Pocketful of Insight

Elegant Vampire Look for Halloween or Photoshoots

2013-10-18T14:10:00.003-07:00

Step 1, Porcelain skin: I start out with a primer, today I am using Hard Candy's primer. It's really silky smooth and covers over everything without needing too much. After, I use Almay's Clear Complexion for the first layer of foundation. I prefer this brand because it has Sasylic Acid to help fight back acne. Next, to really get that perfect, flawless skin, I add another layer of foundation. This is L'Oreal's matte mousse. I use it mainly on the areas where blemishes or flaws are easier to see, so mostly the nose and cheeks, blending into the neck and chin a little. Because I am naturally pale, I already use the lightest shades both companies make. Next we're going to set the look. NYC Loose Powder in translucent is the best, but it does tend to get a little messy. Just blend all over! You can never look too pale!

Step 2, The Eyes: To save on time (which didn't help at all and I ended up having to speed the whole video up), I did the first eye already. With an eye shadow applicator apply a nice matte cream color all over the lower lid, adding an extra layer on the inside corner and center. Next, take a light mocha color with a round brush and follow the curve of your eyelid to really get that sunken in look. I like to wing mine out for a more seductive look. Next take a darker brown and just gently place in the out corner to really define the curve. Bring that shadow applicator back and use a white to highlight the brow area, this will really help set the sunken and sullen look we just created with the brown.

Next the eyeliner! I use an waterproof eyeliner by Wet'n'Wild, but I do not suggest it if you are inexperienced with liquid liners. Use a felt tip liner if you are still a beginner. I like to start a thin line on the inside corner and slowly make it slightly wider as I come into the middle. I start the wing next and meet back in the center with the first line we started, filling in the gaps and spaces we left. Make sure they look even! If you have a really hard time with matching, go ahead and use the old trick of tape to create a perfect wing.

For the bottom, I got my red pencil from Hottopic but they discontinued the Morbid line and now use Blackheart. Any red pencil will work so long as it is soft and truly red. Next use that round smaller brush and take an orange-y red shadow to fan out, soften, and set the red eyeliner. Really go up into that outside corner to keep the look of blood induced tear ducts. Next use a white pencil for your water line, my pencil is a Korean brand I can't read. ;[ oops. The white I am BLENDING with any red that got in there to create an orange/pink look, really getting that blood look but still opening up your eyes more. Take the same black liner and LIGHTLY follower your lash line. It looks solid now, but once we add the mascara, it'll break up the liner.

Mascara! My only non-cheap make up piece here is my Benefit Big Gal Lash mascara, but you can get the little travel size for ten bucks. I brush this along the bottom lashes to break up the liner and define the eyelashes. A cheat for Benefit, is Maybelline's Full'n'Soft mascara, which I used on the top after curling the lashes.

Now for my photo shoot I actually used false lashes, but I didn't have any for this tutorial and it still turned out pretty seductive. So do whatever you are comfortable with. But I wouldn't suggest 'overly extravagant' lashes. You still want that elegant, modern vamp look.

For the dots, I just used the tip of the eyeliner. You can do the dots or not. It's sort of a signature feature for me.

Step 3, Contorting: I still want the vamp dead look, so I am using a darker matte brown for my cheeks with an angled brush. Apply UNDER the cheek bones, suck em in if you can't find those bones. And then blending up into the hairline. It might seem dark now, but in photographs it comes out really nice. You can blend for wearing either with your hands or a kabuki brush. Make sure your cheeks look even. With a lighter brown, just follow the sides of your nose, to really define it out of all that porcelain skin. Then highlight the bridge with a streak of white down the middle.

Step 4, The Lips: If you have custom fangs like I do, or even premades, put them in first! It really does make a big difference when applying your lipstick. So I am using Jordana brand for the lips. I have a lip liner in burgundy that I am lining and slightly filling my lips with, top and bottom. Next use a bright red and fill in the centers of your lips first, working your way out. Once that is done, you can start blending the bright red with the dark wine color until it is an even, smooth looking transition.

Now you are done! Style hair accordingly to your fancies and prepare to amaze people with this flawless look. :-* Good luck, fellow vamps!

Stylist Pet Peeve

2013-01-11T16:32:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my first edition of Stylist Pet Peeve! Where I share with you some of utmost pet peeves with clients as a hairstylist. Maybe you can learn from this post and treat your hairstylist better, or maybe you are a hairstylist and you'll nod your head in agreement. Either way, let's get this started!

I have not been in the hair field for very long, yet, but I have been in retail for a good six years and deal with the same attitude no matter if I'm selling clothes or doing your hair. Prices. Price complaining to be exact. I cannot even begin to count how many times I've heard, "But I can go somewhere else and get it so much cheaper!"

That's right.

I can't stand when a customer comes in to the salon and asks about a haircut. I tell them the starting price and they frown, but get the hair cut anyways. Then when they come to check out, it's almost like they forgot to be disappointed. So when I tell them the total, they complain and mutter how they've never paid that much for a haircut before. How ridiculous. Over priced!

Or the other scenario!
"I could go to Supercuts and get it cheaper."

BY ALL MEANS! PLEASE. Go to Supercuts and get a cheaper cut. But don't come crying to us when you get what you paid for. True, there are some very talented stylists in Supercuts. I know a few and love them. But let's face facts, massive companies that train their employees to do all the same cuts and same styles as each other do not exactly have a good track history of satisfied customers. So that's why you come to a salon. You come to a salon to feel reassured that your stylist will take the time on your hair like it was their own. You come to a salon to feel pampered and special. Not just another head when it's your turn in line for a generic hair cut. At salon you get a nice personal level of communication. And it's often less crowded. But nothing makes me want to satisfy you when you complain you could get it cheaper at Supercuts! When you come to me, asking for your own unique hairstyle, I'm going to do my best AND BETTER to give it to you. Because in the salons that 'charge too much' every haircut, color, or style we give you is a work of art. And not a single one after is like it. Each one is unique with our signature touch.

By all means, go to Supercuts and get a cheap hair cut. And for your sake, I hope you have one of those stylists there that actually care how you look when you leave. But don't come back crying to me if you don't. Or better yet, DO! And then think about how you just paid for two haircuts rather pay one price for the look you want.

You get what you pay for sometimes. So be wary.

Solution; why not ask the stylist to see a few photographs of their hair cutting style before you complain a 30 dollar haircut is too much? You might understand why we charge a tiny bit more.

Hello Again!

2012-12-03T21:47:00.001-08:00

Promised I'd try and update more, right! The keyboard setting on this app isn't very sensitive though, so forgive me if I make any typing errors. It's mainly the space bar. Remember when your old REAL life keyboard would start to die, or you dropped chips in it like I often use to, and you would feel it necessary to just beat the shit out of whatever key so much as dared not work?! Haha that's I feel about the space bar on the app! But it seems to be doing well in landscape mode.

Well, here I am at my local job. It's busy with holiday shoppers all around me, but no one pays any mind to me. Instead I get to people watch and listen to this insane stuff they call 'Christmas music'. It's a little bitter sweet you could say. Or maybe it's just the soft singing of 'have yourself a merry little Christmas' that is making me feel a little nostalgic. I see couples, families, good friends just strolling by. Getting gifts or spoiling themselves. From this distance, they all seem so happy! So care free! The only thing they know is that it's the holidays, an excuse to go shopping.

Then you have my side of it! I'm here having to entice them to buy stuff, assist them in picking it out, ringing them up, answering their questions!
No, I don't do gift wrap.
Yes, we have glitter.
No, I don't do nails like the poster we have and NO I don't know how they did it.
Do you want a bag/box/receipt with that?

Ha ha ha. Sure does make for a long, tiring day of not being mentally stimulated. I get here and I am immediately bored out of my mind. Even though I should be studying for my barbering exam coming up this Wednesday, I'm so bored that none of it makes any sense to me! I end up reading all the answers I get wrong and wonder how I got it wrong ever. I digress though. I guess when I'm at this part of work I tend to let my mind day dream. And with the holiday music playing softly over the sound system, it's not hard to day dream of romantic cuddles, a fire place and some hot chocolate while the snow falls silently just outside the window.

You can send the girl to paradise, but her mind will always wander back to the snowy mountains!

Brrrr! I got a chill just thinking about it!

Anyways! I'm getting really anxious for Christmas, for a day off with my family and food! We always have fights on the holidays, but it's family tradition. We play card games, exchange gifts, listen/watch football. My mom and I watch movies. And this year we're trying something a little different, since we live on the island away from family. Guess we're inviting friends over too. Who knows if they'll show up! But either way we'll be decked out in holiday glitz and glam! With a bottle (or three) of booze in our hands! We don't have a big tree, it's actually an embarrassing one to tell the truth, but it SMELLS like winter.

I'm just glad to be sharing it with my mom and sisters once again. The two Christmases I spent away from them was so lonely and unspecial. Christmas is definitely family time. I may not have someone special to share it with last year or this year either, but I've got my main ladies! Maybe I'm not ready to share a Christmas with an outsider anyhow! Haha. I'll just put on my favorite Christmas movie (White Christmas, Home Alone, Meet Me In St. Louis. hey dont judge! its got a Christmas scene!) and snuggle up with princess Zoola and be perfectly content.

Maybe have a mug of hot cocoa and peppermint schnapps too ; )

Either way! I'm ready for the holiday to start already! Bring on the folly!

Time To Get Back Up to Date

2012-12-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Woah!
Well, I totally epically failed at ever updating my blog, didn't I? And just wait until you guys see all my youtube videos. I epically failed at my 365, as well. One big hot mess of epic fail! WTF FOR THE LOSE OMFGLMAOROTFCRYING.

Let's get you caught up, shall we?

I started school here in Hawaii after getting several shots. I haven't had
a shot since I got stabbed in the chest with a pencil! Either instances sucked.
I hate needles. Unless it's a tattooing needle. ; ) I also learned how to
take the public transit! Shocking!

I got to four thousand tweets in Nov. 2012... There were a lot A LOT of out takes and bloopers
from this video, but I wasn't allowed to make ten minute videos back then so I had to
try and limit it down as much as possible. But some time after this, YouTube decided
that I can bore your lives with even LONGER videos of silliness!

Then my boyfriend at the time had called it quits simply because I requested
you know, one hour of his week to spent talking to me. And instead
of scheduled call happening, see he decided to have a midnight BBQ
with all of his friends instead. So yeah, I went a wee bit psycho on him.
But you can't argue with people who are in denial that they were willing
to put in the effort of a relationship, but when it actually came down to
it, no... indeed they were NOT ready. But this was last year. It made
me stronger. Yet again.

I started doing fun things in school for extra credit and something to do,
keep my mind off of my loneliness and broken heart. First Fridays are
the only events we as students really get to set our talents wild! Fantasy
hair and make up, costumes galore, music, runway, dancing, and drinking!

Christmas comes around and I am starting to make new friends and family
in school with my class mates. We have a secret santa and potluck lunch.
And two other classmates and myself decide to feed some of the homeless
that lurk around Chinatown. ♥

And I get drunk and decide to wrap presents! Dressed as a bass loving
bee?

I put on an event for New Year's at this jazz bar called The Dragon
Upstairs. It went down in absolute flames! But I still managed to
have a good night. Thanks to a SHIT LOAD of booze. And I made
the often mistake of mixing vodka and whiskey. Yep, super drunk.
And confess my 'undying love' for my ex. Oh booze, you silly loose
lips maker!

In light of the new beginning I vowed for myself by moving to Hawaii,
and for the new year of the Dragon, I decided to give modeling a chance
again. Even though walking a runway makes me want to puke from nerves!
So, January comes around and I am volunteered to be Babydoll from Suckerpunch
in First Friday Movie Mash Up. Guest videographer being my sister.

Brother came from home to visit us! And I decided to really hit the deep
end in my depression and we all make up a drinking game! In which I'm
the test rat. Let's just say, I only really remember this night because I
filmed some of it and my brother and step dad filled in the rest. I pretty
much blacked out before the monkey bars. I ended up sleeping under
the car port that night. I do remember crying that my mom would be upset
if I threw up in the house! Ha, ha. Even when I'm wasted, I'm super
considerate of my mama. ♥

Suddenly my life has meaning again when I really start to venture into the
life I've always wanted when I do my first on-set photo shoot styling with
the talented photographer Sara Anslow. (Check her out on facebook!)

I started playing hooky from school and hang out with a boy that I really
start to like. This is the first day he convinced me to do something fun.
And in reality, I was the one who suggested it! The Waikiki Zoo is
actually really cool. It's surprisingly big considering we live on an island.

In May, I have really gotten into doing special events. I even got my own
group together for a Zombie First Friday theme. ♥ I have always wanted
to do fake blood and the dead look! For my first time, I learned a lot and
had super mucho fun. I really had a group of friends to help me, as well.
And simply beautiful models!

Summer is getting near and the Bear and I really are starting to like each
other. We even got to show one of his friends from back home around
the island. Kailua beach and Waimea. If you ever get to check out a tourist
spot on the island, I highly suggest Waimea Valley. ♥

My hair is so disgusting from bleaching so much the past year and then
from sea salt, oceany time, ELEMENTS! I decide to have Chloie chop
it all off in a very posh, modern design I came up with.

