Shaking the Tree

I want to fall in love with you...

2011-08-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well my 7 month pregnancy is over. (we were in denial the first 2 months so its been a short one lol) On July 31st we welcomed Addi into our little family.

When I first discovered I was pregnant, I was in shock! I thought I was done having kids. More over, I thought I was done being pregnant. I don't enjoy pregnancy like some women. I'd have had more kids if I didn't have to endure the 9 months of being uncomfortable or sick and what have you. But I will say that in the end its all worth it. And love at first sight takes over.

Love Song for a Savior by the Jars of Clay

Father and Daughter

2011-08-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

I've been sitting here thinking about things and in a round about way the subject of my dad came up. See, I tend to have my dad on a pedestal, he can do no wrong in my eyes. My husband makes fun of me all the time about it. The little girl in me still cant get enough of him.

My teenage parent's shotgun wedding didnt last. As a matter of fact, the thought of my bio-parents... together... weird. I have only one memory of us together at Disneyland, and it's a vague one at that. (Hubs thinks this is the seed of my Disneyland obsession) Anyway being the daughter of teen-parents wasn't easy, they made many mistakes and relied on family members to help take care of me until I was about 5 years old. I am grateful in my case that I wasn't given up for adoption, which was the trend back in the early 70's. They both did the best they could with their given situations. Trust me, not all 17 year old boys turn out to be such caring individuals.

My parents lived 5 hours away from each other and I lived full time with my mom, with the exception of holidays and summer break. But I received phone calls on a weekly basis and occasional drop in visits when his job on the railroad brought him to town. He always made an effort. Never once have I questioned his love for me. I've always known I can tell him anything. And if I needed to cry, he never made me feel like my tears were unjustified. Sometimes we'd sit on the banks of the river and talk, about anything and everything.

As most kids do in long distance families, I wanted to try and live full time with my dad. He was remarried and I had a baby sister. After a custody battle and some grueling bickering between step-parents the opportunity came. But it wasnt working out so well on my end (I wont get into details). But one of the more difficult things I've ever had to do was tell my dad after all the hoopla was "I just cant to live here anymore." He didn't put up a fight or make me feel like I was letting him down. Instead he put his arms around me, told me he understood and let me go back to my mom.

My dad knows he's not perfect. But on the day I held him as he poured out his heart and tears in my arms I knew he was my perfect father....

He's a pretty amazing Grandpa too....

Father and Daughter by Paul Simon

Hello Again

2011-07-29T00:15:00.000-07:00

So obviously its been forever and a day since I have blogged. today I was bored, I've watched way too much television, searched craigslist more than i ever care to again and facebooked to death. so i thought why not check out the blog o sphere. lots of my old blogger friends have abandoned their blogs as well. it made me kind of sad. so, time for an update...

well the last year has been incredibly crazy and filled with surprises, sadness and changes. i think last i left off here i announced our move to california and i was on the road with a client running for political office. well we survived the election even though she lost. would i ever do a political campaign again? probably not, just not my thing, but the money was right for the time since business was so bad last year.

the kids have adjusted rather well to california. come to find out, there were a few things our son was happy to leave behind in B.C. one was a bully! that's another post for another time. both kids are doing well socially and with their new school a 2 minute hop skip and jump from our front door made for an easy commute to school. not having to worry about car pools was awesome.

shortly after the november election we found out we were expecting. yes it was a shocker. we were in denial for a few months and didnt really talk about it. talk about a surprise! i mean our kids are 14 and 11, yea we were done 10 years ago. guess we found out the hard way, your not done until your fixed...

eventually we adjusted to the idea of a new baby and a new member of our family. the kids are so excited. and as the baby has grown and become more active in my 39 year old body (dont get me started with my "advanced maternal age"), mike and i are excited too.

so i sit here tonight, in the final days of my pregnancy, as of late finding it difficult to sleep with feet in my ribs, blogging.... why not!

Hello Again by The Cars

Diary of a makeup artist #38 - Start Me Up

2010-10-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Now that I've moved to a new market and this gig is winding down, only 15 more days, its time for me to put my marketing cap on and Start Up Again. Pound the pavement so to speak. These thoughts have brought me to a Diary entry.

So you're a fabulous makeup artist, you live and breathe with your brushes and your palettes. You spend every dime you make at your part time job on the latest and greatest at the cosmetic counters. Forget rent, you can live on the streets but you CAN'T live without that persimmon eyeshadow.

You are ready to take the next step, your fabulous your fresh and you are ready to conquor. Not only do you look the part, you feel the part.

So now what? Heres where this career gets really confusing. Most newbie makeup artists hit a major turning point early on during the survival of the most marketable phase. As I've mentioned before in other entries, you must build a portfolio of your work with images that are sell-able. Not necessarily images that are bursting with every color in your kit.

What most wanna be makeup artists don't understand is that being a professional isnt about having every brush on the market or every color of eyeshadow or even having vast amounts of creativity oozing from every pore. While having talent, a kit that works for you and brushes that help you complete the job are very important, being a good business person is what is going to make or break you. I've met so many talented artists and photographers in my career. And I have seen some of them flush their careers down the toilet because they couldn't get over their fabulous selves and pull off professionalism.

Becoming a freelance professional makeup artist is essentially become a business owner. Your are in the business of selling and marketing yourself and your talents. This goes for anyone with a talent, whether you're a makeup artist, a writer, a crafter or a designer. Marketing yourself doesn't have to be a daunting task, be brave, you're only in charge of one person, you. And isn't that the best person to be in charge of?

Since its been 11 years since I've started my "business of me", I think its time for me to update my strategy... Start Me Up Baby!!

Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones

Photographs and Memories - Jessica B. Photography

2010-10-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

I rarely rarely post about contests and giveaways, but one has come up that has me shaken and stirred. My good friend Jessica is my favorite family photographer. Her work is touching and beautiful A true treasure. I often well up browsing her site (dont tell her that, she thinks Im a toughy). Even if you don't live in Boulder City, a trip for a session with Jess will last a lifetime. For me this isnt about the contest as much as it is about informing all my friends in every neck of the wood and giving a major Shout Out to my friend.

Here are some of her family shots that capture me and affect me. I'm a picky chick when it comes to photography, I'm totally jaded. AND Don't get me started on her newborn photos, Anne Geddes aint got nuttin on Jessica B.

Visit Jessica B. Photography at Without a Place to see more of her amazing work. That includes all you pro photographers, you can see her passion in every click. Here's the info.

WIN: A half hour mini-session in Boulder City. Good for an individual up to an immediate family. Includes a disc of of your best 10 or so images. Book your mini-session before Thanksgiving!

WHO: Well Logic would say this give-away is open to people who are willing to travel to Boulder City, BUT I think I can make some concessions for people who live in Utah, since I will be travelling there this year. Go ahead, Utah friends, WIN THIS!

HOW: Lots of ways. Became a Facebook Fan. Post about the give-away on Facebook including a link. Post about it on your blog and include a link. You can even tweet about it if you want! Get an entry for each time, and another one for leaving a comment here. Tell me how many entries you get AND tell me what your favorite scary movie is!

WHEN: Contest ends Friday, Oct 15 at midnight PST. Winner will be determined by Random.org (The winner of my last contest maxed out her entry options!! It paid off!!)

WHY: Because I'm in a giving mood. Just for fun. And I'd want to win a portrait session right before Christmas. I totally need a family shot for my Christmas cards!

So Tell OnE and Tell all and dont forget to Tell her Mary RC sent ya!

Photographs and Memories by Jim Croce

Dont wanna be "An American Idiot"

2010-10-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

I've worked with many politicians over the years, even the last presidential election. I thought I was an average informed citizen back then. I watched the commercials, read the papers, listened to speeches and made my decision at the polls. When I was unsure, I voted my party plain and simple.

Recently I've been politially checked in. I've also been lucky enough to get to know candidates on a more personal level. The nasty view the public gets from the media, is just sad. Really really sad. The information we recieve as voters isnt about the truth, its about selling a story. The fight between candidates is just nasty, the mud slinging and the smear campaigns are seriously engorged.

I tell ya, its part of what is wrong with America. Our founding fathers didn't mean for political service to be a career. They meant it to be just that a service, not a lifetime of government. I don't know, it bugs me.
How's the race in your neck of the woods?

diary of a makeup artist #37 - move out

2010-10-05T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well the cat is out of the bag. And I feel good about it. The suppression was stifling.

We've moved!! We boxed up our house and drove it to California. We left our beloved Boulder City, its so very incredibly sad. I'm still in denial however, just call me Cleopatra, Queen of De-Nile. I haven't really had a chance to adjust, being that I'm on the road 5 to 6 days a week. Mike and the kids are doing well, but Ace (the dog) and I, not so much. But only 28 more days on the road and full reality will hit. My crown will shatter and I will have to deal.

I was considering keeping the move under wraps because news travels WAY too fast in the small world of production. The minute someone hears (especially your competition) you've left a market or have taken of f on a long time gig, the local headlines explode like Linsay Lohan's latest stint in rehab.. "Mary RC Has Left Town, Who Will Work In Her Place??" within days, the phone stops ringing and your inbox is empty. So I thought, Ill keep it a secret, nobody needs to know I've moved, I can travel back to Vegas for work, easy peasy. Uh NOT.... literally hours after the moving truck hit the road, a Facebook friend in Idaho (I contacted all my local friends and asked them to keep a lid on it) posted the news on my wall. I quickly deleted, but a few more hours passed and another post from a friend in New York, I deleted again, but it didn't stop. Facebook was outing me.

Then I found myself saying "please don't tell anyone, dont discuss it on Facebook" essentially "lie for me will ya!" Not to mention the full stop on my blogging. Way too much to hide. I decided it was wrong, face the music, whats done is done, embrace the move so I can get outta the bag.

diary of a makeup artist #36 -i had a life...

2010-08-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time I had a life. I had time with the kids, a husband who lived in the same state as I did, lunches with girlfriends, community events to attend and something to blog about. Aside from unpredictable income, those were days of unappreciated comfort and enjoyment. Then the big bad economy kicked in and threatened "my so called life". (love that show)

It wasn't a sudden attack, it was a calculated effort to disrupt that which was being taken for granted.

The husband was first.. No longer were there job opportunities for recent college graduates in the State of Nevada. The big bad economy sent him to California to work.

The B.B.E. struck again. The kids were sad, the grades were rocked but we plowed through and adjusted to our mere 3 days a week of "Family Cram". Daddy time became precious as did Marriage time. Any idea how hard it is to make it ALL work in just 3 days a week.

Slowly but surely the B.B.E.'s arsenic attack took its toll on the makeup scene. I was finding myself doing gigs I'd turn my nose up to a few months prior. I was working with brides, a gig I'd abandoned years ago. I was working for hourly and look rates again to supplement my phone ringing decline.

Then the B.B.E. sent some financial relief our way in the form of leaving my life behind. Yes the money is good, but gone is my time with the kids, gone are our 3 days of Fam Cram and gone are all the little gigs. I find myself sitting in cafe's, airports, hotel rooms and bookstores moments at a time with out time to blog. I'm traveling more than I have in my entire life, more than I wanted to in my youth before marriage and children. While I am thankful for income, I still miss my life...

Thanks Big Bad Economy for making me appreciate what once was... NOW GIVE IT BACK!!

Here i go Again!

2010-07-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

Since I've been too busy and under a confidentiality contract, my blogging has come to a screeching halt. So I thought I'd re-post and oldie but goodie that didn't get much comment love, in hopes of re-igniting my blog a bit.

I like to curl up on the couch under a lamp to read...

My son likes to read lying in his bed.

My mom has recently discovered the ease of audiobooks.

My daughter likes to read in a creative fashion.

What is your reading position?

tell me

2010-06-10T15:46:00.000-07:00

Clue me in on a few things because I'm just not getting it here? I feel like Kronk some days.

Why is everyone going to Wordpress? I don't understand why you would want to:

pay for every little detail
and then be completly limited in your blog design
make people sign in to comment
thus making us forget what we were going to write

Perhaps you've got insight to this? I suppose I'm just frustrated, as I find it a stifling set up and the program I purchased to design my purchased blog has so many bugs in it I'm calling the Orkin Man..

Why is it I'm far more excited about school being out for summer than most mothers.

am I supposed to enjoy homework and class projects?
am I supposed to enjoy meetings and extra curricular activities?
am I supposed to enjoy forcing my kids to bed and getting up in the morning?

I got to sleep in on Monday.. I say WOOT WOOT! Does that make me a bad mother?

And finally on a political note..

would you rather have a politician that is rich enough to do the job without having to owe people favors in the political process?
or would you rather vote for a career politician who owes scads of favors to campaign contributors?
wouldnt you rather use your right to vote to tip the scales in favor of your political candidate?
or would you rather turn off your political attention, not vote and then when things go wrong complain about who's in office?

Help a girl out will ya?

Diary of a Makeup Artist #35

2010-05-23T22:07:00.000-07:00

I have so much I wish I could blog about, but I can't. I signed a confidentiality contract that could cost me my imaginary life savings if I spilled the beans. Which I suppose does bring me something to write about in for Diary of a Makeup Artist.

When you enter the world of celebrity or high profile-ness, there comes a certain trust and expectant behavior. Which is why I'm so very reluctant to ever write about my celebrity encounters. People can take what you say and misconstrue the words into something awful. And as part of the backstage world, a certain behavior is a must. You never make public what you see or hear your clients doing or saying. Zip the lip if you wanna work in this town again.

So recently I worked backstage at the American Country Music Awards and the Brooks and Dunn Last Rodeo (televised tonight I think?). I'm not a huge country fan so I have no idea who I was rubbing elbows with. And you know what? Ignorance is bliss, I can be myself and not care about who's in my chair or who's in the room. I find that my chair gets visited more often than the makeup and hair people who are star struck and eager to get their paws on a celebrity. Well I can say that I know this because I've been told this by celebs themselves. Really they're just people who have a job to do. The last thing they want or need is a hyped up makeup artist in their face.

Once I was working backstage at a televised show with numerous celebs and musicians. The makeup room was filled with newbie vanities who were all in a tizzy with their cameras and autograph books at the ready. Every-time a celeb would walk in the room they would pat their chairs and smile an over-zealous smile.

"You come sit in my chair for good makeup."

Well I kept my cool and actually ignored them as they walked in and 70% of them ended up in my chair for fear of the vultures in the room. Brittany Snow literally said, "Oh s*!t, I'm scared, will you help me?".

And another note. Never shun or diss a celebrity makeup artist, it will come back to bite you. I was working another show, same situation and low and behold Cameron Diaz walks in. The vultures were ready to attack, then her hair and makeup team walked in behind her, and the vultures turned into territorial cougars ready strike the celeb vanities if they dared look at their makeup station. As far as they were concerned Cameron was getting touched up by one of them, not those outsiders she had with her.

I had to laugh out loud this time. I got out of my chair and offered it to the vanities, "You guys need some space? I'm gonna go get a snack!" They were very appreciative and Cameron herself thanked me. Fast forward a year or so later. I was day playing on a film that Cameron was in. I was only working on background. No biggie, low man on the totem pole. See on this particular set a class structure had developed in the vanity department. There was the background team and the celeb team. Not much inter-mingling going on. But believe it or not, Cameron's team (Robin and Lona) remembered me, came up said hi and chit chatted with me. Later they referred me for another gig. So it pays to be nice....

This is why you will rarely see me in a picture with a celebrity, or read stories of celebs that are my clients. I'm a trust worthy makeup and hair designer bottom line. AND I would never tell you of the time I caught Taylor Swift lip synching and dancing in front of the mirror in a backstage bathroom, just because she's not my client.

Long Long Way from Home

2010-05-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me! I've been a terrible blogger friend these days. I have been on the road alot with a client traveling from here to there and everywhere. Once again it sounds much more glamourous that it truly is. I've seen the inside of 7 airports this week and still have one more to go. I am hoping to catch up and visit my cyber friends next week, so be on the look out...

It's a bird, its a plane..... no... It's Mary RC for crap sake!

Diary of a makeup artist#34 - photograph

2010-04-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

BEWARE, ROCKIN DEF LEPPARD---->

When producers, directors and photographers are looking for a makeup artist. They want to see "PHOTOGRAPHS", aka your portfolio. It's important to keep your book current no matter how accomplished you are as an artist. Style changes so fast sometimes, you can become too busy to work on your portfolio and the next thing you know, your phone stops ringing because all you have to show are photographs that are "so fifteen minutes ago".

I have some new work to show. I've been testing a bit with an awesome photographer... Robert J.Kley... A guy who's going places. His work is stunning. I'll work with him any day any dollar.. As a matter of fact the local MUA's are all jealous of each others images that he has shot. I know because I'm jealous of many of his images that my brushes did NOT adorne.

This shoot we're calling Fashion Safari, as Christie Moeller the Stylist deemed it. Our lovely model drove into Vegas from L.A. just to shoot with Rob. I must admit I was very worried about the wind. It was stinkin brutal. You can't do too much with hair when its whipping this way and that. But thanks to Rob Fabuloso... Beautiful photographs took place nonetheless.

