Poetry of Love

 *~ Happy Valentines Day ~*

To those in love

To those remembering a lost love

To those trying to forget that this day exists !  ;)

Sonnets from the Portuguese-43 - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's

Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death. 

Remember- Christina Rosetti
Remember me when I am gone away, 
Gone far away into the silent land; 
When you can no more hold me by the hand, 
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. 
Remember me when no more day by day 
You tell me of our future that you plann'd: 
Only remember me; you understand 
It will be late to counsel then or pray. 
Yet if you should forget me for a while 
And afterwards remember, do not grieve: 
For if the darkness and corruption leave 
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, 
Better by far you should forget and smile 
Than that you should remember and be sad.

 

A Farewell to False Love- Sir Walter Raleigh  

Farewell false love, the oracle of lies,
A mortal foe and enemy to rest, 
An envious boy, from whom all cares arise, 
A bastard vile, a beast with rage possessed, 
A way of error, a temple full of treason, 
In all effects contrary unto reason. 

A poisoned serpent covered all with flowers, 
Mother of sighs, and murderer of repose, 
A sea of sorrows whence are drawn such showers 
As moisture lend to every grief that grows; 
A school of guile, a net of deep deceit, 
A gilded hook that holds a poisoned bait. 

A fortress foiled, which reason did defend, 
A siren song, a fever of the mind, 
A maze wherein affection finds no end, 
A raging cloud that runs before the wind, 

A substance like the shadow of the sun,
A goal of grief for which the wisest run.

A quenchless fire, a nurse of trembling fear,
A path that leads to peril and mishap,
A true retreat of sorrow and despair,
An idle boy that sleeps in pleasure's lap,
A deep mistrust of that which certain seems,
A hope of that which reason doubtful deems.

Sith* then thy trains my younger years betrayed,  [since] 
And for my faith ingratitude I find;
And sith repentance hath my wrongs bewrayed*,  [revealed] 
Whose course was ever contrary to kind*:  [nature] 
False love, desire, and beauty frail, adieu.
Dead is the root whence all these fancies grew.

 

 

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Healing Arts for Haiti: De-stress while helping those in distress. 2/12/10 from 12-8 PM, at the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station NYC

 Hi Everyone. Come by the Grand Hyatt at Grand Central tomorrow anytime from 12-8 to help out Haiti! 

I'll be there from 5-8 pm so come and say hello!

 

Healing Arts for Haiti

Come de-stress while helping those in distress on February 12th at the Grand Hyatt. Enjoy special spa services - 10 min massages for $10, mini-manicures & makeovers, express acupuncture services, sample sale steals on professional beauty products (up to 75% off retail), as well as yoga & fitness sessions. Live music, entertainment, fabulous raffles. The event is open to the general public.

Every dollar raised will be donated to UNICEF, directly helping rescue and relief efforts in Haiti. To make a donation to UNICEF now, click here.

Free Entrance! Join some of NYC's most generous and talented makeup artists form 12- 8 PM at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom! Clifford Jones, Christina Farrell, Valerie Hernandez, Danielle Fonseca, Jarrett Seese, Lind Elmani, Genevieve Santos, Tamara Figuera, Matthew Anthony, Jackie Lui,  Irene Kim (5-8pm), Mary Douglas, Candace Jackson, Michael DeVellis and some very special surprise guest artists will be with us throughout the day!

Healing Arts for Haiti is where caring citizens can receive services from the healing arts community with donations to help Haiti. Every dollar raised will be donated to UNICEF, directly helping rescue and relief efforts in Haiti.  

No appointments needed, just come by and de-stress for a great cause.

