Polaroids are for Privacy and Instagram is for Everything Else

Image has always been everything and over the past 30 years that becomes increasingly more true. In the 90’s, it was all about chat rooms and connecting with complete strangers. The objective: to meet new people, learn new things, and figure out what’s really going on with the pulse of people and the trends they follow outside of the music videos and the mannequins in the window displays at the mall. Let’s keep it honest. If your house didn’t have dial up internet, you were going to find out where to go to get some screen time. Let’s not forget the days of the internet cards, timed computer stations and internet cafes. If you were lucky, you had AOL or a best friend with endless computer access. Those were the days, when we as a culture redefined culture because we were forming relationships and creating new realities with people we’d never met in person. The early days of viral were arguably more dangerous, but the excitement and intrigue has always been there. It’s the closest thing to teleportation or time travel that we have so far, if you follow my drift. And wow! Has it evolved.

We are in the most highly documented period of humanity and whether you believe it or not it stays on ‘the cloud’. The internet is all about documenting the experience and getting the photo. Sometimes a photo or video requires no thought; it’s important to capture the moments that matter and define our lives. But if were being honest…we can all think of a few moments where we wish we could remember who has an original photo for the sole purpose of deleting it so that it can never be resurfaced again. It could be anything capturing an embarrassing awkward moment to anything unflattering or just unexplainably goofy, shameful, and weird. So, since that’s the reality of the reality we record and create, culturally we need to start caring more about the images we post, share, tag and pose for. Afterall, if a picture is worth a thousand words. It could be terrifying if the wrong one went viral.

Boutique Beauty Loves Polaroid Instant Photos for Privacy

Recently an oldie but goodie made a comeback and frankly, it’s a Boutique Beauty favorite. Remember Polaroid!?! Rediscover a classic (that never really left) that’s available in stores and online. Don’t shy away from the camera and stop hiding every time someone is ready to take a picture if it’s not on your phone. Aside from the enhanced privacy aspect of instant photos, it’s also a great way to practice how to take a great picture (because we know the best photo’s only come from your selfie angle). Plus, you need to learn how to nail it the 1st time without holding a mini photoshoot every time you snag a photo during an event. Don’t worry. You could always post a pic of your polaroid to your profile or just keep it private.

For those who set new standards and trends across social media feeds kudos. Your perspective, inner voice and awesome angles keep your circle engaged and inspired. However, for those of us who at times feel underwhelmed by our own posts a great way to enhance your posts is to spend more time understanding who you are and how you share your truth. We all have a story to tell. Get clear and concise about the moment in the photo especially if you’re in it. Because let’s face it, social media is here to stay so post with confidence and be intentional.

LIST YOUR TOP FIVE GOALS

Create a top 5 list in the areas of self-improvement and self-talk. It can be a very effective tool in measuring the ways we subconsciously show up for ourselves, our communities and vibes we exude in our photos. Take a mental note. Emotional maturity is the key to completing a realistic list that allows you to make improvements. Reevaluate the narrative that you tell yourself and share with others. Also, welcome the opportunity to debunk any preconceived notions projected by others that limit your potential. Zoom in on your core values to make sure they are where they need to be. Remember, you are an original beauty who has somewhere to go, and people are waiting for you to get there. So, you must always show up in your best form to compliment every occasion. Bravely try something new. Just do it authentically. Stick to the process of reformation and you’ll start to see the undeniable results in your perspective. Before you know it the glow-up will start to flourish in your photos and social media profiles. And remember, there’s no rules for how often you should update your posts.

Additional Articles:

What your social media says about you | MamasLatinas.com

21 Things Science Says Your Facebook and Instagram Feeds Reveal About You | Entrepreneur

Beauty Affirmation

Get ready for the week. Regardless of the unexpected, expect to be your best. Today’s post is simple. Be vibrant every day in your favorite lip tint.

5 Reasons People Embrace Natural Skincare

In a world where synthetic ingredients dominate the skincare industry, there is a growing need for us to pause and reflect on the importance of using natural skincare products. Our skin, being the largest organ of our body, deserves to be treated with utmost care and respect. By turning to natural alternatives, not only are we enhancing our beauty routines, but we are also embracing a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. Let us explore the compelling reasons why we should prioritize natural skincare products in our daily regimen.

1. Gentle and Nurturing:
Natural skincare products, laden with plant extracts and organic ingredients, offer a gentle touch to our skin. Unlike their synthetic counterparts, which often contain harsh chemicals, natural products provide a nurturing and soothing effect. This gentleness helps in maintaining the natural balance of our skin, promoting its overall health and radiance.

2. Non-toxic and Safe:
One of the main concerns surrounding synthetic skincare products is the presence of potentially harmful chemicals. Parabens, sulfates, and phthalates are just a few examples of these harmful substances. By switching to natural skincare, we can avoid exposing ourselves to such toxins. Natural ingredients derived from nature's bounty are generally safer and pose minimal risk of negative reactions, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin.

