APRIL NEWSLETTER
Happy Spring! April showers bring May flowers, that’s how I always remember March comes before May. It’s those silly things from grade school that I randomly remember and hold on to. What’s yours?
Recent day trip to the Flower Fields in Carlsbad, CA
Spring is in full force here in LA and typically one of my favorite seasons. As I mentioned in my recent update video, it’s been difficult as my birthday and mother’s day approaches this year. Trying to just take everything one day at a time. Honestly as I sit down to write April’s newsletter, I’m not sure what the the theme should be. There are lots of updates I want to share with you, but I hate generic update posts, so I thought it would be fitting to share a few things that help me get through a tough time.
Just keep swimming…
As you know from the February/ March Newsletter (password is Grace), I deal with depression. It’s an ongoing struggle. Through the years, I’ve learned that there will be ups and downs, but there are a few things that can help me move through the downs as well as prevent them.
Do what makes you happy
I like to watch TV, I don’t have a lot of time anymore to watch TV, but when I’m feeling down, I like to just take a few hours and catch up on my DVR. Something about escaping into a make believe world helps me. Probably why I was an actor for so long, lol.
Shopping has always been an escape for me as well, but I’ve also taken it to the extreme. I have a tendency to impulse buy. Purchase things I can’t afford or spend without realizing how much I’ve spent. All horrible for my finances and makes me depressed with anxiety about how to pay for everything.
Part of my goals in 2017 is to be better. Thinking before purchasing. Saving and planning for the future. So of course this puts a damper on my retail therapy sessions. Do you have the same problem? I made a video recently about how I’ve been curbing the impulse shopping, especially during the Sephora VIB Sale. You can watch the video here. Sales always suck me in and spit me out, but I think I’m getting the hang of it.
Work Out
It’s a proven fact that exercise leads to endorphins and endorphins make people happy, “happy people just don’t kill people.” (Elle Woods, Legally Blonde) Just kidding, not really. It’s true. I always feel better after a little workout. Now it doesn’t have to be some hard core crossfit sweat session or killer gym training. Try going for a walk, hiking, taking a dance class, yoga, anything that get’s you breathing and moving. Exercise is good for the mind, body, and spirit. Find what works for you and take the time to do it. For me it’s been The Bar Method. Bar classes speak to my dance background.
Working from home, I enjoy taking classes to be around others. Plus there’s a studio in walking distance from me. Convenience is key, I will not go to class if driving and parking is a challenge. This comes from years of wasting money on studios and gyms that were a pain to get to.
DIY
Have you noticed all the DIY projects over on my 2nd channel More Serein? Well it started because I needed a creative outlet. My main hobby, beauty has become my job, which I absolutely love, but this means I need to explore other creative outlets. So far I’ve made a Denim Jacket and furry chair. You can catch up on all my DIY’s here. It’s been a lot of fun. I’m not great at it, but it lets me take a few hours to just try something. The best part is when it turns out well and I’m proud of what I made. There’s a feeling of accomplishment.
Organize
There’s something very relaxing about color coordinating my lipsticks. When my space is neat and tidy, I feel at peace. I can feel guilty for taking a few hours out of my day to just organize, but it’s important to have a space you are proud of and can think clearly.
Your Turn
What makes you happy? Is there something that you’ve wanted to try? I know I would love to try aerial classes and ice skating. There’s also a ton of places I’d like to visit. I think spring is the time to try new things. Share with me what you’d like to try and maybe we can try them together!
SUBSCRIBER GIVEAWAY WINNERS: APRIL
Claire S.
Bethany P.
Yvette L.
Each month I will be randomly selecting a newsletter subscriber as a winner. I’ve e-mailed all three of April’s winners, they have all confirmed and will receive a little surprise in the mail from me.
Congratulations to Claire, Bethany, and Yvette!
Stay tuned, I’ll be doing additional exclusive giveaway opportunities here in addition to monthly winners
(As promised April has 3 winners to make up for February and as a bonus for my birthday month!) 🙂
DON’T FORGET TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @SEREINWU for more giveaways!
NEW SCHEDULES!
