Yvonneverse: Life Updates

Zain Turns 5!!!

By Yvonne Waluvengo - June 23, 2021

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Hello April!

By Yvonne Waluvengo - April 01, 2017

Goodbye March! :-)

It excites me when days come and go, because I can't wait to celebrate my daughter's first birthday, which will be on June the 23rd! Aah! I know by then she'll be walking too. If you have any awesome 1st birthday ideas please share them with me or if you know someone who makes great cake, please hit me up (Email: yvonnewaluvengo@gmail.com) . I'll organize the birthday on my own, haven't settled on Zain's birthday theme yet though, hope I'll have figured out what I need to by June.

My personal life aside, let's talk blogging. In terms of blogging 2017 is a year of experimenting; with new topics, designs, social platforms, companies and everything in between. You notice that I've changed my blog's header and theme, the whole purpose behind tweaking stuff here and there is to alllow my blog to grow with me and make it easier to branch out into new blogging territory.

Since the beginning of the year and now I've learnt a number of thing, the first lesson being that not having a super focused niche is totally okay! I blog about everything from beauty to fashion to motherhood to travel to random thoughts (Bloom Notes) and surprisingly, people who want to read about each topic seem to find them just fine without getting turned away by the other posts.

Second thing I've learnt is that most times you have to take the initiative of approaching companies for blog collaborations, marketing of products or giveaways. I have sent proposals to quite a number of companies, I'm happy with the feedback and looking forward to working with them.

Finally, I have learnt that taking blogging breaks is absolutely okay and even beneficial for my blog. You all know I can go for daaaays without posting, but when I finally have time to write, I am so much more motivated and inspired to create good content. I keep a master list of post ideas, so during these breaks I just fill that list up with ideas I want to try but too occupied or lazy to write at the time. Almost all of my popular posts come right after these long breaks, so I really need to stop feeling guilty when I haven’t had a post up in a while.

Trying to build a successful blog is both a nerve-wracking and exciting experience, I’m so thankful for all my readers that support me, I'm so grateful, you are appreciated.

Among my blogging goals in 2017 is to be more open and connected with my readers, so if you're interested in connecting, you should definitely hit me up or just follow along on any of these platforms (link attached) :-

~ Facebook

~ Twitter

~ Instagram

Thanks a lot for stopping by! I wish you lots of blessings as we start a new month.

Love & Light! ❤

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Life Updates

Hello February!

By Yvonne Waluvengo - February 01, 2017

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Life Updates

Christmas Wishlist ~ 2016

By Yvonne Waluvengo - December 19, 2016

Can you believe we’re 5 days away from Christmas?!

The festive season, just like birthdays, engagements or any special occasion in life really calls for ambitious wishes. I love receiving gifts I’ve wished for just as much as I love buying presents I imagine a loved one would like, there’s so much pleasure in unwrapping gifts, right?

If you are in a position to get something for those nearest and dearest to you, please do, it’s a great way of making them smile, even if they won’t like your gift a lot, the thought definitely counts.

Here’s my 2016 Christmas wishlist cum guide for all of you.

1. HP Sprocket

This gadget has been on my radar since I discovered it and I think it would be perfect because I have hundreds of photos in my phone which I would love to print out. I need to create a little photo album for Zain too. I'm super stoked about this pocket printer guys!

With such awesome, ever changing technology, you've got to love living in the 21st century!

2. Nikon D5500

I'm yet to settle on the best DSLR camera to buy for both my business and blogging purposes, I've read a number of reviews on this particular camera and I'm convinced it's what I should go for. It has amazing features, but I love it most because it has built-in Wi-Fi and smartphone compatibility.

3. Pauline Cosmetics Lipgloss

I can never have enough of makeup, if you’re a lady I’m sure we’re on the same boat, I mean, just when you finish shopping for some makeup, you come across this amazing foundation or lipstick that immediately makes way to your wishlist, right ladies? I wish to stock up some more lip colors in my makeup kit, after getting rid of some items from my makeup bag it hit me that I don't have any lipgloss.