The makeup was all about a clean and natural look. The no makeup look. Some artists insist on only showing closeup shots of their work ignoring the importance of the impact an entire shot can have on the viewer. As a newbie MUA, I would crop all my photos like this, to show off MY work.

Which was very arrogant of me (IMO) to think that the strength of the photo lied in my work alone. However the shot is stronger featuring all of the elements i.e. photography, composition, styling, etc. This shot will make the viewer take a second look, the shot above doesn't stand alone.

images all copyright robert john kley www.rjkphoto.com

I found that filling my portfolio with images that had all the elements of a strong shot, got me more mileage that a book filled with closeups. When it comes down to it, you want to appeal to the people who hire you photographers and directors. When they look at a shot, they look at everything, not just the makeup. They want to see how your element contributes to a great image.

They don't want to see before and afters, they dont want to see a poorly lit model, or so so styling. And they really dont want to see bad makeup. Well maybe for a laugh...

They do want to see that as a makeup artist you know when just a little is enough and when its appropriate to glam it up for a great shot!

Photographer: Robert J. Kley www.rjkphoto.com
Makeup and Hair by Mary RC www.maryrc.com
Fashion Safari Styling by Christie Moeller www.icanstyleu.com

diary of a makeup artist #32 - fame

2010-04-13T19:43:00.001-07:00

WOW! Where the heck have I been? Busy with nothing to show for it. Once again I'm sitting in an airport, heading to work for the week. Hate being away from the family but grateful for a paycheck. What a double edge sword this feels like. The makeup biz has hit the famine level once again. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but no NEVER used to it. When I'm busy I long for time off, when I'm slow, I long for work. What a fickle business. Thank goodness for my semi stable client these days, let's hope I can keep them happy!

Last night at a church event, my neighbor friend Kathy (who works at the Hoover Dam) had exciting news for me! "Mary! Did you know that your famous? I had no idea how famous you are!" (That's because I'm not!) Well ATandT shot a commercial at the dam and she dropped my name while securing background talent. Apparently it was the regular BG group I work with pretty regularly. My first thought was "Oh no! They told Kathy about how much I yell at them!" But no, to my surprise, they made me sound like a bigger deal than I really am! Kathy went on to say that she was shocked as to how many people on the set knew me or knew of me. She was impressed! Especially when the makeup assistant stated you couldn't open a magazine without seeing my name and begged Kathy to give me her business card.

I HAD to gufaw! If I'm so famous how come I live in a 1600 sq foot track home, drive a Chevy Prism, wear non-designer clothes and my children attend public school? If I'm so stinkin famous why wasn't I the makup artist on this ATandT commercial?

Obviously fame doesn't pay the bills. Hubs said "Honey, your so famous people think you're too busy to work!" Little do they know this" famous" makeup artist is sitting at home in her PJ's surfing blogs praying for her phone to ring!

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diary of a makeup artist #33 - funky town

2010-03-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

My planets are NOT aligned these days. I feel overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time. Is it something in the air? Oh wait thats pollen. Perhaps its just my over stuffed head making me feel like Im in FUNKY TOWN. And not groovy funky town. My head is weighted, I have much on my mind.. I feel cloudy inside.

I started this year with a gusto! If you remember, all positive, my direction was clear, my mind was made up. I was no longer going to live in limbo. I turned down a big job with lots of security that would move my whole life and career to new pastures, and I was GOOD with it. Done deal, decision made, focus forward.. Freelancing is the way to go, I've been doing it for 10 years and have managed through feast and famine... I was reinvesting in my market in my makeup business... Yeah Baby!!

Then... the job came back and begged for me to hop on board for even more benefits and security.

WHAT??? I just said no, I just turned you down, got you out of my life.... WHY.. are you calling me? NO.. why are you playing with my mind? Why are you enticing me with .... with ... work? Who wants a steady job these days? Oh wait.... EVERYONE.. So why am I so hesitant to leave the Vegas market and not hit L.A. like all the big timers do?

There were days when I wouldn't roll out of my drive way for less than $650 for even a few hours (It's no Linda Evangalista amout, I know). There were days when I would turn a gig down because I simply wasn't interested. There were days when I was insulted if someone would call me and ask me to help them out with a low budget gig. There were days when I turned my nose up at un-established photographers, directors and producers struggling to pull a project together....

Why? Cause' I was HOT, I was THE Makeup Artist to call in this market... If a celebrity was coming to town, I was destined to be in their entourage. If a national commercial was filming, I was the key makeup artist. I had makeup companies beating down my door, my phone range non stop with calls from New York and L.A. Vegas was even beneath me. NY and LA came first. I even had an assistant who would pick up my laundry if I asked her too.. I had new makeup artists begging to clean my brushes for free... I had two agents for goodness sake! Ya.. 2005 seemed a good year..

Those days are gone. Those were NOT good days. I was a high falooting makeup snob. My ego was so incredibly inflated that I was drifting off and losing sight of what is important in a career.. Stability.

I had alienated myself from all the locals. My assistant turned into a SWF and solicited my clients behind my back and assimilated me when I was too busy to care. I had shared way too much and carelessly trusted way too much. I suppose I figured she would cow tow to me forever. I was easily caught up in Vanity Department Drama and cat fights between other MUA's in town. Before I knew it my phone wasn't ringing, SWF was working with all my steady clients, SWF was best friends with all my work buds and the other local working MUA's wouldn't touch me with a 10 foot pole. It was a very humbling experience. I didn't love my job anymore I was too fabulous to care. It was a major "Crash" from the top. And I deserved it!!

It took a while for me to "start over". I was deeply humbled. My eyes were wide open and I realized I needed to do it right this time. I stepped away from the drama and let my work speak for itself. I became that makeup artist who was open to new ideas and willing to work for rates that were fair. I learned who my real friends were in this business. I learned who I could trust and I also learned who was worth my loyalty. I learned I needed a strong foundation locally because you cant build one in a market you're not invested in, that you do not live in. I planted deep roots here.. I will turn down NY and LA for my local clients in a heartbeat. I've come to appreciate this Sin City and all that I have made of it, especially the Vegas Vanities.

After all I've been through in this market, all the blood, sweat and tears, I'm reluctant to let go, even if work is drying up here. So thats why I've been trying to ignore this other job. Am I crazy in this economic climate to do so? Maybe... we'll see... I haven't said no a second time... But I've gotta get outta FUNKY TOWN!!

Funky Town version by Pseudo Echo

Time for me to fly

2010-03-21T23:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends...

I utilized all my computer time last week designing a few new blogs. Visit Blog Rock for the new updates.

Now I'm hittin the road with a makeup client this week. I'll have alot of down time to stop by and catch up with you all...

Diary of a Makeup Artist #33 - breaking the law

2010-03-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

WARNING LOUD ANGRY MUSIC----->

OH today is a VENT day.. Things must get better. First of all my wireless is down, my modem only works on the kid's computer, so no beloved mac, which means, no Photoshop, no Illustrator, no billing.... Freak I can't get anything done and I have so much to upload and export. This only tops off the morning I had, in which I seriously wanted to get into a fist fight and "punch someone in the neck" as Mimi would say. My planned post today was to talk about good stuff, some recent accomplishments, and share beautiful images. However since the day is spoiled anyway I'm gonna talk about idiots in the industry... Idiots are everywhere, wouldn’t you agree?

There is an unwritten law amongst production crew...
KNOW YOUR PLACE AND KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

If its not your department, shut your hole! Only give your opinion when its pertinent to your job. For instance!!

If you’re a makeup artist, shut your trap when the stylist is trying clothes on and working out a look. Especially if a client is around.

If your a model. Read this "Sorry but remember you're a hanger" My stylist colleague Christie brilliantly explains this on her blog.

If you're a wardrobe person, it's not your place to decide on makeup and hair.

If you’re being paid, stay in your department and keep your opinions to yourself. Undermining the creative process with clients is pure stupidity. Do your own thing albeit makeup, hair, wigs, wardrobe...

So heres the story....

My MUA Friend booked me on a job with her to create a wig for a client who's CEO needs a costume for a grand entrance into a meeting, the booking involved a prep day, a rehearsal day and a show day.. 3 days of work, SWEET. Emails have been exchanged, phone calls have been made, ideas have been born. I attended a meeting this morning to meet with Client, CEO and Wardrobe to iron out some details, then off to purchase and prep the wig. I arrive a few minutes early and sit next to Wardrobe and introduce myself. She starts asking me questions about the job and I share some of my concerns and ideas about the wig with her. Once the meeting commences Wardrobe starts off like a big KNOW IT ALL saying "Well I think blah blah blah(repeating the info I shared with her) should be done to the wig!" WTHell! She was so abrupt and wrong in her approach that CEO said "Well I don't think I want a wig then!" Wardrobe says "You're right! You don't need a wig. You're hair is perfect and so fab the way it is." It all happened so fast and I was in utter shock that this BeeYotch would do such a thing that I was speechless... Holy Hell she just got rid of me! No wig - No gig! I caught my breath, texted my friend who hired us, gave her the look of death and salvaged my job by suggesting extension work instead of a wig right in the middle of her costume presentation. My blood was boiling. This chick is dead as soon as we get away from the clients.

I so much wanted to say things like... "You know I think you could've pressed your seams better." or "Your bead work is a bit shotty." or "Sir that jacket makes you look fat, you should wear the Dolce and Gabanna suit you brought instead, its much more flattering." My friend who hired me reminded me to hold it together via text. So I said a polite goodbye to the Client and CEO and hit the door at a sprint to put distance between myself and this stupid woman before I knocked her teeth out. The ding dong clearly had NO IDEA what she had done because she was trying to catch up with me. I ignored her and called MUA who hired me and vented a vent that could earn me a ticket straight to hell. And I wasn't quiet about it, I'm not sure if she heard but she did back off. Now I get to work with this woman for 2 more days, no thanks to her loose lips. Luckily I've been assured she will receive a major beating from the one who hired us. Its gonna be good times... She better watch it or more than this is gonna go down..

Things like this have happened to me a few times during my 10 years freelancing. Not many but a few. More than once by another makeup artist, twice by models... You know I made sure all of my colleagues knew of these people and their butting in ways. Yeah, I don't see any of them out working in our market any more. Can you say "just desserts"?

Take it from me, Breaking the Law will get you no where but blacklisted..

Breaking the Law by Judas Priest

diary of a Makeup artist #32-you are so beautiful

2010-03-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Time and time again when people learn that I am a professional makeup artist, they ask for advice on their personal daily routine. I must admit, I am always reluctant to advise on day to day makeup. You all know I dove tail this conversation into my famous Mary RC quote "If you can slap it on in less than 5 minutes and feel good about yourself, you've done the perfect makeup." Or when asked for specific rules to makeup application my standard answer is "There is only one makeup rule... There are no rules."

It's not because I'm lazy, or I think the person is unworthy of my advice, its because I feel I am unworthy to have an opinion about a persons self esteem. Because lets face it, if I felt comfortable with my naked face, I wouldn't wear a stitch of makeup how bout you? So if someone wears makeup I assume they're trying to enhance their self esteem. Absolutly nothing wrong with that, I do the same myself. I am not an expert when it comes to a person's psyche. Now if you want to look a certain way in front of a camera, call me, I can help.

See the makeup I do is for camera and not for every day application and natural beauty. I must admit I am a contributor to how skewed our perception of beauty is. Heck, my perception is skewed. I look at models like Barbie Dolls, play things, not like real people. It's normal in the industry world, but in everyday life, its just wrong. I get that.

Camera makeup and everyday makeup are two totally different animals. I would even go so far as to say that what I do is unrealistic. Not only do I make beautiful faces, I pay very close attention to every detail in the application. A quick makeup for me is 30 minutes but I've been known to take over an hour making up a face. Then while the subject is in front of the camera, I'm maintaing the application, touching up and refreshing the makeup throughout the shoot. My eyes are focused on every pore, on every possible flaw, on every bead of sweat. Now of course stars look great in front of the camera, someone else is being paid to make sure they look perfect at all times.

Okay well this makeup artist should totally be fired.. major major boo boo...

Overly made up everyday people scream self esteem issues to me. Trying to cover up and hide behind a mask of insecurity. If your interested this link will take you to an episode of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew that speaks volumes on this subject. Take Off Your Makeup:

When Dove launched this Campaign for Real Beauty Video a couple of years ago, I was floored by the content, it really was an eye opener as to what our perception of beauty is. I guess for me I see people for who they are in Real Life, not in front of the camera. I understand that were not all meant to be models and actresses. Two completely different worlds to me. But for the every day woman or girl, the perception is warped.

If you have a young girl you really need to visit Dove Campaign for Real Beauty. This is an amazing resource for young women who struggle with self esteem issues. There are online workshops, articles and a plethora of information on building natural beauty self esteem.

Remember Real Life Beauty is Best.. You really are so beautiful to me...

Your Are So Beautiful To Me - Joe Cocker..

makeup tip #6 - lips like sugar

2010-03-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

In honor of the amazing Sandra Bullock and her Best Actress win at the Oscars, but mostly about her fuscia red lips, were gonna talk lipstick today. Man she looked good last night! I saw some stunning classic old Hollywood makeup on the red carpet. I must admit, it is my favorite.

I have to mention my good bud Jessica at Jessica B. Photography asked for a tip on purchasing red lip stick. As we all know, red can be a deceptive color and difficult to purchase. Red comes in shades of orange, pinks and blue. I should know I carry 5 shades of red in mykit and sometimes I'll mix in a bit of the above just to make the color work on my subject.

This is where beauty advisors at the mall come in. But first thing is first! You need to be in control of the purchase.. Don't be mesmerized by the sale's girl's makeup mastery. And counter hop, every line's colors are going to be different, so be prepared to tell the truth and be opinionated. Yes, they will hate you for it and when you buy only one tube after you've spent 3 hours going through colors, they'll roll their eyes when your not looking. Your other options are inviting a beauty consultant to your home, or attending parties like Mary Kay, Arbonne and Avon. This affords you the opportunity to try as many colors as your heart desires without collecting a drawer full of lipstick tubes you don't like.

Purchasing a red lipstick is all about being prepared. Be on a Red Lipstick Mission! Don't go looking for red without makeup on or in a shirt that clashes with red. You will hate every color you try, I promise.

Red Lipstick is a polished look of balance, so have a simple polished face on when you embarq on your mission. A white or black shirt will also help you see the true results as you are trying different shades on. And bring touch up concealer/foundation and powder with you. Because you will have a pink ring around your lips as you remove each try. Apply the concealer over the pinked skin before each application.

Red is such a preference color, its all about what you like and how it makes you feel. There really is no perfect shade for every woman in the world. My Favorite reds are by Avon, Loreal, Bobbie Brown and Lancome. I looked up shades, but alas most of them are discontinued, such is the norm with cosmetic companies and color in particular.

So have fun and make a day of it... I know like we have time for this right?

Lips Like Sugar - Echo and the Bunnymen

Been a long time since i rock n' roll... blog rock

2010-03-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

YES THE MUSIC IS LOUD-------->

just the way a "Rock"wood likes it..

Yes I know you wanna Rock! So here's a quick up date on the poor neglected Blog Rock front.

You know that cool Friday Follow meme... Well that cutie patootie button with those party animal kiddos... yup.. Blog Rock.. If you haven't joined Friday Follow, be sure to catch it this week at Midday Escapades.

Let's see, Bliss my bestest blogger bud, whos responsible for my many hours on the computer. See if it hadn't been for her, I might actually be doing housework when I'm supposed to, instead of blogging the hours away... ~~Blaming someone else sure does make me feel validated~~.. Ah who am I kidding! I love growing my hiney in front of the mac, making cute pictures and designs all the live long day. Sorry Jeanette, you only helped unleash the beast. And I love you for it! Anyways... Bliss was due for a makeover, so we went stretchy-scrapbook-retro-chic! Whadaya think?

And here we have a Blog Rock Bombarding. Poor Lene... See I had a week off of work and since Blog Rock had been neglected for so long, I had zero projects in the shoot, and way too much housework to do. Hence, I got bored and pushed my creativity on someone else. I'm that little girl on the playground that's way too bossy, telling all her friends what to do. Ya, be careful being my friend, you never know what I might obligate you to. Thanks for using your new header Lene.. Visit Lene at Embrace the Chaos

To see more Blog Rock Designs visit Blog Rock!
If you're interested in Rockin your blog email me at mary@blogrockmaryrc.com...
Rock n' Roll by Led Zepplin

Were Going to Be Friends- "Giveaway!"

2010-03-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Gotta have friends. I've met alot of cool bloggers online. I only know a few in real life, but would love to meet many in person some day. Well since were talking about blogger friends I'd love to meet, (see how subtle I am) you should (if you haven't already) definitely check out my good bud Kel of Housewife Savant. See she's pure wit and entertainment. She'll make you laugh, she'll make you cry ~~from laughing so hard and for her, because she lives in a redneck neighborhood~~. She hates Martha Stewart but she crafts just like her. Which is why I'm so exposing her, in my exploits to win her glitter egg giveaway.. (see I love Martha I think Kel does too in her subconscious otherwise why in the heck would she be glittering eggs?)..

proof is in the pudding

Hope she's keeping them refrigerated, I'd hate to get food poisoning after I win and they arrive. Love egg salad. Especially with a little bling.

