As you have read in previous posts... Summer is definitely here and we are in full swing of it.  I love the Summer months because it means I have more time with my boys... fun in the sun and so much more!  Because of our busy time during the summer - I tend to have quite a bit of favorite products... all from a wide range of categories.

In my video below - I named a few of my favorite goodie treats.  They included those pictured as well as almonds - which we love.  I also forgot to mention that we absolutely love to eat fruits - which is a favorite of ours regardless of the time of the year.  You can always find fruits in our house, but I was filming in my room and didn't want to take them with me.  Our favorite fruits include:  Strawberries, Watermelons, Blueberries, Kiwi, Seedless Grapes, Persimmon, Dates and Bananas.  Those are some of our favorite summer fruit delights.

Of course - sunscreen, lotions and hair protection is very important in the summer time.  So my choice for lotion/body butter this summer is anything from Pacifica, right now in my purse I have the Tuscan Blood Orange... but I also love the Tahitian Vanilla.  For Sunscreen I have been loving my Brush on Block from Susan Posnick (review for this item can be found here) and it works so well during the hot summer months.  For the boys - my favorite is the spray on Sunblock from Lil' Kids which includes Aloe vera.  It is absolutely awesome and perfect for the summer time and for all those awesome beach and ocean days.  For my hair, besides my coconut oil, I have always use my Macadamia Oil.  It is just best to keep my hair from frizzing up and looking dry.  

Of course, I love large handbags and my Prima Miche Bags are the most ideal for summer months, since I tend to throw everything in my purse during these months.

Perfume and body sprays for the summer always include Vanilla or powdering notes.  My favorites include:  Bodycology Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Spray, DKNY Pure Perfume, LaVanilla Vanilla Perfume and Mariah Carey's Luscious Pink.

I mentioned all of the eye liners in the video, with exception to one... I am a huge gel liner fanatic so I can't believe I had forgotten this... but I was rushing when grabbing my products.  A few Gel liner favorites are MAC's Blacktrack Fluid line and Tarte's Amazonian Clay EmpasEyes Black Gel liner.  I also love Blue Peep, also a Fluidline from MAC and Punk Purple and Teal Tease from ELF... lol - do you see a pattern here... Purples and Teals. lol

I mentioned all my lippies with exception to my EOS lip balm in Passion Fruit, I can't believe I left that out - it has been a favorite of mine for years. lol  So I included it in the photo.

For palettes - My Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette had been my go-to for years.  I have also added my Lorac Pro Palette and UD Naked Basics Palettes this year as they are turning into favorites.  I just love golds during the summer - or shall I say golds and bronzes... so it is important for me to have palettes that include those colors.

For fashion goodies... Maxi dresses, sun dresses and anything that is wearable and easy to move in are favorites of mine.  Honestly - any of my photos or OOTDs include my favorite fashion items... so I decided to include a few photos of them in this post.  I also love shorts, flip flops and wedges and tanks and v-necks.   My favorite flip flops include:  Roxy, Havaiana and Old Navy flip flops (which are a steal for $2.50, considering I my havaianas are sometimes over $30.

I forgot to mention that I can't go anywhere without sunglasses, whether it be the summer months or anytime of the year, so I completely forgot to include them.  I am a huge lover of Maui Jims, especially during the summer months because they are 7 Layered Polarized and are what I need to cut down on my glare, which I get often when driving.  It also helps with awesome views of the beautiful ocean and sky.  Trust me when I say that if you have a pair of Maui Jims - you know how awesome, bright, crisp and clear life can look behind the lens. ;) (shown on the photo with the denim vest).

I may have mentioned more or less than what I talked about here in this post.  I did talk about my favorite jewelry items and hats, so definitely be sure to watch the video which I embedded below - or click here to watch on YouTube.  But for the most part, I think I covered everything. ;) 

Wishing you all the best summer possible - I know I am having fun, I hope you are too!
xoxo
Honey

I am very lucky in my life... that I have a great father... when I know there are so many out there that do not. I am even luckier to have a wonderful husband who is not only an awesome husband but the best daddy to our children. If you ask me..  I'd say that I am the lucky one.
Happy Father's Day to my daddy... the man who taught me to defend myself and taught me that books are the keys to our dreams and future. And, to the man that made me mommy of 3 wonderful boys... I love you and thank you for being the best daddy and the
world to me and our sons.Happy Father's Day to all the daddy's and mommies who have to wear both hats. you are all awesome.xoxo
Honey

The boys and I went to an open field and had some fun today.  If you can't watch via the site - you can watch on YouTube by clicking here.

