5 tips for making the summer even better!

Good evening cuties!

Wow, it's so hot here now. In fact, Northern Norway just got a new record on amount of sunshine in May. And our town got a new heat record for May month! I can't believe it went so fast.
I mean, where did spring go? It feels like we jumped straight from winter to summer. I've barley had time to adapt to the changes. Summer is great though! I've been wearing some summer dresses lately, and it feels so light and feminine. (That is two words you really miss when you walk around dressed like an Eskimo in a blizzard.)
Every season has both good and bad sides, so in this post I'm going to write a little about how to best enjoy the summer!

1. Stay safe and protected!

You thought I was going to write about molesters and rapists, didn't you? Nope. Your enemy is the sun! Of course, sunlight is good as well, but that's what makes it all so dangerous. The worst enemy you can have is an unstable one. The sun might hate you then love you then hate you again. Your job is to ensure that you can handle it. First of all, you must must must use sun lotion! It doesn't matter if you live far north, south, east or west, the sun rays are still harmful. And just because you don't get burnt, it doesn't mean that your skin doesn't get damaged. Did you know that getting tanned is a sign of damage? The skin is building up its protection after it's been hurt. The results of bad sun protection might not show up right away, but in the future. Too much sun lowers the quality of your skin, and gives you early wrinkles and uneven skin tone. You may also develop sun rash, even though it often appears a year after the damage's been made.
Just to clear up; I don't want you to avoid the sun either! Sun light gives you a lot of important D-vitamin, and it makes you happy. Just enjoy the sun, but protect yourself at the same time.
It's not that important to get a deep tan either, though many of you might think so. Learn to appreciate your own, nautral skin color, and you'll have a much better summer already. And it will save you from sun burn disasters.

My long time favorite sun lotion from Hawaiian Tropic. It gives good moisture and protection, and smells addictively  good. 

After sun is important too!

      2.  Feel confident in your own body!

Yeah, yeah, we've heard about it before. "Summer work out!" "How to get the bikini body!"
Of course working out and staying healthy is important, but when it comes down to it you can't completely transform your body figure. It's something we are born with. You can't starve away your hip bones, or stretch your legs longer. If you are healthy, it will shine through anyway. We have to understand that there is no such thing as ideal body, because everyone is born with an unique one!
Find the good points in your look, and highlight them. A tiny, almost non-existent swimsuit might be sexy, but self confidence is sexier! Don't be trapped in your own body just because someone else told you that you're not good enough. Wear whatever you want, your friends don't care. And if they actually do, you throw them in the trash can together with that crazy diet magazine article.

     3.  Live it!

There are two types of to-do lists; things that you have to do, and things that you want to do.
Summer is the perfect time to focus on the last one. Write a list of things you want to do, see and experience during two effective months, and make sure to get as much as possible done!
May it be BBQ-party, road trip, boat trip, summer boot camp, working as a street musician or whatever project you got hidden in your brain; sign up those involved and start planning!

Random picture of me taken in Thailand, because Thailand was amazing.

     4. Create your summer playlist

I always create a playlist on my iPod for each summer like "Summer 2012" and so on. The music varies for each year depending on what I'm doing, so every list has a different "theme". Music is a great way of remembering stuff, so you can always sit down later and dream yourself away to ice cream and blue water.

     5.  Meet the summer in style

Okay, so this might come natural for many of you, but refreshing your wardrobe and make-up palette really helps putting you in summer mood. I don't think you should spend a lot of money, or throw away all your old clothes, just refresh. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bold colors and accessories, especially if you're not used to it. We tend to get more daring and playful then usual, so use the opportunity!

 I hope all of you will have an amazing summer! Of course, it's hard to beat Gulli and I who's going to Tokyo, but...

Talk to you later! ~

A letter to all bitches and bullies

Hi everyone!
I'm in the mood for a bit serious post today, hope you find it inspiring or helpful in any way:

There are a lot of people I think I'll never be able to understand. There are so many ignorant, pre-judging, and straight forward mean human beings out there, that I don't know where to start.
Even though I've accepted it as a part of life, I still get mad when I think of all the fragile, young minds that get crushed by others. How can anyone be mean to kids that's just trying to find their place? They haven't done anything wrong, neither to you or anyone else.
I had a conversation with a younger girl the other day, and when she found out that I was a fan of anime, she got so happy! She said: "I thought no one else but me and my closest friends liked it! Everyone else thinks we're strange...we're a bit of loners."
Anime is still not very popular in Norway, so I'm also used to getting the "strange"-stamp.
But this girl seemed to be quite bothered about it. However you like anime or not, does not define your personality, intelligence, lifestyle, coolness or anything else. It's just a personal interest.
So why is it that a young, insecure girl has to choose between doing what she like or being accepted? I've met a bunch of anime lovers in my life, and they're all different.
I don't like Justin Bieber, but many of my friends do. That doesn't make them less worthy in my eyes!

