I finally figured out my birthday Giveaway. This will be a mini giveaway and will run from now until Super Bowl Sunday 2/3/13. One lucky winner will be selected to win their own tube of MAC's Candy Yum Yum Lipstick (which I'm wearing in this photo). To enter - all you have to do is comment on the FB post (link here: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=524934934195496&set=a.168970319791961.34321.168961039792889&&theater) saying why you would like to win. If you send people to like this page you will get one extra point for each person that likes this page and comments on this post stating: _________ sent me for your Candy Yum Yum Birthday Giveaway. They must state your name. They will get an entry and you will get extra entries. It's super easy and one lucky person will win this awesome hot pink lipstick shade. By the way - the lipstick will be Authentic, I don't buy replicas. Good luck!

Please click on the link to enter - the giveaway is being run on my Facebook Page and any comments here will not qualify. 
 
I was super excited to get my Starlooks Starbox for January the other day and if you follow me on Instagram - you would have seen my post I was so eager to put up.  I'm really amazed as the December box was awesome and I really like the January box as well.  Starlooks has definitely stolen my monthly subscription heart. 

The box included 5 Full Sized items, yes - I said it, FULL SIZED.  The box itself was in a different color from last month, a nice soft green color, last month was red.  The box was nicely wrapped and came in perfect condition.  Yay - that is always a great thing when you receive your package in the mail in perfect condition :)

The contents of the box was just awesome and I was really happy with all of the products:

The "Fancy" Diamondline Eye Liner retails for $8.00
"Brown" Eye Liner retails for $8.00
Cuty Peach Blush Compact retails for $12.00
858 Dome Brush (made from 100% pure, cruelty-free pony hair retails for $15.00
Bracelet by Abby Rose Designs retails for $15.00

The Starbox Retail Value of the box is $63.00 - so you definitely got a great deal since your box is just $15.00 a month.  I love that Starbox offers you their products each month and since they are mainly cosmetic based, if you are into makeup - this would definitely be the company you would want to sign up with... because your products will majority be makeup.

Starlook Starbox is free shipping - you just pay the $15.00 a month and you have the opportunity to not only try out Starlooks products but you also have the oportunity to earn a point for every dollar you spend.  Check out www.starlooks.com to subscribe to a monthly Star Box or to view all of their awesome items they have for sale.  What I love about the website is that it also offers a Look Book where you can go to get awesome inspiration to use your products. :)  They also have a Facebook Page which you can find here:  https://www.facebook.com/starlooksmd - so be sure you head over there and like their page. 

Watch my embedded video below to see all the details that was included in this month's box.  I show each product in detail along with swatches of the liners.  You definitely want to check it out.
xoxo
Honey
 
As I mention in my video tutorial below... this is different from the Traditional Thai Curry most of you may know.  I love adding my own twist on things and I love that with all the extras I add in - make this unique and a complete comfort food.  Feel free to change up the recipe by adding or removing ingredients that you may feel the need to.  You can also make this hotter or milder depending on your taste.  I love that this comes out chunky and feels like a chunky curry or stew.  You can add more liquid if you would like as well, I usually do that with the left overs when we eat it the next day. 

Ingredients / Supplies Needed:
  • Stew Meat - you can decide to leave this out if you want to go vegetarian.  I use approximately one small tray worth of meat if I'm cooking a medium sized pot.  I like to have the vegetables be the star.
  • Green Thai Curry Paste - you can find this in most grocery stores in the asian or ethnic isle.
  • Coconut Milk - you can use Thai Coconut Milk (in the same isle as the curry), if you use the can Thai milk, get 2 cans.  If you use the Hawaiian Coconut Milk (usually in the frozen section where the juice concentrate is) then you can pick up one bag if you like more a spicy taste or 2 if you want it to be sweet with a little kick.
  • Carrots - You can use one stick carrot or a small bag of baby carrots - I use half of the bag of baby carrots.
  • Mushrooms - A full tray of button mushrooms
  • Stewed Tomatoes - one can stewed tomatoes.
  • Leaks - one to two stalks of leaks 
  • Cabbage - half of a small head of cabbage.
  • Minced Garlic
  • Garlic Salt / Pepper to taste
  • Onion Powder or Round Onions / To taste

