MOI XOXO

Mobile tattooing is the new craze! Search through your local online Craigslist and you will find an ample supply of tattoo artists offering the option of getting inked in the comfort and privacy of your own home or office. My main concern regarding tattoos whether from a shop or from home is everything should be clean and sterile. Tattooing is minor surgery. To be safe, you must shop for tattoo artists like a dentist. With the introduction of mobile tattooing, there are things you can look for, but your best bet when scouting for a mobile artist is to talk with them and ask questions. Your tattoo artist should be way more concerned about being clean and safe than you are, after all, you deal with one tattoo that day and your artist is dealing with many people every day. If the artist blows off questions or gives you vague answers, that’s not a good sign. If they are happy you are asking, answer your questions clearly, and show a genuine concern for safety then you are probably in good hands. My partner gets the “tattoo itch” once a month and wanted to share her tips on how to pick a great mobile tattoo artist as she gets Pride redone on her stomach in the video above. (Rated R for inappropriate language and slight nudity)

Choosing a Mobile Tattoo Artist

• Talk to people who have tattoos about their experiences with mobile tattoo artists. If you like the work they are wearing, ask for a referral.

• Go online and read about tattoo artists and the art of tattoo to help you understand industry standards or expectations. It wasn’t until we visited one tattoo shop here in Orange County, CA that we learned most artists would not put “lips” on the neck which would violate the old school rule of no hands or neck application. This lead to us finding a mobile artist to do the job at home.

If you Insist on a Professional Tattoo Shop

• Once you have decided on a tattoo shop, go take a look around and note whether or not the business is adhering to safety standards. The shop should be clean in appearance. Artists should not be eating or drinking in their work areas.

• Notice if the artists in the shop are wearing gloves. All of the items used in the tattoo process such as ointments, ink trays, antiseptics, and needles should be in one-time use packages. Needles should be taken out of the package in front of the client. All surfaces, tattoo table, cords, and instruments should be covered in a moisture shield such as plastic wrap. This measure protects everyone from infection from pathogens.

• If the shop and the artist check out, consult the artist. Look at photos of his previous work and plan your tattoo. If you feel comfortable with the artist and share a vision for your tattoo, book an appointment to get it done.

Moi xoxo

You asked and I said yes! Here is a peak inside of my black and white purse, which matches every M-F wardrobe!

Inside of my Candies Quilted Dome purse, I tote a lot of everyday essentials—like a bold yellow Bottega Veneta wallet, Eclipse gum, Miss Sixty shades, and a good book, in this case Burr a historical novel by Gore Vidal. I try not to waste time reading trash at the office. I saw a documentary on the author and picked this up. If I do want to escape from reality, I snatch my US Weekly.

Buried deep inside is:

• hotel notepad for jotting ideas
• change for coffee
• clear cosmetic purse so I can find my stash easy
• digital camera
• eye cream
• match cars for bribing my son
• business card holder
• chocolate sunflower seeds from baby sis
• hand creme ~ yes Lumene!
• treo
• louis vuitton covered checkbook
• amore pacific face spray
• tiny pen flashlight
• tampons
• qtips
• tissue

Last but not least, I can’t leave home without my coveted lip glosses. My lips are always chapped probably from all my yapping so I’m addicted to lip balms and glosses. I have about six in my bag usually from Chanel in similar colors. I just reach in and grab one!
Whew! I’m tired from just listing all of that!