So check out Housewife Savant (she's back in full force thank goodness). No need to enter her giveaway as I plan on winning. I'm kidding... ~~(but not really).~~ Go ahead, enter with my blessing ~~of bad luck~~.. Again... I'M JUST KIDDING... ~~but not really...~~

AND her blog design is pretty fresh, If I do say so myself..

Were Going to Be Friends by The White Stripes

Makeup Tip #5 Hard Habit to Break

2010-02-28T23:53:00.000-08:00

Remember all those awesome Runway Looks I told you about. Boy did I have fun doing them on this beautiful flawless model. She looked amazing. Actually, she'd look amazing in a gunny sack..

Now that it has hit the stands, I can share the Spring Fashion Shoot with you via Luxury Las Vegas Magazine.

These were my faves of the bunch. Now I you know you all wanna go out and buy orange eyeshadow and tomato red lipstick for spring right? Just kidding.

I myself find breaking the makeup routine difficult. Especially as I age. Yesterday, we were going out on a date, so I decided to try a new makeup look on myself. I used a product on my eyelids that I love to use at work and never use at home. It was a disaster, it looked aweful. Now tell me why is it I have trouble with makeup??? I'll tell you.. My face isnt young and flawless anymore. In fact I have very crepe-y eyelids, due to a bout with psoriasis in 2000 that was all over my eyelids and underneath my eyes. The only thing that made it go away was a cream that thinned out my skin so badly, I have 80 year old eyelids. I've managed to find products that don't accentuate the wrinkles. But Ugh! It sux.. Anyway I digress..

My point is, perhaps the same old same old isnt so bad. I decided to continue to live by my 5 minute rule. "If you can slap it on in 5 minutes and feel good about yourself, then you've done a great makeup." So what if you like your blue eyeshadow from the 80's, if you carry well... you go gurl..

So I'll pass on the orange eyeshadow this season, I might consider the lipstick. However the foundation, loose powder, blush mascara routine I've been doing since 1990 will stay with me for now...

See even I cant break the makeup habit.. Have you changed your makeup routine lately?
Hard Habit to Break by Chicago

Monday Mingle Numero 5

2010-02-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

TURN OFF THE MUSIC IN THE SIDEBAR----->

Visit 80 mph mom for mingle fun... Come join the mingle..

Hungry for Heaven... Must Reads

2010-02-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hungry and Heaven, this song is SO appropriate for today's post. tee hee..

Okay so have you read it yet? OHHH if not... you must joing the throngs of women addicted to YA lit.. "I gotta Hunger and the only prescription is.... Book 3 in August" There's a tough chick who's heart is torn between a dark handsome brooding boy and a loving giving blonde boy.. Oh and did I mention they have to kill each other...?

Then when you're ramped up and cant get Katniss and her triangle outta your system. Pick this one up. No triangle here but definitely another dark brooding dangerous sexy fallen angel named Patch. Fun, fun, fun I say..

I find when I read young adult lit, my imagination reverts to my own youth and I envision those dark brooding sexy types as my teenage crush on the young Keanu Reeves.

Not the Keanu of today, not the real life Keanu. Hmmm no not this.

Can you say hair and makeup please... I guess he's not at work so we can leave him alone LOL.. I suppose you could call me a fair weather fan. I have a tendency to think he's hot on screen, in hair, makeup, and costume.

What about you? Do you like to cast your favorite characters too?

Hungry for Heaven by Ronnie James Dio, Vision Quest Soundtrack

Diary of a Makeup Artist #31 - Workin' Day and Night

2010-02-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd show you a few of the things that have been keeping me from blogging lately. I actually have a minute today to sit and catch up a bit. Last week was a busy busy one. My domestic duties suffered tremendously, thank goodness for a hubs who does laundry. The basket is empty as we speak. Woo Hoo! Now if I could only bring myself to focus on dreaded Goal #3 for 2010. Crack the whip would ya!!

My weekend last week was filled with a corporate job reenacting the movie "The Hangover". I have to tell you, seeing corporate execs act that way, is quite amusing.

Then last Tuesday was a bit crazy. My day started with the Luxury fashion shoot. It was meant to be a semi quick day, but our model was a no-show! Seriously, remember the last time the blond model showed up goth? Whats the deal? After calling around to my model friends to try to fill the spot, I found out that this chick (picture posted here) is a chronic no show. I called 3 different models and all said they'd been called to fill in for her numerous times. Okay agents, drop this girl already! So our schedule was delayed 2 hours, but the fashion gods were in our favor because this beauty showed up instead. I was thrilled.

As you can see I went with a soft brow and the Versace purples in this shot.. This is a sneak peek, shhh don't tell anyone you saw this here first. There are lots more to show, but so sorry I must with hold.

After the shoot, I had to frantically drive home and throw some stuff in a suitcase and hit the airport. I had a flight out to make-up a client the following morning. As soon as she was ready, it was back on the plane.

I had big domestic plans upon my return, but alas, I crashed on the couch until the kids got home from school. I had a 5am call time the next morning which meant a 3:30 am alarm had my name on it. I tried to get to bed early of course, but I think I hit the pillow at 11pm... Not enough.. I barely managed to throw on a hat and some fresh clothes before I left the house.

Model Djanna: Makeup by Mary RC : Wig by Jason Bennett

But the crazy call time was worth it. Once in a while you actually get paid to do exactly what you love. In this case we were doing an ad for a client based around an idea I've been dying to do for EVER.. Well not that this happened because of me, but when you actually get paid to do something creative that you've been wanting to get out of your system, its a good day.

Girl Model: Brittany: Makeup and Hair by Mary RC Boy Model: Makeup by Zee Girl Model Djannna Makeup by Mary RC : Boy Model Makeup and Hair by Kelly Bellmonte : Girl Model Makeup by Zee: Wigs by Jason Bennett

I have been wanting to do a Marie Antoinette styled shoot for my portfolio for ages. This particular shoot sure helped to get that bottled up creative idea flowing out of my system. You artistic peeps know how that is. Its that nagging little nugget that loves to itch your creative spot.

Little Man Model: Makeup by Kelly B : Model Harmony Makeup by Mary RC, Hair by Kelly B : Model Brittany Makeup and Hair by Mary RC

This poor dear had her shot bumped and she sat patiently all day, like 7 hours before we got to her. I love her mad hatter feel. Doing her makeup was so fun..

And finally, being able to work with one of my bestest buds Jason, Wig Master extraordinaire made the day that much more pleasurable. You may also know him by his other talents as a costume designer at Time After Time Designs. Working with Makeup and Hair cohorts like Zee and Kelly B made the madness much more bearable as well. But 12 hours later at 5 pm, we were WIPED OUT! And I still had my daughter's talent show to attend. Which was nutzo! Over achieving parents need to chill... That my friends is another post. WOW! What a week.

A big loyal thank you to Beth and Tanja at Luxury for their love and loyalty.

If youre a California voter, you must meet Meg! Thanks for having me on board.

Thanks to Brian Brown Photography and Cela our producer for making the shoot happen and letting me be part of the Vanity team.

Working Day and Night by Michael Jackson

Diary of a Makeup Artist #30 Fashion (homework)

2010-02-08T23:15:00.000-08:00

Working on Luxury's Spring Fashion Editorial tomorrow, I've been scouring the Spring Ready to Wear Fashion Week's runways for inspiration. This first look I found is Ginvenchy. I love the bleached eye brows and the minimal makeup, this was a super popular trend, Ginvenchy pulled it off best IMO. But I dont think its suitable for my client's demographic. But I do love it..

This is from Versace, This beachy hair seems to be all the rave on the runways again. And I LOVE the purple eyeshadow, I have nothing like this in my portfolio.

BUT I question the look on our model. She has really dark brown hair. In fact here she is.

None of the models in this show were of these features, all had very soft coloring. Actually now that I think about it, being an ethnic looking model this season probably meant you didnt work much runway, it was all about the caucasian girl.

My ultimate fave is the Christian Dior look, no surprise here, I am a Dior Addict. I love the starlet feel.

Here is a Dolce and Gabanna look. I think somewhere between these two is where I'm leaning, I love the soft and unkempt eyebrows, and this red lip trend had me at hello. Now its just a matter of the fashion I have to work around... wish me luck!

Fashion by David Bowie

Friday Follow, What a smart blogger...

2010-02-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

My Blogger Friend Lynn is an awesome so dedicated blogger. She started a great meme called Friday Follow. I was lucky enough to design a snazzy new button for the weekly event. This is my first opportunity to participate, and I am totally stoked. I've noticed some of my buds already participate, I only hang with smart people. It so totally makes sense, and helps to increase traffic to your blog. If your not following Lynn at Midday Escapades, I highly suggest you do, she is a plethora of blogger info. I only hope she never becomes too blogger busy for me..

Uprising (this post has nothing to do with an UPrising its more of an UPdate)

2010-02-04T09:04:00.000-08:00

My blogging has totally been lacking substance lately. It's all oooh look at me, see what I can do, tell me how cool I am etc.. Life is busy and blogging should really be taking a back seat, but seriously who can resist? I know you feel me. It's Mike's birthday tomorrow and the house is dirty, the kitchen is empty and I have zero clue as to what to get him. My kids feel the same, my daughter said "Well we can get him shoes again." my response was, "He just got some for Christmas." Yes, my practical husband is a bear to buy for. He is so stinking practical it takes all the fun out of gift giving sometimes. Me however, in an effort to try to be at his humble level will say "Oh I dont want anything, unless you want to buy me a 46 inch flat screen t.v. and there's also a list of books by my bed, or....." you get the drift. There is always something I want.

I do have much to be Thankful Thursday for (is there a meme called this so I can go Mr. Linky somewhere?). Work is VERY good. I knew it would be, I could feel it in my bones. I don't know how I knew, I just knew. But it keeps me from blogging. BTW anyone know of a good blackberry app that is good for blogging? I can read but I cant comment, drives me nuts.

Kid's are good, healthy, no H1N1, knock on wood. I hope our luck holds out.

Just read two GREAT books. The Hunger Games and Catching Fire... (what is it with me and YA lit?) If you haven't read... ooooh you must my child... you must!! This song by Muse reminds me of my Hunger Games journey. ~~What can I say its all I had today..~~

2010's Goal #2 is complete visit my dentist's new Rockin website at www.bdgnv.com. Now on to goal #3, which was originally #1 but I've bumped it twice. I'm so tempted to bump it again... ugh..

My blogger friends still dig me (I think), although I'm guessing some of you have noticed that I havent been around much and thus reciprocating the absence. Not that I'VE noticed. ~~My mother taught me the art of guilt well.~~

A few weeks ago I received this package in the mail from Sweet Jeanette. She had a giveaway and I was a lucky recipient of this treasure. Meet Hope! My daughter tried to steal her from me already. I thought she would fit right in with my Christmas Angel collection. They're only out during the season because if people see them during the year they say "Hey, you collect angels? I think I'll buy you 20 from the dollar store." (this happened with frogs once, still makes me shudder) It's not like that, theyre something I inherited from my great grandmother and my kids have added to it a bit. Anyway Hope isnt packed away with the other angles. She had taken up residence at the end of my hallway on a door. She really fits right in and I think of Sweet Jeanette and her generosity every time I see her. She also reminds me to blog (not that i need reminding, because it keeps me awake at night, or fills my daydreams) If you havent discovered Jeanette, dicsover her now. She is a crafty chick, with cute ideas and her Freezer Foods Friday is Sweet! Oh and her BLOG ROCKS! ~~Not that I'm biased or anything.~~

Uprising by Muse

"FRESH" new website.. smells like new...

2010-02-03T00:07:00.000-08:00

In my attempt to conquer my goals for 2010, I have been sadly neglecting my blog... But my website is up! It has a clean and fresh facelift, it no longer looks its age, in fact it looks 10 years younger! And since I've had a website for almost 10 years, that makes it a newborn again!

Speaking of goals, I feel pretty confident in my site's design. My goal was not to stray too much from my old design, my feedback on the navigation was always well received. So if it's not broke, don't fix it eh? As much as I wanted to throw in some cool vectors and schmancy designs and fonts, I didn't want to take away from showing off my work even more. So in an effort to keep it simple and understated this is what I came up with.. ~~Goal #1-Rebuild Website~~ DONE! Dude that feels good..
Have a look, tell me what you think... www.maryrc.com

Goal #2-New website for www.bdgnv.com 80% complete.. just gotta stop bloggin... if only I could do both... sigh'.

Wordless Wednesday... my work "fresh"

2010-01-27T18:04:00.000-08:00

944 Magazine
Makeup by Mary RC
Hair by Marquis
Fashion Styling by Christie Moeller
Photography by Brian Brown

Fresh by Kool and the Gang

Diary of a makeup artist #29 "Take it easy on yourself"

2010-01-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

WARNING IT'S A LOUD ONE------->

Which one of these hair stylists would you choose to do your hair?

Have you ever noticed that it can be quite easy to pick out a "Newly Graduated Hairstylist"? Any Cosmo Student I've ever known has gone through the same metamorphosis. Being so excited about hair, they want to try every new hair color and technique they've learned on themselves and every willing person in their chair. My good friend Marquis is a celebrity hair stylist, he is the one that pointed out to me that New Stylists usually have 4 different colors of hair, usually burgundy and very unnatural highlights. You know what? He is right! The best stylists that make great money are the ones who know how to make hair look like one was born with their hair color. I would venture to say that 80% of women don't want to look like they have dyed hair. What do you think?

Guess what? The same goes for new makeup artists. When they start their venture, they are so excited to try each and every new product in their kit on themselves. But what they dont know is a that clean natural makeup appearance will attract clients far more than an overdone presence. Case in point. The following are very well known celebrity and highly paid makeup artists.

Patti DuBroff: my personal fave, her client list is ridiculous and she is the premier celebrity artist for Dior, my fave. And I met her once and she HOOKED me up with a stock pile of Dior, LOVE PATTI!

Pat McGrath: Makeup Artist of top demand. If you watch the major fashion shows on Style.com, she is the creator of all those fab looks by top top designers.

And my final example is Erin Ayanian Monroe, she is another celebrity makeup artist who has recently morphed into a fab film artist. I met her on a shoot for Premier Magazine a few years ago.

I've met quite a few celebrity makeup artists in my time, and the successful ones all have the same clean cut demeanor everyday, especially in their makeup appearance.

These days should really be behind you if you want to make it in this business. "Take it Easy Yourself" and save the products and creativity for the model in your chair when its appropriate. And that is a WHOLE different post..

Take it Easy by Andy Taylor (American Anthem Soundtrack)

Diary of a Makeup Artist #28 "Get Back to Where you once belonged"

2010-01-24T21:05:00.000-08:00

In December I had an interesting job offer come my way. It was so very exciting and so very very scary. I was asked to be a personal hair and makeup artist for a politician running for a major campaign for 2010. Rather than being excited about this high compliment, I was very numb to it. Truly every makeup artist wants to be wanted on a full time basis by someone of stature. To travel and have their subject in the limelight and the money... the money's not so bad I'll tell ya. But this also meant giving up my personal life and 90% of my time with my family. Ouch! So when I was asked to put a price on my life for one year, I really had to put things into perspective. Because it becomes a balance of "how bad do you want the job" vs. "how long can you be away from your family and lose your business". Now put a fair number on that....

The makeup artist in me was excited and willing to bargain for the glorious job and money, and would just be devastated if the opportunity slipped away. The wife/mother in me put a very high price on my personal life and my family and the fear that they might actually accept the offer was great. The makeup artist lost in this bid on life... The wife/mother is quite relieved.

The process of putting numbers on your life is a very eye opening experience. I know my family is my most valuable possession, priceless. But losing my business I've built for 10 years...... I was sort of .. like I said... numb...

The one thing I gained was a new focus. A focus on what is important, what I'm good at and what is working and what is not. Because the makeup artist lost, so she's decided to become a better business woman. This means focusing on a business that, when I put a price on it and shook off the numbness, made me realize it really does have value to our family. This poor business has been sorely neglected the last year and a half. In this down economy, I think I just sort of gave up and let the chips fall where they may so to speak. My marketing is way off. I've worked on everyone else's websites but my own. My kit is despicable and tattered. My business cards are cheap and shameful. And my google standing is pathetic. I'm really good at this business dang it, why am I so far off track?

The wife/mother in me realized that, that makeup artist hasn't been such a bad contributor to our family financial needs. She can really help improve some things around here. So she needs to stop whining get her gusto back and start providing more for this family again....

I'm gonna "GET BACK" to where I belong... so I've been working on my new site, its gonna be stellar and blow the competition to bits.. Here is a great version of Get Back. I loved this movie as a kid....

I dare you to put a price on your life, I think you'll be so happy to see the value within your reach..! And "Get Back to Where You Once Belonged"

Get Back by "The Beatles" Still cant decide which of the Fab Four is my fave....

