Monday, June 21, 2010

gettin' back in the groove.

Last night, I got my groove back. For all my moaning and groaning about the modeling industry, for all my grumbling about how frustrating it can be, I will admit that I've actually missed it a little bit. I do love doing runway, and I think print work can be really fun and exciting. The science behind light, photography, and the human form amazes me. I haven't been able to afford new, up-to-date photographs, which has really hurt my chances at getting work. The photos my agent has of me--the ones he submits to clients--are from, oh, about seven years ago. I no longer look like that woman. He's been hounding me for ages to get new pictures, but since I've been strapped financially, I haven't been able to.


Luckily, I met a photographer who wants to get into photographing models and actors. Since he's never really worked with either before, he offered to "practice" by using me. He gets experience, I get new photos. It's a win-win.

We shot at the South Side Works. I've only gotten to see a few of the 700--yes, 700--shots he took. I'll be sure to share my favorites with you once I get to see them!

Anyway, I feel like I'll be back in action in the modeling world here very soon. I feel blessed. And I'm thrilled to have pictures that actually look like me now.


with love from Pittsburgh,
Laura

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

awesome. but not. at all.


I've having an awesome time
these days.

Let's review.

1. I've had a migraine since yesterday afternoon. Despite my efforts to combat this thing with Excedrin Migraine, which usually works, it just does not want to go away. Thus, I'm nauseous, in pain, sensitive to light and sound, etc. But, I'm still typing a blog post. I need to get my priorities straight, apparently. I'm also grumpy. Like, a lot.

2. At work today, my computer got infected with an internet virus. Have you ever had that happen? No? Well, let me break it down for you: your computer basically looks you in the face and screams IHATEYOUSOMUCHANDWILLMAKEYOURLIFEALIVINGHELL! All of my files--every. single. one.--are infected. I can't open any internet browsers. I have loads of pop-ups that just keeping, well, popping up and telling me such-and-such-a-file is infected. Even the computer tech people at my work couldn't troubleshoot it over the phone. I now have no working computer. The tech people actually have to come to my office, sit at my computer, and try to fix it. And who knows when that will be. So, until then, I'm stuck. I can't do my job. Awesome.

3. I'm convinced I have a brain tumor. No, really. I am. I've been forgetful beyond explanation lately, I can't concentrate, I've been putting things away in the wrong places, I've been misplacing things, and, finally, see #1.

4. My face has broken out in huge, painful zits. And I have a photo shoot on Sunday. Awesome.

5. I accidentally left my debit card in the ATM machine late on Saturday night. I called my bank on Sunday, they checked the machine and confirmed my card was there, and then I told them I'd be by to pick it up. I showed up less than 48 hours later to get it, and their response? "Oh, we destroyed it. We do that if it hasn't been claimed within 24 hours."

WTH???

Their way of fixing the problem? "We'll mail you out a new one. You'll have it in 7-10 business days."

I'm leaving for Wisconsin in a week. For a wedding. For which I need money. In order to pay my hotel bill. And I don't want to write a check.

Awesome.

6. I was going to continue, but re-reading all five of those is enough. Let's stop at five. I'm going to take a nap.

with love from Pittsburgh,
Laura

Friday, June 11, 2010

ladies, listen up.

Alright, ladies. It's that time.

Beauty Product Review!

Now, you might think that since I've done some work in the modeling industry that I am somehow privy to all manner of luxurious products for hair, face, and body. Well, I have good news and bad news.

The good news is that yes, I've been in the same room as lipstick that costs more than my prescription medication. The bad news is that I can only afford lipstick that costs as much as a Happy Meal.

I'm so sorry to ruin the illusion of luxury for you.

HOWEVER, just because I cannot afford the expensive stuff doesn't mean that the inexpensive stuff is any less wonderful. In fact, I've used a couple of products that are less than $5 that have put the Fancy Schmancy stuff I've been able to use through modeling to shame.

I bring to you now my five of my favorite and absolutely essential products for daily fabulousness:

1. Shampoo.


I don't care what anyone tells you, there is NO NEED to spend $28 on a bottle of shampoo. I have been using nothing but Suave for years--yes, YEARS--and my fancy stylist at Philip Pelusi, who has worked on my hair for Quite Some Time, continually tells me how amazingly healthy and beautiful my hair is. This stuff makes my hair feel, smell, and style like nothin' else. So, get thee to Target and buy yourself some of this. And put the money you save into your savings account.

2. Nail Oil.

Girls, I swear by this product. Sally Hansen ain't foolin' around. I put this stuff on my nails and cuticles every morning and every night, and right before I give myself a manicure. (Yes, I give myself my own manicure. Nobody needs to be spendin' money on gettin' their nails did.) It hydrates like a you-know-what-er. No peeling cuticles, no rough skin around my nails. Just smooth, ladylike fingers. Thank you, Miss Sally. I think I love you.

3. Nail Polish.


One word: Avon.
Two more words: Nailwear Pro
This stuff stays on FOREVER, has the most even coating I've ever used, and stays shiny--like you just got the manicure/pedicure--for days. I'd like to personally thank my Avon consultant (and very good friend) LaKia for introducing me to this amazing product when she gave me the most stunning hot pink nail polish for my birthday this year.


4. Body Moisturizer.

Dear Vaseline, you may have my first-born child. Love, me.
There's a reason that Vaseline is the go-to name in skin hydration. The stuff just works. Sure, the lotions from Bath and Body Works smell nice, but hydrate? Maybe for 4 minutes. Plus, I have sensitive skin, and their stuff makes me itch. When I stumbled onto this stuff, I could hardly believe it was real. My skin feels hydrated--and I'm talking like I just put the stuff on--for HOURS. I love it and will only ever use this stuff on my skin from this day forward, amen. (For the record, Target's Up and Up brand version is just as amazing, and is even less expensive!)

5. Lip Gloss.
I feel like I should redeem the Bath and Body Works brand after what I said about them in the above paragraph. So, I bring to you my Most Favorite Lip Gloss Ever: C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Tint in Violet Mint. It's the lip gloss I wear every single day. It's sheer, so it goes with whatever make-up look you're going for, but it's still shiny and sexy enough that you'll feel like you've got it goin' on. A big "YAY!" on this one, ladies!

So, there you have it. Five of my favorites.

What are five of your favorites?

with love from Pittsburgh,
Laura

Friday, June 04, 2010

guess what!

I'ma be writin' a new blog post soon. Like, probably tonight or tomorrow.

I know!

It's amazing!

Okay. That is all.

with love from Pittsburgh,
Laura