So my sons and I were out and about and on a little journey today... playing in the grass and looking at wild flowers.  It was a fun afternoon.  Because my littles are so active... wearing heels or dressing up really wasn't ideal.  Besides, let's face it... while I love being girlie, I'm as tomboy as tomboy gets and there is no changing that.    Not to mention, it was a very warm day here in Hawai'i Nei... so comfort and cool was the way to go.

My big boy Ka'eo took my photos for me... and we only had my camera phone, so that is what we used today - thank goodness for good quality. lol  So since I always state what I'm wearing... here it goes:

Top - Black ribbed tank / wife beater from Old Navy
Shorts - Bermuda Length Camouflage Shorts from Torrid
Flip flops - Roxy black Flip flops
Jewelry - just using my Invicta Divers Watch, Wedding Rings, Diamond Solitare (right hand), my 3 diamond necklace and sterling silver diamond earrings.

As you can see - the boys are super casual today too.  All of them using just basic tees with shorts and their rubber boots.  My eldest loves collared shirts, so he is sporting his brown shirt with denim shorts and his rubber flip flops. 

It was a wonderful day - stay tuned for my Vlog post. ;)

xoxo
Honey

Trends come and go and some even stay longer than others... but one trend that hasn't left yet is Colored Contacts.  Now a days, they come in a variety of colors, designs and all kinds of crazy... compared to when I first tried on and used Color Contacts back in the day and only had brands like Fresh looks available to buy.  As with all beauty accessories, Contacts are used for a variety of things - from altering ones appearance, to doing awesome and cool theatrical looks.  Now a days, the options are endless and you can find anything to suite your desires.

I have worked with Candy Color Lenses on MANY occasions.  In fact, they are the ONLY online retailer for color and crazy contacts that I have purchased from in a couple of years.  While I get my regular "seeing" contacts from my optometrist... crazy contacts come directly from CCL.   Their customer service has never steered me wrong and shipping is a breeze and super affordable.  I am very lucky to be working with CCL once again and this time, instead of really reviewing the lenses I received, I decided I would talk to all of you about some application tips and about my experience with the company.  

There are a few tips I forgot to mention in the video...  

1. Before applying your lenses, if you have just received them, make sure to remove them from their packaging, place into a lens case and soak with your saline solution for a minimum of 2 hours.  Now the saline solution I am talking about is NOT what it is soaking in when you receive the product, use a new saline wash - you can buy at retailers like Walmart or Walgreens or get from your local Drug Store or Optometrist.  When removing your contacts and storing them - be sure to store in clean and freshly poured saline solution after cleaning your lenses. 
   
2. DO NOT Use Water to clean your lenses.  The saline solution you buy is a clean and sterile solution, so be sure to use that.  
3. MOST IMPORTANTLY -  Treat your contacts with the utmost care when applying, storing and cleaning.  These go onto your eyes and it is important that you take care of those peepers.  Check with your doctor prior to use and be very careful with using contacts not fitted for your eyes.  Cosmetic lenses can be dangerous if they are not used properly or if they should not be used at all.

So - check out the video below (or click here to watch on YouTube) for all the details and the rules for the giveaway can be found below it.

Thank you so much to Candy Color Lenses for sponsoring this very generous Giveaway!  The rules are very simple and are listed below - but entry will be confirmed by using the Raffle Copter Widget.  If you do not enter via the widget - you will not be entered into the giveaway.  The winner will be randomly selected via Rafflecopter.

RULES:

1. You MUST be a subscriber of my YouTube Channel - http://www.youtube.com/destne146
2. Comment on the video post telling me:  what contacts you would love to have from Candy Color Lenses, or what your favorite color contacts would be - you do not need to state a specific brand name, just a color.  i.e.  "My favorite color of contacts would be Purple!"
3. You must go to my Facebook Page and like the page: http://www.facebook.com/honeygirlsworld
4. You must go to Candy Color Lenses Facebook Page and like the page: http://www.facebook.com/candycolorlenses

There are extra entries you can earn 5 extra points for and they are listed in the Rafflecopter widget below.  This giveaway will run from 06/15/13 to 07/07/13.  Good luck to all!

