Dreams

     Hi! I hope everyone's week is going well. I thought it would be fun to talk about the evolution of dreams and goals. When I was a about 5 years old, I wanted to be a gymnast. Around 8 or 9 it changed to figure skater. When I was 11-13 I wanted to be a model or be in pageants (I know, I know). Then I really wanted to be a Seismologist. Then a Linguist or translator. Then professional dancer (not that kind!). And finally, a massage therapist.

     Looking back, I'm not really sure how those things have changed. As a child, I was obsessed with watching gymnastics on tv or in movies, and the same was true for figure skating. Some of that had to do with very little money to go toward a coach and gear for those things, and some of it came from being the youngest and having very protective parents.

     When I was a preteen, I got loads of pageant offers and applications in the mail from modeling agents. I wanted to do it so badly, that I put post-it notes all over the house. The computer screen read, "Please put me in a pageant!", inside the toilet seat read, "I'll never ask for anything ever again if you let me be in a pageant!" I would even put post-it notes with similar messages on my dad's forehead while he was napping.

     One year I watched Dante's Peak and shortly after, Volcano. I became obsessed with volcanoes. I read all about the rocks, how one would go inside and read the activity levels. Then I read about what was needed as far as degrees and college courses for that profession, and then you're still unlikely to ever be put in the position of travelling to all of the world's most active volcanoes. That dream was debunked in one afternoon.

     I decided after meeting a foreign exchange student at a 4-H event that I should learn several languages. Then I began researching what I would need to for those professions. Once again, debunked.

     I loved giving massages, and I was told quite frequently how good I was and that I should be a massage therapist. I could actually see myself doing that! I practiced on everyone. I applied to a few massage schools.
And then came the negative. My mother became very cynical toward this line of work and told me on a regular basis how much she disapproved of me "rubbing" strange men all day. That was soon echoed by my aunt, and then my boyfriend. I gave it up.

     I was a competitive swing dancer for 4 years and really thought that's where my life was going. I had an awesome partner and we choreographed all of our routines together. I was the most disciplined I have ever been in my whole life. I breathed swing. I took on average 6-8 hours of yoga classes a week and rehearsed on average 20 hours a week on top of having a job. This all came to an abrupt halt when I started having difficulties with my knees and back. I had also broken and sprained many bones. My partner was having some major personal challenges, and called it quits. I looked all over for a new partner. My mom even ran an ad in the newspaper. I still wish I could dance.

     My dreams and goals look so different now. I wish I could go back and tell my 17 year old self to be strong. That not everyone is going to like you or what you're doing. That if you push through and do it anyway, it would be worth it. So many people give up on something that was meaningful to them and could have changed their life.

     Tread carefully when a person confides in you with their dreams and goals. So many times you hear, "Don't get your hopes up" Why not? Don't we want people to have hope? There are a lot of easily influenced and sensitive people out there. I used to be one, and nothing hurts more than having someone tell you that what you want out of life can't happen or shouldn't.

     Although I am a believer in "all things happen for a reason" and am currently ecstatic about where my life is headed, I know that I am going to run across people who will say I can't. Fight for what you believe and for what you want. I have made the mistake of letting someone's opinion break me. You will always face opposition. If you don't, then you're not doing much.


Please enjoy this silly video of me doing what I want.

   

Back Tracking

     Hello all! I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday weekend. I am still detoxing from the amount of nothing I did and trying to get back into the groove of things.

     It was brought to my attention that my readers know very little about me. Oops! I guess I should be better at sharing more personal stories each time.

     I'm not great at writing about myself, so sorry in advance! I am the youngest of 6 kids. I was homeschooled, and grew up on an island (I'm sure you're wondering if and how I have a social life!) on a 4-H hobby farm with chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, sheep, horses, a goat and a llama. My childhood was... colorful.

     I was lucky enough to marry my childhood sweetheart, Paul. I met him when I was 9 and had an instant connection. Notice how I didn't say "we" had an instant connection? That's because that was all me. Our relationship was very much like a roller coaster, and now he is the yen to my yang.