Wordless Wednesday... work n' workin

2010-01-20T22:01:00.000-08:00

Makeup and Hair by Mary RC

Photographer Theodore Marienthal www.tmfoto.com

I have no time for words, only sleep. 2010 is proving to be a great year for makeup work if January will dictate this year's trend... Fingers crossed.

Create

2010-01-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

Create

Diary of a Makeup Artist #27 "That's What I Think"

2010-01-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

"Sometimes I think
Things are overwhelming
Sometimes I think
I don't know what I'll do
But I forget the world
And everything around me
That's what I think
When I think about you"

You know what I think? I think today was an overwhelming roller coaster. My mood and emotions were like a crazy lady. Sometimes I just wanna quit my job. I envy SAHMoms with the Grinchiest Green in the crayola box.

I was so happy I had a gig with my Vegas Vanity girls when I woke up bright and early. Not only to hang out with two of my favorite people, but to get paid to do it.... OH YEA! That's the way work should be everyday.

Then a friend called me in distress and I really felt bad for her, I gave her a pep-talk to help her through her day, it was going to be tough one for her. She is an amazing talented Vanity in the biz, she just needed a little reminder, and I was honored to do so.

I got to the set and my mood was back on top with a yummy breakfast with Song and BJ, just to be in their company and energy again picked up my spirits.

As the day progressed things started to get tense in the Vanity room, time was crunchin and a wig I had prepared last night wasn't going to work out for the talent, his beard didn't match. I had a back up wig but that meant I had to find time to ready 6 hair do's and build a bushy mustache AND prep another wig without throwing off the production schedule. See, I thought I was ahead of the game now I was behind. Ugh! This wouldn't have happened if I had on insisted on seeing talent shots.    I was way too nonchalant about the whole thing.

Then a particular local talent who doesn't get along, (well with most people actually) with one of my sister-friend's bounced into the room and the bickering began. So I mustered up my patience, put on a smiley face and put the guy in my chair to save my girl from misery. (See we do this for each other, she saved me from the moaning actress, who acted like she was having an orgasm every time I touched her with a brush. eew)

By the time I was finished with him, my paitence and nicey face reserve was depleted. Then I move on to another talent who is being WAY to opinionated with one of my girls about the bows in her hair, (she had always been very sweet in the past). I tried to take over once again. Got some bigger bows, started to work and play with them to see what might work with her costume, and every time I'd try something she'd make a judgmental noise eeeeehhhhhhh!   ssssssssssss!    uuhmmmmmummmm! I snapped and the nice makeup artist disappeared and Scary Mary surfaced.
"Stop it! Stop with your opinion already!" I said in an I'm kidding, but not really voice.
"What opinion? I didn't say anything." She replied innocently.
"Whatever! I have a room full of art directors, directors and clients with opinions that matter, so stop with the noises. I don't care what you think. You're not being paid for you opinion." I said rather harshly.
"I didn't say a thing." She repeated in a princess voice.
After I got over it, I felt bad for being such a witch.

Lunch arrived, and once again just sitting with my girls, laughing and reorganizing our efforts to get through the day, had us smiling again. I switched to the photoshoot of the production (which one of the girls was happy to exchange) that was in a separate part of the studio. Low and behold some of my old colleagues were there and the old banter and humor began. I was in my element, I was a happy girl, they like me I like them, I could do no wrong the rest of this day is gonna be cake...

My phone vibrates, I see its my monkey boy whom I've been parenting via text message all day, but this time it was a phone call. He'd ridden his bike across BC to a friend's house to work on a science project.
"Mom, I just got hit by a car!" he says shakily.
My heart sinks, my head falls into my hands and I hate myself for being at work instantly..
I search for my sanity and say "Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm okay. A little old lady hit my back tire. I'm kinda freaked out and I'm alone now."
"I'm so sorry I'm not there buddy..." my day that had been saved over and over finally just turned into the biggest pile of crap that it had been insisting on me... I was there for my friends and they were there for me, but where was I for my son... See making this job and family grow together aint a bunch of roses..

He gave me details, he was in a cross walk, at a major 4 way stop, the 77 year old driver who was at a stop didn't see him and went anyway, he swerved out of her way (thank goodness he WAS riding his bike) but she still caught his tire. Although it didnt knock him over, it was enough force for is foot to break the pedal on his bike (which his dad had just repaired admittedly). He was freaked and kept going, he thought it was his fault. The lady and a witness chased him down to make sure he was okay. He just wanted to be home and I wasn't there dammit!

I left the set.. the girls covered (of course, thats what we do)...   the only thing I wanted in the whole wide world was this... -->

I have so much to be grateful for. It could have been so much worse. Thank you Heavenly Father for protecting him I am indeed humbled and thankful for showing our family kindness today.

"Baby life goes on, That's what people say
But I'm nowhere If you go away
I'd just be looking For a brighter day"

That's What I Think by Cyndi Lauper
(mine and monkey boy's song, we would dance around the house to this song when he was a baby and toddler)

Diary of a Makeup Artist #26 - Testing aka "Thorn in My Side"

2010-01-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

TURN OFF THE MUSIC HERE---->

"or turn it up and shake it"

Before I dive into the Diary Thorn topic, I'm going to address a certain subject pertaining to "Shaking the Tree". The music. It's part of me, its part of my blog. I know some readers don't appreciate getting their ears blasted when they visit a blog. I've tried to keep my player easy to access so you can turn it off if your ears are bleeding. "Shaking the Tree" has many meanings for me. The tree in "Crabtree" (obviously), I like to shake my booty from time to time, I like to shake things up from time to time (I'm no mild mannered sweety poo poo mind you) and I like to ROCK hence the rock in "Rockwood" (obviously). Sorry but the music stays, I hope you still visit and rock out with me here.. K' nuff said..

Raise your hand if you want to be a makeup artist!
So there are all these schools around the country that are willing to take your money to teach you to be a makeup artist. Which is all fine and dandy if one wants to learn some basics (that can be read about in numerous books),but lets face it you cannot teach a person to be an artist, I beleive its a natural born ability that can be discovered, but not taught. Yea they'll have a photographer there and promise you an instant portfolio with pictures that look like this... (from my first few tests as a MUA)

This picture has never gotten me a job. Photography is nice, but the subject isn't up to standard. Yes its a harsh truth. I thought (and still think) she was very pretty but not portfolio-worthy.

This next girl, I thought had it all. 5'10, rail thin, beautiful face.. in fact she did have it all. But the photography and styling had alot to be desired for. This was the photog's first attempt at fashion and one of my younger sister's first attempts at modeling. This picture NEVER got me a job.

This was a Marilyn Monroe attempt. I wanted to show my diversity my mad impersonator skills. The model didn't fit the bill and what the heck was I thinking anyway? That I wanted to work back stage at an impersonator show? Uh, heck to the NO! Oh yea, I wanted to be Kevin Aucoin. He did stuff like this in his book. Note to self: Next time do it on a famous actress..

This picture never booked a gig either.

Putting together a portfolio that puts money in the bank was a HUGE 'Thorn in my side'.. I tested and tested with new photographers, old photographers, wanna be photographers til I thought my husband would divorce me for working painful long hours for FREE! One thing they fail to teach you in makeup school is how to successfully market yourself. Instead they release all these poor souls with giant boxes of makeup out into the field and say "Go, go make lots of money with all that overpriced crap in your shiny new box." The never tell them they will be testing (working for free) for the rest of their careers and that shots like these that you will actually get paid for will be few and far between. Unless your among the 4% of makeup artists who are actually working with celebs, famous photographers and on big budget films on a regular basis (and who have almost no life outside of their jobs I might add, this career and a family make a tough mix). Then your portfolio will be filled to the rim with shots like these.

$Money shots$. These two images get me tons of work to this day. A national ad campaign that was printed in Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ and actress Sienna Miller shot by famous photographer Brigitte Lacombe. FYI.. a makeup artist only gets paid $150 for working on the cover of Vogue. In all reality, any makeup artist would do it for FREE.

I always seize the opportunity to send these images to new and prospective clients. But my repeat clients (mainly photographers) need to see "new stuff" they want to see that I'm still on my game, that I can achieve the latest and greatest. As I am further into my career working for free just doesn't sound like fun. Actually I pay to work, for tests. It costs me nanny $, gas $, lunch $ and supply $. Now I am super picky when it comes to putting a project together. The model must be perfect, the photographer must be one I know and trust and there MUST be a stylist involved. So naturally, everyone good is always busy, including myself and it rarely happens. But when it happens and all the elements come together.... BAM its like magic and so very worth it!

So here's the deal! I NEED TO TEST! I need new images, I need new marketing material! I need this thorn in my side to blossom once again and give me roses. If I'm to take 2010 by storm I need to make this happen!
My number one $MONEY$ test shot, this shot has booked many a gig..

Thorn In My Side, by the Eurythmics

Monday Mingle - 2010

2010-01-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

TURN OFF THE MUSIC HERE---->

Visit 80 MPH mom and JOIN THE MINGLE ALREADY! :)

Gone Gone Gone

2010-01-03T23:43:00.000-08:00

I've been gone, gone, gone.... but now I'm back. Sorry no new exciting gigs to report on, its always scary slow during the Christmas ~ New Year stretch. I made a quick cash on New Years Eve at the Bellagio, I was back home by 9:30 pm covered in glitter from the Ice Princess Atmosphere models we prepped for the grand ball. Of course, I forgot my camera.. sheesh, someday I'll get the hang of that.But I didn't forget my camera on this day a few weeks ago. My siblings (and cousin Angie who is like my little sister) and I got together to cook a few days before Christmas, in an effort to bring our family traditions to Vegas. Our mothers spent hours over the stoves in one another's homes making tamales, posole, tortillas and cookies for the holidays. So we did the same for a day, it was well worth the calories just to revisit good childhood memories and make new ones with our own kids running amok.

The day after Christmas we headed to the snow in our Taurus. You know how you always feel like your forgetting something when your packing and you can't put your finger on it? Well, I did put my finger on it a bit too late. No dog sitter... eek! Ya, all our regulars were out of town and there was no room at the inn (kennel) for poor Ace. So we brought 97 pounds of fur, panting and slobber with us on our 4 day trip in the back seat. The monkeys were really good sports about it. Especially when he would stretch out and cram the two of them into one seat. Before we knew it not only did he take up their space, his whole head would be on the arm rest in the front seat between Mike and I. I would finally get fed up and climb out of my seat and scrunch him back down to a reasonable position. Mike was sure we were gonna get a ticket for attempting to moon an officer while wrestling with a canine. On the last day of our "planned" trip to Flagstaff AZ, we met with Mike's BFF and his family. We spent the day at the mall, we swanked it up with a fancy schmancy dinner and movie with the kids at Sam's Club. Yep were big spenders.

One thing I learned that day, is that it isn't always about where you are but who your with. Recognize this blogger? Yep that's Jeanette from Bliss. She is Mike's/ BFF's/ eternal companion... AND... one of my good good friends. We had such a great time catching up with the Shumway's, and we were so sad that the day went by so fast. So we extended our 4 days to 6 and followed them home. We stayed up late just like old times talking the night away. We had a flippin YUMMY dinner the next night and once again stayed up TOO late lolly gagging. Jeanette and I had a great time talking about Bloggerland, and YES gossiping about many of you.. LOL

I've always considered myself a lazy friend. I'm not into high maintenance friendships. To me my most cherished friends are the ones where you can pick up where you left off, no matter the amount of time in between visits. It's easy and comfortable and you can just be yourself.

It really was a great way to end the year. But I'm happy to say bye bye to 2009. Glad to see it "Gone Gone Gone"..... moving on..

Gone Gone Gone by Robert Plant and Allison Krause..

vacation

2009-12-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

Hello hello, I'm on a blogger vacation, and a sort of real vacation. Is visiting family an official vacation? Time off work, catching up, eating and sleeping. As much as I love spending time with family, I think its time for a real real vacation. And Disneyland cannot be included or my man might divorce me. I'm hoping for Washington D.C. in the spring. What about you? What was your favorite family vacation?

I'll be back in full force after the New Year. Toodles..

"Monday Morning" Mingle!

2009-12-14T00:06:00.000-08:00

TURN OFF MUSIC HERE ---------------------->

COME ON, I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU! go to www.eightymphmom.com and JOIN the mingle..
Happy Holidays!

Monday Morning by Fleetwood Mac

Wordless Wednesday... my work

2009-12-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

Photography: www.rousephotography.com
Hair and Makeup by Mary Rockwood-Crabtree
Advertising: Color Salon, Caesar's Palace

Blog Rock Update!

2009-12-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

I tend to post less when I'm rockin blogs. I love blogging and blog rockin fairly equal. Visit these rockin chicks and check out their new outfits I rocked for them.

If you or a friend are lookin for a rockin blog makeover email me mary@maryrc.com and visit my other blog... Blog Rock for more details.

Get your horns up and Lets Rock!

Here Comes the Sun - SPT repeat..

2009-12-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been gloomy and rainy here in Sin City Vicinity. We did get a peek of the sun today, so I shouldn't complain. I decided to repeat today with this post from June of 2008. SPT (Self Portrait Tuesday) was the meme that helped me launch into blogger hood. I made some awesome friends from SPT, but I dont really SPT any more. Well it's Tuesday, so.... why not, plus I'm in the mood for some Beatles.
________________________________________________________

Well this is my first time participating with SPT. I've been reading my buddy Jeanette's blogs and really dig the idea. So this weeks topic is "SUN" one of my favorite topics..
What can I say about the sun other than he is my friend. I was born in Needles CA one of the hottest places in the country, where the sun shines 98% of the time. I was raised in Arizona where it only shines a little less. I guess you can say I am a product of my environment. I do not think I even realized he was a part of my life, I had no idea what a good friend the sun was to me until I moved away from him.

I spent a brief stint in the 1990's in St. Louis, MO, 1 year, 5 months 2 weeks and 3 days to be exact. And as much as I missed my family and friends, I missed the sun more. It hid behind oogles of weather conditions on a constant basis. I would get so angry at the weather man when he would say, "Tomorrow there will be chances of Partly Sunny conditions at 12:03 p.m." Oh how, I wanted reach into the sky and part the clouds to see my yellow friend.
At first I didn't understand my depression. I simply did not know how to function without the sun. Where I came from, when it rained you stayed inside because it flooded, it never snowed so I didn't know how to drive on icy roads, and fog.. huh?? So basically, I stayed indoors alot because of my lack of weather skills.

Upon our return to the southwest, Las Vegas to be exact, I learned to appreciate the sunny days and clear blue skies. I am a much happier being with sunshine in my life. Even when it is cold in the southwest, the sun still shines. I am a big believer in forever friendships and I hope I will never again part with my good friend "the sun".
Gina, Nicole and Me basking in the sun at Big Surf, 1990.

"Here Comes the Sun" Cirque de Soliel number from LOVE my favorite!

Changes - Designer Christmas Debate

2009-11-30T21:33:00.000-08:00

Back in the days of toddler my house was oh so baby proofed. But I longed for grown up decor so much that I could sit and look at decor mags for hours on end. With each developmental stage my children achieved, I awarded myself with a breakable or two and happily discarded or gave away something made by Little Tykes or Fisher Price. The day I handed down our high chair was an oh so wonderful day. The day the toys were no longer stored in the living room was a bliss full one as well.

So naturally when Christmas came around, I gradually changed my decorations as well. We've gone through many stages.

The newlywed stage of popcorn on strings, paper chains and lots of ribbon from the dollar store.

The toddler stage of plastic ornaments and anything else that had unbreakable on the package. Which by the way, if someone made these in a more stylish fashion..... oh yea.. money.. but i don't have time so feel free..

The Pre-School and Early Elementary School stage of all Christmas decor made of construction paper, crayons and Elmer's glue.

Not that any of these stages are bad, oh no, they are all memorable and in fact I have pictures of them all. But I had always wanted a grown up tree. You know like the ones you see in Martha Stewart Living. I need one of my photographer friends to come and light my house, this point and shoot just isnt cutting it for a Christmas Magazine cover.

Well like my living room, my tree has graduated as well. Two years ago I started going designer, much to my family's dismay.

I love light blues, light greens and white, just love love it. This is actually the longest color stage I've been in. It all started with shabby chic I think.

Thanks to my BFF Rachelle who is a Christmas Tree Junkie and very proud of it, last year my tree became almost totally Designer. See she decided her white and silver Christmas tree just wasn't
working in her new dining room.. Hmmm darn..
So she so generously gave all her beautiful ornaments to me and well, now my tree just drips designer baby!

Mike says our tree needs it's color back... :( The kids agree. What??? What... are they talking about, I still allow space for Barbie and The Broncos.. That's what I mean by "almost" totally designer. And I don't put ALL of their ornaments on the back of the tree.. Just some of the left over "early elementary" ones, and besides, they're still on the tree.. I totally share the tree.

We still have remnants of Christmas Decor Past by the clock... See I'm not a total designer hog. I dunno what do you think, am I a stinky mom for going designer too soon?

And could you resist this sad poor puppy at your door saying "let me in, I promise I wont shed or stink up your house, really I'm way too innocent to do such a thing. No I haven't been rolling in the dirt, I'm so clean you could eat off my back." I believe him all the time, and still have to sweep up a pile of dirt every-time he goes back outside.

