DIY: CUT UP T SHIRTS

Hey guys! I've been working on a few T-shirt DIYs just in time for Carnival here in the VI! When everyone's rocking the same Carnival T-Shirts, the challenge lies in standing out from the crowd. These tutorials can help you with that.   

I hope you're inspired and make your own creations. If you do be sure to tag me on instagram or twitter @luvmika87 or use my hashtag #luvmika87 on instagram. You can also share them on the LuvMika87 Facebook page. 

FLOWER HEADBANDS + NATURAL HAIR

        One of my favorite spring trends of all time are flower headbands. I've made a tutorial for you one way that I rock flower headbands but I'm not gonna type a whole tutorial out for you guys. 

You can find my tutorial on my YOUTUBE CHANNEL LUVMIKA ! 

That's right! I've started a YouTube channel! This is my 1st video! I hope you enjoy it. 

 Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT!

ARE PEOPLE UNSUPPORTIVE OF YOUR DREAMS?

DREAM KILLERS, NEGATIVE NANCIES/NATHANS, & NAY SAYERS

We all have them in our lives. If you haven't, brace yourself, they're on their way. They lie dormant, content with their lives. That is until they get the whiff  of something threatening, something most revolting...DREAMS. Suddenly they stalk and hunt you down as if their lives depended on it. With looks of discomfort and in most cases absolute fear, they make their stance for the final attack. They are the DREAM KILLERS of this world.   {end fantasy/horror novel type intro}  
As fictional as I made DREAM KILLERS seem, they really do exist. They are the people that passive aggressively or straight up in your face try to discourage you from pursuing your dreams. The scary thing is that in most cases these people are close to us. Dreams, at least initially, are not shared with complete strangers or mere associates. We share them with close friends and even family who we would expect to be supportive of and gentle with something as precious as our dreams.
They say things like "I don't want to see you upset if it doesn't work out." , "That's a crazy and stupid idea!" or "You don't have what you need to make it". Sometimes they make  you feel uncomfortable and even begin to doubt yourself for trying to pursue your dreams. Before you let the feeling of self doubt creep in, I would love if you could just refer to this quote below.

"Before you diagnose yourself with depression or low self-esteem, first make sure you are not, in fact, just surrounded by assholes."   - W. Gibson

THINGS YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND ABOUT DREAM KILLERS

They've already  pursued their dreams and have either succeeded or failed. 

They were too afraid to pursue the dreams they once had and now want you to do the same. 

They just don't have the vision that your have in your own dreams.

They're threatened by potential changes beyond their comfort level.

There are so many more reasons why dream killers do what they do. What's important is that you shouldn't give a F#$%!!!

It's actually a moment in your life where you learn who your real friends and supporters are. 

 The more you press on with whatever dream, idea, or project you're doing, the harder these dream killers will push back. 

Don't give in.

MY FAVORITE SPRING TRENDS WITH AN EDGY TOUCH

Lace, floral prints, and flower crowns are some of my favorite spring trends! They're everywhere in stores and websites in a plethora of colors and fashions. With such delicate fabrics, colors, and fashions, it can be a challenge to be on trend while still maintaining my edge. My affinity for dark clothing, pyramid studs, spikes, and anything that screams KICK ASS  is something that I am not willing to let go regardless of what season trends I rock.   Luckily I don't have too. I simply have to marry the frilly, softness of spring with my unwavering love for looks on the "dark side".    1. CROTCHET & LACE DOESN'T ONLY COME IN WHITE OR BEIGE! Do not think for one second that the more popular white and beige pieces featured in look books everywhere are your only options for this or any Spring season. There are plenty of crotchet and lace pieces out there in the darker edgy colors that you love. Rustic, silver jewelry with pops of pastel colors are edgy, but they still hint to the vibe of spring.  Here's a look I put together for inspiration. As promised the entire look  is under $100.   

