Ways to Feel Pretty

Do you ever have those day, when you just are feeling down in the slumps. When all the talk about inner beauty just gets thrown out the window? Sometimes, I can’t help but compare myself to the beauty standards of today and think, man. I’m ugly. This is our mind playing games with us, We can’t allow ourselves to feel this way. That’s why I want to share with you my go to ways to feeling pretty when you don’t really. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

#1. Makeup! I’m a momma bear of three. I don’t sleep. So I like to conceal my under eye circles. Doing this brightens up my face and makes me look less tired.

You’d be surprised what a little black line can do for your spirits and confidence. Even a simple look can go a long way and change your mood.

You can do as much as your feeling up to with your makeup. I’m adding a bit of mascara, just to feel like I tried today.

#2. Instead of point out and settling on your flaws, focus on everything you do like about yourself. We all have something beautiful to be proud of.

#3. It might sound cheesy but a smile truly is the best accessory! When you smile, you tell your brain you’re happy, and thus actually become happier.

#4. Even smelling good, can change your view about yourself. How could something ugly smell so nice, that’s right, because I’m not ugly! Convince yourself of what you already know.

#5. Sometimes you just need a good pampering by making sure to take care of yourself. Manicures definitely do miracles for my mood and I’m sure they’ll work for you too.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder… always be sure to do what makes you feel pretty, inside and out! Till' next time,

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The Art of Being a Lady

Lately I've been working on one of my many projects I had set out to do for 2016, and as it grows to and end I figured better late than never, right?! I finally took out the time to go through inspiring photographs and quotations for my vision board.

As, I was doing this, I asked myself what I wanted to project through my board. What did I want to accomplish, who did I want to be, what was the grandest vision possible for my life? Pinterest was my best friend during the entire process. Inspired by the many photos and little things, I began to notice something about myself. All of my pictures had to do with self growth but also femininity. I have woman like First Lady Obama, Emma Watson, and many other influential woman in our society. What do they all have in common? They are all elegant woman. 

 You know, I don't consider myself to be very feminine. I put on makeup and dress in female clothes but I'm not the girly girl type. I've always been a bit of a tomboy. Always sporting comfy and relaxing clothes. I CAN go outside without doing my hair or makeup, I can wear the same thing two, three and even four times, I rather put on a pair of sneakers than a pair of heels. That's just me, so then why is my inner self projecting a completely different woman in my board?

I concluded that the problem lies with number one, self esteem and number two, the lack of money. Although I'd like to think I have good self esteem, the image I project to the rest of the world may not be what I think it to be like in reality. I'm a mom of three toddlers. To find the time for me is next to impossible. So, I don't look my best all of the time. Really though, who can chase toddlers in heels? Not me that's for sure! I'm then obligated to opt for the comfy sneakers and yoga pants. Some may suggest waking up earlier before the kids get up in order to have time for myself to get ready. Let's be honest, ain't no body doin' that. My 10 month old has yet to have a sleeping pattern/schedule and is up the majority of the night and up bright and early with the other two. My spirits sometime's are just dragging behind me in the dirt...

As I mentioned before, my other struggle is the lack of money. What do I mean by this? I mean, being broke! Although my husband works a full-time job, we only make enough money to make ends meet. We budget as if there was there is no tomorrow! We don't really have the means to buy "extra" things. Affording things like, going to get my nails done or even updating my wardrobe is a hard feat to accomplish...ever.  The fashionable and luxury attire I want is simply unattainable at the moment. 

But that's okay! Therefore, the purpose of the vision board. To aspire to better! This brings me to what I wanted to share with you all. In planning my vision board, I came to the realization that I want to be better, a better person, a better wife and mother, a better woman. The art of being a lady has disappeared and I want to be an example and help empower woman by bringing it back. This doesn't mean taking away the progress woman have made over centuries but to strengthen what separates us from the men and be inspiring, influential, strong woman for the rising generations. I invite you to subscribe to my channel and follow my blog to join me in my journey of becoming a badass woman in today's world. Yet remaining, poised, elegant, and feminine. I want to be someone people respect, admire and aspire to being. Hopefully, you will too. So join me next week for our first lessons on how to be a lady. There will be a new video up to go along with my posts! Till next time,...

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Sponsorship Introductions

This month I have a few cool things happening on the blog. I'm happy to announce some new sponsor companies helping my cause. I'll be introducing these companies formally and sharing with you some reviews coming up for them. Some of these companies are a more long term collaboration and others just sponsored posts. None the less, these are companies I have purchased from in the past and have been very satisfied with their products and services. I must admit one of these is completely new to me. 

First up is Pinky Paradise, here is a little bit about their story: "Founded in 2006, PinkyParadise has accumulated years of experience in the beauty industry, making us a trusted and renowned online retail merchandiser specializing in fashionable and trendy circle lenses/color contacts. With more than 900+ types of lenses in stock, PinkyParadise.com has become one of the largest online circle lens store today.

