Many people know you from ICarly in the episode “I Hire An Idiot” where you play as an assistant to Carly and Sam. What was it like to be on such a hit TV series? And how has it affected you as an actor?

It was so much fun working on that show! I really hadn’t seen it before working on it, but had had roles on similar sitcoms such as “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody, Hannah Montana and the ABC show Romantically Challenged. Naturally I have a lot of energy so I love that genre of acting which is very quick pace and important comedic timing. The cast and crew were very welcoming so I felt really comfortable bringing my own ideas to the character. From the viewer’s point of view, Cort is not the sharpest tool in the shed lol. But as an actor, I wanted to make sure not to judge him that way. My focus was to make him really want to do good and genuinely try to be the best intern he could. And of course have a lot of fun playing it. It hasn’t really affected me as an actor, but the role is definitely the one I get recognized most for because of the large fan base.

You’re in an upcoming movie called Wyatt Earp’s Revenge that’s coming out on March 30. Can you tell us what the movie is about?

The film is about how the legendary Wyatt Earp became a “law dog”, as my character I played would put it. Don’t want to give much away, but it’s about a love story that is cut short by unfortunate death, and then turns into a vengeful posse chase after my Spike and his gang for justice. It is based on actual events which is pretty cool. I believe the title of the film has now been changed to “Wyatt Earp’s Revenge”. So you get the picture lol.

What was it like working with Director Michael Feister and rest of the cast?

It was great working with Michael. He was a director who gave us the freedom to incorporate our own ideas, which is a dream for an actor to have that creative process. The director is the captain of the ship and sets the tone from day one on set. So it is always a blessing to work with one who is aware of that. We were under a very tight schedule filming, so Michael was definitely the guy for the job. The cast was great to work with as well. All very talented actors and genuinely great people. We had quite a time.

You play as James Spike Kennedy. What’s his role in the story?

Spike’s role is the villain and the reason the story takes place. He is actually a real character in history and was one of the most notorious outlaws during that time. This was my first time playing a real character in history before. Most times as an actor, you must create the whole backstory of your character, based on the script but also a lot on your own. In this case, it was cool to be able to have the real research to pull from. Again though, I believe it’s important not to judge the character you play but justify their actions which is what I tried to do with Spike.

How did you get the role of his character?

I had auditioned for a different role in the film on a Thursday I believe, and the next day I received a call with the offer to play Spike. I was thrilled. The whole process moved extremely fast as we started filming only a few days later, which was pretty crazy.

Did you identify with your character? Is there anything that you have in common with him? Was there anything about him that was hard to portray?

I believe that you must identify with all the characters you play as an actor. That’s the preparation that goes into it. Do I think I am a lot like Spike? Of course not lol. But I try to find things that have happened in my life that would have the same actions and emotions that he would have. The relationship with his younger brother is what I really focused on. I have a younger brother myself so that was pretty easy to pull from. Well he is a murderer, among other things, but again those were different times back then of survival. That was the work that was more difficult to be able to portray. However, it’s always fun playing the “bad guy”.

When you the read the script, what was your first thought? Have you ever been in a Western film or watched one?

When I first read the script I was really excited. I loved the story and really wanted to be a part of it. No, this was my first Western but yes I am a big fan. In fact, Tombstone is one of my favorite movies. So when I found out Val Kilmer was attached to this movie I was elated.

In your opinion, what will people enjoy most about this movie?

The story and of course the action!! Cowboys, horses, guns and revenge?? No brainer lol.

How did you feel the first time you came on set? What was the atmosphere like?

We had a day of horse and gun training the day before shooting. After using the guns and riding the horses I couldn’t believe it was actually happening. I have always wanted to do a Western!!

Now that your movie is coming out in March, are you on a vacation or break time? Are there any activities or places you like to be when you’re on vacation?

We actually shot the movie almost a year ago. Since then I have had roles on the college comedy “21 and Over”, with Relativity Media, and recently finished filming “Jersey Shore Shark Attack” for the SYFY Channel. I’m originally from Michigan, so when I have time I go back there to relax and spend time with the family. Also recently I got back from a week in Miami which was a blast. I love to travel.

I know this sounds like a cliché question, but when did you think, “hey, I wanted to be an actor?” You already have a big following from your appearance on “ICarly” and now “Wyatt Earp’s Revenge,” what do you have planned for the future?

At a very young age I was doing theatre in the community and in the church. When I really fell in love with it I was doing stage productions when I was in high school. Not long after I decided to fully commit to studying the craft and pursuing it as a career. I plan to keep working in the future I hope!! lol. I already have a couple films I am going to be working on this year, but would also love to do some more television. More than anything though, I look forward to having a family. That’s what is most important to me for the future.

Are you on Twitter or Facebook? Do you have a website? Is there more info about Wyatt Earp’s Revenge online?


You know it!! Twitter is @realdanielbooko and Daniel Booko on Facebook. I do my best to respond to everyone so holla at me lol. I don’t have a website up yet, but it is definitely on the to do list lol. There are many articles about it online. I suggest visiting

imdb.com for info as well as direction to other websites.

Thanks so much for doing this interview. It’s been great to be able to talk to you and hear what you have to say about this new film that you’re in. I hope to talk to you again the future.

Hi, Leon, first, I want to thank you for doing this interview. Can you tell us a little about yourself, not as a model, but as a person, like hobbies, interest, favorite authors, where you live, ect.

I love cars and tuning and I have a model railway

I also love things that have to do with design and lifestyle.

I don’t really read, nor am I watching a lot of movies, I’m too impatient, but one of my favorite movies would be Coco before Chanel. I like to think that I see myself in her.

How did you feel on your first photo shoot?

In my first shoot I felt so insecure. With every shoot you learn more and more what to do in front of the camera.

Who or what inspires you?

Paris Hilton and Lady Gaga

In your opinion, what has been the best and most exciting photo shoot you were involved in?

The best shooting was with Greg Vaughan, because I like him a lot and I think he likes me, so it was just so easy! He’s giving great feedback during the shoot which is really important for me to know how to act. He made me feel amazing.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do before going to bed?

First and last thing is checking my Facebook.

When did you first think that you wanted to be and model?

I first thought about modeling at seventeen.

Can you tell us about your exercise and workout routine? Eating habits? How do you keep up with it while managing your career?

I try to work out ninety minutes, then two days break, which often is difficult while traveling. I try to eat some protein every four hours and also a lot of healthy fat, like nuts, avocado, olive oil, as well as vegetables and fruit. But of course I can’t resist Nutella or pizza.

What was your first thought when you got accepted into a modeling agency?

When the first agency accepted me I didn’t consider myself attractive, but that they signed me on showed me that I must have had something so i was just curious whether i would ever be successful.

What is your advice to aspiring models?

Aspiring models should be persistent, but you should know when to stop trying too. I think being successful as a model depends on luck so much. So don’t waste too much time trying.

Can you tell us the most exciting moment in your career? And looking back, what was the hardest?

Most exciting moments were when I got shootings with world famous photographers. Hardest moments were being declined by agencies.

Are there any questions you often get asked as a model?

The question I get asked the most is “are you a model?”

When did you first become interested in modeling?

I was seventeen when I started to like modeling.

When did you know you wanted to get involved with modeling as a career?

When I was twenty, I first really tried to become successful as a model. I don’t consider it a career though, I think it’s more like something you do part time for fun, I think that’s what it is for most models.

What was the first agency you worked with?

The first agency I worked with was Viva in Berlin

You’ve worked with Elite Model Management, Aim Model Management, SeeDS Model Management, and L.A Models. How has this affected your career?

It’s difficult working with all these agencies on different continents in different time zones, especially when we’re all very busy.

Are you on Twitter or Facebook? Do you have a website?

Facebook is great for me to let people know where I am and what I’m doing and keep in touch with everyone. If someone wants to see pictures of me I tell them to go to my Facebook.

Thanks so much for doing this interview. It’s been great to be able to talk to you. I look forward to doing it again.

Thank you so much for being interested, I’ll always be happy to talk to you again!

Interviewed by Jonathon LaMella

When did you first become interested in modeling?

When did you know you wanted to get involved with modeling as a career?

What was the first agency you worked with?

You’ve gone to The University of California in San Diego and Santa Barbara and University of California. What did you study while you were there?

You’re currently involved in athletics and foreign currency trading. What kind of athletics? How long have you been involved with foreign currency trading?

What is your advice to aspiring models?

Can you tell us the most exciting moment in your career? And looking back, what was the hardest?

The hardest jobs are the online look books because they are long days that involve 100’s of wardrobe changes and minimal pay haha.

If you hadn’t become a model, what else do you think you would be doing?

You’ve worked with the KULT Model Agency,  Elite Model Management , Directions USA, Sight Management Studio, and most recently the  Abercrombie & Fitch clothing line. What else do you have planned in the future?

One can never predict what will happen in the future but my ultimate goal is to be happy.  What I mean by that is that I want to have a family and be able to support them and give them everything they deserve and being a father is most important to me more than anything.

