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Hello 2016 – This Life I Love

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Have you ever had those days when you wake up and feel like an epiphany has completely taken over your body?  The feeling overwhelms you and leaves you stunned and in awe.  I swear, it seems like over the last month I have been going through this very thing several times a week.  It delights me that I can go to bed in the evening and wake up the next morning with my head filled with thoughts that I simply can’t wait to get onto paper.  This has been my routine lately and my mind is telling me to pay attention to the signs as they are what my heart is telling me my soul wants.  In 2015, everything I did and everything I strived for had to do with self discovery, finding out who I am and what I want out of life.  It was about growth, not only for myself but my family and about strength because we had to really rely on one another to ensure success or simply to just get by.  This year, I want to take everything I learned from 2015 and incorporate it into my personal “Planner” so to say, that will enable success and ultimately, help me to achieve my life goals.  Let’s face it, living life is an accomplishment already and last year was a challenge all its own.

Hello 2016 - This Life I Love

So, what’s in store and what’s new for Honey?  Well, first of all I really feel like over the years I lost my identity and who I truly am and last year after really accomplishing so much more than I thought I ever could personally, I realized that the little changes I made to my routine and myself created a monster.  Not the scary, freaky and ugly kind, but the kind that really wasn’t satisfied with everything or anything.  I should be tapping myself on the back, applauding my accomplishments and realizing that not only am a I strong, confident and beautiful woman but that I attained and superseded a plethora of goals I had and I didn’t even realize it.

“I would like to be known as an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a loving woman, a woman who teaches by being.” – Maya Angelou

This year 2016 my mind has been made up.  My goal is to engage in my thoughts and bring them all to life.  Like an artist takes to his canvas or a writer to paper, my plan is to really embrace who I am as a person and use that as my strengths, not my weaknesses.  One of the things I plan to do is start with making changes to my blog – I know, I know, yet again.  I realized a lot about myself last year and that is that I lost my sense of personal identity on my site.  I found that I was producing content that lost my personal sense of style.  I love doing product reviews and I really truly enjoy trying new products and new things – but I lost the embodiment of what Honeygirl’s World really is… My World, My Life – the things I love.  My site turned into a plethora of beauty (which isn’t a bad thing), but while my reviews showcased my personality, I felt that I still lost a lot of who I really am.  This year I plan to incorporate more of me into the site and retro back to what it used to be when I first starting blogging.  My site will not only be for reviewing my favorite products, but sharing bits and pieces of who I am and what I love.  I kind of feel like all of that got lost over the years and I plan to bring it all back.  I started Honeygirl’s World as a way to document my life and that is where I plan to take it once again.

Hello 2016 - This Life I Love

So what can you expect from me?  Well, as if I wasn’t a blatantly honest soul – you can expect that much and more.  I really want to hold myself accountable for all the things that I let slack over the years.  My goal is to keep on top of YouTube, posting three or more videos a week – we’ll see how that turns out and just keep that portion of my life much more organized.  I want to really keep on top of my blog – posting 5x or more a week, preferably more and work at keeping the content fresh and exciting but also weave in so much more of myself that you’ll feel like we are bff’s and know me on a personal level.  I want to also check off things from my bucket list and in order to do that I must be more diligent and really make this “Stay at Home, Work From Home Mom” thing work.  I want to make even more time for family… my family – my husband and children are my everything and so this year I plan to really be “Super Mom & Wife”.

“You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance at doing what you love…” – Jim Carrey

In a week, I’ll be turning 36 years old and I’ve reached that point in my life where I don’t think I’m even old… the 30’s are the new 20’s anyway.  I’ve embraced my looks, my beauty and what I look like on the outside so now I just need to embrace my beauty on the inside and continue to feed my soul.  Will you be on this journey with me?  I hope you’ll stick around and see!

Wishing you all a wonderful 2016 and a year filled with endless blessings and happiness!

xo

Signature Honey

 

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Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare – Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer & Treatment

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PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

Let’s face it – many people are out searching for the fountain of youth.  It has taken me quite a few years to figure out what works for my skin and what doesn’t so I’m always interested to try out new products that not only work for preventative measures, but work!  Recently I had the opportunity to try out a product from Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare.  Being in my mid 30’s I’m all about taking care of my skin but I have always had crow’s feet thanks to my battle with allergies and itchy watery eyes.  Today I show you how the Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer & Treatment has worked for me.

