KERI-ANN GALLIMORE EXCLUSIVE MAKEUP TUTORIAL & LOOK BOOK

Keri Collage Makeup

Ladies, most of us have difficulties in getting our makeup together for special occasions. Sure we have our everyday makeup routine and yes it may look nice but where’s the spice? I won’t pretend to have it all together but luckily I know someone who does and lucky for us she’s decided to make a tutorial that isn’t crazy difficult for the average woman to do. So, without further ado I would like to introduce you to Keri-Ann Gallimore.


Now it’s on for the Valentine’s Day look book. There’s 3 categories that Keri-Ann provided us with. The first is the ultra sexy look, for a night out with that special someone, or if you just happen to be going to the bar or night club with your besties. The second is a more relaxed look that still maintains the sex appeal without having to be too obvious and the third is the outfit that still represents Valentine’s Day but is work appropriate.



KERI LOOK BOOK COLLAGE Connect with Keri through the links below:

Instagram: _kericouture

Youtube: Channel

Thanks so much for stopping by Crafties. Look out for my new features and random posts. Love yah!

Valentine’s Day Date/Proposal Ideas


valentinesengagementideasSo everyone knows that when planning an awesome Valentine’s Day date that there has to be some thought that goes into it. Even if your date is going to a fast food restaurant, eating in the parking lot and kissing each other upon your exit. I’ve prepared a few tips for you just in case you were thinking about doing a little more. Here goes:

  1. Buy some candles. Whether or not you are doing a romantic dinner or setting up the mood in the cough*; candles are your best friend. They offer an ambiance that will allow you to immerse yourself in the moment. If you’d like to gift candles instead, make them special. The first photo in the collage happens to be a candle. Look closely and you can see a wick standing upright. Now, this candle I found is called Rasberry Chcocolate Trifle Candle. Costs $14.99. Click Here
  2. Flowers, flowers, flowers! Everyone knows what flowers do for a woman. It makes her feel special, and it also offers her the sense that you have expressed your more sensitive and romantic nature. Pick up some flowers (make sure they don’t look like they’ve been in the desert) and gently give them to her (make sure you smile; even if you don’t do so regularly). The shock will be a pleasant one!
  3. Dinner, a girl’s gotta eat!!! :p She can’t properly enjoy the date if she’s got an angry monster in her stomach. One thing I will say is that it’s easier if you do a dinner as the date but where’s the fun in that. Plan to have a quick meal at an awesome restaurant and leave there to do something else or start off with a snack, do something else and then make your way to a fine dinner; you’ll have so much to talk about. 🙂 If you’re thinking of doing a proposal the same thing applies. An awesome idea would be to blindfold her and escort her into the restaurant which you organized to have closed for a certain time period, the place lit only with candlelight, her family and friends discretely surrounding your table (which you can’t happen to see by the way) and as you finish with dinner, pop the question and when she says yes (hopefully she does) the lights turn on and family does the hurrays! Sounds cool? It is!!!!!!
  4. This step words, are just an awesome touch to an evening in or out. The fine details really count in a woman’s heart because she sees that they count in yours. You get even more credit if you place this in your bachelor’s pad because now she sees the both of you as taking the ‘right’ step in the ‘right’ direction- becoming one. Proposal- after proposing to her at dinner, carry her home to these words awaiting you guys. Add some rose petals leading up to the bedroom and wallah. Costs $17.99 Click Here
  5. In my other posts I mentioned mugs, but this time I put my stake in these glasses. Depending on where you decide on having the dinner, you or the waiter could set them up at the table or have it brought out to you shortly before you propose to her. Costs $25.00. Click Here
  6. This sentimental wooden book, is an awesome way to express your love to that special someone. Let’s face it not everyone can express themselves verbally and reveal their more vulnerable side, but they can surely write it down. Share your thoughts and feelings and record precious memories; write your own love story that you’ll share with each other later on as you grow old and gray. 😀 Cost $65.00. Click Here
  7. Location, location, location!!!!! One of the most important aspects on planning an awesome date or proposal that she’ll never forget! You know her best, let the location match her personality. Beaches are great for the sentimental gal and concerts for the die hard etc. Check the weather out before setting a location. You don’t want for the weather of all things to be the number one thing she remembers years from now. 🙂
  8. This map, also another cool and sentimental gift. Perfect for hanging in an office, study or even bedroom. Let this greet her in the hallway or stairway. Costs $84. Click Here.
  9. Beautiful engagement or promise ring!!!! Need I say more? Okay, okay, here are some tips: ring size is important for sure; if you don’t want to use a ribbon just take one of her favorite everyday ring finger rings to the jeweler and let him figure it out. Metal- don’t get something that will change, sterling silver, gold, stainless steel, white gold or yellow gold are good options. Metal strength-18k to 24k is best but others hold up well too. Stone color- if you have no idea of her favorite stone opt for something conventional such as diamond. Stone cut- if she’s into classic a round will do; if she’s classic yet modern an oval will suffice; if she’s modern a square/princess cut should do the trick and if she’s eclectic try the trillion cut. Need a reference pic? Click Here. Remember, whatever you do choose a ring that speaks to you and that sits comfortably within your wallet; it’s just better to have a situation where you upgrade her ring than downgrade it and if your woman is extremely picky, buy the ring, dont size or alter it in any way, so that way if she’s not a fan, you’d most likely be able to exchange or refund it. If you’re interested in the ring pictured in the collage- Costs $406.00. Click Here.