Alberto’s VO5 hot oil seems to have withstood the test of time.  Since the mid-1950s, the miracle hair serum has been showing up all over America behind shower curtains.  The hot oil is as popular today as it ever was in years past.  Said to fight frizz, dryness, fragility and split ends, VO5 guarantees its power.  Not only does it do its job, but it’s inexpensive and simple to use.  Just place in a hot cup of water for a minute, then take out and twist off the top.  Use the whole tube, or just half, and rub through your tresses.  Afterwards, apply your favorite shampoo and conditoner.  It’s that easy!

Not only are the results amazing after just one use of the hot oil treatment, but so is the nostalgic smell.  To me, not only do I feel like a teenager again, but it reminds me of summer at the beach. VO5′s fragrance is much like Coppertone; the fresh scent makes me long for my bikini and the perfect tan no matter the season.

VO5 is the original intensive and high shine hair treatment; no other formula compares as far as I’m concerned.  So, the next time you seek out an overly priced tub of hair cream at a salon, think twice before your purchase.  VO5 will prove to be just as fortifying and nourishing as any other fancy treatment out there on the market.

Alberto’sVO5 hot oil treatment- old school and still as fabulous as ever.

Be well, be beautiful!

xo-Kim

I’m all about the exotic and unusual; therefore, I am strongly embracing a marriage of summer and fall tones and shades this year.  I don’t need to sport porcelain white skin just to wear a smokey eye or have vamp red lips.  The undead may be able to carry off this look just fine, but so can us beach chicks.

Don’t be afraid to wear dark colors when it comes to make-up and even wardrobe this season, even if you look like you’re from the Jersey Shore.  However, be sure not to overdo.  Too much dark smudging around the eye, paired with deep garnet lips may end up looking a little too disco, so use sparingly.  Try one or the other when using dark colors with tanned skin.  A sun-kissed bare face along with a wine-colored lip stain can be very sexy and sultry.  Near black nails on bronzed skin can look mysterious and alluring.

Enjoy deep wines, plum tones and garnets this fall and winter, especially with glowing brown summer skin.

*Kim does not recommend any kind of harmful tanning, so please be sure to always use sunscreen.  Be safe when it comes to browning your hide.  Try bronzing creams and powders, self-tanners and tan sprays.

For Niki Taylor, life as a supermodel wasn’t always golden.

Niki, who started professional modeling at only fourteen,  was forced into growing up well before her time.  A mother of twin boys by the young age of twenty, and a divorcee just two short years later.  She suffered a heart-wrenching loss and nearly lost her own life.  Cosmopolitan once quoted Niki saying, “I may be 23, but I feel like 50.”

Born March 5, 1975 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Nicole Renee “Niki” Taylor was destined to make it big in the modeling world.  The blonde beauty with the sparkling eyes and broad, blinding white smile had the perfect “All American Girl” look.  While most high school freshmen girls were just tyring to fit in with their surroundings and find acceptance among their peers, fourteen-year-old Taylor already had a highly successful career as a supermodel.  She became the youngest model to earn a cosmetics contract.  At the tender age of sixteen, Niki signed a multimillion dollar deal with L’Oreal and then later on with CoverGirl.  The teen also won the title of being the youngest face to ever grace the cover of Vogue.  Niki had become one of the most recognizable faces in the industry.  “Modeling came naturally to me.  I was just a normal kid who’d fly to Paris or New York City for the shows, then go back to school as if it were what everyone did,” Niki once told Cosmopolitan.

The stunning model, daughter of Ken and Barbara Taylor, grew up in modest suburbia.  The Taylor family lived in Pembroke Pines, which was only about ten minutes from my childhood home and was only seconds away from my brother’s house.  With such close proximity to where I spent much of my time, I often found myself driving by the Taylor residence.  The grass was always a vibrant green and neatly manicured.  Most often there seemed to be a pick-up truck parked out front, and the house, which was nicely shaded by trees, looked happy and full of life.

Ken Taylor, Niki’s father, was an officer with the  Florida Highway Patrol, while mother Barbara worked as a real estate agent.  They eventually left their careers to be with Niki on her modeling jobs.  Joelle and Krissy, the other two Taylor daughters, were just as beautiful and personable as their supermodel sister.  However, Joelle never took to modeling.  Krissy, on the other hand, who was the youngest of the three girls, fell in love with photo shoots and runway.  So much so, she started up her own modeling career and even appeared on the cover of Seventeen with sister Niki.

Despite their glamorous career choice, Niki and Krissy kept grounded.  Friends described the girls as “down to earth” and “unaffected.”  Niki chose to remain close to her Florida home rather than relocate to New York City or Los Angeles.  Growing up near the Taylor girls, I often crossed paths with them when out with friends.  Niki and Krissy attended many of the same parties and social functions as I did.  And once I started college in Davie, Florida, I saw them even more.  We knew all the same people there and went to all the same places.  Krissy, a cowgirl at heart, hung out occasionally at the Davie rodeo; a popular site for all the local college kids, much like myself back in the day.  Niki, too, was often seen at the busiest spots in town.  There she’d be, enveloped by the prettiest and most well-liked girls, and of course, the cutest of boys.  The last time I ran into Niki, she was having dinner with friends at the local Bennigans.  I had just gotten into a fight with my worst enemy (now good friend) that night, and Niki was concerned.  That was just how she was.  She was a true friend to all, caring and selfless.

Life back then for the Taylor sisters was happy and virtually worry-free.  At nineteen, Niki met Matt Martinez, a hunky semi-pro football player.  The two fell in love and eloped.  Shortly after, Niki got pregnant with twin boys.  She gained over 70 pounds, but only three months after their birth, dropped the weight and went back to modeling.  Two years later, Matt and Niki ended their marriage in what was considered by many close to them as a “bitter divorce.”

Then, on July 2, 1995, Niki encountered her worst nightmare.  The young woman walked into her family’s Pembroke Pine home only to discover her beloved sister, Krissy, lying lifeless on the floor.  Niki frantically dialed 911, and Ken Taylor, tried with all his might to revive his daughter.  No one was able to help, however; Krissy had died.  She was only seventeen.  The youngest Taylor girl thought to have suffered a massive and fatal asthma attack, but later was found to have died from a hidden and rare heart condition known as Right Ventricular Dysplasia, or RVD.

Though devastated by the loss of her sister, Niki had to continue on with her own life, which meant motherhood and modeling.  Eventually the stress Niki had been trying to avoid for so long had caught up with her and she turned to prescription drugs such as Xanax and Vicodin.  Niki became depedent on the drugs and was often seen falling asleep while dining out at restaurants.  In February of 2001, the internationally known supermodel, checked herself into a Maryland rehab program, which lasted 28 days.

Niki decided it was best to cut back on her shoots and rather be with her twin boys.  Her emphasis at this point in her life was spending less time in front of the camera and more time as a mother.  And though her modeling career took the back burner, she still was seen as the most famous model of the time.  After all, it was then that Niki earned a coveted spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated and continued to work for CoverGirl as well as Nokia cell phones.

That spring, Niki got invited to visit a few of her friends in Atlanta, Georgia.  In the early morning hours of April 29, 2001, Niki almost lost her life.

James “Chad” Renegar, a stockbroker and a good friend of Niki’s, hit a utility pole while trying to retrieve a ringing cell phone in his car.  It is reported that at least one other passenger, aside from Niki, was traveling in the car at the time of the accident.  The weather that fateful morning in Atlanta was stormy, and the roads were wet, not to mention winding and curving.  Niki, was in the front passenger seat during the low impact crash.  The driver and passengers checked themselves and their car over, and realized they were all fine.  The car only had minor damage and no one seemed hurt or injured in any way.

All was well, or so the friends thought.

Once back on the road, Niki began feeling ill.  Her stomach started to hurt and within minutes, Niki was bent over in extreme pain.  She urged her friend to stop the car and pull over.  “I need to get out and walk around,” pleaded Niki.  By the time they stopped, the supermodel was overcome with pain and became dizzy upon exiting the car.  Collapsing into the wet grass, the last thing Niki could remember was the driver hovering over her and calling 911.  Niki blacked out completely.

The next thing she could recall were all the horrific and terrifying nightmares.  The images in her head still haunt her to this day.  “I was being chased and people were cutting me.  There were grizzly bears and people floating in a pool,” recounts Niki during an interview for the Bio Channel’s Celebrity Close Calls.  Not only were the visuals disturbing, but Niki felt extreme thirst and hunger.  “I saw the Devil trying to take over, and wanting my soul.”

Even after waking, Niki’s nightmares ceased to end.

“I wake up in the hospital then and see my mom and dad, doctors and pictures of my sons,” recalls Niki.  “I remember looking at them and feeling despair.  I wanted to get out of there.  I wanted to speak, but couldn’t.  I could look down and I saw tubes everywhere on my body, including a trach in my throat.”  More than anything, Niki felt paralyzed.  Without being able to speak and move, she had no way of communicating with those around her.  She couldn’t even hold a pen to write a simple note.  The doctor’s explained to Niki that she had been in the hospital for over a month; a total shock to the model who felt she had only been there for a mere moment.

