9 Ways to Keep your Mental Health in Check

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Keri Elaine Ocean views Caribbean Tulum, Mexico Vacation. Peace tranquility mental health. Birthday trip!

This past October 10th was Mental Health Awareness day. With the weather changing, and the holidays rapidly approaching it really made me think about ways to keep your mental health in check. 

1.    Call a friend who makes you feel understood. We all have that one friend or loved one we can be completely honest with. We can talk about our financial struggles, memories of carefree times, or our goals for the future. Reach out to that person to schedule a time to talk for an hour and genuinely listen to each other. Every time I do this I feel ready to go out and kick ass.

2.    Go for a walk at lunch. I do this literally every day. So many people sit at their desks all day and it can make the day feel like one long florescent light dream. Going for a walk in the middle of the day clears your head and makes the second half of the workday fly by.

3.    Journal. Sometimes you just need to write out what is bothering you. Then you can rip it up, burn it or throw it away. Whatever you need to feel relieved. 

4.    Talk to a therapist! Check your benefits at work, some offices include a certain number of therapy sessions for free or a smaller fee of 35 dollars a session. There are therapy apps like Better Help that have online counselors you can message. 

5.    Pray. When in doubt the good old Serenity prayer is always a favorite of mine. When you relinquish your struggles to God you instantly feel lighter. For My yoke is easy, my burden light – Matthew 11:30.

6.    Work out! Endorphins make you happy and happy people don’t kill their husbands. 

Credit to giphy
Credit to giphy

7.    Laugh. Watch a comedy show, read old memes you saved in your phone, Youtube stand up comedy or old episodes of Ridiculousness. Whatever will make you laugh.

8. Take a day off of work and do something you love. Treat yourself to a baseball game, a new art exhibition or something as simple as your favorite sandwich.

9.    Remember that all feelings are temporary. Joy, sadness, feeling blah. It is all temporary which is great because you can change it!

What are some things you do to stay mentally healthy? 

Halloween DIY Target Wreath

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Hello beautiful people!

Target wreath Keri Elaine
Click the link in the post to see this on my YouTube channel

Two weeks ago I celebrated my birthday in Tulum, Mexico! I decided to vlog a little bit while I was there so that footage will come out next week on my YouTube channel Keri Elaine. If you are following me on Instagram you can check it out on my photos and highlights to get a preview!

Have a fabulous week🍂🍁🎃!

Why you Should Buy your Winter Coat Before Fall

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Emerald green Ted Baker midi coat, beautiful black woman, in black ankle booties.
In love with my new Ted Baker coat I got it at Bloomingdales, but have linked the closest one I could find at Nordstrom here

I’ve been dreaming of an emerald green fitted coat since last winter. I checked many clothing sites trying to find one that would flatter my body instead of making me feel like the Michelin man in a puffer coat. Then, I saw the perfect one in Ted Baker. Only one problem, it was well over 500 dollars. Now I will admit I love luxury items. However, I will wait for the perfect sale to buy. By that I mean a 40 percent off sale on top of the end of season 30 percent. Which takes a good amount of tracking and patience. I do believe that a coat is a great investment piece. My last two coats I just got rid off (partially for being too small and starting to fall apart) were from 10 years ago. Back when Delia’s was thriving. Now I don’t even think they exist r.i.p.

Midcentury modern chair, black girl magic, in a Ted Baker emerald green coat, black ankle booties.

Fast forward to Labor Day I noticed the Ted Baker coats from last year were on sale. The green coat I loved went from 560(ish) to 405 and an additional 30 percent off for Labor Day. Which brought the coat down to under 290. I rushed to the mall to see if I could try on my size and the last emerald green Ted Baker coat they had fit me. 

Emerald Green Ted Baker Coat, rose gold hardware, orange velvet chair
The rose gold hardware on the belt, single button closure and magnetic cross at the top

As much as I hate winter (Florida girl problems), I feel mentally ready to brave the cold in this warm, soft wool coat. Having a coat in a rich color instead of black or grey makes me happier since winter blues are a real thing. If you are in need of a coat I highly recommend waiting until you are out of season. Then look for holidays like Mother’s Day, Columbus Day, Labor Day to get an additional discount on winter clothing!

