#45 MAE WEST - SIZZLE, SEX, n' SIN

"DIAMOND LIL" --

MAE WEST RETURNS TO THE GREAT WHITE WAY

 

Sizzle, sex and morality in the Bowery during the turn of the century

A serio-comic look at what made Mae a star and sensation and a tale of the seedy side of New York behind the glamour. 

DONT TELL MAMA -  AUGUST 18TH @ 7:00 PM

 

DIRECTED AND STARRING DARLENE VIOLETTE

 

along with a scintillating cast and

 

JOANNA BONARO...

as

Rita Cristina -- a fiery, feisty Madam/Slave Runner from Rio de Janeiro

Mae West and Diamond Lil Bring Sin Back to the Big Apple in August and November

Aug 7 2013, 7:40am CDT | by PR.com

Courting Mae West, LLC invites you to attend an extravaganza in New York, NY; five events featuring Mae West’s “Diamond Lil” -- in a new adaptation by LindaAnn Loschiavo that's faithful to the novel published in 1932.

New York, NY, August 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Mae West was the controversial Broadway playwright City Hall couldn't tame and the screen queen The Hays Office couldn't refrain from censoring, a bi-coastal bombshell who dominated the box office and the front page for decades. The legendary entertainer will be back in our midst with her gaudy retinue in 2013 during August and during November.

 Introduced on The Great White Way in 1928, “Diamond Lil” written by and starring Mae West remained popular until its final performances in 1951. The  "melodrama of the underworld" set in Chinatown and on the Bowery during the 1890s has been adapted into an 85-minute version by playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo, whose work "Courting Mae West" was last seen in Melbourne, Australia. Actress Darlene Violette stars as the irresistible diamond-draped Queen of the Bowery and is supported by a fine cast featuring Sidney Myer, Anthony DiCarlo, Joanna Bonaro, Gary Napoli, Juan Sebastian Cortes, Kimmy Foskett, Jim Gallagher with live music by Brian McInnis.

- Who, What, When, Where and How Much -
On 5 Dates: August 12th, August 17th, August 18th, November 22nd and November 23rd
- What: Five events timed to celebrate the 120th birthday of Mae West, born in Brooklyn, NY on August 17, 1893
- On Monday, 12 August 2013 at the Hudson Square Library
- One afternoon only from 4:00pm — 5:45pm [Seating from 3:45pm]
- Where: Hudson Branch Library, 66 Leroy St., NYC 10014; not accessible to wheelchairs
- Who + What: "Diamond Lil" by Mae West as a Reader's Theatre Experience with words and period songs and live music — a unique and unforgettable presentation
- Cast: Costumed in 1890s Bowery style, actress Darlene Violette and actor Sidney Myer present the 1932 novel "Diamond Lil" written by Mae West in Mae's words — enhanced with period songs and live music by Brian McInnis. At intervals, historian and playwright LindaAnn Loschiavo leads an "Armchair Tour" through the boisterous Bowery and Chinatown of the 1890s with rare vintage images you have never seen before.
  - RSVP: Email MaeWestDiamondLil @gmail.com

 - There will be two stagings of "Diamond Lil" on August 17th and August 18th in NYC.
- Cast: Starring Darlene Violette as Diamond Lil, Queen of the Bowery and also featuring Sidney Myer, Anthony DiCarlo, Joanna Bonaro, Gary Napoli, Juan Sebastian Cortes, Kimmy Foskett, Jim Gallagher and live music by Brian McInnis
- The public is invited (suitable for age 18 and over)
- On Saturday, 17 August 2013 at 7:30pm on West 38th St.
- Where: John Strasberg Studios, 555 8th Avenue, Suite 2310, New York, NY 10018; accessible to wheelchairs
- August 17th Admission: $10 — must be pre-paid. Raffle tickets are free.
- RSVP: Advance sale tickets: you must email MaeWestDiamondLil (at) gmail (dot) com
- Closest MTA subway stations: 42nd St./ Times Sq. via A, C, E, 1, 2, 3
- On Sunday, 18 August 2013 at 7:00pm on West 46th St.
-Where: Don't Tell Mama, 343 West 46th Street, NYC 10036; T. (212) 757-0788
- RSVP: August 18th Admission: $15.00 cover charge plus a two drink minimum; raffle tickets are free.
- Reservations: www.donttellmamanyc.com
- Closest MTA subway stations: 42nd St./ Times Sq. via A, C, E, 1, 2, 3
- Join them as they turn the iconic NYC nightspot Don't Tell Mama into Gus Jordan's "Suicide Hall"



 - Updates: facebook.com/MaeWestDiamondLil
- On Friday, 22 November 2013 from 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- On Saturday, 23 November 2013 from 2:00 - 4:00 PM
- Where: Jefferson Market Library in the very room where Mae went before a judge
- Address: 425 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY
- RSVP: Admission is free but you must RSVP via email MaeWestDiamondLil (at) gmail (dot) com

FYI: "Courting Mae West" received a six-page spread in the July-August 2013 issue of THE DRAMATIST. The article will be part of a presentation on November 22nd and November 23rd, 2013 at Jefferson Market Library on Sixth Avenue -- in the same room where Mae West faced off with Judge Donnellan in 1927.
Contact Information:
Courting Mae West, LLC
Mae Westside
212-614-9683Contact via Email
maewest.blogspot.com
Sponsorship Inquiries only: 212-477-0893
Read the full story here: http://www.pr.com/press-release/508355

Press Release Distributed by PR.com
Source: PR.com

Read more at http://www.movieballa.com/2013/08/103728/mae-west-and-diamond-lil-bring-sin-back-big-apple-august-and-november#z5CGO64ImtK3HXig.99

 

 

 

#24 SUMMER BEAUTY PRODUCTS 6/21/12

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
Summer Beauty Products
No Sweat Beauty 

BLUE COLLAR BABES!!