Friday, February 12th, 2010
Noon - 8pm

Grand Hyatt - The Grand Ballroom
109 E. 42nd St
at Grand Central Station

SERVICES & ACTIVITIES AT HEALING ARTS FOR HAITI:

Massage
Reflexology
Mini-manicures
Make-up Makeovers
Acupuncture
Yoga & Pilates
Chiropractics

Sample Sale - up to 75% off top beauty brands

Raffles for spa services, restaurants, events and more
Silent Auction- destination resorts, Las Vegas, sports memorabilia and more
Music with great artists from the Haitian community

Surprise guest appearances

WIN AMAZING RAFFLE PRIZES FROM:
Aetó Botanica. Affinia Dumont Hotel. Almog's. Atlantic City Board of Tourism. B. Kamins, Chemist. B. Smith's. Beach Bum Tanning. Bliss. C2 Media. Cantone Press. Celebrity Makeup Artist Sam Fine. Collina Italiana Language & Culture center. Courtney Akai Boutique Salon. Dermafile. Dermalogica. DermQuest. Dr. Layne Martin, DDS. Eminence Organic Skin Care. ENJOY Hair Care. Eve Pearl Beauty. G.M. Collin. HBL Hair Care. Image International Skin Care. Izunami. Jan Marini. Korres Natural Products. La Piele Skincare. Las Vegas Board of Tourism. L'Occitane. MAC Cosmetics. Make Up For Ever. Matis Paris. MD Corrective. CareMonstoco Fine Food. Ned Kelly & Co. Florists. NovaLash. Oasis Day Spa. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. On Makeup magazine. One Source Visual Marketing Solutions. Pevonia. Phytomer USA. Pilates with True You Lifestyle. Radiancy / no!no!. Senna Cosmetics. Skin 2 Skin. Sonya Dakar. Stila Cosmetics. Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort. Temptu. The Bra Book by Jené Luciani. Three Custom Color. Top Massage Tables. Veronica Winsch, Lifestyle Coach. Yon-Ka Paris. Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. 

LIVE PERFORMANCES BY:

12-1PM: Hamilton of Mr. NoShame
1-2PM: ZAWADI
2-3PM: Lucas Madrazo www.lucasmadrazo.com
3-4PM: Adam Baranello and The A&G Dance Company (live music & dance)
4-5PM: Brian Ripps of The Turn
5-6PM: Lois Wilcken, Manager of La Troupe Makandal, NEA Award winning Haitian dance and drumming troupe
6-6:30PM: Stephen Rawlins Represents Hasan www.LCExperience.com
6:30-8PM: Joe Taylor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CAjv65rlGE

*~ Have a Beautiful Day!~*

Flirt.... Sushi Lounge

 

Have you ever had a MENAGE A TROIS?  How about a LATIN LOVER?  Do you need some FOREPLAY in your life? Try going BOTH WAYS with some VIAGRA and ending with a nice CLIMAX!

Is my mind totally in the gutter?!??!  No, I'm not talking S.E.X.  you dirty minded people, you!
I'm talking about the rolls you can find at Flirt Sushi Lounge!

I went here with my girl Rita at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ.
The main location's in Allendale, NJ and there's also one in Boston, MA.

We didn't know what to expect, but Rita had heard good things about the place in Allendale, so we decided to check it out.  At the very least, ordering some of the names of the sushi rolls would give us a laugh.

We decided on the Big Balls appetizer, the Viagra, and the Hot Mexican.
* The Big Balls were big balls of Tuna in a Panko type breading   (I think.... it's been about a month....).
* The Viagra are 2 hand rolls w/ Uni, Ikura, Salmon, Tuna, and a Quail Egg.  It had a lot of interesting things going on... lots of different flavors and textures, but I enjoyed it.
* The Hot Mexican is a Tuna, Yellowtail, Avacado, and Jalapeno.  It was really spicy, but really good.

I was surprised at the quality of the sushi.  It's not the most amazing sushi I've ever had, but it was good, fresh, and I really liked the creativity they had.  And the sauces are sooo good!

The prices aren't cheap, but the portions are fairly large and the roll combinations they have are ones that I don't usually see in restaurants.