I think I got all of the ingredients - if not, I describe and talk about each one as I do the tutorial.  The video is embedded below.  You can watch as I cook and can see what to do.  It is so simple to recreate. :) 
Enjoy and if you try this - please feel free to comment or come and let me know, I would love to know how it came out.
xoxo
Honey

 
If you have been following me a while - you know I have a super girl crush on Drew Barrymore.  She has been one of my favorite actresses since the 80's where I watched her steal the show in E.T. and have followed her career for the last 30 years.  A month or so ago I found out that Drew started her own Cosmetics Line called, Flower... "Love the Way You Look", after watching her on a talk show.  This line will be available for sale only at Walmart stores.  The goal for this cosmetic line is to keep the prices affordable but still providing awesome quality cosmetics for all woman.  Their philosophy states that they keep the prices lower by not paying for advertisements.   The brand will focus on providing awesome products and formulations instead of huge advertisements, etc.  Drew will be the main advertisement by spreading her brand "word of mouth" style to keep costs down and quality of  the product superb.   You can take a look at Flower's Philosophy which I have screen printed below as well as the other images of the product line.  
The products are already available at Walmart.com and I haven't yet seen them at my local Walmart yet - but I'm surely on the hunt.  I hope to be placing an order really soon.  From images on the site and Walmart.com I can see that the packaging, while basic, is still very cute and unique.  The line offers a wide selection of cosmetics from Face products to Eyes, Lips (which I can't wait to get my hands on) and Nails.  Colors in my opinion are geared towards more of an every day or classic look.  The lip colors really remind me of soft colors that you can find in the pedals of flowers and the eye shadows and nail polish colors remind me of the same.  I believe this brand - even if it will not be advertised could definitely give larger brands like Revlon and L'Oreal a run for the money, because it's geared towards those that want to enhance their beauty but still allow an inner glow from within.  The colors in each collection are soft and wearable as I stated above - but, because I do bridal work - I know these would be awesome palettes for creating a wonderful bridal look.   I also love that in their Philosophy they state that: "The best make-up isn't only found in high-end stores any longer".  As we all know - drug store companies and their cosmetics can definitely give large high end brands a run for their money and I have a feeling flower will be one of those that do the same.  I simply cannot wait to get my hands on some of these products. **Excited**
Another awesome point is that this line DOES NOT TEST ON ANIMALS.  And, all products are MADE IN THE U.S.A.  I love this. The brand itself kind of gives me the impression of Drew as a flower.  If you have followed her career as long as I have - you will know that she had many rough patches as a child/teenager and slowly became the wonderful person and now wife and mother that she is.  Like a flower - she started off as a small bud and has completely blossomed.  I don't know the exact reason behind the name of this line, but if I had to guess, that is what I would say would be it.  It's a representation of Drew's life coming few circle.   

When I get my hands on these you will bet I'm doing reviews because I have high hopes for this brand and I am just a total Drew Fan. :D

All images are print screens that were obtained from Flowerbeauty.com - I am in no way claiming that I own this images and give all rights to the owners.
 
It has been a long but quick week.  Is that even possible?  What I meant to say that this week had gone by quickly, but it was very tiring... there - I think that made some sense. lol  A lot went on this week, I accomplished more than my fair share, that's for sure.  So before I get to rambling on and actually fall asleep at my desk - on to my Sunday letters.

Dear Ka'eo, my oldest son:  You have been a joy in daddy and I's life from the day we found out that we were having you.  I can't believe how fast these past years have gone by and I can't believe you are 9 years old already.  Happy Birthday my son - We had so much fun on Saturday and looking forward to a lifetime of fun and memories together.

