SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Is anyone else feeling a little sleep-deprived lately??  

In the whirling dervish of life, how do you find time to get in 8 hours of restful sleep?  I can't remember the last time I did.  I suspect many of my readers feel the same.

Is it because we are just WAYYY overstimulated?  Think about it... we now have access to hundreds of tv channels, plus Hulu, Netflix, etc...  igadgets aplenty, we can track how we exercise, eat, sleep, drink, shop, poop...(well, maybe not, but it's coming lol.)

We have social networking, WORK, kids, extra-curricular activiities of said kids, birth-WEEKs instead of birthdays to plan for- don't even get me started on the major production birthdays have become-  where in this chaotic existence is there time for rest?   It seems like the more data and stimulation  we have access to, the more we need, and that supercedes the desire for rest.

I know I am on to something here, because I don't know if you've noticed, but there are actually whole stores devoted to CPAP machines to help people get better sleep.  There are the very popular sleep number beds as well.  There are cooling pillows, memory foam mattresses, sleep sounds machines.   Sleep assistance is becoming an actual industry that goes way beyond earplugs and warm milk.

Here's my suggestion.  Put away the laptop, PS4, LED flatscreen with supersonic soundbar, tablets, and smartphones. Let the kids be unproductive and go to bed early a few nights a week-  I swear they will still be well-rounded, well-socialized little geniuses.   End your work at the time you stop getting paid for it - ie: 5pm or thereabouts, and....

just STOP, drop, and snooze.

I think we'd all feel alot better.


Goodnite folkzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
 

Kim Kicks Lash: Pour Some Glitter On Me...

Kim Kicks Lash: Pour Some Glitter On Me...: I am such a girly girl.  I just didn't want to admit it for many many years.  I was the one who never wore makeup, always wore solid col...

Pour Some Glitter On Me...

I am such a girly girl.  I just didn't want to admit it for many many years.  I was the one who never wore makeup, always wore solid colors, hung with the boys, and prided myself on thinking like a man.

Until...

Younique.

What the H-E-double toothpicks happened!?!!  

Ladies, here's the fabulous truth... MAKEUP is a gateway drug.

It started with putting on a little mascara because I had to represent my product.  Then I was BLENDING eye pigments, using brushes and sponges and PRIMER, for gosh sakes!  Don't even get me started about lip gloss.

Since I was wearing the makeup, I guess I HAD to change my wardrobe.  So my solid sensibles gave way to printed chiffon, skirts, and the first dress I have owned in over 15 years.  

Then, since I had a new face and new clothes, I REALLLY needed to ACCESSORIZE.  Of course! Nevermind that previously I may have owned 3 pieces of jewelry that I actually wore.  Now I have a full collection of costume jewelry - rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants... I am just a-clinking and a-twinking all over town now!

So, if you are keeping up with the progression:

1. Makeup (ie; gateway drug)
2. Girly clothes
3. Accessories

So guess what I did today- and this takes the cake:

That's right, GLITTERY NAIL POLISH!

I believe that completes my transition from "think like a man" to "act like a lady!"

And before you say that 50 year olds shouldn't wear shimmery eye shadow or glitter nail polish, save your breath!  Younique, you have created a GIRLY-MONSTER and I cannot be stopped!

Time for my pink champagne and candlelit bubble bath...

XO

Kim

Ode To A Staycation...

Oh how I love a staycation!  Let me count the ways...

I love thee as I wake at 10
I love thee as I nap at 3
I love thee as I wear my jammies all day
I love thee as I watch endless tv

I love thee time to read that book
Or find new recipes to cook
I love thee as I putter around
If I sing and nobody's here to listen, did I make a sound?

I love thee meal delivery
I love thee cold a/c
I love thee favorite comfy chair
I love thee cookies and tea

Sometimes it's nice to get away
Whether by air, land, or sea
But when relaxation is the goal
A staycation is perfect for me!

Kim Kicks Lash: New Fabulousness Coming This Fall!

Kim Kicks Lash: New Fabulousness Coming This Fall!: Hi Beautiful!   I am using this post to highlght some of the fab new products and changes happening at Younique this fall.   Younique is...

New Fabulousness Coming This Fall!

Hi Beautiful!  

I am using this post to highlght some of the fab new products and changes happening at Younique this fall.   Younique is a big part of my life and future, so I hope you don't mind my sharing this with you.

2014 Younique Fall Product Launch in Review…..

"NATURE.  LOVE.  SCIENCE....Nature is the inspiration behind our science."

