Chronicles of a Sweet Tooth: March 2012

March Sweetness Overload!

I have a fondness for the month of March. I got married in March (2002), Spring is here and all seems right with the world, when plants are blooming. Here's to March. In like a Lamb, out like a Lamb!

March Highlights

-Was published in four publications. Holy Toledo!

-Showcased to DIY Projects: Memory Jar

-Became one, of three, models for Retro Vixen!

-Celebrated my dad's birthday!

-Continued my Kindness Journal and inspiration to put good into the world.

-Featured as a Ruche Guest Blogger

-Got to meet some readers in real life! That is truly amazing that people think I am that interesting!

-Started writing for Retro Vixen Newsletter!
-Contributed article #2 for Atomic Bombshells Magazine

March Book ~ Skinny Bitch Home, Beauty & Style: A No-Nonsense Guide to Cutting the Crap Out of Your Life for a Better Body and a Kinder World

I loved the original Skinny Bitch books. In fact it helped me ease into veganism for a while, but my gawd, CHEESE. I love it. I am in no way promoting PETA or Vegan/Vegetarainism but it is part of my life. This book offered a lot of nice ways to be greener and more thoughtful or the environment.

What book(s) are you currently reading, or getting to read in April? I am trying to find something stellar, but the Hunger Games is all I got for now. I promise something good will be spotlighted!

March Sponsor Highlights!

Here are just a few sweet discounts/coupons to use from our February Sponsors! Remember to keep shopping local and/or handmade!

Vixen Pinup Photography

Mention Chronicles of a Sweet Tooth for a 10% discount on your purchase from

Retro Vixen!

Use the code COAST for a 10% discount of your purchase at

Rustic Rootz

Use the code cupcake10 for a 10% discount on your purchase at

The Fancy Lady Gourmet

Use the code SWEETTOOTH5 for 18% off any package at

Hilary Hope Photography

Get Your Locks Off,

schedule a haircut, neck, shoulder, scalp, hand massage and deep condition for $40 or can book a pin-up updo for $35.

SwitchBlade Betties Photography

Mention Chronicles of a Sweet Tooth and get $50 off a package

(package must originally be $200 or more)

Stay Sweet,

Kem

Kem's Weekend Candy

How are your kindness journals? Have you found an idea that you want to share?

This weekend if full of fun, girl time, dress shopping, and new photo adventures! I can't wait to share all the fun I have planned. I hope that you find the most majestic way to celebrate the end of March!

Stay Sweet,
Kem

Sweet Taste of Freedom ~ Get Your Locks Off Salon

Get Your Locks Off Salon // Facebook // Website

Mention this interview and you can book a haircut, neck, shoulder, scalp, hand massage and deep condition for $40... or can book a pin-up updo for $35.

Where are you from?

I'm born and bred in the Mid-West, a Kansas City native. Although I did some time in Upstate NY... The East Coast is not for me, I like the corn fed sense of neighborliness (making up words now) that KCMO offers. Perhaps because I share my birthdate with the area code... 816.

How did you get your store/business started?
Although I had to enroll in beauty school 3 different times (total beauty school drop-out), hair has always been where my heart lies... particularly retro and vintage inspired styling. Get Your Locks Off is just a manisfestation of where my heart and creative senses are most comfortable.

What inspires you?

How long do you have? Ha. I find inspiration everyday. But what drives my creative spirit is that little gasp that I get when my client turns and looks in the mirror. I've had people tell me that they didn't know how to tell me what they wanted but somehow I gave it to them anyway. It's my job to ask you the questions that determines how you see yourself in your mind's eye and make that come to a reality. I'm inspired by women of all sizes and shapes realizing that beauty comes the same way... in all sizes and shapes.

How long have you been open and what is some of your favorite items?
I've been focused on vintage styled hair for about a year now. When it comes to my favorite items, brands... etc... I'm kind of a lousy consumer. I mean the worst. I'm a
'make something out of nothing" kind of girl. When it comes to hair products for vintage styling all you need is a good strong hold hair spray and a mega shine spray to top it off. For daily care, I'm all about the Aveda line of products.