Some beautifying products that won't break the budget.  Sometimes the basics and what grandma taught are the best.  Save your money in some places so you can splurge on the more important things.

BREAKOUTS ---- yes we still get them.   I have gone the toothpaste route, though the new whitening gels don't work at all.  Used dermatologist proscribed products where I need a prescription (not covered by insurance) or better yet, their pricey private label products. Yet, after much experimentation I highly recommend Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion.  It works like clay. Apply with a q-tip. Sleep. You will wakeup to problem solved. 

SOFT, SUPPLE HANDS  ----  Grandma always knew best. Tried and true through the ages. 1-3x a week. Use those old fashioned cotton white gloves, slather on your favorite hand cream, or my fave --- Vit. E oil gel and go about your day.  Do it a few hours before you do the laundry, remove and throw in the wash. Voila! Ready for next week!  Or sleep on it.  I cut out the fingertips so that I can go about my business.  Any beauty treatment for me must be easy.  Too involved and I lose interest.  Try it.  Compliments galore!   When gloves aren't an option --- Mario Badescu Hand Creme is the best hand creme I have ever used.  Use during day, near the kitchen sink, in your hand bag, even a sample in your winter parka.  Dry hands begone!

MANICURE TIP -- over 40! I would recommend shorter nails and paler colors.  Your fingers will look more elegant without the harsh color contrasts, along with elongating your fingers.  Longer nails start looking like claws and also seem so out of date and age you.  Oval shape as opposed to square is also much more attractive. Less boxy and blunt. Understatement is best. 

FOUNDATION FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP ----  again, there are a lot of products out there, but my favorite is MakeUp Forever  Liquid Foundation and SmashBox High Definition Primer.  Smooth on after moisturizing prior to foundation application.  Leaves your skin looking poreless and smooth.  Your close-ups never looked so good.

GEL EYEPENCILS  --  TARTE emphasEYES --  I first used these after getting eye lash extensions. (more on that in later blogs)  They don't have oils in them that will emulsify the glue from the extensions. They are super soft and so easy to use.  The color just glides on.  I stopped with the extensions (just for special occasions now) but kept on using these.  A little goes a long way. 

THOSE ARE THE SAVINGS BEAUTY TIPS, HERE IS THE SPLURGE!

FOR THAT VERY SPECIAL OCCASION ---  Well if its a big event day, I would recommend my favorite makeup artist and hair dresser/colorist from LA.  She comes to New York regularly and her work is featured on the covers of Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Brides, Vanidades and Cosmopolitan.  More caring and concern that you look magnificent on your big day you will never find.  Her name is Laly.  And she is magnificent, munificent and just plain fun.  You will look gorgeous and have a blast. 

She can be contacted at www.Ztalentgroup.com

Laly up front with Elizabetta Canalis

With these products and people as part of your arsenal, 

then you won't feel so bad - ever.

#17 HOT OVER 40! MARILYN MONROE SIZZLE & SMARTS! 2/25/12

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro

Real vs Reel Beauty 
Yes! Marilyn knew the difference.

Sizzle + Smarts = 
Sensational  

 

My favorite Marilyn photo - with a BOOK!

Since this is a blog about beauty, image and the pressures society puts on women to look gorgeous no matter the circumstances, I harken back to Marilyn. Why? Well she did re-invent herself.  She was her own creation.  And creating one's own rennaissance whether it be through fitness or schooling, or relationships, or just a new pair of jeans is what this blog is about.  Creating a life and look that makes you happy,  gives one confidence, and authenticity - that is what I would hope for you. Because you are doing it for yourself, not to be selfish and narcissistic, but to be happy and healthy and fulfilled.
You deserve it.  
Marilyn was often misunderstood, however she was a brilliant actress and business woman.  A woman before her time who fought for her beliefs, and the rights of others.
I think if she could have continued to withstand the pressures of fame, stardom and her own personal demons, she would have been a true aging beauty.  
A role model on how to age with grace and style. 
With a face that moved and continued to move us too!

A true iconoclast. A forerunner. Trailblazer.