Dear Ikaika - our new puppy... a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Hey doggy - thank you for being a part of our lives.  While we are happy to have you and you make an awesome addition to our Family, I would love some extra sleep - seeing as you get more than me.  So think about me and sleep an extra hour at least on weekends.  Thank you! ;)

Dear Workload.... Let me breathe. Okay, lets face it... work means money, right? But - HoneyXO has been so terribly busy and Wedding Season is right around the corner, which means I'm gonna be booking Wedding Shoots and Ceremonies a lot more often as well, not to mention - working on my blog and youtube.  Whew - talk about busy.  While I love and enjoy the money - I am overwhelmed with the thought and I have been working so much already - I'm on the point of exhaustion.  But - I guess I need to count all the positives and forget the negatives.  I'm lucky to have businesses that are thriving. :)

When the day may stress me out - there is one thing I know I can do... think about all the happy moments in life and this week, my family has certainly made a bunch of them.  Looking forward to many many more.  Wishing all of you a wonderful week.  Oh and the image I have at the top of this post is a little inspiration for the week. :D I took this picture a year or so ago and it always makes me smile.  It's those moments that remind me how lucky I am to live in Hawaii. xo
 
It seems like only yesterday my eldest son was coming home from the hospital.  It's just hours from 12am - when he will be turning 9 years old.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.  As I reminisce and look at all the photos of the last 9 years, I may not finish this blog post before midnight. lol

On January 26, 2004 - our eldest son: Kevin Ka'eo'okamalei'okahonuakamakaniamekekai Kaho'ohanohano was born.  He came into this world at 11:53 pm and weighed just over 7 lbs.  I was almost a month over due and I had to be induced that day.  My husband and I arrived at the hospital at 7am only to be told to come back at 11:00am because they didn't have any beds.  At 11am we came back to the hospital (before it had Valet) and was checked in.  They gave me medicine to induce me and I was in labor the next 12 hours.  Unlike the twins, my labor with Ka'eo was difficult, but that didn't change the fact that our first born was on his way.  We were certainly proud parents. :)
Ka'eo was a totally easy going kiddo.  I went back to work 2 months later (after giving birth) because I had been out a month earlier as doctor had me on bed rest.  He spent his mornings with my parents and then Daddy picked him up and they spent the afternoon together until I came home from work.  The first 4 years of his life, I spent working long hours and I am so thankful to be home and see my children grow up now.  

We have had so much fun together the last 9 years.  From tons of pictures to Disney World and even meeting President Obama.  It has definitely been a whirlwind of memories.
My little boy is no longer little.  He's catching up with me in height... and is excelling in school.  He has been math master 3 years in a row now and he takes time out of his day to spend time with Autistic kids.  The last few years he has given up his Winter, Spring and Summer breaks to spend time with kids that don't normally have friends or have a difficult time making friends because of their special needs.  I'm proud of my son and proud that he is such an inspiring older brother for his siblings.  

He has gone from totally curly long hair to straight hair.  We have cut it so many times and now it's completely straight and grows out just as quickly as it did when he was younger. lol  He loves Video Games, Legos, playing with his brothers and building things.  He especially loves learning all kinds of things about science and bugs and loves animals.
I can't believe how fast time has gone by.  He loves being active and enjoys spending time with his family.  Just last month we took the kids to the Maui Sports Park for the Hubby's birthday and he scaled that Rock Climbing wall with little to no effort and this was his first time doing so.   We are so proud of him and continue to be.
Happy Birthday to my wonderful baby boy - who is not a baby anymore... but he will always be that to me.
Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and proud of the person you are growing up to be.  You are a huge inspiration - not only to your brothers, but to mommy and daddy too.  I am so lucky that God has given you to us and so happy to have such a wonderful joy in my life.

May God bless you, keep you and guide you on your path to all things wonderful. 
We love you always!
xoxo
 
I have been trying to do this blog post for what seems like forever... and, I'm finally finding the time to get it done, thankfully - before the end of the month. lol so here it goes!

2013 - Hell to the YES! 2013 was one of those years that I couldn't wait to be rid of.  I'm super stoked and excited to start on a new venture, a new year and get down to the grind.  Don't get me wrong, I was blessed as I always am and I do not forget about the blessings I've received.  But I definitely made my share of mistakes, suffered from them and of course - was disappointed in myself for it.  So knowing that it is a new year and I can move forward in positive light means a lot.  


