29 Sunday Apr 2012
Posted in My Life
Tags
Amped Series, Games, Physical exercise, Pound (mass), Snowboarding, Sports, Video Games, Weight loss
The last couple of weeks have been crazy hectic especially without my laptop. But it’s finally fixed and back in my hands. However, I am happy that I have been making great strides and lost a few more lbs and amped up on my toning exercises. Since my diet began, I’ve lost 16 lbs. Now to catch up on email and everything else I missed while being without my computer.
26 Thursday Jan 2012
Tags
Bikini, C.Miya Swim, CaraMiya, Christmas Card, Facebook, Jackson, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Maui, Oahu
When it comes to accomplishments most successful people who have realized their dreams have two things in common. They have a strong belief that “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” (Courtesy of Oprah). And in planning or changing of plans, their end results were always in their consciousness and having their eye on the prize.
While I’m clearly very comfortable with my body, I’ve had my fair share of weight struggles that have helped me define the healthy body I am happy with. I’ve been a size 0 but only after a period of my childhood where I was content on wearing a T-shirt at the pool. And on both of those spectrums I was clearly unhealthy. As an adult, I’ve reached my range of healthy weight but I still have goals. With 2012, in full force, some of my previous goals has resurfaced with vigor. One passion is my wish for my own set of Janet Jackson abs- “Pleasure Principle” anyone?. Now, my friends all know my love for Ms. Jackson (And let’s throw Jennifer Lopez in that category of strong, sexy & feminine too) but some may not know my love for her sculpted abs. And while I doubt I’ll be sporting a 8-pack in a year and forever, I do know that my “dream body” has potential to be my “real body” at this point in my life.
Having a variety of friends and family with different weight struggles has shown me the variety of reasons and motivations that people use as tools to achieve their weight-goals. But also the “triggers” that serve as reminders to keep us conscious of our goals. I have no wedding dress to fit in, pageant to prep for, baby I just delivered, or a hubby coming home from deployment. I don’t want to keep a poster of Jackson on my wall because while I love her abs, I still love my body and want to look like me. But I know what I want to wear this time next year. Right now hanging outside my closet until I find the perfect shadow box, I have a C.Miya Swim bikini to serve as my daily reminder my weight & fitness goals. I have a partner-in-crime working on her goals as well and have told myself I’m sporting this bikini next year for my Christmas Card whether I’m ready or not, so I might as well be ready. 
The bikini from C.Miya Swim is in the beautiful and floral “Keytoe” on a luxuriously nude fabric with black trim (See above photo courtesy of C.Miya Swim). The incredible choice of swimsuits that truly embody what I believe all women want in swimwear. The range of swimwear offers unique designs and excellent craftsmanship with a knowledgeable and personable designer at the helm of it all. From my shopping experience with CaraMiya, I would recommend her work to any of my friends and family. I loved that I was able to communicate with her my measurements and needs; I have some curves and I also am deathly afraid of spillage. I also appreciated for some reason that CaraMiya makes her suits in Maui which just like my fondness of Kooey in Australia, I think it’s good for any designer particularly ones that creates pieces you will be active in to understand the elements you’re up against. I won’t just be swimming in my pool, I’m going to be pounded by mother nature’s waves on the North Shore or Oahu, some swimming in the pool, then maybe a little volleyball. When I tried on my piece it fit perfect especially with the side-ties on the bottoms which didn’t cut into my skin. I also was able to do frog leaps to test the coverage without any spills or crazy bunching (I had her add a halter straps to help with my ‘top-heavy’ concerns)- AHmazed! Being able to tweak things in a suit that you are going to wear is beyond amazing because you end up with a product that not only fits you, but also a bikini you feel comfortable and beautiful in. Shop at C. Miya Swim or ‘Like’ some great designs on Facebook.
20 Tuesday Dec 2011
Posted in My Life
Today was odd day in the sense that I didn’t have to venture off to work, write papers, do an assignment, or anything for that matter. But I did find myself with thick cut maple bacon and decided that was what I wanted to devour in all its glory. I made bacon then fried some sweet potato fries in the bacon fat and made some sweet iced tea to boot. I felt very Paula Deen on this lazy Tuesday listening to Etta James “A Sunday Kind of Love” on a weekday.
I know bacon isn’t necessarily the healthiest food choice, but it still something that I like to every so often “treat” myself with. I just wanted to share a few random facts about Bacon that I recently learned.