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare - Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer & Treatment

Let’s face it – a power house super model like Christie Brinkley is not only gorgeous, but looks flawless so having a skincare line with her name on it must hold a high standard.  The Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer and Treatment (0.33 Fl.oz. / 10 mL) retails for $79.95 and lays claim that it will “Instantly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.”  This product is a targeted anti-ager for eyes, forehead and around the mouth and will get you camera ready instantly (in a flash).  It claims to be an instant treatment that tightens the look of skin while firming and smoothing the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles.  Immediately you can feel the sensation of tighter and smoother-looking skin and it will smooth under-eye bags and puffiness, but also tightens skin on contact and takes years off of your appearance.  But, does it do all of these things?  Let’s explore.

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare - Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer & Treatment

Now – I know my eye brows are a hot mess, but we are not discussing that in this post… haha – so don’t look at them. lol  I did a test on myself the first day to see how instant the results would be.  In the before photo you can see that I have bags under my eyes, crow’s feet and my nasal labial lines are definitely visible.  After taking the before photo I then applied the Close Up to my under eye area, at the corners of my eyes where I have crow’s feet from years of suffering from allergies and rubbing my eyes and also on the areas where my nasal labial folds are.  I could almost immediately feel a light tightening effect to the places I applied the cream, though it was not uncomfortable at all and did not give me a “tight feeling” face.  Since my skin is sensitive, I immediately feel anything happening normally with masks, etc. so I wasn’t surprised to feel the light tightening especially where my crow’s feet are.  I snapped my “after” photo about 1 minute after applying the Close Up cream to the last section of my face I wanted to see results.  As you can see from my “after” photos – my puffiness and bags under my eyes had decreased quite a bit, my crow’s feet are less prominent and my nasal labial folds look like they are plump and filled in revealing “no folds” in those areas.

To say I am impressed would be an understatement.  I didn’t think a product would work that quickly for these areas and I was instantly gratified.  I can only imagine what my mother would say if she tries this one because she loves skin care products in general that do a great job. 🙂

Ingredients: Water/ Aqua/ Eau, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Copper Lysinate/Prolinate, Methylglucoside Phosphate, Pullulan, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Glycerin, VP/VA Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Amodimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare - Close Up Instant Wrinkle Reducer & Treatment

So let’s talk about the product itself.  It is a white cream like product that you squeeze out of small tube.  A little goes a long way and when you apply the product and blend it out, it feels really nice on the skin.  Since I have very sensitive eyes, I like that this product did not burn my eyes or make them tear at all – considering how close to my eyes I did apply it.  The cream blends out really nicely and quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue or feel on the skin at all.  I didn’t experience any sensitivities on my face due to this product – big bonus since my skin is also very sensitive.  After a few uses, I even tried it on my forehead and found that the tiny little wrinkles I have from frowning or facial expressions were gone.

Now – I’m 35 so I really enjoyed how this product worked for me considering I have pretty okay skin and minimal wrinkles.  However, I’m not sure how it would affect anyone who may have more mature skin.  Overall, I think this product is quite awesome when comparing it to the experiences I have had and I like it.  Would I pay this price tag again for something that has such little product?  Well, Yes – I believe I would.  A little goes a long way with this (as I mentioned previously) so it will last me a long time and the benefits it offers are so instant, if you blink you may miss it. lol

You can purchase Close Up here.

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The product(s) discussed in this post were sent to me for review/consideration.  All opinions are my own and 100% honest and unbiased as is everything on this site.  While I did receive the product for free to try out – I was not paid monetarily to discuss the product or feature on my blog.

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5 Easy Steps to Feeling Your Best – The Benefits to Self Care

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Let’s face it, in a world where we are always on the go – more often than not, we forget to take care of ourselves. So many of us have a plethora of responsibilities in life that we just don’t take the time, and things like taking a bath or brushing your hair (as well as so many other priorities in life) tend to take a back seat. Today, I’m going to talk to you about the importance of self care and how it is essential for your life, health and over all well-being.
5 Easy Steps to Feeling Your Best

1.) Nourish your body from the inside out. This may sound like an easy one – but do you really get the daily suggested amount of water each day? Are you getting the proper amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet? Are you even eating? I am terrible at this because I tend to truly disregard food on a whole when I’m busy… and sometimes my breakfast is skipped, so is lunch and then I find that I’m starving at dinner. Thankfully, I always carry a water bottle with me and I drink water consistently through the day to keep my body hydrated and nourished. But, don’t follow what I do – nutrition is an important part of feeling great – so not only do you need water, you need food too! Also, don’t forget – a good exercise routine or keeping active goes a long way in nourishing your body too.