As Niki’s story goes, after her friends called for help while she lay unconscious in the grass, paramedics rushed to the scene and took her to Grady Hospital.  Trauma surgeon, Jeffrey Nicholos had just begun his shift.  He didn’t have much hope for Niki; her prognosis was grim.  Within the first 24 hours, Niki had undergone three surgeries and had to have her blood volume replaced ten times, as she was bleeding profusely.

The next surgeon arrived.  Niki was barely clinging to life at this point.  In the hands of surgeon #2 was Niki’s liver, which had been torn in half.  Apparently, the seat belt which Niki had been wearing while in the car, cut her liver in two.  How ironic that something Niki depended upon that night for saving her life, could ultimately take it away. Niki flatlined; not once, but twice.  Doctors informed Ken and Barbara Taylor to start making funeral arrangements, and discussed moving Niki’s body.

Somehow though, Niki defied the odds.  No doubt there would still be plenty of challenges.  For three months, doctors had to keep Niki’s abdomen open from the breast bone down to the pelvic bone.  Her body only loosely strung together by a set of large stitches, necessary to do for all of her numerous surgeries.  According to Niki, the constant re-stitching and scrubbing of her abdomen was brutally painful.  No amount of morphine could help alleviate the extreme discomfort Niki felt.  She described these experiences as “excruiating.”

In total, Niki endured 41 surgeries in this three month time frame.  In Niki’s second month, she finally was able to write, but was still quite challenged.  She recalls it was very frustrating and could only make out a scribble.  Another hardship were all the heavy pain meds that Niki was on.  She was constantly drowsy and sedated.  The meds were necessary for proper healing.  For if Niki was in too much pain, her body would be unable to heal properly.

The ICU became Niki’s new home.  She spent months there, taking her delicate life day by day.

On her last day in recovery, Niki’s trach was removed.  This was one of her most profound moments while in the hospital.  Niki knew that having the trach taken out meant she was going to live; however, the experience was also physically intensive.  After the trach was removed, Niki recalls how strange it felt to take her first breath, unaided.

For the entire three month duration of Niki’s hospital stay, she never once was able to see her six-year-old twin boys, except in photographs.  Children under the age of ten were restricted from visiting in the ICU.  For Niki, her sons’ absence was “the most terrible thing.”  Niki says she is alive today because of her children.  She wanted to survive for them and the fight she made while in the hospital shows just how much she wanted to see her boys again.  While recovering, Barbara enlarged a few photos of her twins and taped them to the ceiling in Niki’s hospital room so they could be seen each time Niki opened her eyes.  When she could finally see her boys again in person, it was a most joyous moment.  “They ran to my bed; they had grown up so much,” smiled Niki.  “They gave me the motivation to fight.”

After months in the ICU with a sewn up abdomen, having endured numerous surgeries, receiving 100 units of blood and flatlining twice, Niki recovered.  Her once torn-in-half liver, regenerated itself completely.  The organ is the only one of its kind that can heal this way.

With severe liver damage, massive internal hemorraging and a shattered vertebra, no one expected Niki to live.  And during her three months in the hospital, anything that could’ve gone wrong, did.  Doctors never could explain how a low-impact car accident could result in such life-threatening injuries.  After all, Niki was wearing a seat belt, and the car’s estimated speed at the time of the accident was only 28 mph.  There was no evidence of drugs or alcohol influencing the driver’s system.  According to medical experts, only one out of ten could live through injuries of that magnitude.

Niki Taylor’s survival is, indeed, a miracle.

Ten years after the tragedy, Niki continues to model internationally and is now the mother of three, with a fourth on the way.  When not spending time with her children or walking the runways, Niki dedicates her efforts and passion to several charities such as Teen Driver Safety and the American Red Cross, which she fought for while appearing on the hit show, Celebrity Apprentice.

When Niki was asked how she beat the odds, she said there were a number of different factors involved.  “I got through the residual with a strong support system.  I am also thankful for good doctors and all the donated blood.”  And, of course, for Niki, her twins played a pivotal role in her recovery.  Niki knew she had to be strong and keep fighting on their behalf.  She also believed in the “power of prayer.”

Perhaps it just wasn’t Niki’s time to leave this Earth; God had other plans for her.  Or maybe, Krissy, Niki’s late sister, had something to do with her fate; heavenly intervention, if you will.

Today and everyday, Niki is reminded of her accident.  She still bears the physical scars.  For whenever she looks in a mirror when getting dressed, the memories of her nightmare penetrate her mind.  She remembers the pain, her helplessness, and her fear.  But with the bad, trickles in the good.  Niki knows just how incredibly lucky she is to be alive.  In her interview with Cosmopolitan Niki was quoted to have said, “I’ve been through a lot, but everything has been a learning experience.  It’s made me a much wiser, stronger person.”

Life is fragile, and no one understands that better than Niki Taylor- supermodel, mother and survivor.  The incredibly gracious Niki states, “Every day is a gift.”

Vitamins come in many shapes, textures and flavors these days.  For those “kids at heart,” there are adult gummies.  Tasty enough for my preschooler, but full of just the right minerals and supplements for me.

Before my pregnancies, I filled up daily on folic acid.  I strongly recommend this for women looking to have a baby.  It’s a great prenatal.  Once I became pregnant, I made sure to regularly take my doctor recommended vitamins which were essential for the baby and for me.  Even after pregnancy, it is important to use a vitamin, especially if you are nursing.

Last year, I became very dependent on my vitamins and began specifically using Vitamin C, after being diagnosed with a reproductive ailment.  It was amazing how quickly I recovered once I started with my daily vitamin regime.  Although I have recovered, I still use a vitamin each and every day.  Not only do they keep me healthy and full of energy, but they are amazing for my skin, nails and hair.  My skin looks radiant, and my hair and nails are growing like crazy!  I use a multi-vitamin specifically designed for women.  A vitamin of this kind addresses women’s special needs, such as breast and reproductive health.  In addition, I take Vitamin D3.  There have been recent research findings showing a link between breast cancer prevention and this vitamin.  I also make sure to continue with Vitamin C, as this supplement helps tremendously with one’s immunity and with preventing various types of cancers.

So, if you are looking for a happier, healthier, and prettier you, be sure to use a vitamin daily.  There is one out there for each and everyone.  And if you find yourself becoming nauseous after taking your vitamin, be sure to pair your pill with food.  My suggestion is to take your vitamin either at lunch time or before bed, when your belly is more full.

Be well, be beautiful, girls!

xo-Kim

So, what should a girl do between washes?  Unwashed hair can fall flat and look oily and stringy, especially for those with baby-fine tresses.  That is why there is a new hair product invented to help on those days minus the shampoo.  Dry shampoo comes in many varieties and brands, but they all promise the same result- drier, more voluminous hair.  The shampoo comes in an aerosal can and many are distributed onto the hair much like hairspray.  Allow for a minute or less for the product to settle, and then you can brush it through.  Your hair should look shiny and full, as well as smell clean.

Confused on the best dry shampoo brand, or don’t have the money to spend on this product (some can cost up to $25)?  Just look under your bathroom sink, or in the nursery for you moms out there.  All a girl needs for a great dry shampoo is baby powder.  Just sprinkle some into your hair, rub your fingers through and tousle, or simply brush and you’re good to go!  Not only will the powder take out the excess oil, but it will leave your lustrous hair smelling sweet and fresh.

Be well, be beautiful, girls!

xo-Kim

For me, I had no interest in going at all.  Not because I had or didn’t have a date, but because of the social cliques, hypocrisy and politics that come along with the event, and watching what I saw on the news the other night, solidifies my opinion of the prom.

What I saw were teenage girls, mostly in their Junior year, convincing their parents to spend at minimum $3000.00 on designer dresses, plus extra money for facials, manicures, pedicures, designer shoes, hair and transportation.  In the end, these parents paid up to a minimum of $8000.00 for their daughters’ Junior prom!

My jaw fell to the floor hearing this.

I could not believe that a parent would spend $10,000.00 on a Junior prom, which is a car payment or a decent down payment on a home.  I can’t fathom how anyone would pay that kind of money for a school dance with the economy the way it is.  Sure, I love my daughter and would always want the best for her, but at the risk of going broke for a dance, NO!

This behavior does not teach these children good monetary values, and gives in to the notion that they can get whatever they want, whenever they want it.  I know this is a once in a lifetime event, but you can go twice, and some of these girls will.  That means their parents will spend conservatively $16,000.00 for two proms and liberally around $20 to $30,000.00

When the parents were interviewed I got a real sense of the “true meaning” behind their actions. “I always wanted something like this for me when I went to my prom.  I want my daughter to be beautiful and the talk of the prom, so any amount of money it takes to make that happen… then so be it,” stated one mother.

Let’s dissect this, shall we?