July 21st, my friend from beauty school, died in a tragic accident. Rest
in peace, Frannie my dear. You were a beautiful woman, just really
misunderstood and alone in the world. ♥

Mid-August I finally graduated from beauty school in only eight months!
All of my hard work finally paid off. I even got THE owner of the school
to do my graduation speech. Later, my three best buds and I went to
my favorite Chinatown bar and I got swasted. Super swasted. Also by
now, Bear and I had become an official couple that many people were
jealous of. HA!

August 24th I celebrated my first complete year in Hawaii! Naturally
I had to go to the beach and throw my first lei back into nature. Circle
of life style. I love Hawaii and despite all of my ups and downs, I would
never NOT move to Hawaii if given the option. I love it here.

In September, we get an adorable, ditzy puppy that takes us a while to
name. She's super cute and well mannered. Just love the puppy. I
also got a job at a salon, receptionist work until I complete training. And
Bear and I celebrate one full month of not killing each other in our relationship!
Yay!

Halloween time again! A fricking tsunami comes to town to ruin all of our
street festival fun! So luckily, because we're all good students and cool
with the owner of the school, we all hang out there with him and my homegirl
Leesha! So, even though it didn't go as planned and practically no one
got to see my amazing (and expensive) costume, we still had a lot of fun.

And then November comes, again, and I end up alooooooone. Just short of our four month
anniversary no less, Bear and I make an adult decision. We were having a difficult time.
I was getting antsy and wanted to live together, he wasn't ready to commit and used any
excuse in the book. And let's just say we were having some family problems that didn't allow
us to focus on OUR problems as a couple. And what happens when other people try to make
your business theirs? Suddenly you don't have a relationship between a man and woman (or manxman, womanxwoman), you have group therapy instead. So, we decided we weren't exactly going down
the same path any more now that we weren't in school together. We call it a 'break' sometimes,
but mostly it's a 'break up'. I don't know, I don't understand it. We're still hanging out and
doing 'friend dates'. But to tell the truth, it's really weird and kinda depressing to go from
making out with a person you love, to only giving them awkward hugs. Ha, ha. And of course
Zoola was super sick and just decided to be sick all over my bed!

Little did I know that this was the first week of a whole month full of
only getting ONE day off a week. And not only do I only get one day off
a week, but I usually use my one day off to further my education or make
MORE money to make up for the money I don't make because I'm only
a receptionist under thirty hours a week! It's so insane! I work so much.
But only for like five hours or there. They over work me, but have found
an awesome way to NOT pay me like I do. Hahaha. And training is getting
extremely frustrating. I thought I could handle being someone's assistant,
but I don't feel like I'm learning anything. I feel I'm just doing someone else's
job for less pay than I am worth. HMPH.

Thanksgiving time! At least in this video I seem a little happier. Finally
getting back to normal feeling. Still lonely for sure, but it's something I
usually get use to after two or so months. And I got to spend Thanksgiving
with my family and dog. And a delicious bottle of champagne! Thanks to Aaron
for getting me into THAT at least! JK. Everything Aaron got me into
is awesome. Bahaha.

To say that my moods swing like a fucking swing would not be a lie.
Ha ha. I'm still struggling here and there, especially with the threat of
sending my doggy away! It's like, fuck man! Get rid of my boyfriend
against my own will, get rid of my dog against my own will, get stuck
working at the fucking nail kiosk against my own, and ruined my bangs!
And the sad part is, all of this is just decisions because I am an adult and
I am facing my problems FINALLY instead of running from them or pretending
they don't exist. I already did that for a good portion of my adult life, time
to step up and fix things how I want them!

WELL! That's it! The last three videos are the latest ones! All up to date and what not. Of course I skipped a lot in between because this post I only wanted to give you the highlights (and low lights, haha) of what's been going on as viewed in my 365 project. : ) But now that blogger has an app, I will HOPEFULLY do more blog posts. I really want to get into it and share things that I do. Like art projects, hair projects, events, ideas, thoughts on life! Who cares! I like the gift of sharing, haha! ♥ Well, I think that is all I have for now! I've got a lot more things to do on this big wide world of web! I'm actually thinking about opening an etsy.com shop! Just for a little pocket change here and there to support my shopping addiction.( o____o Nothing will support that though except maybe Bill Gates ;] )

Until next time lovers!
xoxo
alexisxstetic

Some Of My Work Lately

2012-05-02T00:24:00.000-07:00

All make up by me

Modern pinup style; make up by me

Modern pinup theme: make up by me

All make up by me, except for the beauty in the chair.

Theme: India

Golden girl hair by me

Close up of the hair

Side view

Sweet heart up do and make up by me

Hair and make up

Make up by me

Soft, natural look

Both natural looks by me

Soft eyes and pouty lips by me

Mohawk style by me

Butterfly inspired eyes

Candy cane inspired eyes

In Which Silliness Ensues

2011-10-23T22:15:00.001-07:00

Aloha!
It's been a long while since I've last updated.
For shame, for shame. I'm sorry... So here
is the last few weeks in my video documentary
life! What an exciting time... For the most part.

Hang out day with Jim! First roamed around in traffic for hella days.
Then we went to Diamond Head... or something... That is a giant inactive
volcano. Then we left, hahaha.

Another day of hair modeling... actually, all over modeling. Hair,
make up, and clothes. And attitude. One of the girls at my sister's
school was putting on a 'Punk Princess' themed birthday party and
wanted to encorperate a fashion show into it. Too bad my sister
did not inform of this BEFORE I AGREED to "help come up with a punk
princess theme hair and model it for her".

Dave & Buster's

Paper mache day

Commentary slide show

Kaydance to sushi

Island Fever, Where You At? Week 4+5

2011-10-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

It is now week four and five! Wow, it's hard to believe I've
been here practically a whole month now... And what
have I got done? Jello shots, new bank, checked out
a few schools, model half nakkie for First Friday,
went out with some military wives, killed zombies
all day with my baby sister... I really need to get
on the ball though... It's so hard! I just love it
here so much, I feel relaxed. Like vacation from
reality.

Let's check out week 4 and 5, shall we?

So the other night my mom texted me (from down the hall, I
know, right?) saying she wanted ten jello shots. Curious,
I replied back asking if she could even handle any jello
shots! Those things are kind of hard to swallow... For me
anyhow. Then she admitting to never having had one, so naturally
we had to make some.

Went to the PX and naturally, had to go down the Halloween aisle!
Pffft, lexi wigs. It made me chuckle because that's one of my
nicknames. So I had to be a bit silly. And then I saw this AMAZING
candelabra that was all gothic-y and SPARKLY. omgwtf. It was pretty
rad. And cheaply made. Probably would have fallen apart if I so much
as looked at it wrong. Either way, it caught my fancy. I wanted it
for my non-existent desk! Ooohh yeaaah baby. Haha. Anyways.
We got some apple flavored vodka, UV! haha, nasty. And some skull
rubber ice tray. This proofed to be successful to a certain degree;
as in, it fit in the fridge and is easy to clean. But if you
want your jello shot to look...um... pretty... I do not really
suggest rubber to hold it. And yes, I am a messy pourer! Cooking
is not my first calling, that's for sure. Even when it's just jello.

My family wanted to help me get prepared for Halloween this year,
so they took me to the beach even though all of them were tired
from work or school or just tooth pains. But that was about as far
as the help went. First things first, though. My jello shots!

I worked really hard making these jello shots for my mom and her
tooth ache. (Not really, the fridge did the most work. I just mixed
the stuff together and poured.) And come to find, she tells me she
looked at them and then wished she had regular jello instead! Rude!
So we never did end up eating them that night, but that next morning
well... afternoon, we had a little. Well. She had a little. I had one
skull and um... half of that bowl. All before the beach, too. Let's just
say... THEY WERE AMAZING. Maybe I'm a little slow on the
college kid partying technique, but hey, I have a very good reason.
My best friend made some once and they were very intimidating and
quite honestly, looked disgusting! Not the case with mine! Mine looked
beautiful, to say the least. Strawberry jello with apple UV. Haha, oh
UV vodka... So cheap... so nasty... My mommy doesn't like to be
in videos, however. So... You got to stare at the pretty jello for about
a whole minute. Haha.

I don't remember the name of this beach... Actually, I never was told it
nor seen a sign for it. I just know it's 'down the street' from Schofield.
There's two turns, left one to the beach, and the right one to Hale'iwa
(where the Killer Tacos resides!). So, yeah... Speaking of which. I
really wanted Killer Tacos... but like I suspected my family just stared
at me like I was retarded. I TOLD YOU I WAS THE ONLY ONE
WHO LIKED IT. Sigh. Anyhow, we went to the beach and the waves
were ruling today. Like pretty crazy for it only being afternoon... They're
a lot fuller looking in person. So was that airplane that was quite seriously
over our heads. Right before the beach we stopped at is a place popular
for wind surfing.

We made camp on a little sand dune. Haha, and my step-dad got soaked super
bad because we told him that the waves would come up that close. Did he
listen? Nope, nope. It was pretty funny to see him jump up like he was on
fire or something. They all went in the water, but I was just wearing my
string bikini bottoms... The waves... yeah, they would have stole those
off of me instantly. : P And we didn't want that now did we? They sure
did not swim for very long however. My mom freaked the eff out and swore
she saw a sting ray swimming around in the waves. Kaydance thought it was
a flower (I could see it from where I was, it would have been a big ~~ass~~
flower) and dad said possibly some sort of fish. But honestly now, what
sort of sea creature let's the waves toss it around like that? I still
think it was just a big piece of bark or whatever. Could have been a
dead sting ray, I guess. But I always heard they lived in shallow,
calm areas. With lots of rocks to hide under. Sting rays are anti-social
I'm pretty sure... Or was it social... I think bat rays are social...
Hence why you can pet them at Seaworld... Wait... I'm getting all
sorts of confused on my sea life now. -__-'

So when they finally came back because mom had ruined their swim
time, I thought it'd be a good time to recruit my sister to help me
find some shells! No, instead she ran up and down the beach, without
me, and tripped and ate sand. Then came back over and fell asleep.
Needless to say, I went and wandered on my own. Found a lot of little
shells, mostly unacceptable ones to me. (meaning they weren't 'pretty'
enough to grace my body for Halloween). It was actually nice to just
walk along the edge of sand and wave, inspecting the ground casually.
And I did have good luck finding one really unique-ish one. That I
joked around about putting on my belly button. Hahaha.

Then we went to Wahiawa and picked up my sister, had dinner, and yep.
Family time. Been there, done that! Bam.

Headhunterz! Aaaahh, so amazing! What an amazing day,
not to mention. Met up with my new fwiend, Jim! And
we went to my favorite beach so far, but a bit father than
the fam has taken me. There's some awesome cove action
going on in that spot. With crevices to hide in, and crabs
crawling everywhere, scuttling to hide from the human eye.
Also signs of beach bonfire. It was really cool to say the
absolute LEAST of it. I don't think I could even begin to
fully describe it's full awesomeness for you all to picture.
You will just have to come and see it for yourself. The sunset
is always pretty nice... Though it doesn't get very 'pink' ish
I've noticed. Maybe because the sun just disappears on the ocean,
where as in Tahoe it hid behind some mountains and cast beautiful
shadows and lights all over the place. Still gorgeous here,
though. And like I said before, rainbows galore! If you are
obsessed with rainbows, like DOUBLE RAINBOW GUY obsessed,
you'll absolutely love visiting or moving here. Rainbow
here, rainbow there, rainbow everywhere, every day.

So getting to know my new friend is pretty rad. It's always
exciting to hear where people are from, how they grew up,
what sort of music they like. I guess you could say I'm like
one of those 'friend collecters' on Facebook. You know, those
people who add you just because you liked the same page as them
or have one friend in common (who you don't even know that way
to begin with). The only difference is, I actually get to know
these people and am doing it in real life! Face to face, for real.
Anyways. So Jim likes a lot of good music, well, in my opinion.
:] So I stoked to hear he liked not only hardstyle, but also
Headhunterz! And it just so happened that Heady was playing
that night. Who would miss a chance to go see that?! We didn't!

We almost did though. Because we took Jim's friend Hess along
and he wanted to go to Senor Frog's. That strange, crazy bar
restaurant military hangout in Waikiki that the ladies had taken
me to last week. And you can't just leave a bro to fend for himself,
I guess. So we walked the like mile from the parking to the bar
only to find out the bouncer was someone new and wouldn't let Hess
in. Grudgingly, he came along with Jim and I on our little adventure.
And what an adventure it ended up being. For some reason, I was given
the task of directions to this club in Honolulu. YEAH RIGHT SMART MOVE.
I'm called a cupcake head for a reason! And it's not my hair lately.
So, we got incredibly lost. However in my defense, my little dot on
Google Maps was not working right. Sometimes we would be at a complete
stand still and the dot would wig out and move EVERYWHERE on the screen.
See? Not completely my fault. Though this hiccup in directions kind
of helped put the three of us in a better mood after the whole Senor
Frog's let down. And by time we got to the Soho Mixed Media Bar in
downtown (RIGHT DOWN THE STREET FROM MY FUTURE SCHOOL, so stupid me)
we were all super stoked and talkative. Hahaha, such a girl thing
for me to think. Not to mention, we missed pretty much all the other
sets. So it was pure Headhunterz that night. Freaking sweaty, humid
and sticky club for real. Only the best. Danced until my body hurt!
And man did it hurt the next day. So bummed my iphone is shotty when
it comes to amazing bass. It shut down the sound for half a
clip just because it is not of the hard with style type of phone.

