Popularity - What Does It Take?

Imagine you are a fish.  Not a big fish, but a small fish that is very easily taken for granted. You’re the fish that swims with a lot of other fish that look and act like you, so everyone can just blend in together.  Now imagine being a shark, the king of the ocean. You have lots of power, and are able to use it at your own will.
You sometimes swim with others like yourself, but are not afraid to swim alone because, no matter what, you will always rule in the deep blue sea. 

This undersea food chain of social status is much like one that we have all experienced…high school.

High school is a time for everyone to find themselves.  This is the time to become who we will be for the rest of our lives.  This is where we grow up.  So is it important to be popular in high school?

Although psychologists have studied popularity for years, the issue continues to perplex men and women everywhere.

Former runway model, Tyra Banks, conducted a study on teenage social status on an episode of her talk show.  The study was based around what it was like to be popular and unpopular in high school. Tyra selected a handful of unpopular girls, and then chose the same amount of popular girls, all from the same school.  At first she interviewed each group separately. Then, she put the two groups together, and asked them questions that got the conversation going.  In short, the popular girls didn’t see anything wrong with being popular, and who is to say there is?  However, the unpopular girls saw the popular girls as mean and, as they referred to them, “fake”. 
All of the unpopular girls had at one point in their high school career been attacked verbally by the “plastics”.
Another great example of this phenomena, is the 2004 movie Mean Girls. This is a prime example of how sometimes the popular group can take things a bit far, and just by wearing the right cloths and having a bit more money than the usual, pretty much anyone can get to the top of the social status faster than a blink of an eye.

So what is it about popularity that makes some people want to be a part of it so bad?
“I think it’s mainly the feeling of being accepted and recognized by your classmates. It makes you feel like you’re part of something and that is a very desirable thing in high school,” freshman Bridget says.

Popularity is something that aggravates, torments, and even makes us feel at ease knowing that there is a group of people to run it all. 
Are you willing to do whatever it takes to become popular, become queen bee or prince charming?  What will you do to swim the sharks?

Let me know what you think in the comments section!

Take A Moment - A Calming Short Story

Take A Moment...

The world is busy and loud now and people rush about everywhere not even noticing what’s happening around them, but late at night when most of the world is sleeping and quiet sneak outside, look at the stars, smell the air, shiver when the chill of it hits your lungs and turns your breath white.
Listen.
Listen to the silence and the soft sounds of the evening. It’s not really silent; there will always be sound if you listen closely. The sound of a night bird, a train in the distance, the wind whistling through the trees, even the sound of your own heartbeat can be heard. It’s all there if you listen.
It is late now, turn off your tv, step away from your laptop and phone and all the other devices that make you feel connected but leave you utterly alone. Walk out into the night, embrace the cool air, and dance alone in the night breeze. Stare up at those watchful stars that you haven’t looked at in oh so long.
While you look and you listen and you dance, remember what it is to be alive, remember why you live and what really matters to you.
Perhaps you’ll find it’s not what you’ve been working so hard at.
We never stop anymore; we keep going so fast and forget why we started. The world spins and no one even notices how beautiful it all is.

Stop.

Take a moment to feel what it is

To be alive.

10 Special Beauty Secrets

We women are bombarded with thousands of products that help us appear beautiful, young, and attractive to others. There's always that one magic potion or some special formula will make us look fabulously gorgeous, unbelievable glamorous, and forever young.

But I believe that the most wonderful, powerful, and authentic beauty secrets are free and available to every woman in the world.

1) A genuine smile.

There is nothing in the world more attractive. A smile is worth a hundred times more than the most expensive sparkly lipstick. Many years ago I came upon some research attempting to discover what made a woman attractive. The researchers showed hundred of men pictures of all sorts of women and asked them who they would ask out for a date hoping for a long term relationship. It was overwhelmingly clear that the women who were smiling were the ones men found attractive.
*Regardless of shape, hair color, height, or any number of measurements, it was a smile that was compelling.

2) Bright eyes.

While we may be misled to think that beautiful eyes are created with the thickest, luscious mascara, a new make-up technique, or the right color eye-shadow, bright eyes filled with wonder, interest, peace, curiosity, and concern capture us. The eyes are the window to the soul, they entreat us, compel us, and connect us to one another.

3) Health.

