Remembering 2014

Since this is the last day of 2014, I thought it'd be nice to take a look back. I can't say this year was my favorite but it did give me my biggest blessing, my daughter ♡ I still remember the experience of giving birth clearly. It was pretty intense. Ava wasn't due until 15 days after she was born so I actually had plans to go to lunch with my dad but I went to the hospital around 6AM and gave birth at almost 3PM. Becoming a mother was the best thing that happened to me, I love my daughter more than anything ♡

Other things that happened this year:

- I re-established contact with my cousin who is currently serving as a missionary in Indiana. We've always had on and off contact because of the distance but we're trying to maintain it now.

- I was baptized with my daughter and my brother, that was an interesting experience.

- I went through a lot of things that opened my eyes and made them tear but that's okay because that water is going to give life to the seeds experience has sowed for 2015.

- Jade and I celebrated our second anniversary together.

- I started working for my family's business but I'm still deciding whether I would like to follow in my father's exact footsteps or not. I'm torn because I do want to have this career but I don't want to live on Guam for the rest of my life. I thought about expanding the company to the US but it depends on how finances work out in the future.

- I went through about four or five phones but only one broke.

- I started my subscription with Ipsy. I decided $10/month is worth it because the items always surpass the cost. It's like a little gift to myself every month (:

- I started this blog and hope it has a future (:

- I started drinking green tea more actively, a friend of mine said it does wonders for the skin.

- Ava gained three cousins this year: Elise, MariAnna, and Kekoah ♡

This is all that sticks out to me. I'm ready for the new year! Are you?

Peace. Love. Aloha.

Review: Skincare Products

For the past month, I have tried a new skincare products in my routine and it didn't work for me. I used Neutrogena's Deep Clean facial cleanser (for normal to oily skin) to wash my face twice a day and used Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel toner once daily.

Neutrogena's Deep Clean Facial Cleanser (for normal to oily skin): My face did feel softer right after use but in a few hours, dried up. This product didn't work for me, I didn't see any changes in my face. I'll be looking for something else to use next year.

Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel toner: This product worked for the first two weeks but caused me redness during week three. Since this product is made with natural ingredients and alcohol free, I think the combination with the aforementioned facial cleanser caused the redness. I will be trying this with a different cleanser and will post an update on how it works (or doesn't) with my face.

That's it for now. If you have any skincare product recommendations, please comment below and I might give it a try! I have oily skin with average sensitivity. Thanks for reading!

Peace. Love. Aloha.

A-Z Favorites

I've been wanting to do a favorites post for a while. It was either this or "Fifty Favorites" but I didn't want to bore everyone with 50 of my favorite things. I created this list by myself and struggled with a few letters but it all came together.

Animal: Phoenix and Lioness
Book: The "Hush, Hush" series by Becca Fitzpatrick
Color: Pink
Disney Princess: Aurora
Exercise: Dancing and Rugby
Food: Salmon and Kalua Pig
Genre of Music: Island
Holiday: Christmas
Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
Joke: What do you call the security guards at Samsung? The Guardians of the Galaxy! (Lame, I know.)
Keepsake: Ava's outfit that she came home in.
Lip Balm: EOS Pomegranate Raspberry
Movie: Boondock Saints 1 & 2
Number: 9
Occupation (thus far): Admin Assistant
Passion: Scrapbooking
Quirk: Organization
Robot: Baymax from Big Hero 6
Superhero: Wonder Woman
TV Show: Supernatural and The Walking Dead
Upcoming Music Artist: Charli XCX
Video Game: Call of Duty: Ghosts
Website: Pinterest
X Games Category: Moto X
YouTube Channel: Michelle Phan
Zoo Memory: Hearing a hyena's laugh.

There you have it, my A-Z Favorites! I hope this was at least slightly entertaining for everyone (:

Peace. Love. Aloha.

