April 2011

A Whirlwind Trip to San Francisco

by Sheryll on April 28, 2011

On Easter Sunday, Johnny and I had a conversation that went a little something like this:
*J denotes Johnny, S denotes Sheryll (me)

S: I really wish I could get out of LA for a few days.
J: Let’s go to San Francisco!
S: Ha! Yea, right. It’s already 4pm and we have dinner plans at 6.
J: So let’s go after dinner!
S: …What? Are you being serious?
J: Yeah! Let’s go!
S: I’m still suspicious…are you really being serious?!
J: YES! Pack your bag! We’re going to San Francisco!

And that was that. We decided at 4PM we were going to leave for San Francisco that night around midnight. I rushed to book a room in Union Square that accepted pets, did a load of laundry during dinner at my friends house and packed our bag.

It was a first for Jack, who’s normally left at home with my sister. But since she’s moved out, we took him with us. He was such a good puppy on the drive, sitting nestled in the back seat, asleep the entire time.

After a particularly hilarious 5 and a half hour drive north, filled with singalongs, Brazilian music and stops at gas stations in the middle of nowhere, Johnny and I reached Hotel Beresford around 5am. Arriving in San Francisco at that hour was beautiful. The sleepy city was just waking up, the fog rolling off of the bay. People were already milling about, getting coffee and waiting on bus. It was beautiful, and I was so inspired I could barely fall asleep.

The afternoon was filled with delicious lunch and coffee at SugarCafe, and walking around endlessly admiring the architecture. Union Square was alive with people, all soaking in the beautiful weather. Jack was a complete hit, getting a pet from nearly everyone we passed. Being the attention lover he is, he completely soaked it all up.

We had drinks at the charming and adorable pub attached to our hotel, The White Horse Tavern. It was the perfect bar for a romantic date: low lighting, quiet music, and an excellent bartender. It was a place I would have gone to even if it wasn’t attached to our hotel. If you are ever in San Francisco, I highly recommend it!

The next day was spent milling around Union Square and doing a little shopping. I wanted to go to the Fisherman’s Wharf for pictures, so we went for lunch. Johnny opted for more a ‘traditional’ Fisherman’s Wharf fare, a crab sandwich and clam chowder in a sourdough bowl. Me on the other hand, I had In N Out. Yeah, yeah, I know they are all over Los Angeles, but when you haven’t had a burger in over a month, In N Out calls to you. And it was DELICIOUS. I had no shame about that burger AT ALL.

Our last stop was to the Golden Gate Bridge. I’ve never managed to get good pictures, or even be able to go in decent weather, so I was extremely excited by the cloudless skies and perfect temperature. Johnny, Jack and I ran around the park, taking pictures and letting Jack play with the other puppies. It was the perfect ending to an very relaxing trip.

Honestly, the trip was more about Johnny and I really spending time with each other without the stress of being in LA trying to find an apartment. We sipped wine together in the White Horse Tavern, we walked around, talking about my new found freedom and our plans for Argentina. And even after over 5 years together, we managed to still learn something new about each other. It was completely refreshing and much needed. We came back to LA with some extra pep in our step. Now it’s time to plan my adventure to Las Vegas! ….And find an apartment.

{ 13 comments }

Motherland

by Sheryll on April 25, 2011

Africa. The Motherland.

Beautiful. Strong. Graceful.

My People.

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always dreamed about going to Africa. Being African American, I’ve always felt the strong connection to Africa and its people. My mother instilled in me at an early age of learning about my roots, how my people were taken from their homeland and how much we’ve overcome. My mom would dress my little sister and I in traditional Kente cloth. My dad would take me to the local library so we could research my family tree. I read more black history books than any other child I knew.

When I was in third grade, we had the chance to be pen pals with a third grade class in Côte d’Ivoire. About every two weeks, we would get a letter from our friends in Africa. The memories are so vivid of me being so excited, waiting with baited breath for the next letter. From that moment on, I knew that going to Africa was going to happen in my lifetime, no matter what.

