet is. It's 70% of your weight loss journey. Try to eat every couple hours; I usually eat every 3 hours. Stick to lean protein, veggies, and complex carbs. Use your hand as a beginner's way to measure portions. Your carbs should be the size of your fist, your protein the size of your palm not including fingers, and your veggies the size of your whole hand including fingers.

4. Drink more water. Try to drink 3/4 to a gallon of water every day. When you are drinking enough water, your body doesn't hold as much water and you don't look as puffy and your stomach will be less bloated.

5. It's ok to have cheat meals. You need to be realistic and realize, no one will eat perfect every single day. I usually have cheat meals once or twice a week. Have something you have been craving that week, this helps you stay on track and you are less likely to binge and fall off the wagon completely.

6. Hit the gym. Losing weight is great but if you dont hit the gym you will end up with just loose skin and no one wants that. Try to do 45 min of cardio 3-4 times a week and hit the weights 3x a week. Trust me you will not get bulky lifting weights. Lift lighter weights with higher reps. This way you will be burning fat while getting toned.

 7. Don't get stuck looking at numbers! The scale is not always an accurate tool to measure how far you have come. When you start to build muscle it affects the way the scale responds. Muscle weighs more than fat, so some weeks they may cancel each other out. Take pictures and use your body as the tool for measurement. I always say your jeans are a good way to measure how your body is changing. Jeans don't have much give, so when you gain weight or lose it you can always tell, well I can at least lol.

8. Be patient and stay consistent! This is one of the hardest things for most people. You didnt gain all of the weight in two weeks but yet you expect to lose it all in 10 days. There are no quick fixes. If you want to get in shape and stay lean, it's going to take hard work, discipline, and consistency!

You can do it, I believe in you. Keep track of your progress weekly, so you can look back and your before pictures and see how far you have come. Lets get summer time fine together!! :)

My goal is to get back to my body here:

Stay Fab,

Sheri <3

Instagram: SheriGaskins

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Woman Doesnt Equal Weak

Hey Everyone!

Last week when I was at breakfast with my hubby we were talking about relationships and about women in general. One thing he always talks about in his seminars is my strength. It helped him change. My strength and confidence in myself forced him to step up to the plate or walk out the door. I didn't have a middle option and he knew it. 

I find so many women are settling and allowing men to treat them in ways that they shouldn't. Growing up, I was a 3 sport student athlete and did very well academically. I was extremely busy and thought of boys/men as an accessory not a necessity. I didnt NEED to have a guy in my life and that carried over into adulthood.

When Tony and I were dating, he always used to say I date like a dude. I was never waiting for him to call and I really rarely ever called him. If we got in an argument, I was the kind of girl that had NO PROBLEM not answering the phone. I would put my phone under the bed and go on about my day. In the very beginning of our relationship, I felt like he was questioning me too much about certain things so I told him that we couldn't be together and I moved on with my life and didn't look back. He began to realize that I loved myself so much that I wouldn't settle for anything less.

When our paths crossed about a year later, he knew what standard I expected and if he wanted us to be together that's what it would take. And guess what happened? He stepped up to the plate. So many girls NEED a man or WANT a man in their life so bad, that they are scared to stand up for what they deserve. You have to realize that any man you are with should strive to love you like Jesus loved the church, if he doesn't than he shouldn't be in your life.

I am not saying that he has to be perfect because of course no one is, but certain things are not up for negotiation for me. Before going in to a relationship, spend some time with yourself. Set standards for the things you expect and dont expect in a relationship. Things on my list were: must love God, can't disrespect me (curse at me, call me out of my name), no cheating, keep his word, etc... 

I write all of this to say: a man will only give you what you show them you will take, show them you that deserve more and force them to step up to the plate. If they don't, then that isn't the person God has for you. 

Stay Fab,

Sheri <3

Instagram: SheriGaskins

www.twitter.com/SheriGaskins

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On My New-New: Beauty

  

Hey everyone!

If you've been keeping up with my blog then you know I was on bed rest for over a month. I am doing a lot better and while I am not 100%, I am cleared to do some light walking, driving (with a pillow), etc... After all that time in bed, I was ready for a change up. And I decided to start by trying out some beauty products I've been checking out for awhile.

When it comes to beauty, I am not a spontaneous buyer. I am very careful with make up and my skincare routine, so I always do A LOT of research before I buy anything. I read beauty blogs, youtube video reviews, etc... I keep a moleskin diary in my purse and while I am reading blogs, I write down any products that I think will be good for my skin and that way when I go to the store, I won't buy things that won't work with my skin type.

My moleskin diary filled with all my beauty notes.

My latest beauty buys were a mix of online orders, Sephora, and Nordstrom makeup counters. All things I have been reading about for quite some time now. You have plenty of time on your hands when you're just lying in bed.

All my latest beauty purchases

I have been hearing a lot about Real Technique brushes so I decided to give them a whirl. They are A LOT cheaper than Mac, Sigma, or Sedona lace brushes. For one of the packages its anywhere from $13-18. You can't even get one Mac brush for that price. If they work well, I'll definitely be a happy girl for the price I paid :).

 

Real Technique brushes ordered online

For skincare, I picked up a few new moisturizers and a beauty elixir. My Chanel moisturizer finished, so I decided to try out a couple new ones before I repurchased. I bought the Kate Sommerville Nourish day moisturizer, Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins for night time, and the Caudalie beauty elixir. 

