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Yes, it has been a few weeks…

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…and I’m sorry!  But, sometimes life has a way of kicking us in the pants.  I’ve been indisposed for nearly a month; now I’m back & kickin’ back into gear.  My life, generally, is quite monotonous, yet every so-often something comes up.  Here are some things that have been going on since on leave:

–  My birthday!  Yes, Cinco de Mayo is my birthday…but my actual due date was August 19th…doesn’t that mean I should have two birthdays?  Kidding, of course!

–  I fell back in love with my epilator.  For those of you who have used them, you know the pain they can cause.  The first time I tried it on my underarms, I literally thought I would pass out from the pain.  Now, I LOVE it, since arm I only need to touch up every 1-2 weeks.  It also saves on razors.

–  I realized how much the “little things” really do mean, and how much I (personally) have taken for granted.

–  Cooking has always been a passion, and now I’m exploring recipes from all over the world.  I may post some later on.

–  My cat is going to be 7, which means my Punkin (R.I.P.) would have been 25 this year!

–  I started weight-lifting again.  First time in about 10 years, and I’m loving it!

What else?  I’ve planned an outing with my bestest (yes, in this context, it is a word) best friend, and can’t wait to see her.  I’m also making plans for the future, which is finally looking pretty sweet.

I can’t thank all of you enough for the love and support.  Please let me know what you’d like to see featured in upcoming posts.  My contact information will be posted below.   

Stay beautiful!

Twitter:  @TechBeautyBlog
Instagram:  @thetechnicalbeautyblog
e-mail:  thetechnicalbeautyblog@gmail.com

Mother’s Day Gifts, Vol. 1

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Mother’s Day is coming up.  Instead of the usual bouquet of flowers, why not surprise her with a a gift that will keep on giving?  Here are some of my favorite Mother’s Day sets.

For the Tea-Lovers:

Teavana

For the tea-lover, Teavana has created a wide array of gifts to suit several tastes.  Pictured below are the Radiant Flower Collection ($49.95) and In Bloom Collection ($69.95) gifts, on the left and right, respectively.  The Radiant Flower Collection contains:  One 14oz infuser mug, two tea tins, and 2oz each of Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls & Strawberry Blush Rose Oolong teas.  The In Bloom Collection contains:  A 32oz teapot, two tea tins, and 3oz each of Flowering Pineapple & Lemon Marigold Blossom teas.      

Image courtesy of teavana.com
Image courtesy of teavana.com

You can also create your own gift.  Grab a tea maker or teapot, some rock sugar or honey; a teacup, teapot/infuser or mug, and tea tin.  Fill the tin with tea you know she will love, and arrange the items in a gift basket.  Wrap the basket in some cellophane and tie it all together with a ribbon.  You will have a customized gift your recipient is sure to love.  Don’t forget to pay using your registered Starbucks or Teavana card–you’ll get a star.

Tea Forte

Another one of my favorite tea companies, Tea Forte.  They have several gift options available.  If you are in the market for the tea gift, I suggest The Ultimate Tea Forte Experience.

Image courtesy of teaforte.com

It is definitely pricey ($174.95), but includes the following:

  • One Tea Chest: Two infusers each of: African Solstice, Black Currant, Blueberry Merlot, Bombay Chai, Chamomile Citron, Citrus Mint, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Estate Darjeeling, Formosa Oolong, Ginger Lemongrass, Green Mango Peach, Hazelnut Truffle, Jasmine Green, Lemon Sorbetti, Orchid Vanilla, Raspberry Nectar, Sencha, White Ambrosia, White Ginger Pear.
  • Two wooden Oval Trays
  • Two porcelain Café Cups
  • One box of two orchid white Tea Trays
  • Two Creamer & Sugar Sets
  • One 20oz flute of Tupelo Honey

If you are just looking for a beautifully wrapped tea-only gift, the Teas for the Heart Box is a way to “I love you”, subtly.  The boxes come in two sizes, and host a variety of tea flavors.