12 Monday Dec 2011
Tags
Alyssa Campanella, Australia, Bikini, Jesinta Campbell, kooey swimwear, Miss Teen USA 2011, Miss USA 2011, Swimwear
Over the weekend I came home to find a little package waiting for me to unwrap. Inside the package was one of the cutest bikinis I’ve ever seen let alone had the chance to slip into. I was a bit intimidated by the tiny number from Kooey Swimwear with the bold fun purple and pink print bursting liveliness and cooing to me “Try Me! Try Me On! Ooooh!” and well…
I slipped it on and fell in love. For reference, I’m a US size 4-6 (which is equivalent to a AUS size 8, I believe) and although I’m not considered plus sized, I also don’t have Shannon Click’s body when she sported her Kooey bikini for Sports Illustrated. Ultimately, I do love my body but I do have issues in finding swimwear that doesn’t cut into the curve of my hip but also gives my bust support and coverage. However, I did find a suit from Kooey Swimwear that is not only stylish but flattering. I wanted to share a few reasons why I love this bikini from Kooey Swimwear.
Bottom line: As someone who lives in a place wear swimwear is just as much as a staple as t-shirts. Kooey Swimwear combines unique designs and quality to produce swimwear that is perfect for any surfer, fashionista, beach-bunny, or anyone else in between. I first heard of Kooey Swimwear in 2010, learning part of their story and how they merge the culture and diversity of Australia into their designs. And while I’m not an Aussie I can appreciate their approach to paying tribute to who they are, where they are from, and also where they are going.
When I think about all the swimsuits I have; many are colorful, some are fashionable but, this Kooey bikini is truly art. Cheers!
14 Monday Nov 2011
Posted in My Life
Tags
APEC, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Barack Obama, Hawaii, honolulu, Pacific Rim, South Korea, Tori Richard, United States, Waikiki
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were part of the 21 delegations that converged in Honolulu, HI to attend APEC over the week. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the premier economic forum in the Asia-Pacific region. Established in 1989 and comprising 21 member economies from around the Pacific Rim, including the United States, Russia, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Australia, APEC fosters growth and prosperity by facilitating economic cooperation and expanding trade and investment throughout the region. 
It was interesting to get a variety perspectives of the events not only as a journalist, but also a resident. While it was a great experience to get an up close perspective on security and the various delegations; it was also an eye-opening experience as a resident to see what our infrastructure can handle and at times confusing, particularly in relation to traffic as roadways were blocked off albeit for security reasons. I’m just thankful for great parking, as many places became heavily restricted. (My least favorite moment was running back to the hotel room because I forgot my pass/credentials. Yup, not a great feeling when you’re surrounded by police, national guard, and security on ever level imaginable.)
To be honest, my favorite moment of the APEC experience was what a friend referred to as my “Kate Middleton” moment and deciding what to wear. Tori Richard, the premier resort living designer brand in the world, designed all the volunteer shirts for the volunteers. Tori Richard was founded in Honolulu, HI in 1956, and decades later serves as an iconic brand in Hawaiian pop-culture & fashion, making it an excellent choice to showcase its creativity at APEC through fashion. It also made sense for me to wear a dress that showcased the island lifestyle.
I picked this vintage Tori Richard quilted design because with its fabric type, color, and overall design. My waist and hips were a perfect fit, my bust could have been let out a bit but I didn’t want to do any alterations so I pulled the sleeves down and wore it at a strapless dress, which worked out great. The fabric style itself reminded me of a Hawaiian print quilt. The density was great because the Hawaii Convention Center was cold and the few gusts of wind on the streets of Waikiki weren’t able to hamper on my style with this piece.
APEC is finally wrapping up as presidents and delegations from the 21 countries started to leave paradise. The whole experience is one I think many will remember, I know I will. Every year APEC is held in one of the 21 countries in which each takes a turn serving as host. The APEC Russia 2012 summit will be the 24th annual gathering of the leaders of the Pacific.
25 Tuesday Oct 2011
Tags
Biology, Botanical Garden, Botany, by The Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Manoa, Garden, Lyon Arboretum, Manoa, Oahu, Singapore Botanic Garden
I found myself with twenty minutes of free-time, and because I was only minutes away I stopped by The Harold L. Lyon Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Manoa on the island of Oahu. It’s a beautiful tropical garden with almost 200 acres to it. Around this time last year I remember applying makeup and doing hair for a bride, three members of a bridal party, and two of the cutest flower girls. It was a slightly chaotic day for myself so I didn’t get a chance to enjoy the lush scenery. So walking through the array of flowers today with no hustle and bustle was quite different from my first experience here. However, I wouldn’t change the wedding day at all because while I can appreciate the beauty in nature God created today, I can appreciate the talent he gave me to share beauty while I stop and smell the orchids. Random, I know!
Honey Hint: For your big day, if you are confused about the makeup and hairstyling of yourself and your bridesmaids try to think about how you want to be the centerpiece but also have your fellow bridesmaids to add to your glow. Pick the feature you want to highlight and then pick a cohesive style that flatters the wedding party. At this particular wedding, the bride wanted a sweet look to her face, so I used tones of pink and peach on her eyes, lips, and cheeks to play off on the shades of green that were on her bridesmaids. The brides’ only ‘must-have’ request was that her hair be down, so we decided on a half-up do and gave the bridesmaids a sleek ponytail styled with fresh orchids.