Don't misunderstand me. It's okay to disagree, and I won't force anyone to like anime or anything else.
But don't bitch around about persons you don't know, and do certainly not bring others down because they got a different opinion than you.
Some people may handle that just fine, while others grow even more insecure and shy. Some people may look fine, but they're really not. You might be a bully without even knowing it.
Whoever gave you the right to put others in a mental jail like that?
It's terrible (believe me, I know the feeling) to feel like you have to hide who you are, or even don't know who you are yet, because the people around you never let you explore.
I know many people pre-judge and assume almost automatically, without thinking any more about it.
This is (sadly) what many parts of society tells us to do, consciously or not.

It touched my heart to see how that girl's face brightened up when I told her I love anime too.
Do people even take the time to try to understand?

It doesn't require much, you guys! Just smile, accept, and go through life with a open heart, and you will make the world a much better place.

Do you have any opinions on the topic? Let me know!

So long ~

How do you define fashion?

Hello dear readers! ^.^

Today I thought I'd make time for a bit longer post. This blog is growing steadily, and it's so much fun to be a part of it! Gulli and I have been talking about creating a Facebook page for the blog too, so you can follow us there as well. This, as well as a new header, will hopefully get into place during our winter vacation. (As mentioned earlier, I don't exactly have much to do.) 

I hope you'll support us in the future too :D

What I'm going to write about today is fashion. Not a particular style, tips and so on, but just fashion.

Have you ever asked yourself: what is fashion? 

Well, I have, and the answer turned out to be more complicated than I first thought. There is a lot to the term "fashion". Just imagine all those wealthy, high status women that buy out-of-this-world expensive designer items, and sit on first row at all the big fashion shows. They all claim to be true fashionistas, but are they really? What defines good fashion?

To me, it's not enough to buy some expensive clothing in a famous fashion store.

The fashion industry have become a billion-industry, and wherever there's a lot of money involved, there will always be people that are after just that. Just the money. 

It has become many meanings of the word "trend". You have the trends the public wear, and the trends you create yourself. In my eyes, a trend is something that occurs on the street, and not at the office of a big fashion brand. 

Don't misunderstand, there are a lot of amazing designers who really deserve their fame and money.

But I don't think that the trends that are presented in some fashion magazines and fashion shows should be followed strictly. It's wrong to claim that everyone can walk around with the same and still look trendy.

It's not just about body shape and appearance either, but what type of personality you are.   

Some are punks at heart, others are cute princesses or fierce businesswomen. 

To think that all would look good in long skirts and batik pattern is naive. People should use fashion that match themselves, not fashion that matches the public's expectations. 

I think that fashion is a perfect weapon to provoke and inspire others, and renew our thoughts and opinions. We need to be different, dress different, act different. 

Fashion should be a way to express oneself, and I can't help but notice that the fashion industry are moving further away from this principle. 

"This fall you should dress in leather and wine red." " Use the 80's inspired swimsuits on the beach this summer!" I don't think that's how fashion should work.

It can inspire, but why should all "fashionable" people ditch all the pastel colored items in their closet and start wearing olive green and bronze, just because some "representatives" of fashion told them to?

Even though you thrive much more in bright pastels? 

Dear fashion-loving and confident girls all over the globe: you have received a task!

Renew the term "trend", and go out there and show the world that fashion is art; living and unique, and it can't be defined by some rich designer or a big fashion magazine!

Oh, quite a long text there. I'll add some pictures form the fashion area Harajuku in Tokyo. While you look at the pictures, please bear in mind that they're all different, yet fashionable, and this type of art wouldn't be possible is everyone had to wear the same design. 

All photos are from Tokyo Fashion, except the two upper photos that I got from Nakagawa Juria's fanpage on Facebook. (Juria is a rather cool fashionista, you should check her out.) ^^ 

Hope you liked this long post, let me know if you want me to post something similar in the future. Also, if you have any thoughts or opinions on this, don't hesitate to comment! ^.^

Talk to you later ~ 

Thumbs up for self development!

Good evening cute ones!