Goal #1 - Renew My Faith and Trust in God
I am a God fearing soul.  Baptized Catholic and believing that God heals and protects has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  I bet most of you don't know that I am actually Ordained - A Reverend, so to say.  (Yes, I wear many many hats. lol).  But - sometimes I take all of that for granted and I just forget it all.  Life gets the best of me and I just move through life without stopping to think about how important having God in your life truly is.  This year - I am making it a priority to renew that part of my life and to remember Nothing is impossible with God.  I better remember that... it's tattooed on my wrist. lol
Goal #2 - Make my Husband and Sons my #1 Priority!
Don't get it twisted... my Husband and My Sons are my #1 Priority - they always have been, they always will be.  But - I felt like last year I was so busy working that I really didn't make time for them or caught myself too tired sometimes.  This year has been different - we spend more time with one another and trust me, it is very much needed.  You never know what life has in store for you and sometimes it's too late to do the things you want to... so live your life with NO REGRETS, CARPE DIEM!  Money can't buy love and happiness, so I vow to make sure that I spend my moments with my family so that there are  no "What ifs" later. :) 
Goal #3 - Spend more time documenting my life on my YouTube Channel & Blog
There was once a time when I blogged about my life and made more vlogs.  But because of how busy life has been - I have really been ignoring or neglecting that portion.  I have just been slacking and I really would like to do so.  It's so much easier to keep these memories live and to have something to reflect upon and I truly need to start doing so.  My boys are getting way to big too fast and before I know it, they would have just grown up too fast and I would have missed those important moments.  Thank goodness for camera phones so I can document everything. lol  But my goal is to continue making my blog Lifestyle and Motherhood related as I have in the past - incorporate all my life's experiences so I have something to look back at one day.  :)
Goal #4 - Live a healthier Lifestyle
Let's face it - if anyone knows me, they know that I really don't eat bad food.  Most of what I eat is home cooked and I don't really cook anything that is terribly unhealthy.  Last year, I quit drinking soda and only really drink water every day.  And, while I may have some of my guilty pleasures, they are always in moderation - and anything is pretty much okay in moderation (food wise).  So - what I mean by living a healthier lifestyle is to get out more, go walking with the boys, just have more activity in my life.   I used to live a very fit life, I surfed all the time and ran every morning and after having children, I developed "Mommy Syndrome" and just haven't been able to find the time.  Plus the twins have been a handful in its self, so it is still pretty hard to take them out without one running in the opposite direction and pulling my body in half. lol  But - I will make it work this year.  No excuses.  My goal is not to diet, because let's face it - my weight is more contributed to "not eating or finding the time to eat" than over-eating or eating unhealthy.  Just adding a little more activity to my day will make a whole lot of difference. :)

Goal #5 - Stop Spending Money when I don't have to
I need to start remembering the difference between "Wanting" to buy something and "Needing" to buy something.  Everyone knows I'm a Makeup, Shoe and Handbag addict.  If you didn't know this, you have not been reading my blogs or watching my videos. lol  While I am lucky that I have the opportunity to purchase things when I want them, it would be much better if I buy them out of necessity then otherwise. :)

Goal #6 - Have Faith and Believe in Me!
Let's be honest, or let me be honest... as much as I am proud of all I accomplished and know that I have the strength, brains and more to do all the things I set forth, I find it very easy to revert back to old thinking and doubting myself tremendously.  I'm sure a lot of people do it, it's usually the more humble ones that have some sort of doubt about themselves, who they are and how they look.  But, I need to kick that nasty habit and get with the program.  I have come so far in life.  Considering I turned 33 just last week, I have accomplished more than most people do in their 60's or older.  Yes, I have put on some weight since the birth of my children and haven't been able to kick the weight since, but that doesn't make me any less beautiful... just a chubbier beautiful.  I think beauty is skin deep anyway.  I'd like to think that I treat those around me the way I'd like to be treated and therefore even if they don't think I'm pretty, at least they know that I am a compassionate, loving person who's honest and who will make an awesome friend.  I AM A PHENOMENAL WOMAN... no one can take that away from me.  Now I just need to have Faith in that and Believe it!
Well, those are my goals for 2013.  If I add more, I'll do another post.  I am always contemplating posting a video about it so that I can hold myself more accountable. :)
xoxo
Honey
 