Have fun guys, and good luck!!!!! Thanks for reading and make sure to check out my other Valentine’s Day issued posts.

Much Balance,

Karimah

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Women

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For Women

Hi Crafties, this right here are just a few gift ideas for that special someone in your life. If you’ve read the Valentine’s Day Cheat Sheet So Sweet article I wrote, then you’ll be on your way to purchasing the ‘perfect gift’. If you have and you still need help, then the gift ideas in this article will help you. Remember that you know your lady best. So don’t rush and buy; think and buy!

  1. A spa gift set. It contains luxury items that any spa friendly woman would enjoy. Extra idea, set up a small spa day at home, and use your hands, some spa products from a gift set, and give her body the attention it deserves. Costs $95.00 Click Here
  2. This bracelet is beautiful is made of white agate, orange carnelian and 24 kt gold vermeil. So if your lady loves jewelry and has a gem streak in her, then go check this out. Costs $84.00 Click Here
  3. This pillow is a very cute sentimental gift, that your lady would love. Costs $36.00 Click Here
  4. Brighten up her morning, with a cup of her favorite hot beverage in her hand that sits within a bold and sexy mug. Costs $24.00 Click Here
  5. This necklace screams love! It’s cute, current and eye-catching and it’ll work great for a girly girl.Costs $37.00 Click Here
  6. Another mug, but it’s a different type for a different setting. These mugs go hand in hand with one another. Buy a matching set such as this, that signifies the bond you both share, whether you’re actually married or just act as though you are. Costs $20.00 Click Here
  7. These little washcloths will remind her of you each time she takes a shower. Tip: Small gifts have big impacts, so don’t hesitate to purchase something small. You can pair it up with other items too! Costs $7.50 Click Here
  8. These custom sneaks are for the woman who loves comfort and can appreciate the hand painting aspect of these shoes. Costs $159.00 Click Here
  9. Cozy scarf, n’ a pop of color. A necessity for anyone come winter. Don’t you dare think this gift is cliché, because it’s not. Costs $40.80 Click Here

Thanks so much for reading Crafties. Check out my other articles and visit my official website.

Much Balance,

Karimah

Valentine’s Day Cheat Sheet For Buying Gifts For Women


Valentine's Day Cheat Sheet

We all know how difficult it is to find that ‘perfect’ gift. So, put Valentine’s Day + women, + you’re a guy, into the mix and walah you have a catastrophe coming your way. Okay, so I exaggerated but not that much. The truth is you’ll probably spend a few hours thinking about what and where to get her a gift, so I’ve provided a few ideas for you to narrow that list down.