Epic fail, iPhone, epic fail.

Saturday... I spent a bit of time with mom, especially while she was
cooking. She mentioned something that kind of broke my heart. :/
Just a tiny bit. She said, "Before you came here, the rest of the
family kind of ignored me, but I still had to cook for everyone and
what not." I don't think she meant any sort of way. She was just
talking about how she cooked before I got here and then this whole month
because of her tooth, she hasn't been cooking very much. I love my
mama so I sat in the kitchen and watched her cook, talking to her
about things here and there. Just small, meaningless chit-chat.
But it was our meaningless chit-chat and sometimes that's all
you need to show you care about that person. To just devote a little
bit of listening time. I know in the past I've made mistakes of
not really listening, or being distracted. I still do it, even to
my mom. I can honestly say though, I have been trying to break
this habit. My mom is the first step. Anyways, she made chicken
tacos. <3 I love her chicken. It's probably why chicken is my preferred meat.

What was I saying? Oh! Okay. Mark and I went to Targe't...
And it felt like home. Because everything EVERYTHING was exactly
where I had left it, in Nevada! The only difference is, that
little 'dollar items' in-let thing they have when you first walk
in? Yeah, here? It's "Hawaii Items" in-let instead. A little
touristism inside of me kind of eye balled it. But I was more just
curious what sort of tourist things they had. And if they had a big
ole bag of sea shells I could use for my costume. Nah. Just silly
things you could buy ANYWHERE, with the generic 'Hawaii!' and then
'Made in China' sticker on the bottom. Though, I did like some of
the car decals... Pretty turtles in red. <3 Red is my favorite.

The Halloween aisle is always my favorite. It's even so more
entertaining than Christmas aisle or 'as seen on TV' aisle.
I absolutely love Halloween. I love when they come out with
all of the creepy, dark stuff. Especially the gothic-esque decor.
Like that SUPERB candelabra. (I think candelabras are my new obsession).
T__T Why does it have to be fifteen dollars, though! That's just
ridiculous for ONE candelabra! Give me two and perhaps we have a
deal. Either way... I'm still thinking about how amazing it was...
and might even go back for it... Oh! And how about those adorable
peppermint Christmas lights I found? I think I want those, too.
For when I build up my vanity. It matches with my red, pink, and
black theme anyhow. Afterwords, I convinced dad to go to Petco.

Pets always cheer me up. Even in my darkest of days... a cute little
puppy face can instantly make me feel better. And lately, I have
been missing the life out of my little guy back home. :/ Life is
so weird without my mini-dachshund. All I have is Kaydance to take
for walks! And she talks! Rude! (JK, I lub yew Kay). So, pet
stores are a special treat to my heart-light. ♥ This Petco
was a bit different from mine at home. It didn't have nearly as
many pets. However, the ones they did have were simply adorable.
Even the kitties. Which is saying a lot because I rather dislike
cats. That particular one was so playful! Trying to just get me
to love him and set him free... Trust me, I wanted to. I wanted to
let them all out and roam freeeeee! Be free kitties, be free! But
that is silly. Hawaii is secretly over ran with kitties. In fact,
I'm pretty sure there is a kitty-mob here. The cats control the crazy
coke heads, making these coke heads talk to themselves. AND THEN TRY TO
TALK TO ME! Oh no, evil kitties.

... I am thinking I should stop blogging late at night. What do you think?

So we went to Waimae Valley/falls only to find it was pretty much
closing for the evening. It was still really beautiful in there.
And conveniently, there is no cell phone service! Enjoy the falls
in peace without the stress of the outside world following you. I
can think of one person in particular I might drag there JUST because
of the lack of cell phone service. ;) Evil much? Yes, yes I am. Anyways,
due to the lack of cellphone service, I momentarily got separated and
lost from my family in the gift shop. One second I was looking at
touristy things and talking to my mom and sister, the next they all
disappeared! And it wasn't a very big store, either! So, I roamed
around outside, looking all over for them! Turned out they ditched
me and went to the bathroom. -__-

Then we went to one of my step-dad's favorite beaches (at least I
assume it is because he's taken us there a few times now) Sunset
Beach over on the North-ish side. I don't really know. That whole
N,E,S,W always confuses me. I just have an eternal compass that
tells me which way the desired place is. Kind of like Captain Jack's
compass. Except... you know, inside. Somehow Kaydance came up with
the math problem that if I was minus 25 years, I'd be her baby in
forty years. It made sense to her... I guess.

30 Seconds to Mars came to Hawaii! And an amazing show it was!
Originally I was suppose to go with Venice, but strep throat
canceled all of her plans. And conveniently enough it just so
happened to be my baby sister's birthday. So the beautiful, newly
fifteen year old accompanied me to my first rock show of many to come
in Honolulu!

The venue was the water front at Aloha Towers. What an amazing view
at sunset, too! Simply breath taking. Oh, hahaha! We had such a
crazy adventure on the bus ride there! First, I got a rip in my
tights sitting on the bench. What a dumb idea that was, now that I
honestly think about it. Ugh. However, I was going to a rock show...
and what doesn't scream 90's grunge and rock than rebellious holes in
your clothes? Kaydance and I worked a little on giving the rest of my
tights some holes in order to give it a rocker vibe. And look more
intentional I suppose. He, he, he.

The first band to go on was a local band called Braxton, I think. That
or the singer's name was Braxton. It was kind of hard to understand the
announcer. Either way... We didn't quite like that first band too much.
The music would sound good, well put together and harmonized. But then
the singing would be off, almost completely a different beat. Or vice
versa. Oh well. It was still cool that 30 Seconds to Mars got some
locals to open up. The crowd was super dead, but that happens a lot
in the beginning of a concert. At least that was what I reasoned with
myself.

LET ME TAKE A TIME OUT FANGIRL MOMENT THOUGH, PLZ.

During this first band's set, I could not help but look around at the beauty
of Aloha Towers. The clock tower is superb, I love it's classic but still
and forever modern design. And the area was actually a shopping center, so
strange when you think about it. And normal venues have hot dog stands
and pretzel stalls galore. Not Aloha Tower. This one had SUSHI! Delicious
smelling sushi! The only down side? Cash. Only. ~~Fsckers~~!
However awesome that is, that is not the reason I pulled you all aside for
a fangirl moment. No, the reason is; Tomo (of 30 Seconds to Mars) just so
happened to be RIGHT BEHIND ME during the opening act. I instantly knew it
was him! How could I not know it was my beloved Tomo?

Long hair? Check.
Crazy mofo beard? Check.
Amazing bass and guitar player? Check check!

It was definitely my Tomo! And the only thing standing in the way of our
destiny to be together was... a big ass concrete barrier and a nosy security
guard who kept conveniently getting in the line of my creepy stalker photo
of him! RUDE RUDE RUDE! Tomo was literately RIGHT THERE! Needless to say,
I was definitely having a field day. And no one else even noticed! No one
even noticed my Tomo just standing there, chit chatting about life with some
special VIP/Golden Ticket people. Nope. Thus making them unworthy of Tomo.
I noticed.

Okay, back to the show. Next was the two Carah and Jeremy (I think) from
Shiny Toy Guns. It was kind of strange to have only some of them... Like
what was the point? Haha. Oh well. She was pretty cute up close, but
I like my Skrillex-do on... well... Skrillex. On chicks, it just reminds
me of lesbians. Long story involving actual lesbians and this crazed
shaved side of the head thing. Like really? Why? I don't know. But I
don't judge. Anyways! Jeremy was amazing mixing. It was so smooth and
interesting to listen to. But when Carah came out and sang... Meh. Her
voice is amazing, too, just like his mixing. But without the rest of the
band, their combination together did not sit well. At least not with me.
It didn't compliment each other. Her vocals were way louder than his mixing
when really they should have been only a tiny bit higher. However, I was
totally digging the new song 'Speaking Japanese' from them. It's got that
boom boom. ; )

AND WHO COULD NOT LOVE 30 SECONDS TO MARS' SET? It was amazing. Even
if Jared ended up doing half the songs acoustically and by himself. I
guess the boys just really couldn't shake what ever bug they got on tour.
Which is why if you plan on traveling, time to boost up the vitamins and
booster shots, kids. Anyways. I think my favorite part had to be when
they did a cover of one of my favorite band's songs; U2's "Where The Streets
Have No Name". It was ... omg amazing. The crowd was still insanely dead.
Like Hawaii didn't know what movement actually was. And practically
no one knew the words. Really, guys? Embarrassing. They finished the
night with a strange encore of one of their roadie's playing with his band
a popular Foo Fighter's song. And then they finished with a song of their own.
Needless to say, good show. And as we waited for our ride to come get us
we got mauled by probably buzzing on booze AND the glory of being touched
by a Leto. Haha, I'm just so glad I had the camera on right at that second. Memories. ♥

This day we went to the Pearlridge mall. By time I took this first
footage, of the really cool furniture store, we were both exhausted
from not only mall-crawling, but from the heat. It was definitely
one of the hotter days that day. And we took the convertible.

Actually, I don't think there is much to say... Except this is
actually two days put into one. The mall and Domo-getting is one
day and then me singing Michael Jackson to Kaydance was the next.
: P sue me.

50/50

Lately I have been... Kind of in a really tough spot. A spot that
I have been in before and not known what to do, but couldn't do
anything, and wasn't very experienced in the outside/grown up world.
Now I am in this same spot and STILL do not know what to do, can't
do anything about it to help fix it, but am seeing it with new eyes.

That being said...
Doesn't make it one bit easier.

Let's just get this much out; I love my family a lot and have always
been very involved in their lives. I feel more connected to them
than average families, at least in my humble opinion. So when...
See? This sort of situation we are going through is very upsetting
and frustrating. And it's just so perfectly intense. I thought I moved
here to be emotionally supported by my family while I finished up
school and started to figure me out. Well, it feels like
the tables have definitely turned. And I feel like that helpless
little kid again who is taking on the world as her own personal
burden. I know, I know. I know it is not my responsibility or that
I should really just focus on my own thing. But family is my own
thing. If you want to marry me, you marry my whole family. You
have to get along with all them in order to get along with me. Their
pain... it's my pain.

So, today was a break down and get the worst thing I could ever get
myself day. It was a double chocolatey chip frappuccino with a pump
of peppermint for the radical price of five bucks from a Starbucks in
Mililani while my family got Kaydance a new phone for her birthday.
If you guys know anything about me, I only have a weakness for that
chocolate, non-coffee frap, and their passion tea lemonades. Those
are the only two I crave almost on a weekly schedule. And since I moved
to Hawaii, I have actually been Starbucks clean. Yup, I have been
keeping myself in strict order and not gotten a single sip of Starbucks.
Almost two whole months clean, folks. It was a tough battle...
And today I lost. And what a sweet loser-run it was.

Kaydance was finally pleased, having a new phone that didn't squeal
every time she texted and it's a lower end Android nonetheless, as
well as Venice actually getting an iPhone as a late birthday present
from the parents. All in all, it was a good day to be my little sisters.
And somewhat me, if you count the frap as good as a new phone. Though
I wish mine had been purchased as a gift for my birthday, rather than
because I was feeling particularly unhappy enough to want to indulge
in my need for not only Starbucks, but chocolate as well. So... yes?
It was a good day?

*shrug*

Next, we finally got to see the only movie I have been interested in seeing.
50/50 with the amazing Joseph Gordan Levitt and Seth Rogen. The story, in
a short non-plot-revealing summary, is about a man who finds out he has
cancer. In his spine. Painful, no? And about how it effects the people
around him, somewhat. I guess you could say it's about how it effects
the people around him from HIS POINT OF VIEW. I highly recommend it, just
bring some tissues or be a really disconnected person. Anyways. Through out the
movie I couldn't help but remember my friend Cameron Hardy, who had only just
passed away from that skanky bitch cancer back in February. It had come
as a really big, horrible shock to me. I spent the better part of the whole
day crying my eyes out. No matter what anyone said, I could not be comforted.
I was grieving. Grieving for my friend who was only 22, grieving because he
hadn't even begun his life yet, grieving because I had never made that
extra effort to see him again. Even after I had found out he had had cancer
four years prior to his passing. Our non-existent friendship was not our
own choice, as kids. But as adults, I wish I could have at least seen him
just once again. But I let myself down...

Situations with my dad, my real dad that is, have led me to life saying
"Don't regret the past, because you can't change it." And I had never
really looked back, but only because it was too painful. When Cameron
died, and that still hurts my heart to even just type, I began to live
my saying. Knowing fully well that from that day on, the only true
regret I would ever allow myself to harbor was not getting to see him
again. No matter what happened in the past, or what was going on in the
present, I would not let them become something I regretted. They would be
things I had experienced, things I could learn from and possibly use in
the future when others might be going through the same thing. I would
look back on them and instead of feeling utter despair and regret, I
would just accept them as they were. Those things that might have seemed
really bad at the time, or traumatizing, suddenly weren't. I wouldn't
allow them to be. They weren't who I was or what I was about. Some of
them may have helped shaped me into who I am now, but only for the better.

My future is my own to do what I please with, and every step I take, I
take knowing it was the one I chose and I would not look back to regret.

Live for your future, and don't regret your past~

alexis♥

ps.

