2015 <3 <3 I Promise To Love Me For Me <3 <3

Well, it’s been several years since I’ve had this site and A LOT has changed. I have a new bf of almost 4 years that I am still dating (amazing since I get tired of people easily) whom I’ve just moved in with, I am no longer at my Marketing job where I traveled often, I gained 40 pounds, I’ve done a handful of marathons, and I have a new cat. Now, on to the current stuff….

I am temporarily unemployed and I have time for myself to blog, workout, and think about me.

Every freakin New Years, I always say to myself “I will lose weight, I will become healthier, I will live a better lifestyle, I won’t be so judgemental, I’ll be more accepting,” blah blah blah…

This year, I’ve decided to STOP with the whole diet promise. I promise to love myself more, become my own best friend, and stop criticizing myself in the worst way possible. It takes a lot to accept yourself so for me, even acknowledging that I am pretty with or without makeup, or even that I am as intelligent as others, it is a big deal.

My total inspiration for loving me just the way I am is through Whitney Thore. She’s the over weight supersized chick that has her own series on TLC “My Big Fat Fabulous Life” and she records her life on losing weight derived from much determination and motivation. She definitely is ambitious, funny, and her charismatic approach to life is real.

So, thank you , Whitney, for bringing that positive energy to me and all the other millions of people out there that know the struggles of weight loss and insecurities.

I

Hairstyle Trends For 2014

What ever style your hair is , it definitely says ALOT about you. When you have a gorgeous hairstyle, not only will you have confidence and poise, but you feel marvelous and beautiful. In order to achieve that, you must pick a style that frames your face. Below are the hairstyles that I feel will fit anyone, whether you have a long face, wide face, square, or oblong shape. Here are my top choices of hair style trends for 2014:

If you don’t already have a hairstylist, do some research and find out about the salon and the hairdresser. Do some research by asking around, and read up on Yelp reviews. Find a hairdresser that will sit and consult with you on your hair, the cut you want, color and definitely ask questions. Bring a picture of the hair style that you want and see if it can be replicated. There’s nothing worst than going to the salon and spending hours and $$$ on hair that will make you look unflattering. Have fun and Good Luck!

Oh Hell No ! I Hiked Where The Zodiac Killer Took The Life of One of His Victims

One of my New Year’s Resolution was to lose weight and ease my way back in to running. My bf and I decided to go hiking at Blue Rock Springs Park in Vallejo, California. As soon as we entered the parking lot, already I felt chills down my spine. The park looked dead and for some reason, I felt a negative vibe from it. There were some families there. The park was big and clean, and there were patches of grass around with benches and there was a nice walk way, but again, It didn’t feel ‘right.’ We hiked a mile up into the mountain. By this time, I usually start feeling the adrenaline kick in but I felt out of it. There’s an abandoned house built on stilts right in the middle of the park with boarded up windows. Seems kinda odd. Here is how the park looked like:

After that short hike, I went home and decided to do a yelp review when I stumbled up on this:

Holy 5hit! I can’t believe I went hiking where there was an infamous murder by the Zodiac Killer. I’ve watched movies about the Zodiac Killer, read articles and newspaper clippings about it, but to actually be on the same site as the murder that took place some x amount of years ago, it still frightens me. Never will I go to that park ever again. It scares the hell outta me knowing that the Zodiac Killer is out there and he’s probably somewhere in the Bay Area. Damn!

I love makeup, but one of the most difficult challenges that I have are finding the “right” type of makeup for my eyes. I have “typical asian” eyes- by that, I mean, I have NO eye lid, my eyes are slanted, and when I smile, they are small. This is called “mono lids” and not having a crease makes a big difference in determining “how” to apply makeup , what type of liners to use, the “right” colors, techniques and tools to use to achieve beautiful eye makeup. Don’t get me wrong- I love my Asian eyes and I embrace it. It’s just finding the best way to enhance my features without making it look like a total mess.