Image courtesy of teaforte.com

 

Adagio Teas

Adagio Teas has a few Mother’s Day gift sets out.  This one (photo below) is titled Celebrating Mom ($34.00), and it is one of my favorites.  It comes with an ingenuitea teapot and two tins of loose-leaf tea (Bushel & a Peck and Pocketful of Posies blends)

Image courtesy of adagio.com

You can also create a custom gift by purchasing either of the tea sets below.  The only difference is that one is loose-leaf and one is bagged tea.  The Sunlit Blooms sets are both $24.00/set, and come with the following teas:  Bushel & a Peck, Pocketful of Posies, and a-Tisket-a-Tasket.

Image courtesy of adagio.com
Image courtesy of adagio.com

For the Beauty Queens:

Sephora

Everyone knows how much I L-O-V-E Clarisonic.  In my opinion, everyone needs one in his/her life, period.  They have come out with a couple of Mother’s Day sets, and my favorite is the Sunwashed Peach Mia 2 ($149.00).  The color will brighten even the gloomiest of mornings, and the face wash is (as it states) quite refreshing.

Image courtesy of sephora.com

   
Origins also has a gift set that will help in giving the best complexion your recipient has ever had.  The Rest & Recharge Mother’s Day Set ($51.00) contains the following products:

– 1 oz VitaZing™ SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with Mangosteen
– 1.7 oz High Potency Night-A-Mins™ Mineral-Enriched Renewal Cream
– 0.5 oz GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream
– 1.7 oz Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Mask

Image courtesy of sephora.com

For the one who loves variety, there is the Sephora Favorites Beauty Closet ($99.00).  It contains several of Sephora’s best-sellers and most coveted products.  Whoever receives this gift will be pampered for sure!  This set is filled with lip, nail, and skincare, as well as makeup, fragrance, and the cutest little BeautyBlender ever! 

Image courtesy of sephora.com

The closet contains:

– 0.23 oz Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm
– 0.085 oz Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Clear Brow Gel
– 0.04 oz Full-size Ardency Inn MODSTER Smooth Ride Supercharged eyeliner in Gold
– 0.15 oz bareMinerals Mini READY™ Touch Up Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 15 in Translucent
– Full-size Beautyblender® micro.mini sponge applicator
– 0.34 oz Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector™ in Opal
– 0.04 oz Bite Beauty BB for Lips in Flush
– 0.24 oz Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black eau de parfum rollerball
– 0.4 oz Full-size Formula X Nail Color in Fahrenheit
– 0.33 oz Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
– 0.16 oz Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil
– 0.12 oz Julep Freedom™ Polymer Top Coat
– 0.10 oz Lancôme Paris Lip Lover in 355 Framboise Etoile
– 1 oz Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Nude
– 1 oz Living Proof Prime Style Extender
– 0.5 oz Ole Henriksen® truth serum® collagen booster
– 0.07 oz SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Mono eye shadow in #32 Pop Idol
– 0.25 oz Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 in Light/Medium
– 0.07 oz Stila Convertible Color in Peony
– 0.11 oz Tarte Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer in Park Ave Princess™
– 0.17 oz Too Faced Better Than Sex masca
ra

For the Cook/Chef:

Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma is one of my favorite stores.  They have so much to choose from, and have put together sets that will please everyone.  For the baker, there is the Citrus baking Gift Set ($69.95).  It contains a Meyer lemon & poppy seed loaf mix, citrus-themed tin, spatula and towel.  All items are packaged in a wooden crate and topped with a ribbon.

Image courtesy of williams-sonoma.com

The VitaMix personal blender ($449.95) is another great gift, especially for those who love to blend.  Want a smoothie?  Sure!  Soup?  Yep, it will make that, too.  Your recipient will be able to take all of their creations on-the-go. 

Image courtesy of williams-sonoma.com

For the Fashionista

Scarves are functional and can bring together any look.  These Vincent Camuto scarves are on HSN ($38.00/each), and come in three colors.  They are lightweight, and the colors are beautiful.  The scarves will go with any ensemble regardless of the season.

Image courtesy of hsn.com

The Tarah Tote from Danielle Nicole ($88.00) comes in white and navy.  The sides can be zipped up (see photo on the right) if the whole width of the bag is not needed.  The handbag is a great addition to one’s handbag collection.  It is perfect for travel because it can fit just about everything!