“I am going through a midlife crisis, I don’t feel pretty enough and if my daughter is the talk of the prom, they know that she got her good looks from me.  I also don’t want to upset my daughter by not giving her what she wants, so I’d rather be her friend and make her happy,” confided another mom.

You could tell the girls were spoiled and damaged from the bad example their parents were setting when they were interviewed.  One girl said, and I quote, “I feel bad for all the less fortunate girls who don’t get the chance to have the dress and experience I will have at this prom.  It’s a shame that their parents are not well off enough to give their daughters what they deserve.”

Really?

First of all, those girls are very much normal and are not less fortunate.  And if the supposed “more fortunate” teens knew that their parents were taking out second mortgages and taking second jobs to afford these luxuries for them, they might think twice.  In fact, most of the parents that are doing this for their children are making less than $50,000.00 combined income a year.

Now as far as budget, I could see $800.00 conservatively and maybe at most, $1100.00 for a prom.   Limos are expensive, dresses can run in the mid $200.00 range and hair and nails can be pricey.  However, they don’t look any less beautiful because they are not wearing designer clothes and went broke obtaining them.

I don’t see these girls any less happy, nor have I ever seen them having any less fun than the girls that spent $10,000.00 or more on their prom experience.  To me, that says you spent yourself into the hole for nothing.

I realized long ago that clothes do not make you more beautiful.  Neither do jewelry, nails, hair, makeup, accessories, perfume or other enhancements.  What makes someone beautiful is their heart, and someone who appreciates what life gives them and uses it to the fullest.  Beauty comes from being happy with yourself.

I know over the years that America has become a very vain place filled with greed and self love.  I’m ashamed that people are spending beyond their means to please their daughter, as opposed to teaching them the value of a dollar, and the moral that it’s okay to not have everything you want, and yet you can still be happy.

This kind of behavior must stop.  If these parents were able to pay for this without going into debt then it’s acceptable for them to do this kind of thing.  It is fun to splurge on your daughter, but wouldn’t it make more sense to splurge on her wedding?

We must examine our priorities and realize that beauty isn’t everything.  A simple car accident, slip and fall or chemical accident could change that in the blink of an eye.

That’s my opinion.  It’s okay to disagree with me, but realize that if we don’t teach our children the value of a dollar, the true meaning of beauty, and to live within our means, America is guaranteed to be bankrupt in just a few years as it’s already heading there.

It started when former Hillsborough County teacher, Catherine Borkowski, came across property in northern Land O’ Lakes.  The piece of land somehow called her to it.  Borkowski knew then and there that her dream of being a small business owner could come true.  She also knew in her heart that that small business was going to be the most unique consignment shop in the state of Florida.

The idea came from her ability and need to redecorate her home, and visiting many local consignment shops in the area was where she found the right pieces to make her rooms complete.  That spawned the notion that, “I can do this, if not better… but I can do this”.

She credits the stores beginning to the help of God, and her beloved mother, Carolyne, who funded the dream and Christina Thomas a dear friend and financial advisor who she said with out her guidance, Cayce’s Home Consignment would not be in business today.

At first her mother was a bit skeptical, but upon visiting the property and seeing the incredible vision her daughter had, she knew it was going to be a success.  During the last few weeks in March of 2011, Borkowski opened Cacey’s Home Consignments and runs it now with her husband.

She didn’t name her new venture after herself, like most people would; instead, she decided on a family name. Cayce was chosen, the name of the legendary sleeping prophet Edgar Cayce, also Katherine Borkowski’s great uncle.

It wasn’t long before folks started to notice this new shop, and consigned their goods to her.  Now she has over hundreds of pieces and fifty consignors, with Borkowski’s very first consignor still bringing goods to her regularly.  Upon receiving the first piece from that consignor, Borkowski was told, ”I want you to sell my stuff; this is what God wants me to do.”  So once again, the powers and credit of the shop’s early success stem from God, according to Borkowski.

What makes this place even more unique than your average consignment shop are the themed rooms. “Everyone themes their rooms at home without even realizing it,” says the shop owner, therefore, theming the shop accordingly.  Borkowski wants her customers to experience what they already do at home, and to see the shop in a way that is not only inviting, but breathes creativity.  “I just want everyone of my customers to feel at home,” states Borkowski.

By doing this, the customer can see how different patterns mix and match, as well as woods and textiles.

Each room in Cayce’s Home Consignments has a name, and those names change as new pieces come in and transfer out. The current names of these rooms are:  The Grand Show Room, The Man Cave, Grandmother’s Attic, The French Foyer, The Italian Ren Kitchen, The Rose Room, The Wedding Nook, The Chicken Coop, All Roads Lead to Rome, The Roman Baths and The Asian Persuasion Room.

In addition to having walls and rooms packed with great antiques and nick nacks, Cayce’s Home Consignments also offers free tea parties, a wine and cheese night, and vendor sales.  Borkowski allows anyone who wants to throw a party in her amazing backyard, with trees and a fountain, the ability to do so for free.  Where else can you find something like that?

She also takes her customer service one step further and offers redecoration services.  If you give her free reign, Borkowski will come to your house and redecorate it with a fresh eye.  She lets her creativity flow and creates a room that will stir up conversation for you and your guests, all while making room for your new piece of furniture or accent decorations that you purchased from the store.

“I’ve always been creative, and this allows me to channel that creativity and make something beautiful for my clients,” says the shop owner.

Loyal customer and dear friend of Borkowski, Lynn Angelica states, “It’s the most beautiful place to come and be able to see what you would like your home to look like, because she sets it out so pretty.”

Angelica found this “shop of wonders” one day just by driving down the street and decided to stop in.  Now she’s one of the Cayce’s Home Consignments most loyal customers.

The shop has thrived so well mainly because of  repeat customers, which Borkowski so dearly appreciates.

One of the best aspects I found in the store was the knowledge Borkowski has of the products she sells.  Borkowski took me on a tour and showed me some very interesting things, teaching me about them and explaining why they are so unique.  Most of the shop’s items I had no idea existed, and never would have guessed their function in a million years.  Borkowski provides these informational tid bits free of charge as well.  She still captures the spirit of a teacher and, regardless of what she does, will find  a way to educate her customers.

So come in and explore the great trinkets and furniture, learn their stories and talk with an amazing person who completes the shop’s unusual zen.  You’ll stop in once and keep coming back for more.

You can find out more about Cayce’s Home Consignments by visiting their website at http://caceyshomeconsign.com

Jon Benet Ramsey NO PHOTOSHOP

America’s obsession with beauty has grown out of control, fueled mostly by ads and pictures found in magazines. It seems that each magazine is packed full of fashion photos, beauty product reviews and tips, but to make matters worse, they are also full of deception.

These magazines not only target adult women, but also impressionable teens and pre-teens, showing them exactly what “true beauty” shouldook like. The women who look at these magazines then compare themselves to these models and feel anything but adequate to the women in these pictures.

The photographs set the bar of what beauty is, and therefore, the women who feel they don’t match up will do whatever it takes to be as beautiful or even more beautiful than the women in the magazine. This is a tactic beauty product companies have used in order to make a multi-billion dollar industry based on the insecurities of women.

Unfortunately, in most cases, the photos are completely changed to promote attractiveness. The model’s skin is digitally airbrushed, her weight is altered, and the hips and bust are enhanced.

The problem is women are shooting for a standard of beauty that can only be obtained through digital manipulation. To the untrained eye the photos look realistic. Women are led to believe that the products these models endorse really do work. What they fail to realize is, these photos are completely faked.

The question is, does it really matter? Is this really hurting anyone? Unfortunately, yes.

The need to be beautiful has been fueled by false portrayals through these photographs. The goal is to sell these beauty products in order to make money. As a photographer, I see both sides of the equation. I don’t feel there is anything wrong with making money, but I do feel it should be done honestly.

I can see the reasoning from the beauty product companies for doing what they do. If they placed people on their ads with major flaws, no one would buy their products. However, doctoring the photos to an extreme, is just wrong.

I feel that a little touching up on a photo is fine. If you want to reduce some wrinkles, remove acne, or lighten up dark shadows under the eyes, then go right ahead. However, a woman who is over 40 will present some aging, so leave some flawing for a sense of realism.

On the other hand, digitally altering photos to the extent they have, has made women compare themselves to the unrealistic. They think if they are not a size 0 or 1, then they must be fat. And because these older models seen in magazines have absolutely no wrinkles, then female readers feel unattractive with just a few frown lines or crow’s feet.

This can cause severe insecurity among women. To make themselves feel better and more beautiful they will go out and buy these beauty products hoping they can achieve the same results as the models on the ads and in these magazines. When they don’t achieve the same results, which most of them won’t for reasons I will explain later, they are now at risk for more serious problems.

Some women will turn to plastic surgery. There is nothing wrong with plastic surgery except that it won’t last. Breast implants, for one, will need to be checked regularly, and in most cases, replaced after so many years. This is expensive, but once the surgery is completed, these women will have no choice but to spend money keeping the surgery up.