4. Sandals

In case you guys didn't know, I have a huge fetish for shoes, just like in the case of makeup, I can never have enough of shoes. I'm lusting for some cute sandals as I feel I don't have enough, this pair from Style Connection is totally lust worthy.

5. Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste

Sometimes I buy perfumes solely on the basis of how cute their bottles look haha! And this one is super cute! I've read a few reviews on it and I like the fact that it can be worn when the weather is either hot or cold.

6. MARY KAY Skinvigorate Cleansing Brush

I’ve heard a lot of ladies and fellow bloggers rave about facial cleansing brushes, about how glowy their skin looked and how smooth it felt after its use. I know I’m late to the game, but I can’t wait to use one too and get that flawless face I’ve been dreaming about.

7. A Parenting Book

I'm a first time mom and honestly clueless about parenting, well not entirely, but a guide to parenting would be great, I'm planning to buy as many books on parenting as I can.

8. Swimsuit

I’m always on the hunt for cute swimsuits, I really like this one which I came across as I was browsing Le Style Parfait's site.

9. KOR Water Bottle

A stylish water bottle will motivate me to drink more water! Yes!... Seriously though, this water bottle… Or should I call it hydration vessel? Is so cool, you can read all about it here.

10. Toto Wrap

I want this so bad, I've got a baby carrier, but would really love a baby wrap too.

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What are you wishing for this year?

Thanks a lot for reading! By the way I’ve attached a link to every product mentioned, therefore if you're in Kenya and you like anything from the list you can shop directly by clicking on the name of individual products.

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Life Updates

Hey!

By Yvonne Waluvengo - October 13, 2016

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Life Updates

Letter to Little Zain

By Yvonne Waluvengo - August 17, 2016

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Life Updates

Feeling 22

By Yvonne Waluvengo - December 30, 2015

I have honestly and truly missed you guys, so much, as well as blogging.

Today I turned 22 years old.

I'm experiencing a whole lot of feelings right now, I'm happy, as I should be of course, but there are other feelings in play - I feel both young and aged haha! Nostalgic, sad... A little indifferent.

Life decided that it's time to represent the double two, can you imagine? It didn't even ask me if I was ready or not... Oh well! I guess I'll just have to get used to it and hopefully, at some point, replying "22" when my age is asked will not feel weird as it leaves my lips. Also, If I'm lucky, maybe I'll get over the strangeness of calling myself a woman when "girl" is just as awkward... Or maybe, I'll find out that there is no "aha! This is it" moment in womanhood... Perhaps it is something that does not hit you until you have lived it for several years.

Goodness! I'm I blabbering? I feel like I am.

Before I get too carried away with my introspection, I figured it would be great to share with you 22 lessons I have learned by my 22nd year.

1. As much as I always want to be in control and run my life's show as I see fit, I have to constantly remind myself that there is a Director who knows the scenes of my life and His timing is impeccable. Putting God first, allowing Him to lead is the wisest choice.

2. Happiness and inner peace is attracted when you let go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for what it is.

3. You teach people how to treat you.

4. Small changes over time = BIG CHANGE.

5. When it comes to relationships, it's less about finding the right person and more about becoming the right person.

6. Give and expect nothing in return. Best investment!

7. Speak to your family, friends, significant other more kindly than you speak to anyone else. Too often we speak the most harshly to those closest to us.

8. Beauty is not just a physical experience, but a psychological one as well. Wake up in the morning and say to yourself "I'm beautiful, I'm a goddess" before looking in the mirror.

9. Nothing will change in your life if you don't do something different from what you have been doing.

10. Most people in society need things and only care about what they can get from you. Sad truth.

11. Don't strive for money, top of a career, fame... Luxury. Once you get it, you'll be more miserable. It's not by chance that rarely rich people are happy and many businessmen and successful leaders have turned to frugal life after seeing the emptiness of the rich one.