Lace Dolman Top - Torrid - $30.50 Classic Wash Skinny Jeans - Forever 21 - $22.80 American Eagle High Wedge Slings - Payless - $19.99 Worldly Girl Ring Set - Forever 21 - $3.80 Outwest Pendant Necklace - Forever 21 - $12.80 Exotic Disc Earrings - Forever 21 - $4.80  

2. FLOWERS CAN BE EDGY TOO!  Deep purples and even black flower headbands definitely read edgy. I personally love the look of dark flowers and even decaying flowers, but not everyone is into that. A simple tweak of adorning a flower headband with studs or spikes would give it the edge you're looking for. If you're not the crafty type, you can check out this AMAZING Etsy shop called Voxpopulijewelry!

All floral crowns above are made by Voxpopulijewelry on Etsy!

Have no fear naturalistas! We can rock floral crowns as awesome and edgy as the ones above!

3. FLORAL PRINTS : Flowers aren't necessarily what comes to mind when I think "edgy". However,  like with floral crowns, it is possible to stay true to your edgy style with floral prints. Try looking for floral print clothing with dark backgrounds or undertones. Pair up floral print bottoms with studded and/or dark tops that are more you! The looks below range from $75.59 - $86.09 (depending on which top you pick).

Heart of the Matter Peplum Top - Fashion to Figure - $28.00 Studded Skull Crossover Back Tank - Torrid - $38.50 Bob Marley Tee - Torrid - $34.50 Floral Fields Leggings - Forever 21 - $14.80 Arrow Fringe Necklace - Forever 21 - $12.80 Montego Bay Club's Tubular Flat Sling - Payless - $19.99   With every season, new trends come. Just remember that it's always possible to rock them all while still looking like you.   

A WEEKEND GETAWAY: PUERTO RICO

Hey everyone! I'm back from a weekend getaway in Puerto Rico and I must say I did have a great time! Trust me as close as Puerto Rico is to St. Thomas I felt like I was in the USofA.     I decided that I would make an effort to take some pics to share, but I didn't want to spend what was supposed to be a relaxing, stress relieving vacation behind a camera's lens.   

Boarding the plane to San Juan, Puerto Rico!

 
Denny's was definitely the go-to breakfast spot in the morning! I looked forward to the little messages on my hot chocolate mugs everyday.  

Cute messages on Denny's mugs! I wanted to run off with the one on the far left.

 As you can see I was a bit more into eating than getting the perfect "food porn" pics for Instagram. At least you know that what I was eating was definitely yummy!  

NOM NOM NOM!

Denny's Fit Fare Breakfast Sandwich Plate - This healthy and filling option was my favorite!

If loving ice cream is wrong, I don't want to be right!

There's so much more freeness in regards to personal style in Rico. It's either the freeness in Rico or  the "Noone will see me after this trip" bug that finally got me into rocking my 1st ever crop top!   

Forever 21 Crop Top (in stores now), Rainbow Stores leggings , Payless Comfy Canvas Sneaks

   Yes, the motherhood battle scars may have been peeping here and there, but I truly didn't care. I felt right at home as I was surrounded by  many voluptuous, plus sized women wearing whatever they wanted and looking damn good! Now I hope that I can muster that courage back here on St. Thomas without giving a flying you-know-what any else thinks. 

 One aspect of relaxation that I thoroughly enjoy is retail therapy! The #1 shopping spot of course was Forever 21.  

     I definitely made a mental list of some items that I was stalking on their website. I don't think I could righteously complain about not having anything to wear, and I absolutely cannot do it after this therapy session.    I don't always treat myself to a mini shopping spree but when I do, I go all out.          I couldn't resist the famous Man of Mystery Dos Equis quote. Though I didn't drink one Dos Equis beer on the trip, I did enjoy a yummy Strawberry Margarita and a drink called 7 Potencias at Chilis! (Sidenote: The only fast food restaurants we have in St.Thomas are McDonalds,Pizza Hut, Dominoes, and Wendy's...I don't think Subway count.)   

     I'm glad that my waiter Louie got a good laugh from my facial expression when I saw the size of my 7 Potencias.  I honestly was expecting him to bring me something in one of those dainty little martini or margarita glasses. Clearly I don't drink often because I felt like I was drinking from a fish bowl! Oh yeah the food was great too, though the drinks kind of spoiled my appetite.

It was the perfect way to celebrate the end of a successful getaway!