     Had I not gotten married when I did, I would have at least 10 cats by now. We have 4 beautiful kitties; Steve, George, Agatha and Phyllis. We're a quirky happy family!

     Fun facts about me: I am addicted to 80s movies and 80s music. I enjoy a variety of musicals, watching tv shows on DVD, and watching movies in general. I also have a very good friend with whom I sing many horrible duets with.

     People who inspire me/make me laugh: Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Amy Pohler, Kristin Wiig, Mo Collins, Nathan Fillion, Joss Whedon, Audrey Hepburn, my husband, and all my friends. You now who you are.

     You already know that I spend hours a week playing with makeup, but I also have been watching a ton of YouTube videos and What Not To Wear to draw inspiration from as far as where I want my blogs and vlogs to go. Please send me questions and suggestions, I mean it! This is all still fairly new to me, and I would love to know what direction my readers would like me to go.

    Well, that's enough about me for now. Stay tuned for my Wednesday video! I still have no idea what I'm doing. ;)

This is a picture of me and my husband when we were 16 years old at a 4-H conference at WSU.

Update

     Hello all, as you may recall, I encouraged/challenged you to make a list of the things you really like about yourself and the things you do well. This is your chance to tell me how many of you actually did it, is planning to, have started the process and how you're doing.

     This is not just a one time list, by the way. I added to my list for a whole year. If you learn something new, add it! If someone compliments you on something, go ahead and add it! It is time for you to start feeling better about yourself. Unfortunately that task falls solely upon your shoulders. No one can motivate you like you can. Find it within yourself to acknowledge that you are worthy.

     I understand that not everyone is religious. I respect that. Hear my heart on this, because I don't preach at people, so if this isn't your belief feel free to ignore this part. This is who I am, so I cannot help but share my personal view. I believe we were all created for greatness. Maybe for some this means being a great mom, to others it may be something like motivational speaker, and so on.

      When we get wrapped up in what others think of us, or even focused on the things just going on in our own lives, it silently takes a toll on our self image. Being insecure, is actually a picture of selfishness. Please don't think I'm judging. Like I've said before, I have felt the exact same way, and do periodically and have to re-focus. When all you can think about is how others perceive you and what if I said or did that wrong, it leaves no room for others. For instance; someone could be really hurting inside and can't find the words to say it, and had I not been so inward thinking, I might have noticed and been able to help.

     I believe that we are all God's children and he loves us all unconditionally. If this is true (which I believe it to be) then I am worthy of that love. You are all worthy of love and greatness. Grasp that. Use it. Put it on your list.

     You cannot fully understand and help others when you have not embraced yourself. Some of us believe we are too goofy, too serious or too geeky. Stop. If that is who you are, you should not apologize for it. Someone out there was drawn to you for the very same quality you are insecure about.

     Stop hiding behind what you think others will think or feel about you or some weird trait you have. If everyone was the same, we'd all die of boredom. Be you no matter what the cost. If people don't like it, that's unfortunate for them.

     You are not the mistakes you've made. Forgive yourself and move on. If you can't move on because one of those mistakes involved another person and it never got addressed... Address it! Ask for forgiveness from that person and forgive yourself regardless of the response. Give yourself and others grace.

     I did not mean to turn today's blog into a soap box or a rant, but it looks as though that has happened. Tell me your thoughts, and again let me know how your lists are coming along. I would love to hear from you.

Eyebrows!

     Happy Tuesday! I let my readers pick my topics this week. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know. Comment below, or contact me on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HeidiMyWorld

     You chose eyebrows for today's topic. This is one of my many favorite things. I started out with straight lines across my face, to too thick and cavemanish, then on to toothbrush shaped, then tadpoles, and at some point I got it right! I'm sharing that last one with you. ;)

     You can use a pencil or an angled brush (I prefer the brush) and a matte shadow that matches your hair color or is within 2 shades.