In other cases, women and men will go under the knife to surgically enhance their nose, face, or other extremities they see in magazines. Again, there is nothing wrong with this, except every time you go under the knife you are taking the risk of death and the possibility the surgery will actually become deformed or unsuccessful.

I have read stories and seen television shows on how plastic surgery can go horribly wrong. Sometimes once the surgery is a failure, the end results can’t be fixed which forces these people to live their life with a deformity. The sad part is, they were perfectly fine before they even had the surgery.

If physical features aren’t the problem, then weight becomes the issue.

Every year around summertime I see ads in magazines and on television talking about the dreaded “bikini season.” So, women will tend to diet in order to look their best in their swimsuits

Hoping to lose weight quickly, some women will turn to fasting, crash diets, dangerous dietary supplements, and energy drink consumption in order to boost their metabolism. All of these methods of weight loss can be extremely dangerous especially if you are not under the watch of a doctor.

Some women will virtually kill themselves to fit into that size one dress, because they are constantly being exposed to skinny models on television and in magazines. To these women, thin equals beautiful. In our modern society, there is great pressure to be a certain weight. According to most height to weight charts, 110 pounds for a female who is 5’4″ or taller, is very underweight.

As these people fight for their optimal weight, they may develop severe eating disorders and other health related issues. Some will take to more drastic measures such as stomach stapling and lap bands, which are medically done but can be extremely dangerous.

Again, these individuals are comparing themselves to the greatly enhanced and highly unrealistic photos of celebrities and models.

I’ve been a photographer now since the mid 1980s. I’ve had clients require me to alter photos in order to enhance their appearance. In turn, I have successfully shaved 20 pounds off my subjects. I have removed scars, baldness, wrinkles, pale skin, acne, eye bags, and other flaws. I have taken away “the muffin top,” as they say, creating a more toned stomach

If you’ve never seen these people in person or seen the photos prior to being altered, you’d swear that’s how they look in real life. That’s why most people can walk by a supermodel or celebrity and not even recognize them.

What we also tend to forget is that each of us are made of different gene structures. With our unique set of genes, each one of us tends to age differently, wear our weight and bulk differently, and have different complexions. So no matter what we do to ourselves surgically or regardless of how many beauty products we buy, a person may never be able to achieve the look they want to, just because their genes won’t allow it. Photoshop, on the other hand, has no idea what a gene structure is.

Despite the health risks involved from altered photos, we also face unethical practices.

A few years ago I heard a story about a plastic surgeon who gave breast implants to a girl who was under sixteen. The teen simply wanted to enhance her figure. Her parents allowed it, but they too were obsessed with their bodies and had no qualms about plastic surgery.

This young girl said it was her body, and she could do whatever she wanted with it. She’s right, except she forgot a major piece of the equation that a parent and doctor should have recognized. She was still developing!

The young girl went to a few plastic surgeons and all of them turned her down. Determined to find a doctor, the teenager and her parents kept searching till they found one who had no ethics and just cared about the almighty dollar.

As previously stated, this girl was hardly done developing her cup size. Some young women do not finish developing until they are in college. So what if that happened here? What if this teen grew three cup sizes in addition to the implants and then develops physical and emotional issues down the road?

As long as there is a need to be beautiful and the money to pay for it, there will be a doctor who will throw out morals and ethics to achieve riches.

Where have we gone too far in terms of photo altering? I have two examples that stand out in my head, the first one involving the famous model, Twiggy.

In 2009, an Olay Regenerist advertisement featuring Twiggy, hit the stands and caused quite a stir. The ad showed a flawless Twiggy making the Olay cream look like a miracle cure. Twiggy was 60 when this ad was released, and to the shock of everyone who saw it, she didn’t have a wrinkle present or any other signs of aging…. just flawless and radiant skin.

This ad did not fool the British government however; they banned it from being released in the United Kingdom. They know Twiggy all too well because she is a resident of England. They know and have seen pictures taken of her without her makeup, showing wrinkles and other skin

imperfections. They cited Olay with misleading advertising and forced the removal of the ad from all media outlets.

No matter her age, Twiggy is gorgeous and didn’t need to be touched up to that extent.

In another example, have you ever Googled pictures of JonBenet Ramsey? If you have, you’d probably be shocked from what you see.

At the time of her death, Ramsey was 6-years-old. She was a natural beauty, who was years away from puberty. Still, her photos are completely airbrushed which is not only unnecessary, but makes her look 10 years older than she actually is.

Now, I see a lot of 6-year-olds everywhere. I have yet to see one without radiant glowing skin, or one that is riddled with wrinkles and acne and other major flaws. So why did they have to airbrush Ramsey to the extent she was?

It’s things like this that set a false sense of reality, which is immoral and unethical.

As I said earlier in this passage, I do want to say that I completely support a little touch up here and there. I understand acne and scars and skin imperfections can be embarrassing; however, completely airbrushing a photo and altering a person’s weight and featuresto sell a product is WRONG.

In conclusion, I wish to give out this advice to everyone.

We all have a flaw or two; we’re human after all. We need to use these flaws to bring out our strong points; be proud of them and learn to exploit them in the best way we can. Let’s not be afraid to flaunt our flaws because that’s what makes us unique and gives us the ability to stand out in a crowd.

Don’t worry what anyone else thinks of you; they don’t have to see you each and everyday. Don’t change yourself to please them.

If you are wanting to model or try out for a part, don’t ever take one that forces you to alter yourself, other than hair, because it isn’t worth it. Find someone who will be happy to use you for who you are.

And most importantly, if you want to diet, do so under the guidance of a respected doctor and be sure to exercise and eat properly. Don’t swarm to these dangerous diets and supplements. They may work fast but don’t last. Take the weight off gradually and when your results stop, that is your body telling you it’s enough. Enjoy who you are!

For more on Jason Dowd or Dowd Studios visit http://dowdstudios.com

My eyes were glued to this show, not because of the beauty; instead, the insanity of it all.  Shocked, is the best word to describe how I felt watching this show.  I mean, mothers were spending their life savings to get these girls into these pageants and turning into slave drivers.  I see these flawless children, dolled up in globs of make-up to cover up their imperfections.  Seriously, how many wrinkles can a four-year-old have?

When the child is done with their make-up and hair, they look ten times their age.  The kids are having absolute tantrums because of the mother’s stressful behavior, or they are complete snobs like their parents.

This brings questions to my mind like, is this morally right?  Is this really building self-esteem or is it causing a premature unhealthy ego for the child.  Does this teach these young girls who are in a vulnerable learning age that beauty is everything? Can this cause them to develop eating disorders or worse when they get older?

Those questions that popped into my mind are serious ones.  In today’s society, especially with women, looks and beauty are a major concern for them.  It isn’t uncommon to hear a story where a woman develops an eating disorder because she wants to be skinny and beautiful as the women are in the magazines.  Now, force a child to be beautiful at the influential age of four.  As they grow up and change, they may not have the same looks they did when they won the pageants back when they were little girls.  They may have gained weight or a feature has changed dramatically, at least to them.  When they look in the mirror they may not like what they see, despite the fact they are still absolutely gorgeous.  This is all due to the strict guidelines they had to follow while growing up.

Do these pageants bring out the “witch” in these children?  Well, hearing these mother’s talk to their children, you would swear that everyone else is dirt and their child or recipient of the praise is perfect.  This does not help a child’s demeanor one bit.  It helps with the attitude to make their child feel like they are a winner and be proud, but that message stays in their heads and can easily continue to run even when they aren’t on stage.  That means that sense of “I’m the best” will transpose itself into their school and other social gathering places.  In my opinion, this will do one or two things.  For one, it will turn them into the popular, stuck-up girl on campus that all the other girls want to be and will do anything to be friends with.  Or, it will do the complete opposite and drive people away from them, which can lead to other major mental issues down the line.

So, are these pageants bad for children?  No, not if the parents set a good example for their daughter.  It’s the same with boys and sports. For instance, some coaches take the game way too far, treating their kids like they are multi-million dollar players, hoping  for a win in an important tournament.  Heaven forbid they lose the game, it’s as if they lost the actual World Series.  The point is, any social event, art, or sport is good if you teach your child well.

Parents should look at this as a fun experience, and curb the boasting and attitudes by leaving them on the “stage” or “playing field.”  They should teach good sportsmanship, and how to be kind in the moment of defeat.  If that happens, and is strictly enforced, then these events can be fun and a great learning experience for these children.  Especially with pageants, the parents must instill in their child that they are beautiful and don’t need to change for anyone, regardless of the reason.

As well, parents should not be living their dream of being the beauty queen, or sports star through their child.  I tend to feel that the reason they act so intense with their children competing, is because they are living their dream vicariously.  Parents, that is not fair to your child.  Never force them into beauty pageants or anything competitive if they don’t want to become involved.  If they should lose interest in pageantry or sports, search for something else they are interested in and most importantly, don’t take it as a personal insult.