I’ve Been Working on My Fitness

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Lululemon black pants Kendall and Kylie shoes fitness. Black girls who workout. Modern industrial table

Hello beautiful people!

Over the past three months I have been on a hard-core weight loss and fitness journey. I had been working out in the gym doing a combinations of kettle bells, squat rack, videos on a Wexler and Zumba. However, my weight seemed to go up. I only ate out twice a week at deli’s and was eating vegetarian and occasionally vegan meals. I knew macros were a combination of fat, carbs and protein. I just didn’t know how many grams of each I should eat everyday. Once I worked with my trainer I found out I was eating about 30 percent protein and 60 carbs when I should be eating about 50 percent protein and 30 carbs 30 fats. I also learned fats are processed like carbs so if I ate an avocado and peanut butter to just eat veggies with my protein instead of a brown rice bowl or sandwich. I also started cooking 90 percent of my meals at home. I eat out for two meals a week and one is ad a fabulous salad place. The other is whatever my heart desires that week. I worked out 6 days a week for two hours consistently weight lifting, and running the stair master.

The main thing I have learned aside from macros is that you have to change up your workouts every four weeks. When you hit 5-6 weeks you start to platue. That’s why your workouts start to feel really easy after three weeks even though you upped the weights your lifting. So don’t be afraid to take a kickboxing class if you have been running or Pilates if all you done is weight lifting.  I lost 17 pounds over the course of 4 months after 90 days on a training program. Over all I feel so much healthier. I had tried being Vegan in the past and seemed to put on more weight. I now know that Vegan diets don’t work for everyone and that’s okay! I still use a Vegan protein powder and eat mostly veggie-based meals, but I know my body thrives when I have some animal and plant proteins together. Are you on a fitness journey? What is your favorite workout activity? plateauThe main thing I have learned aside from macros is that you have to change up your workouts every four weeks. When you hit 5-6 weeks you start to platue. That’s why your workouts start to feel really easy after three weeks even though you upped the weights your lifting. So don’t be afraid to take a kickboxing class if you have been running or Pilates if all you done is weight lifting.  I lost 17 pounds over the course of 4 months after 90 days on a training program. Over all I feel so much healthier. I had tried being Vegan in the past and seemed to put on more weight. I now know that Vegan diets don’t work for everyone and that’s okay! I still use a Vegan protein powder and eat mostly veggie-based meals, but I know my body thrives when I have some animal and plant proteins together. Are you on a fitness journey? What is your favorite workout activity? 

Life Quotes from the Art of Racing in the Rain

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  • photo credit to IMDB

This weekend I saw The Art of Racing in the Rain. As a car enthusiast who used to race cars on occasion with her friends, (sorry mom!) I knew this would be an interesting film. While I am a complete sucker for Milo Ventimiglia and Amanda Seyfried this film had beautiful lessons about life. One of the main rules they teach you when riding a motorcycle is where you lean, you will go. If you lean to the right, your bike will head to the right. In The Art of Racing in the Rain they say, “In racing, they say that your car goes where your eyes go. The driver who cannot tear his eyes away from the wall as he spins out of control will meet that wall; the driver who looks down the track as he feels his tires break free will regain control of his vehicle.” Meaning if we focus on the negative things in our life we will continue to spiral into depression, loss, and stress. If we choose to be aware of the negative things happening around us but stay positive that everything will work out in our favor, then it usually will. We can all use the reminder to focus on the good in our lives. Especially when pursuing a career in the arts, which is full of unnecessary opinions, rejections, self-doubt, and occasional financial hardship. However, it only takes one person to change your luck. One music producer to sign you, one person to buy your painting, one person to cast you on a tv show to put you back on top. 

Another one of my favorite quotes from the film states, “This is a rule of racing: No race has ever been won in the first corner; many have been lost there.” Perseverance is the key to success. It doesn’t matter how far behind on your goals, it only matters if you quit. One of my friends always says a year from now you’ll look back and think wow if I had quit I would’ve missed out on so many opportunities. No one comes into this world with all the wisdom to be a CEO or knows the exact steps to get there. We all have to finish what we are truly passionate about, then the success will come.