  1. Knowing her favorite color is going to make your life so much easier. It’s like a get out of jail free card! Now, if your lady doesn’t have a favorite color, that’s a double edged knife, because now any gift you give is going to need to be that more special. By the way if you haven’t been that observant during your relationship, check out her closet for the answer, or ask her best friend.
  2. The second one, “Is she very feminine?”. This will be like your boss telling you, you’ve got a promotion coming if you don’t take that sick leave you were about to put in. If she’s really feminine, then you have slimmed down the gift category significantly! You can focus on what femininity attracts- pampering the body, enhancing it via makeup, accessorizing with jewelry, handbags, shoes etc. Maybe a spa trip/day. Many spas have specials for couples. If you’re only interested in pampering her and you have a small budget, set up a spa experience at home.
  3. Do some investigation and refrain from asking her what she would like and instead find out “What’s in her closet?” Most if not all females appreciate you picking up on hints, and taking the time and putting in the effort into getting her a gift. By looking in her closet you’ll get a better idea as to which direction to shop towards. Is she a hippie, does she love studs, is she more into skirts and dresses, does she have a lot of shoes? Get her something that befits her style and swag.
  4. “What are her interests?” The answer to this question will give you a get out of jail free card, because buying anything in relation to her hobby/interest will have a good outcome. If she’s into sports, which one, does she need gear? If she’s into art, does she need more canvas, paints, crafting tools? You see where I’m going? Of course you do. My bright pupils!
  5. Bling, “Does she wear jewelry?” Yes, she does, no she does not. Having the answer to these questions, is a tool. A life saver, but hold up, don’t just rush to Jared’s or Zales and pick up just anything. Put some thought into it. Buy her something that reflects her. Use her interests to help you out. See how they all sync. Now if she doesn’t wear jewelry, you wouldn’t have spent money buying a gift that she would probably never wear.
  6. If she color coordinates, then purchase an item that would go great with that new item she raved about that’s hanging in her closet. She has a green dress, by her a green bracelet or bag. See where I’m going with this.  🙂
  7. “What type is she?” Is she biker chick cool, book nerdy, stern goth, or sweat pant and hoodie cool? This information will surely carry you a long way by helping you eliminate. You wouldn’t want to buy your sweat pant and hoodie girl a ball gown. Nor, would you want to buy your stern goth lady a pink ruffled shirt and silk pant.
  8. Adventurous? Yes, No. If she’s adventurous, then it means that you have even more possibilities for an awesome Valentine’s Day surprise. Let your gift reflect this. Take her to do something that she had a piece of her hear set on, maybe rock climbing, hang gliding, rafting, surfing, etc. Let that day with you be the present she remembers always. Now, if she isn’t adventurous, give her something that reflects that. Your options are wide too and possibly easier, because more than likely she likes to be in her comfort zone. So replicate something she already does, or she already has but add a twist to it.
  9. Take your time and answer the question of whether or not your lady is sentimental. If she is, then make something simple, such as a photo album of the both of you, a slideshow if you’re on the techy side, a custom something- jewelry, a mug, book, painting etc., or even a poem or letter expressing your love.

Remember grasshopper that you’ll know your lady best. So keep that in mind when shopping for her.  Do everything with your heart. It will show! Just make sure to spend time with her, and not sacrifice that for trying to perfect everything. Your time will mean so much more to her than you think! For more ideas check out my other posts:

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Men (1)-Click Here

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Men (2)-Click Here

Thanks so much for reading Crafties. Please visit my other blog by clicking here and my official website by clicking here.

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Men (2)

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For Men

The idea of giving your loved one a perfect give is an all too common one. Unfortunately, it is also a difficult one that often times sucks the pleasure out of finding that special gift. So I provided a few ideas to help you along.

  1. A pair of seemingly comfy hand painted sneakers blessed with a cool edge! What more can a man need? Cost $259.00.  Click Here
  2. Everyone needs a duffle bag, but often times duffles can appear like they sound, boring and drab. Just eye sores to the individual carrying them. So help your man out by gifting him something that he’ll definitely use and add masculinity with effortless style. Cost $189.00. Click Here
  3. High-top hand painted sneakers. For the man who’s really into basketball or just prefers that particular fit. Cost $199.00. Click Here 
  4. There’s something about this watch, that’s stunning without being over the top. It’s minimalistic face and color hues are attractive and sexy. This will definitely fit the man who love’s collecting watches, the man who accessories with watches, and the man who loves a masculine edge. Cost $$89.00. Click Here
  5. This item will make for a great surprise! Just hang it in his closet with a member of your lingerie family and watch his reaction as he comes across this gift. Cost $29.00. Click Here
  6. For the man of your dreams, the love of your life, or that special someone in your life, give him these cufflinks to remind him of the bond you share. They’ll also, definitely add a special touch to any outfit, just due to their wooden facet. Cost $10.00. Click Here
  7. Is your guy a suit and tie guy? If he is, this would be an awesome gift for him, specialized/custom and certainly useful. Cost $23.00. Click Here
  8. Slurp, slurp, slurp. Women, we all have that special glass or mug that we reach for. However, guys often times don’t because they don’t have many options. Most mugs are either: just regular, plain, white, and often most times they’re too girly and feminine. Surprise them with a manly, masculine, and modern mug, that will add to their hot beverage experience in the mornings. Cost $35.00. Click Here
  9. This decanter can be personalized, which adds to why it’s such an awesome gift and lends reason to why it’s also sold out. I did however, provide the link to the store, just in case it comes back in stock. Cost $$44.99. Click Here

