Reviews- Things I've Tried During Quarantine

Some good, some bad. I'm a tough critique!

We'll start with the bad.

John Brown Psychologist and Counseling Services- 1 Star

201 Prospect Ave. Hagerstown MD, 21740

John and Randy, his secretary, were my therapist before the shut down started. I had my intake appointment on March 11th, that lasted roughly 30 mins and we scheduled my second appointment. Randy then they called and told me that "all appointments are canceled until further notice." To which I expected, but shrugged off. They called again the following morning bright and earlier because "I'm not sure if I left a voice mail last time I called, again, all appointments are cancled until further notice due to the covid-19 virus."

I was annoyed. I had talked to several other friends who were still receiving therapy. Some in person and other took to telepsych via video chat or phone call. At the end of April I finally received another phone call, I also let go to voice mail from Randy. Explaining that due to the covid-19 virus that John Brown's office would like my email address and to expect a link in the future for video appointments. I called back and gave them my email. But no email followed for appointments.

Still bothered by the quietness I called back and left a message asking that "Will I be receiving instruction so that I can return to therapy, telepysch or other wise? Otherwise I will be looking for another therapist." This wait game was ridiculous. He is suppose to be a specialist in his field. The only thing he specialized in was being unreliable. I got a phone call yesterday morning (05/26/2020) saying "We will not be offering telepsych appointments as our office has reopened. If you need telepsych appointments you'll need to check with your insurance provider to find someone in your network that is offering it." I'm just dumb founded over his secretary. What on earth is going on? Why didn't you call me so I could schedule an appointment? I thought you guys died.

So I called this morning. Randy picked up professionally with their office greeting and first name. "Hi this is Kirsten Rhodes, a patient of John's, I'd like to schedule an appointment with him, I heard your offices have reopened." She fumbled around, stuttering, per my usual encounter with her and apologized that she was not in office and didn't have her schedule with her. She asked me what I needed to be seen for. I replied sarcastically. "Therapy...." She paused, probably realizing what she had just asked. And asked what day next week works best. I told her "any day that John is available", she said "how about Wednesday". I said great! She told me 10am can be tentative because she didn't have the schedule in front of her, but would call if things would change. Of course she called back and told me that spot wasn't available, we rescheduled to two days earlier (which is better for me). *sighs*

I went to John because I thought he could help get a proper diagnosis with all my CURRENT symptoms and a proper referral to a therapist who could actually help me with my diagnosis. I'd had nine therapists in the past two years alone. While I knew he wasn't offering the type of therapy I was looking for, his specialized testing can only be found in limiting areas.

None the less, I will be seeing him, and moving on, hopefully quickly. I do NOT recommend him, his secretary, or his services. One star. Do not recommend, at all.

BETTER HELP- 2 Star

With that being said I am moving to Better Help. An new online therapy solution for mental health. They do not take insurance and they are independently contracted with the app. When I hadn't heard from John, and my mental health was crashing, I decided to give Better Help a try. I qualified for their discounted services because I am disabled. They quickly match you with a therapist in your state based on your application needs. You can select gender, and put in your diagnosis/symptoms to find people experienced for you. I thought it sounded great. But don't dare click or mention you are suicidal. The app won't let you use their services otherwise. I had tried back in 2019 and they denied me because of it. This app only works with non acute symptoms.

I figured I could keep quiet about my biggest concerns while still paying for someone to vent to weekly. Someone was better than no one. And since no one was taking new patients during the shut down, I didn't know what else to do.

My first appointment was.... just okay. Nothing special. It was a week after I signed up was her soonest available spot. Though we did touched base with emails almost daily talking about what our 1st phone calls focus would be on. During the last 10 minutes of the call I had mentioned the biggest stresses in my life the past two years causing a lot of my current symptoms. #1 My suicide attempt by vehicle in Jan 2018, that I ended up getting a felony charge for. #2 Me leaving the Mormon cult in Dec. 2018. And #3 then being raped last year in April 2019. She paused concerned about my mention of my past suicide attempt, but told me that the conversation needed to end for today, and if I could send her a detailed message explaining my suicidal idealizations. *sighs* I feared her removing me from the app because I mentioned it. She was weary and cautious, so I switched therapists on the site. Immediately.

I was able to view and select my next therapist this time. Dr. Elizabeth Nyang. I read reviews and looked at her specialties. She had been practicing for over 15 years. So I went with her. Our opening conversations were less then pleasant when I answered her question of "how can I help you here on better help?" She couldn't spell my name correctly, and she told me she didn't understand what "dump/vent sessions" were. Even when I explained to her what I meant, she said that she could not help me and started talking about how "EMDR therapy is done in person." I knew all of that, I just needed something to get me through until things opened back up. *sighs* Another one bites the dust. But this time it was at least 10 days into my $180/monthly subscription and instead of being matched with yet another therapist, I emailed their customer service and asked to cancel my subscription and asked if I could get a prorated refund.