2.) Moisturize your body and don’t forget the sunscreen. This may seem like something trivial, but I talk to many people that say they do not use moisturizer or sunscreen and it is essential in keeping your skin healthy. Knowing you are protecting yourself from the elements, aging and all kinds of skin issues is key and important. A great moisturizer for the body or the face works wonders in not only hydrating your skin, but also makes your skin feel silky smooth. When your skin looks great and feels great – you feel your best too! 5 Easy Steps to Feeling Your Best - Benefits to Self Care http://honeygirlsworld.com

3.) Feminine hygiene is not only about cleanliness, but also about keeping you feeling fresh.  Let’s be honest here for a moment… this is a topic not highly discussed or even talked about in secret.  But as busy women, there are times when we are just not in tip-top shape.  Between working out and exercise, running around for others and ourselves, intercourse and our monthly friend (the dreaded menstrual period), I’m sure that every woman experiences days when they could use a little help feeling fresh.  Monistat® now offers products beyond yeast infection treatment with their Complete Care™ line.  No matter how clean we keep ourselves, sometimes some may experience feminine odor and the Stay Fresh Gel from Monistat® Complete Care™ eliminates feminine odor to restore feminine freshness for 3 days with just one application.  It helps to maintain vaginal pH and is fragrance-free and paraben-free.  Stay Fresh Gel from Monistat® Complete Care™ is a great solution for those times when we are just not feeling clean or fresh.  Like I said before – it is the “hush hush” kind of topic, but since we all know I like to keep it real – let me just say this: If we are not feeling fresh or clean whether on the outside or down you-know-where, then we don’t feel our best! Try it for yourself – get a coupon to try Monistat® products here.

4.) Pamper yourself! It’s okay to take that 30-minute bath with bubbles and a glass of vino. It’s also okay to spend those 30 minutes to get yourself a manicure or a DIY at-home mani and pedi. Pampering yourself isn’t all about beauty either so if you are not into the nails or makeup – pamper yourself by picking up a new little black dress (LBD) or a new outfit for summer. Just a little time to treat yourself makes a huge difference in how you feel and it will not only help in feeling your best – but looking your best.

5.) When you look in the mirror – say to yourself that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Let’s face it, in this day and age, social media, Internet, magazines and everything else can kind of put anyone in a slump. It’s difficult to feel your best when so many things around you either bring you down or make you feel like you are less than others. Know that you are beautiful – feel it, believe it – SAY IT OUT LOUD! It’s easy to forget how important we are in society and it’s the little things that make it all worthwhile. If no one has told you that you are beautiful today, I’m telling you… “You are!”

I could have used this post to take the time to tell you that feeling your best is only achieved with a healthy diet, lots of exercise, and all the other things that are stressed so highly and so often, but I’m not other people – I’m me and these are some of the things that keep me together. Taking great care of ourselves is a benefit all its own and while self-care may be a bit on the self-indulgent side, it really is not because without caring for ourselves, how are we then able to care for others when we don’t feel like we are on top of our game. When we feel great our lives are happy, if even in that moment, and we have a sense of calm and relaxation that everyone should experience. I hope this post helped to give you a little assistance in feeling your best and that you can utilize some of the things I outlined here.

Monistat® wants to help you take control of your feminine health. Tell us about the way in which you take control and care of your body for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card plus a full size sample of Stay Fresh Gel from Monistat® Complete Care™.” Each comment will automatically be entered for a chance to win. Here are the official rules. 

I have received product from Monistat® and was compensated to write this review.

Entry Instructions:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4. Read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. If your comment relates to or describes any product or your experience with the product, do not describe or recommend any use of the product that is not recommended on the product’s packaging or labeling, such comments will be deleted.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 6/22/2015 – 7/22/2015

Be sure to visit the Monistat® brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

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Fashion Friday – Real Orchid Earrings by Nagasako Designs, Made on Maui

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SELF PURCHASED / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

I’ve said this before, but living in Hawaii really does have it’s benefits.  From the gorgeous ocean and beaches that are my back yard to the beautiful flora and fauna that surround me, Hawaii is a getaway and paradise and I’m born and raised here.  I’m pretty lucky!  Maui is also home to many creative talents and I am so glad I was able to check out one for myself.  Today I introduce you to Nagasako Designs, made on Maui.