Ipsy Unboxing - December 2014

**Ipsy provides a monthly makeup products subscription that costs $10. This is not a scripted post. I am not getting any monetary contributions for this post. Also, please keep in mind that these are just first impressions - not lasting.**

This is my first Ipsy review post so I haven't figured out how I really want to take the photos and how I want to let the post flow, please bear with me for now. Here is what I received this month: 

This month's theme was Thinking of You. The bags design was simple but pretty. I'll be using it as a pencil case for work. The products I received were Cailyn Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchid, Coolway Boost Repair Treatment, Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush, NYX Cosmetics Butter Lip Balm in Red Velvet, and Tarte Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara.

Products Review:

CAILYN Cosmetics Just Mineral Eye Polish in Orchid

When I first saw this product in my sneak peek, I was a little skeptical because I have never used an eye polish before. Because of the word "polish" I thought I was receiving a cream eyeshadow but it's actually powder. I liked the built-in applicator but would prefer using a brush. I love how the color looks on my wrist but that's not how it looks on my eyes. It's a warmer color so I'll probably use it during the summer and pair it with a nude lip. For best application, close product and shake side to side. It will put more powder on the applicator.

Coolway Boost Repair Treatment

I forgot whether or not I checked hair products on my quiz but I am so grateful I received this. My hair has been giving me some problems lately despite using Organix shampoo and conditioner, which it used to respond to. When I opened the seal, the first thing I noticed was the pleasant aroma. I tried it on a section of my hair and after first use, the hair felt softer. I will keep using this and likely post an update on how it works (or doesn't) with my hair.

Crown Brush Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet Brush

Once I saw the sneak peek of this brush on Twitter, I really hoped it would be in my bag! This is my first brush from Ipsy and I'm very happy with it! The bristles feel nice, they apply and blend well. It has functionality and style, isn't that what we look for in a brush?

NYX Cosmetics Butter Lip Balm in Red Velvet

I love lip balms! Living in a tropical environment causes me to constantly apply my old reliable EOS Pomegranate Raspberry lip balm but I'm always open to try other balms. I like the color but I'm not fond of application. It skipped the areas where my lips have grooves (I have a tendency to bite the skin there. Horrible, I know.). It's a nice pink/red tint and adds perfect color to the face. I think I'll be using this when I'm in a hurry and need a quick color boost. I'm also considering using it for family Christmas photos.

Tarte Deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

I'm not sure what the "4-in-1" technically entitles. Every subscriber received this so I'm excited to hear what everyone else's experience with this is. As for me, my lashes lack length and volume. This is my first product from Tarte and I am completely won over! This is my favorite product this month! I definitely plan on buying the normal sized one when I go to Hawaii. My lashes aren't clumped together and the length it adds is beautiful! Ipsy, thank you!

This month's bag was my overall favorite since I've been subscribed (October 2014). I'm excited to see what Ipsy has in store for next year!

Peace. Love. Aloha.

Update on Last Week's Goals

Last week, I posted things I wanted to get done. However my daughter had a cold and fever, most likely from teething. Her two front top teeth came out at the same time! We took her to a doctor who prescribed her everything she needed to get better. Ava is feeling much better now (: I was able to accomplish a few things while ensuring my daughter's healing.

1. Come up with plans for Christmas. I decided to be really flexible and just list things we could do as a family instead of creating a set itinerary. Plus we don't know if our family members will be calling us to see them at a particular time. Some things on the list are go out to eat, see the Christmas lights and decorations around and go to a park.

2. Figure out what Ava and I going to wear for the Christmas parties, family Christmas pictures and on Christmas day. Ava wore a pink onesie with magenta/fuchsia aztec leggings to the LS Christmas party and a yellow and white dress to the NKO Christmas party. For family pictures and the day of, Ava will be wearing the same thing. I know what I'm wearing for family pictures but decided just to wing it on Christmas day.

3. Make sure Ava has a playdate with her cousin ASAP. Since Ava was sick, of course we had to cancel. I'm going to try to reschedule for either this week or next week.