“You should shine with all of your light all the time”.

So many times in life I have allowed other people to dull my sparkle all for the sake of preventing conflict.

As I have gotten older, I have learned that anyone who does not want the best for you is not meant to be in your life. Holding yourself back is never the correct answer and prevents you from reaching your full potential. The one critique I consistently got back on my theatre juries in high school is why are you holding back? I never thought I was. I was going as far with the character as I possibly could. Now that I am in a studio that is supportive and positive, I realized I was holding back. Why? Fear, fear that I would deal with more judgment, drama, and stress than I already was. I did not feel like my classmates had my best interest at heart, or that I could trust my teachers enough to give me a parachute that would open. Now I have that. I know to go into every in-person audition, every self-tape and give it my 110 percent. So that no matter what happens I am proud of my performance.

Do any of these quotes ring true for you?

Intimacy: is it an Important Part of Acting in Film and Television?

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Savage X Fenty Teddy in Purple Keri Elaine.com
Wearing Savage x Fenty

I joined a phenomenal new acting studio back in April. This has been the most supportive and fulfilling acting experience I have ever had in my life. The last time I felt this challeged and secure was my sophomore year in high school. This studio thinks completely outside the box and has a way of challenging and transforming actors. This past week’s acting class was about intimacy. 

A word that can strike fear in the hearts of many an actress. Why you might ask? While we make a career out of being emotionally vulnerable in front of the camera, the thought of being physically exposed as well can be emotionally draining, exhausting and terrifying. All you can think is ugh, now I have to bear my soul and potentially my body to 60+ crew members made up of, make up, hair, AD, grip, producers and ect.

Since you often have a lot of people around when filming, even on a “closed set” which should only have crucial crew members. Our fabulous instructor took the time to ask us what we feel comfortable showing? Nothing? Your butt, side boob or topless? It was interesting to hear each woman’s opinion on what she feels okay with sharing to the world depending on if it seriously supports the characters development and arc throughout the series or not. We all agreed that the amount of topless nudity just for the sake of being topless in film and television is absurd. There are so many bro movies out there that just have women topless for the sake of adding sex to the film while all the men are fully dressed and the women only have two lines. There should be some criteria for if the role has to have nudity, or inplied nudity to support the character.

If it was a series regular or guest star reoccurring role; then it would be worth it for the screen time. If the character grew up being a tomboy, runs her own entrepreneurial businesses, surfs or is a total hippie; then it would fit the character more. Some surfers are comfortable running around pretty much naked, which we the audience could believe. Still we discussed how to choreograph a scene much like we would in stage combat for fight scenes or a dance for a musical number. While intimacy coordinators are becoming more popular you can not rely on them/every set to have your best interest at heart. There is a huge learning curve right now and some directors are more cautions of assisting the scene because of the #metoo movement. Most of the time they expect the actors to figure out the intimacy scenes on set on their own. So we women (and men) need to take intitive to choreograph the scene ahead of time with our friend or scene partner. Making sure to cover what we do not feel comfortable showing, but offer an alternative. Of course which body parts are being shown of camera is discussed and negotiatied before we have even accepted the role and set foot on set.

My favorite part of the class was seeing how beautiful it is to be powerful and in control of your body. Seeing each set of scene partners play both roles (the class is all women and we each took turns playing the man and the woman in the scene), take tips on how to help your guy partner in the scene. How to break the ice when this could be your first day and scene with your partner. How badass it is to be confident because confidence is the sexiest thing you on and off camera.

8 Signs of a Hype-man

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Hello Beautiful people!

Now that you’ve found yourself on this post you are probably thinking what is a Hype-man? Well in the past it was a hip hop singer who tries to get the audience excited about the performance. However here in Atlanta (the rap capital of the world) a Hype-man is another word for people who are pretending to be bigger and more successful than they are. This could be in the music, film or fitness community. These are also they type of people who try to get you to join their MLM (Multi Level Marketing) scheme. Talking about how quickly you can make money through selling leggings, weight loss coffee, tea and vegan supplements.