Not regretting is one thing.

But apologizing to people you may have hurt is completely different.

Is there someone you should reach out to today?

Quick, Dark Smokey Eye Tutorial

2011-09-21T02:49:00.000-07:00

Hi guys!

Or whoever reads this... Heh heh heh. So I've been wanting

to do a makeup tutorial the last few days just for funs and

decided to do my quick smokey eye today and thought, "hey!

why don't I just do that?!" Especially because from the many

smokey eye tutes I've seen out there, it takes a lot of time and

blending and talking. I just wanted to show how someone, anyone

could do a really quick one that is wearable any time (not just

red carpet, celebrity, or special evening time occasions).

After you have all of your foundation on and set, you can prime the eye if you like.

I wasn't going to be out much today, so I skipped long wear primer. Anyways!

Start with the lighter color base, I chose my metallic like grey from Aveda. With

an eye shadow applicator I applied two layers, to get a nice even shade. I stop

about a third into my eye, leaving blank lid for the darker shade on the outside. Next,

I took my blending brush (the miracle worker brush!) and applied a thin layer of

black to that empty spot, flaring out the edge. I like the flare to help keep the

illusion of bigger eyes. And that is your smoked edge!

Then we want some highlight! I have this sparkly, but sheer loose powder I like

to brush lightly along the brow line and a little into the black, to blend slightly. Next

step! Eyeliner! Take a pencil, any pencil will do! Wipe away the wetness from your

water line and apply as you see fit. Close the eye to set the liner on bottom and top lid.

Next I like to go over the black pencil with the same black we used for the smoke effect

using an eyeliner brush. Gently sweep it along (and be careful if you wear contacts! it can

hurt getting that powder on them) until you get to the outer edge. I like to blend my bottom

liner in the smoke edge.

Now, I like liquid eyeliner. It's my preferred liner any time. And I happen to have found

a pen one that works so amazingly! It's Kat Von D's tattoo make up line from Sephora

in a solid black called 'Trooper'. I cannot rave about this product enough... It's an every

day use for me, but I can't live without liner. Anyways, take the pen and start softly

on the inside of your eye, just following the lash line thinly. You can make it as thick

or thin as you please. Like my smoked edge, I like the wing to be flared out as well.

The last parts are pretty easy. Curl the lashes and add a coat or three of mascara!

Don't buy that Flirt! Big Flirt mascara I used. It honestly is an annoying, clumpy

mascara. : / At least I only got it for three bucks! And don't forget to do the bottom

lashes, I like two coats if you want them to be more so dramatic.

For during the day-wear, I like to keep my lips nude/light mocha color. For something

fancier, or evening, go bold with a red lip! Play it up! Have fun! It is makeup after all.

xoxo

Don't regret~

alexisxstetic

End of The Week...

2011-09-19T00:51:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to just start doing End of The Week posts, along with whatever else I do. I really liked the big long, in-depth post I did with my videos my first two weeks here. I want to continue doing that the best I can. And considering I like to be out of my parents way the majority of the time/alone, should be pretty easy to do. Right?

Week 3

I don't know if I need to much explain this one. I mean, obviously
I was delirious with boredom and decided to google my own name.
And look at the results! Some gymnast is beating me out as the
top Alexis Carroll! How rude, I'm older. She should let me win.
Or maybe I should start doing stuff that would like hmmm matter?
; ) Who likes doing that kind of stuff, though? Haha, nah. I'm
getting it done, getting done. You'll see... Sooner or later.

Friday I went with my mom to get her tooth pulled! : X Ouchies.
We got really super lost, like I mentioned, because Google Maps
kept taking us to Costco. We drove around it a lot and looked everywhere!
Well, almost everywhere. After a moment we went behind this
building and realized maybe we weren't looking high enough. And
sure enough, there it was upstairs above Ninja Sushi... Without
a noticeable sign I might add.

My mom doesn't sleep well at night, something that seems to run
in our family lately. So she laid down for her actual sleep once we
got home and that left me alone. Aloooone so aloooooonnnnneeee.
Needless to say, I was bored out of my mind and just decided to vlog
about it for a little bit. I had been wanting to play with my makeup
and try out some ideas for my Halloween makeup, on my sister. But
she went to the football game at her school instead and wasn't home
until ten. Good grief. I ended up watching Ghosts of Girlfriend Past
with my mom after Superbad ( ; D Emma Stone movies ftw!) and let
me just say.... IF YOU LIKE MOVIES, DON'T WATCH THAT ONE.
Seriously. It was so horrible, I'm afraid to watch movies I have not
seen now, practically.

*shudder*

Oh Saturday... What a crazy day indeed that ended up being. Especially
for my mum's car! Yikes. But let us start from the beginning...
It was a beautiful day and I was getting antsy being locked up all day,
so I decided to walk with Kaydance to her friend's birthday party.
It was a few blocks, streets, uh neighborhoods away but I've really
been into going for daily walks. At the least. So anyways, we
really have a lot of silly fun when we are together. It's like we never
were apart at all because we just pick up being goofball sisters
practically instantly! It's amazing and I am thankful for every personal,
individual relationship I have with all of my siblings. Each one
is different from the others, but still sisterly/brotherly and I couldn't
have asked for a better family.

After that, Mark wanted to go out as well. It was his day off from
work and he's like me, we get a bit anxious being bored for too long.
So we headed out to the town. Waikiki. But first, we stopped at
the NEX, or for you guys, Navy Exchange. It's sort of like a smaller
Wal-mart but a bigger home decor store, with a mall underneath it.
It's also kind of like a Costco what with it being exclusive. Or at least
I think it was exclusive! They always ask for our IDs and my parents
have military ones so I automatically assume that we get in because
they are part of the armed-forces club. ; ) Let's just pretend it's
like that, okay? Anyways. We looked at golf stuff for a while. Ha, ha.
My step-dad was teasing me that they'd put me to work there because
I kept putting things away where they went, even if it wasn't
us who had moved them. Can't help it, it's the retail/neat freak/complusive
person in me. Anyhow, then we moved on to the surf boards.
Which I was informed was going to be his next purchase someday.
(Sure, dad, sure.) Some of those long boards were fucking intense!
Ten footers! Geesh, you could fit two of me on there! With my toes
hanging off a wee bit, though.

I got a new boyfriend there, as well. His name is Scuba Steve. He
does not know any sharks, but it's his life long dream to become
BFFs with one of them. ; D Scuba Steve is the strong silent type
but we understand each other.

Finally it was time to head to Waikiki because apparently the best
time to visit is at night! Parking in Hawaii can be a bit ridiculous, I
hear, so Mark wanted to park the car down by the beach area.
Little did any of us know that the season premier of Hawaii 5-0 was
having an exclusive park debut! Complete with a nightclub on the
beach! It looked pretty rad but as things go, we weren't dressed
for the event, oh yeah! And we weren't invited. ; D But it didn't stop
me from dancing on the sidewalk from a distance. If only I had a
vodka redbull in hand. Le sigh. Moving on!

Headed down to the shopping area and saw lots of cool shops. Mostly
tourist-y ones, but as well as a lot of high end ones. Bebe, Uggs, Swatch,
Fendi, Burberry. Oh how I love Fendi purses! But I digress. Totally
got snubbed in Bebe. Step-dad got smiled at but when it came to me?
The actual woman who would buy those things in there? Nope, I got
the glance over. Just because I look alternative or something? Sure, my
hair is pink and a strange, but now-trendy silverish grey. And yes, I have
gauges and a lip ring. But hey! I still love clothes, any kind, any prices!
And they had some KILLER boots in there just screaming my name.
Oh well, it is what it is. And it just reminds me to try harder and be
nicer whenever I do work with the public. To go that extra mile to make
someone else feel good about themselves and that belong, even if
they don't look like it. I reflected upon that for a while... Up until
I saw the street performers. I've always liked street performers.
Probably my up-bringing at Disneyland once a year and constant
visits to places like Venice Beach, San Francisco, and LA. It was kinda
really rad to see some of that here. Talented people just doing their
own thing on the street. The golden statue guy kinda creeped me
out because not only was he solid gold, but also a cowboy.
That's when I had to go WTF? Hahaha, to each their own. About
a few performers down, there was a silver one who was
even more scary! Maybe I just have this secret fear of people
who pretend to be statues?! Ah, then there was the drummer!
So cool and talented! Just tapping away on things you could
easily find at a Home Depot or even in a dumpster, sadly. I
couldn't help but think it would be really cool if someone came
up to that kid and said, "Dude, let me sample your sound and
here's some cash and lunch." That would totally make that
dude's day and then you'd have this awesome drum bit from a
street performer in your song. Ultimate win-win situation right there.
Dubstep, anyone?

Sadly, the way back home became a bit... delayed. We were greeted
by four police cars on the side of the road. Jokingly, I said to my step
dad, "Hopefully they didn't box us in!" And then of course, it was actually
our car! The story is, some guy saw a man snooping around our car and
then the alarm went off and the mysterious man darted out. That's when
the witness called the police over. The attempted-car thief managed to
slash three holes in my mum's convertible roof. One on the side, but
that wasn't close enough to the door was it? So then he went right
above the opening of the door, but silly theif! The lock nor the handle
aren't there. So he wised up (as smart as a man trying to break into
an alarmed car can be) and got it exactly right. Too bad for him, he
was probably too strung up on some sort of drug or drink to
fully realize that we wouldn't leave anything valuable in a nice car
like that. That would just be asking for him to steal it! Part of me
thinks he was just trying to steal the whole car. But the other part
reminds myself that usually grand theft dolts would know how to
disarm an alarm. And wouldn't steal a car in a crowded park of
witnesses who just watched the first episode of Hawaii 5-0. Silly.

Well, that was our big Saturday. Certainly made up for Friday.
That's for sure.

Took me about a week to figure out how I wanted my temporary room
to lay out, that and I was just dreading lugging that heavy box
up the flight of curvy stairs.

But before all of that! Mom took me to Costco! No, just kidding.
We actually had to go back to the dentist after her tooth being
fixed because she was still in a lot of unbearable pain. Turns
out she has this semi-rare condition called 'dry socket' where
your mouth just wont the wound form a good blood clot in order to
heal. Apparently only like two out of ten patents will ever come
back with that sort of problem. Naturally my mom was that lucky
patent! So she got it cleaned out again and they put a clove inside
the open wound to help the healing process. She said it was one
of the most painful things she had ever had done to her. The doctor
described it as some patents saying it's worse than child birth!
Yikes! So we headed over to Costco (if you remember, our GPS
kept saying the dentist was IN Costco last time) to get her prescription
refilled, by order of the dentist who felt very sorry for my mama.
We walked around because what else did we have to do? Tried all the
samples, well... I did at least because I could eat. ;D So I joked
around and thanked my mom for taking me out to lunch. Haha, sample
style!

Next we wandered the actual aisles. Looked at the bathing suits, some
yard things, and Christmas stuff! Already?! Halloween hasn't even come
and gone yet! What the heck. It also made me a tiny bit sad because
they had some Christmas lights pictured around a palm tree and kind of
set in. Man, I wont see snow this year! Not my own snow, anyhow. I
wont get to look out of the window and see the world covered in that something
sparkly and clean. Kind of made me sad... for like five seconds until
I saw that doll house. I had to play with it. Ever since I was a little
kid I've always loved dollhouses. And one Christmas, when I was probably
eleven or so, my pop got my sisters and I a wooden dollhouse with wood
furniture. We wanted to paint it, and color on it, but my mom liked the
simplicity of it and it matched the family room a lot better being blank
than if it was little kid colored I guess. Anyhow, my sisters and I use
to spend hours and hours just playing with our little Mobiles in this
dollhouse. Making up pretend lives, fantasies. So needless to say, I
still adore dollhouses. And this one was so chic too! Hot pink and zebra
couches and beds?! Come on! ~~Fucking~~ rad or what. The
lights and sound effects were a tad cheesy, but I guess that's half
the fun of it. I don't know, maybe I am old school and like the idea
of making your own sound effects. Though it would have been cool to
have at least real lights in our dollhouse.

When we got home, I decided to go ahead and give the air mattress one
last chance as my bed (for now) and set it back up. Then I straightened
out my room to my the best of my likings and brought up the latest
box of my stuff. If you know anything about me, I'm pretty sure you
don't know about my OCD when it comes to my living space. I try to
hide it from most people. But I am very picky about where I sit, where
I sleep, which way the TV is turned. Everything always has to feel
balanced to me. Which doesn't mean it always is. Currently, I
physically have to sleep in (or near as of lately) the middle of the room.
I don't know why but I do. The tv (which I never use) is perfectly slanted
in the corner across the room, and I have made a make shift night stand
of some sort which is directly under the window and half in the middle
of the room, next to the bed. They share the middle. My closet? Oh well,
it is much more complicated. Though it doesn't look it. I have all
of my shirts not only organized by color, but also by style. Tank tops
and halters on one section, then t-shirt/regular sleeved, and three-quarter
to full length sleeved. Pants up top. And these all reside on the right hand
side of my walk in closet. Directly in the front is my coats for easier
access and DVDs on the shelf above it. And that's how it HAS TO BE. It
cannot be any other way. End of story.