As you know, I joined this awesome Blog Network called: Beauty Blogger Headquarters.  The ladies there have so many awesome things to share with me and others - it's so great.  January's task is to discuss the ins and outs of your Blog Photography so I'm excited to share with all of you what it is I do to take my blog photos.   As you all know - I don't only Blog but also have a YouTube channel, so if time permits - I will definitely add that info in as well.

What camera(s) do you use for your blog photography?

Picture
 I have been getting a bit busy lately with my normal business, so I have been taking most of my photos using my Camera Phone, which is an HTC Evo 4g.  I've had this phone for about 2 years and I'm looking at upgrades but it sports an 8 megapixel camera which takes pretty good pictures.  If I'm looking to take a quick photo and get it up on Instagram - I'll use my phone.  If I have good natural lighting - it can definitely take an awesome picture.  The photo with my Tarte Haul (to the left) was taken with my camera phone - but lighting was a little funky that day so it was not as clear and vibrant as I would like and some of the colors may be slightly distorted.  But you can definitely get the just of what I was photographing.  

The photo to the right was also taken with my camera phone.  But lighting that day came in nicely through my window and game the photograph a great crisp color.  The colors are pretty much spot on.  In both images I did not edit these as they were  uploaded straight to Instagram and do not have any filters administered.  I wanted these images to show the products as best as possible.  As you can see, lighting means everything. :)
Now for those of you that didn't know - before opening up my business HoneyXO (formerly ICC) I was and still currently am a Professional Wedding and Portrait Photographer.  I don't use the cameras that I use on a shoot for my blog - but I do use professional glass (photog speak for lenses).  Right now I'm using my Nikon D60 DSLR (love Nikon) or my Canon Rebel EOS XSi.  Both of them I've had for a few years but they are kept well so they have lasted me a while.  I know I need to be upgrading soon and have my wishlist of goodies I want.  I use the following lenses for each camera: 18-55mm and 55-200mm - both of which were my standard kit lenses.  From time to time I do use my 700-200mm, 35mm, 50mm and my all time favorite the 24-70mm (all of which are my pro lenses so I don't use them often).   I use my Nikon and Canon mainly for my makeup photos and my portraits.  The color is crisp and nothing beats a Nikkor Lens (or at least that's my opinion. lol).  The 2 images below were taken using my Nikon D60.  The one on the Left was taken indoors after the sun had set.  My lighting in the living room during that time was Halogen lighting.  The Picture on the Right - taken outside at about 5:30pm when the sun was just about to set.  Lighting was ideal for photographs because it was not bright at all where I took the photo.

What type of lighting do you use? Natural light, indoor light, studio lamps, etc.?

If I had my way all the time, I would use natural lighting.  As a Photographer, I photograph my clients on location and always in natural lighting.  But - there are so many times when lighting just cannot be helped and you have no choice but to use artificial light.  So I will use a desk lamp (especially when using my little DIY Light box) that has a natural light bulb or a 70 watt bulb, regular white light.  I change the light bulbs around as I feel I need to depending on the situation.  While studio lamps are great to use - they can be a hassle to store and I just don't have the room.  I also use a cool chargeable flash light from my husband that is a Stinger DS LED flash light.  The bulb is strong but it's also a white light and I add a little tissue diffuse on the end to diffuse the light and keep from the image being so harsh.

Do you use a specific background?