3. Effective and Long-lasting:
Natural skincare products may not promise immediate results, but they offer a lasting impact on our skin's health. They work in harmony with our body's natural processes, allowing our skin to rehabilitate itself from within. Regular use of natural products can lead to improved skin texture, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and a more vibrant complexion. Although the effects may take time, the natural approach reaps long-term benefits.

4. Environmentally Friendly:
Choosing natural skincare is not only beneficial for our skin but also for the environment. The production of synthetic products often involves excessive energy consumption, pollution, and the release of harmful chemicals into the ecosystem. With natural skincare, we can contribute to sustainable practices by supporting brands that advocate for eco-friendly manufacturing processes, minimal packaging waste, and the use of biodegradable ingredients.

5. Ethical and Cruelty-free:
Natural skincare products are often associated with cruelty-free practices, as they focus on harnessing the power of botanicals and organic sources. Many natural skincare brands do not test their products on animals.

Embrace the power of your timeless glow and unlock your skin's true potential to help you look and feel your best. Don't let time define your beauty. Always remember to hydrate and protect your skin daily.

Our Personal Journey and Our Parents

Parents are presets. There is no way to alter what was inherited. Yet, with each generation or passing year we have the opportunity to grow and learn more about our past through the people who have provided a pathway through their choices. To accept that is the greatest gift. In some ways, it can also be the most intimidating opportunity because it requires us to see ourselves through their aspirations and intentions. The more we absorb about our parents the more we learn about who we are, and in some cases why we are different. However, the story is better learned. We deserve to know ourselves in truth. Preferably, the exact truth.

Taking time to unlock layers of inherited traditions, identity, and world perceptions can be somewhat unnerving. Challenging who you are in the world is sport. But, altering your position with in your family dynamic can be down right frustrating. Living up to expectations. Overcompensating for predisposed notions (to justify our parent’s ideal perception of who they believe us to be as their children) is as close to unconditional love as some of us will ever know. Convoluted, complex, and slightly rewarding for both sides.

Being open about your personal journey is great. Being available to hear and learn about our parents and their individual journeys can also be great. So, be open to receive the rewards of discovery. Sometimes they’re big. Sometimes they’re small. And sometimes the unnecessary details require our undivided focus to ensure that we catch the little things that may at times inspire us the most. As we continue to fight the good fight of true identity as self-identity (and not living life as our parents) we must remember to respect, honor, and love in the legacy we were assigned to build on.

The Art of Small Talk

Practicing patience and tolerance is an important tool to manifest temperance and peace in your life. Beyond your personal preference, whether you socialize as an introvert (often characterized as being quiet or withdrawn) or an extrovert (being outgoing and socially confident) don’t be fooled. Understand, under the right circumstances any personality may exhibit another side (opposite of what’s expected). With that being said, it should be clear why the saying goes you can’t judge a book by its cover. If you did you may miss out on something great by assuming based on outward observations alone. So, let’s take a look at a few tactics to help you reach and land an open-ended conversation.

How to Spark a Non-Invasive Conversation:

Its common and very rewarding to identify people through a brief social media internet search. Most people expect it. However, when meeting people face to face it’s important to take a different approach. Usually, it requires a strategy, an open mind, and an interested disposition. Most of us may have to practice. Depending on your hobbies and social circles you may have to rely less on their social profiles and more on your ability to manage talking points.

The Art of Small Talk

Here’s the scenario. You’ve just arrived at an event held at a well-known museum. It’s a social mixer filled with various professionals and cultural enthusiasts.

Start with the basics:

Read the room.

Imagine you're a journalist. Did you forget about the 5W’s? Find the perfect moment to smile make eye contact and go in with the Who, What, Where, When, and Why’s of attending. Talk about the venue, the traffic, etc. It’s an open opportunity to create conversation that’s effortless and open ended.

Pull from the obvious.

Proceed with caution when using this strategy. It can allow you to take the conversation out of shallow small talk and introduce a little more substance. This is where you can comment on things a person has brought up during your conversation by sharing your thoughts, respectfully. However, if you’re a novice don’t mask yourself to be a know it all. The interaction my fall flat if you don’t know how to keep up. So, just keep it real (as in realistic) and I’m sure they’ll help you fill in the blanks throughout the conversation.

Give a compliment.

This can be done by complimenting something about the event or directed towards an individual. When done correctly, it shouldn’t be offensive. For example, if you're ready to socialize with others a great segway phrase is, “It was such a pleasure talking to you. You're really informed, I hope to continue this conversation a little later before the exhibit starts”. You’ll find the right words when the time comes.

Do you have anything in common.

You should never get too personal with strangers. Afterall, boundaries are important. Peoples personal boundaries may differ from your own and may not be obvious to the unassuming. Thats okay. Just roll with it by sparking a non-invasive conversation. Gradually work your way through several open-ended talking points and allow the individual to share at will whatever they feel comfortable with sharing and hopefully it won’t get too awkward. But, if it does stay on your toes and politely change the subject.