Hey guys... so I figure I stop in and say HI.  I know I haven't been consistently updating my blog - especially with my personal updates like my Sunday Letters, Quotes and weekly inspiration and so much more.  Let me just say that when my life seems hectic... that's an understatement. lol  Don't get me wrong... while life is crazy, I am trying to enjoy each bit of it... but I haven't been able to write as much as I would like.

I have been trying to do daily vlogs - if not daily, several times a week.  One - I LOVE Vlogs... I love reflecting back on them and all the fun my family and I have.  So - wondering what has been keeping me busy?  You can check out my vlogs on my YouTube channel and keep up to date with what I'm doing. ;)

Anyway - that was my quick update.  I promise I will get back in the groove again and start up with my regular posts.  I just have to get some things sorted out so I have a better plan for my busy schedule.  Wishing you all an awesome weekend!
xoxo
Honey

Just my personal vlog from the other day ;)  

I had the awesome opportunity to photograph the wedding of Dave and Paula yesterday (06.10.13).  While the picturesque backdrop was ideal while photographing them, I was a bit worried just an hour before as it was literally pouring just before the ceremony.  I'm so happy that all turned out well.  

I would like to take the time to wish Dave & Paula a wonderful time here in Hawaii and sending them blessings for a lifetime of Love and Happiness.

Check out what I got in my May Starlooks Starbox.  I reveal the items as well as provide swatches.   Check out the video embedded below or watch it on YouTube here.  If you are interested in signing up for StarLooks - the box is super affordable at $15.00 a month plus a small shipping fee.  Sign up at http://www.starlooks.com and be sure when checking out that you let them know that Honey referred you.  Stay tuned for a mini review and a bonus item show and tell and review that I received in the mail today.  Stay tuned!

As many of you know - I work with ExpoTV from time to time and do reviews for them.   If you are interested in signing up with ExpoTV - definitely check them out and click on the link here.  This time I reviewed the Huggies Natural Care Triple Clean Wipes.   My review is a little short because of the time restrictions for Expo - so I figure I would get into a little more detail in this post.  Check out my Expotv review (embedded below) or click on the link here.  To read a review and my thoughts on these wipes in a little more detail - scroll below. ;)

So let's talk about the product...  Huggies Natural Care Triple Clean Wipes are wipes you use to clean your baby or use for other cleaning purposes.  On average you can find this product reasonably priced at your local Walmart, Kmart, Walgreens and CVS as well as other retailers.  You may also find it on sale which is a total score.

Like with all Huggies packaging - they really take the time to attract the eyes of children, using graphics like Winnie the Pooh and in some cases, other Disney characters.  The container you receive (if buying the whole set) is very sturdy and very easy to use.  I love the fact that you are able to pick up refills and use the container over and over again.  Simply take your refill package - open it up and place it into the container that you have.  The refills are about half the cost of the whole set which make it much more affordable for long term use.

The Wipes...  These wipes feel just like a thin wash cloth, soft and feel great on the skin.  I love that they have a texture that makes you feel like you are getting everything clean.  I also love the fact that they are so soft to the touch that you are not having that rough and abrasive feeling other wipes can leave after use.   Each wipe has little designs on them, they look like clouds.  These little embossed designs are not only eye appealing but they are functional - because they are used to help clean the area well.   I do however, find that they can rip easily and in a wipe, that is certainly something I do not like.  It doesn't happen often, but it has happened a few times while using the wipes I received and it was a disappointment since that did not happen with the wipes brand I currently use at home.

As many of you know if you have been following me a while, we buy Kirkland Wipes in our house from Costco.  Even if the boys are no longer in diapers (the video review was actually filmed before they were fully potty trained, so they were still using diapers at that time), we use wipes on a daily basis for ease of cleaning and for quick clean ups.  If I remember... I even throw a pack of those wipes in my purse.   In comparison to the Huggies wipes, the Kirkland wipes are obviously much more affordable on the pocket, however - as soft as they are - they do not have the texture as the Huggies wipes do.  Honestly though - even if I do love the Huggies wipes, I am still a huge fan of the Kirkland Signature ones that come with Tencel fibers to assist with cleaning and much more wipes for your money.   