Senor Spyder day! Olay!
I have been having a small amount of anxiety over driving here
in Hawaii. The traffic and roads are very intimidating and
sometimes I am still haunted by that stupid accident I had back
in April. Sometimes I can still picture it happening. It gives
me the heebie jeebies and I have to shake myself loose of the
imagery. So I have been hesitant. That and my mom's car is worth
like six of my old one, sadface. But lately, not going to name
any names because you know who you are, I have been goaded on to
actually get over my fear and just drive. So I told Kaydance to
get dressed because we were heading to the store for some sugar!
No really, we needed sugar and I figured driving around base would
be a good start. Let's just say my mom's car would seem like it
wouldn't have any blind spots, but I found it very difficult to see
around her driver's seat. Even with the top down! And then backing
up? Felt so awkward! She has a camera that shows video in the rear
view mirror, but the objects are super farther away than they appear.
It's like extreme fish eye lens. Anyhow, Kaydance decided to film
all of it, just in case we didn't make it out alive. -__-

At the PX, they had some quarter machines with the usual cheap toys
and candies. But I really liked the mustache one, even if it was
seventy-five cents! So expensive for a fake mustache that ended up
not being very sticky at all! So I got one, the Mario one, hahaha
and gave it to Kaydance. I really wanted the ginger mustache so I
decided to try one last time. What did I get? The stupid grey one
that looked more like a unibrow than a mustache. We messed around
with those for a while and then headed off to the actual store. But
only after we decorated my mum's car with our left over mustaches.
I think it looked pretty swayze but the next day mum wasn't pretty
keen on her Senor Spyder car. D'ow, sadface. Oh yeah. We also had
some nasty chicken nuggets from Burger King. Because they were free.
For a reason, for a very sad nasty reason.

Went to Walmart, again. I swear it's like I live there or
something! Haha, just out shopping with my family whenever they
go. Because staying at home is boring. I ventured out on my
own to look at the bed stuff. I really love that Damask print.
So old timey and cute. But still modern. And then when I actually
started talking about stuff, a worker would show up and stare at
me like I was insane... O_____0' Because I am.

Saturday again! My sisters, step-dad and I all went into Honolulu
to take Senor Spyder into the shop to get the holes all fixed. F U
car-jacker! Now we must endure my step-dad's silly loud ~~ass~~ racing
car. Uuugh. Anyhow. We checked out a make up school I had been
interested in; Makana Academy. It was really nice and suave in there.
Clean. Definitely a place you go into and think will give good
quality face treatments. Indeed. After that, Venice decided she wanted
to dance around the stop sign like a pole dancer... Only more
talented. Heh heh heh. And I decided to do a close up on Kaydance's
eyes. Because they are so beautiful! She keeps going off on these
rants about how my eyes are like 'lizard eyes'. I think she means
it as a compliment but uh... I don't really find lizards to have
attractive eyes much.

The only time I actually enjoy driving with my step-dad is when he
plays something bearable like Bruno Mars, We the Fury, or Electric
Six. Normally though, he plays a lot of unheard of, kinda shitty
rap music and COUNTRY. Good god, the horror of that twaggy country
music he puts on. And you know when you get obsessed with a certain
song or album and you just listen to it over and over and over again?
Well he's like that with Dirt Nasty? and whatever honky tonk cowboy
he's been murdering my eardrums with. So needless to say, it was
nice to be stuck in a little bit of traffic under the freeway listening
to Bruno Mars. And not as embarrassing as some of, wait... all of the
lyrics Dirt Nasty throws down. And under those freeways is kinda
really pretty! There's green in available spots and nice little
bus spots that don't look to rapesville. Bahahaha. Kaydance had an
eye appointment in Mililani, so we all stopped at the outlet mall
to kill some time. Let me just say, it kind of made me miss
working in retail. I was explaining up-selling to my sister and
most companies like those just want applications online because
it's easier for the company to shift through than having applications
on hand. I guess. Personally, speaking from both non-management
and in a management position, I like seeing who is turning in the
app before I call them up or work with them. Sadly, first impressions
can make or break your deal. So folks, even if you are just turning
in your application, make sure you are FRIENDLY and properly dressed.
We hired a girl once who came in with her big sunglasses on and
didn't bother to introduce herself to us other managers while
she waited for our store manager who was running late. Rude.

Anyways, back to Walmart! While Kaydance got her little eyes
checked on, Venice and I went for a serious man hunt of hot chocolate
mix. And guess what. There was not a ~~damn~~ tin
of cocoa mix ANYWHERE. We checked the mixed drinks aisle, the juice
aisle, the coffee and tea aisle. Even the alcohol aisle! No. Hot.
Chocolate. What the fuck am I going to do with no instant hot
chocolate? Any of my friend back home want to send me a big
ole tub of hot cocoa mix? :3 Alexis will love you forever! And a day.

After that we got tired and took a time out near the eye center.
For some reason, Venice likes to sing whenever I get my camera on.
I don't mind. It makes for a more interesting video that day, I think.
Plus she's so incredibly beautiful and I love her voice when she
just zones out and doesn't even try to sing. I adore my sisters.
I couldn't have asked for any two girls to be any prettier or more
talented at whatever they set their minds to. (Or lack of minds to do.)
But you know me, I get restless after a long while and dragged Venice
to the Halloween aisle. We kind of decided on doing a sort of Peter
Pan theme. I want to be a mermaid and she wants to be a little Native
American girl. Now if only we had a Peter Pan... Then our theme would
make SOME sense. But no. This Halloween we'll just look like two friends
who didn't decide to dress up together. Ha, ha, ha. Assuming we do
anything. Which we better. Halloween is my favorite time! Did I mention
how silly fake weapons are? Like seriously, why does the blood drip
down like that? People don't normally stab a person downwards...
Trust me, I watch a lot of Dexter (on SHOtime ;D ). Needless to say,
they didn't have much for either of our costumes. And come to think of
it, I don't think Venice much likes my idea for my outfit. Pffft.
I like my idea. Mainly because I'm still young and ever so slightly
proud of how I look. So naturally I kind of want to show off my assets.
HAHAHA. I just have too many crazy ideas and need to settle down with
just one main thing. I think tomorrow I'll work on that. I'm kind of
antsy and gun-ho about getting my costume done. The last few years
I've had to rush mine in the end and never end up COMPLETELY prepared
because I'm always trying to help other people out with theirs. Pfft.
So this year, I want to worry about mine FIRST! And help my sisters
out later. Tough love, so to speak.

Okay, guys! That's it for this week's blog sum up!
What did you think?

peace, love, and Halloween props~
don't regret~
♥ alexis

The First Week of Life in Hawaii

2011-09-08T22:57:00.000-07:00

So, you all saw my first day here in the last post, including the airplane ride.
But now I'm going to go a little more indepth with my first few
week here! You also get to see my hair progressively fade out,
so sad. I took as much video as I felt needed/possible and
posted them on YouTube for my 365 Days along with little snippet
blog like descriptions. Here's the real deal;

First Kaydance and Mark took me to this little beach a few miles
from our house. I guess it's a popular spot for hang-gliding
and mostly locals (so far it's been my favorite one), there's
quite a few rocks around so not a lot of people like it for swimming.
Then again, we did go around four thirty-ish. Maybe everyone had
been to the beach already. Oh, right after Kaydance 'rolled'
into the ocean. . . The crisp, clear, fantastic ocean, we saw
a sea turtle! He was just hanging around, swimming near the low
area. Kaydance, that little nutter, decided she wanted to ride
this sea turtle. So, chasing ensued. Up until the turtle caught
what was going on and turned tail to be the one chasing HER!
Ahahaha.

Friday, mom took me shopping around one of the cities (I forget
which one) and I stopped in a toy island to inspect these
plastic encasing. Needless to point out, I was ever so slightly
disappointed with the 'effects'. Totally stoked on those 'Monster
High' dolls or whatever they were! Hahaha, I have this weird new
obsession with mer-people. And who doesn't like zombies?! So, those
two dolls were my favorite. I want them! So cute!

The next day was Saturday, my first official day of actually
seeing my middle sister Venice. She had been busy with school
the first few days I was here and hanging out with her man. I
was suppose to hang out with my step-dad and go golfing with
him (I get to drive the golf cart, betches!) but that ended up
being a bust. So I woke up early for nothing, but decided to
do a tiny little blog about the beauty of where I live. I love
seeing those little flowers float down on the ground, and all
the hibiscuses you could imagine! And amazing trees!

Saturday was my sister and her man's six month anniversary and
they were nice enough to let me tag along. It took us forever
to decide what to do. Hence why we started messing around,
writing songs about me playing Tekken on Venice's psp.
Mark had offered us the car, but only if we went to Diamond Head,
this intense hiking trail place. Well, considering I haven't even been
on the island long enough to know my way down our own street,
I kind of thought it be a bad idea to get behind the wheel and drive
around. Plus, I don't have a military ID so getting back into the base
would have been a little difficult for my sister.

So we went for a walk instead! To the commissionary to buy
some otter pops! But then we realized they didn't sell
frozen ones, so we went with some healthy-ish popsicles instead
and ended up joking around about starting a new YouTube
dare (like the cinnamon or cracker one). It would be to
see who could the most Dibs in a 140 package. However,
we decided to save it for another time. Milk product plus heat?
That didn't sound too appealing to me. So popsicles instead (promiscuous ones).
And we decided to take them over to this park across the street.

That's the one cool thing about living on base. There's probably
over ten parks here. In this one neighborhood, there's three
right in a row. I was joking with my mom, saying, "Imagine your
three kids are being troublesome. You simply go, this is your
park, that's your park, and that one is yours. Leave each other
alone and stay at your own park!" Anyways. We went to the park,
made fun of little kid graffiti, and also made fun of internet
trends like OWLING. Wtf is up with that? Fun to make fun of though.
AND THEN A LIZARD WAS FOUND. Silliness ensued! After that
we stopped at the little water park at the park near our house. Because
I like being a little kid and playing in those things. It was kind of chilly.
But whatevaaaaaa.

Sunday, Sunday, Sundaaaay!
That Sunday mom decided to take me shopping again! What a
nice mommy, especially considering she hates shopping more
than anything else! So we went to the Ala Moana mall. But first,
they tortured me with MY least favorite thing in the world; Taylor Swift.
Gag me with a spoon and gauge my eyes out. Seriously. But
it made my little sisters happy so whateva. Small sacrifice. It
was only my ears that bled. On the way from Wahaiwa, you have
to go through this LOOOONG tunnel through an old volcano!
And I don't know if anyone remembers, but I am still pretty
fascinated by tunnels and bridges (mostly bridges though). There are
so many mountains here, something I didn't realize when I agreed
to move here. I was kind of certain I'd miss home because
I love living in valleys surrounded by real mountains. And lo-behold!
Really AMAZING mountains.

So later on at the mall, we split up and I took the youngster Kaydance
with me to explore. We went into this really cute anime fandom store
and explored all the cutesy things. My favorite thing from that day
was probably the domos dressed as other things, my sister singing in
the Old Navy store we got mildly lost in, and being told I look like a
My Little Pony doll. Hahaha. I got stopped by this extremely nice
guy at a naturalist soap store and he says, "Um, take this as a
compliment because ummmm you kinda of remind me of a My Little Pony
doll." He then proceeded to tell me and Kaydance about how he had
buried his own MLP doll on a beach and never found it again. Then how
he lost his Thundercat doll on the Big Island and his parents refused
to go back for it. All this while he was rubbing lotion on my arm that
ended up BURNING THE EFF out of my tattoo. Haha. And to top it all off,
it was lavender scented! My ultimate enemy! Hisssss.

I wanted an official sunset on the beach day and my mom surprised me
and took me to Waianae (beautiful beaches, terrible place to live). We
stopped at Taco bell and I got an empanada of deciliousness to enjoy.
The waves were so crazy up against the rock, which I believe was old
volcanic leftovers. And naturally, any time I turned the camera on, the
waves would calm down.

Then on the way home we got stuck on the back road to the base we
live on because of an accident. Most of the roads here are only one
lane, so we had to wait almost an hour before we could even turn around.
Not that my mom really wanted to turn around. But I was freezing the top
down and getting really sleepy. It's hard to get use to the time difference.

Let's see, Tuesday the kids went to school and Mark went to work.
So mommy and I went to play! Haha. She wanted to show me her
favorite beach on the air force base; The Bellows. It's this really clean,
beautiful beach with that legendary white sand all the movies show
case. Around it are some cabins for anyone to rent, camp sites,
places to BBQ and a park with a play place and volleyball nets.
However, too bad we got lost on the way there! So we ended up only
staying half an hour because I got too cold. Yes, shocking. Cold
in Hawaii, I know. On the process of turning around on the Kamehameha
highway, mom spotted a Border's and everything is like 60% off for
their big closing sale. Woohoo! Everything is now REGULAR priced.
Haha. I ended up buying like four mangas anyhow. I wanted something
to cheer myself up. And out in the little mall there, we saw a pet
store! I'm obsessed with cute and cuddly animals, thus I dragged
mom over to it.

Little chihuahua puppies, table top tanbams, baby koi, parrots!
They had a little bit of everything. Including these really weird
guinea like pigs. That had no fur. Naked, skinny pigs. It was
funny because one of the bigger ones looked it was humping a smaller
one while it was being bit, come to find it was just a momma nursing
her two babies... One big, fat baby and a tiny little one on the other
side that looked like a runt. He probably will always feel like the
runt, too. He'll never be good enough! Neveeeeer!!!! Hee hee.