"For decades, irresponsible biographers like Norman Mailer have represented Marilyn Monroe as nothing more than weak, psychotic, junkie, nymphomaniac, idiot. I have tried to read her life in a different way. True, Marilyn was sometimes mired in the ideology of the past: she married men to gain an identity she wished for herself; she was over-reliant on her sexuality for success in her career. But, at the same time, she displayed real agency by divorcing three unsupportive husbands who interfered with her career and her self-esteem, by fighting for her modeling and film success, by continuing to perfect her art by taking acting classes long after she was a big star, by battling Darryl Zanuck to have more control over her own destiny, by starting her own production company, by buying her own home, even by jogging through service alleys, lifting weights, and wearing jeans. All of these things were accomplished six years before the first feminist protest at the Miss American Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and eight years before the First Congress to unite Women in New York."   (Excerpted from http://www.americanpopularculture.com/)

INSIGHT FOR THE DAY:

MARILYN JOGGED AND USED WEIGHTS BEFORE THE BOOM OF THE FITNESS CRAZE, GYMS, TRAINERS AND EXERCISE GURUS ---- SO FOLLOW HER EXAMPLE ---

YOU CAN TRANSFORM YOURSELF THROUGH DILIGENCE AND DEDICATION.  And no it ain't easy, however, eventually it will actually become fun.  Trust me. I know.
UPCOMING BLOGS ON VARIOUS EXERCISE STRATEGIES DURING SLUMPS, MALAISE & INJURIES.   

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST, COMMENTS, READERSHIP, CURIOSITY, CARING, SHARING.

CHOOSE HAPPINESS - EVEN DURING DURESS.
IT WON'T CHANGE THINGS ALOT, BUT PERHAPS, IT WILL CHANGE HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT.

if you are new to this blog and want some background on my philosophies and life after cancer IN A BIKINI   see blogs #1,2,3,6,8,10 &14

#15 HOT OVER 40! BACI, BACI EVERYWHERE~ SEDUCTION 2/2/12

Seduction : 

Give him a mystery trail of chocolate Baci ---- he will think of you everytime he discovers one... Sock drawer, humidor, gym bag, drivers seat, computer pad... When he gets home, have set a path of Baci through the house for him to follow-- at the end of the trail....hide one on your person and let him find it, along with Champagne in a fluted glass with strawberries and chocolate --- awaiting you both. Dinner can wait.

#9 HOT OVER 40! GLAM A LA LOMBARD

Do you suppose that being glamorous just applies to appearing exotic, smoky and slinky?  Wrong!  Garbo notwithstanding ---

I would like to take a page from another siren's book --

the Screwball Goddess herself. Carole Lombard. 

Take a peak at her picture to your left and tell me she didn't rival Garbo in glamour.  

During Hollywood's Heyday, who did she catch?

None other than Mr. Sigh himself - Clark Gable. 

Clark and Carole were known as the Golden Couple during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Photo from www.fanpix.net/carolelombard

A LESSON IN GOOFBALL GLAMOUR - VIA CAROLE

Many of you may be surprised to learn that Carole was in a car accident where her face was seriously scarred.  As a result of her "loss of looks" she was dropped by Fox Studios and her career appeared to be over.  Yet this seemingly cataclysmic marring of her face --- actually proved to be the making of the screwball girl. 

It was "the beginning," said a friend, "of her philosophy, her inner life.  For she began to laugh at herself-and she went on laughing at herself for as long as she lived." 

Lombard's humor came down to a profound irreverence --- and the need to tweak convention wherever she saw it.  She couldn't resist poking fun at those who took themselves too seriously.  When a movie of Gable's bombed everywhere but China, she dropped aerial leaflets printed with, "Fifty Million Chinamen Can't Be Wrong!" 

She teased Gable about his frugality, his large ears, and "the greater popularity of Shirley Temple."  (If you do not know who Shirley is... continue eating your Animal Crackers and stop reading this blog.) 

Lombard's screwball view helped him laugh at the world.                                                         Photo from www.feminine-flower.tumblr.com

She also had scores of what she termed, "sexy friendships"  with lots of the male leading stars of the day.  But she always remained true and faithful to Clark. 

Life magazine noted,  "her entry on a set often occasions so many greetings from prop men, mechanics, assistant directors, and electricians, that the uproar sounds like a reunion between Tarzan and his monkeys."  (young starlets take note)

During the shooting of From Heaven to Hell, Lombard shivered in a summer dress in the middle of January.  "All right you warm, bloody bastards," she joked,  "every one of you down to your jockey shorts!"  THEY STRIPPED.

Now, if you are not the life of the party or knock down funny (like me) you can still develop a sense of humor through your way of looking at the world.* 

GLAM A LA LOMBARD:

Carole Lombard On Her Beauty:
 “You ought to see the map for my face in the Makeup Department. It looks like a landscape of the moon.”
Carole Lombard On Being A Glamour Girl:
 “Personally, I resent being tagged ‘glamour girl.’ It’s such an absurd, extravagant label. It implies so much that I’m not.”

Carole Lombard On Being A Style Queen:

“I can’t imagine a duller fate than being the best dressed woman in reality. When I want to do something I don’t pause to contemplate whether I’m exquisitely gowned. I want to live, not pose!”

Carole Lombard On Humor:

“ The Cardinal Virtue ... Is a sense of humor,” says Carole. “Do you laugh in the right places? Then, you’ll get along, in fair weather or foul. Humor is nothing less than a sense of the fitness of things. Something that’s out of proportion, like an inflated ego, should strike you funny, particularly if it’s your own inflated ego. Otherwise you are pathetic and quite hopeless.”

Photo from www.seattletimes.nwsource.com

GOOFY GLAMOUR TIP
Look for the "funny in the fiasco" and you will have learned a lesson in Lombard's book. A sense of self-deprecation and an awareness of the absurdity in everyday living will work wonders.

So, laugh easily, laugh often and you'll be happier --- those laugh lines will start looking very good and be a reflection of both your outer and inner happiness. I would bet a chip or two that the admiring male next to you will think so too.