If you’d like some more ideas, please check out my previous article of gifts to buy for men. – Click Here

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Men!!!!

So we all know that Valentine’s Day comes once a year, and there’s often a lot of pressure to ‘deliver’. Especially, when it comes on to couples buying things for one another. Sometimes it’s even more difficult to choose a Valentine’s Day gift than to bake a soufflé. The irony in that! That being said, often times the day that’s been counted on for love, laughter and happiness, is the day that becomes one of stress and disappointment. I couldn’t stand by and disregard my social obligation of helping those tangled in this Valentine’s web. So I’ve prepared a few tips and ideas that’ll help you on the special day.

Gifts For Men:

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Men1

  1. Watches are both an accessory and a necessity for the man on the go. Sure cell phones have clocks but there’s nothing like a watch on the wrist bone of a man. It says he’s about his business and has an attentive disposition to detail. This watch here, is made out of leather and wood. Costs: $62.06 Click Here 
  2. Is your guy into minimal fashion trends? Well get a watch with some geometric value and you’ve accomplished the mission!!!! Like its counterpart, it’s made of leather and wood. Costs: $65.37 Click Here
  3. Does your man carry a portable office? Most men do, and even if your man doesn’t, they may want to; after owning one of these. Messenger bags, especially leather ones such as this, offer what I like to call ‘machicism‘, macho and chic fused together. Click Here
  4. Here again we’ve got an awesome example of a messenger bag which offers the ability to move from formal to casual with ease. This one is made from leather, Cowhide, Metal Buckle, Costs: $166.04 Click Here
  5. Terrarium is what it’s called! However, I would rather think of it as a personal mini forest that allows mother nature to be right next to you. Perfect for an office, a kitchen or bedroom. Most suitable for any man who takes an interest in nature, zen, and spirituality. Costs: $27.00 Click Here
  6. This gift right here, is cute, functional and a necessity to a man who’s got some stink in his sneak or some stink to his feet! Cost: $11.95 and contains natural ingredients.  Click Here
  7. Oooooo, this shirt, this shirt, this shirt! For the man who’s got a fresh and cool swag, and loves the ease of t-shirts, this gift is for him. It’s obvious that I’m not the only one who feels this way because as I write this, the item is sold out. Hopefully it will soon become in stock. Costs: $45.00 Click Here
  8. If your man has over 5 ties, he needs this spinning tie organizer. It will serve him very well. Upside: it has a manly feel to it, it will preserve his ties and it hangs upright. Downside: Can’t find any. Cost: $$49.99 Click Here
  9. Modern terrarium. Costs: $40.00 Click Here
  10. For the cool guy or nerd in your life. This t-shirt has got both visual and psychological appeal.lol There’s the spiral and cast cold gray; but it’s also got information that all of us can find useful-animal group nouns (a colony of bats, a leash of foxes, a leap of leopards). Cost: $24.99 Click Here
  11. For the man who’s into gem work, or the man who on occasion wants to be the cool kid on the block; this bracelet will pleasantly suffice. It’s made from black onyx beads, black crackle agate beads, and pewter accent beads. Costs: $30.00 Click Here
  12. Which man doesn’t need this? Before you say “The man with the beard!”, think again, even they need to shape up every once in a while. So, don’t hesitate to get this, your man will be able to store all or most of his facial grooming essentials and make him feel executive about it. Made of leather and is…… wait for it….it’s customizable. Cost: $58.00 Click Here
  13. Another terrarium that offers more of a conservative yet bodacious feel. Costs: $25.00 Click Here
  14. Yes, yes, yes, this gift is perrrrfect for the man who has an edge. Costs: $32.00 Click Here
  15. This bracelet right here offers a minimalist, rugged and cool vibe. Perfect for that beach boy, or that man who likes to dress down on the weekends yet stay fashionable. Costs: $38.00. Click Here
  16. If you liked the idea of purchasing a leather razor case, but the prior cost was too steep; this is an alternative, same thing just sold by itself. Costs: $38.00 Click Here

If you liked these gift ideas, then you’ll enjoy the others I’ll be coming out with. So make sure to check back frequently. Gifts for Women coming soon too!