After years of playing around with different makeup, I’ve found a couple of tips which will definitely help you out.

1. Pick the right eye shadow colors

Neutral colors are ideal for your eyes. Stick with brown, gold, peach, and pink colors.

When you are doing the smoky eye look, blend just at the outer corners of your eyes and use dark brown. If you do want to add in black for a dramatic look, in small circular brush strokes, lightly apply it only in the outer corner.

2. Apply eyeliner

Use eyeliner. I typically like to use liquid eyeliner on the top and on the bottom, I use mac’s liquid last. And it does last in the heat or if you are out the whole night and you don’t want it to smudge. It will stay on there . Only line 2/3 of the lash line from outside corner to inside.

3. False Lashes- Hell yeah!

Nothing makes eyes more attractive than full, flirty eyelashes. Unfortunately for us Asian girls, ours are often thin, short and straight. That’s why it is essential to play them up.

Curling our eyelashes is very important. The absolute best eyelash curler I’ve ever owned is  Shu Uemura eyelash curler. Make sure your lashes are bare. Open curler and clamp as close to the roots as you can, and hold for a few seconds. This will take your straight lashes into a feather-like bend. Then, with your false lashes, glue it close to your lash line. Make sure you use mascara to engage your real lashes with the falsies.

Most people apply eye makeup from the inside out. For Asians, it is actually better to apply eye makeup from the outside in, especially with liners and eye shadow. This trick will make eyes appear larger. Finish off with some sexy lip gloss and smile.

Bottom line: Instead of feeling discouraged that you have monolids, embrace what God gave you and enhance the beauty you already have. Not everyone can have Kim Kardashian’s  gorgeous eyes, but remember, you are beautiful no matter what.  Play with what you’ve got and if you have any cool interesting tips, please email them to me and I will add it in a future post.

Ladies: To Shave Or Not To Shave….That Is The Question….

*This is a subject that most women feel uncomfortable to talk about. Sorry if any of you women feel offended*  I don’t know about you , but for me, when I let it all grow out down “there”,  I just don’t like it. LOL. So, to solve this “problem”, and to look more attractive or clean  down “there”, you figure you might want to try and get rid of the au natural pubic hair. But, you think to yourself “should I shave, wax,  or use Nair?”  Before you grab that razor, read the pros and cons.

Now, I’ve done all of the above.  Here’s my experience:

Shaving :    

Pros:   Easy, free, convenient

Cons: Hair grows back within a couple of hours and it’s rough and coarse, neck hurts when you’re constantly looking down there at different angles, and depending on how much hair you have, it could take a while. Could get messy, with pubes all over the shower. Prone to ingrown hairs. Oh, and like I’ve mentioned in the beginning, your neck hurts!!!

Nair:   

Pros:   Cheap, easy to use

Cons: hair grows back fast, smells bad. It’s better to use on the bikini line only

Wax:

Pros:  No hair growth for a month. Hair does eventually get thinner and finer.

Cons:  Ouchy painful, expensive (My wax girl charges me $70).

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I prefer waxing -hands down. It’s cleaner and better. The more times you do it, the lesser the hair growth. 🙂   It is a bit pricey, so what you can do is do a yelp search for wax salons in your area.  There’s usually a discount for first-timers. Also, if you subscribe to living social / bloom spot / groupon, you can find salon deals. Good luck!

2012 Is Here! Are You? If You’re Still Recovering From New Years, Try these Tips To Look Radient

Oh yes, another  year has come and gone. 2012 is finally here! Did you party too much last night? Did you have a little too much to drink? I’m sure some of you had one heck of a blast during New Year’s eve and you’re still trying to recuperate. If your face is screaming “I partied too much and it shows,”   try these 3 things to help you look like your spunky awesome usual self

1) Primp and Curl…Primp and Curl your eyelashes. Big curl eyelashes = Im awake eyes.