4. Buy drinks for the NKO Christmas party. Done!

5. Plan out events and finances for Ava's first birthday. Done unless plans change which are 40% likely.

6. & 7. Have fun at work Christmas parties. At LS, Jade and I participated in activities and won prizes, that was cool. There was a photobooth. I wish we took more pictures but there was a long line. At NKO, the vibe was more laid back which was how I wanted to end my day. I met new people and Jade knew someone there (not surprising with how small Guam is) so they got to talk and catch up.

8. Wrap and label presents. Done!

9. Spend time with my brother on his 7th birthday. I didn't get to see my brother on his day but I know I'll be seeing him on Christmas day (:

10. Buy Christmas gifts for Ava, Jade and my mom. Done!

So that's how last week's goals worked out. I hope you all have a great time this holiday season!

IN OTHER NEWS: baby Kekoah is finally here ♡ came out at 20.5 inches & 7 lbs, 15 oz (: I haven't had the chance to meet him but that's going to change soon.

Peace. Love. Aloha.

Why I'm Excited for 2015

2015 is right around the corner and I can't wait for it to be here! I'm looking forward to so much next year! My daughter will be one, we will be going to Hawaii where I will be reuniting with family I haven't seen in over a decade, my best friend is getting married and so much more! My work is also making changes to improve next year so I'm ready to be a part of that! I have a feeling 2015 will have a unique happiness to it. I'm contemplating doing the idea where you write down the good things that happened to you and put it in a jar throughout the year and read them on December 31st. If you have done that before, please comment below your experience with it (: Let's end 2014 with no regrets and no anger in us. If you're ringing in the new year with a party, please be safe and bring a designated driver!

Peace. Love. Aloha.

The Christmas Tag ♡

1. What is your favorite Christmas Movie(s)?
The Family Stone, The Santa Clause trilogy, Arthur Christmas, Elf, Unaccompanied Minors, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (animated), Mickey's Christmas Carol, Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
In addition to those, I actually love the old stop motion Christmas specials: The Year Without a Santa Claus, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, The Little Drummer Boy and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
When I was younger, my mom let me open one gift on Christmas Eve but as I grew older, she told me to wait for Christmas morning. I like opening gifts on Christmas day because all the built up excitement is fulfilled (:

3. Do you have a favorite Christmas memory?
When I was young and still believed in Santa, there was a Christmas where we ran out of milk. Instead of going to the store, we put out cookies and a six-pack of beer haha!

4. Favorite festive food?
Peppermint bark! I live off of peppermint in December!

5. Favorite Christmas gift?
I was fortunate to have gifts every year as a kid. That was enough for me.

6. Favorite Christmas scent?
Christmas trees! The smell of fresh Christmas trees make me feel like Christmas is in the air (since snow doesn't happen on Guam).

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
No but I plan to start some with my little family as Ava grows.

8. What tops your tree?
This changes every Christmas. Sometimes a star, sometimes an angel, and sometimes nothing at all.

9. As a kid what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?
This answer is a little embarrassing but I'll be truthful: Holiday Barbie.

10. What's the best part about Christmas for you?
Quality time. Christmas forces people to get together and talk about everything going on in their lives.

I found this tag on Victoria Barnett's blog (: I smiled while doing this tag, that's the power of Christmas. If you do it too, leave me a link in the comments so I can check it out (:

Peace. Love. Aloha.

Goals for the Week

I haven't been thinking about what I need to do in December because I have been stressing out about Ava's Christmas outfit. I was so nervous that it wouldn't be here in time but I finally received a notification that it is at the post office. Since I no longer have to worry about it, I realized there's a lot I have to do this week!