Fashion Friday - Real Orchid Earrings by Nagasako Designs, Made on Maui http://honeygirlsworld.com

Nagasako Designs on Maui was introduced to me about a year ago and I have been swooning and crushing over her jewelry since.  You can find many real orchid earrings online and in various stores, but I am proud to say that this one is made right here on the island where I was born and from the town where I was raised.  If you are from Maui, you’ll know that the Nagasako name is one that goes back generations.  I had been a frequent customer of Nagasako store as a kid, grabbing my ICEE on hot summer days while cruising the Historic Lahaina streets, so I instantly recognized the name when I was introduced to the brand.

Fashion Friday - Real Orchid Earrings by Nagasako Designs, Made on Maui http://honeygirlsworld.com

Martina Nagasako – a native to Lahaina, Maui preserves cherished floral memories for many and also creates one of a kind pieces that will absolutely be treasured for years to come.  Today I share with you a piece I got for Mother’s Day, the Lavender Orchid Center Earrings ($45.00).  I instantly fell in love with these because they looked so unique and of course, because Purple is my favorite color.  While these gorgeous gems offer a statement, they are still dainty and feminine which I love.  The pair dress up any outfit and fit in so well with the laid back lifestyle I live here on Maui.  These earrings are well made with center orchids that are grown, hand picked, designed and glassed in Lahaina.  I love that they are on hooks which allow the earrings to dangle freely from the ears and the lavender/grey fresh water pearl makes for a perfect accent on each earring.

Fashion Friday - Real Orchid Earrings by Nagasako Designs, Made on Maui

Nagasako Designs offers a variety of pieces in different sizes and colors.  They are priced reasonably and make great gifts.  I stalk the company on Instagram to see new releases as they are rolled out and as I mentioned earlier, no two pieces are alike as each flower is unique.  Nagasako Designs also offers preservation of flowers from your Wedding Day or special occasion and are the only preservation floral studio in Hawaii.

Fashion Friday - Real Orchid Earrings by Nagasako Designs, Made on Maui http://honeygirlsworld.com

While I have a plethora of earrings and pendants on my wishlist, I have my eyes on a set of plumeria and whole orchid earring sets.  It item is absolutely gorgeous and so well made that I can’t wait to pick up more.  I wanted to feature Nagasako Designs on Fashion Friday because I’m not only impressed with the product, but customer service is phenomenal, shipping is very fast and I think it is so awesome to have such a creative mind and designer right in my back yard.  But, Nagasako Designs does ship anywhere, so do not hesitate to check out what she has to offer.  Stop by Nagasakodesigns.bigcartel.com to see the pieces she offers and check out her Instagram @Nagasakodesigns to keep up with what’s new and to check out her flash sales & discounts she has often.

Fashion Friday - Real Orchid Earrings by Nagasako Designs, Made on Maui http://honeygirlsworld.com

Have you heard of this brand before?  If not – what about the pieces she offers… do you think this would be something you would love as a gift or to treat yourself with?  Thanks for stopping by!

xo

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  The products mentioned or discussed in this post were purchased with my own money.  All opinions are my own, 100% honest and unbiased.  There may be affiliate links through out this post.

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5 Things No One Tells You About Turning 35 – Beauty At Any Age

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NOTHING TO DISCLOSE

 

When I was in my 20s, I remember thinking… “drat, my 30s are just a few years away!”  It’s not that I was afraid of getting older, but I always assumed that my life couldn’t get any better than 20.  Boy was I wrong, because my “Dirty Thirties” came into my life and I’ve been loving and enjoying it!  Now that I’m 35, I have learned so much about who I am as a person and kind of embraced my love for life, instead of always wondering about what others were thinking of me.  With my knowledge of proper skin care and techniques, I am happy to say that I am not only happy in the skin I’m in, but also excited to be the age I am.  However, if I had to turn back the clock – there would be some things I wish people would share and divulge with me to prep for my thirties.  There are 5 Things No One Tells You About Turning 35 and while each person may have their list of things, here is mine.

no makeup selfie

How’s my no makeup selfie? (pictured above)  Let me be straight up and honest with you – if you live with me, near me or know me, this is my every day look.  I leave the house like this to go shopping, run errands and everything in between.  Hair in a bun, bare face (with exception to my serums, moisturizer, SPF, lip balm) and a hoodie or t-shirt.  Unless I really feel like dressing up or have some place special to be, besides Mascara and some form of lip product, this really is my every day all day!  Five or more years ago, you couldn’t catch me leaving the house if I didn’t at least have a powder or mineral foundation on.  I was not only self conscious of who I was and how I looked, I also would have constant breakouts.  Which leaves me to my #1 thing no one tells you about turning 35.