Joylani’s personal tip:  try blowdrying your eye lash curler for a couple of seconds before curling and becareful ..it can get H-O-T

2) Anyone who knows me knows that I never leave the house with out BLUSH. Make sure to add some blush on the apples of your cheeks. Adding some color to your skin will help with any post-drinking paleness.

And 3) Highlighters are a Must!!! Try dabbing a milk shake pearly colored  highlighter on your browbone, down your nose and across your forehead. Not only will this help you look more energized, but  this will help put back any radiance you may have lost in the wake of the big countdown.

So there you have it…my three awesome quick fixes. Hope this helps! Let’s start this year off with a good fashion and makeup bang. WOOHOO!!!

May 2008 Trends

Okay peoplez, so it’s been a long time since ive posted anything on this darn board. Ive been MIA because of drama and all this other crap. but that’s a okay since ive got some news to share with you. On May 30th, Sex and the city, the movie, is coming out. WIll Carrie and Big finally get married? who dies in the movie? oh, i cant wait.

now, on to the trends . lets talk about Gwen Stefani and her new fragrance line!!!!
What’s happening this September? Superstar Gwen Stefani is taking the fragrance world by storm with her Harajuku Lovers collection. Inspired by her and her four real-life backup singers (Love, Angel, Music and Baby), Gwen is making five different fragrances based on their diverse personalities and style. The bottle, according to WWD.com, will have the glass base holding the scent, and a doll crafted in the image of one of the five women. They’ll be reasonably priced (small bottles will retail for $25, the larger size on $45) so that fans can pick up more than one. Gwen’s also working on a new No Doubt album, a spring 2009 line for L.A.M.B., and oh, yeah, her second baby, due later this year. Whew!

Popular Hair: Whats in for April 2008

Ok, so it’s good to be up to date on the trends and to be in the “now”. Of course, some people have to have the latest hair style, while others are just okay with being up to date on fashion.

As for me, I try to be updated on makeup, fashion, and the hair!

For April of 2008, below are the popular hairstyles I’ve pulled from Hairstyler.com.

Ladies: The Truth About Men and What They Really Want In A Women!!!

Women often tell me that men confuse them and that they are unsure what a man is really looking for. They have tried to please them in the past and it hasn’t worked.

Okay so what is a man seeking?