So, if you're in Jersey (or Boston) and are looking for a new sushi experience, check out Flirt Sushi Lounge.
Come on... where else can you get Swingers in Climax in a Bed for Two.  
Actually.... you probably can find them around... but I'd stay away from those places!  ;)
Oh man... you've gotten Mi-So Horny....... (Soup).  OK.. Enough of the word play.

 

*~ Have a Hot Valentines Day! ~*

Flowers... For Your Face- Guerlain Les Violettes Loose Powder

I haven't been as excited to buy a new product as I was to buy the Guerlain Les Voilettes Loose Powder.
I tried it at someone's house recently and fell in love at first sight (and smell).

This is a luxury product.  It comes in a big gold round case.  The Powder Puff is big and divine (I hate when cosmetics give really cheap and flimsy puffs). The packaging inside can be a little messy... but use carefully (adding to the luxurious experience!) and you'll be fine.

First launched in 1991, Les Voilettes loose powders are miracles of transparency and fineness, especially formulated to matify and improve make-up hold without setting it. Contained in a stylish gilt pot, this loose powder, as light as a feather and as soft as silk, sweeps over the face, illuminating the complexion and leaving a delicious scent of violets in its wake. Delectably light, it blends into the skin to create a perfectly matt and even complexion. Its transparency and evanescence means you can apply it as often as you need to without creating a build-up of powder. This must-have accessory is available in 5 shades to transform all complexions. 

The powder is ultra ultra fine. You only need the slightest bit to mattify your skin and leave your skin looking flawless. You can always add for more coverage, but start with a light hand.
* I like to take the powder puff, dip the edge into the powder and fold the powder puff in half (essentially pressing the powder into the puff).  Then I lightly dust the powder all over to set makeup.

The best part of the powder is the scent.  It smells delicious.... like a violet candy
(C. Howards Purple Violet Mints smell and taste sooo delicious... and are good at getting rid of cigarette breath).


I LOVE putting this on my face as I can smell the powder and sometimes, I can still smell the violet on my face while walking around
(It makes me happy!)    =)
If you don't like flowery smells, you probably won't like the scent.  But I say it is simply divine.

The powder is definitely not cheap, retailing at $55 .  It is pricey, but there is a looot of powder and because you only really need the slightest amount, it will last you for a really long time.

Like I said, it's a luxury product.... but I really feel like it makes you feel different when using a luxury product:  I always feel a little more special, a little more fancy, and a little bit happier when using (and wearing) something of the best quality.  And baby, I think you're worth it!  =)

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Love Is In The Air- My Favorite Romantic Movies

There are people out there that don't believe in love.  I don't really understand those people....
You may not be in love, you may have had your heart broken, but how can you deny that love exists?

If you're not a believer in love... watch these movies!

(Although they may not make u believe.. but they should melt ur cold cold heart a little)  ;)

Umm... it's kind of long... but I didn't want to miss any of these.  Can u tell I'm a romantic?   =)

About A Boy-  This isn't a typical love story, but I love this movie and it deals with different aspects of love.  Highly recommended.  "If there's hope for Will, there's hope for us all"

Amelie- My FAVORITE movie. I fell in love with it from the credits.  This is such an amazing movie- The music, the cinematography, the story.... I love it all.  Amelie is a lonely girl who decides she wants to help people.  A WONDERFUL WONDERFUL movie. 

Can't Hardly Wait- Ethan Embry is sooo adorable in this movie.  Lots of cameos.  Fun bubblegum pop movie.  So good~*

Father of the Bride- The love between a family... especially the father and daughter.  How can you not love Steve Martin and Diane Keaton?

Ghost- A modern classic. Great movie.  Watch it if you haven't yet. Demi Moore before her cougar days ;)

How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days- My FAVORITE romantic comedy.  Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey are great together.  So charming, so funny, so hot!!!  Love it!!!

Love Actually- Another movie that looks at all different aspects of love. Lots of different stories and relationships. 

Moulin Rouge- I actually thought this movie was really weird the first time I saw it... and didn't know what to think. But I watched it a second time soon after and fell in love.  Baz Luhrman is amazing~*
The first part is crazy and comedic, the second half is more of the love story and dramatic.  One of my favorite movies. Simply beautiful. 