Moi xoxo

Lumene’s Age-Protecting Hand Cream and I have a love affair that will never die! This is definitely my favorite hand cream, and something I don’t allow myself to run out of as it is simply too good! I have purchased many hand creams from high end to low end and this one is the BEST. I never heard of the Lumene line until I recently came across it at the drugstore. Lumene originates from Finland, and is only available in the US from your local CVS drugstore. Lumene has a wide line of skincare and cosmetics, using many ingredients that are exclusive to the Finland area. The hand cream is very silky and smooth. It really only takes a small bit to accomplish the moisture you are striving for. I like the fact that it doesn’t leave my hands greasy nor do I have to re-apply it a billion times a day like most other hand creams. It has a light scent as to not interfere with your perfume. The lotion is absorbed into the hands quickly and it’s rare to find an affordable hand cream that also contains SPF. We put SPF on our faces daily before we head out the door but the hands are often neglected. They are exposed to the sun’s damaging rays especially during driving. I keep a tube in my work, gym, and travel bag.  At $7.99 a tube that’s nothing for instant gratification!

Moi xoxo

Funny thing is, when I asked other girl friends how they got out the dog house with their women, the answers were all pretty similar. But, as we know, women are a funny lot, and somewhat more complex. So, if you are here and you’re already in bother, or at least you will be when she finds out, then you need to work out where you are on the misdemeanor scale. Let’s see if my dear friend Bre’s suggestions on the video go for you! Or read moi’s below!

Forgotten to pick up milk/dry cleaning/dinner? Thankfully, these sorts of things are fairly minor offenses so a good apology, plus going back for the offending items goes a long way. Unless you do them on really regular basis, in which case you need something, or someone, to do some serious memory prompting with you. Pick up something fun or even just nice for her. It doesn’t have to be something expensive, in fact expensive is probably going to have the reverse effect. She might think you’ve done something even more wrong than you are admitting to!

Been out on too many girls or bois night out? Best to repay this one with some girly time to herself, or doing something really nice for her, like making dinner or breakfast in bed. Or you could organize dinner for her and her girlfriends. First things first, send her off for to a day spa for some pure indulgence, with nothing to do but relax. Treat her to a top to toe pamper day, and preferably for her and a friend. This is not going to be cheap, you’ll make the day even better for her by having someone to gossip with and enjoy the treatments and relaxation. So, while she is out getting all relaxed, you can create the perfect dinner. Just try not to trash the kitchen while you do it, otherwise the relaxing effect of the day, and the brownie points that go with it, will be gone in a moment.

Forgotten her birthday/wedding anniversary/birth of your first child? Okay, you’re in fairly serious trouble now. These are really bad offenses, and you know it. Bet you’ve been getting the silent treatment, or possible the very loud shouting, throwing of plates treatment. So first, you are going to have to apologize. A lot. And then not only produce an amazing birthday/anniversary/well done on getting through labor present but also a big sorry present too. Make this gift expensive. I recommend diamonds to get out of the doghouse quick card. This is a monopoly game, go to a good jeweler and quick. Do not skimp, and do not pass go until you are bearing sparkling gifts.

You slept with her sister/mother/best friend Oh dear, you probably don’t need me to tell you that you are beyond my help. You could try all of the above, but I think it’s probably a little late for this. Might I suggest a good divorce lawyer or, if there is a hint of a possibility that she might forgive you, search the yellow pages for a good marriage counselor.

Moi xoxo

The Real Lesbian Housewives of Orange County group is now open on Myspace. A private group to meet and befriend other lesbian housewives or LGBT’s who wish they were! Whether you live “behind the gates” or not, this group is open for some “lavish” conversation!

http://groups.myspace.com/moixoxo

Moi xoxo

The Advocate magazine is having a Spring special! You can subscribe for less than $1 an issue. If your like moi, you probably don’t need another magazine in your mailbox, but let me briefly explain why this one is special! The Advocate is the oldest running gay publication dated back to 1967, covering national news as well as important news and events pertaining to the homosexual community. Also celebrity interviews and gossip, fashion, style, and travel. Even if your not gay, you will be entertained!

Little bit of something for everyone!

Moi xoxo

WHAT: The Art Society of Long Beach is having its launch party this Friday! Come enjoy an evening of photography, film shorts, poetry, music and more.

WHERE: The Village Tasting Room & Wine Bar is a casual and friendly wine tasting experience in Long Beach. They serve great wine, beer, and martinis, gourmet cheeses, desserts, and other specialty foods.