   
     You want to start by marking the 3 main points of a perfectly shaped brow. First, angled at the inner corner of your eye.

     Then mark at a 60 degree angle from your pupil.

 
     And the 3rd mark is at your outer corner at a 45 degree angle.

 
     Now the tricky part: filling them in. Thickness is really up to you. You can do really thick like Jennifer Connely:

     Or really thin like Pamela Anderson (not recommended):

     Or in the average range like Scarlett Johansson:

     If using a pencil, make sure you brush your eyebrows in a sweeping upward motion before filling in. When you start, make an outline (do not just start filling in the middle), that way if you do not like the shape, you can wipe it away easily. You can also buy eyebrow stencils in the beauty section at any drugstore. That is how I learned.

     Once you are happy with the outline (don't get frustrated if it takes a couple tries), start filling it in. Last step: Admire.

Be You

     Hi everyone, I hope you are having an awesome week. I also hope that some of you have made your lists!

     Part of being an Image Consultant, is being more aware of fashion trends. This sometimes means that I have to pick up a magazine even though I don't ordinarily read them.

     I never realized how gossipy and terrible the tabloids can be. I picked up a People Magazine and they have an entire article in there on what the "Fashion Police" have to say about what people wear. Who cares? If that person picked that out and wanted to wear it, then why are we judging them?

     If anyone is interested in looking at a magazine for actual fashion purposes, I would suggest Vogue, Marie Clair, and Harper's Bazaar. I'm sure there are more, but these are my personal favorites.

     What I think is funny, is that if an individual wears their own thing long enough, it will become a trend. That is how fashion works. It surprisingly comes from individuals that make a statement.

     March to the beat of your own drum. One of my favorite things said among my friends is this, "You can only ever be a second class someone else, but a first class you."

     I really wish I could find all of my old pictures of me as a teenager so you could see the evolution with my fashion sense and makeup abilities.

     Here is a 6 year old me. Happy in my element. Check out my rockin' snow boots and my over-sized kitty and flower sweater.

     Be as oblivious as a 6 year old. I had no clue that my get up wasn't fashionable, but look how happy I am! Be comfortable being you. I know this can take a lot of work, because I was so insecure for so many years.

     I was bullied and made fun of. If you can relate, then I am sorry, because it is an awful feeling and it really does take a toll on one's self esteem. Surround yourself with people who love you for who you are.

     "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is youer than you!"
-Dr. Seuss

Also, check out my new youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nBjYdmD72I

Confidence - The New Beautiful

     Happy Tuesday everybody! I am excited to be blogging on a schedule finally. I was reading over the weekend, and learned some interesting things. First of all, most women are dissatisfied with their overall appearance. Why?

     Well, I can't answer for most women, but I know where my insecurities come from. I never wanted to look like my barbies, but I watched a lot of movies. I wanted to look like everybody on screen. In my teen years there were so many makeover movies like The Princess Diaries and She's All That, etc. where the overall message is, you can't be happy until you are pretty according to everyone else. What's crazy about it, is that the characters in the films were happy just the way they were before someone told them they shouldn't be happy that way.

     What is our obsession with beauty? Our culture thinks that if you are not visibly beautiful, you are not worth anyone's time. Do you know what I think? It is amazing what self confidence and a smile (regardless of crooked teeth) will send to a stranger. Confidence is beautiful.

     I spent a good portion of my life trying to get rid of my freckles because of being teased for having them. I don't know when exactly things changed, but somewhere along the way I embraced them, and even started to like them. Do know what happened then? Suddenly I was only receiving compliments for having "such cute" freckles! Confidence.

     The next unfortunate thing I learned, is this: "According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, people between the ages of 40 and 54 had 47% of all cosmetic procedures in 2009, while those over 55 had 26%. From 2000 to 2009, total cosmetic procedures increased by 69%." (FabJob Tag Goulet and Rachel Gurevich).