When I read The Lost Girls (excellent book, by the way), the chapters about Africa were the ones that touched me the most. I was even brought to tears on numerous occasions. I instantly knew that I had to go, whether it was to volunteer or to just go and take a trip. But I have to go.

I’m a firm believer in knowing where you came from, what your roots are, what generations of people came before you. It shapes you. It frames you. As James Arthur Baldwin said, “Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.”

My people are strong and courageous. They came from the shackles of slave ships. They endured picking cotton until their hands were raw. They protested for their civil rights. They helped establish the modern blood bank and performed the first successful open heart surgery. They invented the gas mask, mailbox, peanut butter, and the Supersoaker (fun fact!). And we have something no one saw happening in a million years, a Black president. My heart swells with pride. And I know that if my ancestors had the courage to make it, then I know I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.

At this time in my life, my connection to Africa feels stronger than ever. I long to see where my people came from. I want to go to Kenya and dance with the Massai. I want to see the beautiful, smiling children of Ethiopia. I want to see the giraffes, see the sunset over the Serengeti. I want to see the pyramids of Egypt. I want to watch a football game in the Tamale Stadium of Ghana. I want to play drums with the Yoruba people.

Where are you from? Have you visited?

images via

{ 10 comments }

Inspiration Round Up, Las Vegas Glamour

by Sheryll on April 24, 2011

Since I recently bought a ticket to Vegas for next month, I’ve been obsessing over what I’m going to wear, how I’m going to style my hair, what shoes to bring, etc. Being the glamorous girl that I try to be, I’ve started compiling images of what I’m thinking my looks are going to be. I’m imagining the highest heels possible, short dresses, sequins, glitter, red lips, giant eyelashes, and many, many drinks. And of course, dancing on tables is ALWAYS a must

12746772992243 large Inspiration Round Up, Las Vegas Glamour

I need these. Now. Shoegasm!!!!

all images via

{ 2 comments }

Viva Las Vegas

by Sheryll on April 21, 2011

I bought myself a present.

From kayak.com.

A present to congratulate myself for following my dreams, and well, because frankly, I deserve a damn present.

Ladies and Gentleman. I am taking my first real trip since….probably Northern California last year.

I’M GOING TO VEGAS BABY!!!!!

I am so fucking excited. Last time I went to Vegas it was in the middle of summer, and I thought I was going to die from heat stroke. I’m so glad I’m getting the chance to go before it’s a million and a half degrees and my feet are so swollen I can barely walk.

What makes this trip even better is the fact that I’m going with my best friend, Colleen. I haven’t seen her since I graduated college over two years ago. She told me that she had some time off during a weekend in May, and I jumped on the opportunity. So not only am I going to be taking a much needed vacation, I’m going to be spending it with my best friend in the whole world. I’m so happy, I can barely stand it!

What’s equally as exciting is that we are staying in the gorgeous Paris hotel. Seriously, could it get any more perfect?! My favorite city EVER, combined with my favorite pastime EVER (drinking, that is). It’s like the universe has aligned just right and everything is working out. It’s the first plane ticket I’ve bought since I went to London four years ago, so I’ve been jumping off of the walls with excitement…even if the flight is only an hour and 5 minutes long .

So, in May, for one glorious weekend, I shall indulge in various acts of hot mess and booty dancing. Finally, more stories of my drunken debauchery for you to enjoy! Unless, I can’t remember any of it and I end up on a roof baking in the sun.

image via the abyss that is tumblr.com

{ 14 comments }

2 Week Notice

by Sheryll on April 19, 2011

I did it.

I put in my two week notice at work this morning.

Well, technically I’m already not working, so I basically left my job. After days of anxiety, sleepless nights and anxiety attacks, I did it.