Never Been Kissed- I love Drew Barrymore. And she is oh so lovable and cute in this movie.  Michael Vartan is hot.  SUCH a cute movie!!!

The Notebook- This is probably the love story of our generation.  Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling are sooo great together.  Beautifully filmed. 

Notting Hill- I love this movie.  I was able to go to a lot of the places they filmed at in London so it's even more special to me.  Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant bring their A game.  Lovely Lovely film. Simply Brilliant!

Pretty Woman- A modern day Cinderella story... if Cinderella was a prostitute  =T 
Julia Roberts at her best. ***** (5 stars)

(Baz Luhrman's) Romeo and Juliet- I don't care what anyone says... this is my favorite Shakespeare play.  The movie is fantastic.  Baz Lurhman brings the story of the young star-crossed lovers into a whole new world filled with music, colors, and action.  Very exciting. Very sexy (Hellooooo Leo!).  Very engaging.

Sixteen Candles- My favorite John Hughes Rom-Com.  Samantha's Sixteenth Bday sucks.. but gets better eventually!

Splash- I loved this movie growing up... and I don't think I even really understood it.  It's still a great movie.  Love Daryl Hannah as a mermaid.

Titanic- Two of my favorite actors... this is an epic movie.  I've seen it probably over 10 times... and I still don't get tired of it. Sooo beautiful and romantic... except the fact that Kate Winslet hogs the suitcase in the water (She DEFINITELY could have made some room for him... but whatever...)

A Walk To Remember- I loooooove this movie. I actually like the movie better than the book.  It's a great story.  Great music too. 

When Harry Met Sally- Can men and women be friends?  Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal address this question in this great movie.  So funny. So smart.  So cute. And who can forget the diner scene~ "I'll have what she's having!" A must-see modern classic!

10 Things I Hate About You-  Heath Ledger before he became "Heath Ledger".  A great comedy that'll make you reminisce about when you were young.  Great cast.

50 First Dates- Filmed in Hawaii. Drew Barrymore is gorgeous... Such a cute film.  One of my fav's.

So.. These are some of my all-time favorite movies about love in all it's wonderous (and miserable) glory.  If you haven't watched these, I hope you do because they're sooo sooo good!!! 

Enjoy!!!

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Pucker Up- Lip Balms To Keep Your Lips Kissably Soft

With Valentines Day right around the corner, I'm prepared to write a week's worth of "love" related topics. I may be single... but I LOVE Love.

Who doesn't love a good smooch or a snog?
If you don't.... I would practice kissing more... because either the person you're kissing is a bad kisser.... or perhaps you are not the good kisser.  O_O

Don't worry... with practice, I believe everyone (or at least 80% of people) can be a good kisser.






Before kissing another person...there's a few things you want to think about:
1. Make sure you don't have bad breath- Watch what you're eating and pop a breath mint/gum into your mouth.  It's just common courtesy  ;)
2. Make sure your lips aren't dry, flaky, chapped.
3. Have fun!

If you have dry flaky lips, you want to make sure to exfoliate them.
- A quick easy tip to keep them soft and smooth is to brush them with a dry toothbrush.
- A Medium or Hard-Bristled brush probably works best to exfoliate (Don't use these for your teeth... a Soft Brush is best), but a soft brush will also work.

Lip Balms come in soooo many forms and varieties.  Here are my favorites:

Burt's Beeswax - I've used these probably since High School.  They are much more readily available now (they sell them at most drugstores now) than when I started using it. They come in stick and jar form. I prefer the stick.  This is basic standard of lip balms.  Like chapstick... but not as waxy.
I even got my ex to use this (and he never used anything!)



Soft Lips- I've used this since they first came out.  It's a good basic lip balm that comes in a variety of flavors (although it doesn't really have a taste).  It has a bit of a tingly feel to it and has SPF 20.  The thing I like best about this is the packaging. It comes in a small thin tube (about the size of your middle finger).