There are new upload schedules on all THREE of my YouTube Channels
MAIN CHANNEL: ALL THINGS BEAUTY (YouTube.com/SereinWu)
- New videos every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
2nd CHANNEL: LIFESTYLE (YouTube.com/MoreSerein)
- New videos every Tuesday and Thursday
you’ll find vlogs, DIY’s, shopping, hauls, cooking, and PR unboxings on this channel
BEHIND THE BEAUTY PODCAST on YouTube
- Every Saturday
you can also find BTB Podcast on iTunes and direct on Libsyn or check out the website to watch or listen.
April’s Books
So I finished A Torch Against The Night (book 2) by Sabba Tahir and Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. OMG! AHHHH! WHY?! Guys read An Ember in the Ashes by Sabba Tahir! Thank you to the viewer who recommended this series. I’m hooked and can’t wait for book 3. While browsing my audible recommended list, I decided to try Red Queen. Not quite as well written as A Torch Against The Night or An Ember in the Ashes, but entertaining and just the right amount of drama. I’m about to start Glass Sword, book 2 of the series.
If you’d like to try audible, here’s a free book. You’ll have to create an account and use a credit card, but you can cancel right after your first book (which is free) and keep the book. I personally love audible and pay for a membership myself as well as hubs. We just don’t have time to read anymore and listening during our commutes in the car keeps road rage at bay. Oh another great thing is if you don’t like the book you can return it! No questions asked. I’ve done that a few times myself.
On a final note, we are so close to 100K on youtube! I might cry! This has been a rollercoaster journey and sometimes I feel like it’s taken me longer than most to reach this point, but we are SO CLOSE! Hubs agreed to be in a video when I reached 100K, so what do you guys want to see?
Wishing you all a very happy April!
xoxo
Serein
Serein,
Thanks for your beautiful newsletter and your honesty about how you’re feeling.
The impulse buys is something I can relate to… It doesn’t really make me happy (and I don’t do it very often because I don’t get out of the house a lot), but it helps a bit to feel better. I suffer from an eating disorder and depression and had ECT (aka electroshock therapy) 2 years ago. It helped a lot, but I’m probably gonna need another round.
I agree that working out helps. I find it hard, though. But even a small walk helps!
Take care and congratz on your near 100k subscribers!
Author
Hi Laura-
I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles. I can’t imagine what you are dealing with. Small walks to help. Part of wanting to move to our new place was the ability to go for an afternoon walk to grab coffee or a snack. I tend to wallow and stay home for days at a time if I can get away with it. Thank you for sharing and taking the time to read my newsletter.
xoxo
Serein
Thank you so much for sharing! I came from your collab with WhatWouldLizzyDo and I stayed! I truly hope that the spring season finds you well! Keep on working for your goals, your are doing it great!
Author
Hi Michelle-
Thank you so much for coming over from Lizzy’s channel. She’s amazing and such a wonderful person. Thank you for coming over to the blog and for subscribing to my newsletter, I really appreciate the support!
Hmmmm… a vid with hubs in it. Have him name beauty items as you hold them up? Has he done a voice over GRWM for you? Do face masks together and have him review his? Anything you decide to do will be good :). ***Keep pushing through this season. Be gentle with yourself, though. One thing I find that helps me is to reach out and talk to friends and family about THEIR lives, to keep up with what’s going on with them. This connecting helps me to get out of my head, my sadness, my issues and lean in and listen and be there for people I care for. This is potent, healing medicine. If you are a believer, Happy Easter! This is where our hope springs from, the promise we can rely on.
Author
Thank you Susan for the support xoxo
Congratulations to the winners. Serein you are always so inspiring. I love your.newsletters videos podcasts I am really enjoying your new DIY’S they are so creative. I can not wait to see what you do next.
Author
Thank you so much for the support Barb!
You know I had no idea you lived in the LA area…apparently I haven’t been paying attention. We are headed to the Carlsbad Flower Fields on Saturday, hoping to get some good pictures of the kids! I love the legally blonde reference.
Author
Hope you had a wonderful time at the Flower Fields!
Hi Serein, thank you for this post and your positive outlook on life even whilst going through a difficult time. I am so very appreciative like a lot of the other women commenting here for your videos, your words, and your support ❤. I really enjoy watching your videos and they always make me feel happier 😀 and calmer. I’m so glad I found you on the tube because I truly couldn’t imagine my life without your influence.