Changes by Kelly and Ozzy Ozbourne

keep on rockin me baby (awards that rock)

2009-11-29T18:31:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to give awards to some of my blogger friends who's blogs totally ROCK! They rock me because they effect me in one way or another. But these bloggers rock mostly because we have a "real" blogger friendship. I read them for reals and they read me for reals..

And with awards come rules. The Rocker of Blogs does hereby decree that all bloggers who are bequeathed the "This Blog Rocks" award, must henceforth bequeath this treasure to at least 5 bloggers who are of Rockin Blog decent.

I hereby bequeath this noble award to:

1. Keep in Touch With Mommakin
2. Housewife Savant
3. Bliss
4. Embrace the Chaos
5. The Five Fish (new friend)
6. Midday Escapades
7. Living in France (new friend)
8. One Moment at a Time
9. Without a Place
10. Tater Tot Mom
11. Absolutely Lady Like
12. Sassy Chica
13. Luv Ur Kids
14. Design It Chic
15. Life of a Cinnamon Girl

This code below the award can be pasted into your columns by clicking on "add Gadget" selecting "add HTML" and then a quick paste and save should do the trick.

Thanks for Rockin my blog world peeps. You really do ROCK!

rockin me by the steve miller band

Diary of a Makeup Artist #25, Happy Holly-Days!

2009-11-25T10:56:00.003-08:00

I must say, going to the mailbox and finding a fun magazine cover that you were a part of, is one of the perks of being a Makeup Artist. Meet Holly Madison. For those of you (like me) who do not know a thing about "The Girls Next Door", whelp she is formerly one of them. Or perhaps you know her as a contestant on "Dancing With the Stars", I know her as the new star of "Peep Show" being that I'm here in Vegas.

This particular shoot I almost missed because my schedule with another 2 day client kept changing. Well I had put my foot down with 2 day client and said look, this is not a shoot I want to give away, all my Vegas Vanities (whom I would trust with my life let alone a client) were booked and I was not about to hand this gig to a newbie. They were cool about it and I was able to hire an assistant to cover me on the 2 day gig . Now as fate would have it, both gigs were at the same location. So I was able to saunter over to the Luxury shoot in a matter of minutes. I hate double dipping days, they're too stressful, trying to get from one location to another and not knowing if shoot 1 is going to wrap on time to make it to shoot 2. I NEVER have this kind of luck, so I avoid the double dip booking.

Another thing I try to avoid (when the bank account is full) are wanna be Playmates. These are the most difficult insecure girls you will ever meet in your life, there is not enough black eyeliner or lip liner to make them happy. The bad hair extensions and cheap plasic surgery really dont help in the self esteem department too. I will admit that I have worked for Playboy directly. BUT only on shoots that involve full clothing.
Now, this Holly Madison girl isnt IMO your typical glamour model. She really has a good head on her shoulders. She is a character, and loves to meet people who themselves play characters. And she takes care of herself. Her skin was flawless and her bod in super duper shape, due to dancing nightly in Peep Show I'm sure. She told me she wants to be in more numbers in the show (it really is a cake job, originally her part was only 1 number shes already up to 3). She's also stoked about being a Vegas resident and is loving living here. (I personally hated my first year here, but what can I say Vegas has been good to me).

So the shoot was in Raos Resturaunt, mmmmm we had an amazing pizza I'd never had before with thinly sliced proscuitto, artichokes, mushrooms and Kamlata olives. You salt lovers would dig this concoction. Beth our publisher and Holly were going for a "Mad Men" feel for the shoot. And remember my friend Jason the costume designer? Well I don't know if I've mentioned that he is also a Wig Master and Hair Designer. I checked to see if he could replace me when i was trying to deal with my schedule and when I told him I didnt need him he pleaded for the chance to work with Holly. So I shared the love and brought him aboard.

For makeup I went with the classic retro Marilyn Monroe look. It takes the right bone structure to pull this look off and Holly certainly has it.

All in all it turned out to be a great shoot and nice and fast... (my fave) And the results are certainly fun.

Happy Holidays by the Manhattan Transfer

New Moon on Monday (Mingle Week #3)

2009-11-23T01:07:00.000-08:00

My actual Mingle is short and I have included my own personal honest review of the New Moon movie as well. Spoilers, tho most of you who care have read it and its irrelivant. No its not all roses, I'm very picky when it comes to movies. Remember my expectations were low and lets face it, the saga is not a cinematic masterpiece. With that said, lets Mingle

TURN OFF THE MUSIC HERE------------------->

Visit 80 mph Mom and join the mingle peeps... I triple dog dare you!!

New Moon on Monday by Duran Duran (How appropriate is that?)

"NEW MOON PARTY POST BELOW!!"

New Moon Report!

2009-11-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

Well Thursday was a crazy crazy day. I had a shoot that morning with Luxury for a new fashion spread for spring. Photographer Available - set, Makeup and Hair Available - set, Major Resort Location - set, Thousands of dollars in 2010 spring fashion - set, Gorgeous Tan blond Model - ........ Uh no pale girl with jet black hair was more like it. Yeah, our model decided to go goth before the shoot.. Go figure :) This has Diary of a Makeup Artist written all over it! Shoot - canceled and rescheduled.

Was I furious? Not so much. The NM Party was later that evening and this freed me up to prepare. Rachelle and I hooked up and went shopping for snacks and T-Shirts for her daughter and her friend. What a site Hot Topic was (Goth Model's favorite place to shop I'm sure) it was packed full of Moms, Cougs and Grandmas buying up the Twilight franchise (no teens they were all in school putting on good student faces because the following day half of them would be asleep in class). One can't help but giggle while digging through piles of Edward garb. I bet Twilight lingerie would sell like hot cakes. I didn't purchase a thing, I feel I must hold back since my contribution to the Stephenie Meyer is grandiose enough without Edward's eyes across my breasts. I resist the Twi-Hard card.

We arrived at the theatre later that evening and walked right past the Twi-Hards. I swear the back of my neck was singed by wishful death rays from the line.

We did a quick and easy set up in the party room, confirmed the number of Twilighters in our party (grand total was 56, can you believe that?) and then went to check the theater to approve our reserved seating. Oh we APPROVE!!

For me this was a spectacle. I had to show all my friends all night. We'd saunter into the theatre and gasp at the number of reserved empty seats among the Twi-Hards who had waited for hours in line for a good seat and then sat in said seats until the movie started 3 hours later. I heard plenty of Mary Crabtree bad mouthing going on when I would show another friend the site.

I forgot my phone in Boulder City, so I was sort of spastic and useless (I was waiting for people who didnt have their tickets and had no way to get a hold of me), thank goodness Rachelle was using her organizing skills to manage the party and stay awake. The evening was filled with card games, goofy teens, caffeinated beverages and great friends. How was the movie? I'll save that for Monday Mingle :)

This video is for anyone who knows anything about Twilight and wants to laugh your arse off! I'm really digging The Key of Awesome. Whispering Writer would appreciate this one..

and this older one too in honor of all Twi Hards.. This was by far my favorite.. Andie Rocks!

(Not So) Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-17T22:57:00.000-08:00

I tried to just post the picture, but the story behind it is just too important.

We adopted Ace as therapy for Boo who was severely afraid of dogs, cats, birds, etc. His fear began when he was quite little with a couple of traumatizing experiences with mean dogs. At 7 years old it was escalating and we knew we had to do something, so we decided we needed a family pet. We searched and searched for a dog, we visited many shelters and considered a few dogs, it was really hard for Boo to visit each place, he just couldn't look at all those dogs. Finally on a Saturday at Pets Mart, the Nye County Shelter had rescue dogs in the store. Ace was just as timid as Boo. Ace buried his nose in my arm, he just couldn't look at all those people. We took him to a quiet corner of the store to see how they would react, Boo was peeking out from behind Mike and Ace was peeking out from behind me. He was 4 months old and a perfect match. So we took him home. And as you can see, the therapy worked...

Random (Tuesday's Gone) Thoughts

2009-11-17T00:14:00.000-08:00

Hosted by The Un-Mom

First Timer here... I've seen lots of my blogger buds participate in this meme, figure I'll give it a go.

My outside garbage can is missing again. There must be a garbage burglar that sweeps away my beloved can once a year. Maybe I'll catch the said person. I spray painted the crap out of that thing, it HAS to be somewhere around here. The sad thing is it will take me 8 months to replace it if I don't find it.

Health Care Insurance is out of control in this country. My family pays monthly fees that add up to thousands of dollars every year (which is less than half of our actual premium) and we are still considered under-insured by the Nevada Health District. A simple physical isn't even covered????

I'm waiting for Hollywood to put out another film like Forrest Gump. I love feel good epics, not to mention Robert Zemekis.

I cant seem to finish a book lately. I'm invested in the following: A Good Earth, The Host, Great Expectations, Wheel of Time, and some Nora Roberts book I cant remember the name of..

Sleeping is over rated... I wish..

Tuesday's Gone by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Manic Monday Mingle -Week Two

2009-11-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

I just love my screen capture face again. Really You Tube, can you find a more flattering shot next week, thank you.

Turn off the Music Here-------------------->

Visit 80 MPH Mom and join the mingle. I totally didnt get the finger tapping question. pinky to pointer...

Manic Monday by the Bangles

Sunday Morning (Grateful)

2009-11-15T19:35:00.000-08:00

Well so much for my meme week. Its feast or famine time again. I'll give it another go. You saw alot of me the last few weeks and now I must go away for 7 days. Yes I am grateful, this weeks gig is a Cure for Cancer week. So you bet I will be counting my blessings for 7 days. Also, looking forward to Thursday night... HOLLA... I'm gonna be totally useless for work on Friday, hope our call time isnt ridic! Oh well a Twi-firm's (not Twi-Hard) gotta do what a Twi-firm's gotta do. There will be pictures for sure, cant wait to share and wish you were all there.

I'm going to copy Cara and Jenn at Momentum of Motherhood's Sunday Grateful... I figure I'd better start now.

1. Mike was home for 5 days this week. Hence the screeching halt on blogging.
2. 2 kids who's smiles make it all worth it.
3. My Primary class and the plastic jewelry accessories they give me, makes dressing up for church a breeze.
4. The Gospel of Jesus Christ
5. Friends.. old, new and cyber.
6. Books
7. Soccer season is over.
8. Employment
9. Upcoming Holidays
10. Heros (I so dig this show)

How much you wanna bet this list will get better by the end of the week.
What are you grateful for today?

Sunday Morning by Maroon 5

blog rock giveaway WINNER WINNER

2009-11-10T22:41:00.000-08:00

So after accounting for everyone's entries, I then assigned them all number and then I used Randomizer. Here is the screen capture!
And the Lucky winner is number 9... watch this Vlog to see who #9 is..

Yay for Janiece! She and Meegan really worked this giveaway! Cant wait to see what she comes up with for Ideas!

This is the Last Time...Blog Rock Giveaway

2009-11-09T23:03:00.001-08:00

3 posts in one day.. really Mary... get a life... or get some work! (recession's fault, thats my story)

TOMORROW IS THE LAST GIVEAWAY DAY! You have until 9:30 p.m. to get all your entries in and I will draw the winner via Vlog at 10 p.m!

And on a blog rock note. Here are some blog designs for sale that I had fun whipping up in my down time.

I've been in a vintage mood, can you tell. These are all on sale for $35.00 normally $50.00. If the giveaway winner is fond of one of these, it's all there's.

This is also an example of what you can win in this giveaway. At this point I have less than 20 entries, :( So you could really rock it tomorrow!!

Good luck! Got a job in the morning with a chick running for Governor of California... should be interesting..

This is the Last Time by Keane

Monday Mingle - first post..

2009-11-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

My gal over at Midday Escapades did a weeks worth of meme's.. Inspired.. so here is my first one. (no work this week can you tell)

ooooh love the screen capture youtube chose LOVELY face...

TURN OFF THE MUSIC HERE------------->

Keanu story

Monday Mingle hosted by 80 MPH Mom.. join in the fun, would love to see all your beautiful faces.

ALSO: New Makeup Tip Below
Blog Rock Giveaway ENDS TOMORROW...! Free Blog Design.

Makeup Tip #4 - True (Toner)

2009-11-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

BLOG ROCK GIVEAWAY, Free Blog Design Baby!! Only 2 days left check it!!

So I have a few secrets up my sleeve when it comes to skin care. This one really is totally old school but still applies and something that is so important but so forgotten as well. One thing I learned back in the day working at a cosmetic counter was that women want to fix skin problems with makeup...

They'd come and say things like

"I need a new foundation, my skin is flaky" or "My foundation is making me really oily, can you suggest a new one" or "My foundation is turning orange, I need a new one." or "My foundation is separating and coming off, I need a different one."

So people, "I know this much is true", you cant fix your skin problems with makeup...

The same questions would come up regarding moisturizers and skin treatments. "It's not working." "My skin is breaking out in pimples." etc. etc.

When I was in training I hung on to a tid-bit of information that really really stuck with me.

PH Balance...

xxx

The first time I'd ever heard of PH Balance was with Sea Breeze back in the 80's. So what is the magic product that can 90% of the time fix all your problems? A simple toner.. Yup, that's it.. See without PH Balance in the skin, your acidity levels are whack and because of this your skin actually rejects any treatment you apply, so all that expensive skin care is sitting on your skin and wasting away. Some people still see small results with skin care, but when you add a toner, you are guaranteed bigger better results.

Here is a great clip from AnswerBag

"When you skin ph is too high it means your skin will be less able to fight off bacterial infections, acne and oil skin (??). When you skin ph is too low your skin will appear dull, aged and un-elastic. You see in the skin there are two layers the outer layer, the epidermis layer, and the inner layer, the Dermal layer. One is responsible for fighting off Bacteria (Epidermis layer) and the other responsible for making your skin appear more elastic and youthful (Dermal Layer). It is important that you maintain your skin ph around the 5.5 range because the epidermis layer functions better in acidic conditions whereas the Dermal layer functions better in Akaline conditions. I hoped this helped."

This was a dangerous piece of information to a cosmetic sales girl who was sick of pushing unnecessary products on people. I'd send them home with a toner, not the most expensive thing at the counter and their problems would be fixed. Needless to say, my sales went way way down because I was fixing problems instead of pushing the latest, greatest most expensive new product at the counter. I have a hard time endorsing products I don't believe in.

Toner seems like a pain in the hiney step, you gotta get the cotton ball, open and close the bottle, throw the cotton away, etc. What I do is buy a small spritzer from the travel section and fill it with a non alcohol toner, and before I step out of the shower, spritz the face before you dry it. Simple and done! I've also learned that toner is great for dry scalp as well, my hubby and I both struggle with it with our dry climate and hard water. We keep a spritzer of Rosewater and Witch hazel for our heads in between shampooing and conditioning. Works like a charm. My uncle was having issues with dry hands and callouses, he too started spritzing his hands before lotion and it worked!

Is there a magic toner? NO... Here is the tricky part, as is with all products. REMEMBER THE TRUTH "We all have a different body chemistry, so what works for you, may not work for me." So I say, start at the drug store and work your way up the chart. Would there be thousands of different products and a billion dollar beauty industry if there was one magic line for everyone?

What works for me is Loreal Hydra Fresh Toner. I also like Kiehls array of toners. And as for my scalp, Thayer's does the trick for me.

Let me end with. If something burns or causes raised redness or a pimply rash, stop using it. If you have some blemishes, most likely your skin is purging and a complete skin cycle is about 3 to 4 weeks, which seems like forever. And if you just ate a bag of Butterfingers like me, you cant blame your makeup when zits start to show up.

So when in doubt, Toner it out!

True by Spandau Ballet

I'm so excited!

2009-11-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

Are you a Twilighter? Am I a Twilighter? If this is a question I "have " to ask myself, maybe I'm not a true blue Twilighter. I started reading the novels about 3 or 4 years ago, before the hoopla, before the mania. And I loved reading the books, can't say in retrospect that I LOVED all of the books, but the journey was fun and I hooked more than 30 people on the saga and only saw the movie in the theatre 4 times, but I'm not sure I'm true blue. I don't even own the dvd (I decided Edward couldn't be in my house, I would never get anything done). But true blue? Maybe aqua blue..

For the Twilight movie premiere, my friend Heidi (who's daughter I gave Twilight to for her 13 birthday, and she was like "oh, thanks" in a polite, your mother told you to be grateful sort of tone) rented a party room at a theatre to house her daughter (who's gift I gave her sat on her bookshelf for 3 months until she needed a book for English class and then proceeded to read non stop for a week, her mother had never seen anything like it, then I was her best Twilight friend) and her Twilighter friends. Mom was eventually sucked into the books as well because she "had" to see what her daughter was reading so ferociously, and thus she wanted to house all the Twilight Moms as well. Wow, I'm making this long... Anyway.... So for the midnight Twilight premiere we were the envy of the movie house because not only did we NOT have to sit for 3 hours and wait for the movie to start (we were partying it up in the party room), but we also had prime reserved seating. Alas, Heidi has moved to Oregon, (miss her) so Rachelle and I figured we'd carry on the tradition.

