a letter to my younger self.

Dear me,

You’re 27 years old now. You have an amazing boyfriend who you’ve been with since you were 13. Yeah, him, that guy. Weird right? You ended up with him (thank goodness). Never would of expected that huh? You even moved in together! Experienced so many firsts together and are happier than ever!! You even have your unborn daughters name picked out for when you’re ready to have kids (32 years old is the aim).

You’re working at a dental office, not very happy but making good money to survive and enjoy life. But you want more. You are following your dreams, you are pursuing what you love and that’s beautiful.

You figured out what your calling is. You want to create content, talk to others online and share your creations and thoughts. You’ve built a really nice community online, cool huh? I know you always dreamed about that and it’s finally here.

Please don’t care what others think, please don’t try to please everyone and be like everyone to “fit in”. Be YOU.

You’re silly, weird, shy, awkward, fun, spontaneous self. People love you for that although you seem to not realize it. Because you don’t love you.

Please be happy with yourself, all those features you hate you will learn to love and admire. Your lips! Your eyes! Your body! Your hair! You will embrace it one day and be proud. You will also be proud of your ethnicity.

Grandma passed away two days ago. Please ask her more questions about her life, learn more about the Japanese culture. Spend more time with her. When mom is talking to her on the phone, ask to speak with her. Thank her for being there for our family and for all the memories and continue to make those memories with her.

Spend time with tawny (little sister) be nice to her and have patience with her. Take advantage of her sweet youthful self and admire her innocence. She’s going to grow up quick. Be there for her.

Be there for yourself as well. Love yourself more and don’t be insecure. Everything will work out. You don’t need to have it all figured out now. It’s okay.

Love mom and tell her that more often, express your feelings more, it’s okay to show emotion. She needs to hear it.

You’re going to have a niece! She’s so sweet and kind. Very sensitive so try and spend as much time with her as possible. Play with her and love her. Make memories with her and again, have more patience with everyone.

Get off your phone once and a while. You’re not missing out on anything important.

Don’t worry about the mean girls. Feel for them. It’s nothing personal.

Take more risks, do things that make you feel uncomfortable! I promise you will grow from it. Be honest with others and with yourself. You’re not alone in any of this and others are going through the same thing.

Remember to never give up and to reach for the stars. You know you have what it takes. Take it.

People are going to look up to you and depend on you.

I love you so much and wish I could give you a long hug right now and just tell you everything will be okay. You’re going to make yourself and so many people proud.

Love,

Kara.

Mejuri

I’ve never been big on jewelry. I only keep the sentimental pieces my Mother has given to me. In fact I’ve actually never purchased any jewelry other than some cheap pieces from Forever 21 and H&M.

When I was contacted by Mejuri to try out a piece from their new vermeil shell collection I was so intrigued! Not only have I seen this brand all over social media but I fell in love with their simplicity and classic taste of design.

One thing I love to do when I am contacted by a brand is I love to research the brand and learn about it and its meaning behind it before I agree to terms and a partnership. One thing that stood out to me when I was reading about Mejuri is that they sell directly to us and that they do not deal with a middle man.

noun: middle-man

1. a person who buys goods from producers and sells them to retailers or consumers.

They also work with top jewelers who commit to ethical practices, exceptional craftsmanship, provide quality essentials, and who share the same values. Stated on their site they quote “It is our mission to have women embrace a daily dose of luxury.” I adored that statement and found it to be so thoughtful and sweet.

Also, compared to traditional retailers who do traditional markups, Mejuri handcrafts their pieces with the same top materials and craftsmanship as other top luxury jewelry brands. So you’re basically getting amazing, beautiful, unique piece for an affordable comfortable price.

They offer a variety of materials, 14k solid gold, sterling silver, gold vermeil, diamonds, gemstones and pearls. Also, when you receive your piece you are provided with a small handout on care instructions and information as well as a soft pouch to keep the piece in.

My piece arrived safe and sound and came very quick! It was packaged beautifully with care.

