Daydreaming!

Hello!

This is going to be a quick post. Sometimes I just get the picture of a certain character in my head and all of the sudden I have to come up with my own creation. For no reason I just pictured myself with a 1920's look.
I thought I shared just in case you need some last minute ideas for Halloween. Don't go crazy spending money on a costume. Just go check your closet for some clothes, accessories, and use your makeup and imagination for some cool unique ideas.

This is what we're going for. Excuse the bad lighting.

Let's begin:

I have brows. Step 1: Erase brows. Click here for a step by step.

 Draw your brows back in.

 Use black eyeshadow, black eyeliner, false lashes, and a dark lipstick.

 Culr your hair and pin it up in a bob shape.

 My amazing talented neighbor made these super cute hair accessories for this lady with super crazy ideas.

If you have time go ahead and do your nails =)

Stay safe and have a Happy creative day.

Until next time. With love,

Tamara

"Memorial Day" Makeover Edition.

Hey everyone,

Let me start by wishing you a happy Memorial Day weekend. today's post is very special to me as it marks a new phase in my life.
Since I was a little girl I have loved to do hair and makeup on others. Making others feel beautiful has always touch my heart in a very special way. I remember how my aunt will have me color her hair and I would do hair do's and makeup on my cousins. I'm not a hairstylist but I do love how they can transform even the most unmanageable hair into perfection. I have always loved the pictures in magazines because everyone always have perfect hair, makeup, nails, wardrobe, accessories, lighting and a perfect location. When I started to take pictures I wanted for my pictures to look just like those in magazines. The more I read about photography the more I understand how photographers and makeup artist are each others best friend, and that's how I decided to become a makeup artist. 

I would love to work doing photo shoots involving makeovers. I dream of collaborating with photographers, hairstylist, makeup artist, and wardrobe stylist to help deserved women get their dream photo shoot. Wouldn't that be fantastic?! I might need the help of Oprah Winfrey or Ellen Degeneres to make that happen LOL. Meanwhile I have decided to start doing it on my own. Yeah, you read that correctly.  As I move from place to place I get to meet amazing inspiring women. I decided to start using the talents God has given me. The spark started when I read a quote that said "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." That's when it hit me I'm here to help others. I'm here to help women see the life and light inside of them, so it may shine from the inside out. 

I met a wonderful and beautiful woman not so long a go. She wanted to do a photo shoot and wanted me to do her makeup. Once I heard her story I knew instantly that I wanted to do it, and I asked if I could feature her here on my blog. I want to share a little bit of her story with all of you and we both hope her story inspires you in many ways.

Meet Justine Insonia
Age: 36
Height: 5"6
Birth place: Denver CO 
Occupation: Administrative Assistant/Personal Trainer
Weight before: 180 pounds 



Where you always overweight? 
No, I was extremely skinny in high school and all the way up to the age of 26. I started gaining weight in 2006 by drinking beer and eating chicken wings, pizza, burgers, pasta and list goes on...

Can you describe yourself before the weight loss? 
I wasn't ever happy the way I looked, when I went shopping for clothes the things I wanted would never look right on me. I was confident to a point but I would always hide my feelings about how sad I was about my weight.

What motivated you to lose weight? 
I was tired of gaining weight everyday and I knew it was a choice I would have to make. If I would not have made the decision back in January 2011 to stop living unhealthy I would be over 200 pounds by now for sure. I knew I wanted to be fit and healthy because you can't get any younger but you sure can decide how you want to get older!

What would this photo shoot mean to you? 
It is a turning point in my life, this photo shoot will always remind me of how hard I worked to get to the level of fitness I am at today, and to never let myself slide! I want to show to all those people who are just starting out on their path to a healthier self and fit life, that it is possible and every step you take towards your goal counts!! Don't stop fighting for you dreams and goals!!!

Justine at 128 pounds now…

Do you feel comfortable in your own skin now? 
Absolutely, I would have never ever put on a half shirt for a photo shoot and now I feel so good about my body. I'm proud to show people what I have accomplish and all the work I have done to get here.

Did you had any struggles? 
I've had many, many struggles. I started weight loss plans many times and they worked out for maybe 2 months and then I was right back to where I began. It was the eating habits that had to change and that is the hardest part.

Did you see results immediately? 
Absolutely not, it took me at least 1 month to begin to see any changes and they were small, I never got on the scale because it will mess with your head so stay off. As soon as I stopped the treadmill, elliptical, and picked up the weights I saw results faster than ever before. You will not get bulky, you get cut and sexy!!!

Did your family support you in your weight loss journey? 
Oh, yes! My husband has been so wonderful, he is an amazing Chef and when I decided to eat healthier he started cooking healthier for the family. Everyone encouraged me everyday on my journey to a healthy fit lifestyle!

Can you describe yourself after the weight loss? 
I am more social and happy to go places! I feel amazing, I rarely get sick or have headaches (which was an issue before). I love how having a healthier lifestyle has impacted other aspects of my unhealthy behavior, like drinking alcohol. I rarely drink now because I know it will interfere with my workout and the way I feel the next day. I think clearer, I have more energy and I love waking up everyday!

