Nail art 101

 So with having a little to much time on my hands today, I decided to have a little bit of fun with my nails. I think with a bit more practice this may be one of my new favorite ways to polish them.

Here's what you need-
-Scotch Tape
-2 or 3 different colors of polish that all blend well together
-Top coat
-Scissors

Step 1: File nails to the desired shape that you like to keep them. Then apply one coat of what will be your base coat. I would choose the lightest color out of your 2-3 chosen colors. I used a white with sparkle in it.

Once that is applied you will need to let this dry completely before moving on.

Step 2: cut strips of the scotch tape as thick or as thin as you like (1 for each finger) and apply them to your nail in the design you desire. I did diagonal placements on my nails with a medium thickness of tape. Be sure to leave yourself a tab so that you have a easy way to pull the tape off later.

Step 3: Once the tape is applied to each finger and pushed down firmly you can begin to polish. I chose a red glitter and a black glitter polish  so that I could have 3 total colors once finished. I then did 1 coat of red on the bottom of each nail followed by a black coat then immediately applied coat 2 of the red and then coat 2 of the black. As soon as I had both coats applied I immediately removed the tape strips before the polish dried. I pulled the tape towards me and did so very slowly.

 I learned that glitter polish is harder to work with as it is much thicker and makes it harder to keep the lines straight and solid. if you were to use a polish without glitter I feel that this would be much easier to accomplish on the first try. Once the polish was mostly dry I then applied a good topcoat and removed the excess polish from the shin around my nails.

 All in all this kept me very amused and looks pretty fun. You have endless possibilities in designs depending on your tape placement and polish choices :)

 

Minion Cupcakes

 After being invited to a football party my brother requested that I brought with me some Minion Cupcakes that he has seen plastered all over the internet. Partly because they are awesome, and partly because I think he wanted to give me the biggest challenge possible trying to transport them 2 hours in my car to his place. Here is how I did it.

What you will need:
-Cupcake mix
-Eggs
-Oil
-Cupcake baking pan
-Twinkies and/or Milano cookies
- Black and white icing in a container with a fine tip
-Sprinkle eyes (optional)

 So I did two types. I made Funfetti cupcakes topped with Twinkies AND Orange cupcakes topped with orange mint Milano cookies. Start by mixing your cupcake mix and putting them in the oven. I try to fill the cups only just over 1/2 way so that they don't raise to high in the oven so I have a flat surface for my minion to sit on. While I had the cupcakes baking I started my minion assembly line

 

 

 I started by cutting 3 Twinkies in halves to give me 6 minions. I used my black and white icing to draw on faces and hair. Its suggested to use Eyeball sprinkles to make them more realistic, but I was on a time crunch so I just did it with all icing in a pinch. I tried to make all the faces look different. I also took 6 of my Milano cookies and kept them whole. On the upper top half of the cookie I created faces as well.

 

 Once the cupcakes were baked and had cooled down and all my minions were ready it was time to put it all together. The Twinkie minions are easiest because all you have to do is heavily ice the cupcake and it will stick right on there with no problem. The Milano cookies are a little more effort but still simple. I took a tester cookie that I wasn't using to get an idea of how much I needed to cut out of the center of the cupcake. I cut a small slit into the cupcake, then I iced the cupcake and slid the cookie into its hole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I went to the grocery store and purchased one of their cupcake carriers that they sell their cupcakes in and TAADAAAAAAAAAA, perfection and a safe home to transport the minions during the road trip! I can't say one minion was more popular than the other at the party, but I personally preferred the cookie over the twinkie.

 

 Sadly, even though they did survive the trip in the car without any problems... after a few beers they did not survive a kitchen disaster death, not to mention being eaten alive ;)

 

 



3 day juicing cleanse

 While doing a little kitchen deep cleaning, in the back of the cabinet I came across my juicer. Currently I am dealing with a shoulder injury that needs some rest so I decided to take 3 days off the gym and do a juicing cleanse. I am not usually a person to "detox" or "diet" I just try to eat healthy and enjoy treats here and there.... but this seemed like a fun challenge.

