A Firm Foundation.

Yes. I totally just kinda referenced a Hymn. Just don't judge me! I had a migraine earlier today so I'm still a little fuzzy from it. So I was casually perusing Facebook while watching 'Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta' when one of my friend's post caught my eye and made my jaw drop.

"I Want to be a model!!! ...Just kidding im to ugly and cameras are NOT my friend. and im just to awkward. but its ok to dream right?"

*shakes head* Oh honey. Says who?? The media? If you want to do it, do it. Find an agency or a CREDITABLE photographer (who doesn't try to get you down to wearing nothing) who is inspired by your look. I am seriously considering/toying with the idea of starting a fashion line and her comment gave me a little push of motivation. I will do the line! And I'm going to use all sorts of girls to model my stuff! But enough of me. Back to Lacie!

I told her "psh says who? hmmm? beauty comes from within :) plus, some of the best models are super awkward! they work with what they got. and cameras? they can be easily fooled. just work your angles and have confidence."

(Excuse my horrid grammar mistakes. I never use capitalization or apostrophes in my Fb typing.) But then her insecurities came up! She didn't like her skin. Which I understand because acne is so not wanted by anyone. So she asked me what to do! I am probably not the best person to ask for this because I am super lazy with my facial routine. I use a bar of Dove soap at night before bed and I use Neutrogena 360 Clean with exfoliating beads (the orange one cause it smells delightful) to wash my face in the shower. Then she told me that she has scars she wants to cover because she is getting married and wants flawless skin for it! Come to find out, she doesn't wear makeup.

I nearly keeled over with shock. I can't even fathom not wearing makeup! But I'm kind of a Barbie so that's just me. :P So I told her a little foundation goes a long way. And that is when I decided to post about how to do foundation.

Step 1: Have a clean face. If you don't shower in the morning, take a baby wipe and go over your face. (Baby wipes are also fabulous for taking off makeup! Who knew?)

Step 2: Moisturize your face. If you have oily face, you can skip it or use a an extremely light lotion. Normally I just put face lotion on the dry parts of my face such as my chin and my nose.

Step 3: Have a liquid foundation and a sponge. DAB not drag across your face. Start in the center of your face and work your way out to the edges. Also make sure you get your eyelids too. Blend into your neck because no one looks good as an oompa loompa. If you have too much on your face, use a cotton ball and sweep over the entire area.

Step 4: Grab your powder. Sweep over your entire face but focus on the center. Sometimes if you need more coverage, dab on like your liquid. Blend into your neck. If you appear orange or if your makeup is too dark, add some baby powder to your powder foundation.

Done. Work it! Also notice the picture. No one washes their face like that! NO ONE. And I noticed that I can not post anything without a visual aid. Oh well. Comments and questions are encouraged. :) Thanks everyone.

Love, Mika.

Everybody's Gonna Love Today.

You don't constantly have to love yourself. If one did, it may come off as conceited or narcissistic. Plus, I would imagine that would be rather exhausting after a while. Don't give me the whole, "But Mika, you said we should always love yourselves!" That I did. Now, let me clarify. When I say the phrase, "Love yourself" I don't mean it is going to happen instantly. This transformation happens over time.

I know that some people think getting trampled by rabid squirrels is more likely to go down. But you never know! Crazier things have happened before right? If it makes you nervous or you are really skeptical about this idea, take baby steps. Just try to accept yourself as you are. If that is a huge reach, just try to not absolutely loathe your body/face. Pick out one thing you like and focus on that for a while. You like your lips? Play it up. Got fantastic legs? Show them off! Can't find anything? I'm calling you out. There is ALWAYS something. Now, remember that list I suggested all of you write and stick on your mirrors? ... No? Ok go back to my 'True Love' post. Reread. Do challenge. Report back to me. :)

But Mika, I want to change my personality/habits/social standing. Well then my pretty little readers, do it! What's stopping you? If you really want to be different, get off your butt and work it. Changing your actions are much easier (and cheaper) than changing your physical appearance. You are what you pretend to be because people embody their thoughts. Want to overcome a fear? Take it in little doses and work up to facing it head on. If your heart is set on being a fashion designer, do your research and go out and start making clothes. You need to do things in order to make things happen. Life doesn't come handed to you on a silver platter held by a shirtless Gerard Butler. (Too bad right? Sigh.) Going to be a nurse? Better start workin' those scrubs! The key is to not give up because quitting gets you no where. Stay positive and work hard! It most certainly won't be easy but there is a good chance it will be worth it.