Rosebud Salve (C.O. Bigelow, Smith's)-  I always used to use the C.O. Bigelow for years, but since they changed the packaging, I decided to try out the Smith's when it came out with the "Three Lavish Layers" set at Sephora (Strawberry, Rosebud, Minted Rose).  I like both, but I do like how there are different flavors of the Smith's. I like the Strawberry best.

Blistex Silk and Shine-  This is a great lip balm. I've used this for years. It has a nice soft scent, it leaves your lips soft, and it lasts forever.  It also has SPF 15 which is a plus.




C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine:  I carry this in my purse.  It's great when my lips are extra dry and I want a glossy look. It contains menthol, so it gives a tingly feeling (which I love). They come in a lot of varieties- I have the original and Cinnamint.

Carmex- I don't use this, but I have tried it and a lot of people get addicted to it. It's a mentholated lip balm and will leave your lips tingly.  I think it's good for people that have extremely dry lips. It's also said to help relieve cold sores. You can find at drugstores for pretty cheap.

     I hope you find these lip balms as useful as I do~*

So Find a cute boy/girl to kiss, Keep your lips soft, and Stay away from the Garlic Bread  ;)

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Who's the Man~ Manuel De La Cruz

I was able to do a few shows for Fashion Week in Fall 2009.

The biggest thing I did was being a makeup artist for Manuel De La Cruz at the Altman Building.
I was really lucky to get some great looking models, I was really happy with the way the makeup turned out, and it was a great experience. Click HERE to see the show

I've been lucky enough to collaborate with Manuel afterwards and I am proud to say that I will be the Head (Key) Makeup Artist for his Fall/Winter 2010 collection!

 Manuel is an amazing designer.  Here are some of my favorite looks from his Spring 2010 show.

If you are interested in going to a fashion show, are a fan of Manuel, or a fan of ME, you can see us do our thang on Saturday February 13, 2010 at the Altman Building (135 West 18th Street~ NY, NY).

RSVP at: rsvp.mdlc@gmail.com

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

My Life- In Perfumes

I love things that smell.  Candles, Reed Diffusers, Scratch and Sniff Stickers... I love it all.
A lot of people are sensitive to smells... but I say bring it on!!!
It's funny how scent affects people differently. One person's favorite scent can make another person want to vomit. (My friend Amie likes the smell of skunk... she thinks it smells like Sesame Oil..... don't ask....)

Here's a list of scents I don't like: Patchouli (I may be more of a hippie now.. but I don't think I can ever wear this), Musky scents,Vanilla, and Products that smell like Baked Goods are a few.

I have worn many many perfumes over the years.  When I smell these scents, they can bring me back to different periods in my life.  It's kind of like looking at old photographs...
So here's a trip down memory lane... Come along for the ride~*

Wiser, Stronger, and Bolder.... I'm Getting Older!

 "Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter"

-Mark Twain

Ok.... So I've been wondering when I got so old...

This Saturday, Crystal and Esther told me that I had a few white hairs!  I've found white hairs before and I'll pluck them out... but now I'm getting a lot?!?! WTH? Perhaps I need to RELAX and slow down...

Then I went to the mall and the lady at the Macy's counter says, "What are you... in your early 30's?"  WHAAAT?!?!? And she was Asian too!!!
This is the second time in my life that someone thought I was in my 30's.... and I don't like it!
It was nice to look older when I was 16 and sneaking into bars (which have all closed down.... for letting minors drink.. haha), but oooh... I will not be happy with you if you think I'm in my 30's when I'm not.
Dear Macy's Lady, Consider yourself on my $h*t List.... for a day or two...