When it comes to taking photos of products, etc. - I like to use either a white background or my damask fabric.  I like the white background best because it really does bring out so much more detail and doesn't distract from the product.  But - sometimes I need a larger surface so I opt in to use the damask print fabric which I use as a backdrop for my videos and portraits as well.  When it comes to portrait photos - I really enjoy using the reddish brown wall that's outside of my house.  This area is ideal not only for it's background but for the lighting.  It adds texture to my background without taking away from the image and of course, the lighting is almost always ideal there depending on the time of day.  If I absolutely cannot take photos during the day - then I use my white door as my backdrop in some of my photos and take them inside.

What is your top photographing tip for a beginner blogger?

Hmmm... this is a hard one, because if you want me to answer as a blogger- my tip for a beginner would be to know your lighting... and I say this by means of your Shadows, where the lighting hits your object and of course the type of lighting you use.  But as a photographer I will say that the number one tip I could use after seeing so many photographs from bloggers, makeup artists, etc. is to LEARN YOUR EQUIPMENT.  I see so many lovely ladies taking photos for their blogs or even doing videos and they have top notch equipment that would make any Photographer drool.  But many of them don't even know how to use the equipment at all which results in poor quality images.  Take the time to learn about your equipment and what it does.  If you can't figure it out then practice and of course - YouTube is a great place to go to learn from techies that can lend a hand in that department too :)  Know how to engage your macro settings and learn how to create natural bokeh in your images if you want to.  These things are what makes photographs unique and eye catching.  I have to admit - when it comes to my blog - I'm pretty lazy when it comes to photos.  I spend so much time photographing clients that sometimes I forget that I need to spend as much time with my blog photos too.  Take your time and hone in on your craft.  Make that piece of expensive equipment happy that you took the time to learn more about it and how to use it.  As many of you know - I'm a Lifestyle blogger, not just beauty.  And, while I do enjoy editing my images for Artistic Value, I also love when I can showcase awesome art without the editing.  This images (below) was taken of my son Isaiah when he was just under a year old.  While I did edit the image to give it an HDR type affect - the bokeh in the background was all done with the camera and lens.   I think there are so many bloggers out there that have such great equipment but they treat it like a point and shoot camera from the 90's.  This way - instead of always editing your images you can also add a certain type of pizzazz and rock out your photos. :) And, of course - this will mean that you will be taking show stopping photos that are In Focus, crisp and clear. 

 For fun: If you could upgrade your photographing equipment today, what would you buy?

Oh - I do have a list of cameras I would love to add to my photog arsenal.  But the thing about cameras and their accessories is that they are just like computers - practically obsolete the minute the get purchased.  If you take care of your equipment it can last a long time, I still have my old Manual Canon Rebel SLR (which is film) and it still works and my D60 is over 4 years old.  But - I'm still researching what cameras will be good and slightly universal for what I am looking to create. :) 

Hope you all enjoyed this post.  Let me know if you have any questions.
xoxo
Honey

Oh - one more thing. I will post pictures and update on my DIY light box. lol it's funny and goofy looking but it gets the job done. :) I was trying to get this post up quickly - so I failed in that department. lol
 
I felt this was perfect to share today - since it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  This wise man has left behind such an awesome legacy.  I only pray that our generation and those after me are smart enough to listen to his words, not only with their ears - but their hearts.

Happy Monday Lovers.
xoxo
Honey
 
Whatever you do, you need courage. 
Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. 
There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right. 
Peace has its victories, but it takes 
brave men and women to win them.