     What I wish people would understand, is if you are unhappy with something, fix it (yourself). If you don't like your eating habits, fix it. If you don't like your legs, start running. There are so many things you can do other than go under the knife.

     Did you know that if you are wearing the right colors for your complexion, you could visibly look up to 10 pounds lighter and 10 years younger? I'm willing to bet, had some of these women known that, they would have held off on risky invasive surgery.

     I'm going to quote my sister in-law who was quoting something else that I am unsure of. "You don't owe anyone pretty. You don't owe it to anyone to be pretty". I encourage anyone who is self conscious, insecure, or just plain unhappy to write a list of everything you offer the world. Your accomplishments, the things you like about yourself. Do NOT however make this is a good and bad list. Everyone has something they can improve. Only stick to the pros and blessings. Then I suggest (cheesy alert!) putting them up somewhere you can see them on a regular basis. I will admit that I did this for a whole year with lists on my mirror.

     Now for your enjoyment, here is an awkward picture of me and my sister. She is the one circled, I am the one rocking the flood pants and red socks.

     Well, this was lengthy and long winded, but I am passionate on this subject. Be happy everybody.

Photo Shoot

     Hey everybody! I survived the long awaited photo shoot with my sister's photography and the 4 wonderful volunteers. I styled everybody before the shoot and did all the makeup.

     We held the shoot at Roozengaarde Gardens in Mt. Vernon Wa. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor shoot. They had beautiful landscape as a back-drop. 2 out of my 4 ladies decided for whatever reason to wear different outfits then what we had previously agreed upon, so there are 2 people not within their palette. However, we were on a time crunch, and they were volunteers, so there was no time for re-dos.

     All in all we had a blast, and I can use everybody's head shots for the makeup. I would have loved to be able to use body shots, but I can only use 2. The things you learn!

     Also in exciting news, I got to see a preview for my nearly-launched website: heidimyworld.com and am loving the progress. Please keep visiting back, because one of these days you'll be shocked that it will be finished!

     I have also shot 3 videos with my webcam and have been seriously trying to edit, so please continue to be patient with me.

     I have been scheduling lots of color sessions thanks to all of you, and am continuing to figure everything out as far as what works best for format. I thank you all who have had sessions and have given me important feedback. I am learning so much!

     I feel it is also necessary to write that for the first time in my whole life, I believe I have found my purpose. I can't describe the joy that I get from making others feel great. This doesn't feel like work. True, the technology end of things is definitely a challenge for me, but because I enjoy the outcome so much, it seems worth it.

     Here is a preview from the photo shoot. Check out her makeup!

Getting Busy

     Hi all, so sorry that it has been so long since my last post. I have been scatter-brained and busy! I've been having a great amount of sessions (keep 'em coming!) and getting all my other stuff in order. My studio looks awesome (I just need to remember to take a picture!) and I have been organizing closets.

     Fun! I have been taking videos for my youtube channel and trying very hard to figure out how to edit (bare with me). I am very technologically impaired and this is all so new to me.

     I am now on twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and youtube, whereas I thought Facebook was overwhelming enough by itself! Please be patient with me, as I adapt to all the cool things I could and might/will be doing in the coming weeks and months. I am hoping to post 2 blogs a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and post one youtube video a week (most likely Wednesday). Also, my website heidimyworld.com will be finished in the next week or so, and that is where I will be posting all of my before and after pictures.

     On top of all of the organizing that goes into owning your own business and having sessions in your own home, my sister is doing a photo shoot with me and some of my friends to go on my website. That will be happening tomorrow, and I will have done all of the styling and makeup, so I will keep you posted with pictures on Facebook. Speaking of which, please make sure you take the time to "Like" my sister's photography page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kline-Photography/136750729703221?fref=ts and my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HeidiMyWorld?ref=hl

     Thank you to all of you who read this for your support. A huge shout out to my friend Erin, who has helped me tremendously with great ideas and tips for what direction to move in. Here's to a great week!

       

  This is me with blonde hair and angry eyebrows!!