Image courtesy of hsn.com
Image courtesy of hsn.com

This orb necklace ($23.00) from zusnA on Etsy is beautiful and fun.  It is definitely different that the typical diamond or pearl necklace, and is perfect for everyone.

Image courtesy of zusnA

Gifting on a Budget

Is it just me or is gifting become more and more expensive?  For those who are on a budget, here are a few ideas for creating the perfect Mother’s Day gift.  Starting a scrapbook can be a great way to show how much you care.  Start with what you have, photos that capture memories, and leave remaining pages blank.  You can add to them as new experiences arise, and make a continuous project out of it.  It is creative and interactive.  You could also get a shadow box, and fill it with items that will bring back all of the good times you have shared. 

I had a classmate years ago who said that she never bought gifts.  Instead she and whoever would go out to eat.  It didn’t have to be an expensive place.  She said that people remember experiences over gifts, and for the most part, she is right.  Making memories and food!  What could be better than your undivided attention?

Whatever you end up doing, remember that it’s not the price, but the thought behind the gift you choose. 

Still Away…

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As they say, “When it rains, it pours.”  Just as I was finishing up all the work I needed to catch up on, an unexpected bout of sickness attacked.  I also have some work to finish up before I send my dissertation plan to my committee, but I plan to have all of the make-up posts completed by Thursday.  There are never enough hours in the day.  Since Wednesday, I can count on one hand how many hours of sleep I have gotten.  Needless to say, my body is exhausted, but I promise to have things up on a regular basis from now on, provided nothing else happens.

Stay beautiful!

Makeup Monday: Take it off, with KohGenDo!

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Image courtesy of kohgendo.com
Image courtesy of kohgendo.com
Image courtesy of kohgendo.com

It is so important to remove your makeup before you sleep.  It’s common knowledge, but how many people actually remember to every time?  KohGenDo makes it easy to to remove makeup without much effort.  I have tried all types of makeup removers, prestige brands and off-brands:  Creams, oils, wipes, you name it, and nothing has worked as well as KohGenDo’s Cleansing Spa Water.  For about 10 years, it has been my go-to for removing even the most stubborn makeup.  Waterproof and long-wear makeup are no match for Spa Water, which is free from: artificial colors, synthetic fragrance, and mineral oil derived from petroleum.  It is also alcohol- and oil-free, and if it happens to get in your eyes, they won’t burn.  Every night I apply Spa Water before the rest of my routine.  I also make sure to have a bottle on sets and photo shoots, since it is perfect for all skin types.  The formula is gentle and suitable for those with sensitive skin.  It now comes in towelettes, which are perfect for travel.  in need of a refresher after a long flight?  The towelettes will clean and refresh your skin–if you’re wearing makeup, it will also take it off, so be mindful. 

Makeup Monday: Versatility with MAC Fluidline

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Fluidline in Silverstroke. Image courtesy of maccosmetics.com

I have loved MAC‘s Fluidline since it was launched.  My first purchase was Blacktrack, which is (of course) flat black.  At first, I only used Fluidline as a a liner.  It has amazingly long staying power, and doesn’t transfer to my eyelids.  A little goes a really long way.  Normally, I apply it with the 231 brush or Billy B’s brush eleven because it is more dense and rigid.  It really all depends on the look I am going for.  Just run the tip of the brush through the Fluidline (it has a gel liner consistency)–you don’t need to use too much– then apply it as you would any other eyeliner. 

Image courtesy of maccosmetics.com
Image courtesy of billybbeauty.com

I got to thinking about it.  I am always looking for makeup that has multiple uses.  For instance, some shadows make great highlighters, and some blush hues work great on lips.  Of course, you have to make sure that the color(s) is/are safe for all areas.  I digress.  I decided to try out Fluidline as an eye base, so I purchased one of the lighter colors.  Normally, I use Too Faced or Urban Decay primers, but I figured that Fluidline had such staying power that it would probably work.  Just a little Fluidline applied to the eyelids is all it takes.  Wait just a minute, then apply your shadow as usual.  I would avoid applying any shadow right away because it may clump up, and who needs that?!  Anyway, Fluidline will ensure that your work of art stays put through it all.  You can also use any color just on the eyelid for a more subtle look.  Even though it is not necessarily cost-effective, Fluidline also works great when accenting body paint. 