What celebrity would you most like have praise your store/product(s)?
This is so hard for me. I can't see that men would really dig what I do... So if I'm going to pull from female celebrities that I have an affinity for... Joan Jett, Siouxsie Sioux... tough chicks that set the world on fire.

If you had to use only one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
Mama... My son says it a hundred times a day... and that's what I am. A mama and I mama everyone around me.

photo by Dave Hill

What is your biggest pet peeve?
Well... where to start here. Mean-ness. I have a real problem with mean people. I mean, I see people doing the dumbest things ever and I usually just think... "I bet they have a reason for doing that and it makes sense to them." The only people I'm typically mean to are those I see bullying others. I can't stand it.

What are your favorite websites?
I used to have a whole list of websites that I'd cruise every day, a blog I maintained like it was my job... And now? Well, life happens fast and cruising the web only gets penciled in here and there. I usually use the few minutes I have to catch up with my favorite local pin-up's and performers.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

What a low maintenance girl I really am. I think I own a total of two bras that are worth a damn. Again, I'm such a make something out of nothing person, that I'll make an outfit work with 10 bucks and some shiny buttons.

Photo by Dave Hill

Stay Sweet,

Kem

Nearly Famous ~ Pinup Wednesday!

//Mary Jane Baker // The Vintage Barbie //

Age: 18

Occupation: Model

Where are you from: Chico California

Favorite photographer to work with: Flygirls Pin-Ups

Artist/Photographer/location of featured photo(s) Flygirls Pin-Ups found in Chico California.

Tell me about your featured photo(s). When were they taken? Why are they your favorite?
I love the vintage, pin up look. They were taken in Chico California.

How long have you been modeling/enjoying photography?
I've been modeling for almost a year now. I absolutely love it!

Who are your favorite Pinup Models? Past or present inspiration?
Marilyn Monroe, Bettie Page, Betty Grable, Masuimi Max, and Micheline Pitt to name a few.

What is some of your favorite clothing lines? Favorite Designers?
Pin Up Girl clothing is probably my all time favorite clothing site and anything vintage, I love thrift store shopping and Lux de Ville for fabulous bags.

If you could shoot with any photographer, who would it be?
I love Pin up girl photography, Katie Mooney is an amazing photographer.

Stay Sweet,
Kem

Daily Candy

Dress: Sourpuss available at Retro Vixen

Belt: Nine West

Sunnies: Target

Hair Bow: Creep Hair Goods

This dress, I think, was made for me. I think the people over at Sourpuss got into my head and that is how the created this! I love it. So perfect for spring!

Stay Sweet,

Kem

Makeout Monday Things I love this week

Via

This time of year, my mind always wonders towards a life by the sea. If you have seen the movie "Big Fish", the father always wants to be in the water; That is how I feel. Take me to the water.

Stay Sweet,
Kem

Daily Candy

Dress: Retro Vixen

Sunnies: Old Navy

Shoes: Shoe Dazzle

Hair Bow: Creep Hair Goods

I love this dress, this bike, these shoes, hair bow, and well everything in this photo. I got this bike for my birthday last year. I am still looking for a basket. You know so I can tote Alabama Littles around.

Stay Sweet,

Kem

WINNER OF MARCH GIVEAWAY!!! CLICK READ MORE LINK:

Creep Hair Goods // Etsy Store // Facebook

** I met this cute lady and her fun store through Facebook! It was a match made in heaven! Please stop by her store and pick up some cuteness to help accessorize your look. ***

Where are you from?

Houston, TX.

How did you get your store/business started?

Well I've always been a creative person,I'm addicted to making things. If I'm not creating 24-7, I'll die. No, really I will. So I took that addiction & married it with my Etsy addiction and started my Etsy shop about a year ago.

What inspires you?

Drag Queens. Vintage. Thrift Shops. Sweets/Food. Childhood. Unicorns. Glitter. and Old Lady Things.

How long have you been open and what is some of your favorite items?

I've been open about a year. My favorite item would have to be my Bahama Mama clips which our made out of the little umbrellas you put in your drink.