13 Friday May 2011
Posted in Honey Pot, HoneyTunes, My Life
Tags
Argan oil, Beauty, BobMarley, Casey Novak, Christina Aguilera, CMA Music Festival, Cosmetics, Demi Moore, Diane Neal, Health, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Josie Maran, MAC Cosmetics, Make-up Art Cosmetics, Mariah Carey, Redemption Song, Sarah Jessica Parker, sigma makeup brushes, Ziggy Marley
Hi Ladies & Gents,
There has been so much going on in the news, politics, society, and even in our own lives. From things that are grand and other things that are not so great. Have you all been watching Late Night with Jimmy Fallon? All week they have been doing amazing performance tributes in honor of Bob Marley. This week is the 30th anniversary of the death of Robert Nesta Marley. Ziggy Marley, Jennifer Hudson, and more have all been doing amazing covers of his songs like “No Woman, No Cry” and “Redemption Song”. I truly believe music transcends time, race, gender, and genre. So it’s truly amazing just thinking about the celebration of this man’s life and what he accomplished and has given to society. I hope that when we remember a man like Mr. Marley, we hope that we too and our future generations can accomplish great, if not greater.
How do I follow that? I can’t. But, I just wanted to share with you all several things that I have been loving. I get emails with questions, sometimes about my own interests and while I don’t really like to talk too much about myself because I love learning about and listening to amazing people. So I thought sharing a few things I’m loving at the moment would be a nice opportunity to show you some of my likes as well as hopefully introduce you to some great things.. This will be posted under the My Life section, which is where I do post more personal information and thoughts. I hope all of you, whether you’re graduating, going to prom, finding a job, or just doing you, are doing great.
I love getting emails from everyone and getting to know your interests and recommendations, so keep that coming.
XoXo,
Korres Face Primer ($28): I love this silicone-free face primer. It feels just like a moisturizer when I put it on, but I can see a difference when I don’t use this under my makeup. While I’m not necessarily against silicone-based primers for the same reasons other are, I generally don’t use them every day. I’ve never had a breakout problem with Smashbox Photofinish, or Tarte’s CleanSlate. In fact I love them when I am going for a more matte look just because silicone-based products tend to aid in eliminating any sheen from your face. However, on a daily basis my preference for the finish of my skin is natural to a satin finish, meaning I want some sort of dewiness to my skin. I think when your skin is not completely matte it add dimension and aids in a more natural look. This is why I love Korres Face Primer, it doesn’t eliminate my natural glow.
Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil ($32): I prefer cleansing oils to take off my makeup for a few reasons. The main reason I love cleansing oils is because it literally melts off my makeup without forcing me to tug and scrub at my skin, especially the sensitive eye area. When I found of Josie Maran Cosmetics made a cleansing oil, I was excited but scared. I’ve tried a few cleansing oils which either wasn’t up to the job of removing every trace of my makeup, or made me work harder than using regular extra virgin olive oil. Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil is a 3-in-1 product that melts away your makeup, treats your skin, and moisturizes it without leaving a thick layer of residue. I’ve read reviews by some people who didn’t care for the product, however, I think it’s because of the way they used it. To get the most out of this product, put a few pumps into your hand and massage it onto your face without any water. The oil itself will break your makeup down and do all the work. When you see your makeup is pretty much disolved then wet your face and the oil instantly turns milky and rinses away. I love this cleansing oil as well as the many eco-friendly products Josie Maran Cosmetics makes. It truly makes a difference in your skin and the environment. 
Baiyu ‘Gone’: Off of her ‘Fan Fair’ album, ‘Gone’ is just a beautiful song, sung by an AH-mazingly talented vocalist, songwriter, let alone beautiful woman. The melody, the hook, the vocals are all on point. I listen to it almost everyday on my drive home to help wind me down and relax. However, there are those days when I listen to it on repeat and sing along…. AH-horrible… I can’t touch her mic. If you haven’t checked out this song or ‘Fan Fair’ you can download it through Itunes as well as hear it on Baiyu’s official site.
MAC Cosmetics’ Creme d’Nude Lipstick ($14.50): While this isn’t a new product, it’s something I love more during the warmer seasons. I love nude lips, because I generally prefer a smokey eye. I normally use another one of MACs’ lipsticks in ‘Myth’ which is a Satin Formula topped with their Lipglass in ‘Underage’, the Creme d’Nude lipstick offers an option that works perfect when I just want to slip on a little lipstick and go. It’s a cremesheen formula, which means it’s moisturizing, but its neither matte nor too slick so it’s perfect for those of you want a creamy lipstick with a bit of sheen. 
