July Diamond Dust

July 21, 2012 was a day of Pride for San Diego. All the colorful characters were out and about. It was fun to see and great to experience because everyone was having the time of their lives. The best part was the good vibes carried over into the fashion show.

Each time I'm at Kitty Diamond, the room configuration changes for the models, makeup artists, and hair stylists. I have to say that I loved July's configuration. We were in a big room, big enough for makeup artists, hair stylists, and models' clothes changes. Plus, when we were done and the models were ready for the catwalk, the room turned into a dance room. What was even better was the fact that, early birds like myself, could leave without bumping into dancing patrons or photographers.

There were a lot of makeup artists that brought their own lightening. Very smart! I tend to be a minimalist yet I may have to succumb to packing a light for future events. The one smart thing I did was to print out the photos of makeup ideas and hang them on the wall. It's easier and quicker for me to see than searching for the picture on my phone. Not many of the stylists knew what looks went to what designer. I was a star for a few seconds as they clamored around my wall to digest each look.

I set up shop next to a brand new makeup artist. It was nice to see her getting out into the public right away and getting experience. When I graduated from makeup school, I was very nervous about getting out into the world and working on real people.  She has a lot to learn (as we all do), but she's headed in the right direction.

My husband even kept busy with helping my take pictures of the models, so I can remember who I worked on, and chatting with photographers and models alike. He even helped with extension cords for the hair stylists. What a guy!

A group of models who were modeling for the designer, Teh Mac, chose me to do their makeup. Not only was I flattered that they wanted me but my ego was boosted by all their accolades. They loved their makeup! Very awesome! What was nice, was that they even brought their friends over for me to do their makeup. The group of models that I worked with were even fascinating to talk to. One male model was a pediatric neurosurgeon. Another one kissed the pavement hard from a bike accident the day before yet was a trooper and showed up with stitches.

I even had a chance to do makeup for Davorah Stetson, one of the fashion show promoters/model. Every fashion show I have watched her go to other makeup artists. Now, it was my turn! Loved it and was grateful that she gave me the chance.

The lovely Davorah Stetson

I did have a time matching skin tone to the foundation because the majority of the models had been out in the sun enjoying the parade for Pride. Not a problem, I was able to find a match the made each of them look flawless.

All in all, I felt that the fashion show went well and it was great to work with everyone. Everyone was in great spirits. The four hours I was there flew by and I hardly noticed when it was time to leave.

M is for Missouri

Why do people can Missouri...misery? Could it be the heat is the summer? I don't know. All I know was that when I was there, the weather was in the 90s with a low humidity. Perfect!

What I should have invested in was yoga for the plane. Imagine sitting in the middle seat, arms tucked under your boobs, knees hitting your throat, and your neighbors insistent upon using the arm rests to "relax". Good, now sit in that position for four hours. Now we're having fun! My husband lucked out and was able to sit in the emergency exit row with his legs stretched out. Lucky bastard.

My husband and I started our trip off by checking out all the malls, indoor and outdoor. A favorite past time of his uncle's. We took a moment to enjoy Shaved Ice. One of the flavors was "Tiger's Blood". I asked if it tasted like Charlie Sheen. Snicker....all I got was an eye roll and a very serious description of the product (coconut and tropical flavors). Boring. I liked my idea better. :)

Tiger's Blood is found here!

 In one of the malls, I found a me-ality kiosk (www.me-ality.com). Me-Ality claims that "in just 10 minutes, your free Me-Ality scan can help you identify the fit, style, design, and cut that best match you." So, I thought, what the hell? I stepped in to the scanner to see what Me-Ality could recommend for me.

It's an odd experience walking into a circular tube and being told to stand still with your arms askew and hands in. While standing super still, a long white arm slowly circles around you and scans your whole body two times. I guess the second time was for good measure. Once done, I stepped out and patiently awaited my results. The computer came up with no results for clothes. That was an ego booster. Then to add onto my "inflated" ego, the sales lady said that this mall didn't house clothes for big people. Awesome. Now, I'm feeling extra fabulous. I know that I'm not a size 6 like the local teeny boppers, but come on! I can still find clothes that fit me in a mall.

So, that's exactly what I did. I went to Macy's and found a fabulous dress and skirt, which were on sale. Did I mention that they fit me as well? Woo-hoo! I'm feeling better about my self worth. My husband's uncle suggested that I walk by the Me-Ality kiosk and say "nanny nanny boo boo". Silly sales people.

We even had a chance to check out the St. Louis Science Center (http://www.slsc.org/) . Neat place! Walking in was free but to see the exhibits meant shelling out money. No bueno por nada.