What celebrity would you most like have praise your store/product(s)?

Definitely, Ru Paul.

If you had to use only one word to describe yourself, what would it be? Creepy!

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Someone without a sense of humor!

What are your favorite websites?

Etsy.com

and Etsy.com

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I've always secretly wanted to be a stand up comedian, but I'm dreadfully shy. xo

Stay Sweet,

Kem

Kem's Weekend Candy

There is a terribly cute feature today on Ruche Blog feature me and Mr. Elliott. Today is our 10 year anniversary. So hard to believe.

***DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE MARCH GIVEAWAY!!!***only a few days left!

Stay Sweet,
Kem

Sweet Taste of Freedom ~ The Barking Lot Grooming Shop

I was lucky enough to get to know the owner of The Barking Lot through roller derby! She was one of my teammates, and has a heart as big as Texas! Heather is an amazing lady, and from meeting her once, you know, that she has a love for animals! (Those are some of my favorite kinds of people)

The Barking Lot // Website // Facebook

Where are you from?
I am from K.C. In the heart of Midtown.

How did you get your store/business started?
When I decided I was going to open my very own grooming shop, I started to save up some money over the course of months. I was determined to get it up and running without taking out a loan. I kept my eyes open for deals on things I needed for my shop. I enlisted the help of my very talented friends and family. My wonderful friend is an Architect, and she built my shop in 3D before my very eyes. She calculated my building supplies and costs. Another friend got me a great discount on the paint I needed. My amazing boyfriend donated his talent and built my counter and my doggy daycare. Another friend built my website and did a most fabulous job.
I turned my hopes into blood, sweat and tears. We began to build, paint, sand, clean and decorate. What started as a little dream, turned into reality. And it would not have been possible without the generous help and support of my loved ones.

What inspires you?
I try to keep company with positive people. I don't like to hang out with people that dwell on the bad things in their life,start drama, or constantly argue with their spouse and friends. It's really inspiring to be around genuine people who want to be happy and are always working towards improving their life.

My son is my best inspiration to strive to be a better person.

How long have you been open and what is some of your favorite items?

I have only been open for 4 months. Since I offer services, I will say that my favorite ones are of the creative variety. I love dying dog hair. I love shaping Mohawks. More than that, I love shaping a Mohawk and then dying it!

What celebrity would you most like have praise your store/product(s)?
For some reason, I could really see Lady GaGa kicking it in my shop.

If you had to use only one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
Grrrrrr

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people start of with " I'm not one to gossip, but....."
I dislike when people reply "K' in a text. I loathe when you accelerate to pass someone doing 60 mpr, and they gun it to 70 mpr. I hate when you miss someone's call, call them immediately back and get no answer. I think it's stupid when parents take a normal name, then butcher it into something "Unique", and all they've done is guarantee that their kid will have to correct everyone for their entire life. I hate seeing a dog in the back of a truck.
I could go all day....

What are your favorite websites?
I mainly stick to the news. Nothing special.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I won the 2009 "Playa Hater of the year" award. I talk a lot of shit, but deep down, I'm a big softy, and I cry while watching feel-good movies. I have a lot of silver hairs. I still have all of
my X-Men comics from when I was a kid. I scream like a girl.

Stay Sweet,
Kem

***DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE MARCH GIVEAWAY!!!***

Nearly Famous ~ Pinup Wednesday!

This is one hot little lady! She is even qualified in the Retro Lovely Star Maker Supreme top finalist!

// Adéle Wolf // Facebook // Model Mayhem
// Pinup Lifestyle //

Age: 22

Occupation: Student, model and performance artist

Where are you from: Oklahoma City, OK

Favorite photographer to work with: That’s a really tough question because I’ve worked with so many great people and had so many enjoyable experiences. If I had to choose one though, I’d say Janine Joffe. She was one of the first people I shot with when I was 18 and I’m planning on making a trip to New Orleans soon just to shoot with her again. We went to school together in Savannah, GA and she is just amazingly talented and innovative.