Limited Edition Lavender Clarisonic Mia Jurlique Set, ($181): This beauty tool deep cleans pores more efficiently and effectively than regular washing. It’s fantastic for those who wear a lot of makeup because it a little added insurance that when you go to sleep, you don’t have leftover residue on your face after cleansing which can lead to breakouts. With its sonic technology it really leaves my skin feeling refreshed, clean, and rejuvenated. Especially for days when I know I won’t be wearing makeup and I like to show off my skin, I use this little handy tool to ensure my skin is in top condition. Stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Julie Benz, Demi Moore, Lauren Conrad, and more are fans of Clarisonic which offers a variety of sizes and colors for men and woman. 
Sigma Brushes: I love the E30 Pencil brush because it’s more pointed than my MAC pencil brush which helps when I’m trying to add extra depth in the outer corners when I smoke out my eyes. I also love the Marilyn retractable blush brush. I love the retractable brush because I can throw it in my purse and use it to touch up my blush. I got it because I’m a sucker for anything involving Marilyn Monroe, however, I am happy I got it because the quality and softness of the brush is more than I could have hoped for. The Body Buffer brush is excellent when I want to do a quick dust of a iridescent body powder along my arms and décolletage. It took me a while to get on the Sigma bandwagon because I love my Mac brushes but I’m glad I’ve been able to incorporate Sigma into my makeup routine. A few good things that have come out of adding Sigma to my brush collection is I’m not afraid to through a brush in my purse out of fear of losing it or damaging it because it’s affordable in addition to the quality being superb. I’ve also realized just like with makeup and other things, I’ll always have my favorites within each brand. There are some MAC brushes I prefer to Sigma and vise versa. If you haven’t tried out Sigma brushes, you should check it out. 
Law & Order SVU: Casey Novak returns! I love Law & Order so having one of my favorite district attorneys, Casey Novak played by Diane Neal, reprised her role since the character was censured a few seasons ago. She returned in the episode “Reparations” which also featured Terrance Howard as a guest star. Unfortunately, it was only for one show but I’ll take what I can get from one of my favorite district attorneys.
Jennifer Lopez: Jenny from the Block is taking no prisoners. From the tears, the glamour, and of course the ‘glow’, I love this woman. When I first heard of Jennifer Lopez coming to American Idol, I was thinking, “Wow, this is like bringing in a huge chuck of luxurious marble to complete a new kitchen, you just better hope it fits”… which clearly, La-Lopez does. I wasn’t even a huge singing competition show fan, and still don’t have it on my must-see radar. I watch the show purely for what Jennifer brings to that judging table; great hair, great makeup, great outfits, and Ah-mazing glamour with a snap. So I probably don’t have to express much about how I’m more than thrilled with her latest album which dropped a couple of weeks ago, Love?, AH-Mazing. With Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, and Ms. Lopez all on these singing shows, there is definitely a lot of glamour to watch on network television.
30 Tuesday Nov 2010
Posted in My Life
Tags
AIDS, Alicia Keys, Daphne Guinness and Bronson Pelletier, David LaChapelle, Elijah Wood, Janelle Monae, Jay Sean, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Timberlake, Keep a Child Alive, Khloé Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Kimberly Cole, Lady Gaga, P. Diddy, Ryan Seacrest, Serena Williams, Swizz Beatz, The Buried Life, Usher
UPDATE: All your favorite celebrities are alive and well now. They have raised the $1million dollars to bring them back to life. Kim posted this on her blog:
Previously:
Today is World Aids Day. In celebration many organizations are fundraising and holding events to help find a cure for AIDS as well as provide important resources for all in the fight against AIDS. I believe those of us who are blessed to live in a free country aren’t always privy to the shackles of political/religious/ethnic intolerance and poverty in some countries especially in how it impacts people suffering with AIDS. I believe we should all be active in being responsible and active participant in knowing our health and I encourage you to get tested as if your life depended on it, because frankly, it does. In addition to sharing my AIDS testing and results with you, I also want you all to know I’m a very strong supporter of the MAC Aids Fund. I think two of the most beautiful things we can do as individuals is partake in the beauty of charity and show appreciation for humanity.
Alicia Keys, Usher, Ryan Seacrest, Jay Sean, Khloe Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Hudson, and more, have teamed up with Kim Kardashian (previously reported) are sacrificing their digital life in order to raise $1 million dollars for ‘Keep A Child Alive’. Follow the video links to find out how you can save some of your favorite celebrities as well as keep a child alive.
The very handsome Jay Sean sent all his Facebook fans a last status update before his timely digital death. He is joined by Kim Kardashian, Serena Williams, Kimberly Cole and more in their coffin of REAL Hope & Change.
05 Friday Nov 2010
Posted in My Life
Tags
Facebook, Kristie Tunick, Online Communities, People, Sales, Social Networking, Twitter, United States
Update:
Please Like, Favorite, Tweet or Facebook this video along. It’s not a request for money or anything but a few clicks and a minute of your time. It’s also a test to see if viral videos have the ability to save a life. Take the time to watch the video or even click on the links to find out how you can help Kristie Tunick.