He will only have eyes for you.

Photo from www.goldenagedames.wordpress.com

*Royal Blue ink signifies complete excerpts from, Simply Irresistible by Ellen T. White

PS  I think the "Follow" favicon button is working now.  If you have a google account just click.  Or easily create a google account.   Otherwise you can follow me via email,  No spam or sales.
Even though this is a continuing problem - for I have heard from many of you  --- I want to thank all my readers, over 600 in just 3 months from the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Chile, Germany, Jordan, India, Denmark, Malaysia, Egypt, Peru, Denmark, Hungary and the Netherlands for your continued support.  I hope I am inspiring/ helping you and giving you some calorie free "food for thought," along with a positive healthy inner sense of beauty and well-being.
 Have a great-glam day!  

#8 HOT OVER 40! CARROTS, CRUNCHES & MUNCHIES

FLAT STOMACH.   Two words that can send frissons of fear into the female heart. 
Our minds and souls become paralysed.  Thoughts, usually filled with guilt about last night's dessert, swell your brain.  Those two words can cause an explosion of voices and such fevered emotion  that onlookers, or foreign travelers, would swear a duel might imminently ensue.  It can't - we are too busy asphyxiating ourselves holding in our stomachs.
Well, don't fear. Help is on the way.  
You know how I have mentioned that orange and green are my fashion color enemies? 

Well , in food choices they are just golden. 

I have discovered my munchie food friends and none of them are fried.

I have to admit that I suffer from mandible motion mania or munchie madness. 
In other words. I have a constant need to chew and swallow food while I am reading (which is quite often, book-worm that I am), watching TV (usually only Sunday nights at 9), studying, (the times vary widely), writing (such as this very moment). 
These are activities, keep in mind, where one is stationery, either lying down or sitting, 

 I found this very bad habit impossible to control until I decided that I wasn't going to tame it, just change it - and re-thought what type of snacking  I would use.  In the past, crackers and cereal were my chew of choice.  I used to pat myself on the back for not opting for the "bad" choice of cookies or ice cream. What greater fool was I! 

My healthy drugs, er I mean foods, of choice, (though now I do crave them - oh joy!)  ensure that I get the crunch and chew satisfaction that I must have,  along with a feeling of satiety (Merriam Webster definition 1 not 2 ) without the guilt of calories and a swollen stomach.

(NOTE - ALL ARE RAW - NOT COOKED - REMEMBER THESE ARE GRAB AND CHEW WHILE ENGAGING IN SEDENTARY ACTIVITIES - AN OXYMORON I KNOW)

5  CRUNCHIE MUNCHIES

CARROTS- fiber, Vitamins A & C                                     One cup= approx 50 cal.
JICAMA -potassium and Vitamin C                                   One cup = approx 45 cal.
RED,ORANGE & YELLOW PEPPERS -                           One cup =approx  30 cal. 
   lots of Vitamin C in all 3 though red is best  
ROMAINE LETTUCE                                                       Doesn't matter - so few cal.
JALAPENO PEPPERS - capsaicin - great for arthritis       Can you even eat one cup?
                                       go slow on this one.

Yes there are lots of other often recommended veggies such as celery, which I found boring,  broccoli - which I love cooked or raw, but if munching in public can create "green teeth smile" so be warned.  I choose the above because these items can be purchased pre-washed and pre-sliced so that it is all easy-peazy lazy lady-like. 

EXERCISE TIP:  Stomach exercises work as long as you concentrate on the specific area and lift and lower while always keeping the muscle tensed.  If you do them quickly, just lifting your head and not your shoulders,  and/or  fully release your muscle upon lowering you are accomplishing very little and will not see the results as quickly. 
Also, in order to see results, and maintain them, you should be doing crunches, upper and lower along with oblique crunches ideally 4-6x a week.  You want even quicker results?  Use a stability ball -  or an incline bench - or hold a 5 lb. dumbbell on your upper chest - work it!

EXTRA FLAT TUMMY TIP:   don't drink your calories gals,  I mean soda, or frozen margaritas .  A complete waste on your waist.  That's where those calories go - right to your middle.  Choose water with lemon instead.  Sparkly if you need the fizz. (like me)  My on-the-go favorite is  Vitamin Water ZERO - Mixed Berry.

 I know I sound like a broken record but go to http://www.leandrofitness.com/ for Brazil Tummy Tuck exercises.  He is the fitness trainer not I.  I am only a convert,  who tried it and found it to be true - oh and my waist is the same as when I was 20.  So it works if you work it.

JUST TO GET THINGS SORTED:  I would like to re-confirm that I am simply a woman who is making recommendations based upon my own experiences.  I am sharing what worked for me after much experimentation.  This blog is aimed to empower women on how to feel beautiful and take control of their bodies, and increase self-image and self-satisfaction levels in order to experience REAL not "reel" beauty.  I am  hoping that you are relating to a woman who is just like you  - a woman from the neighborhood who doesn't have tons of money for trainers, food deliveries, cosmetic surgery or any of those other not mentioned "beauty secret helpers"  that create tabloid goddesses. 
 If you have any serious health conditions or allergies kindly review any of these suggestions first with your doctor. 