  1. They post frequently on Social media about the big project they have coming. I’m talking everyday, for weeks at a time 3 stories and a minimum of 2 feed post about a BIG PROJECT COMING SOON. 
  2. They use phrases like, “ya’ll better support me now, cause I’m about to blow up.” Or “Feel free to sign up now to be the first to get my newsletter so you can get on my level.” 
  3. However, when the day of the big project comes there is nothing to be revealed. If you ask about it you get blocked.
  4. They post casting calls stating they cannot pay you now, but will pay you, after they sell the series to a major network. Even though they have no connections to a network studio and can’t even afford to provide food or water on set for their actors and crew. Which is a requirement of all sets. 
  5. They talk about certain music studios, movies and celebrities like they are best friends with them. Then when you Google the movie they claimed to be in or the music studio they claimed to record a song with a certain rapper at, you can’t find their name or evidence that the rapper ever visited there. 
  6. When they say they were in a specific movie role as a lead with an A list actor, but then you can’t even find them on the listing of the film on IMDB or Deadline.com. The two reputable film sites for announcing television and film information. 
  7. They mention always being on set and are posting photos from crafty. Instead of focusing on their work, line changes, stage combat or intimacy choreography like most working actors would. 
  8. You support them by liking their post asking if they need help with anything, but you never see any of the footage, or music. Just an endless stream of lifestyle selfies and request for you to follow their fan page on Facebook.

Have you ever encountered any Hype-men? If so do watch from a distance or just ignore them all together?

Two Great Vegan Mascaras

Published on by Keri Elaine3 Comments

Hello Beautiful people,

Mascara is by far the one makeup product I always use aside from my eyebrow pencil (necessities am I right?). For years I’ve used Dior Show mascara and loved it, but I decided to try Hourglass recently when one of the girls at Sephora recommended it. What I love about Hourglass is they are a luxury brand that do not test on animals and 1 percent of all profits goes to protecting animal rights. While I am not vegan, tons of my friends are. It has made me way more aware of what I am putting into my body, on my skin and consuming clothing/shoe wise. I have been trying to do my part by eating mainly fruit, vegetables and getting a lot of my protein from vegan protein powder. I still love a leather good I cannot lie, but do not shop half as often as I did 4 years ago. I like to think that every little bit helps, like using a recyclable water bottle at work everyday instead of a plastic cup.

Before we get into the side by side comparisons I figure I would give you all a side by side of my eyelashes before mascara is applied.

Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

The Hourglass Caution Extreme mascara comes in a beautiful gold metal tube that has a nice weight to it. It adds, length, volume and does not flake off on your cheeks during the day like some mascaras do. The shape of the wand creates a great lift for your lashes and coats each one in its ink black formula. It is 29.00 and I used this one for about 6 months and absolutely love it! 

Thrive Cosmetic Liquid Lash Extentions

My mom mentioned seeing an advertisement for Thrive Cosmetics which is a Vegan cruelty-free brand. The tubing has a nice weight to it and is a gorgeous teal green color. Their mascara not only gives your lashes fiber extensions, it also stimulates lash growth. The fibers in their formula have a rubbery feel when you wash the mascara off at night. I must admit I noticed my lashes seem softer and a little bit longer than they were a month ago. You can read the reviews for this product here and it retails for 24.00.  

  • Thrive

Overall, I will continue to use and repurchase both because they each give a great result and are vegan cruelty-free. Do you have any cruelty-free brands you would recommend? 

Aladdin

Published on by Keri ElaineLeave a comment

Hello Beautiful People!

Sorry I have been M.I.A. I must admit it’s been a mixture of auditions, self-tapes, writer’s block and going on a hardcore fitness journey. I made time to see Aladdin yesterday since its obviously my favorite Disney movie.