I knew this day would come. My bosses told me they wanted to have a meeting with me sometime this week to discuss the future, and if I was coming back or not. After talking with everyone I could ever talk to: Johnny, my mom, my therapist, both of my sisters, and numerous friends, I decided that I just couldn’t go back. It would be taking a step in the opposite direction. It wouldn’t be fair to either side. I wouldn’t be fair to me, because I’d be miserable and basically just working for a paycheck, and it wouldn’t be fair to them to have someone working who doesn’t really want to be there. It wouldn’t be fair to take a month break, then turn around 5 or 6 months later and quit to go to Argentina.

I’ve realized that the entertainment industry just isn’t for me. When I moved here to LA , like anyone else, I imagined that it would be super glamorous. I’d attend all the hot parties, have cocktails and many, many happy hours with all the other assistants. I’d work my way up to being one of the rare and few black, female agents. Then I realized it’s not like that at all. There are long hours. The parties get really old after awhile. And it’s all about money. No regards to people, or their real talents. The second you aren’t the hot item anymore, you can kiss it all goodbye. I just can’t see myself being apart of something so disposable, so fleeting, so uncreative. Not to mention the fact that EVERYONE is miserable. After a few months, the magic wears off and you’re stuck working 12 hour days for minimum wage. It’s enough to break anyone’s spirit.

Everything happens for a reason. There’s a reason I’m having to find a new apartment, that I’m working on a new career path. I got to press the time out button on life, and now I just hit the reset button. I’m breathing in a fresh, new life. I’ll be living in LA for another 6 months maximum, then it’s off to start my adventure of a lifetime.

I plan on focusing all of my energy and efforts into the blog and my upcoming trip to Argentina. I know I’ve been slippin’, but once I finally find a place to live and everything is settled, oh, it’s on and poppin‘. I plan on bringing you all awesome content, plus all the details of my trip planning. I also plan on doing some part time work at a restaurant in West Hollywood where I used to work to make some cash.

Here’s to creativity, here’s to passion, here’s to sticking up for yourself. Here’s to life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Here’s to throwing up the middle finger to my quarterlife crisis. Now the fun can REALLY begin.

And why yes, that is a picture of a LOT of champagne. It’s basically the story of my life of how I feel right now. I just might open a bottle tonight. Cheers to new beginnings!

{ 25 comments }

Big White Room

by Sheryll on April 15, 2011

So so so sorry I’ve been MIA the past few days. Life is somewhat out of control right now, with Johnny and I trying to find a new place. I didn’t realize just how much of a full time job it really is trying to find an apartment, especially one within our specifications and price range. We’ve been waking up at 9am, and sometimes going until 3 or 4 without any breaks, leads, or food. When we manage to take a break, we’re still online, scouring Craigslist, Westside Rentals, packing up our stuff, taking things to Goodwill. To say I’m exhausted is practically an understatement.

So, as you know from before, my younger sister moved out of our apartment abruptly last week to live with her boyfriend. Le sigh. As a result, Johnny and I are stuck trying to find a one bedroom apartment that: allows small pets, has onsite parking, and offers a short term, month to month, or 6 month lease. I thought this would be a somewhat easy feat, but alas. It is not. We managed to find a great apartment yesterday, an ADORABLE 1 bedroom with a view an insane view of the Hollywood sign, advertised as having onsite parking available and a ‘flexible’ lease. Come to find out, the flexible lease was actually for a year, and there actually wasn’t parking available. This has basically been the story of our lives for the past week.

Johnny and I have toyed with the idea of just leaving early to Argentina…early as in…now. But we’re just not financially ready. Plus the fact we’d have less than a month to basically sell everything, pack everything, pack for the trip, put his car somewhere, find out what to do with Jack, find a place to stay IN Argentina and buy the tickets (which are INSANELY expensive right now). So…we decided we’d rather take our time and really save as much money as possible. I know I’m usually a complete free spirit, and I normally would just go for it, but something in my gut is just telling me to wait. I’m pretty sure Argentina isn’t going anywhere. And the absolute latest we would get there is October, only about 1.5 months later than our original date anyway.