We believe circle lenses are more than just coloured contact lenses, they redefine the beauty boundaries of eye makeup. Even more, it tells people who you are. Your eyes speak with PinkyParadise." Link: http://www.pinkyparadise.com/

Next is Lens Circle, an online retailer of circle contact lenses. Circle lenses enhance the appearance of your eyes making them look bigger and bolder. Their mission; making eyes beautiful, one lens at a time." Link: http://www.lenscircle.com/

Can't forget we have Wigaholics. "Wigaholics, an online store that caters to all your wigs crave. We believe that everyone deserves a wig that would fit perfectly to their makeover, any style they want. Some prefer bubbly wigs, others want a vibrant looking cosplay wigs, for sure we accommodate to all your needs, just like how a wig would require bobby pin and wig cap, and we would like to have your satisfaction and happiness." Link: https://www.wigaholics.com/

Lastly, I'll be introducing to you Cute Kawaii, a Cute Kawaii Harajuku Fashion Clothing & Accessories Online Store.T Selling the top trending Japanese & Korean Fashion, Selling also Asian Fashion Clothes & Accessories. Link: http://cuteharajuku.storenvy.com/

So there you have it. I look forward to reviewing their products and collaborating with them again. I will be talking more in depth about them once the time comes to review them in later posts this month. I'm very lucky for these opportunities to work together with companies like these and have support from all sorts of places. Especially my readers! Thanks so much, and keep a look out for upcoming posts. Until then... 

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IGARI Makeup: the Hangover Look

IGARI Makeup, the most popular makeup in Japan. As of last spring when it debuted, it's still growing strong. IGARI SHINOBU, the creator of this look is a famous makeup artist in Japan. We know that previously, most Asian makeup was pointed at emphasizing the eyes to make them look bigger. Right now, that's out the window due to this trend sweaping the industry. Because Igari is such a big influenzer it has been picked up by many popular magazines and media entertainment widespreading to beauty gurus and fashionistas everywhere.

You may be asking yourself, "What is Igari Makeup?" Many also know this look as the "hang over" makeup. This is totally not what someone looks like the next morning after a night of fun, but I guess it does resemble anime characters when portrayed as being drunk. They blush a lot because they feel embarrassed.

Either way it looks cute, and adds something unique to your style. Regarless of what it might be, this makeup can be adapted to any style because of its simplicity. I've seen it on many girls with different fashion styles, but same makeup.

How to get the look? As I mentioned before, this look is very simple, and very easy to recreate. The look is separated into three ky points which are: natural eye makeup, blushed cheeks and rosy lips. I'll give you ladies some tips on how to achieve this look.

• Of course, start with a clean face. That way when you're moisterizing, you can massage it to lock it in and promote blood circulation to face. It will wake you up and make your skin look healthier.
• This look is a minimalist makeup, so keep that in mind when doing you foundation routine. That being said same goes for the eyes. Lightly put on a soft shade if desired and curl your lashes. If you wish to use mascara to make them stay all day that fine- just be cautious of the amount of layers. Natural is what we are going for in the eyes.
• The most important point is....the blush! Now, you want to emphasis this feature by adding a gradation of blush to your cheeks. A darker shade of blush to the outer part of your cheeks and a lighter shade of blush to the apples of your cheeks. This will create the look of soft feminine skin and your girlish beauty. 

Just like any trend, looks evolve and beginning to change into other ones. Thus, a new word has risen, calling girls that use this makeup, "Holstein Face." Which pretty much means, "face full of attractive hormones." Weird I know. But most girls wear it for the  sheer reason its an innocent yet sexy look.
I'll also share a few videos on the different takes of the Igari makeup. Remember there are no rules to makeup. Just do what make you feel beautiful!

I'd like to expiriment with this kind of makeup.

I hope you enjoyed this look and found it helpful as we try to keep up with the latest trends. If you liked this post and want to see more like them, leave a comment & don't forget to subscribe.

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Hello April! Heart to Heart: Alter-Ego

April is here, and so the arrival of Spring. If New Year's wasn't enough reason to start a fresh, here's your chance to jump on the band wagon! It's never too late to try and better yourself. In light of this opportunity here given to us thanks to mother nature, I myself have decided to maybe change a few things about what I would like to accomplish with this here blog and youtube channel. Hear me out,..

So I begun the year re-vamping my blog and what kind of content I wanted to create. I felt I had grown out of the Kawaii Asian Fashion scene and wanted to cater to a more mature audience and style. I feel although this is still very much true, its somewhat unrealistic for me. 