Ralph Waldo Emerson ♥

 
While this week dragged on a little longer than I thought it would, it also went by far too quickly.  It's hard to think that in a year I have learned so much, acquired so much and did so many things.  This past Monday (Jan.14th) I turned 33 years old.  Geez, can you believe it or what? I sure can't.  It seems like just yesterday I was turning 21.  While those memories are still visible in my mind - they are farther from my thoughts than I'm sure most people that are hitting their mid thirties as I am.  Needless to say - I'm proud of my age, I look pretty damn good for a 33 year old (I'm not bragging - just saying... it's good to have a positive outlook on life and beauty. lol) and I have a wonderful life.  While life throws us all kinds of limes, while bitter and sour some may be... they all make awesome Mojitos. :D
On Monday - my hubby took me to celebrate my birthday at one of my favorite restaurants and my favorite Sushi Bar - Sansei.  Oh man can you say, Hell Ya! I indulged in all of my favorite sushi rolls and food... from Rainbow Rolls, Spider Rolls, Ebi Rolls, Panko Crusted Ahi Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll and more... not to mention I got my Miso Butterfish, Lobster and Crab Ravioli and my fried ice cream.  Pure delight!  I am so lucky to have such a wonderful man that takes care of me and treats me... love you babe!
On Sunday (the day before) we picked up our new puppy... his name is Ikaika.  He is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and is a cutie.  He is 11 weeks old now - we picked him up at 10 weeks old and is our new addition to our family.  While he will never replace our Koa Boy (who passed just a few days before Christmas) he is still a great addition to our family. :) My hubby also planned a little get together to celebrate my birthday - a little cook out.  It was super sweet of him and he is always thinking of me.  I'm truly a lucky woman. :D
Picture
This is not the best photo of me, but Ikaika looks super cute. lol
Like I said before - I honestly think this week went by way too fast... but nonetheless, I'm enjoying it and making memories as usual.  I hope you all had a wonderful week... now onto my Sunday Letters.
Sunday Letters...



My Darling, My Kevin... the Love of my Life, my EVERYTHING!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for making this week awesome.  Since it's still my Birthday Month, I have no doubt it will continue to be wonderful.  You are such a joy and I'm so lucky to have you in my life.  Thank you for loving me, supporting me and being so awesome. 143

To my sons... Kevin, Luke & Isaiah.  Boys - You have all been so great in celebrating with me this year.  Ka'eo - you have been so awesome to help mom with our new puppy and have been great with your responsibilities.  Luke & Iya Mon - thank you for being such good boys this week.

Dear Winter... Hello There, nice to see you again.  I have been enjoying these cold and chilly nights.  It feels awesome to be able to put on my sweaters and wear jeans without feeling the need to rip my clothes off because it is so hot.  While I know others are experiencing tremendously cold and freezing weather - I am still happy to have you back, because we need some of the rain to replenish our greenery and we need the chill to cool us all down.

Dear Awesome People who wished me well wishes for my birthday... Thank you!  The fact that you took time out of your busy day to stop and say Happy Birthday means a lot to me.  Let's face it, now with Social Media, we all know that these sites remind us when our friends' birthdays are - but you still have to take that extra minute out of your day to click on their name and actually type out the words.  It takes a little more effort than most people realize.  I see those notifications every day - but sometimes I'm just so busy my mind says "Come back to it later today" and before you know it, the persons birthday passed.  So - thank you for being awesome people and taking the time to say those two little words that are so awesome just one day a year. :)

To My Awesome Supporters... Sometimes, with the hustle and bustle of every day life, we forget that we have people who take the time out to support us.  I am so busy with work, home life, the boys, being a mother - that I forget about all the supporters I have and how much they help me along the way.  It's because of all of you that consistently support my efforts that HoneyXO is doing so awesome, my blog averages 350 views a day and my YouTube channel has over 2000 subscribers.  Thank you all so much for being such awesome people and for supporting me.  It means so much more than any of you could know.

Wishing you all a wonderful upcoming week.  I'm looking forward to possibly sleeping in tomorrow, since it's a Holiday for my eldest and he doesn't have school - Yay Me... Happy Dance!  Have a great week and sending tons of glitter and sparkles your way!
 
I did this FOTD yesterday.  I was seriously inspired by the color purple and Valentine's Day.  It was the first makeup look I photographed using my Tarte and Lorac Pro Palettes.  I have used them several times but didn't take any pictures - so this was my opportunity.  I also loved the fact that by the time I was able to take my photos - the lighting was absolutely awesome.  I didn't get a chance to snap my photos till about 5pm - so the sun was just setting, afternoon sunlight was not harsh and of course, I was really able to bring out my natural skin tone.  

I must also say (though I will get into detail in a later post) that I am so proud of how my skin has progressed.  Not using Foundation has definitely made such a huge difference in my life and how my skin has been looking lately.  It just goes to show that great skin care and the fact that I'm not clogging my pores with funk makes a whole lot of difference. 

