New Year's Resolutions - 2015

In the shade of a silvery palm... (Balboa Park // San Diego)

          Happy 2015! I hope that so far, the New Year has found you full of hopes and dreams! I just got back from a whirlwind trip to San Diego; there's something so magical about warm California weather...I imagine I soaked up more sunshine in one day, than I have all winter in Chicago! More than anything, I'd wanted to see a California sunset, and thankfully the one evening I was there I made it to La Jolla beach just in time. I can't express how phenomenal it was to stand in the cool Pacific surf, soaking in the fiery colors of sun and sea. I made a stop at Balboa Park (see above photo) early the next morning, and was able to enjoy the architecture and gardens before the museum crowds rolled in. I have a long-standing love for wild cacti and succulents and went a bit nuts with phone photos... (not to mention, everything photographs so much more vividly in the California sun!) If interested, you can check out highlights from my trips on my Instagram.

          After that much needed recharge, I've realized it's high time that I tackle my New Year's resolutions. I love hitting that restart button in January, with opportunity for self reflection and betterment. Every year, I have general concepts in mind, but it requires pen and paper (or in this case Wi-Fi and a MacBook) to make things official! So without further ado, here's what I have planned for 2015!

1. Become a healthy Whole Foods nut
I'm already quite the Whole Foods nut. I love the environmentally friendly and body friendly ideas behind organic ingredients. As a very allergic / ingredient sensitive person, it definitely makes a difference when I eat organic. That said, the past year, I spent way too many meals subsisting on cookies, thanks to a busy schedule. Despite being baked from scratch, they're not really a sustainable option. I'm hoping to explore more varied, healthier options this year!

2. Have an Instagram friendly apartment
The past few years organization has really fallen by the wayside, to a point that it affects my sense of well-being. Part of its that I have too many things, part is due to a very busy schedule. This year, I'm hoping to move in a positive direction, day by day. Seeing so many creative and organized spaces on Instagram has really inspired me to make this a goal for 2015!

3. Stay active, on the wall and off
Last year, I resolved to climb better. I did manage to climb a couple 5.11a's, as per my resolution, however I don't really consider myself to be generally fit. This year I'll use climbing as inspiration again, however my goal is to stay active on a more regular basis. I'll be incorporating yoga (which I've enjoyed for quite some time), as well as more physical workouts to improve strength (hello barely used Jillian Michaels DVD!) I've picked some cute new workout gear, as well as a new pink yoga mat and pink weights to this end...

4. Diversify my blog content
It seems that I've been at this blogging thing for quite some time now, perhaps I'm somewhat of a dinosaur. Call me old fashioned, but I still find that community, personality, and genuine conversation are the highlights of blogging; they're something worth preserving in the current more corporate driven environment. I'd like to build on these aspects and continue to mold Cute and Mundane into a more personal place, with more tidbits from my everyday life and travels!

5. Love what I have
Over the years, I've gone through emotional ups and downs when it comes to beauty. Sometimes I'm eager to experiment and add new beauty to my collection, other times I've felt a sense of guilt at the number of products in my stash. However, at this point in time, I'd like to take on a more positive, attitude to the situation. I'd like to to think of my stash not as a burden, but as an opportunity to choose from a carefully curated collection of things I love. Likewise, instead of focusing on getting rid of things, I'd like to focus on using and enjoying them!

            Thanks for reading - and accompanying me on this journey,whether it's been for the past few days or past few years! Wishing you the best in 2015!

Love, Dovey.

Friday Five : New year, new reflections (on beauty blogging)

          At this time of year, (right around New Year's) I like to pull out my figurative mirror and examine who I am as a person and as a beauty blogger. Today I'm taking the opportunity to wax poetic on some valuable advice I've come across, and other lessons learned while blogging. Whether you are a blogger, reader, or first time visitor, I hope you'll find something that resonates with you as well!

1. Be a unique snowflake
When I started blogging, I spent a good deal of time thinking about where I would fit in in the beauty blogging world. Should I be goofy? pretentious? obssessed? None of the above seemed quite right (after all, I suppose I was meant to be "cute and mundane"....). The reality is that most of us are a mixed bag. Instead of fitting into a pre-made or idealized mold, the grail is to 'be yourself' and do what is meaningful to you. That may sound easy (and a bit cliché), but it really takes work to realize who you are inside and outside of beauty blogging, and how you can effectively translate your unique personality into typed text!