I’m a busy mom of two boys and let me tell ya… things get loud and stressful! I know it’s not super productive but I destress by watching you tube videos that of which I’m subscribed to and I also peruse the Sephora app like it’s nobody’s business! I used to work out to destress, I would really like to get back to that as a more productive route 👍🏽 as losing weight would greatly benefit me and make me feel better about myself 😊.
Thank you for always being there for us… no matter what 💞
Author
Hi Kiran-
Thank you so much for supporting my channel and the blog! It means so much that I am able to help you unwind from your busy day. Two boys! My nephew and best friend’s son are a handful, I can’t imagine them together in the same house.
I am heavily encouraged by seeing how you manage to fight through the difficult periods with a smile on your face and still produce amazing content for us. It does not go unappreciated Serein. Keep smiling and keep shining. You have so many wonderful things to look forward to like hitting 100k very soon! XX
Author
Thank you so much for the continued support!
Hello!
This is the first time I’m reading your newsletter, I believe I have been subscribed since January, but ended up missing it.
I would like to recommend you “The Girl From Everywhere”. IT’s YA, I am usually not into YA (unless you take into account that I am a massive Harry Potter fan, but shhh). I am normally not engaged in books, they all seem predictable and the characters boring, but that book trapped me. It has a sequel that I can’t wait to read, I should actually start it today.
Also, wanted to know how you deal with depression and a copious amount of work. People usually say that keeping busy is key, but sometimes I feel like all I want to do is turn myself off for a week and avoid work. I don’t hate my job, I just feel mentally tired sometimes.
Hope you have a wonderful April and a happy birthday ♥
Author
Hi Abby-
Thank you for the book recommendation! I’ll have to add it to the list.
For me staying busy and having a schedule and list of tasks helps me keep going. I tend to easily sleep too much or not get out of bed if I let myself. There are times when I do need to just let myself feel bad and zone out or not work, but it’s a dangerous place for me too. Once i’m in the do nothing mode, it’s hard for me to get out of it. I haven’t found a balance yet, but I do know having obligations and appointments help. So if you need a day off, take it, but make sure you have something you cannot weasel out of the next day. For me it’s knowing that I have meetings I cannot miss or deadlines for my channel where people are depending on content. That get’s me back on track.
I’m currently also dealing with depression and severe anxiety, it’s a never ending battle. I wake up every morning feeling as if my heart’s going to burst as I recall all my problems, I suddenly feel the urge to solve all of them; basically a panic attack every morning. It’s come to a point that I try not sleeping at all because I hate the feeling of a panic attack. Dancing has always helped me, I find myself dancing a little too much these days haha. Also, reading and watching shows to distract myself from my thoughts. How scary is it to be afraid of your own mind. Here’s to better days, love you Serein. ❤
Hi Serein,
I battle with depression and I have my demons! It’s been such a long and painful road to travel and I fear my journey is not getting any better but not any worse either if that makes since. I guess I have good days but far and few between. I don’t know if it’s associated with my body pain or what? I really love spending time with our daughter but she’s 15 now so you know how that works. LOL
I absolutely adore and love the relationship you have with your Mom. I did/don’t/never ever have had it with mine. I think I may have told you she disowned me about 6 years ago and called me a handful of not so very nice words of course she was drunk but she meant every word. Anyways, when I was growing up I told myself that I would not drink like that and I would never treat my children ever that way. I have never done either of the two.
My husband and I are really looking forward to going back to Germany once our daughter graduates High School!!! I love gardening and just floating on my raft on a quiet day in the sun!!!
XO
You should totally try aerial classes! They are so much fun. I love the freedom I always feeling when working with the silks.
I am a dancer/teacher/choreographer by trade. I love to bake when I’m stressed. For some reason the exactness of measuring ingredients and playing with flavors really relaxes me and makes me happy. Plus, I get to share my creations with the people I care for most, which also makes me happy.
Hi Serein
Thanks so much for this month’s newsletter. I love that you are so open and real . Being willing to share your joys and struggles and speaking from your heart is a gift.
I go through phases with the retail therapy as well. Luckily I seem to be in remission at the moment.