Some of our ladies recently returned from our convention in Dallas .. and by all reports it was AMAZING!  This post is a highlight of our exciting launches scheduled for the next few months!
Starting in September and running through November, Younique Products will be launching several new products and has also announced some major changes in their production.  
 

            BIG NEWS!  Effective 9-1-14 all Younique Products announces new products and a change to MADE IN THE USA with the following transition dates and exceptions-

     LAUNCHING 9-1-14 SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

Lucrative lip gloss MADE IN THE USA

Refreshed Rose Water MADE IN THE USA

NEW Lash/brow comb (Stainless steel comb/boar hair bristle)
Precision lip and eye pencils
Super Long Lasting
Soft glide-on application
Excellent coverage and color payoff
Non-waxy feeling
WATERPROOF/smudge proof!

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHTS

 Jojoba oil

Vitamin E

Vitamin C derivative

Hydronated Cottonseed Oil

UPLIFT EYE SERUM
PROPRIETARY FORMULA with International patents pending!
Powerful and effective
Oil free (oil-less oil)
A little goes a LONG way
Preservative free
Fights appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Fragrance free
“Nutrition” for your skin
Dye free
 

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHTS
Rich in vitamins (E, C, C0Q10)
Natural skin lipids (squalane from sugar cane)

Antioxidants
 Sweet Iris (iris pallida leaf  cell extract)

 

LAUNCHING 10-1-14 OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

 Illuminate Clear Launches and MADE IN THE USA-For normal to oil skin (similar to AWAKE)

 Illuminate Clean Launches and MADE IN THE USA- For normal to dry and sensitive skin

 

ILLUMIANTE INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHTS

Horse Chestnut

Gingko Biloba  

Super Leaf Extracts

 Moodstruck loose face powder (concealer powders) MADE IN THE USA

Miner Touch pressed face powder and pressed foundation MADE IN THE USA

BB Flawless BB cream MADE IN THE USA

Mineral eye pigments MADE IN THE USA

LAUNCHING 11-1-14 NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

 DIVINE Daily Moisturizer launches and MADE IN THE USA
Specially formulated for all skin types
Fewer preservatives
Features an  Airless pump
Cleaner formulation
 

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHTS
Beta Fructan
Highly refinded triglyceride oil
Honeysuckle (flower extract)
Blue Lotus (flower extract)
Witch Hazel
Gotu Kola (extract)

                                                   !6 new collections will be announced

                                                   !Moodstruck pressed blush Launches and MADE IN THE USA

 

                                     !Younique will no longer carry the loose blusher pigments.  If you love those for hair chalking, face paint, nail polish etc… you’d better stock up NOW!

                                                      !Glorious primer formula will change slightly and will be repackaged

1.      Reformulated with fewer preservatives

2.      Cleaner formula

3.      New Airless pump

              The Precision line of eye and lip pencils will be produced in Germany

              The Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lash Mascara will remain produced in the PRC

              (Peoples Republic of China)

A limited edition, NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER Kudos launching in November in honor of Younique Products 2 year anniversary.  This product is made in Italy.

 

2.      UPDATED PRICING

a.      Uplift eye serum will retail for $65 (less in collections/sets)

b.      Lash/Brow comb will retail for $20 (less in collections/sets)

c.      Precision liners will retail for $15 each (3/$40 10/$125 and 15/$165

d.      10-1-14 Moodstruck eye pigments will retail for $12.50 each (less in collections/sets)

e.      Illuminate Clean/Clear will retail for $39 (less in collections/sets)

3.      OTHER PRODUCT INFORMATION

a.      REFORMULATION

                                                    i.     All products reformulated to be EU Compliant

                                                   ii.     Moodstruck mineral pigments improved for longer wear and blendability (much denser product)

                                                  iii.     ALL PRICE REMAIN THE SAME with the exception of the eye pigments

1.      This is MAJOR and almost impossible when moving production to the USA

                                                  iv.     Loose face powder (concealer powders) are much denser as well (10 grams)

                                                   v.     PRESSED BLUSHERS LAUNCH 11/1/14

4.      NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER

a.      6 new collections!

b.      2-year anniversary product launch

c.      LIMITED EDITION product announcement!

5.      New presenter kit eff 10-1-14

a.      Same price at $99 USD

Click   for more info on Younique

Kim Kicks Lash: Surrender the PINK!!