12. After trials, comes triumphs. Whatever life throws at you, remain strong because better times are coming.

13. People older than you don’t have it all figured out. They may speak with authority, but they mostly make it up just like you. Most of them are full of s*#t. But we should listen to their advice anyway... There’s a lot of wisdom in that s*#t haha!

14. It doesn't matter whether you need them or not, just treat people right.

15. Time is the most precious possession and the thing you can't get back. Spend time with people and doing things that add value to your life.

16. Be careful with what you put in your mind. If you teach yourself to ignore the negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones, especially from an earlier age, your life will be so darn good.

17. Focus on your goals and successes. If you pay too much attention on your past failures or regrets, things wont get any better.

18. If you have haters, you are probably doing something/most things right. When you start to improve and have success in different areas, it's perfectly normal for people to envy you, dislike you, criticize you and even wish the worst for you.

19. Internally validate yourself. You are enough, nothing and nobody will ever complete you.

20. Enjoy the process. The challenges and hard times you face will enable you to appreciate a better situation.

21. Don't forget to laugh and smile.

22. Say ‘yes’ to every request, especially when it’s something easy like seeing a movie, attending a wedding or supporting a friend. Your friends will appreciate you, your life experience will increase, and your comfort zone will continue to expand.

Which of the lessons can you most relate to? Also, Please share any valuble lesson (s) you have learned this year.

Love & Light

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Life Updates

November Favourites

By Yvonne Waluvengo - November 30, 2015

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Life Updates

October Favourites

By Yvonne Waluvengo - October 28, 2015

It just hit me that my texting skills include talking and responding to myself, writing essays, not making any sense and regretting everything I just sent.

Do you ever go back to old messages you sent to someone and you just sit there and question your sanity?... You read them and go like, "no shit! I really I'm crazy"... Story of my life.

I've decided to introduce a new segment to the blog, whereby I'll be sharing my monthly favourites, they'll be random stuff really, nothing special, well, some will be special.

A lot of bloggers actually have this kind of segment on their blogs and mostly put them up at the end of the month. I thoroughly enjoy reading them, I find them so fun and informative.

Since October has literally come to an end , I thought it a pretty good idea to put together my first round-up of personal favourites to share with you before we all say hallo to November!!! By the way, is anyone counting down days to Christmas? Haha!

Please don't forget to tell me if you find some of your favourites from this list... Let's begin!

1. Organics Olive Oil Extra Virgin Leave In Conditioner by Africa's Best

I've been searching for a quality, cream based leave in conditioner for quite some time now, so when I finally lay my hands on this particular one and it turned out to be great on my hair, I was so freaking happy!

Whenever I use it, it leaves my hair feeling soft and super moisturized. What I love most about it is that, unlike other leave-in-conditioners I've used in the past, it's not sticky, at all, plus, I can apply it when my hair is either dry or wet.

If asked to rate this product, I'd most definitely give it a 10/10.

By the way, you can get it at Nakumatt, it retails at Kshs. 545.

2. Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector - Dark & Forever Living Aloe Lips Lip-balm (With Jojoba)

I've been using Garnier BB Cream as a primer before applying my foundation and I quite like the results I get, It brightens, smoothens and moisturizes my skin.

Sometimes, when I don't like feel applying foundation, I simply apply it on its own and set it using my powder, it gives sheer coverage though, it doesn't cover up blemishes, acne, under eye circles... You'll need extra concealer for that.

I got it from Beauty Options, the one along Kimathi Street. It retails at Kshs. 920.

I think I've seen it at supermarkets, but at a price that's a little higher.

You all know I'm loyal to this lip-balm, but when Terry brought me this other lip-balm by Forever Living, I kinda stopped being loyal... It's a great lip-balm, super moisturizing and leaves lips with a shine. I should mention, it smells really sweet too :-)

I've been using it as a base prior to applying lipstick, but sometimes I apply it alone and it just looks like I have some lip-gloss on.

3. Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Wash & Hot Pink Exfoliating Bath Gloves

About the facial wash... Read all about it here.

I was a bit skeptical when buying these gloves, yes, I'd read a couple of reviews online before deciding to buy them, but still. Also, I was a bit hesitant when I wanted to use them for the first time, because they have a rough texture, I thought they may be harsh to my skin

As you can see, the exfoliating bath gloves look like a normal pair of gloves. The only difference is that the bath gloves are made from nylon woven material, similar to a scouring pad. I'm pleased to inform you though, that when the bath gloves are wet they feel a whole lot softer and less harsh. They are great for exfoliating the entire body without causing any damage to skin.

I use it twice a week. I'm honestly addicted to how smooth my skin feels after exfoliating it with these gloves.

I got the gloves at Nakumatt... I shop too much at Nakumatt haha! What can I say? I love the points that come along with it. It retails at Kshs. 495 if I remember correctly.

4. Body Luxuries Berry Vanillas Hand Gel, Maasai Beaded Earrings & A Beauty Blender

I got these tiny pretty "things" as gifts!!! Benefits of having friends who are girls!

There's nothing cool about having dudes as friends!... They start seeing and treating you as a dude (talking from experience :-\)

The hand sanitizer!!! It smells so damn good! Sometimes I use it on my hands even when they're clean, just so its scent can be left behind then I'll cover my nose with my hand so I can really get all the goodness... Aaah!

I swear I've worn the earrings almost 101 times this month... I exaggerate, but you get the point.

Every lady who loves makeup NEEDS a beauty blender!!! I use it to blend my foundation and damn! It makes your face look flawless! I'll write a separate post on how to use it.

5. Luron Nail Polish, No 21 & 33

Been wearing these two colors throughout the month of October.

Luron Nail Polish is not of the best quality, I mean, hey! What do you expect from nail polish that is worth Kshs. 110... Huh? What do you expect? Lol!

It's not that bad though, provided you apply a base-coat and topcoat as well, your nail polish should last on your nails for a week or even two if you're lucky.

21 is this gorgeous wine red which looks lovely on my toenails and 33 is a pretty pink as you can see. You can find them at any supermarket, they're way cheaper at Super Cosmetics though, only Kshs. 95! Whaaaaat! Supermarkets are "eating our money."

6. I Made It To The Papers!!!

Should this be my "claim to fame?"

You know, so far, I've only been featured in a newspaper three times in my lifetime. This is huge, I'm a village girl and I'm telling you, this is huge... Hahaha! I kid!

This feature in The Star Newspaper made me really happy, grateful and honored, often I only see celebrities (musicians, models, actors...) appearing on this particular section. I want to send a big thank you to the beautiful Marion Wambui and her team for making this possible, y'all are just too awesome, I feel humbled to have graced your article.

Of course I thank God, it's always important to thank Him when you achieve milestones, big or small. God is amazing.

It's been 9 months of inconsistent blogging! I feel like singing Drakes "Started From The Bottom" whenever I look at this feature ha! Because of it the blog views shot up from 7000 + views to 15,000 + views, within a span of two days, 17th & 18th October, I've never had views as many since I started blogging.

I'm looking forward to the future, I hope and pray for greater things and opportunities. My dad once told me to work hard and smart, I'll keep doing exactly that, enjoying myself while I'm at it and patiently waiting to see where it gets me. Channeling my creativity brings me joy, Jua Na Maua brings me joy.

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On my next monthly favourites I'll try to include food... Because food!... Nice places I've been to, books I read and loved, movies/shows I liked among other things, just so it's more interesting to read.

I appreciate the fact that you visit this little space, you my dear readers are part of my journey. Thank you all so much for taking your time to read and comment on my posts.

Love & Light

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