This newsletter made me think I would like to get back into archery. I used to love it as a kid in summer camp. Definitely not to use as a weapon,just to focus on drawing the bow back and willing the arrow to the target. Thanks for inspiring me.
So glad to read your newsletter! Dealing with depression is a roller coaster ride but dealing with the after effects is no less a feat in itself. Even I used a creative outlet post my episode. Good that we are doing well and trying our best to so better 😀
And I’ll be taking some inspiration from you too, Serein for more creative outlets for the future! 🙂
Have an amazing month!
my sweet family and friends makes me happy!!love you!!
Really nice. I’m trying to organise myself and my stuff. Hope i feel this peace after.
My family makes me happy
AW. Positive vibes to you Serein !! 🙂 Definitely would love to see your future DIYs and other DIYs you’re interested in doing !!
Really enjoyed reading it.
I enjoyed this blog so much. How do I make myself happy? I watch TV too. When I’m stressed out it helps me to escape. My favorite show is The Big Bang Theory. It always makes me laugh & that helps a lot. I too suffer from anxiety & depression. I have for many years although I’m doing good with it now. I’m in a very happy time of my life. I want to do pottery or take an acting class, just for fun. I hope that today is a good day for you. Hugs!
I loved this post so much!I will definitely buy these books after reading the description of them😍😍stay true and positive sweet Serein😘😘lots of love❤❤❤
Its so fun reading your newsletter ‘!!💝💝💝💝
Love and enjoying your newsletter ,,, my happy place is a cup of tea and curling up to a book! My next adventure is a trip to Turkey so excited ,,, thanks Serein xx
Congrats to the giveaway winners! Happy spring to everyone! Serein I too suffer from depression and anxiety. I’ve suffered with debilitating panic attacks which actually led me to become agoraphobic. I totally understand how depression can be. What really helped me was to buy a book at Barnes and noble that was a depression workbook. It helped me understand some things that triggered my depression and taught me different techniques to try when I was feeling down. I wish all the best for you and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Remember “this too shall pass” 😊❤️
Hooray, it’s newsletter day!!💜💜
A snuggle with my dog always makes me happy, also working in the garden just relaxes me. Serein I love that you used the Legally Blonde quote lol. That movie is highly underrated. ❤️
Congratulations to the winners of her giveaway ❤ you guys deserved it. Hope we can build one family called “Sereinspired” ❤ hope we’ll keep supporting her, inspire her too, and cheer her up more ❤❤ #Sereinspired
The only thing I do to escape my heart from pain after the struggles I’ve been through is watching, not the television but watching you instead. Because I just really adore you that much, and its really pretty obvious that you are not doing your videos just to have fun, instead, to share knowledge and clues to us. I liked you the way you are, on how you keep being you, you are really beautiful with a heart and i know your mom is very proud of you. Congrats on your near 100ksubs. I promise to be with you until you reach all your goals in your youtube career ❤ i really wish to meet you oneday, just seeing you in person will mean the world to me. Thanks for making videos for us, for sharing, for completing my day, for making ne smile and most of all, for inspiring people. ❤❤ hugs&kisses ❤❤ with lots and lots of love ❤ #Sereinspired
Organizing is the best thing I can do to relax myself. I’ve dealt with anxiety for 3 years and the only way to stop myself from having panic attacks is focusing on other things like organizing or cleaning. Also, I loved “Red Queen” and I would recommend “The Young Elites” by Marie Lu, am currently on book number 2 and its amazing!
Spring is definitely in the air ! What makes me most happy is spending time outdoors with my dogs. With the warmer weather, I hope to do lots of hiking and discovering new trails. On rainy days when I can’t go outside, I invite my niece over so we can do some DIY projects much like yours. OUr denim jackets are done and this weekend we are doing the fluffy white chair. Happy Birthday month, I know it’s difficult without your mom and I can’t imagine all the ”firsts” you have to go through without her. We are all here for you beautiful Serein and we love you !! xo
I have two little boys, the days I am able to work out, I feel very happy and energetic P.S I mostly catch up on all my youtube subscriptions during my workouts. I recently fell into depression, I think it’s from gaining weight post baby. I have never been this depressed before. Somehow, I feel that, working out makes me feel like I did something important and good for myself and that makes me happier 🙂
Another great blog! I can relate with watching TV when I’m down. Being a stay at home mom, I have a bit more time to watch hours of TV (I mean of whatever I get to watch when my child doesn’t need me lol) the only downside is when I totally shut myself off from the world and just sit and watch hours on end. When that happens I grab my hubby and baby girl and have them go for a ride in the car with me. Just a long drive. In the mountains, looking at new beautiful houses. That will normally get my mind off of all the bad stuff in life. That and books! I have a recommendation for you. The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon. It’s so SO good. A bit of romance and fantasy. I couldn’t put it down! She also has several other books that I loved. Making faces was awesome too. If you ever get a chance to read them, I’d love to know what you think!