• First of all a man is seeking a love-interest. This may surprise many women but men like to love and they like being loved in return. The problem is that many women come across as impassioned and cold. It is not easy to find a loving woman and it is very noticeable how many men try and hang on when they think they have found their Miss Right.
• Men are seeking a woman who is attractive to them. Women may despair that men can be so shallow and that looks could matter so much but be careful. Men aren’t necessarily looking for a catwalk model and many men don’t like women who weigh 80lbs. But men do want a woman who takes pride in their appearance (though not excessively). Men are proud of having a girlfriend who looks good and I don’t believe any man who says otherwise.
• Men are looking for a trustworthy girl, someone they can have faith in and someone who will be there for them. This may sound like an odd thing to say, but the fact is, some women are not trustworthy and many are not faithful either. So many in fact that men are increasingly wary. That kiss at a Christmas party may not count, or the flirtatious behavior with the gorgeous barman and in fact its all great fun and part of a woman’s character. But reverse the situation and as a woman, you hate him doing the same. A man can never forgive a woman being unfaithful and so he is looking for someone who he really does trust.
• Men want to make a home eventually and are looking for a woman who will be a willing sharer in home life. Women with a sociable lifestyle are attractive because they can be relied upon to keep the social diary running in a long term relationship.
• Men are seeking women who are feminine gentle and kind because deep down the qualities that make a woman a great mother are an attraction in themselves. I am not suggesting that the man himself needs mothering, though some do, it is more the point that men seek the attributes in women that point to someone who would make a great mother to future offspring.
• Men want women with a great sense of humor. Women often come across as uptight or too bothered by too many small details. You will sometimes hear mention of a girl who is ‘one of the boys’. What this means is that she is able to fit in with their humor and is sociable and fun to be with. Such women are extremely attractive to many men. Men want to have a good time and relax when not working and so their ideal partners are women who are able to do the same.
• Men are looking for women who retain their femininity and and are caring and kind. In recent years, aping men may be a female fashion statement, but it doesn’t make them attractive. Whilst every woman in the world burps and farts and has the right to drink pints of beer, it doesn’t necessarily attract them to the opposite sex. Women can get angry and say well men will just have to get used to it, but the issue is that they don’t. They can just choose not to go for women who act in the same way as their drinking buddies.
• Men want someone who is supportive. Many women are quick to criticize men in their behavior, career and set about trying to alter them and mould them. This is a crucial mistake. Men can be manipulated yes, but they see their partnerships as support systems. The best relationships work both ways in terms of support. Where a woman is not able or willing to give that support and is too quick to criticize then she may lose her man.
• Men don’t like angry women who shout. They want a woman who can debate and converse and is able to discuss. Communication is king. A fiery passionate temperament may have made you interesting and challenging on day one. But by day 500 it holds no glory whatsoever.
• Men love a challenging woman, someone who keeps them on their toes. Men are generally lazy in relationships once they feel they’re in secure territory. When a man is challenged so he does something about it. If you want to keep your man interested, keep him challenged.
• Men are generally more reserved about sex than women. This is my experience is a fact. Men know what they like in bed and tend to stick to it. The adventurous sexual appetite in most men isn’t there even if they are convinced it is. Men in reality are quite conservative. Sexually adventurous has nothing to do with having lots of partners and more to do with the things they will try with the same partner. In most test cases I have conducted, it is the man who looks for a quiet time in the bedroom and the woman who ultimately becomes bored.
• Men want a woman who will commit to them. Though increasingly this is hard to find, it doesn’t take away the wish. Men want a girlfriend who they can share with and trust and be open with. Commitment is not a one way street and therefore men are struggling to find the levels of commitment they found previously. But the need is still there.
• Men don’t want to be alone.

This column can easily fire a great debate and I may be accused of being completely wrong but that is the beauty of opinions. We all have them. The fact is, a modern man is seeking a reliable, sexy, single girl with whom he can have a long term relationship with. He wants to have fun, share his life and ultimately settle down. There are a few long term bachelors but not that many. The problem guys have is that the world has changed. They don’t necessarily want to have children and settle down straight away, but it will come. They do seek self-respect even if they are not the primary breadwinner and they seek respect from their partner.
As for me, I still haven’t found “Mr Right,” and I wish he would come around and sweep me in his arms, but till then, I will keep my head up and remember that the next guy that comes around that “tickles my fancy,” I will keep this in mind. 🙂

Make Me Beautiful Celebrity Hair Styles For 2008

Celebrities are in the spotlight nearly every day of their lives. It is up to them to set the trends of clothing, jewelry and hair in 2008. It seems that the celebs have spoken and the number one most chosen hairstyle for fine dress occasions in 2008 is going to be the pull back.The pull back hairstyle refers to any of a wealth of styles where long hair is pulled back to the neckline and captured in some beautiful hair piece. The focus of this style in 2008 with be asymmetrical and non conforming. With the sides of the hair straight and sleek, the back bun will be filled with ringlets of curls. What appear to be small wisps of hair framing in the face, will be purposefully placed there through a careful cutting technique.Hair jewelry will not play a huge part in hairstyles in 2008. It seems Hollywood is taking the green trend and applying it to hair styling, as well. Many pull back hair designs are featuring no hair jewelry at all. The hair seems only to hold itself, as if bound by nature itself.

In 2008, celebrities will be wisping their hairstyles behind them and focusing on what is in front of them. Long hairstyles will be retained for many, with careful wisps cut to frame the face. Nature will abound and hair jewelry will disappear.

Please check out:

MAKE ME BEAUTIFUL CELEBRITY HAIR STYLES FOR 2008 PART 2

New POSTING!!!!!