Sorry for the late post. It was my grandmothers birthday today, so I've been there the whole time ^^

This morning I read my diary. It doesn't stretch far back in history, I started to write in January 2012. But it was fun to see just how much I've changed during the past year! Some parts were a little embarrassing, and I felt like it was written when I was twelve. (How could I even think of that??)
Most of it was interesting and encouraging to read, though. When I read it now, knowing how it all turned out, I'm grateful that I'm not so confused anymore, and that all my worries back then are cleared up.
I couldn't help but notice that even though I was more negative back then, I was strong too. When I think back at all the pain I felt, I'm surprised that the past me didn't complain more.  The past me had accepted that this was a hard time, and she had high hopes for the future. Reading it now is like reading the thoughts of a different person, and I promised myself that I wouldn't let the past me down.
When most people write "Dear Diary", I write "Dear future me". The main reason that I write is for the future me to learn from my mistakes, and to remind myself of my goals.
It really works, and I look forward to read my present diary notes in the future!

My self confidence has grown a lot the past year, and I've learned a bunch of things. I can honestly say that I've become a better person. That inspires me to work even harder so that the future me can look back and think: "I really did my best".

Well then, how am I going to improve myself this year? According to my new year resolutions there a lot of "adjustments" to be made. My main goals are to improve my Japanese, improve my grades, and further develop my personal style.
I think living is about finding yourself, and find out what you are capable of doing!
I need to recite my favorite blogger Rainbowholic on this one: "When you dream, you are halfway there." ;)

Well, enough about the dream-thingy already! I have major expectations for 2013, even though I told myself not to. I'm going to Tokyo and I'll continue to develop this blog!
Gulli and I have big ambitions, and I hope you'll stick with us on the journey! I learn about myself while I'm blogging, and I'm teaching myself to remember everything I come up with, so that you can read original stuff.
It kinda goes automatic now: "Ooh, that sounds interesting, maybe I can blog about that? Or maybe I can blog about this?"

In the near future I plan on more fashion-oriented posts, and why I think fashion is so important in being ourselves! ^.^

Hope you all look forward to whatever I'll come up with! My blog entries are like a peek into my brain, and that place is kinda messy...

Talk to you soon ~

Dare to live your dreams!

Hi cute ones!

Did you have a nice Saturday? Well, I sure had! ^.^ In fact I almost forgot to blog today, and I wasn't really sure what to write about. We are huge fans of self confidence and individuality here at Sakura Kiss, as well as fashion and beauty stuff, so I thought I was going to give you another reminder now. Honestly, I don't think it can be said often enough. Please, please, be yourself! And don't let anyone else tell what you can and can't do. I've heard plenty of discouraging things about myself in the past, and I hardly recognize the person I was before. Whenever I think back, I always think about how weak, naive and unsure I was. But it also hits me how cruel and despicable some people can be. Taking advantage of the ones weaker than you, is really some of the most cowardly and coldhearted things you can do. We hear about such people in the media everyday, but just think how many it actually is! People who lie, manipulate and destroy others self confidence to nothingness. .
I don't wanna drift too far away from the point here, but just don't let such trash ruin for you.

While I and a good friend of mine was taking a walk yesterday, we talked about opportunities and dreams, and how everyone should follow them. Since we live in a small town, far away from the worlds center stages, you really have to make a leap to get out. You need to decide on what to do. Some people leave for the city, and hardly ever come back Some move away to study and move back to start a family, and some stay in the area their whole lives. I'm sure many of you can relate no matter where you grew up.
In most communities, cities too, there are expectations of how you're gonna live your life. We also grow up in different environments of people, including our family, who all have an expectation of us.
I think it's important that we get a chance to think for ourselves, without any influence, on how we wanna live.

My father, for instance, is a very strict and proper man. My grades interest him far more than if I thrive at school. His biggest wish for me is that I get a good education and a well paid job, so I can live a comfortable life. He would prefer me to become a doctor, engineer or lawyer.
"But Father, my dream is to become an actress!" I told him once.
"That's just a child dream. In reality, it's close to impossible. If you try to become an actress, you'll end up poor, with no other options."
He didn't believe in me. Even when I called and told him I got a small role in a TV series, his answer was: "You just got lucky this time."
And when I told him I was learning Japanese, and that I wanted to go to Tokyo this summer, he just laughed.  "What is the point? What do you want to achieve there?" he asked.
"I want to learn a new language and explore a culture I'm fascinated by. I want to experience. That's all."
He still didn't understand.
"Japanese is a very important language in the modern business world, you know." I said.
"Then why don't you go to China? I think Chinese is more important."
Of course my father would never understand my real reasons to go to Japan. I convinced him that knowing Japanese would give me a big advantage in many jobs. And so he agreed to pay a third of my travel expenses to Tokyo. Believing that I wanted to learn Japanese in order to get a well paid job.
"Maybe I can live and study there too, someday?" I said.
"No. Stay in a culture close to our own. Don't make it difficult for yourself."
But guess what, I'm aiming on a year abroad in Japan, anyway. After all, how is he to decide how I'm gonna live my life? This is me, and this is what I want to do. And believe me, he is not the only one being skeptical about my Japan dream.

