YO DI

Yo di
san kretyen
enrichi
late

Si sete vre
Si sete vret
mezanmi

ala diri
pitmi
ak mayi

ki ta genyen
la peyi
D’Ayiti

They say

human blood
enriches
soil

If that were true
If that were true
my friends

how rice
millet
and corn

would thrive
in
Haiti

Thanks to Merete Heather Mueller for sharing and translating this poem.

“A prostitute blows bubbles on a street in Port-au-Prince on January 24, 2010. Police in the Haitian capital counted their losses and gathered their forces today, preparing for a surge in crime they are certain will follow the devastating January 12 earthquake. “

Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross Relief Efforts. Here’s more info on Red Cross efforts to help Haiti.

Thanks to Jezebel.com for sharing this powerful image with us!

ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images

after some careful thought, consideration and relying on the fact that variety is the spice of life, I decided on the following in the name of fantasy, romance, intrigue, adventure, and pure hotness.

Twilight

I’ve been a sucker for vampires ever since Buffy the Vampire Slayer (starring Kristy Swanson) came out in full effect. I was in middle school, awkward, and totally over locker rooms and school dances. Buffy was the epitome of the solid kick ass chic who made that boring shit fun with her homemade daggers and hottie BFF Luke Perry :purrrrrrrr: I wasn’t blonde yet but Buffy most definitely lent a hand in leading the way to that transformation. she was the coolest vamp I knew until Edward Cullen came along. now I’m back to thinking about locker rooms and school dances. I’d be all over attending them this time around because my version of  high school was totally boring. however, if I went to Forks High School where werewolf running amuck is normal and spending each night with my hottie BF singing me to sleep was accepted then I would have been less inclined to use study hall as nap time. no matter how grossly illegal and slightly disturbing that may be (I’m no Twi-hard but I admit I’m damn close!). who can blame me? who wouldn’t want to snuggle up to a hot century old vampire who still had the skin of a 17 year old? all I can think about is when the F is Stephenie Meyer going to get off her wealthy behind and write that fifth book!? :le sigh:

Sex and the City

this may not seem like much of a stretch for some of you, especially New Yorkers, because living in the city is fabulous no matter who you are and how old you allow yourself to be. I have the gaggle of friends, city savvy knowledge of what’s hot and not, and the neverending romance with this gorgeous city as well as growing youth on my side. but. the thought of being a columnist with no 9-5 job, a closet full of Manolos for each day of the year, a roomy Village rent stabilized :drool: apartment, and a heartwrenching romance to never let boredom find you sounds pretty f-ing amazing to me. no matter how fictionally silly it sounds I don’t care. I could live the life of Carrie Bradshaw and get Carried away all too easily. yum.

Vanity Fair: The Portraits: A Century of Iconic Images

I love people. I’m totally fascinated by their mannerisms, voices, hair, skin, smell, quotes, likes/dislikes, you name it. I also love pop culture. to me it’s as important as science and math. you are what you eat, read, wear, listen to, watch, etc. if you see what I mean. if I could time travel I’d spend the entire century engulfed in photographs. I want to hear my ultimate idol Marilyn Monroe laugh between shots. is George Clooney really as charming as they say? what about that picture of Johnny Depp and Kate Moss? were they as in love as it seemed? how about Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, John Lennon, President Obama? what are they like when being photographed? I’d love to sit directly behind Annie Leibovitz or Mario Testino as they photograph some of our culture’s most well-known faces. images can speak volumes about a time period. ours certainly has a lot to say.

OK, ladies & honorable gents. what do we think? love it or leave it?

I’m loving the outfit (especially the shoes, natch) but not so much the shades even though Carrie would rock ‘em. I’d rather see SJP’s beautiful blues. Otherwise, I’m totally on board. loving the streak of city in the background with the most fabulous glitterati behind our empowering chic. I can’t wait to see what the other ladies bring.

Is it May 28 yet!?