Surprisingly, they gave me a full refund and told me that if I filled out another question air I may qualify for even more financial aid through their site, if I wanted to try again. I did fill it out, and I did qualify, but I did not continue to use their services. Two stars for good customer service, but over all not a great service I can recommend.

Layered With Lace- 2 Star

I really don't want to give this company any time of day. A youtuber I enjoy watching who

does "unboxings" of subscription boxes shared this company with her channel. I thought I would love this brand, even though I could find very little about it. It was a new and small business, and I like supporting small businesses. So I went to their website. Sadly, they are not plus-size inclusive. Luckily I have a tiny chest and I figured I could probably squeeze into a Large, and or cut my losses and cancel subscription if it didn't fit, as there were not return, what so ever.

I know mail delivery was taking longer time to get places, and I was okay until the post man showed up on my door step, May 22nd, and asked for $2.60 in order for him to give me my package. He didn't take cards and I only had a $50 bill, which he said he would gladly take and drop by my change tomorrow.

(Because this was his usual route) Sketchy, no? He did let me get a picture of it so I could pass the concern to the person who sent it to me. Apparently they didn't put the right amount of postage on the package. I wondered how did they even let it ship all the way to my house in the first place with out enough/the wrong postage? So I asked my friends on Facebook. The census was, the post man was weird for offering what he did, but it did happen occasionally. None the less, I wasn't paying for shipping that their site, and I quote "always ships free." So I told him to RETURN TO SENDER, and that I'm not touching that. And immediately messaged the owner, whose name is Bri.

She basically said that this behavior was normal for "picky post men" and that by adding me to the shipping tracking we can avoid me not having money for my order at the door in the future. She however never replied to me asking if when she received my order back whether she will be shipping it back out with proper postage, or refunding me fully. Five days and counting. TBA Cute product and awesome idea. Poor follow through! I can not recommend.

Now onto some better things I have tried!

Lush Cosmetics- 4 Stars

A really awesome brand full known for it's skin care and bath bombs. I only indulged in their skin care. Every product has a sticker of the employee who made the product that is in your hand. It's pretty freaking cool! However when you order online you can only access their "self preserving" products because the other products require refrigeration and temperature

control; they are only available in person shopping. I wish there was one in my local area, but even so everything has been closed. I've demoed most of their products in-store at DC location before though. It smells so heavenly in there. I got two masks/body scrubs and 2 face bars. The Minty "Mask of Magnamity" one sadly smells like toothe paste. GAH! I heard the non self preserving one smells less like toothe paste. None the less I store them in the fridge anyways, because a cold minty mask is refreshing!

It's super chunky, and not the easiest to apply or get an even application, but I like the ingredients and how you get an exfoliation while washing it off. It did take a really long time to wash off. But my boyfriend and I agree; results are great, but we have both used better, easier masks. My face felt great afterwards. Naturally, but not overly, mattified. I totally recommend it, But I doubt I will repurchase the self preserving one again.

Ocean Salt, is the next face/body scrub I got. It has a citrus smell. Sadly, I remember it smelling much better in person. I will still use it. I like the way it makes my skin feel!

The last two face bars, Gritty Politii, with sandalwood and ground coconut shells, and Sleepy Face- with Fair Trade organic Cocoa and Shea butter and lavender. Both were heavily scented when I first opened them. And at first it made me scrunch my nose. They smelled yucky. Possibly rancid? I used them anyways. I already knew I hate sandalwood, I got two, I thought that Sean would really like it. I'll use them as not to waste, but these two I dislike the most from my order. They are both VERY hydrating. I can't tell if they actually clean my face, or just coat it with their hydrating oils. I'll only use them at night. I give Lush 4 stars out of 5 because even though I was not 100% satisfied with everything in my order, I love the brand and what they stand for. Low/zero waste alternatives to every day beauty products.

The Framed Petal- 5 stars!!!

Another Small business owned by a woman named Hannah White from Southern VA. A busy crafty mother using her art to help others feel pretty with jewelry. Necklaces, ear rings, key chains, pop sockets, etc she uses metal bezels and epoxy to embed dried real flowers into beautiful artwork. I was added into her Facebook group a little over a month ago when she had only a couple hundred people in there. Within a that time frame she branded herself, and has over 2.5k members and has done dozens of dozens of custom orders, including mine! She was also kind enough to point out a flaw on the bezel she noticed right before shipping and gave me the option of her totally redoing it. To which I accepted and decided to buy another! I got to pick everything during my process- shape/color of bezel, flower, chain/no chain- and they look beautiful! Check them out!

Cat not included

I used leather chord I had for the chain. She however has metal and waxed cotton options!