Hey Serein!
Thank you so so so much for all the goodies you’re giving away! I am so blown away because I’ve never won anything! 😄 I really love your newsletter this month because it reminds me of some things I need to start doing too! My mother passed away from cancer last May when I was only 22. I knew she was going to pass away but I didn’t really know when and when she did, it was very sudden. So I know the pain and grieving you’re feeling. It’s been almost a year since she’s passed and I can say that yes I think about her everyday still, but it’s not as painful as it used to be. When I think of her I actually feel happiness because I know she would be so proud of me and the accomplishments I’ve made. It will get better and there will be better days, I promise. And I’m not just saying that. Everyone has their own way of grieving and time to heal too. But I can assure you that you are an amazing and beautiful person that has so much to give to the world. Do not give up on your passion and what you really love! I can’t wait to read more newsletters and watch more of your videos. They really help me unwind and keep my mind off of any negativity. I may not always comment on your videos or newsletters but know that I’m always watching! ❤️ Thank you again, Serein!
By the way, I think you make a video of your husband attempting to do your makeup if you haven’t already made one already! I think it would be hilarious to watch!
Hey Serein,
I love residing your newsletters! I can relate to the anxiety your Birthday and Mother’s Day are causing you this year. My Mom is in a Nursing Home and she has Alzheimer’s. I also love 3 1/2 hours away from her. It is SO difficult to see a woman who was once so strong and my hero fade away from me, but I TRY to focus on the good moments we have now. I have been diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease in my lower back. It has all been stress related. I do love to get out to walk and be in nature. I love to walk my dog or have her walk me if she’s in the mood. Life throws us many curve balls and some of them we simply cannot deal with very well. i.e: when our parents get sick or pass away. I wish I had a magic wand that could bring your Mom back and make mine well again. Your Mom must have been amazing to have raised an awesome young lady like you. I know you work hard and I appreciate your work in the videos you produce… they are awesome to watch. You are one of my fav YouTubers and bloggers.
I am also trying to be more responsible with my finances I’m on a no buy and using what o already have which is more than I could ever need. I’m trying to live a more simple lifestyle…
I am always checking if you have new video uploads, this makes me happy..your beauty recommendations are a big help for me because I used to be an impulsive buyer and whenever I see something ‘beauty-wise’ I like I make sure to watch your videos, fortunately..you always review new products I really want to try. Thank you😄
Beautiful photos. Spring and flowers can really lift our spirits! Be happy always!
I know how hard it can be when you’ve lost your mom, I lost mine when I was 15. I’m sending you strength and love. This months newsletter resonates so well with me on pretty much every level. I’ve struggled with depression for most of my life, had issues with spending, and am always endeavoring to make myself happy in a good way. You’re totally awesome Serein, thank you for always sharing and being real.
For me, what makes me the happiest is be part of a brazilian music group. I started last year and was the best thing I could ever done!
I’m so with you on retail therapy and impulse buying. I love catching a sale, but it can give me anxiety when the books roll in. I suffer from depression and anxiety too and excercise helps. I don’t find anything wrong with taking medicine and talking to some one. I’ve done it all and they each help. I’ve lost both my parents so I know what you’re going through. I love all your creative outlets and your making me think of ways to organize better.
The book Red Queen is absolutely amazing I still getting around to reading the second and the third but loved them. Things that make me happy is reading and watching some TV like CSI.