These events can be a great way to spend time with your child, so make the most of them and keep them fun!  If you do, the experience will be magical, I promise.

What we found was this ad was photoshopped to the max, giving a completely false result to what this cream does.  It made it look like it worked miracles when really it was a talented photoshop artist that made the product perform better than it actually does.  Unfortunately, people look at these ads and completely believe them which drives them to buy the product with sub-par results.  In defense of the company, everyone has different skin and in some people it may work wonders on even the deepest wrinkles and aging skin, and not touch someone with minor wrinkles at all.

Nevertheless, Twiggy was clearly doctored up in that photograph, so the government decided to do something about it. That brings me to a few critical points: 1. Should the government have the power to censor and ban this kind of thing no matter how blatant it is?  2. Should we really photoshop someone to the point they don’t even look the same?  3.  Is it the people’s fault for believing everything they see?

To point one, especially in the United States, we have the ability to be free and express ourselves.  Europe is not as free as we are; they are socialist in many to all aspects of government, and this is how the government can control the art and how it’s portrayed.  They have complete power over everything, silencing the right to speak freely and promote your art as you deem fit.  If the United States is going in this direction, you can see a serious problem coming our way. Sure we have the Constitution to protect us, but the government has already shown they don’t care what that document says.  In order to have a socialist government, the Constitution would have to be absolved or the government would not have sovereign power to do as they seek fit to control the aspects of our lives.  Is this really what we want?  Do you think the UK has overstepped their bounds?  Sure the ad is misleading, but do they have the right to censor it?

To point number two, the fashion and modeling industry is obsessed with perfection.  Women and men who are already as perfect as can be are doctored up to be extra perfect.  In my opinion, we are human and we all have some flaws, but those flaws are what makes us unique, special and beautiful in our own right.  If you want to remove a mole, pimple, freckle or scar I say go ahead, but to completely photoshop the skin from head to toe making it look plastic, or shrinking someone’s waist size to something they are not, does give off a deceptive persona which can be disappointing when we see these people in person.  It also sets a false standard of beauty that the model doesn’t even have that the rest of the world tries to mimic.  In doing so, they hurt themselves with unnecessary plastic surgery, expensive creams, and unhealthy diets all for the chance to look like the photoshopped model in the magazine.

That leads us to point number three.  With all the knowledge of photoshop being used in the fashion, marketing and promotion industry, it’s almost unimaginable that we would believe these people really look the way they do in the pictures.  I mean come on already, do you really think an anti-aging cream company would put someone on their ad that has less than perfect skin?  No, why even place the ad because nobody would give it a second look.  Since no one looks like that, they have to doctor the photo manipulation. It’s hard to believe some of us are this gullible and nieve to believe this garbage.  The best thing we can do is to say, “I’ll try it and see if the results are the same,” but to run out and expect the same results and get angry when it doesn’t happen is just plain stupid in my opinion.  Air Jordan shoes never made anyone jump like Michael Jordan.  Gatorade never made you perform any better, it just kept you from dehydrating.  So why are beauty creams and cosmetics any different?

It’s terrible that we have to doctor photos to show perfection, when perfection is already achieved with the natural beauty we possess.

Rasmussen’s art business, Painted Hats, has become popular.  It’s no wonder, as the artist behind the speciality hats is quite talented.  At 27 years old, Rasmussen was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California and has spent many years perfecting his craft by learning and developing different skills.  Rasmussen considers himself to be a mixed media artist who uses a variety of mediums including pens, paints, inks and airbrushing.  To Rasmussen, art is a combination of many different things. Expression, concentration, and relaxation are just a few ways he uses art.  However, the skilled artist also is influenced by color, which to him, ignites emotion.  Rasmussen, in addition, uses the fluidity of lines to express his stream of concentration, and words to encourage different trains of thought.

“Art for me is much more than just the finished product,” explains Rasmussen.  ”It is the process which I use to express myself, therefore the expression is in the doing, and the finished product is the imprint of what I was going through at the time.” Rasmussen further goes on to explain that life itself is his art.  ”I create art out of life.  I find myself exploring personal growth and reflection of this modern world, in contrast with the serenity and knowing, which we all possess.”

 The artist offers many different hat designs on his website.  You can choose from a sinister skull design, or something less severe such as a floral print.  There is something for everyone on Rasmussen’s site.  If you don’t see the design you’d like, simply e-mail your idea to the artist and he will customize your hat any way you want.  All of Rasmussen’s designs are beautifully painted with rich, deep colors.  The airbrushing and intricate detail work on each hat reflects Rasmussen’s amazing artistry.

Rasmussen isn’t the only artist at Painted Hats, however.  He is joined by several other talented designers.  Each hat is labeled with an original art piece as well as a website of the artist who created that particular hat.  Rasmussen says that this greatly benefits each individual artist that provides work for Painted Hats.  ”This way if people really like the hat, then they can learn more about the artist who created it.  The more orders and sales, the more well paid artists we can support,” explains Rasmussen.  This is his ultmate goal-to create well paying jobs for artists, and to support their careers in the arts.

So, if you are looking for a unique gift for someone, or simply want a hat of your own, go to Rasmussen’s website today.  You will not be disappointed in this great collection of art for your head.

You can find out more about Adrian Rasmussen and see the collection of hats on his website:  www.paintedhats.com

If you have an idea for a hat, would like a custom size, are interested in artwork that is no longer available, or need a specific project done, please e-mail Rasmussen at:  contact@adrianrasmussen.com

Prices for custom hats range from $25 to $50.

If you are a store owner and would like hats for your store, they are available for wholesale.  Please contact Rasmussen for more information.

In addition to the hats on Rasmussen’s website, he is also beginning to paint fedoras.  Contact Rasmussen for more information.

America was dumbfounded how she was treated, they were dumbfounded that someone would even ask a question like that; not to mention that her belief’s cost her the crown. Following the padget Miss California took a lot of media heat in this liberal pro gay country. She was so upset that she actually turned to a cause, now dear to her heart, fighting for the true definition of gay marriage across the USA.

With her choice of beliefs, and her well known charm from being Miss California, we all knew someone would try to dig up some dirt on her, and of course they did. They found some risque photos of Miss California, which then brought her Miss California crown up for scrutiny. Donald Trump, the owner of Miss America, Inc. decided to keep her as Miss California, despite the fact that all of the liberal America wanted her tossed. The heat was on and the Donald, I personally feel, was pressured beyond pressure to de-crown Miss California.

That day has come, now all the gay Americans can rejoice that she is no longer Miss California and will never be Miss America because of her belief, what she feels is true to her heart. Though it wasn’t the gay controversy that had her tossed, she missed a Miss America function. Normally overlooked unless you do it over and over, this was Trump’s way to toss her from her crown, now it can’t come back to him that he de-crowned her for her belief, he de-crowned her for her lack of participation; which is her duty in her position.  Donald has now made everyone happy and relieved the heat off his back.

All this did was get Donald Trump off the hook from all the negative press and countless demands to remove her. I applaud Trump for sticking to his guns and not de-crowning her for her belief; honestly I think Donald feels the same way. However, it shows me that even Mr. Apprentice has his limits and anxiously waited for her to mess up so he could remove the stress from his life for something less controversial than her belief. In the end we all know what brought this on.

I just hope that a gay Miss American contestant never has to be in the same position with the same question. If she does, she should get the exact same treatment Miss California did.

In the words of the Donald… Miss California “YOUR FIRED.”

When I first read his e-mail about what he did, I was thinking how crazy it all sounded. I immediately went to his web site to see what he could possibly be portraying through his unique art.  When I got to the store, I was amazed to see the stuff we can only see when we’re “indisposed.”  The concept is great; I mean who isn’t fascinated by the writings on the wall in public restrooms? Is there one person that can honestly say when they are in these places and see this graffiti on the wall, they don’t read at least one?  It’s just human nature to do so, even if it is vulgar.  So Tootabeanie takes these sayings and drawings we all laugh at and have to read, and makes them into a shirt… GENIUS.

I admit, there have been a few times I been in a restroom or in some bar and saw something written and said, “Man, that would make a great shirt.”  Now I found someone who went the extra step and actually did that.

This goes to show how awesome the creative mind can go and how the possibilities arise if you just take the time to smell the opportunities that lie right under our noses.  What’s great about this is that Tootabeanie’s art is interactive; if you see something on the walls that just makes you laugh or is so gross you have to share it, now you can.  All you have to do is photograph it and submit it to him via his web site. How great is that?

Now, aspiring artists take note of this: Inspiration is everywhere, you just have to keep an open eye.  Tootabeanie here is surely a good role model for that with his creative outlet.  His work shows you that art is all around us, and how it affects us is what makes it so powerful.  His work is not unique because it’s found everywhere, but how he takes the simple writings and graphics and contorts them into his own concept making a unique fashion design, is down right masterful.