250 W. Ocean Blvd, Suite B
Long Beach, CA 90802

WHEN: April 18, 2008, 7 - 11PM

FREE ADMISSION! (21+ only!)

**Dress to impress! Black and white attire, smart/casual
email your r.s.v.p. to info@theartsociety.com

AFTER PARTY: Dancing & more drinks at Ripples, Long Beach’s hottest Friday night girl bar!

Moi xoxo

Dear Moi,

Welcome to the VIP club! You are cordially invited to join Fly Clear’s Safe Travel Membership. This club entitles you to breeze past long airport-security lines and rude airline employees. No more emptying out your CELINE carry on and exposing your life next to some traveler in her bare feet and chipped, toe nail polish.

We have included a picture of what your new travel day will look like. Look at that, no drama! Now your no loser, which line would you rather pose in?

I do hope you share this wonderful news with your friends and family and encourage them to step up their game! For complete information including which lucky airports have this clearance club, please visit our website at www.flyclear.com

Have a pleasant flight!

Moi xoxo

I am mad crazy for Italian designer Nolita’s new Spring collection! I first discovered her fashions during Milan Fashion week last year. Her collection retains an avant garde, Vivienne Westwood vibe! Nolita’s target niche is the feminine & cultured woman who mixes together pieces from various philosophies. The strength of her collections is its incoherence and open-mindedness in combining garments that completely differ from each other but in reality, are wisely compatible with a thrown-together look as in “my closet is full of fabulous clothing so I can just grab the first thing I see and I’ll look smokin’.”

Sneek Peek >

Moi xoxo

I favor the color black with punchy colors and offbeat combinations in work and my personal wardrobe. I love the unexpected: incorporating color with neutrals, mixing periods and having fun with style. Even in my home, my interiors are sophisticated, but there is a sense of humor to them. Being creative is my job, and looking good and feeling good is an important part to it. Living in Orange County, CA in a city run rampant with Juicy Couture sweat suits, flip-flops, and Los Scandalous (L.A.) as its neighbor, I like to set myself apart by favoring more electric and playful designers like Anna Molinari. L.A. has such a relaxed vibe, but I like to dress up the majority of the time.

I have been receiving a lot of personal email, especially the ones asking for tips and advice of my own style, not just on the people I like to write about! I weeded through a few and here are my responses:

How would you describe your style? An electric mix of vintage, modern, and designer. It’s different every day and I don’t believe in uniforms. Sometimes I am dressy, sometimes casual.

Who is your fashion icon? This is easy, Jane Birkin! I admire her style and direction. She saw the beauty in everything around her. I liked that she was a major risk taker and you cannot move beyond a certain point if you don’t take risks.

Beauty Essential? Eye cream. I have applied it three times a day since high school graduation. I carry the sample size tubes in my purse and re apply just a dab after lunch. Otherwise for day I use Estee Lauder’s Daywear because it has SPF and Kiehls Abyssine for night. It must be the texture but I reach for Kiehls on a regular basis.

Crystal in my cabinet? I don’t use that word as it reminds me too much of my mom’s formal hutch as a child. I prefer the colorful patterns and designs of Versace china and it’s fine to use it for everyday use. Why only use china for special occasions?

Favorite Fashion Haunts? Buffalo Exchange in Costa Mesa, Darewear in Huntington Beach, and Fred Segal in L.A.

Most Recent Purchase? Bottega knot keyring and Burt Bees lipbalm

Worn to Shreds? Marc Jacobs two tone heels

Signature Scent? Frangipane by Chantecaille

Affordable Fashion Thrill? Urban Outfitters and Target

Spring Shopping List

• Michael Kors jeans
• White Bottega hobo purse
• Holly Dunlap mules
• White and Orange canvas tote for my many trips to Palm Springs
• Nars lipgloss in Dolce Vita

Moi xoxo