Extremes – yin and yang, two fish swimming in opposite directions, you get the idea – is one of the best ways to describe Lady Gaga’s style. This woman will wear anything a designer puts in front of her and own it. So, we can only begin to describe what a let down her upcoming January cover of Elle is looking like a typical pop tart gracing the cover of a magazine. Yawn. (Include image of Elle cover)

It must be said that she still looks fierce – consider your subject. But it’s way more fun to think of Gaga in full frontal smooch red lips, thick black liner and outrageously delicious bubble dress and/or hair bow (verdict is still out on the latter). However, it is nice to see Gaga play nice once in a while. She’s in tune with the extremes displayed on the catwalk forecasting Winter 2009/Spring 2010 beauty that is literally black and white: smoldering smoky eye and almost naked no-mascara lids.

I personally can’t leave the house without mascara on since my long lashes are hidden by blonde color that leaves me looking lash-less. A personal hang up? You betcha. So I’ll start with the smoky eyes first. If you’re a newbie who fears the raccoon, Benefit’s Smokin’ Eyes Sexy Eye & Brow Makeover Kit will guide you to your best look-at-me lids.

Badgley-Mischka Spring 2010 collection boasted a natural palette of barely rosy cheeks, pearly eye shadow and skin-toned lips. This look is absolutely refreshing, especially after a long recession-filled winter, so long as you exfoliate and conceal like a blending queen. For already naturally pale skin add a pop of color to your lids. Our personal favorite is Nars Cream Eyeshadow in Klondike for a subtle mint pearl color.

If you feel armored behind fluttery mascara lashes like yours truly then go for brown instead of very black to stay au naturale. Try cult fave DiorShow Mascara in Chestnut.

Images thanks to Dior, Nars, Benefit, Amazon.com, and People.com

That’s according to Glamour.com. According to me and my gaggle of cronies, divas, misfits, and other people I call friends, this list is totally incomplete. Talk about sad shortcomings and bedroom downfalls. They can have ‘em as far as I’m concerned. I have my own delicious list of sultry, titillating men that beg to be eaten off a spoon.

1. Seth Rogen’s sweet hair

Billowy, fluffy, and curly. Can you just imagine how smooth it feels between your fingers? Seth may have lost the weight, but he’s certainly weighed on my mind.

2. Brad Pitt’s bro buzz

We all agree that Brad can do no wrong. Well, with one exception. But overall, the buzz has been one of my favorite incarnations of Brad to date. Why? Because I’m a sucker for the miniature golf course putting green texture. Dare to defy me on this.

3. Steve Carrell’s strong nose

It’s prominence is a force to be reckoned with. What’s sexiest about Steve is that he doesn’t think he’s sexy at all. Oh, but I beg to differ.

4. Rainn Wilson’s puckering mouth

Carrell’s The Office counterpart has his looks going for him, too. Just don’t tell him that. While unconventionally cute, Rainn’s mouth is what attracts me to him the most. That little pucker of sarcasm sitting atop his upper lip anxiously waiting to pour out is palpable. Can’t you see it?

5. Gerard Butler’s heavenly harsh scruff

Facial hair is a make or break situation for any woman. But for Gerard lovers, it’s totally doable. Panties drop simultaneously for a go at his face. I’d happily go to work with dry skin and beard rash any day. Just a FYI, Gerard. :whispers: If you can hear me.

6. Bruce Willis’ bald exterior

How any woman can ever find a bald head unattractive is beyond me. Bruce must apply shoe shine nightly because his baldness beams to the edge of the moon. Just like our my love.

7. James Franco’s flawless cheek bones

James Dean reincarnated. This is bone structure most models die for. Is he grinding his teeth? Or are they always like that? Who cares! I can’t help but wonder how his structure moves when he chews. Is that weird?

8. John Krasinski’s love-me eyes

Puppy dog eyes to the extreme. Waking up to these beauties every morning must be bliss. Emily Blunt is one lucky bitch.

9. Daniel Craig’s dynamite abs

My eyes must be deceiving me. It’s like a mirage; the male version of Daryl Hannah slowly emerging from the water to have his way with me on the beach. Never before did I know Speedos could fit this well on a man. Meow.

10. Michael Ian Black’s scrutinizing eyebrows

On what level is Michael Ian Black really judging me? That’s what I want to know. And the anticipation is hot. Just sayin’.