We arrived on a Tuesday and by Thursday, we drove out to Orchard Farm School District (http://www.ofsd.k12.mo.us/default.aspx) for my husband's interview with the maintenance team. The school district remind me a lot of Valley Center - Pauma School District (http://www.vcpusd.k12.ca.us/). Instead of the school's being eight miles apart, Orchard Farm's were within walking distance. I did enjoy seeing their Discovery Elementary School (http://www.ofsd.k12.mo.us/des/SitePages/Home.aspx). Pretty awesome school. It's a new school built with the "green" (environmental) theme in mind. I'm so used to seeing my school's fall apart that touring a brand new school is awesome.

Friday, my husband's aunt took me to the Butterfly House (www.butterflyhouse.org) in Chesterfield, MO. What a neat experience to see butterflies of all species flying around! This house is open all year round. At the Wild Animal Park, excuse me, the Safari Park, (old habits die hard) the butterfly exhibit is only seasonal. What the Butterfly House did need was a professional photographer to sell pictures of you in the house with the butterflies. I'd totally buy one!

A couple of tag alongs

 
After the Butterfly House, we drove on down to old town St. Charles MO. Fun place that is filled with history. Everywhere you look there is reference to Lewis and Clark.

Saturday, we drove out to the family farm in Crane, MO. It was nice to see and fun listening to stories from long ago.

The house looks small on the outside but was decent sized on the inside. It even had a cellar!

Best buddies

A bull calf and a donkey, friends forever.

Sunday, after church, while my husband and his uncle chose to watch NASCAR, his aunt and I decided to check out the arch. Seeing the arch is spectacular and breath taking. We walked underneath the arch to check out the museum and watch the tourists stand in line to ride the tram. The locals call the tram a "death pod". It is a bit daunting to see how small the tram is and know that it squishes in five people for a 630 feet ride to the top without windows. I've been told that you can stretch out, once at the top, at look across the city of St. Louis. No thank you.

Gateway to the West

A view leading up to the Arch

A mural showing how tall the arch is.

"Death Pod". Can you imagine 3 more people fitting in?

After checking out the Arch and the park, we decided to do some sight seeing. We didn't go very far. Around the corner was the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, also known as "The Old Cathedral". Very ornate and still active with its ministries. I thought about lighting a candle, but there was a $3.00 donation. Really?! Lighting a candle in a Spanish church is cheaper. This church even went so far as to put the candles by the confessionals. Oi Vey! One guilt trip coming up!

Still waiting on baited breather on whether or not my husband has a J-O-B in Missouri. Whatever the outcome, our trip to Missouri was fun. Now back to practicing my airplane yoga for the plane ride home!

Nu Skin Experience: Month Two

Being new to Nu Skin products, I wanted to know more about the products. Especially since I was now a Nu Skin distributor!

Last month, I enrolled in the "Experience Nu Skin ADR" program. It's a six-month program that sends me a collection of Nu Skin favorites each month.

In my first package (Month 1), I was sent: AP-24 Whitening Toothpaste, AP-24 Mouthwash, AP-24 Breath Spray, Body Bar, Epoch Sole Solution, and LifePak Nano.

Eagerly, like a kid on Christmas Day, I opened the package and had to try all the products! Why not?
Nu Skin claims that "their line of health care products provide anti-plaque protection while leaving a clean, fresh-mouth feeling that lasts all day". With the toothpaste and mouthwash, I'm at odds. I've talked to people who swear by it. These two products are OK, I'm just used to a toothpaste like Colgate that bubbles while brushing and a mouthwash that's like Listerine. I'm losing all faith, though. I have a dentist appointment in a couple of days and I'll see if my dentist notices anything different. However, I did like the breath spray. It's minty and refreshing. I'm not sure about the toothbrushes. I'm still partial to my Oral B.

The second item I tried was the Body Bar. It was fabulous! I can't say enough things about how much I love the feel of it on my skin and the fact that there isn't any soap residue left over. Plus, it's very gentle on my skin. I prefer using this to my daily face wash. Nu Skin states that "this is a soap-free cleanser that is great for the entire family. It gently washed away dirt and impurities, leaving skin fresh and clean. The grapefruit scent and the skin soothing benefits of aloe vera keep this bar a staple in so many bathrooms." I concur about the body bar taking away dirt and impurities. It's great at night when I take off my makeup. No makeup is left behind!

The third item was the Epoch Sole Solution. Nu Skin writes that "it is a moisturizer that restores smooth, healthy looking feet. Allspice berry is an ethnobotanical cream that targets the underlying cause of chronically dry, cracked feet." My sister-in-law tried this product on her dry and cracked feet. She loves it! This is a product that stands by what it claims. Pretty awesome!