I had been hearing such good things about the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder. I actually have started using this one and so far I absolutely love it. I use it to set my concealer or corrector and it brightens my under eyes so nicely. I also picked up the Dior Amber Diamond highlighter. This is a perfect mix of colors for the summer to give that nice bronzy highlighted look. I cant wait to try it out!

My last purchases from Sephora were a few odds and ends that I've been wanting to try it out. A Sephora fan brush (Real Techniques doesnt make one), a beauty blender, and some L'OCCITANE hand lotion. I am a stickler about keeping my hands moisturized, so I like to keep a good hand cream in my bag with me at all times.

Then I headed to Nordstrom. I wanted to check out some Nars products especially their sheer glow foundation. I like a dewy look with my foundation and I heard this foundation does just that. I purchased the foundation, a concealer, one of their new satin lip pencils in a peachy nude color, a nude lip gloss, an every day blush, and got an orgasm cream illuminator as a gift with purchase.

My last stop before heading out of Nordstrom was the Dior counter. I love the Dior Addict lipsticks. They have such a smooth application and feel so good on the lips. They have such pretty colors out for spring/summer right now, so I picked up a bright pink color and a coral nail polish.

I will be using all these products for the next couple weeks and Ill let you know which ones I love and which ones miss the mark.

Stay Fab,

Sheri <3

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Keep 'Em Guessing!

  Hey Everyone! 

I hope you all had a fab weekend. Speaking of fab, I believe that we should be fab in all aspects of life, fashion, parenting, relationships, etc, and I hope my blog will give you tips for different areas of your life :).

On Friday, I posted my outfit choice for that morning on instagram for breakfast with my hubby. (If you dont follow me, my username is SheriGaskins). I was wearing a PreppyPoindexter sweater, a snapback, zara dress sweats, and some chucks. The caption on the picture read: Felt like being a G today. Don't get stuck wearing a uniform, be somebody different every day. 

I see so many people that have a set style, hair do, etc that they keep the same ALL the time. It's so important to be versatile, have fun, and switch it up. When I get dressed every day, I get to choose my persona for that day. Sometimes I may be in my 'soccer mom' attire, other days I am more relaxed and want to rock sweats, a snapback, and sneakers, and some days I may be rocking my college prepster look. And of course there are days when I mix pieces together and create my own look. Whatever look I choose for the day, I own it and have a blast wearing it.

I do the same thing with my hair, I am constantly changing the color and cut. Most of you who follow me, know that I cut bangs not too long ago. I loved them but now its time for something different. So look out for the change up, coming soon :).

I know all of you may not be married or in a relationship right now, but even if you aren't its still important to understand the makeup of a man. Men are visual creatures. No matter how much they love you, if they aren't visually attracted to you it's going to cause problems. I have been married for 6 years and although I am not a pro, I have learned somethings a long the way. One of the things my hubby always talks about is how I am constantly switching it up. As soon as he is getting used to my look,  I do something to change it up and he says it's like getting to fall in love with another woman over and over again. 

So dont be scared to have fun with your look and remember to always keep them guessing :)!

Stay Fab,
Sheri <3

 

Dr. Seuss Day

 "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"

 

Hey Everyone!!

 I hope you guys are having a fabulous day!! Thank you for all the kind msgs on twitter/instagram/etc... about my recovery from my last post! I really appreciate it!!

I am still getting better day by day and God willing will be 100% within the next two weeks.

Today was Dr. Seuss day at my son's school to celebrate his birthday and reading. Lil Tony started reading this school year and he is such an amazing reader already, so today definitely has a lot more meaning than last year.

The kids all can dress up wear shirts, hats, etc, to celebrate. Every year without fail, I always forget its coming up and dont have time to order a shirt so I make one. I actually like doing it because I can put a different twist on it. T goes to a christian school and they wear christian t-shirts on the last Friday of every month, so I like to give the Dr. Seuss shirts a little twist so they can be christian t-shirts as well.

This year we decided to use the "One Fish, Two Fish..." book, but instead of making regular fishes, I made it with the Jesus fishes. I am by no means an artist, but my son loves them and that's really what matters :). I also lucked up and found a Dr. Seuss hat at party city. They had a lot of fun things planned today at school: drinking grinch punch, playing in oobleck slime, reading (of course), arts and crafts, and drinking pink ink during snack. Here are some pics from today:

The kids playing with oobleck at school

Thanks for reading and I hope you guys have a wonderful day! And like the quote above says: "Why fit in, when you were born to stand out?" Dare to be different and have a blast doing it too!

Stay Fab <3,

Sheri

LITTLE THINGS

"Little things are only little until you don't have them anymore."

Hey everyone,

If you follow me on twitter, instagram, or facebook you probably know that I have been kind of MIA these past 3 weeks. I wanted to give you guys a little update on what's going on because I had promised I'd start blogging more and then I just stopped.

About three weeks ago, I had surgery on my finger on my right hand and I also had surgery on my tailbone. I have been on bedrest this whole time, not able to sit up and even stand much. I am finally starting to heal a bit and feeling a little better so I couldnt wait to blog. I am still on bedrest with very very light activity but I am hoping soon Ill be cleared for a bit more activity.

During these three weeks, I now appreciate the little things that I used to take for granted. It made me realize that when you aren't able to do things, those things seem a lot bigger then they previously did. I havent been able to bend over and shave my legs, really do my hair (because of my finger), take my son to school, play with him, etc...

I am very blessed that my husband has been so supportive and put all his traveling on hold and has been there for me doing everything he can to help. Because without him, I dont know what I would have done.

I just wanted to write this to update you all and remind you that no matter how bad things are there is always something to be thankful for even if its just a little thing.

I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend!!

Sheri <3