 So I got in the car and drove to the local farmers market and picked up the following:
-Kale stalks
-Celery
-Spinach
-Iceberg
-Green peppers
-Cucumber
-Apples
-Pears
-Lime
-Lemon
-Juicing carrots
-Pineapple
-Oranges

 For the next 3 days I consumed nothing but juice and lemon/lime water or a green tea before bed. I did not go to the gym at all because I was not consuming enough calories for the types of workouts that I tend to do. I continued to drink lots and lots of water as well. In the next few days I lost 5 lbs, any stomach bloat that I had, had flattened itself out, I found that my skin was looking more clear, and I was feeling fantastic. The 4th day I still had leftover produce so I had 2 juices along with a protein shake, some raw almonds, and a 1/2 cup oats, that way I could go back to the gym.

 They say that juicing is better for you than is eating whole fruits and vegetables because your body can absorb the nutrients better and it gives your digestive system a rest from working on fiber . Make only as much juice as you can drink ...at one time because fresh squeezed juice can quickly develop harmful bacteria. And when juicing, try to keep some of the pulp. Not only does it have healthy fiber, but it can help fill you up. Note that each ½ cup of fruit has about 60 calories. Juicing 4 to 5 cups of fruit comes out to 480 to 600 calories in one serving. If you’re trying to lose weight while juicing, portions still matter. It is best to use lots of greens such as kale and spinach, and veggies over fruits with sugar. (avocado is good too I just can't stand it so I opt for other options)

 I just made my own creations, here were my top 3 for flavor

 

 

2 kale stalks, 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 pear, 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 peeled lime, handful spinach, and handful pineapple. This one was more light with a sweet hint to it.

 

 

 

 

 

2 kale stalks,handful spinach, handful iceberg, 2celery stalks, 1/2green pepper, 1/2cucumber, and one carrot for color. This one was thicker and more hearty. the celery kind of over powered it but I found if I made it ice cold I didn't mind so much.

 

 

 

 



3 kale stalks, 1/2 pear, 1/2 green pepper, 1/2 apple, a handful pineapple chunks, a handful of spinach, and one small orange. This one was the best taste wise in my opinion. I chose to have this for breakfast.

 

 

2 kale stalks, 4 juicing carrots,1 cucumber, 1 cup iceberg, and 4 celery stalks. I find that the carrot taste can be over powering as well. I tried to mix most carrot base juices with oranges and apples so it would blend nicely.


 So not only do I feel better, I got some use out of my expensive juicer that I basically forgot I owned, I fit into my pants a bit better, and I did not catch my boyfriends cold when normally I could just look at someone who is sick and catch whatever it is they have. I recommend everyone give it a try at some point. Note that cleanup is a bit much though, and ALWAYS remember to put the pulp tray on before you start or else...............





 



A night off of my double life for fun....

 So of course I enjoy writing about helpful hints to being a great Showgirl, but of course I have got to share my night out on the town last night!  I was lucky to score some tickets to the Honda Civic Tour featuring Kelly Clarkson and Maroon5.  Maroon5 just so happens to be my favorite band around (unless of course *Nsync makes a come back) ;) .

 So what is to say? Besides the running late, sitting in traffic, avoiding a trip to jail while en route to the show (ahem, accidentally blocking a lane of traffic, with police lights and sirens to follow), only to be escorted to the front the line in which I was already attempting to cut everyone off in, some quick tail gating in the parking lot to save 12$ a beer and take the edge off of the almost bad police encounter, having the sky clear up to give us beautiful weather and sunshine, and making it to our seats JUST in the nick of time to see Kelly hit the stage!

 After a great set, some belting it out, and catching my date singing along it was time to stand in line for 45 minutes to pee out all the beers from the parking lot and run back to my seat in time to catch Maroon5 start their show! Again we made it just in time with 2 minutes to spare. The set was great, a lot of the older songs of theirs mixed in with a few of the favorites from their newest Album "Overexposed".  Watching Adam give a fan in the front row a chance to be given his guitar from the show if she should answer two Triva Questions from the show correctly, which she did and it was really amazing to see that. I was very excited for her. All while again having a wonderful jam sesh with some great dance moves included, and again catching my date singing along with most every song which was pure greatness, the show came to an end!

 

 

 

 

If you would like to see a clip from the show (Daylight) that I took you can click here.......