In all honesty, I  don't feel or dress like that fierce, chic, sexy girl all the time. There are times I want to be sweet looking, or dark af and down right cozy in my pj's all day. And still, there has always been a part of me that has never let go of the Asian Beauty scene. I'm always looking at new Western trends as well as Asian ones, particularly Japanese and South Korean. I became very frustrated with myself. Wanting to dress a certain way but feeling too old for it. Hence, my desire to dress and be a trendy fashionable mom, to Western standards. Coincidently, a friend of mine who is a couple years older than me told me something that sounds so cliche but that is true. She also is into asian fashion and so she advised me to "just be myself." I took this very much to heart, and decided to speak to my husband about it. See, at the time I met my husband, I had already stopped dressing ulzzang and kawaii like. So he never met me like that, I would think it unfair if I just all of a sudden sprung that on him and go full out kawaii haha. So, wanting his opinion I asked... his response was also " just be yourself." 

Oh, how I want to just be able to do that. But I run into one problem. I'm a married mom with a business to run.. Shouldn't that make me act and look my age- dressing appropriately? I know many would think different of me and even mock me if I did "just be myself." And as I said before I have many fashion moods, so why decide on just one? Well as I thought about this a quote came to mind by Dr. Seuss- "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." How very true this is, and lightened up my heart. If people will like me, those who genuinely do won't care what I do- they will like who I am. 

So, to finish off this inner monologue haha, I found that I have an alter-ego and should own it. I've decided to post and make videos of my many beauty and fashion moods. Whether chic, dark or sweet, that's me and that's what I'll do. I will be returning to my Asian Beauty ways. I'm excited and so should you. Since I did reach my desired view count on my first video, it's time to make another! So be on the look out. I'll give you a sneak peek of what's to come.

• New Sponsor Introductions
• 2 Contact Lens Reviews
• 1 Wig Review
  & much more...

If you have any other requests feel free to let me know :)

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Soft Everyday Makeup Look

My new video Soft Everyday Makeup Look is live on my youtube channel! I'm so happy I finally had time to edit and voice over this video tutorial. I recorded it about a month ago, and everything has gone wrong to not allow me to finish this little project. It is my first video using a variety of new filming equipment, editing software and mic. Not only that but I was so nervous about how my voice sounds! I did end up catching what my kids had, and so my voice began to sound sore and rustic. Forgive me, but hopefully by the next video, my voice will be back to normal. If you have any comments, requests or suggestions please don't hesitate to let me know. I hope you enjoy this short tutorial, and if you end up recreating it, I'd love to see #makeupbykimii

It takes me about 15-20 minutes to do, and is very easy on days I don't have too much time to do a full face of makeup, with foundation and concealer,...all the works. 

If you would like to continue watching, don't miss out and subscribe to my channel. My goal right now is to reach 1,000 views fairly soon, hopefully between the next couple of weeks. Also, 1,000 subscribers by the end of March- fingers crossed. If all goes well, I'll be uploading weekly and creating content more ideal for the average busy momma. All the products I used are in the description of the video, so just head on over and check it out ♡ Thanks for all the support.

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Heart to Heart: Reality Check Rant

I know how much you all just love my life updates,...riiiight? .-. I must admit, that I feel a bit discouraged lately. Nothing is really going as I had hoped since the beginning of the New Year. I started out with such motivation and positivity and needless to say, it's slowly going down. 

I guess in a way, I compare myself  too much to other successful bloggers and youtubers, even instagramers, to the point where I almost envy their success. It's something I want so bad. You, know I've read so many quotes that make me think it's meant to be, and somehow I can achieve it. But to my misfortune reality is telling a different story. There is always something that prevents me from doing a task or project I've set out to complete. Maybe I'm just making excuses for myself or maybe it really isn't meant to be...?

I don't consider my life to be hectic or busy in the sense that I have to go "here and there," it's more like...I have to do "this and that." My husband works two jobs, so I'm left most of the time alone tending to my kids who are toddlers, and my wifely duties and chores. At the end of the day, I'm exhausted wondering how time flew by so fast. Not, to mention the fact that I'm 36 weeks pregnant. I'm as big as a whale and feels like one too. So, you tell me..how am I supposed to do this? How am I supposed to do what makes me happy, and still tend to my family responsibly? I mean, I have the equipment, I have the materials, I have the ideas, I have the determination... but no time? 

Some would say, make a schedule, have a routine. Great Idea! If I didn't already have one,...that changes constantly because kids are unpredictable. Nap time is at noon, well Jacob doesn't want to nap and wakes Sam up. Okay, let's try free play while I go and do chores... kids decide to make a mess I just cleaned up. While the kids sleep at night, film.... well, turns out you're now exhausted from the whole day and just want to sleep. Just this week, my kids caught a pneumonia! Yay, sick all week tending to them pretty much on my own...nothing got done and I'm a zombie. At this far along in pregnancy, staying up soothing kids or waking up at certain hours of the night to administer medicine sucks. So, I don't have the energy to even get up. This month alone, I'm having to tend to the kids, be a wife, pack my entire house, and move to our new place while awaiting the timely birth of our third child any day now. A lot to get done for the end of the month isn't it?

