Recognition for Lisa Freemont Street from Across the Pond!

Honored indeed to be picked a the best 'Retro Hairstyle Blog' on London's Channel4.com!

Hear that, Nashville? I'm ready to start styling country music stars now! ;-)

If You Love Something-Find Something Even Better

Hot Sticks are beginning to annoy me. Yes, it's true. They still give a great authentic curl...I use the heck out of them. And that is the rub. Because the more I use them, the more 'limber' they get. And the more 'limber' they get (especially the small ones), the more they 'pop open' while they're setting. For a while, I could get by with just using a duckbill clip to 'reinforce' the joint of the roller, so it couldnt slide open. Now, even that seems to be failing me.

My choices are clear. Either buy a new set and start 'from scratch' ( a difficult thing to do since I've had the same Remington hot rollers since 1995), or look for something else. So I did a little research, and this is what I found:

In order to get a truly authentic looking retro set with a heated product, you need tight curls. Curling irons just don't give me the same effect and I get impatient making dry pin curls since I can just use rollers in half the time. My search revealed some interesting things. First, small curls from a heated set are also sought after by another community: the pageant community. This makes me scared. But I am also tenacious. And it looks like the product that is most desired (and which lucky ebay folks are RACKING UP on) is the Remington Tight Curls set:



Supposedly, these get good and HOT...and since my old set from the 1990's are also Remingtons, I can vouch for that. But the kicker is that these are going for from 50-80.00 on Ebay. Supply and demand, you know? Do I really want to pay that? Not really. But I have to admit, it does make me want them even more.

Then I remembered these:

Do ya'll remember these? Clairol Lock and Roll Rollers! I remember using them religiously (around the time I attended Bryan Adams 'Wakin Up the Neighbors' concert...haha). They got really hot and they provided small curls, from what I remember. They're also a 'hot item' among the pageant crowd, going for around 30.00 or so on Ebay. I'm in a pickle.

But I'm sure you'll see one or the other of these in some upcoming videos because the Hot Sticks are bout to end up in my neighbor's yard!

xxoo,
Ashley

Book Review: 'Classic Beauty' by Gabriela Hernandez

When a friend of mine recently posted a lukewarm video review of the book now no longer in print called 'Vintage Face'-I was thinking how great it would be to have a more successful book available, similar to Kevin Aucoin's 'Making Faces'- but for vintage purists. I had seen Gabriela's book on the website for her fabulous makeup line, Besame' Cosmetics. It appeared to be an interesting read so I obtained a copy and this is my review.

Not only is it an interesting read, but it's a GORGEOUS book and in my opinion, should be a 'must have' for coffee tables everywhere! A big, glamorous hard backed book with beautiful full colored photos, Classic Beauty walks you through the history of makeup in a very succinct and easy to read manner. Using time lines and gently formatted historical references, we learn about the earliest formulations of cosmetics and their usage as well as the evolution of the cosmetic industry with each passing decade.

The latter half of the book is especially well done, as it takes us through societal use of products from the 20's to the 2000's. Not only does it discuss application trends, but also we delve into the political and cinematic influences on these techniques. Popular colors for the decades are also discussed in adequate detail and each era is chock full of vintage ads and photos. I can easily see this portion of the book being a popular reference for my own use, in the years to come. The size and lay out make it very easy to find specifics about each decade quickly.

As for cons, there are very few. I do feel that the book is slightly disjointed in sections. There a few simple illustrations that seem strangely 'tacked on', as if photos couldn't be found and therefore these were an last ditch attempt to fill space. I found these unnecessary and they seem to interrupt the flow of the book. I also feel the middle sections on the development and evolution of mascara (and lipstick) seem slightly out of keeping with the rest of the book. I would have preferred that this portion, if included at all, be integrated within the other sections of the book instead of on its own. As it stands, the omission from this chapter of other makeup staples like eye shadow and foundation, seems a little more apparent and slightly puzzling. These are only small problems though, in an otherwise very successful effort.

All in all, this is an excellent book for vintage or makeup enthusiasts alike. I strongly recommend picking up a copy to add to your collection. The book sells for a rather high price of 49.95 on the Besame Cosmetics website, but includes the author's signature. Elsewhere the book averages 35.00 or so. It's easily worth that price.

My rating: 8/10-One for the shelf!

Best of 2011-My Favorites of the Year!

Another year done come and gone. Can't believe how fast this one flew!
Anyway, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things this year, as a blog post. It's been a year of busy days and new discoveries, indeed!

1. Favorite Product of the Year: Blackbird Soap Body Mousse

Reason I love it: Perfect consistency. Gorgeous fragrance. Long lasting moisture.

You gotta support these great handcrafted items and this company really puts extra work into not only creating a great product, but making the label descriptions and frangrances extra delectable. See my video review below for more info.



2. Favorite Blog: Monroe Misfit Makeup


This was a very busy year and honestly, I didnt have the time to do too much reading-online or otherwise. That's why I love this blog so much. Tons of gorgeous makeup 'eye candy' and very minimal text. I have learned so much from Jodi and was thrilled to see her continuing to shell out inspirational makeup looks on her blog. I find her work fascinating...and she is downright gorgeous, to boot!