2. Follow the rainbow
I've somehow managed to keep at Cute and Mundane for three-plus years now (my fourth blogiversary is this May!). I've realized that the trick to longevity is to follow and develop your passions. A love for beauty draws bloggers and readers together, but the reasons we love it are varied and often quite personal. For me, it really is about following the rainbow, both figuratively and literally. I feel so alive when talking about pure color and color inspirations (it's a bit of an obsession and compulsion actually); focusing on this aspect of beauty is what keeps me energized day in and day out.

3. Time is precious
In real-life, I have a job I love. That said, this year is a particularly busy one - to give you an idea, there's a mandated 80 hour work-hour limit on our week (you know, to make sure we have a break once in a while... to blog study....).  On a typical work week, I usually don't end up reaching that upper limit, but the long hours still give me an appreciation for the preciousness of time. Since my time is so valuable to me, I've learned to blog almost exclusively about what I want- not what other people want. I've tried to eliminate as many obligations as possible, including company product samples, because I've learned that my personal time is more valuable than goods, favors, recognition, pageviews, or really anything else!

4. Creativity is key
I think creativity is the most important aspect of blogging. A unique photography style, a personal watermark, and a bookish mentality are among the attributes that helped me to draw out a niche for myself. What I've learned over the years is the value of a new idea. Truly novel ideas are few and far between, and bloggers do take notice when you find one. While there is no exact formula for how to come across these new ideas, I think being true to yourself and cultivating your uniqueness is absolutely fundamental to the process!

5. We are family
In life, all endeavors are better when family is involved. I'm lucky to have a brother who (albeit a bit begrudgingly) edits my posts when he can. As yu can imagin, (<= I'll let thsi one slied... Ed.) it helps avoid some silly typos and add a bit of fluidity to my prose. But more importantly, it's a fun way to stay in touch. My mom's also been helping out by sending me the occasional sample and tossing recommendations my way! I know my grandparents in Korea take a look at the site every now and then too. Knowing all this keeps me focused on writing quality content that I'd be proud to share with my family!

        Thanks for reading and for spending time with me here today on Cute and Mundane! It's really a joy and a privilege to write, photograph, and share a love of beauty with you on this little slice of the web! If you have anything you'd like to share (agreements, disagreements, or new advice), I'd love to read your note below!

Love, Dovey.

Friday Five : Radiant resolutions for 2014 edition

It's a 'radiant orchid' year!

           Happy Friday! Perhaps the most famous (or infamous) ritual of New Year's celebrations is the making of New Year's resolutions. After giving it a lot of thought, I've carefully pruned and shaped a list of five personal goals that should keep me on track and happy this year! Today I have, at long last, my five 'radiant resolutions' to share with you on this edition of Friday Five! Enjoy!

1. Cultivate radiant orchids
I've had a fascination with flowers for as long as I can remember, and then some (remembered via family VHS!). Some of my fondest grade school memories involve picking out a few stems with my pocket money, whether it be at a farmer's market or a local shop. Fast forward to last year - I acquired a few orchid plants for the very first time! It's been a joy caring for them and getting them to flower again. Seeing as 'radiant orchid' is the color of the year, I can't think of a better goal than to hone my orchid cultivating skills, and perhaps add a few new blooms to my collection!

2. Climb on
I started indoor rock climbing in the late 1990's. However, since then, I've probably climbed only once or twice a year in the last decade. Since my brother (the flying squirrel) has begun climbing regularly again, I've been inspired to get my act together as well. My goal is to become a regular 5.11a climber from my current 5.10's (climbing difficulty ranks from 5.0 to 5.15). It's going to be tough for this couch potato. Currently I can do zero pullups and one (yes, only one) pushup. I'm going to work on some strength training and yoga to help elevate my game.

3. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is a resolution worthy every new year. It's the key to good skin and a sense of overall well-being. I'm planning to get plenty of use out of my Kleen Kanteen collection and a cute new Kate Spade Thermos I received for Christmas. On a related note, I'm hoping to treat myself to more salt soaks and steam facials as well; these simple water-based treatments do wonders for my skin!

4. Resist the temptation to cut my hair
I think we all have moments where we're itching for a life change, and all too often the victim is our hair. While a new light and fluffy 'do feels great initially, I inevitably start to pine for longer strands a couple weeks later. It's not that I'm afraid of going short (I had a bob during most of undergrad); I just find that collarbone-or-longer length hair suits my aesthetic a bit better!

5. Reach the finish line
I have a jam-packed academic schedule (especially this year!) and a tendency to start more projects than I can handle, both in blogging and otherwise. I'd like to focus this year on working diligently, but more importantly leaving no ends untied! There's no reason to miss out on the satisfaction (and the joyful unburdened feeling) of fully completing things.