I try to fulfill projects,...I honestly do. For example a few weeks ago I filmed a simple makeup tutorial. I haven't had time to edit it for uploading to my channel. So it's rendering useless in my computer. 

Time isn't even the half of it. I know it takes a lot to build a strong genuine following. I want to be a successful youtuber, a successful blogger- even make money off of it...but it seems no one supports me. Although I get many visits, no one subscribes or even comments on my content. My facebook page is a ghost town,... Why? Am I boring? Does what I post not interest anyone? I do this because I like it, and I want to make my passion my pay check...but how if nothing is working out? Maybe I have to endure this hard slow start. But, the truth is,...it's very discouraging. So the question is, do I endure in hopes of achieving a following, and success or stop because it's only time wasted since I have yet to see the fruits of my labours? 

I set out this year to be my year to shine. I got accepted into college, we are moving province, we are awaiting our little addition to the family, I have so many hopes for this blog and youtube channel..but I'm caught between being realistic and facing the music or chasing after what seems to be a far fetched dream. I have the potential, I have the determination...but there's just something missing. Do any of you feel lost or unclear what path you should be on right now? Stay strong...

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Youtube Channel Creator Rewards + Fail to Launch

One of my goals this year was to begin filming videos for my youtube channel. I am so motivated, it's not even funny. I have set up a specific room in my house for filming, bought a few new makeup products, and began planning out rough video ideas. This was the week I should have begun creating content but it seems like I had a week of bad luck! 

I planned everything down to the very minute, so that I can make the best of my time, get all my house/momma chores done and have time to film. Well let me tell you it didn't happen in anyway like I had hoped...

First, my kids decided not to nap properly this week. No naps = cranky, fussy babies. Nothing will get done because they become so needy! So of course,...nothing got done. Laundry piled up, house is a mess, and must I go on?! After I made peace with my house being a disaster and my kids being cry babies, I decided to set up my filming space to try and feel like I'm getting things going.

I have it semi-set up in what used to be our office. I'm not too sure if I've mentioned this before, but both my husband and I are photographers and own a small business. We have more than enough equipment to film and photograph. We also conveniently had moved the office downstairs a few months ago and so we had and empty "extra" room. Now it's my makeup room :3 Anyways, I was setting up the lighting I need and tripod for the camera, I realized I was missing a few things from my photography bags. Like the screw thing that goes on the camera to mount it on the tripod. Also, half my lighting! For some reason its not all together and I only was able to put up the stands and umbrellas. The actual lights are missing, and the power plugs! I'm thinking to myself what the heck?! Either we were robbed or some how leprechauns took them... 

The misfortune doesn't end there, believe it or not. My husband is the one that will help me film. Since he'll be going to school for that too, we figured why not get in some practice in the mean time. He has two jobs, and so his work schedule is a bit unpredictable. But! One of his jobs is snow removal. It hasn't snowed since before Christmas, and suddenly mother nature wanted snow this week. He has worked every day since Sunday. If I didn't know better, I'd take it as a sign of "its not meant to be." But, this is something I really want to do, which brings me to the most exciting part of this post. 

Did you know that Youtube offer milestone awards for creators and their channels? 

It's called, Youtube Creator Rewards. They way it works is that once your channel hits 

- 100,000 (Platinum)

- 1 Million (Gold) and 

- 10 Million (Diamond) 

genuine subscribers you get these plaques mailed to you for hitting such huge milestones as a creator. I WANT THIS! Now, I know it'll take a lot of hard work and time to achieve and deserve but this is where I want to get to. 

Will you help and support me?

Let me know please and comment, what kind of content interests  you to learn and know more about. I blog about makeup, style, and life. The topics in between are endless! I plan to have everything sorted out this weekend that went horribly wrong setting up, in order to really start filming. I know there are tons of makeup gurus out there, but I know I'm offering something different and genuine. Realistic looks and how to apply beauty and fashion to your daily routine. Nowadays I find that most gurus do looks that you think, "where and when the heck am I going to where this to?" And even though they are gorgeous! They are useless to the average person. I hope to inspire the daily woman, and help each other on the journey to rediscovery and self-improvement. Remember everyone is beautiful,... 

You can subscribe to my Youtube Channel here: Kimii Amaya Official

and to my blog here: Life. Beauty. Style

I will be posting every week, so stay tuned for that first video.

I can't wait to read your comment suggestions!

p.s want more info on these awards, check out this link: Youtube Creator Rewards

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