The last item in my month one package was the LifePak Nano vitamins. Nu Skin says that "it is a nutritional anti-again system that nourishes and protects cells, tissues, and organs against the ravages of aging." Nu Skin recommends that you take one packet of pills twice a day. I found that to be cumbersome, having to constantly swallow pills. I prefer to drink my vitamins from the G3 juice packets.



With my month two package, I received: the Liquid Body Lufra, Liquid Body Bar, Perennial Intense Body Moisturizer, Enhancer Skin Conditioning Gel, Sunright 30 Body Block, Sunright Lip Balm, Tegreen 97, and AI/E 10.

The Liquid Body Lufra is a nice body buffer that "has finely ground walnut shells to buff out rough spots on elbows, backs of arms, knees, heels, and all over (Nu Skin)." It's very nice, yet I'm not in love with it like I am with the body bar, though.

Speaking of the body bar, I received the liquid version of it. Same great smell of grapefruit, same great feeling of the body bar...only in a liquid form. Fabulous!

The Perennial Intense Body Moisturizer is "an all-over moisturizer that protects skin, provides resiliency and increases cellular durability (Nu Skin)." The is a light weight moisturizer that is fragrance-free and does leave your skin quenched. Not bad.

The Enhancer Skin Conditioning Gel  contains panthenol and aloe vera. Nu Skin claims that " it soothes the skin and prevents moisture loss. It is perfect for oily skin or can be used as a soothing gel for dry or sensitive skin. This cooling gel also feels great on sore, chapped, or sunburned skin." I must say that it is great on sun burnt skin, although it does leave a residue like pure aloe vera, once it has dried on the skin.

The Sunright 30 Body Block "provides protection against UVA/UVB radiation while helping improve the skin's appearance", as stated by Nu Skin. The product does go on smoothly and is fragrance-free. I do like this sunblock and it came right in time for summer!

The Sunright Lip Balm "protects your lips from skin-again UV rays with SPF 15 and SeaLastin, to supplement collagen and elastin" says Nu Skin. They are right. This is a nice lip balm. I tend to forget to use, but it's great to have on hand when I'm out in the sun for a prolonged amount of time.

The Tegreen 97 has "catechins that are found naturally in green tea to support healthy cell function and help protect cell structures, including DNA, by neutralizing potentially harmful free radicals. Each capsule has the equivalent of approximately seven cups of green tea, but id 99.5% caffeine free, making it one of the most potent antioxidant supplements on the market" claims Nu Skin. I am taking two capsules a day. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to feel. My cells may be looking fabulous but I'm on the fence about this product.

The last product of my month two package was the AI/E 10. Nu Skin states that "it supports healthy immune cell communication by providing a concentrate of immune system messengers, including interlueukins, interferon, and other memory transfer factors." Again, I'm on the fence about taking this product. I'm sure my cells are loving this, I'm just not feeling any different.

Like all products, there are some you love and some you are indifferent about. I still believe in the effectiveness of Nu Skin products. Each product speaks to people in different ways. For example, ageLoc Vitality. Nu Skin states that "it helps you feel more like you did when you were young by targeting the sources of age-related vitality loss." I felt nothing when I took them, yet others felt more energized and had retention of memory.

If you are interested in trying any of these products, let me know. Buying through me will get you a 30% discount!

June Diamond Dust

It was that time again where I anxiously awaited the next fashion show. I always enjoy being challenged creatively with looks that the designers want. Yet, this fashion show had an odd vibe to it or it could have been just me having an off day. I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

I started out the day with rock star parking, thanks to my fabulous husband, only to wait for the owner to open up the bar. By 5:45 PM, the owner arrived and in between talking on her phone and giving orders to her crew, she instructed me where to set up. I was led to the second bar room upstairs (not downstairs this time) and saw that the room was fabulously set up with a mirror for every table. Awesome. Crystal, one of the models, sat down quickly as I was setting up. She was excited to have her makeup done first. Less stress for her!

There was a flurry of models, designers, and clothes everywhere! Chaos and commotion ran hand in hand. Three designers changed their minds on the looks and joined forces for a simple smokey eye. That was frustrating because I had already worked on about five models with a punk look. Just breathe. Waitresses waded through the craziness in hopes of taking orders and selling drinks. Water pitchers were brought by the handful and were just as quickly consumed by all the thirsty models.