Check out Makeup Artist Kandee Johnson’s Blog for more details.
Message from Kandee: ‘Imagine you only have 3 weeks left to live….every minute counts….please help me save Kristie’s life! She needs us to post this video about her message, her story everywhere…on facebook, twitter, myspace, in a chain email to all your contacts…we need everyone to try to contact their local news…to please help get her help to save her life!’
Brian’s email: bsixstring@yahoo.com
Kristie‘s email: kristietunick@yahoo.com
With as much violence going on in the world as well a suicides and lack of freedom and rights, we all need to take the responsibility of citizens to send a message that Life is important and survival is a fight worth fighting for.
P.S. If you are a blogger or website owner make sure you include ‘Kristie Tunick’ into your tags.
04 Thursday Nov 2010
Posted in My Life
Tags
Christmas, Christmas and holiday season, Consumer, Holiday, National Retail Federation, PRWEB, Retailing, United States
Fortune magazine had an article noting that there is a spike in heart attacks, stroke, and other non-heart related diseases during the holiday season. In addition to this news info, I remember telling my dad a few years ago not to do any Christmas shopping because I had saw a news clip that men are more likely to die from a heart attack while Christmas shopping simply due to the stress factor. All this seems so sad and strange, but very logical. How many times have you screamed from your rolled-down car window “Hey Jackass, where is your Christmas Spirit?” because you’ve been waiting for a single stall and another driver cuts out in front of you and takes it. Or do you remember that time where you finally came back from round 3 of heading back into the mall to finish off your list, only to find round 1 & 2 cleaned out from your SUV? And don’t get me started on the pre-adolescent playing roller derby with carts who hits you in the back of the leg while their reenacting a tragic Nascar scene. Oh yes, and of course the mate who takes a stand in the middle of the aisle and making it impossible for you to get by, only to give you evil-death looks when you say ‘excuse me’ and try to pass through. Christmas can be quite scary actually.
The Holiday Season is really this crazy time of year as soccer moms become UCF fighters, Santa Clauses in Austrailia are no longer allowed to say “Ho, ho, ho“, and you are stuck waiting in a long line with a stranger’s kid pulling on your coat and sneezing on you, all for what? just so YOU can spend YOUR money. While some people avoid long lines simply by dumping their boyfriend/girlfriend or filing a quickie divorce, others simply hide out and let others think they have died until New Years comes along; “Surprise!” I on the other hand, am so fortunate most of my friends and family are afar, so I can simply just order everything online and have their items shipped directly to them. While it may seem less into the “Spirit of Giving”, I’ve also forwarded the news article about heart attacks and let them know that they have each saved my life by keeping me away from the mall.
28 Thursday Oct 2010
Posted in My Life
Tags
Asia, Aung San Suu Kyi, Catholic Church, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Freedom of religion, Halloween, House arrest, Islam, Myanmar, Nyan Win, Politics, Religion and Spirituality, Religious intolerance, Religious Tolerance, United States
I know Halloween is near but I wanted to take the time to remind you that November 9th is World Freedom Day. As we enjoy the great privileges we have in free countries, let us remember those who have been and still are enslaved by social, political & religious intolerance. Freedom among many things is an individual victory. “…None but ourselves can free our mind.” – Robert Nesta Marley.
I’ve personally always been a fan of reggae beats because like poetry, art, dance, and theatre the arts as a whole play a great source of inspiration for inciting freedom and promoting independence, tolerance, and respect for one another. I believe music in particular is a great source of freedom because I believe when it comes to hate and negativity the biggest battle comes from within, and sometimes through music we are able to channel our anger into something positive and go to a place where tests of life become testimonies of self.
I think being in a free world leaves many of us ignorant to the lack of freedom that exists in many countries. If you don’t know who Aung San Suu Kyi is, you should take the time and opportunity to find out about her story.
