MOI XOXO

My mother and grandma were in mutual agreement by saying that when I was born I entered the world screaming “Birkin please!” I didn’t understand what that meant until I would peak around the corner and wondered what grandma was stuffing in that bright lime green purse. She was stuffing what I would remember as her *40* and I was not allowed to touch it. For those of you not familiar with the *40*, here is Katie Holmes with hers. My grandma has past on and now my mother is the owner of that *40* or what my dad had called it, same color as baby puke. Until it is past on to me, I am trying to get my own hands on the *32* since its much smaller and practical for everyday. As a gift to myself that doesn’t include a three year waiting list and a $6k to start price tag, I pull out my Bringing Home The Birkin! book. What a delightful treat to read Michael Tonello’s quest in the pursuit of the world’s hottest bag! I was giggling over his world tour that took him from Barcelona to Madrid to Brazil and back to the US in what he quotes, ” A fashionista has a better chance of climbing Mount Everest in Prada pumps, than of possessing one of these coveted carryalls!” If your a fashion die-hard, and many others, you will be delighted from beginning to end!

Traveling around the world for a purse is not on my agenda when I can wait until my mother hands down the lime green classic. It’s personally not my color of choice, but I will work it!

Moi xoxo

Slim Aarons was very particular. Everything had to be perfect down to the flowers. There were lots of yellow accents in the house, and Slim brought them out to the pool. He wanted his ladies to dress Palm Springs casual, so he he asked Nelda Linsk, wife of art dealer Joseph Linsk to wear a yellow cover-up, long pants, and midriff top. It took Slim hours to take the photo. The sun had to be just perfect. Two months before he died, Slim called Nelda and asked, “Why is this photo so famous?” Nelda replied, “Slim, because I am in it.” I grew up admiring my grandmother who’s style and personality reminded me of Nelda who frequented Slim Aarons desert images. My grandmother was polished but had that relaxed, California vibe. My fondest memories were of her watching me as I tried to swim in her pool but would rather sit next to her and play with her bracelet she left next to her ice tea glass. Slim’s photographs were the smiting image of my grandparents Palm Springs home which is why my vacation of choice was and still is to get away to the desert. I look forward to the images of my grand babies running around my summer home pool and run to me for hugs. Of course with moi, I keep my diamonds around my wrist!

Moi xoxo

A sexy alternative to the one-piece swimming costume, the bikini forever changed the way women relate to their bodies. Founded by Frenchman Louis Reard, he declared it as smaller than the world’s smallest bathing suit. The bikini has become a symbol of female sensuality and liberation and Spring 2008 marks the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary. The Bikini Book by Kelly Killoren Bensimon and French art publisher Assouline, celebrates the bikini with a spirited look at its highlights and history. It’s a juicy four hundred page collection praising the Hollywood pinups of the 50s; Bond girls Ursula Andress and Halle Berry rising up from the sea; the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, Brigitte Bardot all topless and poolside in St. Tropez; the itsy bitsy teeny weeny styles of the 60s; the monokini, tankini, bandini, and v-kini; the strappy and the sporty; the sexy and the outrageous. But whether iconic or ordinary, scandalous or social, every image of the bikini in this book is about beauty.

Moi xoxo

You don’t have to live in Florida to keep abreast of Moi’s favorite East Coast destination. Ocean Drive is a coffee table thick magazine that reports on entertainment and local events in the stylish world known as Miami, Florida. The magazine also has interviews with celebrities, and stories on music and nightlife. Visiting the sunshine state soon? Read top rated hotels from budget friendly to first class. Your steps away from the latest news on Miami & South Beach fashion, entertainment, and the white sand beaches of South Beach. It’s definitely worth a read! There is also a Spanish edition available chock full of Latin culture and photographs of the most beautiful scenery around! The bikinis and women are not bad looking either!

Mo 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

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

I once read something that actually made sense. I read that certain signs have this “unexplainable” attraction to certain signs, and I’ve found this to be interesting! Here’s what I read:

Sign attracted to

Aries ~ Scorpio
Taurus ~ Sagittarius
Gemini ~ Capricorn
Cancer ~ Aquarius
Leo ~ Pisces
Virgo ~ Aries
Libra ~ Taurus
Scorpio ~ Gemini
Sagittarius ~ Cancer
Capricorn ~ Leo
Aquarius ~ Virgo
Pisces ~ Libra

Here’s my take during my past, present & future:

Aries: Initially I had an undeniable attraction to their fiery, passionate side but like a paper fire, BIG blaze, not long-lived. Their tendency to be showy and nice soon faded and turned arrogant & self-centered.

Taurus: You know what’s strange? Maybe it’s just me, but with Taurus’ I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I freaking love them. Just the right amount of security and good conversation I need. BUT, I feel like it’s all down time with them. I seem to get bored but they don’t satisfy my urge for intensity.