1.  Embrace your skin – love your skin – take care of your skin.  A few years ago I wore foundation often, eye makeup, primers, etc. for years before I was diagnosed with severe Eczema in 2013 and was told by my Dermatologist that I was not taking care of my skin.  “Not taking care of my skin?” I said, “How is that even possible?  I use all the best products on the market today!”  I didn’t realize that the cosmetics I used on my skin to hide my imperfections were causing my reactions and I was breaking out and having flare ups because of it.  Now two years later, foundation free, and I’m happy to say that besides my little break outs from my monthly friend, my skin looks good and feels great.  Skin care really is EVERYTHING to me and while I don’t necessarily invest in all the expensive products (I don’t find the need to sometimes), I find that as much love that I put into my skin care routine and my skin, the more love I get back from it in return.

plus size fashion

After having three kids, two of which are twins – every part of my body went array and even five years later of a consistent battle with my weight, I can honestly say I will never get back to that size 8, 125 lbs. that I used to be.  While it saddens me sometimes, I know that my size doesn’t define who I am as a person and I’m still proud of who I am.  My number two thing that no one told me about being 35…

2.  Society does not define who you are as a person – YOU do!  I have always been the type of person that considered myself a leader, but after having my children and putting on my weight, I did feel a little insecure.  Let’s face it – who doesn’t?  I’m constantly working on my body and being healthy, but I’m doing it for ME, not for society, not for people who think I need to lose weight and certainly not for any other reason but to be healthy and happy.  I walk or run two miles a day, five days a week and feel GREAT.  I’m still a plus sized gal, with scars from my stretch marks, surgeries and thunder thighs that would stop traffic, but I feel good.  The stereotype of being a plus size girl no longer bugs or bothers me.

glam makeup look

3.  Embrace Your Inner Glam Whenever and Wherever.  Red lips?  Smoky eyes?  I think that if you are feeling a glam look that day, even if you are just rocking it out around the house, do it!  I remember being told in my 20s that using makeup is all about going to the club (mind you I live in a small town and hardly anyone dressed up), but that is not the case… wear it when you feel like it.  I went to the grocery store using a red lipstick and bold winged liner and was asked by the cashier if I was going somewhere special.  My response:  “Yeah, to pick up my son from school!” Red lips are not just for the red carpet.  Like a smoky eye, red lips are used whenever and where ever you feel like it.  Embrace your inner Glam Diva.

bold makeup selfies

4.  Bold, Colorful Makeup is Beautiful!  Makeup is a form of expression, creativity and whatever else you want to call it.  I posted a look a few weeks ago where I had been wearing Barbie Pink lips and neon eyeliner (pictured above – lower right) and was told that it looked great.  Sometimes, while a neutral makeup look or none at all is my choice for every day – I love to pull out the bright bold lip colors and eye shadows that I love.  Purple lips?  Bold, colorful smoky eyes? Candy Yum Yum Neon Lips?  They are okay to use and have fun with.  Makeup is about self expression and art!  It’s fun, funky and I like to wear it now and then.

beauty at any age

5.  Wrinkles, Gray Hair (oh – did I mention I have both of those?) and anything else which would normally define age, does not make you any less beautiful.  YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL PERSON – EMBRACE IT!  Due to some crazy genes, I started to develop gray hair in my early twenties (if not sooner) and since I was a smoker in my late teens, early 20s (so glad I quit at 24), I developed wrinkles – but that doesn’t mean that I am any less beautiful.  Sometimes we forget that beauty is at any age, any body type, any skin type, any person and we put so much pressure on ourselves to be the best.  The truth is, we are all beautiful – no matter what.  Our lives and futures are not determined by how we look or what we put on, but the impression we make in people’s lives and the path and legacy we leave behind.

“When I leave this World, I want to be remembered as the person who made everyone feel great about themselves and the one that gave them inspiration to persevere, not just the person who taught them how to do a smoky eye.” – Honey

My legacy would be that you don’t have to give up anything.  You can be chic but have a sense of humor, you can be sexy but comfortable, you can be timeless but fresh. – Michael Kors

So what does beauty mean to you at your age?  What tips would you give yourself if you could turn back the hands of time?  Stop on by and check out my dear loves from The Beauty Blogger Collaboration and see what they have to say about Beauty at any age.

xo

Signature Honey


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