11. Conan O’Brien’s ivory forehead

A landscape of pure, open ivory space. Full of God knows what. Do I hear a plane landing or is it just me? I hope there’s room enough for both of us.

12. Lance Armstrong’s do-me legs

All that cycling, milk, and Sheryl Crow really does a body good. Phew! Who wouldn’t want those wrapped around your very being? Day and night, night and day. Feel the burn, ladies. Feel the burn.

13. Denzel Washington’s glittering smile

Lights are blinding. They say a smile is worth a thousand words, but in Denzel’s case I think it’s safe to say his aren’t allowed a price tag. Can I be a part of your chocolate high?

14. Adam Sandler’s endearing egghead

He may hear endless scrutiny and bad jokes for a head he can’t control, but in my humble opinion I think it’s impossibly sweet.

15. George Clooney’s pearly whites

There’s nothing like saving the best for last. George’s devilish sense of humor seeps through his gorgeous smile and infectious laugh. Teeth have never before been made with such perfection. MmmmMmmmMmmm.

This list wouldn’t be complete without this honorary addition. This man can wear a suit, command a room, and give Tina Fey a run for her money on her very own show. Skill, style, sensuality, and sex is why special number 16 sizzles. The ultimate man’s man. Every woman loves her Hamm.

16. Jon Hamm, the every man.

Images thanks to people.com, eonline.com torontolife.com, seth-rogen.com, scrantonbranchoffice.wordpress.com, kepplerspeakers.com, & rottentomatoes.com

Under this national rain cloud
I’m getting soaked to the skin
Trying to find my umbrella
But I don’t know where to begin

And it’s simply irrational weather
Can’t even hear myself think
Constantly bailing out water
But still like I’m gonna sink

Coz I’m under the weather
Just like the world
So sorry for being so bold
When I turn out the light
You’re out of sight
Although I know that I’m not alone
Feels like home

- KT Tunstall, “Under the Weather” from Eye to the Telescope

The Animal Rescue Site is having trouble getting enough people to click on their site daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals. It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box “Fund Food for Animals for Free.”

Remember: This doesn’t cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors and advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned and neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

So….CLICK ON IT! Takes you 15 seconds and you’ll feel amazing the rest of the day.

Here are a few of my favorite spookably sexy looks from the collection. Visit their Facebook page for more face charts, videos, and pictures.  I’m totally going for the Deadly Dame. What about you?

Deadly Dame

Look created by M·A·C Artist: Lara Brewster
Location: London, UK

Click here for a printable version of this look to bring to a M·A·C Artist in a store near you; links to the products used are also included: http://www.maccosmetics.com/halloween8

Or visit http://bit.ly/maccosmetics to purchase these products online or find a store near you.

STEP-BY-STEP
1. Prime and hydrate skin with an application of Prep + Prime SPF 50, and follow with a highlight of Strobe Cream.
2. Create a heavy lidded effect with a smokey eye by using Blackground Paint Pot as base all over eyelid with Brush #242. Apply a dense layer of Carbon Eye Shadow, concentrating on the outer and inner corner of the eye, leaving the center of the lid bare. Use Brush #217 to blend outward with Eye Shadows in Sketch and Shadowy Lady.
3. Create a glowing highlight in the centre of the eyelid by applying Luna Cream Colour Base and follow with a blend of Vanilla Pigment and Vex Eye Shadow.
4. Eyes should be smudged and kohl rimmed as black as possible through lower lashes with a blend of Smolder Eye Kohl and Carbon Eye Shadow with Brush #228.
5. Continue to create dark circles under the eyes by using Brush #217 to apply a blend of Print and Nocturnelle in sweeping semi-circle strokes. Leave spaces between these strokes bare to create highlights.
6. The femme fatale has been drinking blood! Draw Redd Lip pencil from lip down the chin, then paint on M·A·C Red Lipstick. Add Clear lipglass to the mixture with Brush#210 to give the glistening wet look.