#7 HOT OVER 40! FROM RED CARPET TO HILARITY PART 2 - or The Ecstasy then the Agony (#7)

We arrive in Dallas.  I know I am in the Lone Star State because as we are driving to the hotel we see two billboards. One states,  "GOD IS OUR SALVATION".  About 3 seconds later "GUN SHOW - CASH ACCEPTED". 

We arrive at our hotel, and find we have been upgraded to a suite. Sweet!  Debate whether to partake of some Texas chili but decide a good nights sleep is better.  Plus, I am not really eating anything that is not steamed or green until after the big event.  Instead, I  fill up on chamomile tea with lemon. 

I know - a poor second - but I told you I would be honest. 

(Do you remember the pic of Hillary Swank after she won the Oscar?  You don't think she did this too?  She was snarfing down a Big Mac n Cheese with gusto.  I love her for her refreshing honesty and fierce talent.)

Next day.  Wake up to warm sunshine and birds singing.  It was snowing back in New York about then, so I savor the  toasty rays saying to myself,  " another good sign." 
Like Catherine De Medici I am superstitious that way. 
Only she had visions and unfortunately I don't.
It might have proven useful later in the day. 
I layout the dress (which had its own suitcase - yup the entire suitcase had just one dress in it along with about 500 reams of tissue paper and crinkled dry cleaning plastic.) 
Put out the makeup.  Now, the makeup artist was bringing everything however, I am also the type who ALWAYS COMES PREPARED.  So I brought all of my "on camera hi-def" makeup --- in case we had a difference of opinion. 
As it turns out the makeup artist was an absolute angel along with being a great instructor on how one puts on false eyelashes.  A skill I have yet to attain.  She applies excessive eye makeup - up close this doesn't look natural, but does wonders when under bright lights. 
One must learn these things.
I had some slight misgivings on the hair-do when she teased it so that I looked like a raven colony had decided to nest, but she assuaged my doubts by stating, "by the time you get there it will have settled down."  My fleeting thought was, "hope the chicks are fed by then."

After she left it was time to put on the dress. 
A slight nervous breakdown occurred when the dress that fit perfectly in New York, suddenly would not zip up the back.  Hubby proved useless in this matter.  I think hubbies are usually useless in this matter of stuck zippers, but the only female I knew had just left so I was having a minor sweat attack along with worrying about the hair.  However, after15 minutes and endless attempts, the recalcitrant zipper decided to "play nice." Whew. 
Reapply deodorant.... carefully.   Then, shoes (which have been sanded on bottom so no slipping occurs) gold jewelry (not from Cartier but from Italy),  bag (remember to bring ID and cash plus I-phone -- on vibrate please , no room for a brush but the cement hairspray hopefully will hold out.)
Look in the mirror and   .......   THE TRANSFORMATION HAS BEEN ACHIEVED!
Like Maria in "West Side Story"  I feel pretty.  Hallelujah! 
I am ready with time to spare. 
Oh and in between hubby got dressed too.  But who really cared about that? Just kidding.  He looked very handsome. My leading man.

The phone vibrates.  It's the director.  "Don't worry, but the car that is coming to pick you up is running about 20 minutes late.  We can't arrive together. But the event is 5 minutes away so you should be OK.  We won't walk without you." 
20 minutes goes by.  No one arrives.  I call and get voicemail.  GREAT.
Finally another call.  "He is stuck in traffic.  He will be another 10 minutes." 
We were supposed to have been there by now.  After all this preparation I am going to miss the entire thing.
Another 15 minutes.  The anti-perspirant has stopped working. Voicemail. Again.
What to do? What to do?  Should I just hike up my dress and run over? 
(I told you how self-sufficient I can be. Plus I'm fit, remember?)
Finally, a call, "he should be there."  I am exhausted and the event is yet to happen.
I am thinking,  "can't something go smoothly, just once?"  Hubby about to give me a mini-massage and I scream, "watch the hair, watch the hair!"  Ah love.

We arrive. 
It looks exactly as one expects it too.  Lots of spectators milling about.  Lots and lots of press and photographers. Everyone is smiling. You can tell just by looking for the most part, who are the actors versus the directors, writers and producers.  The actors are always dressed and coiffed to the hilt.  It's just the way it is.  Plus their teeth are always so startlingly white. 
(Note to self: You forgot to doooooo thaaaaat! - 95% wattage will have to suffice)  
My director (whom I adore)  and executive producers look splendid and beautiful and radiant. 
And we are all smiling. 
We are assigned a handler.  This individual will escort us through the aisle leading up to the stage at our appointed time.  As we progress forward, people are waving hello and kissing the air and saying things like, "Let's meet for drinks later."  It's hard to hear anything.  I think I am being told to talk about the "female" slant of this film but can't really hear.  And now it's our turn.  The executive producer makes sure the film's poster is placed just so. 
It's time to step on the carpet which is a rich deep red.  
I give myself a moment to take it all in and "own it."  
I am not nervous at all.  In fact, I plan to have a ball. 
The camera's flash, light's pop everywhere, and as we progress down the stage we are stopped by reporters.  My lovely director introduces me as coming "all the way from New York City" which is touching, and the reporter looks at me and declares after having asked me about my role in the film, "How can you be from New York? You are so nice!"  I laughed at that and said, "It's hard not to be when one is in Texas. I think I will move here!"  I think she liked that. 
And so it went.  We were interviewed by the press for both print and TV and web and posed and smiled and laughed for about 45 minutes.  Ann -Margaret even interrupted me.  (It's okay to be cut off  by a legend.) 
Then it was over. Just like that. 
It was a piece of cake and I had a grand old time.  
I couldn't believe that I was even asked "who I wore." Hilarious.