What keeps you motivated? 
The way I feel now, looking at pictures of myself before and knowing how unhappy I was behind that smile. What motivated me the most was the comments from people that tell me I inspire them and have helped them to know that it is possible, it is right there you just have to go get it!

Who was your biggest weight loss inspiration & why? 
I don't have 1 particular person but I will have to say watching the Biggest Loser.

What is your favorite type of exercise?
CROSSFIT it has pushed me beyond my limits and has shown me there is always more to achieve!

Do you have an exercise routine? 
I do Crossfit at 5am almost everyday of the week unless my body tells me otherwise after Crossfit I will do my weight training routine.

Monday: Chest & Biceps & 30 min Sprints.
Tuesday: Legs.
Wednesday: Back & Triceps & 30 min Sprints.
Thursday: Glutes.
Friday: Shoulders & Traps & 30 min Sprints.
Saturday: Functional Workout meaning tabata or interval training.
Sunday: Rest Day.

Have you forbidden yourself any type of food? 
Sugar that is the worst thing to set you back.

What is your favorite & least favorite healthy food?
At this point I would honestly have to say I do not have a least favorite healthy food, and my favorite healthy food is Kale Chips!!!

Do you have a trigger food? 
Mexican Food enchiladas smothered in cheese!!!

A type of food that is impossible for you to say no to or stop eating? 
My husbands fruit tarts!!!

What was the most recent compliment/comment about your body? 
Someone told me I look very fit and I like that word "FIT" not skinny but they noticed I am strong and healthy!

What part of your body do you like the most, & why? 
I will have to say my face because I see the true happiness radiate from my smile and my arms because I am starting to get some GUNS =)

What are your future plans? 
My family and I are currently living in Japan and we are two months away from moving back to the U.S. I'm going to college to become a nutritionist, and plan on being a full time personal trainer.

Do you have tips for others? 
YES, it does not matter how much you work out, if you do not change your eating habits you will not get your full potential to the surface! When I first started losing weight a friend and I were talking and I said "if I can only get to a size 7/8 I will be happy". My friend said "yeah, I don't think I can see you any smaller", but now I am a size 2/4, anything is possible. Think about it, is that candy or french fry going to make you happy? Maybe for a moment but after you eat it do you feel bad? Believe me once you start changing your eating habits you will not crave that food anymore, there are a lot of addictive things in the food that are not healthy for you and that is what keeps you coming back. Once you eliminate that from your body you will start craving the good and clean food! Make up your mind just make that decision to live healthy and happy not for anyone else just for YOU!

Doesn't she look like the Mexican actress Maria Felix? Check some pictures of her here and let me know if you think so too.

She also served 4 years in the U.S Navy and her husband is also an active duty member. Thank you both for your sacrifice and service.

Did you like this post? If you did, please share it with others. Someone out there might be needing to read this. 

Until next time.

With <3

Tamara

Blue Eyeliner + Nails.

First post about makeup. One of my favorite subjects to talk about. There is no denying that a little makeup boost my self-esteem a couple of notches ;) 

Mi primer post sobre maquillaje. Uno de mis temas favoritos. No les voy a negar que un poco de maquillaje me eleva el autoestima unos cuantos niveles ;)

Here is the look.

Really simple and really easy.I picked the blue color of the flowers on my dress, which also make the brown of my eyes stand out more.
I used a blue shadow as an eyeliner, some bronzer on my cheeks, and a pink shade lipstick on my lips. Products used are shown below.

Super sencillo y fácil. Elegí el color azul de las flores en mi vestido para realzar ese color que a la vez realza el color cafe de mis ojos. 
Use una sombra azul como delineador para mis ojos, rubor en tono bronze para mis mejillas y lápiz de labio en color rosa. Muestra y lista de productos abajo.

 This picture was taken with natural window light. The picture above was taken with a speedilite (flash) Which one do you prefer and why?

Esta foto fue tomada con luz natural que entra por mi ventana. La foto de arriba fue tomada con luz artificial (flash) Cuál te gusta y por qué?

Products:

 Mac eyelash curler. Mac brushes 150, 190, 168, 204, (Not pictured 242, 266)

Foundation: Lancome Tent Idole Ultra in Buff 6W

Set Powder: MAC in Invisible 

Eye shadow: L'oréal Paris Infallible in Midnight Blue and MAC shadow in Vanilla

MAC mixing medium was used to wet blue shadow (you could also use water)

Used as Under eye concealer: MAC Prep+Prime in Light Boost and Lancome Teint Miracle in #2

Brows: MAC Eye Brows in Lingering

Eyelashes: Kiss in #05 glue Duo in Dark Tone

Cheeks: MAC bronzing Powder in Nude On Board

Lips: L'occitane lip balm and Rimmel London in Airy Fairy #070

I received a gift from my wonderful sister, these awesome bottles of nail polish by Kiko Makeup Milano. From left to right 634 Lila, 635 Glicine, 417 Blush, 422 Green Mint

Mi fabulosa hermana me envío estos esmaltes de uña. Son de la colección KIKO de la marca Makeup Milano. 

