BBHQ April Task - Inspirations

Do you prefer natural looks, dramatic looks, or you like both? I like everything and anything in between. I like having fun with it, I like playing with colors, and I don't want to limit myself to just conventional makeup. Experimenting is much more fun! 

Hello Ladies,

This month's BBHQ task is to discuss about inspiration for our blog. When it comes to reviews, I always have plenty of stuff to review and in most cases, I can't review them all because I tend to bite more than I can chew with my hauls. This year, I'm gonna need to slow the ropes on the hauling and spending. I have some added priorities on my list and I really need to get this under control.
I don't know about you guys but I know I'm running low on inspiration when it comes to makeup looks especially because I like being original and with so many things out there, I find that hard. I'd love to come up with more intricate and runway looks but at the same time, I get the feeling that most people don't really care for that since the majority wouldn't actually wear them out anyways. In my mind, it's not always about being able to wear it out but more like owning the look, showing some creativity, convey a different mood and persona on my face...expressing my alter ego, if that makes sense. I'm very versatile when it comes to makeup but I'm curious to know your thoughts and why you prefer certain looks over others.

I did this Geisha inspired look a few years ago so this pic is actually old and I never posted on my blog because that was before I started blogging. Of course, I didn't have the right hair-do, kimono, and the rest of the get up to actually look like one, lol, but that was a start.

This makeup look was inspired by MissChievous. I actually wore this on Halloween a few years ago. Again, that was before I started blogging so this was never posted here before.

What inspires you to blog and/or vlog? 

• First, it's the love for all things beautiful. Not in a vain kind of way because I know that beauty is not just something that is seen but it's a substance more profound that also must be felt and shared with others. 
• Secondly, I see beauty as an Art. A way to convey and to express your own individuality and inner beauty through creative mediums. 

Share some of your favorite blogs to read for inspiration?

•  I typically prefer to read blogs about beauty reviews because the most fun I have here is to discover and try out new products. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy looking at creative makeups and nails as well. When I see something interesting, I mainly focus my attention on the color coordination that was used. Sometimes the technique, depending on what it is and then I try to do my own spin on it. I especially admire and appreciate people who are creative, have a unique style, and can make anything look good. That's a talent only a few people have. 
• While there are some well-established and popular blogs out there that I'm sure many of us already follow, I follow a lot of blogs because the bigger the network, the more variety and exposure I have to new products and ideas. There are many great bloggers who don't have a lot of followers but have something good to bring to the table. Typically, what usually draws me to a blog is honest and clear contents, enough details about the product, good pictures, and good people skills. The friendlier the person, the more likely I am to visit their page. I especially appreciate it when a blogger responds to my questions or comments that I leave on their blog. Some of my favorite blogs are listed on the left panel of my blog. Please show them some love and visit their blogs as well :). 

Share some of your favorite Youtube channels to watch for inspiration?

• At the moment, I rarely watch YouTube for inspiration to be honest. Yes, in the past I did because I wanted to learn how to apply makeup because I had no clue how to. 
• Whenever I resort to YouTube, it's usually for reviews or DYI stuff. I don't really have a go-to channel. I just look up for what I'm looking for.

What are your favorite magazines to browse for inspiration?

•  I actually don't look at magazines for inspiration but perhaps I should.

How do you organize your inspiration? Pinterest board, notebook, sketchpad, etc.?

• I guess it's safe to say that I'm not very organized. I like to be original so sometimes I have a vague idea or picture in my head but I'm still not too sure how to execute it. I would then google for inspirations but still want to create my own. I think Pinterest is also a great source for inspiration. It's so easy to use, I love the layout, and I can pin any picture I like for future reference.

What motivates you to continue blogging and/or vlogging?

• Passion is my motivation. I LOVE what I do, simple as that. I love the excitement of discovering a new product, especially if it turns out to be fantastic. Also my blog is a window for creativity and allows me to think about what colors or makeup looks I should do next. It keeps me occupied, it keeps me thinking. Being able to use what you have and create something intriguing or beautiful is part of the fun and what keeps me motivated :)
• **Update** One grave thing I failed to mention is that my followers, readers, and whoever visits my blogs are also one of the main reasons why I stay motivated. Knowing that I'm being heard, that people search my blog for information, ideas, or inspiration gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It's very rewarding to know that I've contributed something. You guys are truly a part of the foundation that makes blogging meaningful and I wanted you all to know that.

How would you describe your style of blogging and/or vlogging, how has it changed from when you first started? 