FACE
Wipes
Strobe Cream
Prep+Prime Face SPF 50
Studio Fix Fluid – NW15
Select Moisturecover – NW15
Studio Fix Powder – NW15
Powder Blush – Dollymix
Eye Shadow – Post Haste, Scene, Print, Nocturnelle

EYES
PaintPot – Blackground
Eye Shadow – Crystal Avalanche, Espresso, Carbon, Sketch, Shadowy Lady, Vex
Cream Colour Base – Luna
Pigment – Vanilla
Fluidline – Blacktrack
Eye Kohl – Smolder
Plushlash – Plushblack

LIPS
Prep+Prime Lip
Lip Pencil – Nightmoth, Redd
Lipstick – Cyber, M·A·C Red
Lipglass – Clear

Exotic Zea

Look created by M·A·C Artist: Franklin Betancourt
Location: Shaumburg, IL, USA

Click here for a printable version of this look to bring to a M·A·C Artist in a store near you; links to the products used are also included: http://www.maccosmetics.com/halloween1

Or visit http://bit.ly/maccosmetics to purchase these products online or find a store near you. Pro products can be purchased in any M·A·C Pro store.

STEP-BY-STEP
1. By crushing Gesso eye shadow mixed in with Eye Liner Mixing Medium, you can paint your face white. Another option is to use white Paintstick from the M·A·C PRO line.
2. It is important to have references of zebra stripes handy to study the pattern. I used Blacktrack Fluidline with a #210 brush to create the pattern of zebra on my models face.
3. Doubling up on #37 lashes can create a dow eyed animalistic eye.
4. Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing powder will seal the deal.

FACE
Green Gel Cleanser
Studio Moisture Cream
Prep+Prime Skin
Face & Body
Select Moistureblend
Studio Sculpt Concealer
Eye Shadow – Gesso & Eye Liner
Mixing Medium
Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing powder

EYES
Fluidline – Blacktrack
Eye Kohl – Fascinating
Penultimate Liner
Eye Shadow – Carbon, Vanilla
Plushlash – Plushblack

LIPS
Lip conditioner mix with Powerpoint Eye Pencil – Guilded White
Lipstick – Pretty Please, Black Knight (Style Black Collection)

Fluttereyfly

Look created by M·A·C Artist: Amanda Eichhorn
Location: Moa, MN, USA

Click here for a printable version of this look to bring to a M·A·C Artist in a store near you; links to the products used are also included: http://www.maccosmetics.com/halloween13

Or visit http://bit.ly/maccosmetics to purchase these products online or find a store near you.

STEP-BY-STEP
1. Cover the whole face with Luna Ceam Colour Base with Brush #249.
2. Outline the butterfly design with Fascinating Eye Kohl and sketch detail of wings.
3. Begin with using Brush #242 to shade Juxt Eye Shadow under the eyes, and then follow by blending the following Eye Shadows outward to create an airbrushed effect that moves from green, to blue, to purple: Swimming, Aquadisiac, Moon’s Reflection, and Stars and Rockets.
4. Use Brush #242 to apply Gorgeous Gold Eye Shadow along the inner corner of the eye and blend upward with Expensive Pink, Coppering, and Sushi Flower to finish the upper portion of the butterfly with an airbrushed finesse.
5. Use Brush #209 with Boot Black Liquid Liner to outline the butterfly and detail pattern inside of the wings.
6. Use Brush #252 with Carbon Eye Shadow to shade over the entire face.
7. Use Duo to apply Lash #42 to the upper lashline and finish with two to three coats with Zoomblack Mascara.
8. Define the lip with Velvetella Cremestick Liner. Apply Cyber Lipstick with Brush #311 and Girl About Town Lipstick along the inner lip for a strong highlight. Finish with a glossy coat of Dazzleglass in Date Night.

FACE
Green Gel Cleanser
Studio Moisture fix
Prep+Prime Face
Cream Colour Base – Luna
Eye Kohl – Fascinating
Eye Shadow – Carbon, Juxt, Swimming, Aquadisiac, Sushi Flower, Moons Reflection, Stars N Rockets

EYES
Liquid Eye Liner – Boot black
Eye Shadow – Sushi Flower, Coppering, Expensive Pink, Gorgeous Gold
Zoomlash – Zoomblack

LIPS
Prep+Prime Lip
Cremestick Liner – Velvetella
Lipstick – Cyber, Girl about Town
Dazzleglass – Date Night

She Goes Pop!