So now, we’re downsizing from our two bedroom apartment to be able to fit all of our stuff into preferably a one bedroom, but if need be, a large studio. In between going to look for apartments, we’ve been getting rid of massive amounts of stuff. We’re selling basically our entire DVD collection, an extra closet, tons of books, clothes, shoes, a loveseat, a side table, my wii, etc. It’s really been a freeing process, letting go of SO many things. Not to mention the huge reality check I got when I really realized just how much stuff I had collected the past 2.5 years I’ve lived in Los Angeles. This move has been a huge wakeup call for the both of us. Johnny and I vowed to get rid of things every 6 months from now on. And now, when we do go to Argentina, there will be less stuff we have to worry about packing away.

I’m hoping this next week proves to be a little more successful in finding an apartment. Worst case scenario is having to sign a one year lease and hopefully finding someone reliable to sublease from us while we are away. Keywords are “hopefully, reliable”. We’d rather sign a short term lease than deal with all that drama. But we’ll see what happens. Wish us luck!

{ 7 comments }

Paris, Je t’aime

by Sheryll on April 11, 2011

Oh, Paris. I fell in love with you at first sight.

Your architecture, your food, your wine, people, museums, your Eiffel Tower, your pastries, coffee, the beautiful people, everything is magical.

I don’t think I can accurately put into words just how much I love Paris, France. While I was studying abroad in London, a 4 day trip to Paris was included in our tuition price. And honestly, it was the trip I was really waiting for. Don’t get me wrong, I loved London, Milan, and Greece, but there’s always been something about Paris that I’ve always loved.

Being a huge follower of fashion, I already knew that Paris is home to some of the trendiest and hippest people there are. And I wasn’t wrong. As soon as I stepped off of the train in Paris, I was surrounded by such beautiful men and women, all dressed to the nines. There was no way any of them ever just walk around in sweat pants like some people do in America. Women wore skinny jeans with boots, lots of black, makeup on, and it seemed always a splash of perfume. Men wore their clothes perfectly tailored, never a sagging pant or too large shirt in sight. And it’s just effortless. No one looks like they’re ‘trying’ to be fashionable, they just…are. I vowed to never ever, ever again wear sweat pants in public from that moment on. And I haven’t. Except for when I am going to the gym…that doesn’t count right? Right?!

“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.” Karl Lagerfeld

Uncle Karl knows best, folks. Wouldn’t be a proper post about Paris without a quote from Chanel’s head honcho.

18 friends matching style paris fashion week 1 Paris, Je taime

via Refinery29.com

During the four short days I was there, I managed to hit all of the major tourist attractions: The Eiffel Tower, The Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay (which is by FAR my all time favorite museum, I fell in love), Versailles. I walked along the River Seine drinking some of the best coffee I’ve ever had in my life. I talked with an adorable French man in a cafe in the Latin Quarter, helping him with his English. I drank copious amounts of delicious wine. I spent too much money on lacy French underwear. Lacy French underwear is always worth it.

As I had dinner with a friend on the Champs-Elysées, I realized Paris is a city I could see myself permanently living in. Even just hearing someone talk about Paris brings back memories so strong I can’t even make out words, just high pitched squeals of gibberish. Have you ever felt that way before?

Until I can make it there again, I’ll just have to live vicariously through Patricia from In Search Of Mermaids. She’s going to Paris for a month and I wish I could hide in her suitcase.

But, I’ve heard that Buenos Aires is the ‘Paris’ of South America. If this is true, then be still my heart! I just may never come back .

What is your all time favorite city you have visited? Let me know in the comments!

{ 15 comments }

← Previous Entries

April 2011

A Whirlwind Trip to San Francisco

Motherland

Inspiration Round Up, Las Vegas Glamour

Viva Las Vegas

2 Week Notice

Big White Room

Paris, Je t’aime

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April 2011

A Whirlwind Trip to San Francisco

Motherland

Inspiration Round Up, Las Vegas Glamour

Viva Las Vegas

2 Week Notice

Big White Room

Paris, Je t’aime

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The Latest on Instagram

Archive

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