• I think my style hasn't really changed much, it is very straight-forward, provide the important details, quality images, and get to the point. Yes, sometimes I mention a few personal things here and there but I usually keep that to a minimum. Basically, when I write for my blog, I always try to look at it from a reader's point of view. I reflect on what I look for when I read reviews and blogs and then I incorporate those answers in my style. 

How do you handle competitive thoughts with other bloggers/vloggers?

• I tell myself that I'm not here to compare who's better than who, who has more makeup, more followers or fans, etc...To me, blogging is not a beauty pageant or a contest. It's a hobby. I'm here mostly because I love what I do and love sharing my experience, thoughts, and opinions with others who share the same interests. We're all good people. We all have something good to offer and contribute to the beauty community. We all have a voice that can be heard. Having more followers doesn't automatically make anyone better than someone else. I understand there are a few different reasons why people blog and if fame, bragging rights, money, greed, and the freebies get to your head then you are likely going to feel the need to compete.

For fun, share some of your favorite inspiring photos (FYI, the following pictures are not mine)

Source: haircolorsideas.com via märj on Pinterest

I wish I could try rainbow hair but I don't think I can do it or maintain it. Her necklace is super cute!

Source: indianvanitycase.com via Sobana on Pinterest

Can someone tell me what is she wearing on her lips? OMG, that's like the perfect purple!

Source: beautylish.com via Lime on Pinterest

I'm blown away by the intricate details of this masquerade mask. I bet it took a very long time to do. There's something sexy and mysterious about masks that I find intriguing.

Source: cristoff.tumblr.com via Renee on Pinterest

God I wish those were my hair! I still haven't tried ombre hair. I fail! :(

Source: makeupgeek.com via Mariella on Pinterest

I'm totally digging the feather-like lashes here. The colors used are also gorgeous!

Source: smashleysparkles.com via Kalli on Pinterest

Still kicking myself in the butt for not trying out nail marbling yet. How awesome is this?!

Thanks for reading! Let me know what or who inspires you.

What's Your Inner Beauty?

Hello Lovelies,

I was inspired by Jasmine to do this post. Beauty can be seen and interpreted in many ways. I think every country, ethnicity, and individuals have their own definition of what they think is beautiful.

To be honest, I feel that the media plays a big role at setting beauty standards and they seem to be majorly centered around celebrities,  models, and their physique. Many of us envy and idolize their curvy, thin figure and their gorgeous faces but aside from the beauty facades that we see with your eyes, they are human just like the rest of us.

I'm far from meeting those beauty standards. I don't have flawless skin. My body is so out of shape. I don't have enough hair...well you get the idea. Ironically, I maintain a beauty blog that focuses on beauty products, nails, and makeup...things that are meant to make you look pretty or prettier.

I wanted to take this moment to reflect on the things that people don't see, and only those who have taken the time to know me only knows. I'm talking about inner beauty. As much as I enjoy to prettify myself, just cause it makes me feel better and I like having fun with it. The truth is I work even harder on my inner beauty. I don't really talk about personal stuff on my blog, just cause I don't think it's appropriate in most cases.

I'm going to list 5 things that I think makes me beautiful inside and 5 things that I and working to improve.

My Inner Beauty

1. I'm an unselfish and generous person. This is a quality that has caused me just as much pain as joy to be able and willing to give, help, and be there for others. I've been lied to, taken advantage of, and paid the price. I'm sure many of you have been in this situation at some point in your life and that you can relate. All I ever want back is to be appreciated and it's very disheartening and hurtful when someone you've gone out of your ways to help makes you feel insignificant and what you did out of love and compassion was worthless to them. If anyone showed you kindness, the least you can do is make them feel appreciated. I think people tend to forget that.

2. I'm patient. In the past, I guess I was more of a push over but I've learned through my experiences to differentiate between the goods and the bads. Patience is a virtue but it's not always the solution to a problem. The best way to practice patience is knowing when it is needed.

3. I'm understanding. I'm very analytic. I take into consideration all the facts, the possibilities, and the reasons, before I form a judgement or opinion. I know we're humans and no one is perfect. Sometimes we do stupid things but if it was for a good cause and the intention behind it is honest then I can look past someone's mistake.

4. I'm true to myself and others. Nothing annoys me more when I know or feel that someone is lying, faking the funk, or pretending. I'm very bad at lying anyways and I hate having a guilty conscience. I would prefer if someone hates me for being honest than someone loving me for being fake.

5. I'm easy going. Even if it may seem that I have peculiar taste in fashion, makeup, or other things in life, I am overall a very simple person and easy to get along with. I pretty much would agree to anything as long as I am treated fairly.

Things That Need More Work

1. Acceptance. I am often at war with myself. I am my hardest critic. I am very hard on myself when I feel that I am not good enough, I did something wrong, or that I failed at something. I try to accept and forgive myself for not meeting my own standards. 