Now, I am not talking about those who have a model form and are in perfect shape.... I mean those with a healthy outlook on life, those who care and respect their form, those who have a balanced and centered life. As humans in spite of the greatest care we may not always be in optimum physical, spiritual, and/or emotional health (I believe we need the difficult challenges to grow and develop). But if our underlying sense of self is healthy, if our worldview is one of peace and strength, we can go through the difficult times where our health is challenged with dignity. I've seen the beauty of those who face death with gentleness. I've seen the heartbroken remain beautiful as they hold onto hope and faith amidst enormous difficulty. I've seen those struggling with serious health concerns retain the self-respect and honor that reflects the beauty within.

4) Graciousness.

I can't think of a more beautiful trait than graciousness. That loveliest of qualities that helps us feel accepted, cared for, and loved. Graciousness is a dignity filled with respect, concern, and acceptance. It is embracing the highest human qualities while releasing the base and tawdry. Graciousness is ultimately ennobling and fills us with reverence for life and each other. When we are in the presence of a gracious person, we feel the wonder of their beauty and feel beautiful ourselves.

5)A tender gaze.

There are few things in life that fill us with peace and love and joy as a tender gaze. Looking at others with love and care is more attractive than all the beauty products humans could ever create. Whether a mother gazes upon her newborn, or lovers gaze upon their beloved, a tender gaze must be one of the most alluring abilities of all.

6)Hands that reach for others.

There is a deep alluring grace in those whose lives are dedicated to service, care, and support of those in need. It is as if the souls that live to care and love the world are filled with the very essence of what is beautiful. I do not know of anything more wondrous, majestic, and glorious than seeing the compassion of one human for another.

7)An Authentic Soul.

Being in the presence of another who is expressing their true self is like seeing a flower in full bloom. On the other hand, when we see those who are trying to be something other than what they are, we miss their unique beauty.

8)A radiant aura.

When all is said and done, true beauty is clearly not a provocative form, a mask or pretense, or glamorous sexy clothing we put on our form. True beauty is a positive, healing, nurturing energy that IS us.

9)Confidence and humility.

These come together because they require balance. Over confidence can become elitism, even egotism while humility can move toward insecurity and low self-esteem. What is absolutely gorgeous is a being who is confident and has a strong sense of self blended with an awareness and honoring of the grandeur of their place in the universe.

10)A Loving spirit.

There is nothing more attractive than being in the presence of a spirit who loves others and who loves life. Love is a powerful force and humankind is in desperate need of those who can share their love with the world.

True beauty is the pure energy that radiates from our hearts.

Whether you are a young woman who may have bought into the myth of what the world is trying to tell you is beautiful, or if you are a woman moving into a phase of life where the world is telling you, you are no longer beautiful, my hope is to remind us all that we do not have to always buy into outward appearance to be valuable and beautiful.

While it is important to care for ourselves, to have respect for our forms, and to honor our bodies; and it is lovely to appropriately attend to our outward appearance, may we not forget that our true beauty is inside, radiating peace, joy, care, and love to the world.

You are a beautiful being... don't forget it!

Ask Kiara: Boyfriend Vs. Bestfriends

Question: “I’m dating this guy that everyone thinks is weird. He is really sweet. What should I do?”

Answer:

Growing up, you started making best friends and as you did this, their opinions became necessary to you. This is why it bothers you so much that they don’t like your boyfriend.
Just like everyone, you lean on your friends.
Girls have a tendency to gather together and take in everyone’s opinion on the guys they are currently dating.  If you ask a group of people if they listen to their friends, they may say a ‘little bit’ but they are lying to themselves. Every body listens to their friends about eighty-five percent of the time!

The best thing to do is focus on what you want. Your friends aren’t dating him, you are. Your feelings are important and they should respect that. They weren’t there to see his facial expressions or body language, you were! True friends should support you on your decisions.
Many girls say it’s hard to find a sweet guy. So what if he is a little weird or a tad bit strange? The weird ones are the most interesting. He could be weird because he acts like himself around you. There are so many people who act like something they’re not, so appreciate that you have someone real!
Everyone says friends want the best for you, and that is right. Friends want to make sure you don’t do things that you will later regret. You can’t get mad at your friends for not liking him because everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but make sure you do what you want!
Ashley Philips, sophomore of Swansboro high said, “Sure, some of my friends hate my boyfriend, but I don’t care. We’ve been dating for awhile and we’re happy!”
Dating someone “weird” isn’t a bad thing. If you are truly happy with this guy don’t let anyone bring you down. This is your relationship and it only involves you and him. Not you, him, and all your friends.