I loved this Newsletter Serein! I saw your DIY videos and think they both turned out great. You are really good at it. Give yourself the credit you deserve girl!!! I want to try to DIY a chair I have. Thank you for giving me the courage to at least try it. I was going to just send it out to be reupholstered. XOX
I’d love to see you guys do a Q&A for 100K. I’m so happy to see your channel continue to grow and am so thankful to Tati W. for “introducing” me to my favorite content creator last year! If I didn’t know that your background is in acting/producing, I’d be able to tell from your attention to detail and dedication to quality. (You put your whole Self into what you do, and it shows!)
On impulse buys, am TOTALLY with you. My 2017 resolution was to cut spending, and I so did, on clothes because I started a capsule wardrobe and moved to Scotland so everything got downsized. But the grey days I love make me reach for makeup, and what can I say, pretty things draw me to them like flies to the light. I’ve started making lists of like existing eyeshadow palettes, foundations and concealers I have, their pros and cons. It sort of helps, if say I itch for a new product, to then look at the list and see if the new item duplicates anything already on the list. If it does and it’s no new breakthough, NAH.
Anyway, thought I’d share a book that I read recently and loved – Michel Faber’s Undying Love. It’s a short collection of poems he wrote coming to terms with the loss of his wife. I did choke up a lot reading this, but it’s for him a grief narrative that helps him come to terms with it all. I felt it strongly and it is beautiful.
Hey Serein!
I love your newsletters, and I love your new format. (I don’t know if I ever told you that) I also love that you speak openly and freely about living with depression & anxiety.
I live with a chronic illness that encompasses a laundry list of other conditions including depression, anxiety, & PTSD. There’s still so much of a stigma about talking about these conditions, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having them.
Thank you for being an advocate for mental, physical, and emotional health.
I would like to take classes to work on my makeup application techniques, blogging, & social media. Although I’ve been looking around and as far as I know there aren’t any classes that focus solely on makeup. Loved this months letter Serein, take care of yourself!
Stay Fabulous ✌🏻
Youtube makes me happy! Also walking around my neighborhood always helps
Shop a lot of school supplies and drawing/painting makes me happy . I am definately gonna do that.
Thank you for this newsletter 😘 I look forward to the next one.
I also suffer from depression and anxiety. I totally agree with you on all of the above especially organizing. I also have found that daily 5 minute meditation, long term planning of a project/trip, and growing/watering my plants has really helped me. You and my husband has the same exact taste in books!
Just a quick science/dorky note on Retail therapy. It is so hard for so many people to stop. Studies show that we get a short endorphin high similar to cocaine when we buy something new but the effect is very short lived. However, creating memories like playing with your pet have longer endorphin highs cause you can continually get an endorphin shot just by remembering the memory.
Love that science tip!
I’ve been helping my friend promote her clothing line to distract myself, getting her going on social media. Doing something for others is the best medicine.
Depression was kicking my butt more than usual since my dad died in December. Add pregnancy hormones and looking for a house made for a bad combination. Going for walks and doing my dishes (which I hate) has helped me relax. I definitely get the organizing thing.
Thank you for your honesty and kind words. xo
Organizing is seriously one of the most relaxing things in the world, I love doing a whole house organizing and decluttering day every few months. Day to day I love to watch a few YouTube videos while I do a facemask after putting my daughter down to sleep!
omg, I’ve been obsessed with face masks lately! I probably watch too much youtube though lol
Hi Serein,
I’m really enjoying your newsletters! I’ve been a big fan every since I discovered your blog/YouTube channel but became an even bigger fan when I approached you at Topanga Mall one day last year. It’s ironic that now that you’ve moved away from that area, I recently moved into the area and am about 2 minutes away from that mall now! I’m curious as to whether you’re religious, just based on the passwords of the last two newsletters I’ve read…
Love this newsletter! I’ve been dealing w some things on my own personally as well so this has really helped to give me a little insight on some things that have helped U that I’ll try myself! Loving the DIY series💖💕 I’ve watched them all but haven’t commented lately. Hope to get back n the swing of things soon🤗😙
I don’t really get to get out much but what I do that makes me happy is read books. I also really enjoying doing my nails. Congrats on being so close to 100k!
Serein, you are the cutest. Lovely pictures. Hi to Chris.
What a Wonderful News Letter! What great ways to keep positive and motivated. Keep on Smiling Serein. Looking forward to your next letter