Kim Kicks Lash: Surrender the PINK!!: Hi There!   So, I realize I have totally stolen that title from Carrie Fisher's autobiography, and I am NOT going to explain what it a...

Surrender the PINK!!

Hi There!  

So, I realize I have totally stolen that title from Carrie Fisher's autobiography, and I am NOT going to explain what it actually means- you'll have to read the book :)  But I am celebrating my latest Younique promotion to Exemplary Pink Status (doesn't THAT sound special?)

All kidding aside, I am so proud and loving life!  I am thrilled that I am progressing and so happy to share that with you. One of the reasons I believe I am starting to have success with my business is that I am paying more attention to personal development. In fact, I am reaping the rewards in both of my careers, as well as in my personal life. For me, personal development means reading and listening and absorbing every speck of advice and insight I can.  It isn't always easy to take the time to just focus on myself, but it is oh-so worth it!

This week I watched a fab video about network marketing that I want to share with you.  It is by a colleague of mine, Amber Voight, and it is a must-see if you are in network marketing, or really in business of any kind. She is insightful, engaging, and fun to watch.  Amber will make you smile, and her message about building relationships and showing people the love will resonate.  It's no wonder she is such a success!  Here is a link to the video, one of many she has published.  I will be watching all of them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsWh281we6k&list=UU_3SA4S08z6vEfD

So my message of the day is - no matter your age, profession, or the level of success you've achieved- there is always more to learn and new heights to hit.   So keep reaching!
 
XO til next time!

Kim

KICK LASH MASCARA!!!

Shortest Blog Post Ever

It's 11:42 pm on Sunday night and I know I should be sleeping.  But one of the lovely things about periMENTALpause is insomnia.  So I am going to turn on World Cup highlights and try counting sexy soccer players until I get to sleep.

G'night Ladies!

xo
Kim

I HEART MAKEUP!

I can't believe how often I hear women say "Men are sooo lucky, they don't have to wear makeup or dye their hair, or worry about their clothes, shoes etc... "    

Really?  I feel like we are the lucky ones!  How much fun is it to be able to change your look according to your moods and whims?  Men, in general, are pretty limited to how much they can (or will) change their looks on a given day.  Ladies, however, can experiment.   I think self-expression and art and beauty are soul-serving!  I LOVE pretty makeup and clothes and when I find something that is the perfect color and fabric and cut to make me feel beautiful it is,well, JOYFUL!   

There are plenty of studies out there about color psychology and how certain colors affect your mood. Wearing a "happy" color, or a bold one, does improve your mood and your confidence. So wearing them on your face in a way that enhances your natural beauty can only be a good thing.   It's not about covering up or feeling your aren't beautiful enough- it's about enhancing, creating a mood, an image that you may want to show the world on any given day.  Whatever men may think, we don't wear makeup for you.  Sorry if that bursts your bubble- but it's largely true.  We wear it for ourselves- for fun, for a confidence boost, or just because we like the beauty and drama of it.  

I heart makeup!  

XO 

Kim

My Favorite Four-letter Word

When did "nice" become a "four-letter word?"

Have you ever heard someone say he or she is "too nice", and you just knew when they were saying it that what they really meant is ... annoying, fake, or too nice to be effective, or strong, or a leader.    When did being nice become a negative thing?  When did it become a "lack" of something?  

I would like to offer the following.  A person who is easy-going, friendly, kind,  ie: nice - is probably also a person has a lot of very desirable qualities such as:

1. Positive
2. Empathetic
3. Patient
4. Leads by example
5. Of good character
6. Thoughtful- meaning they think before they speak!
7. Flexible
8. Accepting
9. Caring
10. Diplomatic

I could go on...

So in what universe would these characteristics be unflattering or unworthy of respect and admiration?  Do we really live in a world where we believe that these make someone weak?  I submit that it takes a lot more inner strength and intelligence to be nice and kind than it does to be a jerk.  But I swear that I come across people every day who truly believe that nice people are losers, and you have to be more aggressive, argumentative, self-serving, ruthless, cocky, etc... to be effective, to be a leader, to be a winner.

I think that's a shame.  I think it's sad.  And I would say what I think of people who make decisions based on this kind of misguided thinking, but... I'm TOO NICE.

XO
Kim

Let It Go, Let It Gooo

Why is it we fluffy ladies insist on wearing decidedly un-fluffy clothing?  Is it delusion, desperation, delirium, or are we just into discomfort and pain?    I'll address these one by one.