Will I buy Huggies Natural Care Triple Clean Wipes again? Well, Yes - I definitely would.  They are a little more costly than the ones I currently use, but I do like them and would buy them again if I needed to.  

Overall Opinion:  I think that the Huggies Natural Care Triple Clean Wipes are a pretty good baby wipe brand. I think for the money they are definitely a pretty okay buy - though I wish they were more affordable.   Also - the little rips you can get with the Huggies wipes can be a pain and not as efficient in cost when you add the amount of times it does rip.  I tend to put things through the ringer, so it may just be my particular use, but regardless, I think it is still a good wipe brand and item.

The formulation was great - I loved that it glided on well and I did not have any streaking when using with my hands, brush or beauty blender.  I do suggest however to make sure you have blended it in well.  They have few colors/shades available - which is a down fall to me.  The tones are cooler in shade which can make my skin look quite ashy.  I found that because of this - I did get a slight white cast in photos which I did not like at all.  I have a warmer skin tone, so cooler shades will normally have that effect.  If Garnier offered warm or neutral shades I think I would be able to actually use the product more.  The scent was not bad, like most foundation type products, it had a light scent.   I have not provided a swatch because there are a few shades available and I figured it would not be needed.

Pricing...  Considering that BB creams are all the crave now a days, it really is not that expensive in cost.  On average you can find this BB Cream in the store for anywhere between $7.00 and $13.00 depending on where you go.  I'm sure many stores like Walgreens or CVS also have discounts or coupons from time to time making it a very affordable skincare/face product.

Would I purchase this product again?  At this time, No.  If it offered a wider range of shades or a translucent one that would not cause a white cast in my photographs, I would definitely do so.  I do not like the look of ashy skin or face and because this did so on me - I will not purchase this product until I see that they have increased their shades available.  

Overall opinion:  I actually liked this product besides the problems with the shades. I would definitely recommend it to friends/family that are interested in a BB cream.  My skin looked nice though the shade did not properly match.  As a warmer skin tone, it really needed that warmer, almost bronze look for it to look natural.

While living in Hawaii is definitely paradise, summer month's bring very humid and hot days.   Being a busy mom often means that for most of the summer you will catch me in a tank top or a tee to keep cool while running around with the kiddos.  Today - my sons and I met my sister Harmony (who was my photographer by the way) and we did a little window shopping at the local Shopping Mall and had an early dinner.  While wearing shorts and a tank was definitely ideal - I wanted to be comfortable but still a little dressy, so I decided I was going to use one of my favorite maxi dresses.  I don't use blue in this shade often - or blue in general unless it's denim, so it was a treat to pull this from the closet and give it a little "out of the house" time. ;)

My blue maxi dress is a strapless number I picked from Old Navy for under $30.00.  It is not only comfortable but very very cool and that's the reason why I chose to wear it on such a hot day.  Our weather sported a very warm 93 Degrees today and this was a great alternative to wearing shorts.  It's flows well in the wind and while it is pretty long, I managed to not trip on it at all.

My gorgeous Statement Necklace is from Lily Wang on ShopLately.  It boasts four different shades of blue from a turquoise type blue to a baby blue.  These blue ribbons are woven into a gold chain and create a very bold statement and detailing.   This necklace was beyond affordable... less than $15.00 and definitely a great buy for something sturdy, made well and definitely beauitful.

I opted for a "less is more" type of makeup look today.  Which meant that I was going to rock out mascara and some lip balm and call it a full face.  If you have been following me a while - you know that I normally go for a very simple look during the summer months - usually just mascara/lip balm or lipstick - as I did today... or a soft everyday neutral look or bronze smokey.  My goal for the simplicity is that I am able to jump into the ocean for a quick swim or stop at a pond, river or pool in a heartbeat and take a quick dip.  It's so hot and I live here in paradise... I definitely want to make use and take advantage of it.