Gemini: I have loads of friends that have Gemini in them and I have had Gemini admirers. But even so, I still can’t bring myself to ever date one again. I can’t seem to put a cross hair on one for more than a minute.

Cancer: I have many Cancer friends and I am one. We make hard-core buddies till the end. I have been best friends with one for over 10 years now! In many ways though, we are just like Taurus but I don’t feel we are boring. I’ve never dated one though. Wait! I did date one….and it was weird. I don’t want to date myself.

Leo: You see, I admire Leo, but I know if I was to date one, hell, I would get hurt. Leo friends are awesome though! It’s like partying with superstars. I have a few Leo buddies, and they are great to chill with. There is something so fiery about their spirit! And it rubs off on me because of my chameleon ability! Contentious relationships and some areas work really well, but some landmines too. Don’t critique them unless they ask outright! You’ll just hurt their feelings, and then they try and hit back in a way that is graceless, cheap, and not very competent.

Virgo: Too prissy for me. I have some Virgo friends, and they are so quiet, but comforting to me. And I hate when they criticize me. And I bet that they hate when I do it back to them. I dated one once, and I wanted to murder her by the end of it! As Friends though, yes, because they give great advice.

Libra: I have many Libra Friends. They throw great parties! Always enough drama to satisfy some gossip- or a fight!. And they are always into something interesting, even if it may be 100% pretentious. Dating one might harbor too much drama for me though. I like a steady course of action when I’m dating, no drama. But as friends, they can always cheer me up.

Scorpio: I thought dating Scorpios would be fun. But I’m afraid they’d like to play a fair bit of games in trying to keep the mysterious facade. Some of them are just plain too creepy to date.

Sagittarius: Fun, fun, fun! As friends. They make such awesome friends. They are so open, and cheerful and have enough energy to drag me along with them. Never dated one thought but they seem to like me.

Capricorn: Strangely enough, I didn’t bump into these girls. I had one as a friend once, lots of fun talking, and making jokes. But I could never get the seriousness part. I just don’t exude authority? Hahah, ahhh, I still haven’t really met any!

Aquarius: Killer friends and killer lovers! They make me laugh til my sides split and make me scream to the top of my lungs during intimacy. I love listening to their stories. I am always bumping into them. I work with one, and I have a blast talking to him. They can be childlike at times, and maybe even ANNOYING, hahaha, but I get over it fast because they always end up making me laugh & I even fell in love with one …still going strong!

Pisces: I have met some Pisces friends - I like the peacefulness, but I don’t know if there’d be enough about it that I’d find fascinating beyond that. Squirrelly, flightily, flakey women.

Moi xoxo

Lesbian Turkish Oil Wrestling was recently seen in an episode of THE L WORD. Our Chart & Fuse Events brought this exciting event to the ladies for Dinah Shore 2008. As promised, I got up and personal to film it before I got started on my own partying for the evening!

Guest host on the mike was Elizabeth Keener of L Word and Michelle Wolff of Dante’s Cove was the judge.

Enjoy!

Moi xoxo

I have been watching The L Word since Season 1 and no other episode got me to ponder more than the spunky episode called “Lesbians Gone Wild.” Was this it? Would this be the episode we’d all been waiting for, the one teased in those late Nov 2007 commercials that had me clutching my breasts and asking, “Is that really two women grappling in Turkish oil?!” Oh, it was. And it was good. So good, in fact, that I even wished I had a cigarette to smoke when it was all over, just because. The next morning I awoke with the question of why do they apply the oil and how did this sport first begin?

Turns out, this is one of the most popular sports in Turkey. “Yagli” means literally oiled wrestling. The wrestlers wear tight short leather trousers called “Kispet”, made of water buffalo leather and they cover themselves with olive oil. The wrestler oiling each other is a signification of the importance of “balance” in such competitions. I wonder if this works in an intimate relationship. Note to self, purchase family size olive oil at Costco. Ok back on track .. infected mosquitoes were spreading Malaria during the Roman Empire. In those times, living at sea level was close to impossible. Even mosquito nets, burning animal feces, and standing in smoke during sundown were not sufficient for complete protection from mosquitoes. The oil extracted from a vegetable particular to the Mediterranean region: “the olive,” was used in cooking and for protection from mosquitoes. Then they mixed a specific ingredient “kafur” with olive oil for full protection from the mosquitoes. The disease spreading stopped but this didn’t stop the Turkish who continued to spent day by day applying olive oil on to their bodies and also continued to wrestle with their bodies oiled.

A new style of wrestling surfaced from this condition: oil wrestling! Rumor is a similar version will be portrayed at Dinah Shore 2008. This time, I shall have a cigarette on hand!

Moi xoxo