1. Come up with plans for Christmas day.
2. Figure out what Ava and I are going to wear for the Christmas parties, family Christmas pictures and on Christmas day.
3. Make sure Ava has a playdate with her cousin ASAP.
4. Buy drinks for the NKO Christmas party.
5. Plan out events and finances for Ava's first birthday.
6. Have fun at the LS Christmas party.
7. Have fun at the NKO Christmas party.
8. Wrap and label presents.
9. Spend time with my brother on his 7th birthday.
10. Buy Christmas gifts for Ava, Jade and my mom.

I need this week to go by as smoothly as possible and I hope my paycheck is satisfactory for all that I need to get. We'll see how this week goes (:

Peace. Love. Aloha.

Huggies Soft Skin wipes VS Luvs Ultra Clean wipes

Every parent wants to use the best products for their baby to ensure cleanliness and health. There are many other brands out there. I wish somewhere on Guam sold The Honest Company's products because I would love to try them for Ava and I haven't heard any negative reviews. I'm very tempted to buy a pack on Amazon! Knowing myself, it's 80% likely to happen.

Huggies Soft Skin wipes (Pros & Cons)

Pros:
- nice texture
- removes makeup efficiently
- trusted brand name

Cons:
- tears easily
- takes many wipes for #2 to be cleaned
- difficult to come out of wipes box

Luvs Ultra Clean wipes (Pros & Cons)

Pros:
- good coverage
- separates well in portable wipes holder
- sense of cleanliness is there

Cons:
- feels very soapy
- doesn't separate well when pulled out of wipes box
- feels like it's low quality

End Result: I use Luvs because it gets the job done using less wipes which definitely comes in handy with an active baby who has a #2 load in her diaper.

Peace. Love. Aloha.

How To: Onesie Rolls

Hello, everyone! Jade's cousin had a baby shower last month and baby Kekoa is expected to make his debut into the world any day now! This was very last minute so I had to use what I have laying around. I didn't want to just put the onesies in tissue then in a bag so I found this idea on Pinterest and loved it! (Please don't mind my nails, I'm still in the process of making them nice for Christmas.) Also, this is my first DIY blog post so I'm still finding my flow for posts like this. I'm not sure what type of quality my pictures will show but I hope they are clear enough to understand. If you have any advice for me, please comment below. Thank you! This is the finished product:

Materials:

- 3 Month onesie set

- baby shoe box
- wrapping paper
- knife/box cutter
- scissors
- tape
- construction paper
- rubber bands
- pencil
- ruler
- sheet protector

Let's start with the box:

And now the box cover:

Start by using a ruler to mark where you want to cut.

Cut as neatly as possible with knife/box cutter.

Wrap using same wrapping paper from box then tape cut sheet protector* from the inside.

*Measure and cut sheet protector to fit.

Now that your box is done, let's continue with the confetti-like material to be placed around the clothes and as a garnish on the onesies:

After the 24 hours, cut small sections and mix together.

Put those to the side and let's move to the onesies:

The picture above shows a step-by-step guide to roll the onesie.

This is what my finished onesies looked like.

Now, we are going to decorate our onesies!

Materials for this step: scissors, gift wrapping paper, onesie, and tape

Okay. At this point, we have our onesies, our confetti-like material, and our finished box. All we have to do now is put it together.

I started by placing the onesies in the box then placing the construction paper confetti in the empty spaces. I underestimated how much I would need, though. From there, I took one piece of every different color and garnished the onesies in the corner. For the middle onesie, I used the tag and taped it to the center. Close the box using the cover, tape down accordingly, and label for the recipient (: I hope this post gave someone an idea for onesie rolls. Again, please feel free to comment any advice for me regarding this post or other ways to present onesies as a gift! Thank you!

Peace. Love. Aloha.

Makeup Notice

Since I will be posting makeup reviews once in a while, I would like everyone to keep in mind that makeup works differently for every person. There are many different factors that could change how a product works for you including skin type, skin sensitivity, application, environment, etc. I have oily skin with average sensitivity and my everyday environment is tropical.

Peace. Love. Aloha.