My denim vest is from Forever21.  I really loved the little worn details on it and it was super affordable, less than $20.  It's a great addition when I'm wearing a dress like this that is strapless because it will help to conceal and cover me up if I feel uncomfortable.  

For my watch today I am using my Invicta Gold and Silver Divers Watch, a gift from my hubby.  It's one of my favorites and I find that I reach and grab for it most often... unless of course, I just didn't take it off. lol

For my ring today I am using my 14K Gold Tahitian Pearl and Plumeria Ring that my husband bought for me several years ago.  It is a favorite of mine and I love pulling it out of my jewelry box and using it from time to time.  Of course on my left hand are my wedding rings.

For My bracelets today I am using 3 of my favorites:  
Script LOVE bangle from Shoplately
White and Silver Woven bracelet with Gold embellishments from HoneyXO
White Faux Pearl beaded stretch bracelet from HoneyXO

For my earrings today I have on my Diamond Studs in my second holes - those never come out, they were a wedding gift from my husband... I sleep in them and they only come out to get cleaned.  For my main holes I have my 14K Gold Plumeria stud earrings, also a gift from my husband.

Since it was super duper hot today, wearing my hair down was definitely not an option and since I was a little strapped for time, I threw my hair up in a messy high bun and left it like that.  The great thing about my hair is that I don't need any hair ties or pins, it will stay in that bun after I twist it up for hours and even over night.

Of course, wearing sandals was just too much today as well - so I opted for my Old Navy Gold Glittery Jelly flip flops... comfortable, easy to walk in and I can run after my kiddos without problem.

For my sunglasses/shades today I am using my Maui Jims with tortoise shell and Amber Lenses.  It is a favorite of mine that I've had for a couple of years and I turn to them often during the summer months to help with the Glare while I'm driving.

It was a very relaxed and fun day today.  I'm so happy summer is here and I'm really enjoying spending time with my boys.  It's also nice to have my little sister Harmony come and cruise with us too - we always have lots of fun. I hope you guys enjoyed today's outfit of the day.  Have a wonderful Week!
xoxo
Honey

Summer has definitely arrived and is in full swing.  When I go shopping - it's still a bit odd to see children in the grocery market during school hours and it's been nice having a "technical" Saturday and Sunday Days the last week.  lol  As a Stay at Home and Work from Home mom there is one thing I get asked ALL THE TIME and it is..."What do you do with your children to keep them busy during School breaks?  I am trying to balance out my day but still find that my hands are too tied to do my daily work and chores and spend time with the kids."

I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a challenge, but being  a parent in general is a challenge and we learn and grow along the way.  Same goes for time management.  Now that summer is here, I know that I want to be hitting the beach, the pool and the parks much more often.  Since I also have to get in a workout routine during the day, I also need to factor that in as well.   So here is what we do:

• After waking up and breakfast... I sit down at my computer and answer emails, post specials or other items that I want to share on my social media networks and watch a few YouTube videos of my favorites.  We also find time to spend with my husband before he gets ready for work.  If I have orders come in for HoneyXO - this is also the time when I work on making jewelry or packaging orders that come in.  I do not like to work on orders at night, so I try to have them done before 1pm each day.
• As lunch approaches I will have something made for the kiddos and myself - usually something very simple and easy to make but healthy.  The boys love finger foods so PB&J's are such a great alternative for lunch.  They also love Nutella sandwiches as well.  
• As lunch comes to an end - my hubby starts work and leaves the house about 1:30pm on the days he works, so we say our good-byes and the boys and I plan for the rest of our day.  If we need to do any grocery shopping, errands or things outside of the house, we definitely plan to get ready and leave within 1/2 an hour of my husband leaving for work.  This allows us to get our tasks done and be back home in time for our other things on the list.
• Since the sun sets late here in Hawaii, after 7pm this time of year and even later as Summer progresses, we schedule workout sessions just after dinner or a few hours before dinner.  Normally it's before dinner.  That way we can start on dinner and sit down to eat a healthy meal or comfort food meal before it is too late.    If we plan on walking as our workout for the day - we head to our local park about five in the afternoon so we are home well before the sun sets.
  