3.Favorite Book: Retro Makeup by Lauren Rennells



Like I said, I had very little free time this year so I didnt really read much. :( This makes me sad because I am usually an avid reader! That said, I don't mean to discredit the brilliance of Lauren's new book. It's such a great blend of history and instruction, paired with gorgeous photos and plenty of inspiration. See my full video review below:


4. Favorite Album: JD McPherson-Signs and Signifiers
Technically, I guess this album was released in 2010 but it certainly gained its 'legs' this year! A long time fan of JD's since his work with the Starkweather Boys, this album shows that he has truly come into his own as a solo artist as well. The popular track 'North Side Gal' stands out, for sure. I heard it played several times at the VLV Car Show in April and it's no wonder! Catchy, danceable, well delivered. The song was requested numerous times over the course of the Rockabilly Weekend and since JD will be playing the event this coming April, I'm sure his reception will be a warm one. But that track aside, the album has plenty to offer otherwise as well. The title tune is sultry and heartfelt, 'Firebug' is undeniable in its raucous appeal, and 'Scratchin' Circles' will be an obvious dance floor choice for years to come. Looking forward with excitement to future releases from JD, Jimmy Sutton, and Alex Hall-an ideal blend of musicianship.


5. Favorite TV Show: Face Off (SyFy Channel)

I'll be the first to admit being 'tied' to a number of cable dramas. But the show that gave the biggest thrill this year, when it appeared on my DVR list, was this one. My affection for youtube tutorials carried over into this big budget contest, where Special Effects makeup artists competed to win a prize (which I don't even remember at this point). It was fascinating, horrifying, and lacked (thankfully) a lot of the personal drama of these types of reality competitions. I'm sure they'll up the drama for ratings in the upcoming season-which is a shame. But the challenges and winning creations were incredibly entertaining to watch.

6. Favorite Live Musical Performance-Imelda May at 3rd and Lindsley (Nashville Tn)

I actually did see quite a bit of live music this year. And the performance that stands out the most for me was this one. 3rd and Lindsley is a great venue with excellent accoustics and Imelda blew the roof off the place! The show was high energy and the band was in their element. Granted, The Hillbilly Casino opened up the show which put the audience in a tizzy, but Imelda's performance of 'Kensington Waltz' may have been one of more moving live performances I've seen. She feels every single note...nothing is token with her! Can't wait for her to return to Nashville..

7. Favorite Movie: The Adventures of TinTin
Before you gasp about this choice: let me explain. It is the ONLY movie I saw this year. And I saw it on December 31st. haha. My opinion is that is a good movie, not a great one. The story is convoluted but the characters are well voiced and nicely fleshed out. Spielberg could have done better and I really wish I'd seen more movies this year. :)



8. Favorite Clothing Purchase: Freddies Overalls


I adore these things! Perfectly suitable to a ton of different ocassions. A feminine and retro way to wear 'jeans'. SO well made..couldnt ask for more! See my video review and link to purchase here.

9.Favorite Photo of the year


10. Favorite Beer:


I love beer. This beer is a 'rediscovery' this year. I had it with the orange slice for the first time, at Mon Ami Gabi in Vegas. Maybe it was the perfect weather, the sidewalk setting, the baguette, the french onion soup, or the escargot-but every time I have a Belgian White, I am transported back there. Deliciously sunny and fruity.

11.Favorite Moment: The Birth of My Daughter
A no brainer. Ruby Lu has changed our lives in every great way possible. And the fact that she was a 'New Year's' surprise just made it even more special.



12. Favorite Youtube Tutorial of Mine: Slim's Sleek Waves for Diamonds and Dames

This one turned out well, I thought. I was just discovering perm rods as a cold set option and really liked how they worked in this tutorial:



Favorite Youtube Video of the year: 'Biba Fever' by Lisa Eldridge

Lisa's entire 'vintage makeup' series was utterly captivating. But this one was spectacular. Not only did it showcase the Biba look beautifully and effortlessly, it was somehow very emotional. Showing the power of makeup and respect for vintage, all at once. :) Thank you, Lisa.



xxoo,
Ashley

Scott H. Biram and the Thankless City

So Scott H. Biram is returning to the Hitone Cafe on January 28th and I have a few words for Memphis Tennessee.



Why is it that so few of you 'blues fans' are showing up for his shows? He's performed at the Hitone several times and always the turn-out is slimmer than it should be. Scott H. Biram is a blues musician with deeply apparant influences of hillbilly, country, and punk-all of which make for an amazing live performance. His work is gritty and poignant and powerful-everything a blues show should be. So why are the hot spots on Beale, replete with their endless selection of tepid Delbert McClinton cover acts, receiving all the attention when such greatness is only a couple of miles down the road? You tell me. I'm going to be generous and assume that it's because people simply don't know he's there, or that they haven't taken the time to discover he or other great acts like him. For the readers of this post, both of those reasons should no longer exist.

