Here are a few tips to help:

1.     Sugar Plum Fairies and the Land Of Snow. Where traditional ballet makeup is required keep in mind that the brows need a little more enhancement and extending.  Eyeliner will need to be extended a bit further at the ends. Be sure to not meet the lower and upper lines at the sides.I like to use a brown cake/shadow liner below lower lashes and a black cake/shadow liner at the end of upper lashes to create a softer look. A Mode Dion Pro Pallet eyeshadow compact has all the colors you need. Keep eyes wide with white pencil in between.  Add a little white shimmer like Mode Dion’s Shimmer . . . → Read More: Nutcracker Character Makeup by Christine Dion]]> Tis the season for Christmas Holiday shows and of course the most popular of all, the Nutcracker, will be presented by studios across the country. In many cases this will be presented on a large stage and may require a little more facial enhancement than a typical small stage performance.  The makeup used for the nutcracker features many characters. With the following performances, a simple eye makeup change is all that’s needed to add drama and help enhance the theme of the look.

Here are a few tips to help:

1.     Sugar Plum Fairies and the Land Of Snow. Where traditional ballet makeup is required keep in mind that the brows need a little more enhancement and extending.  Eyeliner will need to be extended a bit further at the ends. Be sure to not meet the lower and upper lines at the sides.I like to use a brown cake/shadow liner below lower lashes and a black cake/shadow liner at the end of upper lashes to create a softer look. A Mode Dion Pro Pallet eyeshadow compact has all the colors you need. Keep eyes wide with white pencil in between.  Add a little white shimmer like Mode Dion’s Shimmer Pot to the center of lid, brow arch and inner eye corner to open eyes even more. False lashes will be a must to create big elegant eyes. Adding a bit of magical glimmer to the cheekbones and eyes can really create more enchantment.  Use glitter in opal/white like Mode Dion’s Crystalina and secure it with spirit gum like Mode Dion’s Diva Glue.

2.     Arabian dancers can quickly get the look just by extending the black cake/shadow liner towards the inner eye corner creating a cat eye appearance. White pencil will help define the look by applying a little at the inner eye corner and between the two lines out at the end of the eye corners. Extend liner a bit there too as this will lengthen eyes creating a more exotic effect. (photo Arabian)  Rhinestones placed along the upper brow line can create more drama.  Place little dots with your eyeliner first to get the design and spacing right then adhere them with eyelash glue.  If the costume is sparkly, enhance that with matching glitter secured with Mode Dion’s Diva Glue.

3.     Chinese Dance only requires a very red lipstick applied just at the middle of the upper and lower lip to create a tiny rosebud mouth and lengthened eyeliner extended out at the sides of the eyes up. Meet the upper and lower eyeliners at the sides to close and angle eyes for an Asian look. If lids are naturally full they can easily be reduced to a more Asian almond eyed look by using black shadow across the lid. Very red cheeks just on the apples will make the face look rounder. This tutorial is a very dramatic version to create a classic Shanghai Doll look. For a softer effect use brown onto the lid instead of black.

The Doll/Toy look is an easy twist form a standard stage makeup look. Add more red cheek color to the rounds of the cheek.  Remove lip color from the sides of the mouth and create a more rounded lip  look for a baby doll lip. Highlight center of upper and lower lip so lips look even more pulled forward. Draw lines below lower lashes to look     like painted on lashes and in between use white pencil to help them look more pronounced from a distance. Apply shimmer highlighter like Mode Dion Shimmer Pot (opaque shimmer) to cheekbones, chin, forehead and down center of nose to make skin look light reflective like plastic.

4.     Clara and other children in the party scene should have a softer more natural looking makeup.  Skin should appear flawless by applying a matte oil-free foundation and powder.  Brows should be well defined and shaped along with lips and cheeks slightly flushed. Mode Dion’s  Stage Red cheek color and  Rhubarb lipstick add just enough color to look natural and show up on stage.