“Fearlessness may be a gift but perhaps more precious is the courage acquired through endeavour, courage that comes from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one’s actions, courage that could be described as ‘grace under pressure’ – grace which is renewed repeatedly in the face of harsh, unremitting pressure.” (Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, 07.10.1990)
08 Friday Oct 2010
Tags
Americas Next Top Model, Beauty, Brittany Snow, Cosmetics, Ellen Degeneres, fashion, Health, Lisa Graham Keegan, MTV, Self-esteem, Tyra Banks
I hope everyone is in good spirits and doing well. I have been getting your emails and I’m trying to keep up with my promise to respond as much as possible. I’ve also been having camera issues which is why I’ve been taking less photos which has been a question I’ve been getting. I’ve been getting several emails regarding a few current event topics and self-esteem issues. I think there is so much to be said about self-esteem, beauty, dealing with negative people (haters!) but I just wanted to just share a little bit about myself to be really honest and open with you all. I’ve replied to emails and shared some things and answer questions but in case you just look here time to time I just wanted to say that I’ve been picked on before, I’ve had people say and do really hurtful and mean things to me, and I can admit without regret at times I’ve let it break me down, but I didn’t let it destroy me. Today on my facebook I wrote an update and said:
Image via Wikipedia
I meant what I said in writing that. I’ve looked up to several people growing up, one of them being Tyra Banks, who we know as a model, talk show host, judge on ANTM and many other things being the mogul she is. But one of the things that I have learned from her words is when she once spoke about ‘being relatable’ and the challenges that come with it. Tyra Banks, just like myself, and many of your favorite celebrities and role models have at some point have had to deal with negativity, violence, harassment, etc. From Tyra Banks I learned that I too want to be relatable and one day ‘I decided…’ that if someone said something negative to me about the way I think, look, or act that it was not ok but also not going to change the course of my life. Of course it still hurt but the beautiful thing about it that I’m experiencing now as an adult is that I meet kids and teens now who express the same emotions that I felt and I can tell them I too can relate. While the current campaign against bullying has been focused more one sexuality and seen as a ‘new issue’; it is anything but. I believe various types of harassment do not just affect one segment of our population, it’s just due to current events and media, often one face becomes the poster child for a problem that affects so many people such as eating disorders, poverty, AIDS/HIV, etc.
Actress Brittany Snow and MTV has launched the ‘Love is Louder’ Campaign. Disney Lovato has been involved with several anti-bullying campaigns.
Which follows a number of other celebrities, organizations, clubs, and promotions that send the same message that you are not alone, we all have the power to take part in making a positive environment, and that your life is worth it.
The worst thing you can do is throw your life away especially because another person makes you feel your life is not as valuable or promising as theirs. Don’t throw your life away with drugs, cutting your education short, or harming yourself or others. As Ellen Degeneres has said on her show “Things will get easier, peoples’ minds will change, and you should be alive to see it.”
I know this isn’t a makeup or ‘beauty’ post so with that said I did do a review on an affordable mineral makeup which I’m using in the photo below. I do believe beauty is not skin deep but rather something that radiates through our spirit and compassion for humanity.
13 Monday Sep 2010
Posted in My Life
Okay it’s not really news or a remake, but I thought this little video from GreenHatAngel was funny and saves me from having to rent the “Inception! OMG! Did you see it? You gotta see it” film when it comes out. My roommate saw it and didn’t like it so much, but other friends were like Inception is the new Twilight. Also a movie I sadly have never seen 
Thanks Mr. GreenHatAngel 
Subscribe GreenHatAngel & Decimal Brother’s by going to his channel….. “YOU KIDNAPPED ME!!” Lol <3
11 Saturday Sep 2010
Tags
Alarm clock, Cosmetics, Counties, Facebook, Golf, Health, North Carolina, Television, Today (NBC program), United States, Wake
What wakes you up in the morning? The alarm we set 5 minutes early only to continuously press the snooze button 15 minutes later? or maybe a cup-of-joe? Today a friend wrote on my Facebook about her daughter and niece waking her up, when I called her later that she just seemed to be in a good mood, got a lot of things done around the house and still going strong. It made me think maybe those two energized rugrats that were screaming in her ear and jumping on her bed to watch something on television rubbed off in a positive way for her. We all wake up but, when do we really wake up?
I wake up after I finish putting on makeup. Makeup is like therapy for me, it sets the tone for my day. I like to take my shower, wash my face, then pull out a chair and sit in front of the mirror listening to music to help inspire my mood. I don’t slather my makeup on like camouflage paint, I use brushes, take my time, think about my day, say positive affirmations in my head, and put myself in a good mood. That way whenever my day starts to get stressful, I can search within myself to find that positive state of mind I was once in. Maybe for you it’s shooting a couple of rounds of golf in your makeshift golf course that wakes you up, or maybe it’s your A.M. workout that gets you going, or a mini news brief in the morning that gets your mind ticking away. When are you awake? I mean REALLY awake? If you find yourself thinking maybe you don’t ever really ‘get awake’ then maybe you should start finding out how to awaken your life.
04 Saturday Sep 2010
Posted in My Life
Tags
Entertainment, Facebook, Halle Berry, Hanai honey, Jennifer Lopez, Lena Horne, Microblogging, Online Communities, Social network
Image via CrunchBase
I got a few emails asking if I have Facebook, and I do. But I honestly blog more than I actually write on Facebook but I went through my history and wanted to share some of my favorite posts. You should actually try this too, go to your wall, click on options under your status update and see just your posts, look at times when you had something negative to say and reflect whether the anger or frustration was worth it, and just on good days too to keep in mind of positive things you have had to say. It like a little history book of you.
Here are some of my favorite status updates with pics copied and pasted straight from my own personal Facebook page.