Do you have a favorite versatile beauty product?

Stay beautiful!

Makeup Monday: Feeling "Ageless" with Harvey Prince

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Image courtesy of birchbox.com

I don’t know about you, but every time I smell a fragrance, something comes to mind.  For instance, Kai reminds me of spending the weekend at my grandparent’s house.  When I smell Hello (Harvey Prince), I picture a girl riding her bicycle with a basket on the front.  It’s spring/summer, and she is wearing a sundress, riding her bike down a fence-lined dirt road to meet her friends for a picnic.  One of my new favorite scents is also from Harvey Prince, properly titled Ageless.  They were kind enough to send me a roller to try out, and I LOVE it!  Ageless is a fresh, uplifting scent that is great for any occasion and any season.  It smells like fresh grapefruit with a hint of mango and very light floral undertones.  HarveyPrince.com (2015) states:

“Ageless is inspired by recent studies conducted by the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, which find pink grapefruit and mango to be the olfactory antidote to aging. The fragrant notes disguise the familiar scent of age, caused by the breakdown of particular fatty acids in your skin.”  

When I wear Ageless, I instantly feel revitalized (yes, I know that sounds odd, but I do)– I am transported to an orchard of grapefruit trees.  It’s a beautiful day along the coast, and we are fruit-picking at the local farm.  In reality, however, I am standing in the bathroom, and it’s all just a dream.  It’s long been said that grapefruit makes one look and feel younger; maybe there is something to that.  Ageless makes me feel like anything is possible!       

You, too, can have your very own mini roller!  Feel ageless all year long (or until it runs out).  Just click here, and follow the instructions.  “Limit 1 Ageless Mini Roller per customer. Offer valid while supplies last.”

Reference

HarveyPrince.com.  (2015).  Ageless mini roller EDP.  Retrieved from http://harveyprince.com/index.php/womens-fragrances/ageless-mini-8-8ml-eau-de-parfum.html#.VSwrWUaoeHl

Giveaway with Harvey Prince!

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This time, the giveaway makes everyone a winner!  I have teamed up with Harvey Prince, and all of you will get the opportunity to have your own, FREE, mini roller of their eau de parfum, Ageless ($21.00).  It is fast becoming one of my favorite scents.  The perfume is like a walk through a grapefruit orchard, with the slightest hint of pomegranate and mango, floral undertones.  It is fresh, uplifting, and will leave you feeling ageless.  All you are responsible for is the shipping/handling.  Here are the steps:

1.  Head to the Harvey Prince website.
2.  Add the Ageless mini roller EDP to your basket.
3.  Enter the code “agelessbeauty”.
4.  Continue the checkout process.

I hope you all enjoy the fragrance as much as I do.

Stay beautiful!

**Limit 1 Ageless Mini Roller per customer. Offer valid while supplies last.**

While I was Away

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I know I’ve been away for a couple of weeks.  I’m still recovering from whatever this bug is that’s going around.  I also lost someone very close to me, and it still hasn’t really sunk in.  Every day I keep thinking that this person is going to call, and that it will have been a horrid April Fool’s joke…but I know it’s not.  This person was my aunt.  Not by blood (we’re cousins), but I consider her my aunt.  She had done so much and had been such a huge supporter of everything I ever did.  We had planned to take a trip together over summer like we did–oh it’d have to be about 10 years ago now.  If there is something I have learned from her passing, it is to really step up and take care of myself.  While I do not have (and hope to never have) diabetes, it does run in our family.  So does heart disease and cancer (thanks genetics), and she passed from diabetic complications.  For those of you out there who are diabetic and do not manage it, please do.  The outcome is not worth it!  Your life means something to someone, and if you are too lazy or just plain don’t care, it’s very selfish.  I’m not saying that my aunt didn’t take care of herself on purpose or that she planned this, because she didn’t.  I am saying that if you have any sort of health problems, make sure to stay on top of it.  See the doctor(s) regularly and tell them EVERYTHING, even if you think it’s insignificant. 

Sorry for the rant.  I realized that I was probably not making sense anymore and needed to stop.  At any rate, I am back now, and will have a couple of posts per day to make up for the past couple of weeks.