Fast forward to Saturday! I hadn't been sleeping very well.
What with sleeping on an air mattress that makes noise any time I
moved (scared me awake every time!) and then switching to just sleeping
on the floor so as to NOT be scared, and then with the time difference
and I don't know about anyone else, but it's hard getting use to
sleeping alone in a wide space. When I was staying at my aunt's
I'd just cuddle up to the couch pillow like it was a big dog or
something. But here? I have all the room in the world and meh! It's
uncomfortable to say the least. Anyways! So I spent most of the day
pretty sluggish, but I was determined to at least attempt living
out the day like a normal, energized person. I couldn't figure
out why my video of my room was side ways. Sometimes my phone
just does that, it thinks it's side ways...

Spent the day watching Dance Of The Vampire Bund with my sister,
the other one was at school. I think we did something else but
it slips my mind now. Oh well! The family had been thinking about
possibly camping for the Labor Day weekend, or any weekend at that
so my step-dad went to price out some tents and see what they looked
like in person after looking online. I decided to tagalong, but like
I said... I'd been getting worn out really early on during the first
week. Haha, so in the third store we went to, Kmart, I finally
gave up and told Mark to hold the shopping cart still. And yep, I
climbed INSIDE that bad boy and let Mark push me around like a little
kid! It was so comfortable! Now I know how some babies can just
fall right asleep in those things. Motion of the ocean affect! Haha.
It was pretty entertaining because everyone was staring. I even
heard a group of kids probably a little older than me mumble that
I had the right idea. Heeeeell yeeeaaahhhh.

Oh ho ho ho ho! Bollywood night!
That was a silly night, but the day? Boring as ~~fuck~~. But
at least I was with my sister! I went to her school to check
it out and see what it was about. Met up with the admissions
lady, the finical aid people, and then just hung out with my
sister. She did a mendex treatment on my hair. It's basically
like putting calcium BACK into your hair after you've
exposed it to all the harsh elements or messed up it with
coloring. Like I have. My hair felt so silky and smoooooth
afterwords! And she even did a blowout on my hair, so sweet.
I know when I was in school, drying the hair was my least favorite
especially with a round brush! F U ROUND BRUSHING!

Anyways! So later on the girls at the school made us... uh...
Beautiful, I guess. Hahaha. If you like the over loaded
with make up and big ass hair look. Actually, Venice's hair
didn't turn out so bad! Her's all sweet and could definitely
work for every day or whatever. Mine on the other hand?
Let's just say everyone said my hair reminds them of My Little Pony
and at the moment I saw it after Lisa finished it, I FELT
like a MLP doll! Hahaha. It was pretty rocker rad, though.
I'd totally wear it to a show or something equally cool enough
for a fake out mohawk. What say you?

How we were dressed though? Oh my god. I did not want
to go out in public like that! Especially considering it was
my first time in an actual city on Oahu! My first debute and I
come out half nakkie. Shhhhheeeeesssh. Well, that's what
we get for letting the cutest gay guy dress us. Hahaha, good times.

And all of this was for First Friday. This big event that they
hold in Chinatown where they close off half of the road and everyone
eats, drinks, and be's merry all night long. While learning about
some of the local businesses in that area. Haha. We did a little
'fashion show' of sorts... I guess... And strutted down this home-made
runway around the emptied school while everyone whooted and hollared.
I probably turned bright red the first walk. All of Venice's friends
from school were so nice and cheering me on like I was actually part
of their group. Yeah, it was nice. Like I could fit in here. : )

After that, I was so exhausted and my step-dad picked me up for dinner
and to take me home. We had food from this little stall...van...thing
like place. Mmmm, rice and chicken! It was delicious!

And lastly! I bring to you Killer Taco day! Hee hee.
I had a pretty good time with my mom and step-dad that day.
We went to a 'historic' town and ate at this little local-ish
place called Killer Tacos. I really liked the food there, but
then again, I don't like Mexican food very much so it was nice
that it tasted all fresh and ... I don't know... Americanized?
But still slightly authentic, to me at least. Mark didn't much
like and mom decided to wait to eat. Because that place was semi
lame and only accepted cash. T___T What sort of business can run
like that? I wonder how many people have left because they only had
card or checks? Not that places really take checks anymore.

With a quick zip around the coast, drove past some cool, colorful
surfboard like park... and some AMAZING windmills (I don't know why
but I like windmills, and I like seeing people utilize their decently
ancient resources), we made it to this north side beach that apparently
was a little more popular than the other ones mom and/or Mark had taken me.
But then again, it was Labor Day weekend. The sun was out and being friendly,
haha but if you looked towards where our house was it looked like it was
going to rain non-stop. I don't think it actually rained at all, however.

That's one of the awesomest things about Hawaii now that I think about it.
It rains here almost every day. Though it can hardly be called 'rain'. It
more just... mists. A lot. In certain areas. You can be in perfect sun
shine in one spot, maybe move about two feet and feel some rain drops cool
on your forehead. The weather here is amazing, entertaining, and a lot
different from the harsh desert-dry I was use to. I still love the desert
dry weather, but this sort could suit me very well for the time I am here.

All in all, I think I had a pretty good first two weeks here.
: )

Love, peace, and don't regret~
♥ alexis

And I'm Back!

2011-08-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

So I took a REALLY, REALLY long break. Got my life in order, then it all went KA-BOOM when I got in a car accident and totaled my car. Fffffff. So that somewhat messed up my plans temporarily... But then I made a decision and moved away to try and start over.

Completely!

So I am going to do my best to keep up with this blog. Posting short reviews and mini-videos about things. I am so excited to share this beautiful island and new life with whoever reads this. All two of you.

Hahaha.

So prepare for lots of rantings! And probably a whole new layout... If I can ever figure this out. Or at least get a mouse for my dad's laptop. Mouse > track pad.

Check out my move! And have a fantastic Friday! I know I will!

Extract this! I want someone to do some Inception to me!

2010-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

Holy smokes, Batman!

No seriously, the director of the Dark Knight super movie has made yet another favorite of mine. I left the theater feeling like I should pay to watch another session of the two hour and twenty-two minutes sci-fi suspense film 'Inception'. No sneaking back in, no way. Christopher Nolan deserves every red, silver, and pocket linted coin I have! Just a warning though, even though I emptied my bladder RIGHT before the movie, about a third of the way in I was doing the potty dance and my kidneys hated me by time I finally fled to the restroom. Which I never left until the end credits, this movie hooked me, line and sinker!

Inception had caught my eye right away in the commercials, although it got a mixed up in the theme for me. I had seen the preview right after a 2012 preview and got the feeling it was another 'dooms day' film. Gag me with a spoon. I am so sick of those and luckily, this year does not seem too keen on those this summer season. Thank you Movie Gods! Even in the theme mix up, I had already decided I wanted to see the movie (mainly because Leonardo DiCaprio > John Cusack + Ellen Page = must see). So I patiently awaited the due date for the film.... And it finally arrived this Friday! Aaaah, I wanted to see it opening night, but alas work is a cruel mistress. So, after my gym time, I dragged the boyfriend along (just kidding, he was happy to go) to a matinee priced showing in the afternoon. And here is my run down.

As all great movies start, the opening scene was one of the most important feeling ones. I eagerly scanned the scene, paid attention throught every line given (though it was hard to hear the quiet sentences from the old man). Then it shifted. Utterly shifted back and I felt confused, but knew Nolan to the slow-paced and thoughtful director he is. We are taken into an elegant party, a deal is being proposed to help protect a man's mind from extractors. Extractors break into your dreams and steal your most valuable information, which you conviniently keep locked up in a safe in your dream! I imagine my safe to be pink and shiny, like a car... oh... Anyhow! The deal goes horrible wrong when the seemingly ex wife of Leonardo's character, Cobb, let's the dreamer in on the secret. THEY are there to extract HIS secrets from him. This just goes to show, in the real world, that sometimes playing reverse psychology does not work out in your favor. Cobb and his sorta-friend Arthur (actor Joseph Gordan-Levitt 'Ten Things I Hate About You', '500 Days of Summer') are then offered something no one else can, by this man they messed up their extract with. He wants them to do the opposite of extracting. Inception. To plant an idea into the mind of his competition. This has never before been successful. Except for once.

Haunted by the memories of his wife, literately, Cobb must assemble a trust worthy and talented crew to complete inception. But there are still skeletons---I mean secrets, that the leader keeps to himself. Living forever in his guilt, almost drowning in it. That is until new comer Ariadne (Ellen Page 'Juno', 'X-men') sees right through Cobb's make believe dreams and confronts him. In the midst of a dream, of the inception. Layers and layers and layers and then some more layers into the subject's subconscious mind, Cobb must finally come to terms with himself or forever be lost in fantasy.

AND END SCENE WITH A QUESTION OF REALITY OR DREAM!
bam.

I absolutely loved everything about this film. There was nothing that left me wanting. The visual effects were mind blowing. Nothing new or anything like that, but played out fittingly and impressively. Normally I don't much care for the 'struggling with another man for the gun' scenario, considering it's always a "What the hell is going on?! I can't tell who's winning!" thing with me, but maaaaaan. THIS scene, in THIS movie, really impressed me and wanted to see it over and over and over like a little boy watching his first explosion! You go, Joseph! You battle that subconscious in no gravity! The film ended perfectly, it began perfectly, and the middle was just amazing. I found myself connected to the main character and his inner battles easily (and not because I'm battling my own demons, kthx). There was no need to force any emotion, Leonardo's deliverence was ...wow. Just so believeble, so vivid. I think I even teared up for like point two seconds. And I do not tear up in movie theaters. That's just silly. Needless to say, I like him better with every role! And the whole cast as a group; superb! Every character has a little piece of the perfect puzzle Nolan worked together. Ellen Page, Joseph Gordan-Levitt... I don't think I would have changed a single actor in anyone's stead. The appearance of Michael Caine as the father had me giggling, "Alfreeeed!" and then of course, the billionaire victim of the inception was none other than Cillian Murphy, who can be found in Nolan's Batman Begins as the villian Scarecrow. Both myself and my bladder felt most relieved when the film was over, with no regrets of having sat through the whole thing doing the potty dance!

The only thing missing from this film?
Christian Bale. Though I will gladly accept Leonardo DiCaprio with ready arms.

In the end, if this was racked up with those 'dooms day' films, then I would surely choose to have my dreams invaded by the likes of the sexy Joseph, Leo, and Tom Hardy any day. You can throw in Cillian, too, for good measure. That sounds like a perfectly good end of the world for me. Reality can go screw it's self while I sip tea on the beach with the boys. B]

PEACE OUT, LOVERS.
Until next time, keep your friends close and your totems closer!

This film;
100 out 10 fucking rainbow stars!

I Disappeared Again, Huh?

2010-07-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

I am so bad.
Soooo lazy! Geesh!

Well anyhow, I am going to FORCE myself to be better at remembering to update. Sorry! It's just been crazy and what not. Plus, laziness is a disease sweeping the nation! But no longer, guys, no longer! I must kick my butt into gear!

I hope everyone had a splendid Fourth of July!
I did! At work! Ha, ha, ha. =( But it was at work that I decided to start updating, writing reviews again, and making some videos. I miss making videos! Plus, I just got a new video editing program. Yay! Next step is a green screen, what what! So, big news! I have a modeling shoot at the end of this month in Las Vegas. So stoked. So be on the look out for all of these new, shiny things. ;D

Post Them Secrets!

2010-05-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!
It's been quite a while, hasn't it? Well, I've been in the middle of moving, finical issues, wisdom tooth pains (which I have yet to settle yikes!) and so have forgotten about my blog. Well, that isn't true. I actually remembered my blog quite often and started many reviews. I just never finished them because things came up and then I said, screw it! Meh, sorry!

So here I go with a less review-y, more fun sort of post.

For a while, on and off again, the blog of Post-secret has inspired people to share things they normally couldn't. All because it's so easy to hide behind a postcard with a sendee address but no clue as to the sender. Some of them are funny, "If I'm on my period at prom, I'm gonna be pissed!", and some just make you wish you could hug that person, "I walk a mile out of my way every day to work now to avoid the teasing girl on the bus because I don't have a car. I'm a 37 year old man.". But they hide behind their little cards, so it's impossible to reach out.

My sister was bored one day and decided to do a post-secret as well. However she wasn't afraid to fess up it was her, that she was afraid of aliens, or that when she said she didn't care to everyone, it was to not convince them but convince herself. Granted, she did the video with a mirror effect (quite by accident). I was pretty much inspired and wanted to help her get some views. So, I decided to take this a bit different. She did it for fun, I did it because people should know that what we really are like. I don't think anyone should have to feel insecure about their embarrassing moments or their sad predicament. We are all human, we all have emotions, and I think that we should all be understanding.

So here is my own video and my sisters.
If you want to post some of your secrets, show that you care, do something to take your mind off of something, do this fun little post-it-secret challenge! And post it as a reply to one of our's. I'll add them to my blog as they come along. <3

xoxoxo alexisxannastetic

How to Get Some on Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T17:49:00.000-08:00

So, I was at work, listening to some of the girls giggle and talk about what other girls' boyfriends were doing for them. I overheard one girl say, "Yeah, he's taking her to dinner and then a hotel!" Really? I was really unimpressed. Especially considering this girl was the mother of his son and another baby in her oven! You would think he could come up with something more... Her, you know? I'm not even her girlfriend or close friend, and I could still think of more original, romantic ways to woo her this Valentine's day!