 

http://youtu.be/xMKBAcUc4QM

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Tattoo coverup with makeup

 A showgirl problem I did not think through before making it permanent..... Tattoos! In shows you can not have tats all over your body for the audience to see. Over the years I have tried several different methods of tattoo cover ups from make shift flesh colored patches to put in my fishnets, to bandages. The most natural looking way to do it if your tattoo is on an area of your body that can be seen, would be with makeup.

The pictured tattoo is on my hipbone, which means I could just wear tights under my fishnets, and problem solved. But sometimes it becomes to hot for so many layers.

What you will need:
1. Makeup brushes
2. MAC Studio finish concealer
3. A mineral powder concealer ( I use bare minerals)
4. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

Step 1. With your finger dip into the concealer pot and dab onto the tattoo until it is completely covered. This may become thick at first...

 

 

 

 

Step 2. With your flat brush gently blend the edges of the area into the surrounding area. Next you will take your larger powder brush and apply the powder products. I use a concealer and a matte finish just to set all the makeup together. Start applying in a dabbing motion so that you do not uncover the already covered area, once it is saturated you can then blend with your strokes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3. For the most part my tattoo is currently invisible. My next concern is having the makeup smudge onto my costumes or not blend enough with the surrounding skin. Here is my trick..... Once the area is completely covered and blended as best as possible I take Sally Hanson's "Airbrush Legs" product and do a very light mist over the area ( holding the can about 6-7 inches away from my body so it does not get to thick, this will take about 4-5 minutes to dry).  Keep in mind that there are different shades so that you can find one that blends best with your skin tone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Once applied properly it should all set and be good to go, smudge free. To remove just take a warm soapy paper towel and wipe the area until clean.

 

 



 

My eggcellent Breakfast

 As Showgirls we need to stay healthy and in shape to fit into those barely there costumes. I personally like to have a more muscular build rather than a thin build, so in addition to my gym time I try to eat according to my needs. Eggs provide a great source of protein, and protein is an extremely powerful component of any fat-loss or muscle building diet. Today I will share with you my protein powder scrambled egg recipe that keeps me full for hours and gives my body just what it needs

What you will need:
-4 eggs
-1/4 cup 2% milk
-1/2 scoop flavorless protein powder
-Nonstick sauté pan
-Whisk
-Small bowl
-rubber spatula

Note: I like to use organic eggs. Organic eggs are laid from hens that may be kept in any kind of caging system, but generally are cage free. Eating organic eggs is a good way to minimize risk of exposure to antibiotics, or synthetic hormones and pesticides while obtaining a healthy dose of nutrients.

Step 1:
Heat a heavy-bottomed nonstick sauté pan over medium-low heat. I coat the pan with spray cooking butter
Step 2:
Add the milk to the eggs and protein powder in a small bowl (season to taste with salt and pepper if desired). Then, grab your whisk and whisk like crazy. You're going to want to work up a sweat here as you're trying to beat as much air as possible into the eggs.

Step 3:
When the butter in the pan is hot pour in the eggs. Don't stir! Let the eggs cook for up to a minute or until the bottom starts to set.With a heat-resistant rubber spatula, gently push one edge of the egg into the center of the pan, while tilting the pan to allow the still liquid egg to flow in underneath. Repeat with the other edges, until there's no liquid left. Turn off the heat and continue gently stirring and turning the egg until all the uncooked parts become firm. Try to keep the curds as large as possible

Step 4:
Transfer to a plate when the eggs are set but still moist and soft. Eggs are delicate, so they'll continue to cook for a few moments after they're on the plate. Now you can enjoy. I add ketchup, because I personally am not  big fan of eggs... I just know that they are good for me so I make it happen anyways.

 I don't need to accompany my eggs with anything else because 4 eggs on their own fills me up in the morning. I do however always start my day with a large glass of water and my daily vitamins.

Cedar Point summer recap

Soooooo, last year I got lazy and skipped my end of contract Facebook recap of greatness so I wanted to make sure I made it happen this summer :) I have had the pleasure of working with most all of you in prior contracts, and it has been so great to be reunited again this summer. For the most part I would like to think we nailed it this summer. Between the hangovers, reblocks, and late nights there have been many memorable moments in the 3 short months at Cedar Point.