Delusion:  I cannot tell you how many times I have gone into the dressing room at my favorite department store with clothing that is 2 sizes too small in the vain hope that my body will shrink 2 sizes so that I won't have to admit to myself  I'm REALLY a size Fluff-teen, or worse, Fluff-ty something.  Better to just avoid the dressing room, buy the size I want to be,  and figure out how to squeeze into it when I get home.

Desperation:  Maybe if I wear this tight, hot sweater that covers my upper arms and my hips and everything in between, people will think I am skinny.   Maybe if I squeeze into my daughter's jeans they will think I am also a 20 year old college student.  Maybe if I Spanx myself from head to toe like an Egyptian mummy I will feel sexy in my party dress..I can breathe again tomorrow. Sound familiar?

Delirium:  This actually comes AFTER I have Spanxed myself, put on my tight hot sweater, and my daughter's jeans and BEFORE I can breathe again.   When I am delirious I am sure that I look smokin' hot and NOT like a Johnsonville brat.

So now we come to the reason for my rant.  Discomfort and pain and my wish to never experience these things related to how I dress ever again.  Who was it who said "beauty is pain?"  Well it was probably a man, but if not-she's a moron!!  There is nothing remotely beautiful about being sweaty, short of breath, and in pain.  It's not worth it ladies. Just...let it go.  Buy the most beautiful, breezy, soft, comfy- yes, fluffy- clothing you can find IN YOUR SIZE and sink in.  Drape yourself in chiffon, silk, cotton, or whatever feels good and fits right and float yourself into a room like an Arabian princess.  Life is too short for tight clothes.

XO
Kim

Hello Out There...

Hello Out There...

I have this image of my words as I type them rolling on the big screen like the Star Wars opening credits. Not because I think what I have to say is so monumentally important, but I feel like I am about to release something so private and personal into the webby cosmos and I know once I hit "publish"  I can't take it back.  Little scary. But with a title like Kim Kicks Lash, I'd better buck up and press on!

So, this is my first ever post on my own blog.  I don't have any goals yet other than to talk about what interests me, and hope it's interesting to somebody else out there as well.    Lofty goals.

Since this is all about me today, I will tell you a little story.

2014 hit me like a ton of bricks.  As the New Year rolled around I had the proverbial epiphany, and realized a few things:

1. I am turning 50 this year
2. I am fluffy and lazy, ie:  I spend way too much time playing FB games and watching tv
3. I love my kids and my husband, but I am bored, and undoubtably boring as well
4. I have way too much stress in my life
5. I don't want to start another year the same way.

I know, these are not earth-shattering revelations, they are not even unique. But they shook me, and I decided to make some changes.  Since I can't stop time, I can't change the fact that I will be 50 in 15 days. And stress is an unfortunate and maddening part of life for women my age, what with growing children, aging parents, and yes, MENTALPAUSE.  So what I am left with is fluffy and lazy, boredom, and boring-ness. While I was pondering what to do about my boredom, and starting my 5 zillionth unsuccessful New Year's diet, I saw an email come across my desk from my cousin Kelly.  New business opportunity, yada yada, really like it, yada, would you be interested in trying it?  Now, I am not a salesperson.  In fact, at my current company, I was pretty much tossed out of sales on my fluffy butt.  Luckily, I landed in the best possible office job, for which I am eternally delighted and grateful.  But I digress...

She said the business was a new cosmetics company called Younique.  I laughed.  Really, that's the name?  I won't go into detail about the jokes running thru my head, but I think I've seen it on the list of the "What's Your Stripper Name" game.  So, I was skeptical.  But it sounded super easy, it was only $99 to join, and I got a big beauty kit with lots of pretty colored makeup and stuff to play with.  My girly girl won out, and I signed up.   What I thought was a "mercy buy" to help my cousin and get some cool makeup, instead turned out to be the answer to # 2 and 3 on my list above.   Turns out, I love the beauty biz.  I mean realllly love it. I currently only work it part-time, but in just a few short months it has inspired and motivated me more than anything I can remember in the past lotta years. Being involved with Younique has rejuvenated me, I have made a lot of lovely new friends, have started to pay more attention to my health and how I present myself to the world,  and sparked a new desire to bring beauty and skincare tips to women of all ages, because every girl deserves to feel great about herself!

So, my goal for this blog is to uplift and inspire, make you feel good when you read it, maybe even get a laugh or two.

Kicking lash and taking names!
XO
Kim