Heeeey, that gave me an idea! Just roll with it, will you?

If you are looking to get laid this Valentine's or the next, why don't you listen to some ideas from a real girl.

#1 Don't expect to get some
Just because it's Valentine's Day does not mean you automatically 'get some'!
This holiday is about love and appreciating each other. Nothing says I love you like pre-planned naughty time. =P Here's what you should try instead, don't expect it. In fact, tell your woman that you don't need it, because just sharing the day together is satisfying. Being physically intimate is just a plus, a dessert you would never refuse, but don't need. I tell ya, that makes them putty.

#2 Dinner and a hotel room does not equal romantic nor original
Hello, did you want to be like every other boyfriend/man/little boy out there?
Then be my guest and take your woman to a crowded restruant were you can barely talk,
and then drag her back cave-man style to a hotel and make sweet, sweet lovings. Not! Let me tell you why this is lame, to me. Okay, Valentine's Day is one of THE most busiest nights of the year to be going out to dinner. I know I hate when I can't hold a conversation. Or waiting for an hour for a table. That's lame. Instead, cook a fancy meal for your girlfriend. Or make her favorite meal. You could get extra brownie points if you are one of those guys who NEVER cooks. Because it shows that you took the time to learn, to shop, and to plan. Every woman loves a man who plans! The other half, hotel room? Come on. The only way I can see this being romantic is if you two do NOT live together. Then it's like, "Aaaw" Or if you have thin walls and roommates. OR! If you take her out of town. And I don't just mean to the next town fifteen miles down. But if you guys live together, alone... come on. Instead, stay home, clean the house up, make her dinner and make the bedroom a personal oasis.
Light a thousand candles, no electricy, fill the bedroom with fresh flowers for scenery and for scent! Make the bed look inviting and sexy with some fun pillows or a silky blanket.

#3 Getting the Generic Gift from the grocery store
Roses and chocolate boxes... Some girls, usually if it's your first Valentine's day, will accept these. But further on down the road, if you keep getting these... You ain't getting none, honey. Show a girl you know her, that you pay attention to her buy getting her something she actually wants. Or taking her to a movie she's been going on about for a while. Instead of roses, get her favorite flowers and a cool vase she can reflect on later! And chocolate, don't just get her the biggest, prettiest looking one. Get the one with ALL of her favorite chocolate. Because we like share, yeah, but we don't want to end up giving you guys all the nasty ones we hate and then it's like you bought yourself a candy! Get her FAVORITE kind and those favorite flowers, AND something from the heart.

Remember these things and maybe you'll end up with this after all is said and done. ;D

And girls, just because he's a boy does not mean all he wants is sex.
He would also like some sexy lingere, your hair the way HE thinks it's sexy, and less foreplay, more 'mouthy' fun.

Okay? Happy Valentine's Day, folks!
x♥x♥x
alexisxannastetic

Come on, Big Daddy! Let's all NOT Watch The Princess and The Frog.

2010-01-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

Disney is my all time favorite company. I don't care about all that stupid stuff like strikes and crap they have going on outside of Disneyland. I love Disney productions and Disney stuff! I grew up on the wonderful animation with my grandpa who also adored Disney. It became a family thing. I think I've seen about every Disney movie made (save for those horrible made-for-tv films). So of course when they announced the in-progress of a new animated feature, a classic fairy tale which is by far Disney's forte, I was well.... ESTATIC. Everyone is familar with the story of the Princess and the Frog. But when I looked more into the then rumors, I was even more excited when I found out what time period it was set in. The swinging ninteen twenties! Voodoo, New Orleans, gumbo! What wasn't to like?

Oh maybe because it WAS a very well known story. The Princess meets a frog and has to kiss him so he can be a prince, yet again. However it back fires because she doesn't really mean it, they go on an adventure, they fall in love, and finally the kiss means it! Yay! The end. Predictable. Couldn't Disney come up with it's own princess story? Oh well, I was still excited. A lot of my friends were excited for the simple fact that the herione was going to be a princess of color. I don't really look into that stuff, you know? It's lame. I like the stories, I like the animation, I like the acting. I don't judge Disney by how fair it is by switching up what it's princesses look like, or if they're bad guys aren't just evil step-moms in disguise. Call me easy, but I'm happily and easily entertained.

The Princess and the Frog finally came out, in November, and I dragged along all of my friends. I didn't know the actors in the film, I didn't really pay attention to the 'character spotlight' on websites or Disney Channel. I wanted to go in not knowing a damn thing about this movie. If you start to expect too much, you are going to be disappointed. So, this girl went in expecting FINALLY a cartoon musical from Disney. Something I have been telling anyone who listen that they should do during a time of CGI and computer talents. I wanted pure drawings. And that's exactly what I got.

The movie;
Beautifully drawn, a mix between Tarzan and Lilo and Stitch, along with the new styles of which we saw in the semi-cartoonish Enchanted. The girls were beautiful, cute, but they were also like every day girls. No extreme hair dos, or overly sensual clothing. It was very real New Orleans. Hats, knee length dresses with little to no shape, the Flapper style. The music was pretty true to time, the background music. The rest of it, the musical parts... I don't know. I felt like a lot of the songs had some sort of OOF, but not the oof that made them classical in my mind. Nothing like "Can't Wait to Be King" from the Lion King, or "Go The Distance" from Hercules. They didn't stick to my mind, they didn't get the chorus stuck or the sound humming in my throat. The Voodoo man's song was about the coolest song, and yet I still can't think of how it went to this day.

As for the story, like I said, very predictable. You knew the prince was going to fall in love with the hard working woman who was poor. And you knew that the woman would realize her dreams could include a man, as well. There was no way he would fall in love with the spoiled rich girl who only wanted a prince for titlement gain! Though, she was the comical relief, to tell the truth. In fact, let's delve into the wonderful world of characters.

Tiana is the main character, a stubborn girl set on making her dead-dad's (oh original!) final wish come true; to own a hip, swinging resturuant on the Lousiana rich side. Or something like that. In the first few scenes, we find out that Tiana was grown up to believe she didn't need any fairy tails to make her wishes come true, she just need some elbow grease! Which makes all of her friends annoyed, because you know, people don't like you unless you can go out dancing and have fun all the time.

Tiana's only friend, who sticks by her through thick and thin, seems to be the blonde, spoiled, little rich girl Charlotte, or Lotte for short. Really, they don't play into the fact that Lotte is loyal to Tiana and a means of a good friend. It's just the spoiled part they delve into! What Lotte wants, Lotte gets! Lotte wants a prince! So when prince Naveen comes, of course her daddy has to throw the biggest Mardi Gra party ever and the prince HAS to stay in their guest house. This is Lotte's only chance at happiness on the line, dangit! Of course, Lotte gets her daddy to hire Tianna for her delicious cooking skills for the party, thus being a benefactor in Tianna's big dream of that resturaunt in the sky.

Then there's Prince Naveen. How typical. He's come to America to marry into a rich family. Why? Because his royal family has disowned him for being a lazy playboy who took hard work for granted. Can anyone blame him? Yes, yes they can. His royal nanny (actually I'm not sure WHAT they called him) is very fed up of his boss slacking off on finding a new bride to replenish their money situation. So of course, this fat tubby guy (why is it always a tubster? sad!) strikes a deal with the local voodoo man!

Dr. Facilur... Haha, what a strange little character. He's the 'bad guy' and is suppose to teach kids not to make deals with the dark forces. Wait, whaaat? Dr. Facilur is the local voodoo man who is out on his last limb, he owes the dark shadows like no other and keeps getting lower and lower into debt in the soul factor. So, when he sees Prince Naveen and the sad butler-nanny, obviously his wheels start turning. Get the prince out of the picture, put the butler-nanny in the prince's spot and get him married, and somehow...that equals the voodoo man owning all of New Orleans and selling THOSE souls to the dark shadows... Wait...WHAT?

So anyways. The only one who can help the prince and Tiana is a blind old bayou GOOD voodoo granny. Though honestly, the only thing she could ever help me with is in building a freaking awesome treehouse fort like that. SERIOUSLY. Mama Odie goes down in history as owning the coolest house in Disney history for me. A ship up in a tree, with many different colored glass bottles tied in all the branches. How awesome is that? And what would a good god-mother-- I mean... Mama do without her faithful pet? A snake. And what does Mama Odie do for the two troubled frogs? Nothing but sing a song and tell them that only they can find what they really need. Okay, check off 'crazy' from the list.

The two main characters pick up some odd, really confusing friends along the way. A trumpet playing gator Louis (who gave him a trumpet?!) and a backwords hick firefly Ray with a family the size of any sort of bug colony in the world. Did I mention the bug is deranged and convinced him and the Northen Star are gonna be married someday? No? Well, there you go. You'd THINK those two creatures would make for a really funny moment whenever they are on screen... Eeeh, so so. I was more amused with Lotte screaming "CHEESE AND CRACKERS!" in the background, or smothering a poor little kitten, than in those two swamp things.

Oh wow, look how long this review got! And to think I had put it off for three months now? GEESH!
Long story short, I really liked the setting, the drawings, and some bits of the movie The Princess and The Frog. But let's face it, this movie wasn't as great as any other Disney princess tale and I wouldn't put Tiana in the 'princess' catorgary, personally. It was lacking in originality in the story department, and went overboard in the totally random, nonsensical side characters. I left the theater feeling hopeful... Hopeful that Disney would bounce back from their first step back into cartoons and try again with a little more organized planning. I'm really sick of CGI, but I don't know if I could handle another Princess and the Frog. Seriously. The only things that made me laugh out loud was the cleverly placed sexual jokes, which most parents frown upon. Come on folks! How else is Disney going to get a family to sit together and watch a movie like THAT?

So, this alexisXannastetic signing out and saying, watch this movie if you adore Disney. If you don't, I wouldn't waste my time with it, honestly. Not even John Goodman as Lotte's "Big Daddy" La Bouff could entertain you throughout the whole film.

6 out 10 star power

Don't Judge a Bodywash by it's Looks...Or scent...Or Advertisement.

2009-12-10T22:37:00.000-08:00

Body Clear Body Wash pink grapefruit by Neutrogena

Bacne. Let's face it, a lot of us have it and those who don't could easily get it. I'm on my ever lasting quest to find a body wash that will not only clear up this nasty bacne but keep from drying out my sensitive skin! Curse my skin for being so sensitive to moisture and acne treatment! I'm sure if I didn't have outragous dry skin there would be so much more for me to try! Anyways, back to our original topic.

Bacne; What is it and what causes it?
So, in my attempt to understand what will heal this problem, I first wanted to understand what created it in the first place. So, body acne is caused by a few different things. There's my personal disliked one; not showering enough. Your body sweats and the pores collect the dirt from clothing and sweaty through out the day. So, if you don't shower at least every other day, chances are you will get body acne. Then there is; not showering after a work out/sports. This pretty much goes along with the first one. Shower after you doing something particularly dirty or makes you sweat. (Plus, it'll help your social points go up if you don't REECH!) Tight clothing is always a risk. With tight fabric rubbing up against your skin all day, especially if it's sensitive like mine, can cause irritate and break outs. And despite what a lot of people may have told you, even your mother, food is not a major factor in acne break outs. I'm not saying you should eat all the cheese in the world or a big fat greasy cheeseburger (mm, that sounds good right now). Greasy food is bad for your skin, more for the fact that most of us do not wash our hands after eating nor our faces. The grease and oils from food is left to wander around and dig into our pores! Ew.

So, let's get down to this review. Wanting to clear up my body acne for a photo shoot I had in a month, I went to the store in search of a body wash that targeted bacne. I had used the Neutrogena body wash before, a 8.5 oz bottle of orange gooey soap that did not smell very good, but it also did not smell bad. It seemed to work O.K. So, upon reaching the body wash aisle, I noticed Neutrogena had come out with a lot more than just than orange goo! They now had it in pink, orange, and pinkish one with red little floaty beads. Pink grapefruit. Mmm. I instantly had to open it up and smell it. Delicious! Oooh, the bottle says 'New' in the corner! How awesome. 'Microclear technology'? Em... Since when did body wash become technology? 'Clears body breakouts', '100% naturally derived grapefruit extract', and 'salicylic acid acne treatment' all graced the front of this bottle. What the heck, I'll try this stuff for 7.99 at my local CVS. Besides, salicylic acid is one of the best treatments for acne. I use to use Murad which main ingredinent is salicylic acid! And I love Murad!