People must have caught on because when we called for the party room last month we were told it was booked. OH what a bummer. Because of this my excitement for the midnight New Moon premiere hadn't been at a level even close to what it should have been. My girls and I halfheartedly made loose plans to go to dinner and catch the show.

While blogging yesterday, I came across a New Moon countdown that said there were only 15 days left and decided it was time to at least buy tickets, and why not check other theatres about party rooms? No party room, party room booked, no luck. So I called the original theatre again and asked if I could have a party group "without" the room, I figured, its in a casino and maybe we could rent a room in the hotel and pay to reserve seats... yes, I'm a genius sometimes, especially when it comes to partying. So the manager says "Oh yea we do that, lemme get the book." My excitement is rising at this point because theres a book! She gets back on the phone and says "Oh wait." (oh wait sounds bad, oh no) "I have two parties booked that night, (bad bad bad New Moon excitement deflating again) but the party room is available" "Uh could you please repeat that, I don't think I'm following." I blubber. "Yes, ma'am the party room IS available. Sorry about that." She's sorry.... I love this woman... AAAAAAAAAAHHHH! I'm screaming in my head. "ITS MINE!" I say in a voice resembling Beelzebub. That missing New Moon excitement comes flooding into my body so fast that I'm shaking.

After I reserve and assure the woman that we will confirm within the next few hours, I hang up, I call my girl Rachelle, no answer... call again.... voicemail.. I text her "OH MY HELL CALL ME NOW!" she does... "Whats wrong, I'm at Costco." 'I GOT THE ROOM, I GOT THE FREAKIN ROOM!" yes I am yelling at this point and standing outside because I've been pacing the house and I needed air, so now the whole neighborhood knows I got the room. "You got the room? OH YOU GOT THE ROOM! OH OH WHAT DO I DO?" now everyone at Costco knows we got the room. Once we calmed down Rachelle drove straight to the theatre and flat paid for everything to make sure it was all ours. She also pre bought 35 tickets! All it took was a few phone calls and 35 tickets were gone in less than an hour. It was New Moon Mayhem, and fun to hear grown women on the other end of the line just as excited as we were. We had to make our own cute tickets too ya know, this is special stuff..

Now I will say this, my expectations for the actual movie are low. But my expectations for a great time with a bunch of giddy women are quite high. Hanging out laughing, eating, playing cards and oogling at sparkle boy and hunky dog... now that's a good time...

And I've added a countdown widget to my blog.... he he...

BLOG ROCK GIVEAWAY, Free Blog Design Baby!! check it!!

I'm So Excited by the Pointer Sisters

blog rock giveaway

2009-11-04T00:27:00.000-08:00

ONE YOU WON'T WANNA MISS... TRUST ME..

http://blogrockmaryrc.blogspot.com

Vlog #2 Questions? any Questions?

2009-11-03T20:27:00.000-08:00

You may want to shut off the music --->

And on a sidenote SUPER SMOOCHES to Sassy Chica for this award.

Awards are so fun. They validate my rising blogging time on the computer when I could be doing other things like cleaning the kitchen, doing the laundry, picking up dog doo in the back yard. But Awards totally justify ignoring these things, don't you agree? Thanks for the LOVE Sassy and the justification. But the thing with awards is, there are rules. Which is a good thing, rules make it official. So I must blog officially... right?

The rules for this award are very simple...see for yourself

1. Post award on your blog, thank the person who awarded you and link back to their blog.

2. Pass the award to 15 newly found or favorite blogs you feel are worthy of the Best Blog Title.

(be sure to let the awarded blogger know you have awarded them this lovely honor)

My picks are... in no "official" order...

Bliss
Luv Ur Kids
Housewife Savant
Whispering Writer
This Mama Rocks
Sweet Jeanette
Tampons and Chocolate
Happy Hour Somewhere
Stir Fry Awesomeness
Tater Tot Mom
Jessica Without A Place
Janice One Moment at a Time
Lene Embrace the Chaos
Midday Escapades
Life of a Cinnamon Girl

Honorable mention to Keep In Touch With Mommakin, but she got the same award from Chica too.

When It's Over

2009-11-02T00:21:00.000-08:00

The party was a super duper success! Oh what fun it was. I was the D.J. and the dance floor was groovin all night. Yep, I'll pat myself on the back thank you very much... It also helps to have a crook to drag people onto the dance floor with. It was so much fun I had to start a whole new blog about it! Oh yea blog blog blog! www.bcpartytime.com Lots of great slideshows, see the fun and plan on coming next year! (actually the old site is coming down anyway, blogging is just an easier way to let the other hosts and guests chime in)

Thanks again to Jason at Time After Time Designs for my Bo Peep Costume and thank you to my black sheep for enduring another year of mayhem.

Goodbye Monster! It was fun while it lasted, now its time to stuff you into boxes again until next year. Hello Pilgrim!

When It's Over by Loverboy

Monster Mash!

2009-10-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

This last week was just that, a huge monster mashin up my life. But I don't mind, I love this monster, it brings me spooky joy and creativity. The Halloween Monster happens to one that I welcome into my home every year. I count the days until October 1st so I can put up my decor and spook out. It's also time to plan the Halloween Bash. But somehow this October came very fast and the days have slipped by. This year we couldn't find time to do a special Halloween invite shoot. Our schedules just didn't jive. And we didn't have time for a finger making luncheon, and without Amy this year it seemed fitting to just make the pointers myself.

I use morton's salt dough recipe for these beauties. (great for school projects too I might add) I shape and sculpt them by hand. I could only get 80 of them done this year and it took me much longer than the first year when I made only 30. Here they are all decked out.

Here is the invite we pair them with. We tie them to door knobs. I like giving people the finger.

Every year the finger is a new design. They are really quite collectible. This year makes #5 so we have a full hand.Earlier this week the Monster came crashing down in the garage. My costume rack collapsed and there were costumes all over the place. I took this as an opportunity to open the costume shop since I had to fix the rack anyway. I sent out emails and text messages to friends telling them to come grab a costume while the grabbin was good.

Looks like the Halloween Monster threw up in my living room. Well I managed to lend out 12 get ups and there are still more to loan out. People think I'm kidding when I tell them I have an arsenal of costumes.

Not dressing up for Halloween just isnt an option in my book. I am a creative person to the bone. If its not creative I'm really not interested. It stems from both sides of my family and I feel blessed to have it my blood. Halloween is an opportunity for fun, expression and imagination. For me it just doesnt get any better than that.

This crazy October also put me behind in the costume deciding and making department. This is a piece of Mike's costume, he's gonna be a black sheep. My friend Jason over at Time After Time Designs is hooking me up with a fancy Bo Peep costume. And with him at the machine, I know its gonna rock! Can't wait to party it up on Friday. Visit www.crabtobhux.com for party info.

Monster Mash

diary of a makeup artist #25 monopoly.. really??

2009-10-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

As I have said before, my job takes me into interesting situations. Today I find myself in the midst of the Monopoly World Championships. Mr. Monopoly the live version is here as well as players from around the world. I'll post more later, I forgot my camera dang it!

post signature

Diary of a Makeup Artist #24 - Nothin At All

2009-10-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

"Who is your favorite celebrity you've worked with?"

This is a question I get asked often. Honestly it makes me uncomfortable because I feel like my favorite isn't the asker's favorite and they're never impressed. Jude Law, Sylvester Stallone, Molly Sims... none hold a candle to "Heart"in my book.

I can still remember in the 8th grade opening a gift that contained a cassette entitled "HEART". This was MY tape, not my dad's L.P. that he would make me a copy of, this was a true cassette with a genuine cover and the songs printed (not handwritten) on the cassette itself. Ooooh see see, the lyrics are written in the jacket, no more rewinding and fast forwarding trying to figure out the words to my favorite songs. And look how cool Ann and Nancy were, I'll be staring at this for hours thank you very much, AND it rocked!
Listening to Ann belt out a rockin tune in her amazing crisp and rich voice was not new to me. See my dad Ted had quite the album collection. Most kids my age were brought up on Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton and Inglebert Humperdink. Not me.. Foghat, Zeppelin, Beatles and Heart were belted in my home. The living room was filled with shelves loaded with vinyl. When dad was listening to music, it was so LOUD you couldn't hear yourself think, so why bother to even try to think, just sit back and enjoy. I would thumb through the numerous albums looking for my favorite covers while my ears were bleeding, just hanging and rockin out with Dad. (It's really no wonder why I'm hard of hearing these days.)

This one used to just freak me out. I would make myself look at it so I wouldn't be a fraidy cat.To this day, Heart is still one of my favorite bands, Ann still has her voice and they sound amazing live. Once on a 10 day shoot, everyone forgot their music except me, and I had brought along my Heart collection. Now, I get teased by my family crew for the 10 days of angry female music they were put through. It's all good. The truth is, I was in heaven those 10 days.

So imagine my horror when I received a booking call to ready the girls for a Led Zeppelin A&E Biography. I was having Keanu flashbacks, I was tempted to give the job away. I was afraid I would throw up in Ann's lap. I remember praying in the car, crying and telling myself over and over again what a professional I was and I could be calm, cool and collected. This was NO BIGGIE, who were these chicks anyway? Normal people, aging singer and guitar player. Probably NOT nice, probably high maint and probably total witches dang it! Who needs these girls anyway, I'll show them.. who do they think they are? They're nothing without my talent and brushes. Who cares this was "Nothin at All!" humphh

I stomped into the studio, didn't even bother to look into the green room, (I was too cool to even try to peek) walked straight to the makeup room. Where there was a woman in the chair getting her hair done. Who was this woman? She was so..... average looking, no makeup, a t-shirt and rollers in her hair. Whew.... civilian. "Mary, I'd like you to meet Ann, you'll be doing her makeup today, Nancy will be in from L.A. very soon." said the producer. Oh for the love of all that is good please dont let me crap myself. "Hi Ann, nice to meet you." "Pleasure." said Ann. I'm proud to say I kept my composure chanting to myself "This is a civilian in my chair, this is a civilian in my chair." We made pleasant small talk, she was horribly tired, they were on tour, she needed to save her voice, so I kept my mouth shut and gave her the makeup she wanted.

Later Nancy came in, what a SWEETIE! Very pleasant, she was chatty, we talked kids, we talked about their new album Jupiter's Darling at the time. We talked movies, her husband is Cameron Crow and then we had a most memorable moment. I felt I could share at this point . "Nancy, can I just tell you something and promise you wont freak out?" "Sure, whats up?" "I'm a HUGE Ann fan. She is such a freakin rock star!" I cried. "I KNOW, isnt she amazing? My sister F'n rocks, she blows me away to this day!" she said as she shared in my excitement. Then she went on to brag about her sister and all her accomplishments. Ann's number one fan is clearly Nancy. (Which is most likely why I've never gotten a callback, I could give Nanc a run for her money.) Here they are in my makeup garb. Ann likes it strong, Nancy just enough not to look to underdone next to Ann. Yep, that was my favorite celeb day of all time. Hope you're not disappointed.

In 2007 I worked backstage at the VH1 Rock Honors where Heart was honored. I was nowhere to be found when Heart was rehearsing for this performance. Hearing Ann rehearse was such a treat. That raw voice during mic check... oh yeah I have goose pimples just thinking about it.

So everybody has one... What celebrity would you like to work with?

Nothin At All by Heart

Diary of a Makeup Artist #23 - Zombie

2009-10-17T00:34:00.000-07:00

Ever get a song stuck in your head and you just wish your head would explode because that would be better than the endless loop suffering you've been enduring? Well I'm experiencing that phenomenon as we speak. All because of my illustrious career as a hair and makeup artist. A career that is turning me into a mindless zombie. I'm stumbling around and my brain is repeating the same thing over and over again, non stop.... I wish it was repeating "brains" 'brains".

Once again I am here to school you on the not so fun part of my career. It's not all lipstick and baubles girls. Not only is it hard work, its hours that are inhumanly wrong and ear torture, all in the name of the shot. That's right the un-goodly things we creatives will do to get the perfect shot. There are oh so many things we would do for that coveted image, I will now touch on a few.

Being in Vegas I am lucky enough to work on commercials and print ad campaigns for the resorts here. I was a happy crew member of a recent commercial for the Palms. I can't give away the details until the project aires, but once it does, I will be sure to post it.

Because resorts don't want to lose business due to shoots, we get the pleasure of working crazy off hours that never coincide with normal family activity. Scheduling baby sitters and sleep can be tricky to say the least. Day one our call time was 4pm and we wrapped at 2:30 am. I was in bed by 4am, back up at 7am to get the kids off to school, back in bed by 8:30 am, the dog woke me up at 10:30 am, that's when i realized that soccer uniforms for the game i was going to miss later were in the dirty clothes, so i did a load of laundry and was asleep on the couch again by 10:45, then the dog barked again, (the neighbors were doing yard work, Ace wasn't having it) but that was okay, but the wet clothes in the dryer, passed out shortly there after, until i heard the dryer, folded the clothes... back to sleep until 2pm, time to pick up the kids, do homework and zombie through until Mike came home, went to parent open house, came home for a nap (not a great one). Got ready for work at 9:30 call time was 11pm. Worked all night, did 8 different looks through out the night on our talented talent, this was a feat I tell you, yes She Works Hard for the Money... I was home by 11am. I'm starting to ramble because my clock is still off.. Mike let me sleep most of the day, now I'm tired but I'm up...

Oh and our commercial was centered around a song that we played over and over and over again. I'm still hearing that song over and over and over again, I hate this song now, its a cruel dumb dumb song... But the commercial is going to rock, with the dumb song and all..

Anyway, the Palms has been good to me, I've been lucky enough to work on a few of their national commercials, they like my work, so I'm grateful for their generosity. Here's a few past commercials I've done for them as Key Makeup and Hair..

Mouse over and click off the music real quick---->

Okay, I'm off to bed again, hope i can recoup my normal hours now and shake off the Zombieland I've been living in the last two days.

Zombie by the Cranberries

Time After Time

2009-10-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Dear Father Time,

That's it, I've had enough of not having enough. You think you're so funny, all your running out, aging and flying by. Well I'm going to take some of your time to ramble about you and your cruel ways.

Time Flies When Your Having Fun: This must be true because I cant remember the last time I had endless fun. I am looking forward to the Halloween Bash, its a party that always ends too soon. I could dance the night away, I'm the first one on the floor and the last. But time is getting away from me. We are days away and no costume, I haven't had the time to come up with something.

Where Does the Time Go: I have no idea, but it certainly doesn't go into rollover minutes, I could use some extra rollover minutes, but I suppose I've used up all my time. If I had rollover minutes I would use them at the end of each day to play play play on the computer and blog blog blog.

Time is Fleeting: My flippin 20 year high school reunion is coming up. I remember thinking how ancient I would be when this day would come. But hey idiot teen self, watch it, I feel and look nowhere near ancient. Just because time has played this trick of fleeting on me doesn't mean I'm old.

Use Your Time Wisely: These last 2 weeks of no work, do you think I've practiced this? No I've used my time Dumbly. My house should have been in pristine condition, Halloween decorations should all have been up (huge box of outdoor, not up yet), all web and blog updates should have been done, and kid's homework done and on schedule. NOT!

If I Could Turn Back Time: This is always a tough one because I like who I am, and know that wouldn't be the case if I screwed with the course of my history. But there are a few changes, like better grades, I'd have skipped a relationship or two, better health, etc. Anyone ever asked you if you could do high school all over again, would you? Only if I could take back the knowledge of my today brain. Otherwise no.

If I Could Save Time in a Bottle: Sounds like a pensive doesn't it. Is that where Rowling got that from. I would save all those blissful moments of love between Mike and I, when nothing else mattered.

No Time Like the Present: I would love a present of time. You see I have none and the older I get the faster it gets away from me. I have yet to learn time management. I'm always on time for work and forever late to church. I need to prioritize. I don't have enough time to finish my to do list. Perhaps if i took the time to better prepare my days, this wouldn't be a problem....

I think time is problematic in general... I think it needs to go into a time out! Maybe I need a time out, oh that sounds lovely..

It's time to go to bed... Hope I don't clock watch all night I have to get up early.

Visit Time After Time Designs my buddy Jason is a costume designer. Spend a little time there. Check his blog too.

Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper

For those about to rock - Blog Rock!

2009-10-06T00:02:00.001-07:00

click to visit Blog Rock

I've done two blog makeovers these last two weeks, and these ladies couldn't be more different!

click to visit Sweet Jeanette

But man was it fun working on both ends of the spectrum.

click to visit Happy Hour Somewhere

Visit these lovely ladies by clicking on these links or visit Blog Rock and see how I "ROCKED" the versatility.

For Those About to Rock by AC DC

Grim Grinning Ghosts

2009-10-05T02:04:00.000-07:00

YES! It's that time of year again, the time of year that I relish in my deep seeded childhood that I cant let go of. Growing up in the 80's was kinda tough when your family didnt have much cashola, so needless to say my sisters and i didnt have the latest fashions like the other cool girls. I didn't have the "Gag Me With a Spoon" T-Shirt or the Guess Jeans. But since my mom is a seamstress when October came around, we knew were were gonna Rock You Like a Hurricane! Halloween is afoot my friends and that means Mary RC goes nuts with the decorations, (which you can see here, they haven't changed much) costumes and most of all the Halloween Bash.