Look created by M·A·C Artist: Karin Stone
Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Click here for a printable version of this look to bring to a M·A·C Artist in a store near you; links to the products used are also included: http://www.maccosmetics.com/halloween16

Or visit http://bit.ly/maccosmetics to purchase these products online or find a store near you.

STEP-BY-STEP
1. Start out on your clean face. Lightly buff a thin layer of Luna Cream Colour Base all over your skin with a #187 brush. Set it with Gesso Eye Shadow and a #116 brush – pressing the Eye Shadow in rather than buffing it.
2. Using Blacktrack Fluid Line and a #266 brush – paint in your eyeliner and brows – don’t be afraid to experiment with painting an expression on.
3. Sculpt your cheek bones with a bit of Concrete or Omega Eye Shadow and paint your lips a daring red.
4. Finally, find a chopstick or something in your house with a small round shape that you can use as a stamp. Scrape some Passionate Eye Shadow onto a small kitchen plate. Mix some Fix+ into the scraped shadow – make it not too watery and then dip your stamping tool into it and go to town with your dots.

FACE
Studio Moisture Fix
Cream Colour Base – Luna
Eye Shadow – Gesso
Lipstick – Russian Red
Fix+

EYES
Fluidline – Blacktrack
Eye Shadow – Gesso, Passionate, Omega
Eye Kohl – Fascinating
Zoomlash – Zoomblack

LIPS
Prep + Prime Lip
Lip Pencil – Cherry
Lipstick – Russian Red, Black Knight (Style Black Collection)

Cut & Splice

Look created by M·A·C Artist: Codie Lepors
Location: Little Rock, AZ, USA

Click here for a printable version of this look to bring to a M·A·C Artist in a store near you; links to the products used are also included: http://www.maccosmetics.com/halloween6

Or visit http://bit.ly/maccosmetics to purchase these products online or find a store near you.

STEP-BY-STEP
1. Prime and hydrate skin with Prep + Prime Face and Studio Moisture Fix.
2. Perfect skin with Studio Sculpt Foundation and Concealer and follow with Loose Blot Powder to set.
3. Divide the face into the 4 main sections using Velvetone Eye Brows.
4. Continue to use Velvetone Eye Brow to sketch out the entire face pattern.
5. Use Brush #208 to outline and shade the pattern in designated areas with Blacktrack Fluidline.
6. Continue to use Brush #208 to apply Black Tied Eye Shadow over the Blacktrack Fluidline for a sparkle effect.
7. Shade in white areas with Fascinating Eye Kohl, and set with White Frost Eye Shadow to create a glossy sheen and multi-dimensional effect.
8. Define the lip with Brick Lip Pencil, and shade with M·A·C Red Lipstick. Finish with Venetian Lustreglass in the center of the lip for a shimmering highlight.

FACE
Cremewash
Studio Moisture Fix
Prep+Prime Face
Studio Sculpt Foundation
Studio Finish Concealer
Blot Powder
Eye Shadow – White Frost, Black Tied
Eye Kohl – Fascinating

EYES
Eye Brow Pencil – Velvetone
Eye Shadow – White Frost, Black Tied
Fluidline – Blacktrack
Zoomlash – Zoomblack

LIPS
Prep+Prime Lip
Lip Pencil – Brick
Lipstick – M·A·C Red
Lustreglass – Venetian

Real Flamer

Look created by M·A·C Artist: Tiam Safari
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand

Click here for a printable version of this look to bring to a M·A·C Artist in a store near you; links to the products used are also included: http://www.maccosmetics.com/halloween14

Or visit http://bit.ly/maccosmetics to purchase these products online or find a store near you.