Photo credit IMDB

We all know adapting a film from animation to live action is incredibly challenging, but Aladdin did a wonderful job. Will Smith managed to keep Genies light-hearted essence while infusing his personality into his character. I felt like we got a little bit of Fresh Prince of Bel Air and an all-knowing, sassy Genie in one. Dalia (Jasmine’s friend and handmaiden) was also added to the film. Played by Nasim Padrad, who has been on Saturday Night Live, Gigi from Scream Queens and Aly on New Girl. Ms. Padrad adds depth to Jasmine’s character by bringing out her softer side with girl chats and quick-witted comments. Don’t worry Abu and Raja make their appearances throughout the film as well.

photo credit Daniel Smith/Disney

A Whole New World was sung in a lower register but was still enchanting and beautiful since we got to experience the various dips and dives of the magic carpet ride in reality instead of animation. I love that the costume designer Michael Wilkinson took the various colors from Jasmine’s animated outfits, but kept her costume modern and modest. Instead of having Jasmine run around in a crop top and Harlem pants she made her corsets with tulip pants and occasionally a sheer cape moment. The influence of peacock feathers was a nice nod to the original animation while still making it modern. The various beautiful earrings and matching necklaces added the classic princess touch. Fun fact: Naomi Scott who plays Jasmine, was in the movie Disney movie Lemonade Mouth and she played the Pink Power Ranger in the Power Rangers.

The addition of the song Speechless, sang by Naomi Scott brought this film into the 21st century. In a time when women are quite literally still fighting for the right to make their own decisions about their bodies, Speechless was right on time. Scott belts out, “I won’t be silenced you won’t keep me quiet, won’t tremble when you try it all I know is I won’t go speechless.” You can watch here, 5 million views and counting I might add. I for one am proud that Jasmine continues to be the intelligent, strong, badass Disney princess we have always loved. She is determined to take Jaffar down and run her country for the sake of doing what is right for her people.

While I know the casting is not one hundred percent historically accurate, the dancing in some people’s opinions could have been filmed better, I loved it. I think Guy Ritchie did a great job of making Aladdin modern while honoring the classic without making it cheesy.

The film is a circular narrative and ends in a beautiful way that leaves the audience feeling satisfied. Have you seen Aladdin? What did you think?

three palm trees in Miami, Fl. Happiness at sunset. Beautiful care free black woman

2018

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Hello Beautiful people!

IMAG0593.jpg

I don’t know about you, but 2018 has been one long crazy rollercoaster ride. This year has been a huge year of growth for me. I learned the difference between being friends with people and being friendly with people. After all, some people are genuinely meant to be in your life for a reason or a season. Other people are there to push you to reach your full potential. In some cases that meant teaching me not to get too comfortable in my current job, not to trust so easily or let anyone else’s opinion speak louder than your own. So often I have let comments other people make prevent me from doing what my heart tells me. It finally clicked in my head that it seriously does not matter if someone feels you should have done “x” this way or you should not have pursued “x” degree. You are the only one who knows what makes your heart feel fulfilled. Just because someone else does not see your vision, does not make it any less real or important. I realized I’ve had a bad habit of hanging onto relationships purely for the sake of not being alone. This year taught me that there is nothing wrong with being alone. When you are patient the right people will come to you. The true friends that I’ve made over the years have made plans with me and popped up in Atlanta when I least expected. A couple even called and confirmed to me I was on the right path when I had been auditioning a ton and praying for a sign that I am in the right place and heading in the right direction.

Keri_elaine_amidsummernightsdream

My mantra for 2018 was nothing is permanent. Meaning if you don’t like something change it; change your attitude, make a plan and change your circumstances. Anytime I felt down about not being further in my career I reminded myself that my day job helps me afford to pursue my career on the side, build relationships, learn new skills, travel, take headshots, buy clothes for last minute auditions and live without stressing about how to make ends meet. Between the presidential election depression, most of the country went through and the Time’s Up movement I learned to fall completely back in love with myself. I’ve met some amazing casting agents this year and I look forward to cultivating a relationship with them. Overall, I am incredibly proud of myself for conquering my fear of traveling outside the US alone. I will admit I may have had a panic attack in the underground of London when I could not figure out which of the many tunnels directs you to the surface. Plus, two suitcases and 34,167,825 stairs can be intimidating hahaha. However, I am very excited to travel more in 2019. I met tons of kind strangers that restored my faith in humanity. I know this will come in handy since you never know what city or country you’ll shoot in as an actor. Now I just need to take some time to meditate and set my intentions for this fantastic new year. What are some intentions you’ve set for this new year? I’d love to hear from you!