Things are a little different this year, and sadly in some ways. The Halloween Bash in the past 4 years has been hosted by 3 couples. One couple is out this year, the Tobler's. We'll miss them tons. And we don't have a super special invite either this year, we used some old pics and doctored them up. With Mike working in California we couldn't line up the 4 of us and a photographer in time. Before I knew it, WHAM the invite was over due.. But this will suffice. And I must add that my friend Jessica from Without a Place and her hubby Chris, are helping us out this year. Were hoping they can recruit some new blood for the party.

Here are some invitations from the past..

This was our Guess Who's Coming Invite from 2006

Next we have out Haunted Mansion Invite with the guys as the hitchhiking ghosts.

And last year's, which is my favorite, three girls as the Hocus Pocus sisters..

Now I just have to figure out what the heck Mike and I are gonna be this year. I was thinking John Lennon and Yoko Ono would be funny, long frizzy wigs, pajamas, peace signs maybe a beard for Mike.

But I'm afraid Yoko looks too much like The Grudge, and I hate it when people don't know what or who I'm supposed to be. Last year NO ONE knew who I was, I was Lydia from Beetlejuice, Mike was Beetlejuice. Nobody got it. :(

Maybe it was because my spiked bangs fell off..

Any suggestions?

Coming of Age

2009-10-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

Once in a while a necessary evil creeps up on me. Headshots... I hate taking headshots. Why would someone like me who has the experience and knowledge of what it takes for a great shot, hate this process? Because I feel I have the judgemental skills of one who could be on a panel like ANTM or Project Runway, thats why. I hate looking at pictures of myself taken with high tech, high end camera with great lighting and even great makeup. And still... Why do I hate? Because when you can still see flaws and signs of age even with all the beauty bells and whistles, I judge, and it depresses me.

These my friends are unretouched headshots, and the wrinkled forehead, large pores and crows feet are killing me.. Today it feels official... MY NAME IS MARY ROCKWOOD CRABTREE, I'M 37 YEARS OLD AND I AM COMING OF AGE, there's no denying it, even behind chunky glasses. BUT give a girl credit here, I coming to terms and embracing the idea of this by posting these pics. I retouch everything I post, its a sickness. Did you ever hear the saying "everyone looks good on myspace", well "everyone looks good on shaking the tree" too..

Coming of Age by the Damn Yankees

Makeup Tip #3, In Your Eyes..

2009-09-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

I've been lacking for clever blog topics, because my brain is soooo geared for Graphic Design these days (I'm designing blogs and websites while I sleep) my other creative outlets are stumped. So I said to myself "Self, how about a makeup tip today?" And I said "Ya, but what do people wanna hear from me? What secret dare I share? I mean I can't give the whole cookie away, can I?"

Nope but will a crumb suffice?

So when it comes to civilian smokey eyes time after time I see almost as much smoke under the eye as on the lid. Making the poor girl look as if she has already been out all night before she stepped out of her bathroom. Well when it comes to a clean looking smokey eye, you need to take precaution. Even Oprah has advice on this... I believe Kevin Aucoin had this same advice as well.

Apply loose powder under the eye over your foundation and concealer to protect it. When your done blacking out.. swish the dirty powder away with a fan brush. My question is how many of us actually have a fan brush in our makeup bag? "I DON'T EVEN HAVE ONE THERE!" It definitely works getting the excess powder off, but if your like me and have lovely lines under your eyes, 9 times out of 10 that excess powder over-sets your concealer and then its cakey. While I don't entirely disagree with this method, (great for Halloween) I like my way better.

It's so genius, you will not believe it!

Do your eyes first!! Yes girls before foundation, before concealer, before anything. This way you can blend vigorously, go on.. make messes.. smudge away. Use a makeup wipe to clean the excess you don't want all over your face, (no black freckles please) then apply your foundation and concealer. It makes for a beautiful finished face.

No foundation under the eyeshadow, use an eyeshadow base, like I recommend here. And it can be hard to judge how much or how little to use, the first few times you may think you need more because you don't have that smooth skin palette in front of you. I never let the girl in my chair see their eyes before I've put foundation and concealer on, they cant see past the discoloration and pimples, but trust me grasshopper... Once you figure this out, your ways will be changed forever....

In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel (my all time #1 favorite song, did I mention of all time?)

Oops I did it again!- Blog Rock Designs

2009-09-24T00:12:00.001-07:00

Whats that you say? She's done it again? That's right my peeps a new blog design for my newest blogger bud "L" of "Tampons & Chocolate" Yes you read me right... "T&C". Like we could live our lives without either, at least at some point in our lives, right?

Here is a sneak peek of her header.

Visit my "Blog Rock" blog to see the details, and don't forget feedback!

Help! My butt cheeks are now permanently fused to the computer chair, from all this blog design. Oh well, saves me from ripping my pants in public..

Opps I did it Again by Britney Spears

Fool Who Ripped her Pants..

2009-09-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

That's right Sponge Bob, you're not the only one!

At some point today at my daughter's Cobra Kid Award assembly I quite possibly may have ripped the seat of my cargo capris.

Question is when exactly.

See all the parents sit in the back of the multi purpose room (what happened to separate gyms, cafeterias and auditoriums?) When your kid's class is called, that's your Que to get your camera ready because your child is about to receive the coveted Cobra Kid Award. Get your butt up out of your chair and get close (especially if you don't have a super powered lens on your camera, cuz your lucky if you will even be able to catch a decent Kodak moment in the lighting provided by elementary schools).

So did it happen before or after I stood up to take pictures of Mr. Newkirk's 4th grade class with my back (and behind) to the gamut of proud parents?

Or did it happen at Costco? One can only hope not to see a mother of two arching her back while pushing a heavy laden Costco basket with her drawers hanging out of the seat of her ripped cargos.

Embarrassed? Not really. But I am quite afraid of ending up on a website like People of Walmart. I didn't make it there today thank goodness...

Fool Who Ripped His Pants - Sponge Bob..

Diary of a Makeup Artist #22- "Come on lets SWEAT!"

2009-09-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Typically its a makeup artists job to make sure you never see something like this. Even Brad looks iffy all shiny when he's not supposed to be. (I had nothing to do with this shot, I've yet to work with Brad Pitt) But sometimes on guys like boxer Floyd Mayweather, that kind of look is appropriate in the right shot. (Floyd's grooming by me)

Being a makeup artist isn't always about making girls pretty. As a matter of fact my job is more about pleasing "my" client. My client isn't always the person in the chair, my client is usually the director and art directors. Its my job to create their vision. Being in Las Vegas I cant tell you how many times that vision has been Hooker Black Eyeshadow and Centerfold Curly Hair, (I'll have to post about that some day). I've worked with alot of pro athletes in my day. They're not big fans of makeup. (Tiger complained and winced every time I approached him with a brush for this commercial. He is a saucy type so I told him to quit being a baby and let me cover the zit he had on his chin. He grinned after I scolded him and said "No offense, I just hate makeup, but I think I'm gonna like working with you." It was a fun day, we cracked alot of inappropriate jokes and made fun of his face on playback)

And yes my friends even superstars get zits, trust me I've seen them, touched them and covered them.

Tiger was probably one of the only ones that didn't involve my secret sauce....

SWEAT! This is Brandon Roy of the NBA Trailblazers... I can't divulge the nature of the shoot we did this week, sorry. The lighting was amazing on this shoot, he is really back lit and my job was to make sure his skin had the right affect with my secret sauce of SWEAT. Since I doubt any of my blogger friends care to make themselves look sweaty, I will keep my secret sauce under wraps.

And just for you I broke my rule of no pics with celebs. I'm so behind on the NBA I had no idea who he is, plus Brandon was a sweet kid. This is his best friend and assistant Cole, I loved the story of their history, they've been best buds since the 6th grade, and now they work together and take care of each other.

I've decided that sexy-cool sweat is strictly for athletes. Just doesn't have the same visual affect on out of shape folk like me.

Everybody Dance Now by C & C Music Factory

Diary of a Makeup Artist #21 - CRAZY!

2009-09-14T01:21:00.000-07:00

First of all I must tell you that I am up way too late to be held accountable for anything I am about to say. My son went to Idaho this weekend to visit his BFF (do boys have BFFs?) Curtie. Once upon a time he lived across the street from us and it was little boy bliss to have your best bud available at almost anytime. Since we both have moved Curtie has yet to be replaced. Don't think he ever will. It's a good an bad thing I think. I wish for my son to have that close relationship and feel like he has access to a great friend at anytime. It just stinks that his buddy is so far away.

I digress, I'm sitting here feeling sorry for myself because I have to work alot this week. What's that you say? Crazy Lady? ... You are correct! Why in a recession when people are hurting for work am I having such an attitude about working? I do this all the time you know. Its totally stupid of me. Crazy.

Being a freelancer has its pros and cons for sure. People always say, "Cool you get to work whenever you want." Yeah, I'd like to think that, but the reality is, that my bank account dictates when I work not my "want" button. Yes, I am at the mercy of the almighty dollar. It's Feast or Famine people, you gotta take everything you can get. When the opportunity comes you have to gobble it up while the gobblin is good.

Don't get me wrong, love/like my job! If I have to work, this is what I'll do.... (for now). Who knows what the future will bring. I see change ahead, I think Minka will concure. (if you haven't met Minka, you need to). What that change will be, I've yet to figure out. Deep down, I envy Stay at Home Moms. I tried to be one once, but guess what I was? Crazy! Yup thats me, sad I know. Maybe its that whole you want what you don't have. I wanna career, I wanna stay home, I wanna career, I wanna stay home... Crazy!

Okay I'm seriously rambling. Anyway I'm blessed to be working, thank you HF for the work. Pitty party over...!

See you all next week when I'm NOT working and freaking out because my calendar is empty.

Crazy by Gnarls Barkley

Fire in the Sky

2009-09-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

My mother is a funny duck, but I love her dearly. She is a master at making mountains out of molehills. I've learned over the years to take what she says with a grain of salt. You can only run to your grandmother's deathbed so many times before you start to call other people to get the real news so you don't make another needless trip to Arizona because grandma needed an enema.

So eight years ago when my answering machine clicked on in the morning (Before our children were in school our morning rarely started before 10 am. Those were the days.) and the sound of my mother's voice screaming "Get out of Boulder City! There gonna blow up the dam!" I giggled and hugged the pillow over my head and ignored the crazy talk. She hung up and called back. "Mary? Are you there? Are you guys okay? Mary!! Mary!!" I got up and went to the phone. "I'm okay mom, what's really going on??" I rolled my eyes and rubbed the sleep out of them. " Their attacking us! We're at war! Get out of Boulder City, that dam is next, there gonna blow it up! Turn on T.V. see for yourself." This sounded serious so I stumbled over to the t.v. just in time to see the plane dive into the second tower. I dropped the phone "MIKE!!!!" I bawled in horror...

Nope.. I'll never ever forget!

Fire in the Sky, Ozzy Osbourne

Luxurious, Diary of a Makeup Artist #20

2009-09-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

I'm a pretty lucky local girl here in Vegas. I have a wonderful client by the name of Beth, Editor of Luxury, Las Vegas. Beth is a great chick and has a super fun job. She writes and experiences all the luxury Vegas has to offer. Her stories are so cool to read and working with her is even better. I do have to shout out to Tanya the publisher as well, this chica has great taste. I've done many covers and fashion spreads for Luxury over the last 3 or 4 years, they're always alot of work but worth it. My favorite thing is that these lovely Luxury ladies have come to trust me and give me alot of free reign and creativity. Here is what we did in honor of 9/9/09.

The theme was dressed to the nines. Tanya wanted an exotic ethnic model and Natalie Haddad was the perfect girl.

I was so NOT in the mood to do curly American Idol hair, which is all the rave these days. Since Natalie has such amazing healthy hair I wanted to show it off, so I went with styles on the straight side.

Of course I backcombed her locks as well.

As far as makeup, I went for the smokey eye, strong cheeks and nude matte lips. I saw it on the runway recently and loved it, feels appropriate for the upcoming fall season.

This was a 9 page spread, yes 9 different looks! Lemme tell you 9 looks isn't easy in one day, let alone 8 hours. Our location was the Encore property, and various locations within. Believe you me, if Natalie hadn't given good face, we'd have been there 14 hours easily. In this industry a great model is a godsend. I think Linda Evangelista deserves every penny she gets. Every shot of her is stunning, no matter what she wears, where she's at and what lighting there is, she delivers.
I cant tell you how many times I've worked with a pretty girl who couldn't deliver to the camera. It makes for a pain staking day on the job. ANTM aint kidding.

I give kudos to Christian Dior for cosmetics and Kiehl's for hair care. Did you get your copy of Luxury?

Luxurious by Gwen Stefani

Hair of the Dog

2009-09-06T13:55:00.000-07:00

(you may want to turn off the music if your kiddos are around, the song was too perfect, sorry)

Many of you have already been introduced to our family doggie Ace. Another well known fact about him is that he is one furry dude. So furry even, he's been confined to outdoor lifestyle because dog hair in the fridge, in your bed and in your clean laundry is just unacceptable.

Don't fear this is not an abused puppy, he has a backyard that is 50% shaded, sprinklers that go off a gazillion times a day for him to play in, and a huge tub of water. And we do let him in the house during the hottest parts of the day, but honestly he likes all the action outside because when inside he is confined to an easily cleaned up area.

After we returned from our trip, I was feeling guilty for his long stint outside and alone (except for his daily visit from our doggie babysitter). I've made attempts to shave down his year round winter coat with clippers from Target to cool him off during the summer. While he is cooler, he looks like he has a fur disease, my dog clipping skills beg for more experience, or better clippers since they clog up when I'm trying to cut through his sheep like coat.

I digress... back to the hot dog. I broke down and had him professionally shaved. He has a strange Mohawk down his back, his fur raises like a cat when he gets excited. We may have to rethink this style. I'm not sure he quite knows what to do with himself in this state. We think he was a little slap happy with how cool he felt.

Without all the dandelion fur he can get a little more love indoors.

Hair of the Dog by Nazareth

More Blog Design... Semi Controlled Chaos!

2009-09-05T00:11:00.000-07:00

A new design for by bud Becky! You can meet her at Semi Controlled Chaos. And see the fun design I put together for her. Here are some details for you to see up close like..
Her Header.. (Background and borders are all custom designed)Her Button...
Her Side Bar Buttons... (Background and borders are all custom designed)And her Signature...

Visit her blog to get the full effect. I'd love to hear your feedback...

post signature

Tips by Mary RC, Backcombing like a pro VLOG #01

2009-09-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

OKAY how silly was that? I could have dressed up for the occasion, ya think? Also, I think I sound just like those silly teenagers, I'm just too old to act like that. Anywhoo here are my favorite backcombing products I'd like to share with you. Warning I'm a bit old school...

Shaper, oh yes what I like to call glorified Aqua Net! I recommend regular Shaper for backcombing, works great the only thing is, if you breathe too much of it your nose hairs stick together and break off.

As I said in the vlog, this is one of my new faves, Elnett. You can find it at Target for around $15. What I like about it is that you can comb through it easily if you need to, and I've yet to see flaky build up.

And this my friends is what I have deemed the proper backcomb. I buy mine at Sally's beauty supply. They also have them as a full comb without the parting tip, and they're only a few bucks. With this particular style of comb, I find there is less breakage than there is with a rat tail comb, that comb with the weapon on the end and hair breaking bristles, they are great for sectioning and working on wigs. But wigs don't care if you damage them.

What do you think should I keep on Vlogging? What would you like to see? Jessica from Without a Place wants some help shopping for RED lipstick. Wouldn't it be funny to see us at the mall quizzing beauty advisers? Probably get kicked out for filming..

Lookin for a New Love... Blog Design

2009-08-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

What'cha think? Like the new duds? I know, I know, I'm always changing my blog's clothes. But it's so fun!! Well, being that I was on hiatus and thus NOT blogging, I still had a blogger to do list. Like make Kel (Housewife Savant) a button, since she won my giveaway in like June. Possibly later. I was sure she hated me, so offered to make her a new header, in an effort to mend our possibly threatened relationship. Then guess what? She opted for a blog makeover too. It was exciting for me, I love learning all this fun blog decor stuff..

So check it and tell me what you think. By the time I finished her blog, I thought mine looked under dressed. So with all the new tricks I had in my new shopping bag, I came up with this.

Anyway hope you like!

Jody Watly, Lookin for a New Love

Here it Goes Again, Diary of a Makeup Artist (or Hair Designer) #19

2009-08-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

First: you may wanna turn the music off, I've got videos you just gotta see..