STEP-BY-STEP
1. Cleanse skin and use Brush #191 to apply Strobe Cream to hydrate skin.
2. Use Fascinating Eye Kohl to first stencil the Phoenix design, and then use Brush #242 to apply and shade Bare Study Paint. Use Brush #213 to highlight the bridge of nose with Crystal Avalanche Eye Shadow.
3. Blend Crystal Avalanche into Steamy Eye Shadow, then Carbon Eye Shadow with Brush #213 and Brush #217.
4. Use Brush #213 to apply Chrome Yellow Eye Shadow over the eyelid, and follow by shading Coppering Eye Shadow in the inner crease.
5. Define the upper and lower lashline with Rapidblack Penultimate Liner, extending the upper eye line towards the ear and lower line inwards to the bridge of the nose.
6. Starting at the tip of the nose, apply Goldmine Eye Shadow with Brush #213, then gradually fade to Cranberry, Coppering, Goldmine, Juxt, Humid, Electric Eel, and Satelitte Dreams Eye Shadows. Blend transition lines with #217 brush. Repeat same rainbow, blending pattern over cheeks.
7. Fill in Phoenix tail flames with Goldmine and Coppering Eye Shadows with Brush 228.
8. Outline Phoenix wings and body with Rapidblack Penultimate Liner. Follow with Aqualine Liquidlast Liner around edges of the Phoenix, and then shade with Steamy Eye Shadow.
9. Draw feather outlines over graduated rainbow sections with Rapidblack Penultimate Liner. Draw Phoenix eyes with Aqualine and Blue Herizon Liquidlast Liners.
10. Define and shade lip with Redd Lip Pencil. Apply Meltdown Lipstick with Brush #318, and finish with a centre lip highlight with Instant Gold Lustreglass.

FACE
PRO Eye Makeup remover
Strobe cream
Fast Response Eye Cream
Studio Sculpt Foundation
Studio Sculpt Concealer
Eye Shadow – Electric Eel, Juxt, Coppering, Goldmine, Humid Cranberry, Satellite Dreams
Eye Kohl – Fascinating
Liquidlast liner – Blue Herizon, Aqualine

EYES
Eye Shadow – Electric Eel, Carbon, Satellite Dreams, Goldmine, Humid, Cranberry, Coppering, Steamy, Juxt, Crystal Avalanche, Chrome Yellow
Paint – Bare Study
Penultimate Liner – Rapid Black
Liquidlast liner – Blue Herizon, Aqualine

LIPS
Lip Conditioner
Lip Pencil – Redd
Lipstick – Meltdown
Lustreglass – Instant Gold

Images thanks to MAC Cosmetic’s photos on Facebook

Was listening to Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone on my way into work this morning and felt inspired to share her delicate sketches and creative tenacity with you. Aside from her smooth vocals and deeply soulful voice, Neko draws most of her own CD covers, tour posters, t-shirts, and 99% of what’s on her website. Her art was set into moving illustrations played on a huge screen when I saw her in concert last year. “People Got A Lotta Nerve” is one of my all-time favorite Neko songs, but when I saw her performing it live with a video of her drawings coming to life behind her on stage…let’s just say it was epic. I hope you appreciate her as much as I do.

Neko portrait

Still shot of “People Got A Lotta Nerve” video

You know they call them killer whales
But you seem surprised
When it pinned you down to the bottom of the tank
Where you can’t turn around
It took half your leg and both your lungs
And I craved I ate hearts of sharks, I know you know it

I’m a man man man man, man man man eater
But still you’re surprised prised prised when I eat ya

Lash Blast Length by CoverGirl $7.50 at drugstores (dramatic length is even better when paired with a volumizing mascara like the one below)

L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion, $8 at drugstores (taking a cue from Givenchy’s Phenomen ‘Eyes Mascara, this affordable version does the trick reaching little lashes for the ultimate wide eyed look)

Max Factor Erace Cover Up, $5 at drugstores (covers up any blemish, dark circle or sun spot in a minute)

MAC LipGlass (Viva Glam V is a fav), $14 at maccosmetics.com (Ladies, I know that seems like a lot for a lip gloss, but this stuff lasts for ages! No refills for the next four months at least)

Olay Spa Exfoliating Ribbons, $5 at drugstores (with the change of season, your skin needs to shed a few lbs)

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen, $7 at drugstores (creates a precise line with a marker like tip for dramatic or soft eyes)

Images thanks to elle.com, instyle.com, revlon.com