Fashion Files: Hello Summer!

6.21.13.

Hello Summer!

Happy Summer Solstice!

Hey there Mr. Sun!

There's so many ways to say it but today is the official day when summer begins! Whooo! ...it is a little strange when you live in a place that feels like summer year round ;) Are you ready?

Some summer essentials:

1. Anything white!

White is the color of the season! The more white pieces in an outfit the better! I have to admit that I am totally buying into--figuratively & literally--this HOT trend. I plan to do a more extensive post on my obsession with this later :)

2. A rad bikini or one-piece. (Think fringe or details!)

I've been all about the home-grown brands like Mikoh (the OC) or L*Space (SoCal)...sadly I haven't been able to invest in suits made by local companies like these... 

3. OMBRE.

Whether it be your jeans, clothes or your hair, this trend is on point.

I've personally be dyinggg to try the ombre hair trend with Loreal's Feria Wild Ombre DIY kit.

4. Beach inspired jewelry.

Who wears jewelry to the beach? Well, magazines & local companies have been pushing this trend hard...& I'm hooked! Again, I like to support local, small businesses; check out local girl Misha Hawaii, she does amazing work & is one of the few gals who uses rose gold (beautifully)--my fav!!

5. A smile!

Yes, if anything be happy, smile & laugh your okole (butt) off! It's free & will give you that healthy glow that elude so many people ;)

xoxo

~carlykins

Thrifty Thursday - the head scarf trend!

6.20.13.

The head scarf is making a comeback this season & is the perfect accessory for an updo, especially on these hot summer nights!

Instead of going out and buying a piece, here's a cool thrifty way to create your own head scarf!

1. Find a scrap piece of fabric long enough to wrap around your head; (a wide strip about 5-10 inches is good!) An old scarf will do also.

2. Tie a knot in the middle of your fabric or follow Keiko Lynn's steps to creating a head scarf with an actual scarf... I tried the basic overhand know but use this diagram to try out different ones!

3. Take your knotted fabric and position it across your head like you would a headband. Place the knot in the middle, side, wherever you want!

4. Tie the side of the fabric behind the your head right below where your hair meets your neck! You can use a bow or tuck the extra fabric under the band you created!

5. Enjoy your new, free!, head scarf/head band/head turban look! You'll be the talk of the town ;)

See Marcela's lovely post about this raging trend here for more inspiration!

xoxo

~carlykins

Wednesday Wisdom - Karma is a b$%#&!

6.19.13.

I have been obsessed with infinity symbols for a long time...yes, even before the TV show Revenge debuted a season ago...

...and I have always been a firm believer in things happening for a reason; fate & karma. I guess I am superstitious haha.

I finally purchased a jewelry piece with this symbol from Imi Jewelry (at the Honolulu Night Market)...& I'm in love! And I want more, more, more!

Keeping this in mind will change the way you view the world, your surroundings & will influence your actions in ways that can make you a better person...at least this is what I've come to learn by remembering this piece of wisdom.

"...& in that moment we were infinite."

~The Perks of Being a Wallflower

xoxo

~carlykins

How-to Make Mochi

6.18.13.

How-to Tuesday: Mochi!

One of my fav desserts to make is mochi (sticky rice cake)!! I used this recipe all the time in college & my roomies loved it! So go ahead, try it yourself...you won't regret it :)

1lb box mochiko*
1-1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
dash salt
13.5 oz can coconut milk*
1-1/2 cup water
1 tsp vanilla
food coloring
katakuriko (potato starch)* for coating -- or -- cornstarch

Preheat oven 350 degrees
Grease 9x13 pan
Cover pan with foil
Bake 1 hour

Remove foil & cool
Sprinkle cooled mochi with katakuriko
Use plastic knife to cut mochi into strips; coat with katakuriko

Most of these items can be purchased at any grocery store. You may have to do a bit more hunting for the * items...but if you're near a Marukai or Asian food store, you can probably find these there!

Happy baking!

xoxo

~carlykins

Flame It Out!

6.17.13.

Recently Covergirl launched a new collection of items with vamped up packaging to appeal to the fun & sexier side of women...

A lot of talk has been focused on the Flamed Out mascara that was debuted. Covergirl's newest addition to it's fabulous mascaras is meant to help you achieve a bold look that makes a statement! "The unique wire brush coats your lashes for an instant volume boost...with winged lashes that curve up and out."

Flamed Out Mascara, Covergirl

Some things to note about this product:

• Gives a natural look; if you're looking for bold, I would suggest trying another in Covergirl's range of mascaras. (My personal fav is the LashBlast Volume Mascara). Application of additional coats is also an alternative for a bolder look.
• The unique brush applies the mascara fabulously--very little clumping if any!
• Longlasting & very appropriate for the 9-5 working ladies!
• Great packaging! ...& I love that P!NK is the Covergirl for this new collection!

I'm still trying to decide whether I would repurchase this product...I do like that it is a little more natural...but I do also love the boldness of the LashBlast :) I will try to update this post with a side by side comparison later!

xoxo

~carlykins

Birthday Week - 25 is the new 21

6.16.13.

Sadly all birthdays must come to an end...& a new chapter in life really begins...

...but being 25 doesn't feel much different from being 24 (and under)...

There are some things to look forward to though:

1. I can rent a car--who's ready for a road trip! Also car insurance discounts??
2. Prime age for the 7 year rule ;) ...still a Puma, not quite a cougar yet HAHA.
3. People think you are mature; don't let their judgements get too far into your thoughts though!
4. Others will value you more what's inside than what's on the outside.
5. The best of life is ahead--I hear the mid-twenties are awesome!

I am so fortunate to have such wonderful family & friends who made my 25th birthday fabulous! I can't say enough thank you's to everyone who helped make this birthday so special :)

Honolulu Night Market, Kaka'ako, HI

Also stumbled across this in the Thought Catalog--which i LOVE!--6 Rules for Turning 25.

I am also loving this; it reminds me to love MY life, because it is mine & it's OK to be 25 :)

xoxo

~carlykins

Also want to wish a Happy Father's Day to my Daddy (and all of the other father's out there!)--"you're the besssssssst"! :)

Birthday Week - Ichiriki

6.15.13.

I can't tell you how special I felt today with all of the lovely messages, posts & phone calls that I received from fam & friends... Birthdays always seem like the best time to catch up with old friends that you don't get to chat with much too.

While I had to stay at work later than I expected today, this lucky gal was really looking forward to the dinner plans for the night--Ichiriki (nabe)!! YUM!

Happy Birthday to meeee!

nom nom nom

xoxo

~carlykins