5.     Men and boys should be sure to wear foundation, concealer to cover dark circles under eyes and powder to set.  A cheek contour shade under cheekbones and along sides of nose will help further define features.  Shade sides of mouth with a natural lip pencil and apply a lipstick close to the same shade as lips.  Define brows, line eyes with brown liner lightly and apply black mascara.

by Christine Dion

About the Author…

Christine Dion has been setting the trends in stage beauty for over 30 years. As a Speaker, Author, Columnist and Stage Cosmetic Designer in the Dance Beauty Industry.

MODE DION offers high quality stage make-up and professional products with support and education including books & DVD’s. The company website www.modedion.com is a full beauty resource featuring beauty training from street to stage, Christine’s many magazine articles under “Media”, “How to Videos”, Shopping and step by steps. Connect through the website and find more training on the You TubeChannel at “Mode Dion Makeup University”, Newsletter “Look of the Month”, Face Book and Twitter with tips/updates.

Make-up kits and bulk discounts available for studio owners.  Call (760) 837-9433 for more info!

160 years ago in the United States Anna Jarvis organized a day to make people aware of the poor health conditions in her town. She felt that it would be best if mothers promoted this day so she called it “Mother’s Working Day”.

Julia Ward Howe who was a poet and pacifist in Boston (also lyricist of the Battle Hymn of the Republic) organized a day to rally mothers to promote peace. She felt mother hurt more over the loss of life than anyone else.

Anna Jarvis died in 1905 and her daughter, also called Anna Jarvis, campaigned to follow in her mother’s work to promote a day for mothers. She worked with businessman, John Wannamaker and Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to create this special day. In 1913 the House of Representatives adopted a resolution requiring federal government officials to wear white carnations on Mother’s Day. In 1914 a bill was . . . → Read More: The History of Mother’s Day]]> Believe it or not, but Mother’ Day was not invented by a big company looking to sell greeting cards. It is felt that the roots of this day date back to an annual Greek festival to honor Rhea and Cybele who were the mothers of many gods. Originally, Christians celebrated this festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

160 years ago in the United States Anna Jarvis organized a day to make people aware of the poor health conditions in her town. She felt that it would be best if mothers promoted this day so she called it “Mother’s Working Day”.

Julia Ward Howe who was a poet and pacifist in Boston (also lyricist of the Battle Hymn of the Republic) organized a day to rally mothers to promote peace. She felt mother hurt more over the loss of life than anyone else.

Anna Jarvis died in 1905 and her daughter, also called Anna Jarvis, campaigned to follow in her mother’s work to promote a day for mothers. She worked with businessman, John Wannamaker and Presidents Taft and Roosevelt to create this special day. In 1913 the House of Representatives adopted a resolution requiring federal government officials to wear white carnations on Mother’s Day. In 1914 a bill was signed by Woodrow Wilson acknowledging Mother’s day as a national holiday.

The early years of Mother’s Day people attended church with their mothers, wrote them letters of gratitude, and gave flowers and gifts. As gift giving grew in popularity during this holiday, Anna became angry. She felt that the commercialization of this holiday diminished the purpose of the holiday. In 1948, Anna said that she regretted establishing the mother’s day holiday.

Regardless of Anna’s feelings, Mother’s Day is extremely popular in the United Sates. Mother’s Day is the most popular day of the year to dine out, telephone lines have their busiest traffic day of the year, and it is the biggest day of the year to send roses or flowers. Regardless, sons and daughters take time out of their busy schedules to honor and express their appreciation to their moms for everything they have done for them.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner.  Hopefully, you have plans to let Mom know how much you appreciate everything she has done for you.   If you have not defined your strategy, we want to get you headed in the right direction by giving you 5 wonderful gift ideas from 48LongStems that Mom will love.

Show Mom you care this Mother’s Day.  Remember she changed your dippers when you were young.

This Bouquet is made up of white lilies, lavender roses and white snapdragons.  Every year this is a top seller for Mother’s Day

$64.99

Looking for something for Mom that will last all year?  This is it.  “Flowers of the Month” allows Mom to experience Mother’s Day one day every month for an entire year.  Let her know how much you care for her all year long.