I am not after an enormous number of viewers on Youtube. I will never be a candidate for 'King of the Web' and I will likely never ask you to vote me into a top spot of some kind. What I will do is ask that you pass this blog link around to anyone you think might be willing to promote this show or drive to attend it. I'll venture to say that even if you live a few hours from Memphis (or any of the other cities on his tour), you'll find it well worth your time to make the trip. I have always made it a point to expose my viewers to great music and I am so happy when you all tell me that you've discovered someone due to the music on my channel. I hope that if you haven't heard of Scott H. Biram before now, you are now a fan. And if you did know about him, that you're doing what you can to support him by purchasing his music and attending his shows.

I was born and raised in Memphis. I love the musical history in my home town and wish that the artists that create lovingly authentic music in the same genres that made the city famous could continue to rely on it for appreciation and acknowledgement.

Thanks for reading and sharing this post.

xxoo,
Ashley

Viva Fit Club Update!~The 100 Workout

Hup, Two, Three, Four...!

So here we are only four months away from The VLV Rockabilly Weekender and the Viva Fit Club Facebook Group is SWINGIN'! 356 members and counting! So have you joined up yet? If not, please hop over because we need you! I can't believe how motivating all of you ladies have been for me. With all this time off ahead of us, it's good to have some folks around to keep us on track.

Anyway, I'm trying hard to keep up my water intake and my calories down. This part has been difficult for me since I tend to get busy and forget to eat...thus over-eating when the hunger hits. However, I've found that the 'My Fitness Pal' app for Iphone has really helped. It's the easiest thing I've found for keeping an accurate record of caloric intake and calories burned through exercise. It also allows you to follow the progress of your friends and help keep them motivated! So make sure to check that out as an option if you are the type of person who likes to keep a diary of such things.

Since the start of the Viva Fit Club, two posts in particular stood to me, donated by other members of the group and greatly appreciated. First, I was intrigued by the recipe for 'Sassy Water', which is supposed to help flatten the belly when you drink it along with a low calorie diet. Here is the recipe as it was posted. You're supposed to drink two liters (!) a day. I haven't started it yet but I have all the ingredients so I think I'm gonna mix up my first batch tonight.

Here's the recipe, for anyone else who's interested:

Sassy water
2 liters of water
1 tsp fresh Ginger
1 medium cucumber, sliced
1 med lemon, sliced
12 mint leaves
Mix together in pitcher and refrigerate over night. Drink 2 liters in a day.

Thanks Rachel Davis for this info!

The 2nd post that intrigued me was the idea for the workout linked above, called the '100's workout' ( I can't find the original post but thanks to whomever posted it!). I tried it for the first time today...and yes, it's a butt-kicker! I thought I'd let you know how I tailored it to my own fitness level and also how I made it through:

Disclaimer: I am not a fitness professional. This is an account of my own attempt at this work out and is not an indicator of what I feel YOU should do. Always consult a professional before beginning this or any other work out routine.

~ 100 Jumping Jacks-This was BY FAR the hardest part of the workout for me. I have always tried to do jumping jacks the right way (as taught by celebrity fitness guru Kendall Hogan) so I end in a squat and try never to bounce. The problems with that is that I was DEAD by 40 jumping jacks. So I took a quick breather and finished in the traditional 'grade school' way, staying lighter on the feet. I was able to finish very winded but alive.

~90 crunches-It's SUPER easy to zone out while you're doing crunches, especially when you do a bunch in a row like this. I mixed up this part by doing 20 full range crunches, 20 oblique twists, 20 bicycles, 20 full range crunches, and then finishing with 20 oblique twists.

~80 squats-That's A LOT of squats. And in other work outs I've done, you don't usually do a bunch of full-range squats in a row. So I mixed this part up by doing 10 slow squats, 10 short range squats, 10 plie squats (toes turned out) until I reached 80. It was'nt bad at all.

~70 leg raises-35 on each leg. Not too difficult.

~60 Jumping Jacks-Significantly easier than 100, let me tell you!

~50 Crunches-25 bicycles and 25 full range crunches

~40 squats-This time I did 20 full range squats and 20 lunges. I thought this workout needed lunges. haha

~30 Leg Lifts-15 each leg. Kind of a breeze, by this point.

~20 Jumping Jacks

~ Run for 10 minutes- Since I had the kids around, I couldnt take a run around the block or anything. I ran/jogged in place for 5 minutes and stretched for 5 minutes.
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Anyway, this is a great workout and I think it would be excellent for those days you want to get a lot done quickly. I figure by the Fitness Calculator on My Fitness Pal, the calories burned are probably about 235 calories. I entered it as 30 minutes of 'Circuit Training'. Let me know if you feel it qualifies as another category instead?

Cheers, ladies!
Ashley

Shame On Me!

No posts since the 18th of November? I have been far too busy and have sadly neglected my blog! I promise to try to post at least once a week from now on!

I hope all of you are well!
Ashley