Tootabeanie’s concept also makes a rad fashion statement, placing him into a few art categories making this even more special.  I remember back in the 1980s how cool it was to wear shirts with crazy sayings on them.  It’s still popular today, and I have a few sarcastic t-shirts that I wear religiously, especially if they express my personality or if they portray something I find to be “so true.”  I would surely wear these shirts because so much of what I read on the walls portrays my personality or is something that’s “so true.”  There are also people who like stuff that’s so whacked out they must wear it.  Tootabeanie has a shirt that has a drawing of a bread loaf, and a man saying, “Dude, I just pitched a loaf.”  We all know what that means, but it’s portrayed in the terms of bread.  It’s awesome!  Tootabeanie’s shirts are definitely a guy’s choice for fashion, because it’s everything we love to read and we can take it with us when we go and show the world what really lies on the walls of the “MEN’S BATHROOM!”

If you want to check out Tootabeanie’s fashion/artistic world, then check out his web site at www.letterfromjohn.com and tell him The Expressionist sent you.  This is something you will have to see to believe.

If you would have told Caison growing up that she was going to model, she probably would have laughed at you.  She always felt herself to be a tomboy; never a girly-girl who dressed up in clothes and make-up.  Instead, she loved sports and fitness and wore sweats and t-shirts; a far cry from what a model would wear. 

Caison has the skinny, tall body that fashion and scouting agents look for in a model.  She’s beautiful and charismatic which play right into the hearts of the camera.  She got her break in this field while auditioning for an acting part. However, the director wanted her to do some modeling instead.  Caison was taken back a bit by this but decided to give it a try and since then, fell in love with the industry.

It’s a hard industry, filled with rejection and criticism and people trying to make you into something you’re not.  It’s an art, where you are the subject and medium.  The model must set the mood and he/she must play the part to make the work of art speak volumes. It is the model’s movement and  expression that are critical to making people believe what they are trying to convey.  This is very similar to what paints do, except the emotion and mood are set by the mind and hand of the artist who portrays his vision through this medium.

Despite the fact she has encountered rejection and criticism, Caison believes that you should not alter yourself for a part.  In today’s modeling world there are plus size models as well as petite models, conveying beauty is in the person, not the body. You shouldn’t change yourself for a part, you change the part to fit you by finding a gig that represents who you are.  Be true to yourself, Caison emphasizes, because if they don’t like you for you, then it wasn’t meant to be.

Since her modeling career bloomed unexpectedly one fine day, she has found herself in advertisements, magazines and even in the phone book.  Carla Caison is what you call an all around artist, dabbling in many mediums the art world has to offer.  Besides modeling, she paints and acts.

Acting is still a passion for Caison. She is currently doing plays and still auditioning for various acting gigs.  This is probably something Caison will never give up by the excitement she gets in her voice when speaking about acting.  Good for her, I say! You must do what you love and by doing what you love, you have more fun which shows to those around you.

Caison’s advice for aspiring models or actors is to get a good set of head shots, acquire experience through TFP (time for photos) shoots, and to not be afraid to try new things because it gives you a well rounded portfolio.

If you want to get in touch with Caison for booking, contact her through her MySpace page at, www.myspace.com/bookseagie 

Don’t forget to check out her podcast, which is located on our podcast link or simply download it through iTunes.

Just recently I was in Connecticut visiting my grandfather and I got to see some old photos of myself.  Not only were they funny to see, but I was amazed at the “fashion faux pas” I had.  At the time it seemed like the “in thing,” but I realize now how ridiculous I looked.  One picture in particular was taken in 1984. I had this bright red shirt with a little alligator on it. Remember those?  Then I saw some pictures with those incredibly short shorts, the kind that looked like an upside down rounded “w” with the white seams going up the sides. I wouldn’t be caught dead in those today.  I even had some with bell bottoms and those old canvas basketball sneakers.  I found one more recently where I wearing  ”Jams” and Reebok pump sneakers.  Oh, and for the hair critiques, the never ending mullet I sported trying to look like Jesse from Full House.

It made me look at fashion today and realize how this stuff never really goes away; it hibernates or it evolves in some way and rest assured, it will return again.  As I walk down the streets, I see those canvas shoes emerging from the grave.  I see bell bottoms and how they evolved.  They used to be these ugly polyester pants with awful colors and now they are hip and trendy jeans that women wear, better known as the “Flare.” The pants are similar to stretchy jeans but hug women’s curves just right for that unbelievable hour glass look.  I even have seen those ridiculous 80s shirts with stupid sayings on them, you know, the ones that are plain white with a colored short sleeve and neck cuff.  These shirts make you look like a string bean, yet they are re-immerging as a teen favorite.

So, where do you get these items?  For the most part, you don’t see them in the stores anymore.  Sure, Wal-Mart may still have some, or stores such as Bealls Outlet and TJ Maxx.  Honestly, you can find them at Goodwill and Salvation Army stores where people have cleaned out their closets from their collected youth and realized, “I’m too old for this stuff.”  They give it to these stores and today’s younger generation realized they found a gold mine for pennies on the dollar. 

It isn’t just the 80s and 70s fashion that’s returning.  I have seen a lot more of the Flower Child look from the 60s showing its hippy face, and even some fashion trends of the 50s.  WHY?  It’s just fun to pretend and relive the days of old while putting a modern twist to the fashion.  Clothing that’s authentic to this period of American history can’t usually be found in abundance at these thrift stores.  You can, however, find specialty vintage clothing stores that offer fashion from the 1940s to the 1990s.  Some even go into the “true” vintage era and offer clothing from the 1900s to the 1930s, where pomp and circumstance reigned.

These stores exist in most of your backyards around the United States, but you may have to look.  Tampa for one, has lots of places to get these great fashions.  Yesterdaze is one, located on Hillsborough and Florida Avenue.  La France is a staple in Ybor City and further south, St. Petersburg’s Buffalo Gal is full of nostalgia and charm.  Buffalo Gal, like some other vintage clothing stores, even has a photographer on hand to do vintage pin-ups, which can add to the whole shopping experience.  These places are great because they sell authentic clothing and for a very reasonable price.  These clothes make a great fashion statement, and if it’s something you don’t want to wear everyday, it can be used later for a unique Halloween costume.

If you can’t find a vintage clothing store like this, look at tag sales and even in your grandparents’ or  parents’ attics, as you never know what treasures you will find.

As the first part of this decade comes to a close, vintage clothing is a growing trend among women mostly, but men are starting to join suit.  This is a great way to take the past and integrate it with the future, and even put your own personal spin on it to make it your own expression.  Fashion never “really” dies, it lies dormant or evolves into something new and fresh. It is so much fun to watch what’s going to happen next. It could be a fashion for some, or a blast to the past for the rest of us.  Heaven help us if platform shoes, with the goldfish in them, return!  That’s vintage fashion that I hope lies dormant for a very long time. However, the mullet will never die!

Joleane Santiago was a punk rocker in the 1980s who moved into this Gothic stage but it was not influenced with her music choice per se, but more so an expression of her surroundings.  Joleane was an artist who expressed her emotions on canvas, but preferred to express herself through fashion, she calls it “Sweet Depression.”

She is currently attending a fashion school here in the Tampa Bay area called the International Academy Of Design and Technology. Despite Joleane’s Gothic style of clothing, her designs are exquisite and artistic.  When she designs an article of clothing, its a unique piece, there will never be another one like it.  Her designs incorporate hard and soft objects; which would be the silk or rayon for the fabric mixed with buttons or zippers.  She loves the metallic look with her loose flowing garments.  Joleane also incorporates a Victorian or early 1900s style of clothing into her designs which I just love.

Joleane’s work has been on some runway models but her line is mostly private.  She can now add to her resume that her work will appear in an independent movie coming out in October or November debuting in Tampa called “Falling Unfaithful”  and her work is sported by the rock band Still Life out of Tampa.  She makes gowns for any occasion and loves to make costumes for film and the music industry.

Her designs are not your typical ball gowns or street clothes, they are designed for expression and have a magnificent beauty behind it.  Joleane’s line “Sweet Depression” has made the Gothic look, oh so beautiful and her talent flows when any woman walks down the street with her art.  If you want to see her work, or have her customize you a specific piece; go to her Model Mayhem site www.modelmayhem.com/acidbull.

Have you ever worked in the clothing design industry before setting out on your own?

Yes, I did work for a fashion designer from Dominican Republic. She had a brand new Fashion company in Boca Raton, Florida and I was in charge of sketching and designing her whole fall collection for the Montreal Runway, Canada in 2001.

What gave you the idea to make clothing like you do?

While working for the above mentioned brand, I was hired to design a commemorative items for the events of September 11th. We discussed the possibility of translating those images to jeans, that is when I started hand painting on denim. After this event I fell in love with denim and the hand painting technique, and right away focused on clothing in this new area of expertise.
 
How long have you been doing this art?

I have been a designer/painter/graphic designer since 1990 but I gave impulse to hand painting after 2001
 
Has it been a rewarding journey thus far?  If so what’s one of your fondest memories on the journey?