Film premieres. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug.  Let's change and meet for drinks -----   Remember that dear reader!  You think I've already described the agony? HA!
We all part.  Hubby and I return to hotel suite.   Have about an hour and a half to kill before going out again.  Shower, change, very casual, low-key no pressure now.  Lost an eyelash in bathroom anyway. Impossible to locate. Hair back to raven color instead of avian gathering.  
Relaxing when hubby comes from living room to bedroom where I am resting, holding his stomach.  He lies down on bed and says.  "I don't feel so well." 
Not the least bit concerned I say - "What do you mean?" 
"My stomach  hurts."  (His stomach always hurts.)
"It's probably just gas, roll around on the bed a bit," I state unsympathetically. 
I am thinking, "what now, we have to go out soon!"
He moves around for about 5 minutes. Then doubles over and breaks out in a cold sweat.
"I am really in pain all of a sudden."  Jeez.
"Did you eat something since we came back?"  I am still not buying into this.
"No and I am really in pain.  Do you think I should go to the emergency room?"
This gets my attention. 
My husband would NEVER, EVER ASK ME if he should go to any emergency room. 
"You  would never, ever ask me if I think you should go to the emergency room!" I cry.
"Are you having an appendix attack?" 
We prod and poke.  His pain is kind of on the side of his waist.  No organ we can remember being there. 
"Are you sure you didn't eat something?"  "Are you having a heart attack?"
Even though the pain is located on his  right side and below the rib cage, I am starting now to worry. Big time.
He can't stand up but says,   "Maybe it will subside. After all we are going home tomorrow."
"If you are even thinking of an emergency room it means you should go. You can't have this happening on the plane. And what are you talking about anyway? You are white as newly bleached teeth and sweat is pouring off of you!" 
I pick up the phone to the receptionist. 
"My husband has become desperately ill.  Where is the nearest hospital?"
Being Texan, they were all so wonderful and helpful. Immediately.  No questions or attitudes.
Maybe we should move here.

We wind up at Baylor Hospital emergency room. 
Needless to say, an emergency room in downtown Dallas at midnight is as far away from a red carpet crowd as can be.  Plus their computer system went down resulting in  a 3 hour delay because processing all the incoming patients has to be done manually.  No one is used to doing that anymore. 
We sit in plastic chairs surrounded by moaning, suffering, bleeding, a screeching cat fight over a pimp, ( I kid you not) , a man who had beige bugs crawling over him, (is this a vision?!?) and mayhem until he is finally admitted at 4:15 AM. 
The admitting nurse asks us if we are willing to pay a $100 charge and is surprised when we say "yes." 
It appears that no one ever does.
Blood work, x-rays, and c-scans later, the doctor comes in to tell us - "Kidney Stones."
??!!!**##??!!!!!
Incredible. 
My husband looks at me, and with a twinkle in his eye restored, now that he is on mega-pain killers, and quips, "Well it's a good thing this didn't happen earlier.  You would have left me at the emergency room door. And I would have wanted you to. "  I say, "You are absolutely right, but I would have come back as soon as  it was all over."  Ah,  devotion.

We got back to the hotel at 6:30 AM.  And crashed.  Then hopped on a plane home by 4pm.

I think all the partying was over by then.  I didn't bother to check.  I didn't care.  I had my moment and more importantly, my husband by my side. 

So while everyone thinks I was living it up and leading such a glamorous life....

I say, "it's the grits that count."   Without love, it ain't much.  Ah Amore.  A-men.

BEAUTY TIP  --    studies show that wearing red increases athletic performance and may lead to more confidence. It may even make you push harder while working out!

Next.....  Carrots, Crunches, and Munchies

Hey follow me, just press the "f" button which isn't obscene just friendly. althoughwhateverworksforyou!

#5 HOT OVER 40! FROM RED CARPET TO HILARITY (Part 1) #5

This blog is founded on helping women over 40 feel empowered and very pretty on a day to day basis.  I have been in the image industry where how you look and present yourself is of the utmost importance for most of my adult life.  At times the only requisite when you walk in a room is how you look.  In the cosmetic industry, the first thing that was drummed into my head was, "Image is everything."  This rule applies itself everyday, but amplify it one hundred fold in the entertainment industry.
As is apparent,  I am not a star, (still I work) a renowned great beauty, (considered pretty) or leggy stick thin model, (size 4 is borderline ok - 6 still considered fat) but I have seen what goes on behind the glamour curtain.
Baby, you ain't born that way. So here is the grit behind the glimmer.

I quite unexpectedly got a call to Walk the Red Carpet at the Dallas Int'l Film Festival for a film I was cast in, "Traveling."
I will admit  - Yes! I was pretty excited. 
And for all you denigrators - So, so sorry it wasn't Cannes, or Sundance or Holly Lolly Wood.
              (BTW - Maria Bello and Anne Margaret opened the festival)
At least I get to say I did it. 
It may be the only time.
Or it may be have been good practice for the future. 
Who knows?
This blog, however, is what went on BEFORE the event. The next blog will focus on AFTER.
I call it From Red Carpet to Reality - or Hilarity. 