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Target Practice for 2015

As I step into a New Year, I feel confident in knowing more about myself and what it is I have and would like to accomplish in 2015. I think it’s awesome to make New Year’s resolutions but what about the one’s you actually accomplished? Don’t forget about them too fast! Take a trip down memory lane and remember your success and how you felt experiencing them. Let those memories serve as your inspiration for your new goals.

Set out your plans in a innovative way that will help you help yourself. Not sure what to do? No problem. Check out the guideline below:

  • Download a month calendar from the web or tear the month page out of a calendar you already own. (Going month by month, increases your focus. Calendar books are often inviting but they often get overlooked too. A single sheet of cutely designed paper helps a great deal because it’s the only one you’ll look at every morning and evening.)
  • Write a list of your goals for the dates in that month. In one color eg. red, write the most immediate, in another color eg. blue, write the “groovy” goals.
  • Purchase a dry erase board, one that is capable of writing more than just one sentence. Dollar, retail and 99 cent shops, have these very reasonable. Some supermarkets as well. Write and, or without the help of images the most important goal you have and the day it occurs.
  • Tape on your wall, facing your bed, the calendar and dry erase board. That way every morning you’ll awake to it.
  • Set a voice note or reminder in your phone that alerts you every 9 days, the important goal you have set.
  • For all major goals that become accomplished, make a note of them, and the way you felt. Maybe take a photo of the smile you had, the actual accomplishment or even a voice note, depicting your excitement.
  • For the minor goals you accomplished, place a tick on the day on the calendar. The more ticks you have, the more encouraged you are that you are successful.
  • Two days, before the month has ended, download and set up the next month calendar, and continue.
  • If you’ve kept up with the process, not only will you have stayed motivated but you would have also had numerous momentos to go through at the ned of the year that documented your triumphs.

Prep for the New Year

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Keri-Ann Roberts: Makeup, Fashion & Hair

BeFunky_keri-annborder

Hi Crafties, I am so exited to introduce you to Keri-Ann Roberts, a makeup artist, hair stylist and fashionista. Before I begin, it’s my pleasure to tell you that she is the very first Youtube vlogger that has ever been featured under our monthly exclusive; which entails artist of all sorts operating under categories that have a hard time being seen as a member of the art community.

Back to the featured artists, who specializes in not only providing makeup and fashion bound DIY (Do It Yourself) tutorials and illustrations respectively but also ensures that it is both simple enough, cost efficient and useful for anyone to implement within their routine and wardrobe.

I’ve provided two examples below for you to watch:

Let me also dig in to a few of her specialties, the first being makeup. Whether you’re looking for ‘cover up’ makeup, ‘enhancing’ makeup, or  ‘natural looking’ makeup, Keri-Ann provides tutorials that will guide you in creating the look you desire. I have personally tried a few of her tutorials and I must say that my overall makeup technique improved and I felt so much better that I was able to achieve some of the looks I had craved due to countless magazines.

She doesn’t stop there, Keri-Ann Roberts also provides her fan base with help in the fashion department. Often times she will show you ensembles that you can easily replicate using pre-existing items in your wardrobe. She also provides examples of how to transform an outfit with a few easy steps, that means going from work to a night on the town or from casual to dressy.

I’ll also add that this fab woman is a naturalista, which means you’ll be getting more tips and techniques for both caring and styling your natural hair. From deep conditioning mixes and protective styling to fashion forward accentuating hairstyles, Keri-Ann helps you recreate that look. However, she doesn’t forget wig or weave wearing sisters because she provides tutorials on how to style your weave to get the most natural look possible.

Crafties, take the opportunity to browse her channel and add a few tricks up your sleeve and connect with her through the following social media websites:

Also, if you’re interested in learning more about Keri-Ann and her passion hear from KeriAnn herself by reading her answers to my questions, provided below:

Tell me a little bit about yourself.-

I was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I attended school there until I left to come to the United States for college, from which I graduated with a BBA in Business Management with a Minor in Human Resources. That said, I must admit that although I’ve held several jobs over the course of my life, I was never as passionate about them as I am with beauty and fashion.