My husband noted that I seemed to be working the fastest, with model after model sitting in my seat. Other makeup artists were taking their time. I wondered if my timing was off and maybe I needed to slow down. Nah, this was a fashion show where time was a commodity.

Then, I met my challenge. It came in the form of a model.

She sat down, hiked up her dress to her knees, and was full of frenetic energy. She talked about this and that. Gave me tips on how I should do her makeup. My game was completely thrown off and concentration disappeared. Have you ever met someone that by shear negative energy alone threw off your game? Tonight was my night.

I created cat eyes for her. She told me she was super picky and didn't like eyeliner under her eyes. So, I stuck to the top of the eyes. Once done, she quickly looked into the mirror and said, "No offense but I could do a better job." I calmly looked at her and said, "Do what you need to do." She then rushed to the bathroom to wash off all her makeup.

Now, I would have been happy to redo her makeup to her satisfaction. Yet, she chose to cowardly stand in line with the makeup artist next to me. The designer came over to me after seeing her model run off and asks if everything was "OK". I restated the events to the designer and then the designer asks if I'm OK with cat eyes. Yes, all is fine in cat eye land. I thought it was interesting that a model should dictate to a designer what look she should have. Le sigh...

Feeling low and my confidence shattered, I had to take a moment to reevaluate the moment. I had to not take it personally and realize that this was something she needed to do for herself. After that thought of clarity, I forgave her and moved on. What perked me up next was the models who knew me, requested to have me do their makeup. That's always a nice pat on the back. Every model after my "challenge", I asked them to tell me if they liked their makeup and I'll fix whatever they feel needs fixing.

Then I met a fabulous male model who had a kindred soul. He appreciated me asking for honesty and I enjoyed listening to his dreams and accomplishments. He was the type of person that you wanted to hug and I almost did.

By 10:30 PM, the models looked like they had all their makeup on and I began to wrap up for the night. Just as I started to clean up, the designers sat down for a quick makeover. How could I say, "no"?

11:00 PM rolled around and my age was starting to show. My feet hurt, I was thirsty, and my eyes were rolling into the back of my head. Yep, time for home.

See you at the next fashion show!

Rancho Bernardo Chorale

"In 1974, sixteen people who loved to sing gathered in my living room in Rancho Bernardo, California. From this tiny seedling group grew the RB Chorale of today. Now, at 150 tuneful members strong, we have awarded nearly $300,000 in scholarship monies to talented high school graduating seniors from North San Diego County, and we have received the Bronze Cup in Verona, Italy's 2005 International Choral Competition! Our RB Chorale musical productions are evenings chock full of entertainment for the whole family featuring music ranging from Broadway to Harry Potter. Our Tuesday rehearsals combine hard work in an atmosphere of fun, and camaraderie. Nothing soothes the mind and brings peace to the soul more than giving and receiving the gift of song. In fact, our Chorale's mission says it all: "We bring the gift of song to our community; entertain our audiences; and help aspiring young musicians seek their dreams." 
~ Pat Bean, Founder/Director of the RB Chorale.


I was given a wonderful opportunity to expand my makeup experiences by my friend, Andrea. She suggested that I come to her chorale and help out with makeup. I jumped at the chance! I wasn't sure what to expect, the only thing I know was that I would be there three days and tips may be involved.

Day 1: Wednesday and Dress Rehearsal

I show up at my appointed time of 5:00 PM. The chorale is just beginning to stroll in and prep with makeup and clothes. The women in my dressing room were put to the task of unwrapping the light wands that the audience was to use Friday and Saturday. A frenzy of activity took place: unwrapping the light wands, pinning on the feathery boas, women searching for their makeup, talking and singing occurring simultaneously. Until one matriarch of the group shushed everybody so she could her the finalists rehearse. Quite impressive!

Andrea went around introducing me, letting people know that I was there for makeup. The men weren't too happy to see me. They put up such a fuss about wearing makeup and grumbled to Andrea that if they must, they will were the makeup for the performances only.

I helped out some women, making sure their makeup was heavy enough for stage. Or as one women said, "I'm ready to look like a cheap hooker." In fact, she's right. Up close, the makeup was hard to swallow, yet on stage, the women looked like naturals. Many women were under the impression that I was there for beauty makeup. I had to point out that the stage lights would suck up all the color, so it was imperative that they have heavier makeup on.

One chorale member getting ready.

Then, I met Paul. Paul was a violinist that had been with the chorale since its inception. The director wanted me powder the top of his head to take away the shine. Paul was okay with that. He even joked that I could walk on stage during the performance  to powder his head. That made me laugh just envisioning the scene!