2. Learning to let go. I hate to admit it but I have a hard time letting go of my past sufferings. They say time heal all wounds but in my case it's not always true. Time just puts them to sleep. For the most part, they remain dormant deep down and I often forget about them until something or someone scratches the surface and I relapse right back into the state I used to be. I don't think there's a cure for it. On a brighter note, I don't really regret any of it. I think it has made me more humble and taught me how to be a better person, how to treat others, and deepen my perspective. 

3. Controlling issues. No, I do not impose my control over people but I have controlling issues with myself and the situation I'm in. There are certain things I can't control and I tend to beat myself up for it. I think to myself...what if you did this, what if you tried that, maybe it wouldn't be this way. I have to remind myself that it is what it is. Just keep moving. You're not super woman. 

4. Motivation. Eh, I sure am low on that. Feel free to enlighten me. What keeps you motivated and what do you do to stay motivated?

5. Socialize. My life is pretty laid back. Sure I have a few friends. Sure I hang out with my family and friends every once in a blue moon but I don't know, I still think I'm socially challenged, lol. I wish I was a little crazier, wilder, and louder, perhaps that would help? I just don't have that in me. I'm a mom, I'm mild, and I rather stay home than hitting up the clubs or bars. -_-

Ok so this post turned out to be a lot longer than I anticipated. I hope it helps remind others that they should also embrace their inner beauty. I think we sometimes get caught up with so many things that we forget ourselves, our worth, and what makes us truly beautiful.

Feel free to share your inner beauty, what makes you feel beautiful, whatever you think of inner beauty, or share some advice and inspiration to me?

Stuck In A Rut? Need Motivation?

I hope every one's weekend has been going good so far. As for myself, so far so good. I accomplished more than anticipated, which feels good. I thought it would be nice to do a weekly inspiration/motivation post. Hopefully, I can stick with this new regiment. I can barely keep up with my hauls and reviews already.

I've decided that this year, I'm going to get out of this rut. Anyone else out there feel this way, or is it just me?

Here is pretty much how my typical routine is:

• Full time work Monday through Friday
• Occasionally run errands or do some shopping after work. I think I do this more than needed and this is turning into an expensive activity.
• Cook. For those of you who loves cooking can you please tell me how? I just don't find any enjoyment in it.
• Help my youngest with homework when needed.
• Work on my blog, reviews, and posts. That also includes taking a ton of pictures and editing them, and testing products. This blog has done a pretty good job at keeping me busy and keeping my mind off of things.
• Spam comments on Luuux so I can earn my points. This is very tedious and a lot of bitch work, excuse my French, but anyone who is on it knows what I mean.
• Sleep. I'm a bit of an insomniac and I get an average of 5 hours of sleep on the week days.
• One thing I've added to my boring routine since last September is exercise. I'm happy to say that I've been pretty consistent with it.

So that's pretty much my current life in a nutshell. Am I a person who likes to stick with  her comfort zone? The answer is yes and no. Yes because I think it's human nature to want to stay where they feel comfortable. No because I'm very passionate about life. I only have one life to live and I want to live it in a meaningful way.
In order to get out of this rut, it starts with your mind set. I had to rethink of the ways I used to think and here are some of the issues I've identified.

1. Stop making excuses. I think that everyone can relate to that. We all  have an excuse for the things that we do or don't do. Identify what your concerns are and find a resolution for them instead of letting the excuse hold you back. One of my main excuse is money. I always think that having fun involves money and perhaps it does depending on what it is but I'm pretty sure that if I do my research, there has got to be some affordable ways to have a good time.
2. Take small steps. You don't have to completely change your routine but set a goal and start with the changes you think you can handle. I think I need to make myself a list so I can track my progress.
3. Don't wait for others. That's a tough one. I'd prefer to share the experience with someone. I'm gonna try not to hold back anymore, even if that means doing it alone. I'd like to thank a new friend for the advice.
4. Confidence. Mine always bounces up and down. Truth is I don't get easily hurt or offended by others but I am my biggest critic. I try not to be too harsh with myself, which is something I have a tendency to do.

I think I've touched on the basic issues that I have so I'm going to work on them. I don't know if this post was motivational but hopefully insightful at least.

Any advice or suggestions you have to get out of a rut?

PS: I did some changes on my page. I added a message board on the right panel so anyone can drop me a quick message if they wanted to. I changed the width of my page and going forward, I'm going to post larger pictures. I finally figured how to add additional links to my other posts, lol.

**Picture taken from http://www.lonelyidea.com/**

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