You can find a list of products I used below.  Hope you like this FOTD - I really loved it and I'm glad it came out the way it did.  I had a thought in my mind in the color combos and how I wanted it to look and went to it.  I'm pretty happy with how it came out :)  If you want a tutorial on it - please let me know and I will do one.  While it includes a lot of layering of colors - it is such an easy look to create because it's all about blending. :)
Products used: 
Primer: Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Shadows: Tarte Baby It's Cold Outside Palette (Macaroon, bubble bath, gossip and velvet, 24 carats)
Lorac Pro Palette (Deep Purple)
Liner: Mally Evercolor Starlight Liner and ELF's Liquid Liner
Lashes: Maybelline Plush Mascara and Benefit's They're Real Mascara
Lips: (Liner) MAC's Buerre liner, (Lipstick) Wet n Wild's V.I. Pink and (Lipgloss) MAC's Viva Glam VI Lipglass

Earrings are from HoneyXO - Rose Stud back earrings
 
If you are anything like me, you have thin hair... which can result in your hair buns being a little under par when what you truly enjoy.  I have this problem and I think I found the solution.  I am truly enjoying my Hot Buns and I think you will like it too.

Check out my Review and Demo in the video below. :)
xoxo
Honey

Video Review link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN-rRd2H9Po or if you have access to the embedded video you can click play :)
 
 
Let me first start off this review by saying that I have filmed this review about 3 different times and something has always gone wrong.  I'm glad that I was able to get one of my review videos uploaded before another disaster took place. lol

These awesome Foundations are sold on Milani's website for just $7.99.  That's an awesome steal considering many Drug Store brand foundations can vary from $10.99 - $16.99 and High End Foundation brands in the $20's and up.  The price point alone should definitely make anyone want to try these awesome foundations out. 

I received both the Cream to Powder Foundation and the Even Touch Foundation.  The Cream to Powder is going to probably be my go-to foundation if I am going to wear any foundation at all.  The coverage is smooth, even and definitely applies like an awesome cream foundation but leaves my skin so even toned after application.  I love the fact that because it transforms into a powder on your skin, that it doesn't leave my face feeling caked with product and my skin feels smooth.  Because I have an oily combination skin (well, dry in the Winter) - I noticed that I didn't have to touch up often which is a HUGE BONUS.  The color I received was dead on and the perfect match for my skin tone.  The lasting power was pretty awesome - considering it can be very humid and hot here in Hawaii. I was impressed that I only retouched once and it was only in the areas that kleenex had touched because I had a little sniffle.  Places that I would probably normally retouch like my forehead seemed to be good through the day.  I didn't break out like I have done in the past with other foundations (including High End brands) and was pretty amazed with how well it covered up my dark circles under my eyes without having to apply concealer.

The Even Touch Foundation was equally loved.  However, I didn't have the opportunity to truly test it out for hours as a foundation.  I made the mistake of selecting the wrong shade.  But - let me just say that it will not go unused because it works well as a bronzer for me.  I love that I can blend it out without harsh lines or streaking.  It's a great powder.  When I initially tried it out (the same time realizing it was just too dark for me),  it applied very easily.  The coverage was great - I would call it medium coverage but buildable.  But I couldn't wear it out to test it's wear since it was way to dark for my skin tone.

I go into a little more about the products in my video - which I posted in the embedded link below.  So definitely check that out too - just press PLAY ;)

I am very impressed with these foundations and like I mentioned previously, very impressed with the Cream to Powder foundation.  The price point is awesome and the shades available are quite a wide range, considering that I am a little on the Medium - Dark tone side and there was even a few shades darker available.

On my Grading scale - I would definitely give it a 5 Star Rating!  To purchase these products and so much more, check out MilaniCosmetics.com and see what their site has in store for you. :)
The products mentioned and discussed in this review were sent to me for Review and Consideration.  I was not paid or compensated in any way and my opinions and thoughts are my own.  Anything stated is 100% honest and unbiased.