Walking the Red Carpet!  I got quite an amount of positive support, (thank you, thank you, thank you) along with lots of questions.
"How did you prepare for it?"
"Wow! Was it wonderful?"
"Were you nervous in front of the cameras?"
and of course
"What are you going to wear?"
So the journey began...
After it sank in, I basically panicked because I don't have
1. an assistant 2. a stylist 3. an image consultant
4. a press agent or any other of the cadre of people
that do all the work for you, behind the scenes.
Then I took a deep breathe and remembered that I do
1. have my own sense of style 2. know my image
3. am a self starter and 4.  have lots of marketing experience.
In other words --- I had confidence in myself. 
That adds up to a whole lot of pretty before one even starts. 
But really, that's just minutae. 
Let's get to the important stuff....the dress.
Off I went - to every store in NYC. I wanted to wear red. My color.  Always lots of compliments.  EXCEPT --- Valentine's Day had just passed, the new Spring fashions were on display, and the colors this season, as I came to be aware (or be wary of) are beige, orange and green. Cafeteria colors.
Now what was I supposed to do with that? 
Needless to say, there was nary a red dress in any store in all of New York City.  Hrrrmph. 
I would also like to mention the word,  "PROM."  Yes, that time of year was approaching, so looking for a tasteful cocktail dress amidst, froth, fluff, netting in unlikely places, exceedingly short hemlines and pastel pink was no easy task either.
After purchasing a total of 6, yes 6 dresses, (hope you are factoring all this travel, time, effort and indecision in the dressing room + hubby stating, "another one?") my dear friend said to me while I unhappily modelled a lilac concoction in my bedroom, " Do you want me to come with you to return the dress at the Madison Avenue store?" ( I can perform in front of hundreds but returning a purchase from Madison Avenue brings on frissons of fear)  I said, "yes, yes, yes!" 
Off we went. 
In the window was a black dress with gold necklace collar that I would have never picked out. 
She said, "That's the one." 
I said, "No, I will not wear black on camera, I never wear gold, plus too formal." 
She countered with, "Shut-up and listen to me for once in your life, you will look elegant and sophisticated." 
I said begrudgingly, "Well, I can try it on." 
Guess who was right? 
Oh it was Max Azria for those who care.

Part 2 will describe the experience and OH!!! the afterwards.
Otherwise known as "The Ecstacy then the Agony."
For the record, I did not trip.

PRACTICAL FASHION TIP  -- when wearing new shoes, sandpaper the bottom of the soles. The roughened texture guarantees you won't slip on carpeted or wooden floors.

    

#3 HOT OVER 40! MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL!

I was eating, yes actually eating, today at a trendy little place in Alphabet City.  I had just worked out intensely with my favorite Brazilian trainer (more about that in future posts) and decided to treat myself to a healthy veggie whole yolk egg omelette along with an everything bagel, meaning my omelette was actually yellow not white, and in reverse, my bread was white and not brown.  I was feeling a bit guilty because I am not used to those colors on my AM plate - I usually eat egg whites only, hold the toast and just have some sliced tomatoes on the side.  I call that my "red toast" special.  But my body was sending me signals that I absolutely could not ignore. So in order to shut it up and reduce my Sunday morning stress I gave in to yellow and starch.  I  already know what some of you must be thinking. "Jeez, when I have a special weekend breakfast, it's banana pancakes with chocolate chips!"
But the point about this blog is not about pigging out. 
It's actually about listening.
When I used to read articles about listening to what your body tells you, I couldn't relate.  I didn't understand what that meant in terms of healthy eating choices.  Yes, it often screamed, "chocolate please!" - sometimes not that politely. Or gaily chirped, "baked white potato with butter-yum!"  It never said, "kindly pass on the garlic bread sticks and get me some apples." 
I was very jealous of the women who could sit for an entire meal with chips and dip in front of them and nibble on just one! We women do notice these things out of the corner of our eyes while gorging.  Come on now! Admit it.
However, after finally losing my PC weight (post cancer - more on that in a future blog) as a result of proper training (from said Brazilian trainer)  and experiencing very healthy and tasteful food choices and steadfastly adhering to them for a long period of time - my body did start to talk to me as it had never done before. 
It even started to surprise me with what it was saying.
It now actually craved salad and broccoli, carrots, cantoloupe, grilled salmon and camomile tea with lemon not milk. Drinking lots of water became easy. It started to get with the program so that mind and stomach weren't always at war.  A peace treaty of sorts had occurred and my heart happily signed on with a sigh of relief. 
So now when my body says, "you need to have some steak today", or crackers, or a sesame almond cookie or two, I actually listen to it.  Because now it doesn't say it to me very often.  So I give in.
Do I feel guilty? Well yes I do, because I will admit I am still going through some issues and I want to still lose 5 more of the Xmas season 10.
The difference - and this is key - is that my body is telling me something intelligent now. 
It is saying, "you have been stressed so I need a just a bit more today in this area to feel better, and if you give it to me I won't bother you again for awhile." Not, "load up on the cheese laden pasta in the mega bowl."  Just, " a little yolk and 1/2 a bagel will do."
My body feels better and my emotional state after giving in feels great too. The temper tantrum rackets between stomach and brain have been quelled.  I know that I will eventually lose the 5 more pounds in reasonable time with continued exercise and healthy eating.
I had to go to the ladies room after my very delicious breakfast and what did I discover? 
The mirror on the wall had the following words stencilled on the bottom, "don't you look good today!" Really.  I swear.  On Ave A and 12th street.
Check it out if you don't believe me.
Isn't it nice when the mirror is on your side?