Stay beautiful! 

Jet-setting in Style with ZUCA

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Pro Travel. Image courtesy of zuca.com

One of the best purchases I have ever made was my ZUCA ($295.00).  I’ve had mine for almost 10 years, and it looks nearly brand-new.  So far, it has been with me on every trip, from the States to Japan, and everywhere in between.  Since I only travel with carry-ons, this is the perfect travel companion.  All of my clothes fit (I use SpaceBags to save space) as does my toiletry bag, shoes, and anything else I need.  The fragile items go in my backpack.

Pro Travel w/ Inserts. Image courtesy of zuca.com
Image courtesy of zuca.com

 ZUCA is super lightweight due to the aluminum-alloy frame, and no matter what the terrain, it is easy to pull.  The only downside is that it does not have 360-degree wheels…but it couldn’t.  If it did, there would be no way to sit on it!  I love the fact that I can use it as a seat anywhere.  No chair?  No problem!  It will support up to 300 lbs.  The main insert bag is removable and washable.  Not all ZUCA bags are carry-on compliant.  The artist is, and has the following dimensions:  19.5” height, 10” width, 13.5” depth.  There are several styles to choose from:  Mini, Pro Travel, Flyer, Pets, and more!  ZUCA comes with a cover (not pictured) and inserts (pictured above) that will fit clothes, computer accessories, and anything else you plan to take in your carry-on.  There is also a TSA-approved clear bag for all of your liquids.  There are a plethora of accessories, such as coolers, rain guard covers, etc. in various colors and designs.

Another product I love from them is the Artist backpack ($139.00).  It is a functional way for MUAs and hairstylists to tote their tools.  There is even a place for hot tools (i.e. hairdryers, curling irons, etc.) on the side pouch.  All of the makeup, brushes, etc. that I need to take on location fit in the backpack.  It conveniently fits on top of your ZUCA.  Each Artist backpack comes with two inserts that are perfect for organizing your kit.  Yes, ZUCA is expensive, but they last.  Prior, I had three other rollers that did not last but maybe a year.  They also have a warranty, so be sure to register your product(s). 

Image courtesy of zuca.com

Image courtesy of zuca.com

  

Growing Up Hapa

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Image courtesy of pinterest

Okay, I know the term “hapa” was not originally meant to be a positive term, but it honestly doesn’t bother me.  I never thought that growing up as half Japanese and half White would be a plus until I was older.  Growing up I was surrounded by kids who were “whole”.  They were White, Black, Hispanic, you name it, but very rarely did I encounter anyone who was mixed.  As a child, I remember being asked, “What are you?” and being told, “You’re weird.”  That had a profound affect on how I identified, and did a number on my self-esteem.  I was never a “whole” anything, and I so desperately wanted to be like everyone else.  My bestest-best friend is also mixed, but she moved away when we were still in grade school.  It also didn’t help that my White side was far less accepting of my being mixed than my Japanese side (I’ve always felt more connected to them)…not all of my White relatives, but many of them.  This is going to sound incredibly racist, but large groups of White people freaked me out, even when it came to family reunions.  Luckily I no longer have that problem.  My brother looks White, but since I don’t I was always told I “looked weird” by some of my White relatives.  Of course, being young I didn’t understand that it wasn’t me who was weird; it was them.  My experience being mixed led me to write a literature review in undergrad that focused on the effects of being mixed on adolescent behavior. 

I never chose (and still don’t choose) friends based on race/ethnicity.  We are all human; you get along with some people and others, well, not so much.  The first time I was told that I couldn’t be friends with someone because of my ethnicity was in high school.  By that time, I could handle people thinking I was weird for being mixed.  I was not, however, ready for that kind of racism.  Of course I knew it existed…I just didn’t think it would affect me.  There was The Hapa Project awhile back, which I decided to participate in while it was at JANM (Japanese American National Museum).  They took a Polaroid, and asked us to answer:  “What are you?”  I thought, “…human, of course!”  In the process that is life, I have learned to accept and love the fact that I am different.  I have also learned that I am “whole”.  I am 100% hapa and 100% American! 

Hopefully those of you who are struggling will know you are not alone.  If you are mixed, have you experienced anything like I did?