Some girl left me this note….. I only called to say thank you and to say I have a boyfriend…. but it was a really nice note…. not like the creepy or cryptic ones guys normally give…. I ♥ Lesbians
Today I exhausted and bitchy but I had to push through. I have to admit that I wanted to say some not so nice things to not so nice people. However, the Devil tries to get you on his side when you are at your weakest. I felt like I was pushing through the hardship and at the end of the day even though I’m still tired I can say I was a good person today and didn’t feed the world negativity. You have a choice.
Make your haters your motivators. For every negative comment someone made about Jennifer Lopez‘s booty; she sold a cd, for every comment “but you’re Black” Lena Horne got, she paved the way for Halle Berry and Oprah. Let your haters propel you forward! As time passes and YOU get to where YOU want to be they will be left behind because they wasted their time trying to break you down rather than build themselves up. ♥
The last 24hrs was like the Wizard of Oz… met some wicked witches, a few people without a brain, and a person void of heart… and a monkey. However, my face was all of smiles from last night… I woke up before my alarm and beached it to the sunrise, went about my day, now I’m home ready for a Lush bath bomb, red vines, a mix of Sade, and napping…. Current mood: State of bliss.
If I don’t want to be like you, then I don’t want to be around you. If I have no choice but to be in your presence then believe I am only taking the interaction as a test of patience & empathy to better myself into a person that I would want to be around. If you do not move me, I suggest you move away from me.
You can be as cute as pie but if your insides are sh*tty no one will eat you because you make them sick. In fact the only person who will have you is someone who will grow tired of looking at you and stab you with a fork.
♥ Ready for V-Day… got my MAC attack on, the letter on the bottom happened to pop up in the mailbox to congrat me on making the dean’s list… and I got a message that made me see clearly… I have a ♥
Don’t let the weekend ending stop you from being warrior; temptation, negativity, and evil will always try to seep into your head & hearts at your most relaxed state. Ladies as you put on your warrior paint and gentleman as you suit up in your armor play your anthem as you ride your sweet chariot, be humbled by your past, thankful for the present, and excited for the future as you march to the beat of your own drum.
Like a paradise I want to show you the beauty of my heritage. The beautiful African Queen, sweet Hun-Ni Park, intoxicating De Luxe Amour, exotic Fakih, mistake me for Navajo but trust I’m talented Cherokee Rain. I’ll dance for you, feast on your love, be your United Nations. If that is not enough, wait for the fireworks and I’ll show you the stars & stripes and like Etta James I’m thinking of ‘A Sunday Kind of Love’. 
In the Garden of Life you can be as cute as a Lily, hot as a chili pepper, or strong & big as an Oak; however, if your soil is bad, no amount of Sun (positivity) or Water (cleansing) will save you. Because if your soil is no good, your roots become weak with no where to grow and your plant will wilt and eventually die without ever living up to it’s beauty, promise, potential, and use. Grow Yourself! ♥ Hello, Goodmorning 
I got a few emails and comments on my Blog TV session about my purple and cream lace tube top…. I got it from Acid Dolls located at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki… Yes they do validate but beyond that the have really cute pieces (dresses, tops, shorts, jewelery, the whole sha-bang), they are locally owned and operated… and my favorite part is…. they practice the long lost art of Great Customer Service…. I came inside with a smile and left with a bag and an even bigger smile. So if you’re ever in Waikiki, stop by Acid Dolls… particularly if you’re Kama’aina… hugs! ♥
I’m in this album. I got the email today. I love when beautiful women can come together and show love and support for one another. Hugs! ♥
@ Ala moana just finished programming an app for Dr. T and dropping off files. I have a massage @1 with Amy so I’m stuck in town… bored.. trying to get back to Hawaii Kai so I can run before dinner. Hugs! ♥ have a great day ya’ll
How do I like my house? Extra salted please. Apparently my house has an ghost in it, we’re doing renovations to the master bathroom and well stories have been developing in the past few days. So today Manu brought Ti leaves, salt, and a Hawaiian chant… ♥ I’m going to go finish cooking dinner 
31 Tuesday Aug 2010
Tags
AIDS, Conditions and Diseases, Health, HIV, HIV test, Immune Deficiency, Immune Disorders, Sexually transmitted disease
Today I had time to spare to get tested for HIV/AIDS. I’ve been tested before for HIV as well as other STDs. Fortunately, at this point in life to never have had to deal with the consequences of the not so glamorous part of sex. I believe it’s important for everyone to know whether you have an STD, particularly ones that can result in death. While I’m not a fan of demonizing those infected with HIV or AIDS virus, I do believe we all have a responsibility to know what is going on with our bodies as well as what we may potentially pass onto others. I think many people put off getting tested because of a combination of fear and inconvenience. I think people want to believe “oh I don’t look like I have this or that” and tell themselves “oh I could get tested later, it takes too long”, or “I would know if I had an STD”, or just rely on the appearance or words of their partner “If they don’t have an STD, then I must not either.”