They say fashion repeats itself. When I was young I remember being horrified if my mother said something like, "I wore something just like that when I was your age." "Kill me now." I would think as my eyeballs rolled back in my head. Well once again my mother was right. All around me these days I am seeing "mini high school me's" sprinkled throughout society. Skin tight jeans, big lion mane hair, stripes, fingerless gloves and checkered Van's... Oh yea "I used to wear something just like that when I was their age." que eyeroll

As we were standing in the lines of the Magic Kingdom, I was blog inspired by the numerous amounts of treacherous backcombing sites among the Mickey lovers. While inching our way closer to our moment with the Mouse man, I tried to stand my children in the direction of this as to not draw any attention to the fact that what I was really dying to take a picture of was this.

Was this bumpits gone bad?? Upon closer inspection I realized it was just backcombing gone bad. Later I spied this in the Grizzly River Run ride line..

My children were extremely un-helpful in trying to capture this beauty of a beast job. "Mom don't be so mean, you're embarrassing us." Clearly I'm out of touch here, because I saw more and more wonders on the heads of teens. In my mind I am a back combing expert. My credits include:
1. 2. 3.
1. 80's rocker chick. Okay so I was no eyebrow expert then but, the hair totally rocked. 2. I learned how to do hair and wigs from a 60's hair dresser. Here is just one of my many backcombing creations. 3. I can untangle this beauty in minutes..

Nobody backcombs like me... I pride myself on my back combing ability, if there was a Pulitzer for backcombing, I would have one. Okay enough about me...

I decided to research and lemme tell you! WAS IT FUN {NY}! So here is what I learned, my old hairdo is now called "scene hair" part of the "Emo" (emotive hardcore) culture. Back in my day it was, I wish i was a hairband groupie hairdo. I also learned that these kids are tearing their hair up, its quite frightening. So Ive posted my favorite tutorials on how to "rat" "tease" "break" "ruin" your hair ...

This first one shows you exactly how to break your hair off at the root... "push down and rip back, push down and rip back" eh.. who needs thick hair when we have the option of hair extensions at Sally's beauty supply for only $50 a package...

Here we have a lovely young man who explains to us how bad hygiene and more chemicals make for better hair... I'm calling him up to see if he and apply to be a role model for my boy... I get goose pimples just thinking about it.. I hope he"ll throw in a few grammar lessons as well..

My only problem with this cutie is her tools, otherwise she has a pretty close idea of how to do it right. I'm seriously considering copying her and making my own.

Whad'ya think should I school these kids on how to do it right???

Back in the Saddle Again!

2009-08-25T22:57:00.000-07:00

Well the California Dreamin is over for now, we are back in the swing of things in good old Boulder City. School started two days ago and the vacation ended a week ago. It was nice to escape the Vegas heat and I did sneak off to Mickey's place for a day (one day is CLEARLY not enough time to hang at the Magic Kindom). Even though I could have spent a week there, my marriage would never have survived, you see my hubby has a bad taste for Disneyland.

He says its my fault, that I've burned him out on it. I say its because he doesn't have that twinkle in his eye, that Disney Magic in his blood. Well at least the monkeys do.

He does have some great pool boy skills though. Wink wink!

Well the dreamy do nothing vacation came to an end and the real world has set in. Problem with dreamy is it gets boring and you have nothing to blog about except dreaminess. Eh!

I've been back a week, so there's plenty of crap to report, but I'll start here... Good to be back at the mac!

Back in the Saddle, by Aerosmith... (they rock too!)

Hello... Goodbye..

2009-08-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogger-land! Just droppin in for a quick post. This has been the busiest summer of my adult life. Well the shoot wrapped up nicely on our end. It was great to "feel" like I had steady work, even if it was only for 4 weeks. I was ready for a 401K, health benefits, and a pension. But that daydream came to a crashing halt when "That's a wrap!" Was called. Back to freelance-ville.
Since the monkeys had to stay home glued to the screens of television, video games, and computers (without complaint mind you)for a month. I felt the urge to save my children from "Mike TV" fate and whisk them away to stay with my awesome husband in CA. We've been enjoying ouselves (wait let me rephrase) I've been enjoying my self immensly by lounging by the pool, eating delicious food, sleeping in, and vegging in front of the cable tele' in the comfort of our good friend Renny's abode.
You see my friends, I have no computer and thus I've been able to relax when I'm not twitching. My Blackberry will have to suffice for now. I'm off to browse your sites in an effort to ease the involuntary movements I seem to be experiencing without my good friend Mac the apple of my eye, (aka the pusher).

Hello Goodbye, by The Beatles (they rock!)

Diary of a Makeup Artist #18.. Taking Care of Business...

2009-07-19T16:44:00.000-07:00

Yes, my friends that is where I've been, "Taking Care of Business". I've been blessed with a 19 day gig this month. Working on a new video for Japan's coveted Pachinko gaming. I've never played it and I have no idea how it works, but boy howdy am I happy they wanna shoot in Las Vegas and with little ol' me. Yay for work.

I'm working on our character actors with my fun friend and fellow makeup maven Song Lopez and sweet Josalene is wardrobing them up. The producer is my favorite fire woman Jody Montoya! Here we are melting by the pool at Trump hotel. We are working wacky hours at wacky locations with wacky smiles on our faces. And once again here's a sneak peek for you to see how many people it takes to make a girl look sexy by a pool in front of a camera.This picture is missing about 30 other people. So don't despair ladies when you see a beauty on t.v. or in a magazine, its all an illusion. We cant all have perfect lighting every second of the day.

The Vegas Vanities have made some new friends. The Tokyo Vanities! These cool dudes are responsible for our Japanese Superstar leads. I can't disclose their names, or I might be in big trouble. But it's been fun sharing tips and tricks with our cohorts from the other side of the world. I've been introduced to giant blotting papers (freakin awesome) and Loreal's Ellenet Hairspray, whoda thunk? I only wish it was as inexpensive here as it is in Europe.

So that's where I've been, I've been reading up on your blogs, but my blackberry hasn't been very friendly in posting comments with blogger not to mention Trump's extensive marble structure has made cell service splotchy. I've been working 12 hour days so when I get home the monkeys get all my attention. Please pardon my neglect. Catch you all soon!

Taking Care of Business by BTO

Missing You!

2009-06-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

Ya I know, It's been a while, like 10 days or something. I've been missin you! I have to take a sec and blog about the love I've received lately.

Robbie at Spiritual Connection

Design It Chic

Julie at Sporadic Cook

Amanda at Any Hoot

These girls have given me the love. Thank you for thinking of me ladies. I also won a sweet giveaway from Bahama Shores Mama.

Love this super cute apron she made. It took me a while to get my act together to take a picture of myself in it. So I'm off to Cali tomorrow until next week. Taking a beach break with the kids. I have a feeling I'm going to be busy until about August, I'll be on set most of July, and I'm sure bored outta my mind from time to time, so I'll visit you via the blackberry.

I'm also working on web design projects. Head over to www.awakenthevoicewithin.com and visit my friend Minka, she's the real deal I tell ya.

Housewife Savant and Semi Controlled Chaos, I haven't forgotten about you. You're on my to do list.

Happy Bloggin!

Missing You, John Waite

Remember When

2009-06-14T23:15:00.000-07:00

You know that question... "If you could spend a day with anyone, deceased or alive, who would it be?" My answer: Walt Disney, to spend a day with him in Disneyland would be amazing. Do you remember your first visit to the Magic Kingdom? I'd love to hear about it. My Dad tells me I rode the Matterhorn 3 times and Small World over and over again. I'm no longer a Matterhorn fan, too rough but Small World sitting in a boat next to my daughter taking in the atmosphere and singing the tune over and over again is just a great as Pirates next to my son, where we look for something new every time as we "Yo Ho!" our way through the Caribbean. For me, it NEVER gets old.

Who would your anyone be? Do you Remember When you first stepped foot in the Magic Kingdom?

"Small Town" swap!

2009-06-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

After a long week of no blogging and traveling to California for a gig, I arrived home to some blogging fun! I received my Hometown Swap package. Shannon paired us up with an anonymous partner. So your arrival was a total surprise. Thank you Shannon for being such a great host. Now on to my loot!

My surprise partner is.. ta, ta, da DA! Diane Chandler, from Middleton, TN! And here is what she had to say.

"Hi Mary, I am Diane from Middleton, TN. My small hometown is about 65 miles east of Memphis. We are very rural, so I have chosen to send articles from my "region" of TN. I hope you enjoy them! I have made a list above and have included an article with each item. It will be self-explanatory. I am a widow, having just lost my husband of 34 years in January. We have no living children. So I am learning to be alone. My blog address is http://auntdisexperimentallife.blogspot.com whew! Have a great day and enjoy your dream job."

1.) Fridge Magnet-Elvis of course! Once I saw Tennesee, I expected my Elvis to be in the box!

2.) Altoid Mints - National Bird Dog Museum

3.) Note cards and pencil - My kids had the big question? "Whats a bird dog?" made for some internet research. We did learn that this is not a bird dog! This is a sneaky dog who's not supposed to be in the house.

4.) Tennessee Peweter plate - How did Diane know I totally dig plates?

5.) Pink Palace Museum Tee - Perfect P.J. size too.

6.) Original 'Olga King' necklace (article enclosed) *Olga originals are worn by many local celebrities (i.e. TV personalities, etc.) in Memphis and Nashville as well as in Atlanta. She is a friend and did something JUST FOR YOU! OMGsh!! This is soooo beautiful. An original, I am so excited!!

Thank you Diane for your awesome swap! I am looking forward to getting to know you. I think my blogger buddies will agree that there is no reason for anyone to feel alone in blogger-land. Give Diane a visit!

And give Katie a visit and see what I sent her from Boulder City!

"Small Town by John Cougar Mellencamp"

And the Winner Izzzz!

2009-06-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Housewife Savant via Randomizer! Okay girlie now you gotta tell me what you want.

Thanks to all who participated in my giveaway! More fun soon I promise!

Diary of a Makeup Artist #18 Glamorous Life???

2009-06-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

This is so my world. I get this all the time... please watch..

"You'll be on set for 12 hours but really you'll just be powdering and not using much makeup. Can you give me a 50% discount since you'll only be powdering for 12 hours?" (12 hours is 12 hours, I don't care how much freakin makeup I use!)

"Were doing this really fun shoot that I think you would really love to be a part of. We can't pay you but it will be really fun." (Because WORK IS FUN no matter how much you get paid???)

"You know I have alot of work coming in the future that you could be a part of, if you'll just work for nothing this time, we can totally make it up to you later, because this fab job is going to lead to so much more." (Run! I worked for this guy once, never saw him again. What happened to his bright gig filled future?)

"We'd be happy to pay your kit fee and feed you a lunch, but we've only budgeted for about 10% of your day rate." (Makeup is the first thing cut from any budget, next is your meal.)

"Were shooting a test (non paid photoshoot) at the Valley of Fire, we don't have a motorhome, a budget or water, but it would make a great addition to your portfolio. I see you've shot there before, but you've never shot there with me!" (No thanks, I have National Ad Campaign Tearsheets that were in GQ and Vogue and I got paid my full rate, as well as overtime, was hand delivered water frequently, and an air conditioned makeup trailer. Your fab idea isnt getting me out to the desert during the summer for anything less.)

(read with a Chinese accent) "Hi were a production company coming to U.S. from China, you give us recession rate?" (Last time I checked China wasn't in a recession???)

Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but it has it's pitfalls...

Makeup Tip #2 - Eyes Without a Face

2009-05-26T23:48:00.000-07:00

Alright already, you've forced me into it, my audience demands makeup tips and tricks. My friends here in Bloggerland have dropped hints more than once on my big toe about sharing makeup advice. My arm is twisted and I'm shouting "Uncle!"

I'll start with the eyes. (model, my bud Diane Boyle, former ballerina and mother of two, makeup and hair by moi)

So do you ever put eyeshadow on and it just disappears? I see this all the time when newbie models come to the set. I can tell they've put something on their lids, but its all faded and the translucent color has creased into yucky lines.

Two things girls and Adam Lambert boys - Eyeshadow Base and Quality Eyeshadow!

I use an eyeshadow base (of sorts) on every model in my chair (not to be confused with foundation on the eyes). I prefer to use two different products.

For a shiny sparkly look on firm eyelids sans wrinkles (I'm just gonna be blunt people) I like Christian Dior's Eye Show cream shadow as a base. When you apply a nice pigment over it, it really stands out and has a pretty pretty princess feel to it!

my fave 622 Undressed Beige (warm beige shimmer)

For those of us in the less firm eyelid department, I'm a fan of Benefit's Lemon aid eyeshadow base. Your pigments pop and stay on all day. Use sparingly, really there is no need to over do it, this is a less is more product.

Okay so lets talk eyeshadow. Not a fan of M.A.C. Its a waste of money IMO. Yea they have a gazillion colors, but they're crumbly and they break easily which is a total waste. While they may seem like the best price in the department store, around $14 each, I beg to differ... While in the department store I'd rather drop dough on (again) Dior's 5 Colour eye shadow palette. These run in the $55 - $60 dollar range. Not only are you spending less per color, these pigments will last you YEARS! Seriously, they glide on effortlessly and the pigments are soft and beautiful. Yeah they have the Mimi from the Drew Carey show colors too. But really, when are you going to don electric blue on your lids? Perhaps your next PTA meeting or in the morning at your job at the M.A.C counter (in which case, no offense)?

As for the drugstore, I really dig Loreal HIP for eye color. So far they've held up quite well in the kit.

Now you ask "Mary whats your personal eyemakeup regime?" Answer: "I hit my lids with a little blush and call it good."

Remember: "The first rule of makeup is THERE ARE NO RULES!" by Mary Rockwood-Crabtree

Don't miss my Give Away!

Eyes Without a Face by Billy Idol released 1984

Diary of a Makeup Artist #16 - Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?

2009-05-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Summer pool ad season is here. I knew we were shooting all day by the pool and the thought occurred to me that I could wear my bathing suit to work! The the next thought was "Wait a minute. Young models, perfect bodies, bathing suits, lets re-think this Mary!" So I spent the day, glistening firm bodies, and making up young faces and sweating my hiney off by the pool! My fully clothed body made me the "hottest" chick on set!

Thats right my friends ALL eyes were on me as I inhaled my burger and fries, while the talent were all starving themselves so they wouldn't have poochy bellies for the shoot. "Yea thats right pretty people, behind the camera is a GREAT place to be."

Do Ya Think I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart

Don't Miss Out on my GIVEAWAY! Click here to Join the Fun!

Give It Away Now!

2009-05-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

GIVE AWAY! GIVE AWAY! I GOT A GIVE AWAY!

Yes that right people, I am giving it all away! Well not all of it I gave that away a very very long time ago. I'm in need of everyone's approval, it's just silly, I need you to like me apparently. We all have a little Sally Field in us.

"So what is she giving away?" you say. Button button.. who's got the button?

a button!

isn't that exciting? I'll even help you put it on your blog if you like.

Leave a comment here, tell me who sent ya, or if your here because you already approve of me, then Follow Me.

I'll choose from Randomizer Two weeks from today on June 3rd and then we can design a new button for your blog together! Fun fun!

The Breakup Song.. aww uh aw aw uh aw aw aw aw

2009-05-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have a question about blogger etiquette. At what point do you stop following another blogger? I dunno this blogging thing reminds me of dating kiddie style, although I will admit its been a while and I'm new at the blogging thing, maybe I just don't get it. I do remember in Jr. High that if you handed a boy a note in the hall and he didn't respond you knew he wasn't interested. And if he wrote back, you were "going out". Once the notes stopped, that was it, you broke up and were off to look for another boy with great penmanship. So, back to current day note passing, I find myself leaving notes for bloggers that I once had a dialogue with but they're not leaving me notes anymore. I'm really not into one sided relationships, I'm very quick to break them off. So I ask you did they break up with me? Or should I break up with them? Cuz I'm feeling a big breakup day is coming...

The Breakup Song by The Greg Khin Band

Up All Night, Sleep all Day!

2009-05-18T07:46:00.000-07:00

Uh! yea I wish. I remember the days when 2 a.m. was a normal bed time for me. The night really didnt get started until 8p.m. You might say "Ohhh she was a partier. I knew it! Clubs, dancing boys.." Nah A regular night for Mike and I was more like, late dinner (anyone who ate before 7p.m. was on social security in my mind), out to a movie, off to a friend's house, sitting around lolly-gagging, midnight fast food run, head home around 1 a.m. and then... I'll leave the rest to your imagination. These days my imagination is tired by 8:30 p.m. But once in a blue moon I get sucked into the computer and I stay up way too late. It's usually because I start a project like this.I made this for my friend who's house we didn't leave until 1 a.m. and who is still missing those late night fast food runs, (my butt can't take them anymore, but man... her's can, unfair). Because of Jeanette, I blog, I don't write nearly as well as her, she is so talented in the keyboard department. I should probably see if she wants changes before I show this to the world. I love learning new things and playing around with Photoshop, I'm a total addict and its easy to stay up until 2a.m. but 7 a.m. is a monster!

Up All Night, Sleep All Day by Slaughter

First Award!

2009-05-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

I'm touched... sniff... sniff... someone likes me... someone really likes me! I got this from my new blogger bud Design it Chic. This chic chick has great style and ideas, check her out for sure. So to return the love "The nominees are.":

Here are the rules:
1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2) Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Woo Hoo!