Despite what it may sound, my father encourage me greatly. I've always looked forward to the day I can look him in the eyes and say: "I've succeeded on my own. You were wrong."

Another quite personal post, but I hope some of you got inspired to follow your dreams! ^.^
I'm sure everyone has that special someone they wanna say "Look, I did it!" to. Who's yours?

Good night and sweet dreams! ^^

Kawaii!

Hello sweet people! \^.^/

Gulli already showed you her fashion inspiration, so I thought I had to show you some of mine. Although I don't have a very specific style code, nor do I show off this style a lot in Norway. Why? Because it's cold.. :(
In winter I tend to use a lot of knitted sweaters, jeans/tights and big scarfs. And of course I can't live outside without my black winter parkas and my wedge heels. (Which I walk surprisingly steady in on icy roads)

What is kawaii?

Kawaii is Japanese for cute or adorable. This term is used to describe artwork, entertainment, clothing, food, toys, behavior and appearance. It's the most important phrase in the modern Japanese pop-culture. You could think of it just like the English word "cute", but the Japanese "kawaii" is so much more.
Just try to google cute and kawaii, and see the difference in results!

English cute: 

Japanese kawaii:

Of course most Japanese would say that the puppy is "kawaii" too, but it's not all about the word's actual meaning, but what it means in the popular culture. ^^

What is kawaii style?

The kawaii fashion style is (of course) about cuteness. You mix and match different patterns, motives and textures and add some funny accessories. It's also important to wear something that suits you, and shows off your individual personality. In that way the kawaii style is very free and has plenty of sub-genres, and you can get away with almost everything as long as it looks good on you, and has that innocent, happy touch. ^^

When it comes to hair and make-up, it's just the same. Many kawaii girls like to use bright colors in their make-up too, and many dye their hair. Whatever looks cute on you goes! 

Here's some example pictures to give you an idea of the styling:

As you might see, kinda hard to pull through in Norway, especially in winter time. But I'll try to it more properly when it gets warmer, and of course when we're going to Tokyo and I can (finally) buy the items I've been looking for! :D

What do you think? 

Talk to you later! ^^

Simple step to happiness

Hi cuties! ^^

First of all, what am I doing? Eating a bowl of ice cream on a Tuesday? Well, in my new year resolution it stood clearly "NO chocolate or soda in weekdays!" But nothing about ice cream, so I've forgiven myself. :3
And by the way, I ate some tiny chocolates while visiting my grandmother today so, uhm... I'll work on it.
Why am I so weak for sweets? >.<

Let Rilakkuma explain: It's sweet, and it makes me happy! ^^ (I sound like a drug addict...)

Anyway, today I realized something. Why does so many people have a hard time accepting others?

I say many, because it is! Maybe you do it too, without even knowing it? 

And why is it that we have to accept others, anyway? Once someone told me: "I accept your taste is music. It's kinda cool." That really bothered me. Somehow he felt like he had to approve my own personal taste in music. Like it wasn't my decision! Like he was saying "I allow you to play that music on your iPod."

Here's what I think: There's no need for us to accept others. Just respect them, be amazed, or walk away. 

It's really that easy! And I know some people really want to be "accepted", but that's where they already went wrong. Don't give anyone the power to decide if you're good or not. It's not just giving ammo to your enemy, it's handing over your whole war plan! (Did that make sense?)

I mean, what if the guy had told me: "I hate your music. It's total crap." Should I've stopped listening to my music then? Switched to something else? Some people actually do this, and it's so sad. One should never change that much for others. 

People are different, and we all have our special talent! How can you know the talent of that not-so-popular girl in class, if you never talk to her? If you blindly go along with the flow all the time, you make it difficult for yourself to see both others and your own talent. You don't know what you're good at before you try it, and you don't know what others are good at before you give them a try! ;)

There are so many thing to amazed about in our daily life, but sadly many never notice it. 

Hope you all dare to be open and honest to yourselves! ^.^ 

By the way, what to you want to read about on this blog? If you have any suggestions or thoughts, don't hesitate to comment! : > 

Bye!