Hello Humidifier~*

Winter is here and kicking.  Along with the crisp-clean air and beautiful snow falls comes frigid cold weather and dryness in the house.
Lower your thermostat (it's expensive, uses a lot of energy, and dries out your skin!) and plug in a humidifier

As a kid, my parents always brought out the humidifier come winter time.  I used to love sticking my face in it and giving myself a "facial" (or whatever reason I did it as a kid.... I did a lot of weird things...)
My dad still brings out the humidifier every year and I have picked up the habit in my own apartment.
I notice that not many of my friends (if any) do the same, so I thought I would give you a little beauty tip that you probably don't follow. Get a humidifier!

There are two types of humidifiers: Warm and Cold Mist
* Warm Mist Humidifiers are better if you find sauna's easier to breathe in. They tend to be quieter, but require more cleaning
* Cold Mist Humidifiers are better if you find a sauna hard to breathe in. They may also make breathing easier for people with asthma/allergies

According to an online article, there are a few reasons why you should have a humidifier in your home:

Often times, if your humidification levels are low, you are going to have dry skin. Your skin will not have the elasticity it needs. 

Other symptoms could include joint pain, muscle pain, raspy throat, sore eyes, and even difficulty concentrating. 

In general, if your humidity levels are too low, you may experience a constant discomfort.
When you have humidity in the air, you feel more relaxed, more at ease, and more comfortable.

And here is a list of the benefits of a humidifer: 
* Relieves and prevents dry, scratchy skin and lips
* Can help relieve cold symptoms by making the air you breath moist, which helps keep your lungs more elastic
*  Reduces nosebleeds by keeping the air moist
* Keeps wood furniture from drying and cracking

There are so many types of humidifiers that you can buy. I currently use a small and simple one that I got at Bed, Bath, and Beyond (they should pay me for all the advertising I do for them!) for about $30, but I'm going to invest in a better one (Mine can be a little loud and has a blue light.... good for you if you like white noise and are scared of the dark...)

I REALLY want to get the Zen Humidifier that my friend  Jenny (Geek In Heels) wrote about... but I can't seem to find it anywhere   =(

If you do have a humidifier, don't forget to keep it clean. It says that you should clean it weekly if you use the humidifier daily, but who really has time for that. I would try to do it every two weeks to a month.

So, pick yourself up a humidifier and say bye bye to dry.... air   ;)

 

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*

Aqua Globes

 

I have bought so many things from infomercials over the years.  Some of them have been pretty useful, but most have been a complete waste of money.

The newest thing I've bought that they've advertised on t.v. is the Aqua Globes.  I personally don't like the colors and wish they were just clear... but whatever~ it's purpose is to water plants, and it does the job.

Living the gypsy lifestyle, there are many times I don't come home to my apartment for days at a time. 
I do have a roommate... but for some reason, she hates plants.  When I went to Africa for almost a month, I requested that she not kill my plants.  She watered them ONCE while I was gone!!!
Luckily, I'm like the Jesus of plants and I was able to bring them back to life.  ;)

Since I felt bad that there are times when they don't get watered, I decided to try out the Aqua Globes.
I tried them... and I think they're great! No muss... no fuss... no dead plants!
They also come in mini sizes (which I'm going to get for my Orchids)

Aqua Globes are an attractive solution for automatic house-plant watering. The hand blown stained glass globes arefilled with water and inserted into the soil of houseplants dispensing water as the plant needs it. Aqua Globes are a great alternative to the daily chore of watering plants and an excellent choice for automatic watering while on vacation.

1.) Fill Aqua Globe with water
2.) Make a small hole in the soil with a pencil or stick
3.) Insert Aqua Globe into soil. As soil becomes dry, it releases oxygen into the Aqua Globe, which in turn releases the exact amount of water your plant needs.

So if you have house plants and flowers (I think everyone should have some in their homes) and aren't home a lot, forget to water them, over-water them (Guilty...), or are too lazy to water them... the Aqua Globes are perfect for you.

You can buy these at drugstores and online, but I bought them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond since you can get a 20% discount with the coupon. 
And if you think the "work of art" is ugly like I do, just hide it in the back of the plant so you can't see it! ;)

 *~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*