I went to The Life Foundation at 677 Ala Moana Suite 226 to get tested; it’s actually very easy to find and right off Ala Moana BLVD. You can park inside the plaza and yes, they even validate your parking. They even have an HIV testing van; you can find the dates and times on their site. I actually recommend this place because apparently I walked in on a busy day and it only took me a total of 30 minutes to get in and out, ten minutes waiting and twenty minutes for the test. Pictured above was one of their waiting areas, In the photo below, I was reading some of their publications about the test I was about to take.
Their current campaign is “Get Real. Get Tested” and that is what I intended to do. I was planning on going to Diamond Head Clinic which also offers free and anonymous testing but they had a very long line and sometimes the back of the line is unable to get serviced due to time constraints and shortages. This is why Diamond Head Clinic advises people to come early. They do full service testing of all STDs in which take an oral swab and blood sample and you wait a week to call back with your special code to get your results. I recommend them if you want to check for STDS and the HIV virus and if you have time to spare. I have medical insurance and I’ve been tested for HIV and STDs through my primary care provider but I wanted to try one of these “rapid tests” to show you how fast and simple it is to “Get Real” and “Get Tested.”
In the above photo, I’m sitting down in the waiting area with my badge (I’m #017). I also have the OraQuick Advance pamphlet in my lap.
Things to note about OraQuick Advance:
After I was swabbed, the clinician asked me several questions. Some questions to see if I am a high risk candidate for HIV/AIDS but also to collect background information in case I tested positive so that I would be able to identify myself without ‘really identifying myself’ to maintain anonymity. I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs, I don’t have one-night stands, and apparently I don’t do a lot…. she labeled me as a ‘good girl’ instead of a high-risk candidate. We discussed other things and shared personal stories to help the time go by a little faster and she encouraged me to share the message about getting tested. I told her that I believe people in my generation in younger particularly in America are educated about AIDS and HIV but because a lot of us weren’t born or old enough to understand the severity of the AIDS outbreak in America, we didn’t get the impact of knowing about the loss of lives and severity of this preventable virus.
I was using my camera phone and obviously it’s not the best shot, but she informed me that I was negative and explained to me what each line meant and how it knows that it received a human sample. I am ‘HIV-’ and I want to keep it that way. But I believe whether you are positive or negative, the worst things you can do is to not allow yourself to know your status. We constantly update our facebook status so friends and family can check on how we are doing. But when was the last time you checked your HIV status to find out how you are REALLY doing. As friends we get our nails done, go shopping, go to the beach, and all sort of fun things, but we can do something so much more like find out our status. Wouldn’t you like to know? Maybe not, but don’t you think you deserve to? Get Real and Get Tested.
22 Sunday Aug 2010
Posted in My Life
Tags
Arts, Cindy Crawford, Design, Facebook, fashion, Freckle, Health, Red hair, Tyra Banks, Victoria's Secret
Ever since I was little I’ve always dreamt about having red hair and freckles. Everyone has different ideas of what is the epitome of beauty but, in my life beauty has always been about being interesting and intriguing. Having something quirky about you is something to appreciate. Cindy Crawford was told to get rid of her mole before her modeling career took off but, she didn’t and now that beauty mark is part of her trademark. Tyra Banks modeling career flourished with a Victoria’s Secret and being the first black woman to appear solo on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover after her mom decided high-fashion wasn’t ready for Tyra and a good talk with a side of pizza was. I’ve been told I need to get my eyes and nose fixed among many other things. Some things never change though, it was only a few days when a woman wanted to know where I got my cheek implants, not knowing I’ve always had a “chipmunk” face as someone used to tell me when I was younger. The difference between now and then is that I’ve learn to love myself.
“Accept yourself as art. When it comes to art half the people in the world are going to get it and appreciate it, and half the people out there won’t. But, if you accept yourself as art then at the very least you have accepted yourself.” -Me
21 Saturday Aug 2010
Posted in My Life
Some people think love is a feeling of intoxicating lust while others see it as sacrificial ritual. I feel love is all encompassing; love unites us, divides us, can build you up, and break you down. That’s why when I feel love or pain I also listen to Mary J. Blige to help me get a full and steady grasp on what I’m feeling. Whether I’m looking for that “Real Love” or I need someone who is “Everything”, Mary brightens my own day in her own special way. Even when “I’m Going Down”, her lyrics and vocals let’s me know “It’s a Wrap” and I’m going to be “Just Fine”. I could go through pain and tell myself I’m “Not Goin Cry” because at the very least I should “Take Me As I Am”. With her I reaffirm my decision to have “No More Drama” embrace “Rainy Dayz” for they are there to bring on sunny days. I could go on with how I “Stay Down”, but I only want to Share My World, not give it away.
One of my favorite songs from Mary J. Blige is “All Night Long” and I love this live version.
13 Friday Aug 2010
Posted in My Life
Tags
29 Thursday Jul 2010
