Happy Happy Joy Joy! How do you get Happy?

I woke up today and while watching the news found out that today is the International Day of Happiness! It was established on June 28th 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly and is celebrated throughout the world on March 20th. To honour this great day, I wanted to share a few ideas and things from my life that make me happy!

1. Dance like it's 1999

I love to dance and it will happen anywhere, in the car, in the aisles of the grocery store, in a change room and the more obvious places like a club, a dance or a family party.  What I LOVE about dancing is that it instantly makes me happy.  It will be rare to find someone on the dance floor who dances with a non smiling face, rather, it will be rare to find me dancing on the dance floor and not smiling! Here are some dancing photos below. Even looking back at these pics, they make me happy!

I was dancing like I wrote the song! I was in between smiles ;) LOL! 

Family Party in the UK - Always a blast and a great time :)

2. Pretty Decor & Flowers

With amazing apps like Instagram, we are exposed to a world of images and photos that are amazing, gorgeous and are happiness inducing. I love pretty decor and whenever I am at a party, wedding or at an event in the city, I am constantly taking photos. Here are a few pretty ones from this category:

Amazing and Romantic decor from a family wedding!

Window shopping with a dear friend :)

Decor Ideas at a Beauty Event

3. Chocolate

I love chocolate, whether it's fancy to the candy bar from the local convenient store. Nothing reminds me more of my childhood with my family and friends as much as Chocolate does. Ithink that is why I crave it so much if I am feeling blue. Sweet items are usually tied to a celebration of a positive kind which I am happy to enjoy!

Oh my gawwwww! 

A lovely chocolate Mousse dessert!

Halloween Candy - All Day!

4. Last but not least - Food

Food is a celebration and is a time for when the family will gather, especially at my house. There is 1 dish that is my all time, ultimate, amazing and is one of the best dishes my mom makes and has taught me to make which is the ultimate Punjabi Curry Chicken with Rice. Nothing makes me happier than smelling that intoxicating aroma from the kitchen! I have posted that and other great dishes that bring happiness to me!

Home cooked Curry Chicken = Happiness & Love :)

Spicy Thai Chicken & Vegetables :)

Jamaican Curry Chicken, Coleslaw with Rice & Beans :)

Trinidadian Barbecue Chicken, Macaroni Pie and Rice! 

Writing this blog taught me that there are so many amazing things that make me happy. I shared a few things that always guarantee happiness from within me.  Feel free to share what  makes you happy in the comments below!

Always Smile :)  - Sand

Celebrity Makeup: Looks you can do yourself!

The amazing thing about Awards shows is that they showcase a lot of interesting and creative ideas in Fashion as well as Makeup.  There is so much diversity in the various celebs that walk the red carpet, that there is always something that appeals to everyone.

I loved that for the 2014 Award show season, the looks were very soft, effortless and romantic! I also like the fact that these are looks that can be easily recreated at home. Check out my favourite Oscar 2014 Makeup looks below:

Naomi Watts | Bold Lips

The looks is soft, glowing and fresh with a pop of colour on the lips.  The glowing skin paired with a bold lip against the back drop of her gorgeous dress is perfection.  

Skin:  Use a foundation with a highlighter built in or a highlighting powder on top.
Eyes: Soft Brown on the crease with vanilla on the lids. Finish with 2 coats of mascara.
Cheeks: Soft Pink blush blended towards the temple and hairline.
Lips: Magenta shade in a moisturizing formula. Be sure to blot :)

Courtesy of: www.ellecanada.com

Kate Hudson | Hollywood Smoke Show
Her look is all about sexy glamour!  The classic smokey eyes with a soft pink/nude lip with contoured cheeks works beautifully with her hair and gown.  

Skin:  Use a matte foundation and set with Loose powder.
Eyes: Soft Pink shade on the lids, soft grey on the crease and matte black in the corner.
Cheeks: Coral blush paired with Bronzer to help contour and brighten.
Lips: Neutral/Pink toned lipstick and finish with a light reflecting gloss on top.

Courtesy of: www.harpersbazaar.com

Lupita Nyong'o | Fresh & Glowing

She looked flawless on the red carpets, especially at the Oscars, with her princess inspired dress and to her glowing and fresh makeup look.

Skin:  Use a foundation and set with a shimmering highlighting powder for extra glow.
Eyes: Sheer light blue, gently blended and swept onto the lids and into the crease.
Cheeks: Peachy/Coral shade blended out on the apples of the cheeks.
Lips: Coral/Pink lipstick with a matching gloss on top to make the finish last.

Such versatile and beautiful looks that will work on all skin tones.  Have fun with experimenting with your makeup looks for any of your special events!  Take inspiration from everything you see and you will find something that will work for you!

Always Smile :) - Sand