Movie Mayhem

Hey everyone! This post is a request from a beautiful soul with MS as her initials (: She also gets credit for the title of this post. In my last post, I recommended to watch a feel-good movie when you're upset. This post will list over 25 movie choices that I find put a smile on my face!

First thing that came to mind was a favorite comedian's special like:
- Gabriel Iglesias: Aloha Fluffy, 2013
- Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain, 2013

Here's the other movies I would recommend: (Listed in alphabetical order followed by year it came out.)
- 50 First Dates, 2004
- Anastasia, 1997
- Balto, 1995
- Blended, 2014
- Cool Runnings, 1993
- Despicable Me, 2010
- Despicable Me 2, 2013
- Here Comes The Boom, 2012
- Hotel Transylvania, 2012
- Letters to Juliet, 2010
- Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, 2012
- Never Been Kissed, 1999
- Pitch Perfect, 2012
- Rio, 2011
- Rio 2, 2014
- Rise of the Guardians, 2012
- She's All That, 1999
- Spice World, 1997
- Sweet Home Alabama, 2002
- Tangled, 2010
- The Aristocats, 1970
- The Blind Side, 2009
- The Goonies, 1985
- The Little Rascals, 1994
- The NeverEnding Story, 1984
- We Bought a Zoo, 2011

Those are the feel-good movies I think would cheer anyone up (: Normally I wouldn't include "the" for movie titles but in this case, I figured it'd be easier to look up. If you have any further recommendations of feel-good movies, please feel free to comment below! Thank you and I hope you're all having a good December so far!

Peace. Love. Aloha.

When You're Upset

Everyone gets upset over different things and has their own way of coping with it. This post is going to share what happens when I get upset and I'll be listing ways to handle it and ways it shouldn't be.

When I get upset, my mind thinks about how the situation will play out in the near future - possible worst case scenario. For me, writing helps. I write what happened, how I feel about it, and why I was upset over it. Then I feel like I have a lighter load on my shoulders.

Here are other ways to deal with being upset:
- be upset and cry if you want to, it's better to let it out than bottle it up
- DIY crafts
- listen to happy, upbeat music
- watch a feel-good movie (Disney movies are a prime example.)
- exercise
- pamper yourself
- read your favorite book
- talk about it with someone you trust
- sleep on it

Things you shouldn't do when you're upset:
- go on social media, it will be tempting to post about your situation
- drive
- speak before thinking
- self-harm (I know this one is tough for some people out there but try, beautiful.)
- take it out on someone else
- handle any sharp objects
- let it ruin your whole day
- slap/hit anything unless it's a punching bag
- throw your phone, likely to regret it

I hope this helps someone out there! Keep smiling and moving forward!

Peace. Love. Aloha.

New to Blogspot

I always wanted to start a blog so I figured why not now? This blog will not focus specifically on one thing. Life is full of adventures and so will this blog.

A little insight to who I am: My name is Kaui and I'm a proud Hawaiian. My boyfriend, Jade Anthony, and I have a beautiful baby girl together named Ava ♡ I'm 20 with still so much to learn. I strive to become a better and more positive person and I really want to be able to give my daughter an amazing life.

FYI: I will not be posting personal photos because I fear the creepy people out there who might do creepy things such as post a hit on craigslist, use my daughter's pictures for their "personal" use, etcetera.

10 Facts About Me:
1) I'm a picky eater.
2) If I'm feeling anxious, Hawaiian music calms me down.
3) I'm a Leo and pretty much fit the description.
4) Christmas is my favorite holiday because of the cheer in the air.
5) I love makeup, hair & nail care, and skincare.
6) My moral code is set in stone.
7) I lived in Australia for about six months.
8) I have two older sisters and one younger brother.
9) I love dogs and hope to have a corgi, blue nose and red nose pitbull, rottweiler, pomsky, and a german shepherd in the future.
10) I don't cry in public.

That's it for this introductory post. I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

Peace. Love. Aloha.