Okay. This stuff smells good in the bottle and the first few times you use it. But after a while, my boyfriend started to wrinkle up his nose and claim is smelt like body odor. Uh, no thanks. I do not want to step out of a shower smelling like I need to step back into one. Oh wait, no worries guys! This body wash does NOT leave a scent after you wash it off. Oh, now I have to layer on the perfume, gag. I used this stuff religiously. I even rolled in mud in my bikini just so I would have to shower! Oh, just kidding. I used it regularly, whenever I showered which is either every day or every other day. I usually shower at night or after the gym. So, it's not like I was showering first thing in the morning and then just sweating off all of this body wash goodness. I tried a few different ways to use this stuff. First, I used my own hands. Just dripping a nickel sized amount in my hands and attempting to reach those middle spots on your back, and the rest of my body. Nope, that wasn't working. I could barely reach the infected areas. Plan b was in the form of a loofah on a long wooden handle thing. Dab some soapy soap on that, lather it up and scrub-a-bub-dub. Now I can reach all those spots and my sensitive skin on my hands wont be over washed! I used this technique for the rest of the bottle (well, until the loofah unfolded all over the place and tried to attack me). The photo shoot came and went. My photographer said my back looked 'fine' and that there were only a 'few spots she had to cover up'. Unacceptable! Not only was this body wash not making me smell good, but it wasn't really fighting my acne as it was suppose to. It said C-L-E-A-R, not 'at bay'. Dove keeps my skin at bay! I did everything it said on the bottle and what did it do? Just cost me 8 dollars and make my boyfriend crinkle up his nose whenever I lathered it on.

Boo, Neutrogena, boo.

Overall; I wouldn't buy this unless you have really mild to no body acne, for this product will leave you unsatisfied! And not leave you smelling like delicious fresh grapefruit. The only good thing about Body Clear Body Wash by Neutrogena is that it did not leave my skin extremely dried out.

The end!
2 out of 10 starpowers (it gets one prop for the pretty color)

Do You Like Deep Plots and Realistic Wounds? No? Good, Me Either.

2009-12-07T03:19:00.000-08:00

Ninja Assassin... IS THE BEST MOVIE EVER.

Okay, okay. Maybe it isn't the best movie ever, but I throughly enjoyed it and would be willing to see it in theater again. That RARELY ever happens with me. In fact, a lot of the time I am disappointed I couldn't have just waited for it come out on Netflix or television. I liked this movie that much however. Even despite my squirmish towards battle scenes and blood. And the best part is, they didn't waste all the good scenes on the trailer like they usually do lately! So, it will pleasantly entertain you. Or at least be worth however much your theater charges. Let me just give you some insight...

So, the storyline;
It's a small storyline, to be honest. Two stories, one of a boy growing up and training in a sort of ninja 'academy'. And the other about an agent investigating paid assasinations (also known as "sticking her nose where it doesn't belong"). They cross over when miss Mika-the-overachiever-agent (Naomie Harris) finds out the connection between secret ninjas and a mysterious bank account. You start out thinking that the main character, Raizo the ninja (Rain ((yes, that's his full name. Just Rain.))), is going after her in order to silence her once and for all. But in reality, he's just one cool, sexy, sweaty guy who wishes to protect people from the ninja clan he abandoned. Oh yes, there are some marvalous scenes of our ninja stretching, practicing his kung fu. Perfectly toned body...smoldering hot...with some very oily looking sweat. Oh yeah... Okay, anyways. So some tricks are played, some people are murdered. Well, actually, A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE MURDERED. It's ridiculous how many ninjas were killed. At some point, I remember thinking, "They weren't training THAT many ninjas! Holy shit!" But then they explained that they have ninja clans everywhere! Oh, thank you for clearing that up. Now I can sleep at night knowing that somewhere, near by, there is a ninja clan stealing children away to someday assassinate someone ridiculously important but I've never heard of. All for the nice price of 1,000 pounds! Order your ninja now!

Special a-kicks;
Let me say this. Kill Bill. Yes, the blood is very CGI'd and spurts out like it's high pressured. Hmmm, maybe that's what they mean when your blood pressure is high? Who knows. Either way, there was a lot of blood that looked paint. Especially in the laundromat scene. *shudder* All I can say there is... Don't trust the sweaty pretty girls, boys. The ninja stars flying around you at practically all times of the movie was sort of distracting, confusing. Never out of place however. There was only one scene, that maybe last five minutes, that had me in a whirl of confusion. The "we're on the street, in front of people and cars, but we're still gonna fight! Oh and run like crazies!" that shook the camera. I could not figure out who was getting the crap beat ouf of them, who was winning, who was getting smashed by cars, and what the heck was going on because the camera was shaking along with all of the action! WHY? I get motion sickness! This scene upset my tummy like mad crazy, dawgs!

Kung Fu-tastic;
As for the fight scenes, I could tell for one that the whole crew worked hard on making sure it was as real as possible. Every movement to me seemed natural... Well, as natural as kung fu can seem to a girl! I was impressed. And kung fu, jujitsu, ninja movies don't ever really impress me... more... Entertain me with how silly it looks when the guy moves before someone's foot hits their face. That never fails to crack a smile on my face. And then what? People think I'm a blood thirsty little girl! Sigh. Anyways. This movie was action packed with well thought out fight scenes, in my opinion anyways.

Acting...has no cool title;
....Could have been better. But hey, it was what it was. An action movie. Do you need good acting in an action movie? No. Unless you go in expecting something moving, endearing, a heart warmer. This movie is NOT that. Sure, it has a cute little love story on the side. And sometimes it even makes you appreciate living without ninjas hunting you down. But in all honesty, this movie was made for the blood and for the kicking ass scenes. It's not even a really intelligent movie. Naomie Harris did a pretty good job of being freaked the heck out about her life being on the line. And Rain...well.... he's just eye candy, what can I say? His sweaty body distracted me from his acting flaws. Then again, he did not have very many lines to work flaws with! So, it worked out all in all for me.

Hot body, bloody body, ninja body, win!
I'd go see Ninja Assassin if you have been craving a kung fu scene better than any Jackie Chan one (and hey, I love Jackie). It was so amazing to me, I made a dorky youtube skit about if I tried out to be a ninja! SEE? That's how awesome this movie is.

Ch-ch-check it out, kids! Let me know how you felt about all the bloodz and ninja starz!

7 out of 10 star power!

Tattoo, anyone?

2009-11-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

October 2009:
Freaks, geeks, and rockabilly kids all joining as one to help make the world a better place...

Yeah, right! This last weekend I had the pleasure of attending Las Vegas' first ever Biggest Tattoo Expo on Earth and dudes, it was pretty big and it was entertaining to watch so many people pay to be in pain. The tattoo expo featured many tattoo artists and piercers from around the United States as well as ink companies, piercing products, and clothing inspired by tattoos. Not a single tattoo artist's design book left me second guessing on getting a tattoo of my own. They were all very talented, very cool, and very professional looking. Too bad I didn't have the cash in my back pocket. It would have been four shots of vodka and "Bob" on my ass! That would have been a cool move. Except for the fact my man's name is Curtis. Whoops. Just kidding. Many other people were showcasing their talent on live models walking around half clad in string. One girl was getting a peacock with a long, flowing tail across her side, right there, for everyone's viewing delight.

Let's start from the entrance, shall we?
The line set up for the tickets was...well, planned out pretty well, actually. For once! They had a separate line for pre-ordered tickets and a line for purchasing. So, I was amused to not have to sit there and wait while some idiot in front of me tried to figure out if he wanted two tickets or three, while trying to get ahold of his friend Bob. So, we got in line and BAM two seconds later we were out of it with tickets in hand and on our way to get a hand stamp. Legal, bitches! Give me all the boozes you can! Oh wait, this line for showing licenses is just to make sure you're over the age of 17? Shucks, I thought it was the 21+ club. Then again, I don't have any tattoos. Virgin skin!

We are immediately greeted by a sexy punk princess with a shitload of necklaces on her arm. She notices us noticing her and bounds over. We receive probably the closet free thing from this whole show; a necklace with a plasticy dog tag Ed Hardy-LIKE design pocket necklace. And you know what was in this pocket tag? A freaking blue condom. "Save sex, kids!" This just tickled our funny bone to no end. So, with our hearts merry and our minds and eyes ready to be raped, the three of us set off to wander around the booths.

Booths; Just...Awful. I've been to a craft better set up than this, and you know how those are. The show was in one of the convention centers at the Mandalay Bay, so it was a huge space. I guess they wanted to make it seem full? They had a weird lounging area with walls of flash print tattoos (yuck!) in the center, along with some weird tall tables to...uh...lean against? Who knows. They also had a red brick print back drop for you take a photo in front of. Interesting. Moving along! A lot of the booths were...well, left empty, unoccupied, DESERTED! But I digress. Even I know you can't count on everyone to show up and fill a spot. So, we wander around, looking at several boring stands of just guys sitting around with a table and book in front of them. Why on earth wouldn't you decorate to some degree? Advertise, advertise, marketing! Then we get to this laaarge sectioned off part, some sort of tattoo modeling contest. There's some fancy couches, rugs, a half studio set up for pictures. It actually looked like someone had taken a modeling agency and plopped it right in the middle of the floor. It was appealing.

The booths were sort of set up in long rows, but with the modeling thing in the center in the front, the lounging area in the middle of the left side, and an 'old school' tattooing stand in SMACK DARN MIDDLE, it got a little maze like. This was interesting. Though, it sucked for those very in the corner, out of the way people. We only ventured down there so I could get a full view of the whole event!

Entertainment; So, the grand opening of the show (which I SADLY did not get to attend) had Escape The Fate play, along with some other dude I never heard of, and I think Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys. (I only say I think because it was unsure if he was just there for the after party, or if he played at the convention as well, who knows? hit me up.) That was about it, for me anyways. They had that model search going on, but that was boresville. Then they had tattoo judging for everyone to watch, but it took so long for them to even locate the judges, my friends and I grew bored and ended up just wandering the booths yet again. They had some background music, but it could only be heard from the last two rows of booth and judging area. Of course, a lot of the booths did have live tattooing for our viewing pleasure. That was fun. And we did enjoy the ancient style of tattoo presentation they had. I've never seen anyone hit the needle in with bamboo like that! So old school cool.

They also had something I have just been shown, scalpel tattooing. It is the art of permanently scarring yourself, but in designs like tattoos. Letting someone cut designs into me? Yeah, I get the heebie geebies just thinking about it! But of course, they had people doing this up on a platform, showing it off. It takes a body of steel to endure this, and the gut of a safe to be the person wielding the weapon of choice. Rock on you freaks, rock on. I could never do it.

Oh sigh. The main reason I had been so excited, so thrilled to attend this tattoo expo was the Tattoo History museum they were going to display. And I stepped in...stood there for two minutes... and stepped back out. Thoroughly disappointed and no further knowledge in the history of tattooing. This so called 'museum' was just a case here and there with old 'tattooing machines', a case with some black and white photos of people with tattoos, and some not-so-old looking pictures of tattoo designs. Really, where was the history of this? I felt like I was just at my granny's looking through the photo album or something. Where was my granny to tell the story behind it? Same thing, where was the little plaque to give me information? It was like walking through a mall gallery. It could have been better.

All in all, this tattoo expo was very... Well, you could tell it was it's first year running. They had some very excellent booths such as h2Ocean, some rock-a-billy wear, and Akumu Ink. Absolutely loved all of the clothing and retail booths. There's just something so appealing about clothing inspired by tattoos. Not to mention, those retailers sure do know how to make their booth look exciting and full!

Back to my all in all moment, I was very glad that my tickets were free. Forty or something dollars for that expo would have felt like a huge waste. However, it was nice to get into the club Rok in New York New York and listen to Mix Master Mike afterwords, thanks to the little stamp on our wrist.

My final word; Next year could be better if they can plan entertainment and events a little better, have the music for the WHOLE convention center, and try to leave out the empty booths. If you are planning on having a booth there next time, please for the love God, make your booth appealing! Exciting! Remind us why YOUR the one we want our tattoos or piercings from. If you going to attend just to check it out, I hope the economy is in better repair for your sake, or hopefully they will keep offering a limited time free set of tickets, because forty dollars is definitely not worth it for just 'browsing' around.

Biggest Tattoo Show on Earth = 3 out of 10 star power

Wh@t's This Sh!t Ab0ut?

2009-09-24T17:39:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Pocketful of Insight!

Now g t f o!

Just kidding. Let me tell you about myself and what I plan on doing with this here rainbow-tastic blog of awesome sauce. My name is Alexis, I am extremely blonde and have 'those' moments (just to warn you ahead of time), and I am officially not liking working for The Man. I am tired of working my butt off for someone else's benefit! Someday, I shall be the one on top with all of my little minions making ME rich! But alas, until then I shall be working and writing on the side. This is where my blog, Pocketful of Insight, comes into the picture.

Ever since I was twelve (or younger, I should ask my mum), I have been obsessed with writing. I mostly write/wrote fantasy stories, but I started getting into also writing reviews about products. Being a loud-mouth, stubborn person, I generally like to have my opinion out for everyone to see and agree with, or try and disagree! The only problem with me writing as a kid was I liked to try and please everyone. I refused to write any bad reviews because I thought that somehow someone would tell the creator or music artist or actor about what I said and that they would personally hate me for life! Oh the imagination of a little child. Now that I am a young woman, low on pocket change, up to her ears in rent, I have come to appreciate a bad review. Thanks to those reviews, I do not have to waste my time nor my hard earned cash on something unsatisfying. And this is exactly what I wish to give back!

Every day of the week I will be posting an article on something or someplace for everyone to enjoy and learn from! Good reviews and bad reviews alike! I'm going to insert my foot into my mouth! Wait... I mean, I will be as straight forward and honest as possible with these reviews so you, as the reader, come out 'knowing' what is what.

And for my very first review, my grand opening! I shall review the Las Vegas Biggest Tattoo Show on Earth! ;D Stay tuned lovies.

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