It has been a very rewarding experience in terms of creation and new techniques; and also it was very exciting having the chance to meet artists and designers from all over the world. My fondest memory and more recent, has been a trip that I made with my pregnant sister to a show hosted in Tampa. We drove for four hours at night, crossing Florida from east to west, sharing all kinds of experiences, and enjoying the landscape, fauna, birds and wildlife so attractive and typical of our state. I had one of the best weekends ever full of fun, sun and new people, with a touch of support given by my sister that made it a perfect weekend.
 
What kind of clothes do you do the art on?  Is it just for women?

In the beginning I worked only on women’s clothes, mostly youth and teen styles; jeans and jackets are my first chosen products. After a while I incorporated graphic tees for woman and men. I then turned to baby clothing, printed and painted onesies, toddlers shirts; today I’m featuring my new line of bigger and plus sizes. I also work on accesories such as purses, wrist-lets and canvas tote bags, I also paint denim earrings with paisley adornments. I have a small art gallery using the same technique on fabric for canvas.
 
What is your take on art today, how has it impacted your life.

Art is in my daily routine. Sometimes we categorize art as an expression of the artist translated on paper, canvas or clothes, but I believe art is in all we do and there are times when managing certain situations requires a lot of art.
 
How do you keep up with the trends to keep your art fresh and stylish for those who love your work.

I spend hours getting feedback and information of today’s fashion trends from online websites, magazines, shows and conventions. I keep my eyes open on other designers who inspire me and I learn everyday a little bit more.
 
Knowing where you are now, and how you got here, would you change anything or do anything different?

I have more than I expected, I learned more than I expected, and I suffered more too; but I say it with a lot of enthusiasm and thankful for all that I received and done. I wish I had chosen to study fashion design first, before graphic design, because it took me longer to do what I love doing now. Honestly though, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do for sometime after graduating.
 
What is the most satisfying thing for you when you finish a piece of clothing?

When I look at my creations after finishing my pieces I feel proud; mostly I love what I see, and I dream of the person wearing it. Another feeling that blows my mind is knowing that the new owner of my piece could be in any other part of the globe. I felt that with the first t-shirt I sold to a customer in Greece and still gives me the chills! Another interesting story, when I designed a peacock dress for a girl who intended to wear it at her Bridal Shower.  She bought a skirt too with the same motif because she loved the design; to me this was a wonderful feeling, knowing that my dress was going to be in that very important day of her life.
 
What has been your biggest challenge to date?

My biggest challenge has two sides: Budgeting and re-investing money in one side and the distribution of time in the other side.
 
Advertising and marketing, how important are they to your line of work?

This is a very important topic. Since January 2008 I spent many hours and resources getting my name out there and I mean through cyber-space. I advertise in at least 10 websites, forums, fashion pages, shows and events.
 
What’s your view on the appreciation people have with art today, as opposed to when you were younger?

When I was younger I lived in South America, more specifically Argentina, where people love art. Besides the timing, location also makes a big difference. Globally speaking, art after the 70s legacy was very strong in our minds and cultures and now I see it more relaxed, like a light culture of art. On the good side, art now is everywhere, thanks to the Internet; but also due to new disciplines, like art painted or printed on clothing. One of my favorite designers, Roberto Cavalli, makes a piece of art in every outfit. That wasn’t seen in my youngest years, not that I can remember.
 
Your clothing can be done 1 time, for 1 person, that’s it…. who would you choose to have it…. can be anyone?

This is a good question. In our culture today we have many stereo-types, like you have to be a supermodel to wear this or that.  Happily that doesn’t happen with my clothes, you can have any type of body or any measurement as long as you want to wear my pieces. Another good reason is that I work on custom orders too so you will have what you want, no impositions, just the way you like it.
 
Who inspires you do to what you do?
God is my inspiration. He is the first and best designer ever.

If you would like to see Nora’s work, please see any of the links listed below, and feel free to contact her with any idea you would like for a custom piece of clothing.

You can check more pictures of my collection at
www.norakaren.etsy.com
www.nora-handpainted.blogspot.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24119923@N04/

If you want to see what it feels like for Paris Hilton to have her hair done, then J. Joseph Salon is the place for you. Good news is you don’t have to travel to Los Angeles, this salon is right here nestled in downtown Land O Lakes.

Roy Naccor, the owner, studied in Sweden for 3 years to get his hair styling license; and also studied in countries like France and Italy. Hair is something he’s been passionate about since high school.  Roy has styled hair across Europe and has been doing what he loves for 8 years. A key to his success is that he keeps a constant watch on the fashion industry, to keep up on the trends.  One way he does this is traveling once a year to Paris for a hair show, which is coming up September 9th. This show will display some of the new trends in the hair styling industry that he will utilize upon his return to the salon.

Today, Roy owns one of the best salons in the Tampa Bay area.  He accomplished this dream before his 27^th birthday. Roy credits his “don’t give up” attitude to his success and never let his age stand in the way of his dreams.  “My salon is a success because it’s not just a hair cut it’s an experience.  From the moment you walk in the door you will see why.”

J. Joseph Salon in itself is a work of art and part of the “experience”, decorated with the dark wood tables and sofas, flat screen televisions, elaborate mirrors and beautiful hard wood workstations. It’s pleasing to the eye and very relaxing. After the beauty of the place sinks in, the next step of the “experience” starts.  Like a doctor you fill out an application, which is reviewed by your technician.  You’re taken to the technician’s station where you can have a drink of wine, beer or soda and privately discuss your hair likes and dislikes.  The technician will see what works best with your features, based upon the situation and the changes you want to make; mapping out a hair plan that’s right for you.  The technician will make the plan a reality and create a work of art designed especially for you.  Once your hair style is complete, they train you to maintain the same style and quality you received at the salon. “If I see you in Publix a few days or weeks later and your hair is not the same or close when you walked out my door, then I have not done my job” Roy said, “it’s up to me to teach you about how to maintain that salon styled hair you dreamed about.”

This salon is a gallery to the art of hair styling.  Each head of hair is a masterpiece designed by a skilled hair stylist to compliment your facial features and body structure. If you’re a man or woman, young or old this salon will accommodate you and make you feel like a new person with a fresh start on life.  If your tired of the old you, come have an artist rebuild your look and create the “new” you at J. Joseph Salon.

www.jjosephsalon.com

How did you come up with the name “Pork Chop Bubble Gum?”
That is the first question anyone always asks me, truthfully. My sister, her husband, and I were sitting around one night, and its when I first decided to start my own company and we were just brainstorming thinking of names and her husband blurted out, “pork chop,” and I blurted out, “bubble gum,” and we both looked at each other and I said, “that kind of goes weird together,” so since then it kind of stuck.

Are the hats you design unisex?
They are unisex, but I do have hats more geared towards guys and some geared more towards women. But I find guys tend to choose the hats that I designed for girls; it just matters if they are more comfortable wearing bright colors like pink and green, chains, and rhinestones, but yeah every hat can be unisex. Anyone can wear them.

How many specific lines do you have? Is there any specific line that seems to be selling more than other ones?
No, not really, I try to go with lines but each one of my hats are different, there really aren’t two hats the same. So I can do like the same print on a hat or put the same netting on a hat but it isn’t going to come out exactly the same, so line-wise I would have to go with “no.” I pretty much make what people are in the mood for, and people can come back later and say, “I like this, gimme this, gimme this and give me this color,” and I can make it happen.

They are basically all custom hats?
Exactly yes.

I know you live in Miami, and it’s filled with stars, have you sold any of your hats to any celebrities or stars of any kind?
Nope not yet. [C'mon, celebs! -ed.]

Have you done any fashion shows? How did it go?
I did a fashion show at Nocturnal in Miami. It went really, really well, the feedback was amazing. I also had a booth at Ultra Music Fest in Miami. I had a booth at Gemini Music Fest in Ft. Lauderdale. And July 3rd, I have space in Miami; and I have two other shows in July: I have Heaven Music Fest (I believe is the 26th), and another in Port St. Lucie, it’s a big house and stuff.

Have you ever decided in the future you may want to do shirts or pants?
Yes, yes, yes! Shirts: this is my next move. I am actually in the process of learning Photoshop and getting a screen printing machine. So yeah, shirts are definitely my next step.

Do you do hats with custom graphics at all, like heat transfers containing drawings you designed?
No, not till I get a screen printing machine. For now it’s just free abstract work. Whatever falls on the hat falls on the hat.

If someone wanted to get a hold of you to buy one of your hats, how would they go about that? What is the pricing on your hats?
Right now I just have MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/porkchopbubblegum) but my website should be done like any day now. The cost of my hats, depending what they are, usually run $24.00 plus $6.00 s/h.

Do you have anything you want to add?
I just hope that everyone can support me; I’m new. I started my business in 2006 when I graduated college. Just now I started to get serious and want to take off with this. Just want to get my name off and I’ll be happy!

If you like what you see here and want to help an aspiring local artist out, head over to her MySpace page and get yourself a new lid. We will update this interview when her website is done and help her out any way we can.