  I guess it would be most appropriate for me to start off by thanking you all for the impressive 14 sets of Dirty donuts this summer, not to mention the donuts that should have been! I do not think I have ever seen even close to that brought in during any of my contracts for 10 years of ice shows, so why don't you all give yourselves a pat on the back. I was enjoying the fact that earning donuts started becoming a contest mid way through the summer. You nailed it guys (literally)

 This summer however was not the summer for cell phones. So my phone which was dropped in a toilet after to many shots last October finally died a slow death this summer. I eventually upgraded and got a new one..... which I then dropped and shattered into a billion pieces only 2 short weeks later! 100$ later I have a almost brand new-brand new phone again. Laura's phone broke and had to be replaced, only to fall into Trey's pool with the new replacement phone still in her pocket. Thanks to Justin who got her, her new-used phone. Kinsey lost her phone in the backseat of some strange mans car and was without it for 5 days, only to have a random bum steal it off the table while she was having dinner in Cleavland.  Another week later she had an actual brand new phone. Lets not forget Courtney's phone being dropped the last week of the summer and breaking her screen. At least the story prompted a very fun safety meeting ;) I  just learned that Amanda also dropped and cracked her screen pretty early into the contract! Yikes we are a bunch of butter fingers.

 During our first few weeks how could we forget when Spiderman (AKA Andy) made a guest apperance during one of our last non dress runs. Topping that off was Ryan and Amanda's special costume debut for their color number in their barely there Nudes! I think they should have used those costumes all summer, would have made for much bigger crowds I am sure. I almost forgot the primary red crayon Saturday crop dusting of death. All I can say is that I am thankful I am in the dog and did not catch a whiff of that on the ice. Random side note: The amount of times poor Dotes forgot to wear show underwear was 3, which is about 3 times to many to shove your boy shorts up your booty ;) Also for you stage right residents, one day while getting ready for Opening, Robin decided to start putting on Kinsey's leo.... on top of her own leo that she was already wearing.

 I would personally like to thank you all for supplying your boobs, butts, tongues, and other body parts for photo shoots with the temporary tats. I have a folder on my computer with over 175 pics of the greatness that you all supplied me with! Your participation in the fun was greatly appreciated. BTW Courtney says she is going to bring fake tats next summer and tell you she has a contest just to get you all naked...... do not fall for it haha

 We had quite the impressive social calendar this summer I would say. Granted I hardly attended any of the late nights, I enjoyed hearing everyone's stories during the van rides to work. Between the Goodwill party, The Pink party, The margarita Monday, the many girls nights and poker nights, Naked and afraid night, The fines party/drinking game palooza, Farm Party, Katie and Trey's place, WWE Raw night, and closing night at crush, I think we did a pretty good job at themed parties!

 To my fellow gym rats I appreciated Sandusky's selection of people watching more so than any summers past! I know Harold usually holds down the fort with his daily selection of crop tops, but he was slacking this summer in his old age. Between the girl in her booty shorts creating her own exercises, the large man in very distracting tight spandex outfits, the elderly woman who hauls ass on the treadmill in a floor length skirt, Mason's twin who was actually a little gym monkey and very fun to watch workout..... I feel like Sandusky's finest joined the gym this summer.

 Laura Hudson: I am sorry for making you face your fears this summer for everyone's amusement with the Gremlins.... if nothing else it made for a great video montage, and amused me greatly!!!!
 Special thanks to Andy and Laura for remaking crayons in heavy metal version. That was by far one of the greatest renditions of that song that could ever be made! I enjoyed hearing the practice runs, the studio version, and the live versions.... horrifying yet amazing :) All the Tuesday kareoke nights were not only very entertaining but just proved how talented everyone really is not only on the ice.

 It's been a great week back at home to say the least, and I hope you all are also settling back in and enjoying some time off skates because I know I sure am!!! ;) Not to mention chopping off the tip of my big toe Monday morning as we were leaving to go to the airport.... to bad it did not happen just one day sooner, we could have added yet another reblock to the list. Thanks roomies for emergency toe surgery, it is starting to slowly heal and not be so fear factor looking any longer.  I will miss you all and can not wait to work/play with you again in the future. Its great groups like we always have in The Dusk that always keep me coming back for more summer after summer(even when I say I am not going to) So thank you all for my 4th fun summer in Sandusky.