Half Year Gone Already!

Gosh!

Has it been six months already!! I'm sure some of us might already started feeling the pressure: have I achieved my dreams, how many of my goals are still left unfulfilled - will I have enough time to finish all of my year's projects?

Trust me, I know exactly how you feel! It's tough to realize that all your grand and even not-so-grand aspirations for 2011 have not yet seen the light of day. It might be you planned to settle down this year, start a business, take a course - or just lose weight.

I'm not here to feed you any "self-help" jargon about how life should be viewed in terms of "half full" and not "half-empty" - I'm sure you've heard enough of that already!

No, but I will assure you that there's more to life than what you think you have or don't have. And if you feel that others seem to be making headway in leaps and bounds while your's is at a snail's pace, well. . . .I urge you to think of those who can't move at all.

Just take several deep, calming breaths every time you think, well, my life is crap. Exhale, and remember how much worse it could be. And then remember all the opportunities, hopes and strengths you still have left and put them to use. Wake up every morning with a positive attitude that says to the world: YOU CAN'T HOLD ME DOWN!

Believe it or not, I tell myself the very same things every day. Because I know that things can always get better. But only if I wish it. So, my friends, wish it.

Wish for that new car. For that fantastic, fulfilling relationship. For that well-paying job - or for that longed-for holiday in the Carribeans!

What ever it is, give life another go, and look forward with a smile to the next six months of 2011!!


Mae

Which Flavour Are YOU?

FLAVOURS OF BEAUTY

   The issue of skin colour and all its variations has always been a big one, right through the ages. And these days, while some women feel comfortable “in their own skin” and love their natural shades, others feel the need to alter their looks to suit what they consider is more acceptable, attractive, and beautiful.

  However, with the coming of the era of self-awareness and self-love, many of us are coming to understand why we look the way we do, and why we should take pride in ourselves, what ever our skin tone or shade.

  When ever I go shopping for make up for my skin i.e. foundation, powder or mousse, I find so many imaginative names and descriptions of the many skin tones out there, and it gave me the idea that with the right branding and the proper mindset, there is no limit to how beautiful you can look or feel. The question you should always ask yourself is, What Flavour Am I?

  Chocolate. This is a very "popular" shade used to depict dark, deep tones. There are a few lucky ones who do have skin which possesses the silky, deliciously becoming shade of dark chocolate. It does help, when one has dark skin, to keep it meticulously clean and free of too much layers of make-up, as the beauty lies in the fact that it glows and shines.

  Nutmeg.  Another dark shade, it gives the appearance of a medium, rich brown, just like the spice from which the name is acquired. Like all brown/dark tones, nutmeg skin types are loveliest when free from all clutter. However, deep shades of navy blue, purple and pink are nice colours used for lipstick and eye-shadow which help to compliment the skin.

  Vanilla. When you think of vanilla, what comes to mind is the golden-yellow tone like the ice cream that melts so sweetly on the tongue. This fair-coloured skin type is a glorious tone especially when it is spotless and even. Heavy make up should be avoided as, with all skin types, less is always more. Nude tones are also not good with such skin as it tends to make the wearer almost invisible. However, go easy on the pink and red lipstick and the bright eye-shadow, as it can make one look much like a painted doll. Understated, rich pastel colours go well with this “flavour”.

  Peaches & Cream.  There are those skin tones that have the illusion of being blended with pinks and whites, which come across as wholesome and appealing. If you feel you have very pale skin, then you may want to keep it plain, simple and unclogged. Pampering yourself with the best products to suit your delicate tone will ensure that it stays beautiful and endearing.