Bottom line: Accept your physical appearance. It really could be worse. And work for what you want. Good luck to you all! :)

Love, Mika.

P.S.- What's up with the kid in a fake stache? I just thought it would be cuter if he was saying this to you. So... read this in his adorable little boy voice. Also, the title is from the song, 'Love Today' by Mika (He is a British singer... I think.) Check it.

Love Yourself!

So this came directly from my friend Alissa Lear's facebook status. Not sure if she made it up or if it is an existing quote but it definitely belongs on this blog!


" Man made barbie, God made you... be happy with the skin you're in!! :)"


I think God may be a better artist than man anyway. And he definitely has a greater understanding of beauty... seeing as he created the earth and everything beautiful upon it. So that's my two cents for the day.


-Kaeli

Summer Staple.

One of the best things about summer? Sundresses! Oh yes. I don't know about you guys but it is seriously hot where I live. And I don't have A/C in my vehicle! Talk about suckfest. I lose at least 5 pounds every time I get into my car from sweating so much. So what I'm trying to say is I am not a fan of heavy clothing (or clothing at all for that matter) in the heat.

There are those who are against dresses and use the following excuses:
1. You hate being 'exposed.'
2. You are more of a tom boy.
3. You have an odd body shape.
4. You don't have a lot of time to be all girly.
5. You want to be 'comfortable.'

No way honey! There are so many different kinds of sundresses out there that everyone can find at least one. I will now explain my counter attack for each excuse made. Ready or not, here we go!

You don't like being exposed? Well no worries. There are a lot of modest dresses that are lightweight and cover you up. Check out the one below. It is a bright color and flowy but also cinches at the waist for shape! Such a great dress for summer!



So you gravitate more towards the masculine side of the scale eh? Girls, say hello to the shirt dress. It will be your friend! It breathes very nicely and has a boyish feel to it. Want to dress it up? Add a sweet belt like the one here. Want to give it an athletic feel? Add some lace up shoes like Vans, Converse or Keds.

Being self conscience about your body is something everyone goes through. If you want to hide areas that you think are 'problematic,' opt for a dress with an empire waist. Don't go too tight or too baggy because this will just make you look bigger. This style is really good for those who are athletically built, plus sized or pear shaped. If you have an hourglass figure, or invertedly triangled, go for a different style because this one will make your waist look heavier. A little confusing but just go with it. If you are afraid of falling out up top with the first green dress, try the second one.I'm late, I'm late for a very important date! No time to say "Hello! Goodbye!" I'm late, I'm late, I'm late! I hear ya little white rabbit. I combined excuse 4 and 5 into one dress. Life comes at you fast. But this look takes literally 10 seconds. Look for a dress that you can slip on when you shop. The one below has stretchy fabric up top so you get shape without any effort. Throw on some bracelets or a necklace and flats. Done. "But I'm just going grocery shopping! Why can't I wear my pajama pants/sweats?" Cause that is a HUGE no no. Just don't do it! Be a big girl and get dressed. Its only ok if you are sick and/or dying. Even still, send someone else. This dress is just as comfy and it looks like you care. Alright, I am done scolding!
So that's that! Sundresses can be super laid back for day wear but can also be dressed up for evening events. I recommend them for every closet. They are just really convenient and so lovely. :)

Feelings on dresses?Hate them or love them? Comments, questions, and opinions are welcome and encouraged!

Love, Mika.