I'm wearing 635 Glicine. It has this rough texture and the color dries  matte. 

En mis uñas use 635 Glicine. Deja una textura áspera y no tiene brillo.

 Ready for more pictures of Mia and Romeo? Remember how I said they don't like when I point the camera at them? It seems it's Ok to take pictures of them as long as I'm holding them and not the camera. They really wanted to be in these pictures. They are so weird and I love them for that haha!

Listos para mas fotos de Mia y Romeo? Recuerdan cuando mencioné que nos les gusta que les tome fotos? Parece que si les gusta que les tomen fotos siempre y cuando yo este sosteniendoles a ellos y no a mi camera. No saben como querían salir en estas fotos. Son tan raros y por eso los amo jaja!

I hope this was helpful. Until next time.

Espero esto les sea útil. Hasta la próxima.

With <3

Tamara

Living in Japan...

Hello!

This March my family and I celebrated our first year living in Japan. All of these has been an adventure and for sure a wonderful experience. Some of the barriers I have encounter are: 

1. Language (english is hard enough for me) 
2. Food (not a sushi fan)
3. Overcrowded everywhere.

 Although it is very difficult to communicate while we are out and about I have to say the Japanese people are really understanding and they try their best to help you in any way they can. Gestures have worked some magic and of course my handy dandy apps (itranslate, and itranslate voice) have really saved my life in many occasions. 

I don't like sushi, never have and not sure if I ever will. Raw fish is not on top of my list of favorite flavors. Ramen and Tempura on the other hand OMG! can't get enough of it.  Last but not least the overcrowds…Well, it is a very small country. Yes, I was born in a very small country but that doesn't  mean I have to like overcrowds. I actually suffer from anxiety attacks when I'm surrounded by big crowds, but that's a story for my therapist…LOL

Enough of that. This is my favorite season and my favorite flower. Can you guess what it is? If you guessed Cherry Blossoms you are correct! 
Flowers have started to bloom and I will be out and about trying to get some more beautiful pics to share with you all. The following pictures are from last 2012 spring season. They were taken from the first outing when we first arrived here.

 Isn't it beautiful?! 

 The colors!!

 I didn't like how this picture looked on the back of my LCD camera until I actually looked at it on my computer screen. Pretty cool don't you think?

 I love all the details and colors from this one.

 A closer look to one of the many Buda statues.

 Meet the love of my life! I'm sure you'll see more of him in future posts =)

I hope you enjoyed. Of course any feedback is always welcome!

With <3

Tamara

Welcome Spring!

Yes, spring is finally here! I can't wait to start adding some bright colors back into my world. Spring and fall are my favorite seasons.

On another note, my husband bought me a new speedlite and today I put it to the test. I decided to show you a few pics of some items I will be needing and using this spring season.

I have not found a mascara or a pair of false lashes I can call my "favorite" so I keep buying and trying different brands. I don't wear false lashes on a daily basis but I love how they make your eyes pop out in pictures and special ocassions. I'm excited about the Double Up from Ardell they just look so intense. 

How cute are these pink ballerina flats from Steve Madden? 

My sweet friend gave me this cute camera charm necklace. Isn't it adorable? I will be wearing it everyday.

I don't need more iPhone cases but at $3 I just couldn't resist.

I have learned to do my own nails. Seriously, I don't have the $$ to go to the nail salon every two weeks.

Perfect colors for spring. From right to left:

Pink Blink, Blue Away, Satellite, Meteor, and Mint Sorbet. Mmm, Mint Sorbet, now I want ice cream…YUM!

After taking pics of all these items I ended up wanting to create a makeup look with some of these beautiful colors. The color inspiration came up from the two colors from the nail polishes in Pink Blink, and Blue Away (See picture above). Notice the bunny ears? Well, that just added the extra spring touch ;)


What do you think? I'm always eager to hear from you.

With <3

Tamara

Geek Chic!

Hello again!

It is very important to realize, June will mark my third year as a stay home Mami. As a consequence I have lost my sense of fashion for my new lifestyle I really don't know what to wear anymore. When I was working in the office environment, I knew exactly how to dress everyday. I would wear dress pants, dress shirt, and jackets (I wasn't a fan of skirts or dresses.) My office environment clothes aren't exactly wardrobe material for cooking, doing laundry, dishes etc. Not only that, but I've lost  20 pounds and 3 jeans sizes. So guess what? Nothing fits me now!! :(

Follow me along friends, as I go on a quest for an entire new wardrobe, this might be a rocky road and I might need a lot of help. 
Could this be an example for the "What Not to Wear" show?

Exhibit A

As I was getting ready my daughter said that I looked just like the girl on my t-shirt. She had this pair of glasses that matched the outfit. What do you think?

The dilemma:

a)What to wear? 
b)Where to buy clothes at a  reasonable price (I'm on a tight budget here) and living in Japan.

Are you experiencing a similar situation?

I would like to hear from you.

With <3

Tamara