• After dinner and everyone winds down - I slowly start working on my blog posts or editing my YouTube videos that I normally film on the days that my hubby is off.  If you do YouTube like I do - it is inevitable that your children will always be around when filming, so find a time when you know is quiet and then do your filming.  I also film several videos in one day when it comes to reviews, tutorials, etc. and edit them as I need.
• Before I know it, my children are sleepy eyed and ready for bed.  I then get them in bed and spend another hour wrapping up my blog posts, etc. and hit the hay to be bright and bushy tailed the next day. 

Of course, everyone's schedule is definitely different and finding a balance between doing it all and still managing to spend time with your kiddos is not easy.  That schedule I shared is a typical day in our household, but honestly - there really are not typical days with children, especially twin toddlers.  I try as much as I can to keep on a schedule and should it not go my way, the words: "Go with the Flow" are turning into my new mantra.  Which, honestly, it super hard seeing as I am a planner by trade. lol  While that may be my schedule, I do switch it up to incorporate going to Fairs and events, etc. so it does change.  And since this time of the year is the busiest for my Photography business, I do have days where I have limited  fun time with the boys and have to make up for it another day in the week.  Since my work schedule can change dramatically I am constantly making it up as I go.    

Here are a few tips I use just in general to keep on top of things:

• If you work from home or are a blogger like me, or both... I realize that you must keep to deadlines and get your work done.  My schedule works for me because my brain works well first thing in the morning but you can definitely switch that up to suit you.  If you like to write mid-day, I would suggest maybe getting the children something to eat and you as well and when lunch is done maybe an afternoon nap will suffice for them (if they like to nap).  My boys do not nap - so they are with me for my daily journeys.  If they do nap you can use that time to work or to clean up if need be.  I work in the morning but also late at night because it works for me.
• Breakfast/Lunch and Dinner never has to be difficult.  I LOVE TO COOK and find that if we plan our meals a month or weeks in advance, I'm prepared and know exactly how long I need to spend on dinner, which allows me to work that into my daily schedule and be prepared ahead of time to allot me the correct amount of time needed.  You can find awesome calendars to plan meals online by searching "Meal Calendar" or you can use a calendar you already have.  Computers are also a great source for templates too.  
• Getting your daily chores done can be a task all on your own - so if your children are old enough, enlist their help by giving them small tasks to complete around the house, like sweeping or straightening up.  My littles love to help out and while they may not realize it is a chore just yet, they are eager to help.
• Going to the park or window shopping, etc. is not what you think.  Use this time to not only spend time with your children, but get your cardio in.  An hour of walking the mall and taking the kids for a stroll in the park is good cardio for your body and definitely can help you if you don't have a second to put into that work out of yours.  Let's face it - we are all busy and sometimes that 45 minute workout is not feasible.  But, if you already scheduled time with your kiddos and are going to the park, playground or even grocery shopping - don't feel bad about missing your exercise, because you are definitely getting it.
• Involve your children in your life.  If you have been watching me on YouTube, I do vlogs a few times a week and my children are almost always involved.  While I am able to keep my YouTube video active and still manage to blog about my day as well, I also have memories I can consistently reflect back on.  My children enjoy watching themselves after my videos are edited and you have been able to not only include them in what you do, but document their lives as they grow.  And, when it comes to blog posts - I always get my children involved... my oldest even takes my photos for my Outfit Posts and the boys enjoy seeing that they are always talked about on my blog.  While you are putting your children out there in the World, the fact of the matter is - if you have Facebook, you're children are already on the internet.  With that said - yesterday's vlog is embedded below or can be watched here.
• Last but not least - if you feel like you NEED to go with the flow or that is what you prefer, by all means... Do It!  Find a comfortable nitch that you can groove to.  And remember... your children grow up so fast - savor ever moment and make time to spend with them.  Also - married or in a relationship, be sure to have those date nights too - if you are like me, you will miss your kiddos tremendously, but it is essential to still rejuvenate. <3

I hope some of these tips are helpful.  While I know I can be a bit winded and very detailed, I wanted to make sure you had enough information.  I know I have been slacking on my Mommy Survival Guides and I apologize, but like I said in the post, sometimes life takes over and at the end of the day - spending time with my kiddos and husband is the most important thing for me... any day - every day!  Wishing you all a wonderful weekend while you are out spending time with your kiddos. 
xoxo
<3 Honey