$549.99

This gift has over four dozen roses in this bouquet.  This bouquet of roses almost 22 inches long with huge heads will make Mom feel special on her . . . → Read More: Top 5 Gifts for Mom this Mother’s Day]]> Top 5 Gifts for Mom this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner.  Hopefully, you have plans to let Mom know how much you appreciate everything she has done for you.   If you have not defined your strategy, we want to get you headed in the right direction by giving you 5 wonderful gift ideas from 48LongStems that Mom will love.

Show Mom you care this Mother’s Day.  Remember she changed your dippers when you were young.

 #1  Premium Mother’s day Bouquet

This Bouquet is made up of white lilies, lavender roses and white snapdragons.  Every year this is a top seller for Mother’s Day

$64.99

#2  12 Months of Roses

Looking for something for Mom that will last all year?  This is it.  “Flowers of the Month” allows Mom to experience Mother’s Day one day every month for an entire year.  Let her know how much you care for her all year long.

$549.99

#3 50 Long Stem Pink Roses

This gift has over four dozen roses in this bouquet.  This bouquet of roses almost 22 inches long with huge heads will make Mom feel special on her day.  And at a price that is about the price of 12 roses from a retail florist.

$99.99

#4 Dwarf Jade in Water Pot

Want to give Mom something other than flowers?  Our 3 year old Dwarf Jade in Water Pot is a gift that Mom can enjoy for years.  The tree stands almost 8” high and you will stand tall in her eyes as admires that beautiful tree.

$59.99

#5 Godiva Collection

This gift of Godiva will not last long once Mom gets it.  This assortment of Godiva confections includes dark and milk chocolate as well as other specialty treats.    This basket includes something for every taste.

$99.99

Recital season is here and there is a company that specializes in ticketing and recital management for dance studios and their patrons. If you love holding performances, but not the hassle of selling the tickets, ShOvation is a company that can take this stress out of your next event! This is very cool. It is like having your very own online box office to sell your tickets for you. No hassle at all.

They have a limited time offer for your spring recital. If you book your spring performance with them by June 30, 2013 you will receive a $50 DISCOUNT DANCE GIFT CARD ( 500 ticket minimum).

Check out their web site to see some of the benefits that their customers enjoy…

· Print at home tickets · Mobile ticketing convenience · Purchase and show e-ticket on smartphone · Merchandise sales like recital bouquets · Facebook ticket sales · Assigned or General Admission seating · Interactive seat maps

Visit their website to look at their Welcome Kit. This company has been featured on Dance Studio Owner, Dance Teacher Magazine, and Dance Teacher Web

Check them out – you won’t be sorry.

Shantha Wilson . . . → Read More: Dance Studios, Check Out Shovation!]]>

Recital season is here and there is a company that specializes in ticketing and recital management for dance studios and their patrons. If you love holding performances, but not the hassle of selling the tickets, ShOvation is a company that can take this stress out of your next event! This is very cool. It is like having your very own online box office to sell your tickets for you. No hassle at all.

They have a limited time offer for your spring recital. If you book your spring performance with them by June 30, 2013 you will receive a $50 DISCOUNT DANCE GIFT CARD ( 500 ticket minimum).

Check out their web site to see some of the benefits that their customers enjoy…

· Print at home tickets
· Mobile ticketing convenience
· Purchase and show e-ticket on smartphone
· Merchandise sales like recital bouquets
· Facebook ticket sales
· Assigned or General Admission seating
· Interactive seat maps

Visit their website to look at their Welcome Kit. This company has been featured on Dance Studio Owner, Dance Teacher Magazine, and Dance Teacher Web

Check them out – you won’t be sorry.

Shantha Wilson
ShOvation, Inc
www.ShOvation.com
Mobile: 480-748-7512
Phoenix AZ Office

You can choose from a 3 Month, 6 Month, or even a 12 Month program.  Also you can choose from a  12-stem or even a gigantic 25-stem bouquets.  Whichever bouquet you choose you will be sure to make someone’s day.

Flower of The Month…The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Making rose bouquets for has always been a lot of work the Dance School if not just a plain “hassle”.   With all the stress and things to do before a performance, getting the flowers, cleaning the stems of the bulk roses, and assembling the bouquet is not something that can easily be done.   There are always too many things to do before the recital.