Though I never went to school to become a cosmetologist and/or makeup artist (MUA), I fully intend to become one, but for now, I enjoy doing my friends makeup, being a makeup enthusiast and sharing my tips with the world through my YouTube channel.

Why do you do makeup?-

It’s so much fun and addictive and just plain pretty! It allows you to turn yourself into whoever or whatever and when you’re done you just wash it off and start all over again. I like makeup because it makes me feel like a better version of myself especially when I’m having one of those crappy days, that I know we all get, when you don’t really feel beautiful, even though we know we are. It makes me feel better about the areas I am insecure about and though it doesn’t always cure a bad mood, low self-esteem or depression, it usually makes me feel better when I at least feel that I look good.

What inspires you?-

I am inspired by all aspects of life; whether its nature, fashion, art, architecture, and people. Makeup artists especially because, it’s not only what they create but their commitment to mastering their craft, openness to learning and generosity in sharing their knowledge.

What’s your thought on our latest trends?-

Personally, I don’t really follow trends I wear what makes me comfortable and happy but a few trends I’ve noticed for this fall are :- 1. Doll lashes, 2. Smokey eye or “the grunge look”, 3. Touches of Metallic, 4. The exaggerated cat eye, 5. Bold colors and 6. Bold brows with the forever fall trendy berry lip.

Could you name one common problem women have and how to ‘fix’ it?-

One common problem women have, and this includes myself, we often times compare ourselves to other women and then feel bad about our short comings not realizing that the same person you are comparing yourself to might be comparing themselves to you. We are all uniquely beautiful. We weren’t made to be the same. So what is you have a little fat? If it bothers you that much eat healthy and exercise. So what if you have bugs bunny teeth and a five head? I’ve learnt to… umm I mean, you can learn to live with it. No matter what your flaw is embrace it, it’s what makes you, YOU. Life isn’t about outer beauty, it’s what’s on the inside that truly matters.

Your number 1 makeup tip?-

Never underestimate the power of a good moisturizer. Whether you wear makeup or not and it doesn’t matter if you have oily skin, dry skin or combination skin, a good moisturizer is always an essential. Sometimes, all you really need is a good moisturizer, I recommend one with SPF for the day time and a thicker cream at night, and a mild cleanser, and you can take years off your face. If you are in your 20’s and 30’s moisturizers will give you some of the protection you need to keep skin from prematurely aging and a good moisturizer can take the place of a lot of products.

Thank you so much for reading Crafties and check back regularly to update yourself on new features, awesome giveaways and trendy news.

Click Below to go to my store:

Visit my store on Storenvy

 

UPDATE ON (BULLYING-WHAT TO DO)

Hi Crafties, it saddens me to be writing this, but I decided it needed to be done. If you guys remembered, I posted an article on this topic and you can find it by Clicking HerePlease read it, so you can get a full understanding of what I said and the information I provided. 

Today, I visited Yahoo and there I saw a post that informed us on the tragic death of Rebecca ‘Becca’  Sedwick. She experienced repeat bullying, both physical and by way of social media and as a result she committed suicide. It’s not a matter of if something more could be done, its a matter of why wasn’t it done. Why didn’t we put in place, guidelines to eradicate bullying from our schools, our societies? Why did we ignore the signs of those suffering in silence? 

It’s quite simple Crafties, we have got to do better, if we want better!

To find out more about Rebecca’s story please click here

Much Balance,

Karimah

BULLYING- WHAT TO DO?

bulliesHi Crafties, we all know that social media has many benefits and also many disadvantages, and one of those disadvantages are the incidents of bullying. As we know, there are no national laws associated with bullying, whether on or off social media, and the United States guarantees individuals with the right to freedom of speech. So, where does that leave us? You guys have your own take on it, here’s mine:

My personal motto is simply “Do you boo, as long as you’re not hurting anyone!” I could care less, what your gender, race, sexuality, culture, educational background,  or physical attributes are. Truth is, the world will be more successful if everyone lived by that concept. However, that is not the case and will never be as long as the human ego is ruling the actions of the mind and heart. 