❤❤❤

Enjoying this new section on my blog?
If YOU have a problem you need advice with, email me at kiarabramdaw1@gmail.com for a chance for your questions to be answered on this blog!

Himalaya Neem Mask Review

The Himalaya Herbals Neem Mask: 🌿

I was delighted to receive a set from Himalaya Herbals,  which included a Himalaya Face Wash and Himalaya Face Scrub, but what really stood out was the Himalaya Neem Mask.

It came in a compact tube which is delightful as I can open and close it and carry it around as I please.

My skin appears firmer/tighter, smoother,clearer, and more refreshed. It seems to draw out extra oils but does not overdry the drier areas. I tried not to smile, laugh, or talk while the mask was drying because the mask will crack and that would make it less effective on the problem areas on my face. I took my time when washing the product off so that I wouldn't pull on my skin. This is great for both guys and girls who suffer from acne prone skin.
This took some time, but the end results were worth it. 😊🌿🌿🌿

I suggest that you try this product as can guarantee you that it leaves a wonderful feel to your skin afterwards as well as noticeable results in fairness, tightening and lightening.

Be sure to give Himalaya Herbals a follow on Instagram @himalayabeauty :)!

Be sure to subscribe to my blog for more upcoming reviews!

How to Hide Acne/Pimples with Makeup

-Finding the Right Makeup-

•Acquire oil-free makeup. Cosmetics that do not clog pores are called noncomedogenic or non-acnegenic. The first ingredient in your makeup should be water. Opt for mineral-based cosmetics, which will absorb excess oil and hide redness without irritating your skin.

Noncomedogenic makeup does not interfere with acne medication.

•Pick the right primer for your skin. Use oil-free primer to keep your makeup in place. It can be especially difficult to keep concealer on an inflamed zit, but a dab of primer does the trick. Lightweight primers are less likely to irritate acne and are easier on oily skin.

•Use a primer with SPF for protection from the sun, especially if you have scarring or hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure can slow the healing process.

•Consider a powder foundation. A mineral-powder foundation is less likely to clog your pores than a liquid foundation, though it will provide less coverage. Opt for mattifying products: they absorb excess oil, and a matte finish conceals bumpiness.

•Avoid shimmery finish, which will draw attention to bumps.Foundations that are designed to last all day are more likely to clog your pores, causing further acne.

•Find or make a concealer that matches your skin tone. Concealer that is too light or dark will highlight your trouble spots, rather than hiding them. Mix two shades of concealer if you cannot find one that matches your skin.

•Consider using a setting powder.Setting powder can benefit oily skin, but can exacerbate dryness in other skin. If you choose to use it, find a light setting powder that is less likely to trap oils under your skin.

-Applying the Makeup-

•Clean and moisturize your skin. Before applying makeup, gently wash your face with warm water. Gently rub in a fragrance-free water-based moisturizer. Apply a sunscreen or a moisturizer-sunscreen combination for protection against the sun.

Sunscreen does not cause acne unless it contains harmful chemicals such as PABA and benzophenone.

•Prepare your brush or sponge. You can use brushes or sponges to apply your makeup if you would like to avoid touching your skin. Acne can be caused by bacteria on the hands, but sponges or brushes can also hold bacteria, so be sure wash them at least twice a week.

•Apply primer. Wait a few minutes to allow your skin to absorb the moisturizer, then use your fingers or a sponge to apply primer. If you prefer not to use a primer across your whole face, you can dab it onto problem spots to help fasten your concealer.

•Apply concealer. Wait a few minutes for your primer to set, then apply concealer in an x to your acne. Gently pat it in place. Do not rub, or it may streak.

You may prefer to wait on the concealer after you have applied foundation, as foundation will cover many of the milder occurrences of acne.

You can use a green concealer to diffuse pigmentation. Never apply green concealer after applying foundation.

•Apply foundation. Wait a few seconds for your concealer to set, then use a brush to apply foundation. Use as little as possible. If your first application seems inadequate, add light, even layers until you are satisfied with the result.

If you still have spots, wait a few minutes for your foundation to set, then add concealer.If you are finishing with a setting powder, you can apply it now. With a brush, apply it on your skin in slow circles.

Once your foundation has set, you can apply the rest of your makeup.

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