Day 2: Friday and Show #1

It was wonderful to see the chorale again. Everyone was in high spirits and people were more receptive to me being there. I was kept quite busy with the women. One women made sure that I put blush on the willing men's faces. Most were receptive to blush and powder, but nothing more. I joking asked if they were still in pain with all that makeup on. Then there was one I'll call "Grumpy Bear".  He didn't want me anywhere near him. I think he felt his manhood would be stripped if I were to out blush on him. Funny, being on stage and singing show tunes was manly? I guess everybody has their limitations. So, I left "Grumpy Bear" alone to his own devices.

Paul was brought to me "kicking and screaming" because the director wanted blush on his cheeks. As the photographed took pictures and I put on blush, Paul looked and sounded like I was harming him. I chuckled at his failed attempts to dodge my blush brush!

By 6:30 PM, the chorale was gathering backstage. I would grab the men I didn't see and throw blush on them with their blessings. Everyone was in high spirits, excitedly awaiting to perform in the Opening Show. I was planning on going home shortly, but then I was sabotaged by two sweet women who could have been my grandmothers. They looked at me with big puppy eyes and asked if I was staying to see the show. Originally, I said "no" because I was hungry and tired from a long day of teaching. They turned on their "puppy eyes" and I melted. "Okay" was all I could say.

I snuck into the theatre and sat down to watch the show. I only stayed for half of the show; long enough to see the finalists perform.

The chorale getting ready to perform.

Day 3: Saturday and Show #2

Andrea was sweet to put out tips jars in the dressing rooms and bathrooms. The director's right hand girl came in to ask if I would like to teach a makeup class in the summer for some extra cash. Yes, of course! I was honored that the chorale thought highly of me.

Most of the men were seeking me out for their blush and powder, which was a far cry from Wednesday! I looked for Paul yet he was no where to be found. An hour later, he surfaces and sought me out for his makeup. He jokingly said he was high jacked by hillbillies and they made him play his fiddle. What he really was doing, was having a jam session in an empty dressing room with other musicians. Paul's wife was saying that he was worried about being late and missing his makeup time with me. She said she almost fell out of her chair hearing that!

The people of the Rancho Bernardo Chorale are very dear and I was honored to be given the opportunity to work with them.

Diamond Dust

Last night was the grand opening of Kitty Diamond, a new bar in San Diego and a new venue for May Star's Fashion Show, "Diamond Dust".

Now, when May stated that it would be a soft opening becasue the bar was still under construction. Boy was she right! Plastic still covered the bars, yellow tape adorned the bar stools, and construction dust lingered on everything stationary. But the dust was a perfect fit since it went with the "Diamond Dust" theme. :) There were little snafus like no AC downstairs (it was really hot for some) and some outlets not working (that stressed out the hair stylists), yet we all found a way to make it work.

The models and maskeup artists were taken down stairs to get ready, while people upstairs began to shuffle in and enjoy the bar. A bouncer came in to check our IDs and gave a fabulous kiss stamp on our wrists! One model kept getting the stamp ink on her clothes and told me that hairspray will take ink out of clothes. Who knew? The next time I get ink on my clothes, I'll be trying the hairspray trick! :)

The great thing about last night was that everyone was in great spirits, the models showed up on time, and the lightening was fabulous! Many times, I have put makeup on in dim lights praying that I had put the right foundation shade on!

I had to laugh that I ended up with makeup all over my hands! My eyeliner pen exploded, more red lipstick found its way on me than on my models, and the black eyeshadow was everywhere! I think I'm becoming a messy artist! :)

I also was extremely busy and loving every minute of it! 4 hours and 14 girls later (plus touch ups), I was beat!

I am also amazed everytime how much the models' looks are transformed with hair, makeup, and the right clothes! After I put on makeup, I send the models to hair and wardrobe. It's always neat to see the complete look and the designer's image come to life.

Here are  pictures of the different makeup looks I did before hair and wardrobe got a hold of the models:

What I enjoy the most about these fashion shows, besides working with great people, is that there is always a new look for me to try out. Last night, I worked with designers that wanted looks from Brigitte Bardot, to retro rockabilly, to Harajuku. How fun is that?!

When I had finished putting makeup on the models, I had a chance to go upstairs and see the bar. One room was reserved for the fashion show with bright lights and photographers waiting anxiously. Another room had a disco ball, great music, and a sparkly gogo dancer. Fun, fun, fun place to dance and hang out! I also thought was it great to see people lining up outside to get in and check out the bar and fashion show.

I can't wait for next month's fashion show at Kitty Diamond! The bar should be in full swing and those tiny snafus last night will have been taken care of. Stay tuned!