I think a line should be drawn where people do have the freedom to speak. However, they should not be allowed to continuously bully and belittle another individual because as the evidence shows there are grave repercussions. We have had victims of bullying become bullies, commit suicide, or physically endanger the lives of individuals they feel are responsible for their pain and suffering. Who’s right and who’s wrong? Does a child deserve to be killed because he was a bully? I don’t think so, but some people will. Should that child have been bullied? No, I don’t think so, but those who bullied him do. At the end of it all, I feel there has to be a movement that secures everyone’s right to pursue their happiness. Additionally, when the issue surrounds children, adults need to take a proactive approach to curving its occurrences. They need to stop turning a blind eye, they need to stop making excuses, they need to stop making remarks such as “He/she needs to toughen up, just can’t be so sensitive.”

It doesn’t start or stop there either. There is more action to be taken and more thought to be prepared. If a bully is present, there is a problem. Children first imitate behavior, then learn of behavior. They are often abusive to others, after having been abused themselves. There needs to be an investigation into why the child is behaving in that manner and also implement the action to rectify it. One never knows, maybe that child is being emotionally abused at home, and hence acts out when he gets to school. If the school ignored the incident of bullying, they may not have been able to discover that the child was a victim of physical and emotional abuse or had been a witness to it within his household. 

In the incident of a child is spotted as being a bully, I think there are certain steps that should be taken and these are:

  • The parents/guardians of the bully and victim, should be notified of the occurrences noted by the school.
  • The school counselor should be assigned to the case.
  • The child should be given a mandatory detention for three days.
  • Afterwards, both of the children should have individual sessions (approximately 3 or 4) with the counselor and at which time they are able to freely express themselves, and are educated on the importance of dealing with their emotions.
  • After their sessions have been completed, both children should be placed in a sit down with one another, during which they answer questions provided and organized by the school counselor- eg. “When and where did the first incident happen, what was said and done?”
  • After a series of sit downs have been completed, a progress report is organized and a copy of which is sent to both the Principle and each of the child’s parents and guardians. 
  • A follow up session is done once a month for two months.

Speaking of social media bullying, although the victim was not bullied in close contact eg. a school, the effects are the same, the only difference is that the actual effect is harder to see as it occurs. Often times there is not only one bully but there is also a fan base of the bully, which makes it even more difficult for the victim to “ignore”. Also, we usually only hear about the large incidents. The ones that make it into the newspapers, onto the air waves, and on the evening news. There are steps that we can take to approach this situation and get positive results, and these are:

  • Once a individual comes forth or is identified as a victim of bullying, that child is asked a series of question about the incident and then those involved.
  • Once, it has been confirmed that the accounts are plausible, all children involved will have their accounts closed. The victim will have his or her account closed for a period of 1 month, so as to get a break from the back lash comments, that are somewhat expected. The children who are responsible for the bullying, will have their accounts closed for a period of 6 months. After which, if the student(s) have adhered to the conditions of their punishment, their accounts will be reopened. If not, they will not be allowed to resume their accounts for a period of another 6 months. 
  • If the child is awaiting graduation, the incident of their participation will be noted on their records.
  • Also, all the bullies and the victims of bullying should prepare to the entire school body during which they announce what their actions have been (why the bullied someone, why they didn’t speak up, what they think now). SN: If the students are proud enough to indulge in bullying online they should be proud enough to admit their wrong doing in front of everyone. 
  • The school counselor should also ask the school body to stand if they were a victim of bullying, and who has ever bullied someone. This will identify just how much of a problem the school is currently experiencing with bullying and reinforce the need to counteract the issue.

Fore more facts about bullying- please visit https://www.dosomething.org/facts/11-facts-about-bullying- Bullying is obviously a rampant problem we face everyday, young or old, office or school, it exists. We can all do our part in preventing and rectifying this issue. Please, talk to your kids about it, educate your friends about it, and if you or someone you know is being bullied, don’t sit in silence, move forward and love yourself, fight back, not with your fists, but with your words. Broadcast the bully, every chance you get, so they no longer shield themselves and their wrongs.

If you are involved in a school, please use your authority to implement some of the steps above.

For those of you who doubt that bullying is an important subject matter, slowly ask yourself, “Is a person’s life worth it?” If you’re answer is yes, then do what you can. If the answer is no, then ask yourself, “If your kid was being bullied, would you want steps to be taken to rectify that manner?”

Much Balance,

Karimah