Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

Today, I am going to be writing about what happens in the shower. Don't get all in a tizzy, I'm just talking about washing your hair. (Also, give it up for my little brother Mataki for sportin' a shampoo mohawk.) So for about... 18 years of my life, I washed my hair the same way. (Note: This was when my hair was really long.) Step 1, shampoo the entire head and then rinse. Step 2, condition the entire head and rinse. I then went to my hair dresser one day and she asked me how I washed my hair. I explained and she basically said I was committing a hair sin. :/ Oops. Then, she clarified how I should be doing it.

First off, you are only supposed to shampoo your roots. Do not shampoo the ends because they are already dry and adding the shampoo just makes it worse. Don't worry about the bottom still being dirty because when you wash it out, the suds from the top will get all the dirt at the ends. After you rinse, just condition the ends of your hair. If you get the top, your roots will be weighted down and your hair will lack volume. At the end of your shower, blast your beautiful tresses with cold water. Why would you do this? Because being uncomfortable for a moment or two means shiny hair.

I tried this and I could immediately tell a difference! Before, my hair was really stiff and I have extremely thick hair so I had a major triangle shape going on. After, my luscious locks became softer and had so much movement I didn't know what to do with it! I was spinning and smiling and flipping my hair so much I honestly felt like I was in a hair commercial. I can't even tell you how many times I heard, "Um Mika... what are you doing?" Not gonna lie, it was a little embarrassing at times. Worth it? You bet it was!

Also, make sure you alternate every so often between brands of shampoo. Using the same one all the time can cause your hair to 'grow immunity' to it. I like to switch between Dove and Garnier Fructis. I also really love the one from Costco but I don't live near one so I don't usually get to use it. Garnier smells fantastic and Dove makes your hair super silky. Also, don't be afraid to mix shampoo types such as volumizing shampoo and straight 'n smooth conditioner.

Now, before I leave you today, please enjoy this great video of an excellent prank involving shampoo. I am not quite sure how to upload a video yet but here is the link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PKQE8FM2Uw

What is your favorite shampoo? Got any more tips for washing your hair? If you tried this method, how did it work out for you? And if you are feeling really bold, video a hair commercial for us! Happy showering ladies.

Love, Mika.

This is a link to Kandee Johnson's YouTube channels she basically does amazing make-up tutorials. Check her out. She's super legit. http://www.youtube.com/user/kandeejohnson#p/u

Use Lotion !

Hey Everybody,
So I know Mika already made a fabulous post about taking care of your skin in the sun. But today, I've been out trying to pick up a little bit of a tan. I promise I'm not a hypocrite... I used sunscreen. I still need to be careful I know. But it's just not attractive when my arms are 5 shades darker than my legs. Anyway, as I was out trying to tan (for very short periods of time) I was thinking about how you look so much darker when you keep your skin hydrated. So if you are feeling like your tan isn't as even and pretty and dark as you want it to be, before you go fry in the sun, put on some good moisturizing skin lotion. Keep your skin healthy and Hydrated, it's more radiant that way.
-Kaeli

Challenge Accepted.

So you all know that Kaeli and I are getting into shape! Those of you who are saying, "But Mika, you are already skinny. You don't have to do this." Oh yes I do! Being skinny is not the same as being in shape and/or healthy. I am on heart medication right now because my heart beats extremely fast, even when I'm sitting. I am thinking not exercising is part of the problem! Yes, I am skinny but I am so out of shape it's embarrassing.

So I agreed to do the exercise challenge along with Kae. Now, for those of you who don't know me, (oh gosh I sound like I'm giving a talk in church) I am suuuper lazy. Like, its ridiculous. Example? I make my sister tie my shoe because she is 'closer to the ground.' So for this whole 'getting into shape' plan to work, I gotta step it up!

Now, I decided I am adding to the challenge. Write everything that goes into your stomach down in a journal. (Yay middle school food diaries!) Not only do you need to be specific on what it is, but you need to be specific on how much it is. Otherwise, this is a complete waste of time. The reason for this is to see exactly what you are putting into your body instead of mindless munching. Also, along with your food entries, you need to be counting how many glasses of water a day you are drinking. Water is basically the single most important thing you can put into your body. In fact, it has so many health benefits that I am going to do a post on it. In addition to water and food, write down how much exercise you did and what it was.

Everyone has different preferences on how they want to do this chart or list or whatever you decide on doing so do what works for you. If you get stuck on how you would like to do it, you can always google search it! (Thumbs up for Google! It is the answer to all of life's questions.) If you find one you really like, please share with the rest of us! :) You are all so great! I can't wait to see what goes down.

Love, Mika.

P.s.- We are now on Facebook so go forth and suggest friends and like the page! Thanks dolls. :)

Breaking the Laws of Fashion.

Everyone knows black and brown can not be worn together. Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, WRONG. Today, I totally mixed them! I was a little hesitant to try it together so I did it by mixin' my eyeshadow! It made it more subtle so I wasn't so freaked out. And I have to say, I am absolutely in love with the combo. I think its a fantastic look for going out at night or if you are just in the mood for something darker/more dramatic. I wore this look to Groovefest, which is a festival held in Southern Utah where a bunch of bands from all over come and play for a few days. Besides the entertainment, there is food and vendors with excellent prices on their homemade trinkets.