Paparazzi Jewelry- 5 Stars

Another Small business! This is a brand that you shop with consultants. My consultants name is Autumn! Mother of two and one in the oven, I love watching her Facebook lives showcasing jewelry. Everything is $5! Yes you head that correctly. FIVE DOLLARS! Lead and nickle free. All of my necklaces came with ear rings, but my ears aren't pierced. . . I think I just might get them pierced though. Super cute stuff! I'm very pleased with everything. I know that I am allergic to many metals, and that my sister is allergic to paparazzi jewelry, but so far so good. :)

Dress from 2019 Torrid summer collection

Crop top from Torrid 2020

Torrid- 5 Stars

Torrid is a plus size clothing brand. I fell in love with them last summer when I started shopping there after being frustrated I no longer fit into other department stores clothing anymore. I am about 215lbs and 5'0 at the moment, and I've always had a small bust. Still, of course, not everything in that store is flattering on me. So as most people do, I pick the styles that I now fit and flatter my body most. Crop tops, and dresses! They are a quality brand of sturdy beautiful clothing. They aren't cheap, but I pretty much exclusively shop their clearance and wait for sales. When many of my summer plans were canceled due to covid, I decided to invest in some nicer clothing for my new body. I now have many statement pieces in my wardrobe from Torrid.

I'm a size 0 or 1 in their tops. These are size 16 shorts. I know you can't see them well though. A little snug, but way cute.

I LOVE the top of this dress. I wish it fit more snug as I know the style is meant to be worn, I unfortunately got it in a size too big. I wont be returning it though. I got it in a 14 and it should have been 12.

With this first order, I racked up $125 in torrid cash to spend during a certain time. So my second order will be here soon with the rest of my summer haul!

I legit got 5 of these crop tops. I'll be living in them all summer.

I don't have any photos of me wearing this sneaker, but it SUPER comfortable and way cute. Totally recommend.. I think I ordered a 7, but could probably size a half size down. They have several colors in this style shoe.

Joico- 4.5 vs Paul Mitchel Blue Hair Color- 4

I know this assessment in the hair community is a bit taboo. Unless you are a licensed cosmologists or know someone who will buy it for you, it is difficult to get these products for the regular consumer. And for good reasons, the chemicals in these products need someone who is experienced and trained to work with them. It also protects the art and style of those who so lovingly put time into making you beautiful. I am not above the social standard because I know where to get quality, salon professional hair color so I can color my own hair during Quarantine. It is however more cost effective! Sow with that said. check out my hair in these photos.

You'll notice that both colors do not take to my natural color hair root. *sighs* I need to bleach it first. Which I personally do not feel comfortable bleaching my own roots. It would take me hours doing sections, washing out, and repeating so that every sections wasn't over processed. I'll take discolored roots to protect my hair health until a professional can enjoy playing with my hair.

So they basically look the same, right? Yup. But here is my critique,

Joico washed out faster. It is demi and not meant to last long. (non permanent) Washing your hair in cold water with proper color safe shampoo will protect the life of the color by keeping the hair cuticle closed. Joico smells alright and I have used their color intensity line ALOT. I love the brand. Its reliable to me. and stains very little after the first wash.

Paul Mitchel pop smells like a coconut paradise. Lasts longer in the hair, but stains my tub. BAD! Every wash. It also stains my neck if I sweat, and my pillowcase when my hair is wet. Joico doesn't. While bleeding happens with alot of new hair colors, Id rather color my hair multiple times, than have my neck, tub and clothing stained permanently blue. Color pigment looks like the same. Smells great. but I wont be using Paul Mitchel pop blue again. Joico for the win!

And last, but not least Mary Kay!

Mary Kay Fanorama Mascara- 3.5 Stars

I love this company. I have a been a consultant for almost nine years now! But I have always been a harsh critique of all products I consume, even the company I profit and endorse. Truth be told, the beauty industry hasn't been releasing many new products because the manufacturing plants haven't been up and running at full capacity from this virus. Also, who is buying? It's a difficult time for many. Believe it or not, cosmetics are classified in the top three "recession proof industries" next to alcohol and tobacco. Instant feel good products. One might not go out and buy a new home or car during this difficult time, but people sure do grab some alcohol and maybe a new lipstick or mascara. Something to make you feel good.

I tried the new mascara. Fanorama. I love it, mainly because I just broke my newly opened Mary Kay Water proof Lash love.... don't ask me how I don't know?! I dropped it and the top popped off. It has never happen before. I needed a new one. Just in time! The product is comfortable to wear, and I love the way it feels, but I would still suggest our Lash Intensity for BIG-WOW, soft-to-touch lashes. Fanorama is also limited addition. If so many love it, I could see it becoming apart of the full time line. However, I don't think there is a mascara out there that would change my mind on our water proof formula. I cry a a lot, it's allergy season. I need water proof mascara. Period. Otherwise, it is right on par with what I expect from Mary Kay!

What did you think? Have you tried any of these brands/businesses? Will you be trying them? Let me know what you think in the comments below!