Artist/Photographer/location of featured photo(s) The first photo was taken by Bradi Wells in Oklahoma City during a clothing line shoot for Priscilla Dawn. (Check her out on etsy she has adorable stuff!)

The second photo was taken by Dynamite Dames in Fort Worth with makeup by Vintage Flair!

The last portrait was taken in my own studio as a self-portrait. I’m about to graduate with my BFA in photography. Hit me up if you’re in OKC ladies!

Tell me about your featured photo(s). When were they taken? Why are they your favorite? I shot with Bradi Wells in the summer of 2010. I love that photo because it’s reminiscent of old Hollywood glam. I shot with Dynamite Dames for the first time this past summer and I’m pretty much obsessed with cupcakes. Not only are they adorable, they are also delicious. What more could you ask for? The self-portrait was taken just a few months ago. I started eating mostly organic food and lost like ten pounds, so I needed some new photos!

How long have you been modeling/enjoying photography? I’ve been professionally modeling since I was 18, but I’ve been enjoying photography ever since I can remember. I got my first camera when I was six, it was a polaroid and I was addicted from the moment it touched my hands.

Who are your favorite Pinup Models? Past or present inspiration? I love the classics like Bettie Page and Natalie Wood (people have always told me I look like her). They just had an innocence about them that isn’t really seen anymore.

What is some of your favorite clothing lines? Favorite Designers? I love Deadly Dames and Pinup Couture! I get a lot of great things from vintage and consignment shops though.

If you could shoot with any photographer, who would it be? Man Ray or Richard Avedon. Unfortunately neither of them is still with us. As photographer, I admire them both greatly and it would have been amazing to work with either one of them.

Stay Sweet,

Kem

***DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE MARCH GIVEAWAY!!!***

Daily Candy ~ Atomic Cotton

Atomic Cotton // Facebook // Website

I met the amazing duo that is Atomic Cotton when I modeled for their horror t shirt line in February. They are truly a a lot of fun, and have very creative minds that support the machine that is their company. Be sure to stop by their site and say hi and peruse the amazing selection of very cool horror collection.

Where are you from?

I am from Overland Park Kansas, and now I live in Olathe Kansas. In the west side, so that's not so bad. We live in the second oldest house in Olathe.

How did you get your store/business started?

It was a dream of mine to have my own t-shirt company since I was a teenager. I grew up wearing black t's. It was almost like a uniform. I just never had the guts to try it on my own. When I met zack he was so supportive and inspirational that I decided to take a chance. We used the money we received at our wedding and bought all of our equipment and started screen printing. Last year I took another chance and we started printing my original illustrations. There is no turning back now.

The Hot Hot Hot Maggie Adams

Nicki Cole could give Elvira a run for her money

What inspires you?

Outsider culture, horror movies, hot chicks, Lisa frank, glitter, science fiction, my Dad, my nephew, my childhood, my dogs, Zack, garbage pail kids, the 80's, soul music, finger nail polish, rainbows, unicorns, my friends, babies, monsters, cooking, gardens, books, art, life, stuff, neat things, etc...

How long have you been open and what is some of your favorite items?

We have been doing the Atomic Cotton thing for almost a year. My personal favorites are the Jaws shirt, because I did that for my dad, the Aliens shirt, because I did that for my dad as well but he never got to see it. I wore the Aliens shirt to his funeral, he would have dug that.

What celebrity would you most like have praise your store/product(s)?

Clive Barker... oh wait, he already did! Um... I think that every celebrity or actor that I design a shirt around I would like to have praise from. Or at least their approval.

If you had to use only one word to describe yourself, what would it be?

Erica

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People that smack their lips when they eat, or eat with their mouth open. Any kind of eating noise really grinds my gears.

What are your favorite websites?

Facebook, pinterest, teefury, ript apparel, and Mondo

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

That I weep like a little baby during animal movies, and laugh my butt off during horror movies. New born babies also make me cry, and super cute things. um.... I cry a lot, but I live my life with a tough girl exterior. Its all about balance in life, right?

*Photography by Vixen Pinup Photography, MUA: Candy Cunningham, Hair: Nikki Moreno

Stay Sweet,
Kem