For this look you are going to need:
-a dark brown eyeshadow
-a black eyeshadow
-light brown eyeshadow
-regular brush
-thin/flat brush
-fluffy blending brush
-eyeliner in black
-mascara

Sorry guys! I didn't take pictures of every step because I didn't think about uploading this post until it was already on for half the day. And the makeup isn't too advanced so words should be enough. If not, comment below or email/facebook me and let me know.

Step 1: Sweep the dark brown shadow from your lashes to your crease with your normal eyeshadow brush. Make sure to get it well into the crease because most of the brown will be seen here. Also, line your bottom lashes with it.

Step 2: Grab your thin, flat brush and load it up with the black. Run the brush right along your lash line and ever so slightly, blend upwards into the brown.

Step 3: Highlight the inner corners of your eyes and the space between the brow bone and crease with the light, shimmery brown. Blend.

Step 4: Line your waterlines with your eyeliner. I favor black but a black brown or a brown works beautifully as well. Top with mascara.

Please excuse my especially pale face in this picture. I photograph extremely white.

Outfit Ideas:
Casual Summer: I wore this with a raspberry/maroon t-shirt, a body conscience jean shorts which hit around mid-thigh and gold sequined brown gladiators.

Night Out: Leopard print pumps, white skinny jeans, and a looser fitting blouse which I'm thinking should be in a non-neutral color. Add chunky metal jewelry.

Weddings and other dressy occasions: I personally would opt for a darker colored dress. No neutrals though! If you are going dark, get a plum or navy color. If you are feeling bold, try a metallic dress. Black heels would be best. If you can not do heels, try a cute gladiator sandal.

How did your look turn out? We'd love to see pics! Send them to mikascott13@yahoo.com and I will post some of the entries! Thanks for reading and I promise I will stop slacking and post more often. :)

Love, Mika.

I'm on Day 3!

Hey Guys! I am on day three of trying to get in shape. I've gone two miles all three days, I know that's a little pathetic, but this is just the start. I'm only running half a mile to start and then I walk the rest but today I tried to speed back up to a run on and off throughout the whole thing. I'm drinking lots of water, and trying to watch what I'm eating. I did get ice cream last night... but ya know, you can't just cut everything delicious out of your diet. The key is to exercise control right? So for those of you starting out or following along, just keep in mind, you don't want to punish your body, you want to slowly build up to your goals. Especially if your goals are weightloss. The more consistent you are, and the the longer it takes to come off, the longer it usually stays off. Now on that note, don't let that stop you from setting your goals and meeting them don't let the weight come off too slow. For those of you just trying to exercise more and get in shape, just remember that you have to be patient with yourself. Don't give up if it's easy right away, and don't try to push yourself harder than necessary, a little push is good, but too much will burn you out and discourage you.

So is anyone following along? How 'bout just doing your own thing? Come on guys, post comments! Let us know! And I'm still wondering who wants a facebook page or who is willing to really just get in and comment on the blog?
Good luck to everyone! Keep up the good work.
Thanks for reading.
-Kaeli

We're Getting in Shape!

Okay guys, here's the deal, to those of you who are exercise gurus we'd like to thank you for taking the time to read this blog. You're probably already be-you-tifully in shape. Although this post is about getting in shape, that doesn't get you off the hook, we want you to hang in there and read this post. Believe it or not, you can still get involved in this one. Ready? Okay here we go!

I'll step aside and address the rest of us for a moment. You know, the people like me who want to get in shape, who intend to get in shape, but we're still less toned, 5 or 10 or 15 pounds plumper than we wish we were, or just plain not as active as we want to be. Here's the deal, we all know it, we've heard it a hundred times, not to mention that common sense voice in our head is screaming "all you have to do is decide to be dedicated." So we're going to start listening to it right now. Everyone repeat after me (read this line out loud):
I __________(insert your name here) have decided this very moment to get in shape. I am dedicated to my decision and I will do whatever it takes.

Now take a deep breath. Did that feel good? Good okay carrying on. EVERYONE (fitness gurus included) listen up now.

Mika and I have decided that we are going to blog about our journey to get in shape. Why? Well because if we have 14 readers (yeah we wanna get that number up) following our blog and therefor our fitness journey, we're going to be a lot more motivated to succeed. This makes sense right? So now what we need from you "THE AUDIENCE!" (off-the-cuff anyone? haha okay waste of a joke) is for you to:
A) Join us and let us know how you're doing. We want you commenting on our posts, posting your goals online encouraging us, yourselves and each other.
B) Just check in, tell us to keep up, ask questions about it, you know just keep us on our toes.
C) This one is for the fitness Gurus: We want your encouragement and advice and all around support.

Does it sound like a deal? I sure hope so because we are counting on you. Let's get started. I'll let you know right now, that I just ran half a mile (I know it's not much to brag about, but it's my start) and then I walked 1.5 miles at about 4 mph this was on the treadmill. I plan on walking with my mom in the mornings every day from now on to.  That's my plan right now, I'm working on adding more.  We can all start simple if we need to.

Also, please comment below: Who is actually going to participate on the blog? and who would be more likely to participate if we made a facebook page? Let us know!
Let's get going!
-Kaeli (and I suspect Mika too, we were talking about this earlier today.)