At 48LongStems we offer a turnkey program that allows fully assembled flower bouquets to be delivered directly to a school.  All that needs to be done is to cut the stems and place in water once they arrive.   Best of all the price for the flowers are so low that a school can make money as a fundraiser at the same time.  Call with questions on how we can help you make money with recital bouquets at your next recital.

These beautiful bouquets will help take the stress out of the recital season by coming fully assembled and ready . . . → Read More: Recital Bouquets for Dance Schools]]> Spring is the time for flowers and Dance Recitals.  It is great to see the eyes of children open up as they get a beautiful bouquet of flowers given to them after their performance.

Making rose bouquets for has always been a lot of work the Dance School if not just a plain “hassle”.   With all the stress and things to do before a performance, getting the flowers, cleaning the stems of the bulk roses, and assembling the bouquet is not something that can easily be done.   There are always too many things to do before the recital.

At 48LongStems we offer a turnkey program that allows fully assembled flower bouquets to be delivered directly to a school.  All that needs to be done is to cut the stems and place in water once they arrive.   Best of all the price for the flowers are so low that a school can make money as a fundraiser at the same time.  Call with questions on how we can help you make money with recital bouquets at your next recital.

These beautiful bouquets will help take the stress out of the recital season by coming fully assembled and ready to sell.  Order Now at 48LongStems.

Roses arrive individually sleeved in a specially designed box to ensure safe arrival at your location.

Roses will arrive thirsty after their journey, be sure to place them in water once they arrive.

Bonsai is a Japanese term that when translated means “tray plantings.”  It is an art form that dates back over a thousand years, and describes miniature trees that are grown in containers.  Many plants and trees are grown for food production, medicine, or landscapes.  Bonsai have a different purpose—these are created to inspire contemplation by the viewer.

Most people think Bonsai trees are specially cultivated to produce smaller plants than we might find in nature.  Bonsai does not require special sized trees, rather their size is maintained by pruning, potting, trimming roots, and constant maintenance to produce smaller versions of their full size counterparts.

You’ve seen these mysterious little trees before and you’d love to have one in your home or office but you’re intimidated at the idea.  How do I take care of one?  Well it’s simple.  One hug each morning and a pat on its trunk twice a day and you’ll be all set!  Alright, perhaps there’s a bit more involved but we can assure you, bonsai are becoming a very popular item–and they’re a wonderful gift idea when you need to make a lasting impression!  There’s a great selection . . . → Read More: Introducing…New Bonsai Plants!!]]>

Golden Gate Ficus Bonsai Plant

Bonsai is a Japanese term that when translated means “tray plantings.”  It is an art form that dates back over a thousand years, and describes miniature trees that are grown in containers.  Many plants and trees are grown for food production, medicine, or landscapes.  Bonsai have a different purpose—these are created to inspire contemplation by the viewer.

Most people think Bonsai trees are specially cultivated to produce smaller plants than we might find in nature.  Bonsai does not require special sized trees, rather their size is maintained by pruning, potting, trimming roots, and constant maintenance to produce smaller versions of their full size counterparts.

You’ve seen these mysterious little trees before and you’d love to have one in your home or office but you’re intimidated at the idea.  How do I take care of one?  Well it’s simple.  One hug each morning and a pat on its trunk twice a day and you’ll be all set!  Alright, perhaps there’s a bit more involved but we can assure you, bonsai are becoming a very popular item–and they’re a wonderful gift idea when you need to make a lasting impression!  There’s a great selection of bonsai to choose from here at 48LongStems, so what are you waiting for?  Give it a try!

Coffee Cherries Still On Their Branches

Once these berries are picked, either wet or dry methods of processing can be used.  The wet method involves stripping the seeds from the flesh of the berry and soaking them in water for about two days to clean the seeds.  The dry method is simpler, and more common – the cherries are spread out on large concrete slabs and left to dry naturally in the sun for a week or more.  These cherries are turned regularly to ensure even drying, and husked by machine to reveal each seed once the drying process is complete.