         I'm hoping these resolutions will help me lead a richer, more radiant life, which will hopefully reflect itself here on Cute and Mundane! Thanks for reading! Did we have any goals in common for 2014? Do you have any orchid cultivation tips? I'd love to hear some of your resolutions this year!

Love, Dovey.

A clean slate...

           Happy New Year! There's something magical about January 1st - I just love the refreshing feeling of waking up to a brand new year, full of optimism and good will! It's also a great chance to reaffirm those old (and new) resolutions with a squeaky clean slate!

         Naturally, the colors I'm wearing at this new beginning reflect my sentiments. I've started 2014 with a couple coats of Essie Allure at my fingertips. This sheer white was a wonderful rediscovery from my stash; it was gifted to me by a dear friend some time ago. I also decided it was high time to switch out my well-worn wallet. I went from hot pink to this gorgeous white grain Kate Spade wallet (thanks mom!). In terms of makeup, I'm keeping things minimal with just a dusting of CHANEL Poudre Universelle in 20 Clair, with a liquid eyeliner, mascara, and a little aquaphor on the lips.

         Thanks for reading! I hope your New Year is off to a wonderful start! What beauty products and/or accessories are you refreshing your routine with today?

Love, Dovey.

Friday Five : New Year's Resolutions and Reflections 2013 edition

          Two thousand twelve was a whirlwind year here at Cute and Mundane. Wind filled the wings of my fledgeling blog, taking me on new adventures that I could have scarcely imagined just a year ago. A last minute submission to a casting call led to a place in the first ever Allure Beauty Blogger Awards. I came out from behind my camera for the first time, made my first video, and experienced the intensity of competitive blogging. I was beyond fortunate to have been chosen as one of the winners; I flew to New York, took part in a 'real' magazine photo shoot, and ended up on the pages of Allure's October 2012 Best of Beauty Issue (see here). It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, made possible by family, friends, and most importantly, you, the readers. I'm so grateful for the support you've given me since the very beginning; none of this would have been possible without you.

          The past year was exhilarating, but also exhausting. I was determined to make the most of the opportunity offered to me and blogged almost daily for months. I worked round-the-clock; if I wasn't at my day job, I was busy blogging. I didn't have time for anything else; in a way, I had been pulled under a tide of my own making. I also faced my fair share of hostility and unkind words; let it suffice to say that there was some paradise lost. Despite all this, I still feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to experience so much so fast; even the growing pains were invaluable learning experiences.

           As I face the new year, I feel it's become more important than ever to examine my priorities and find a sense of renewal. Last year I put the pedal to the metal and really churned out material for the blog, at the expense of almost everything else. Now that I'm near my third year, I realize that now is the time to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and nurture ideas. My personal life will also be taking a new turn soon, so I have to prepare for that as well. I'm giving myself a chance to reclaim my original ideas and sentiments, and regain my creativity and positivity. There is a niche for me in the blogosphere, and this year I hope to build upon it using these five New Year's resolutions:

1. Stay Inspired
My favorite posts result from explorations in color and how I experience the world. I love weaving stories about art, nature, life, and travels into my posts. I hope to devote more time to my Inspired by Art (and Nature) series, as well as other related endeavors.

2. Follow my nose
I began a very fragrant journey this year. A self-imposed perfume buy ban (see here) led to a rewarding and successful exploration of a passion. Even though fragrances are not the most popular reads on this blog, I have received a lot of encouraging and thoughtful feedback from readers. Connecting with other fragrance lovers has brought much joy to my experience. I'm looking forward to continuing these explorations next year!

3. Make more time for myself
I'd love to focus more on family, friends, and other important things in life. It's important for my mental and physical health, and I believe it will feed back positively on my blogging as well.

4. Review old favorites
There are so many old, but well-loved products in my personal makeup collection that have yet to be reviewed. I hope to devote more time to featuring my favorite brands, including NARS, Bobbi Brown, and others.

5. Experiment with new ideas
In my first ever post on Cute and Mundane (see here), I wrote that I hoped for this blog to be an experimental and creative outlet. This is very much at the core of my blogging philosophy today. I still hope to contribute new ideas to  the beauty community, whether it be through writing, photography, or something else entirely.

           And so, in this New Year, I don my proverbial lab coat, and will get back to work with a renewed sense of purpose. Thank you so much for reading; it has truly been an honor to share my experiences with you. It is you, the readers, that give me courage to continue on this journey.

Love, Dovey.

Inspired by Claude Monet (Houses of Parliament)

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