When I opened my package I was amazed by the detail on my piece. They were smaller than I expected which was actually great! The detail on the shell itself was unreal I could easily see the attention of detail that was placed on creating this.

They felt light but not too light. The simplicity of them provide such a great everyday piece.

All of their pieces have such a great everyday style to them; you can either dress them up or dress them down. However, regardless on how you intend to wear it you are given such a timeless class once it is on you. I could literally be wearing sweats and a hoodie and wear these earrings and it will look trendy.

I am so interested in trying out more from this brand. I am a very simple person so having a piece that is simple and elegant allows me to express myself and my style.

I now want to wear more jewelry! After styling this piece I was pleasantly surprised with how much a simple accessory can change an outfit. I instantly felt more put together.

If you are interested in this brand, I say go for it! You will be provided with quality and care.

I want to thank the Mejuri team for believing in me enough to send me one of their pieces from this collection. They did not ask that I review it but I felt like I wanted to as I was so proud to have received it.

Xx

Kara

how to become inspired when you’ve lost all creativity

I think we are all safe to say, we’ve been there.

When it comes to content creating we have our good days and of course our bad. Now what I’m about to teach you is how to stay inspired when you’ve reached a breaking point.

  • •Remember your “why”.

  • Why do you create? Why do you want to provide content for others? Why does it make you happy? Why do you do it?
  • By remembering your “why” will remind you of the entire reason you do what you do. It will spark a little moment in your mind that will bring you back to the beginning when you were so inspired! It will reassure you to not give up.
  • •Go on Pinterest.

  • This sounds blunt and I’ll be honest, it is. Pinterest may not even be a platform you’re with or a platform you enjoy. I was that person. I honestly didn’t care for it and had no clue how to use it and why I needed it. But once I did I was provided with assorted amounts of relevant photos, quotes, recipes, etc. of things I am interested in. Pinterest basically collects all the things you look up and provides similar recommendations to you on your home page that refreshes with every swipe.I want you to go on Pinterest and look up motivational quotes. I want you to look up whatever it is that you create or what sparks your interest whether it’s beauty related, fashion related, food related, anything. I want you to spend a good time in there just becoming involved in all its recommendations and saving things to your board and categorizing everything. Think of Pinterest as your virtual vision board.
  • I guarantee you will find some inspiration and ideas.
  • •Stay off of social media.

  • Yes, I said it. The shameful cliché response.
  • But really. Sometimes we become so involved in others lives and comparison that we lose sight of who we are and our blessings. Just maybe put your phone down for an hour and go outside, go for a drive, listen to your favorite songs. Just take a break from it all and have some me time.
  • •Drink coffee.

  • Caffeine is known to boost your serotonin (aka happy chemical in your body). Yes it may come with a downfall once it’s worn off but it does give you that little push. I always find myself most creative and inspired and ready for the world in the AM while I’m having my coffee.
  • You become focused and more alert to inspirations and creativity as well. Now if you’re not a coffee drinker then I suggest you have your favorite beverage of choice.
  • Find the person/people that inspire you.

  • You must have someone you look up to or someone who is an inspiration.
  • Spend some time admiring their work and creativity and allow that to give you hope and determination to stay focused and on track. Don’t look at it as you’re comparing but rather a little voice saying don’t give up.

I hope this helped you. These are a few things I like to do when I am feeling that way and they work and they’ve helped a lot.

What do you guys do when you’re feeling uninspired?

Xx

Kara

& so it begins.

Thanks for stopping by.

I am excited to share with you all my inner true passions, thoughts, ideas, creations.  I will warn you, I do have have the power to inspire and motivate you if you stay.  So lets get to know each other a bit more.

  • My name is Kara
  • I love coffee and I love lipliner
  • I am 27 years young
  • I am currently on a mission of pursuing my dream life
  • I live in California
  • I am new to this blogging thing.
  • I enjoy skincare, beauty, fashion, style, DIY, raw honesty.

I am both nervous and excited for this journey and where it may take me.

Now, how do you like your coffee?

Xx

kara