EXERCISE & FITNESS TIP:   Leandro Carvalho Super Trainer to the Stars -  DVD Brazil Butt Lift with Leandro Carvalho,  via Beachbody Productions   http://www.beachbody.com/ OR http://www.leandrofitness.com/

#2 HOT OVER 40! BEING GLAMOR - US ! Yes I mean you!

BEING GLAMOROUS -  What exactly does that mean to the everyday woman?
I saw that on an ad while walking down the street the other day. My first thought was , "Come ON! here we go again with Madison Avenue doing its best to make us all feel inadequate and just a bit grungy so we will buy, buy, buy." Of course it didn't help that I had just gotten off the sardine tight bus, sweaty from the crowd yet cold from the windy street and carrying 4 bags of groceries because I didn't want to pay the $5.00 delivery fee.  The glamours of living in Manhattan.
Then I paused.
Perhaps my viewpoint was a bit too narrow.
Perhaps I should redefine it for myself.  And for all you ladies out there too who might be thinking the same way.  For US!
Sure, its easy to feel glamourous when dressed up for a major event, hair and makeup to perfection, nails polished, jewelry just so. But why does it have to be for a big celebration, or a hot date night out either single or married?
After all, being glamorous doesn't have to mean BIG does it? 
If you think small but priceless  - then actually its quite easy. 
Glamour doesn't have to be bought. 
It can be a saucy smile, a sway of the hip, and that backward glance at a handsome stranger.  It's all about an attitude of glamour.
Try it.
Say to yourself, "I. simply. am. not. glamorous."  Doesn't feel too hot does it.
Now say,  "You know what? I am glamorous!  Because I say so!".  Doesn't that bring just a teeny smile to your face?  Didn't you just brighten your day all by yourself?
I hope so.  Because you should. 
My point is that the message to be glamorous should not be -- "if only I bought this, or looked like that, or lived somewhere else."  Being glamour-us should be within our own power and perception to provide.
I am not discounting that pretty turqoise top, the silvery sparkle shoes I just had to buy that make me happy, or the particular shade of red lipstick that brightens my face.... they all have their benefits and value.
I am simply saying that it feels good to feel beautiful and since I believe it is every woman's right to feel that way, I am trying to give us all the stream of consciousness tools that just might perk us up to feelin' pretty- even in grungy sweat pants while taking out the garbage.  Because when I did throw out the garbage today, feeling quite the glam girl, my next door neighbor remarked - "don't you look beaming today!"  - throwing out the garbage never felt so good. It could become a habit. Now smile.

BEAUTY TIP - I use Crest White Strips.  They are less expensive and easy to use.  Just pop them on before showering.  A few minutes every day for a week.  Then repeat every 2 months.  Less costly than the dentists office. However, I do recommend a professional if your teeth are very stained.  A bright white smile adds to your dazzle and confidence every minute of the day.

#1 HOT OVER 40! LOOK IN THE MIRROR THAT MEANS YOU

As long as you THINK you are hot.... then you ARE hot!
Why start this blog? Because many women think they are not. And I want to change that.
I am writing for all the women out there who feel alienated, disenfranchised and just marginalized. You know who you are. You buy a magazine and say to yourself, "Am I really that old, everyone is looking so young!" or "How much is that beauty treatment going to cost to make me look good?" or just "To hell with it, can't even compete, why even bother?". We are often told the world is for the young, the rich, the skinny or the glamorous. Well I am saying, "sure it is! - but there it's a big world and there is lots of room to share.  I am saying, "every woman has a right to feel beautiful!" and you don't have to be a star or model to be so!   I know many women who, while not having six pack abs, because, um, well, they had babies - to term!!!!! without a tummy tuck!!!!!!!!!!  are absolutely gorgeous, and yes their eyes move when they smile, wrinkles appear and boy oh boy! they squint too.  And they are adorable! And I would much rather see their expressive moving faces - everywhere - and free flowing movements any day of the week. In ripped jeans (yes you can wear them) in halter tops (ok as long as you wear a bra), and in clingy dresses (maybe not too sheer)  that show your curves.  That's how nature made us.  I will also talk about staying fit and healthy in body, mind and spirit. So this blog is for- US! We are a major economic force and our voices should be heard.
And being Italian, I may verbally gesticulate, shout, and emote. However, I won't throw-up on a beach to make a spectacle of myself, or go down the typical "Imma an I-talian ya know?" avenue. We happen to be an educated, well-spoken bunch around the pasta laden table too. And that is what I love about my Bronx Italian roots - we originated the words  "Express Yourself!"

At the end of every blog I will give you a tip on how to look and feel beautiful.

BEAUTY TIP - if you are over 40 wearing a deep red matte lipstick can often age you.... start trying  varying shades of a creamy rose to give you a sexy yet subtle lipline.

More info click onto



IMDB www.imdb.me/joannabonaro