My Interview on Dieselpunks!

I am so excited to announce that I had the privilege of being interviewed by Tome Wilson from Dieselpunks! In my interview you will find where and how my passion for retro living started. Where I get my inspirations. And how I came to be the woman that I am today.

Being featured and interviewed for the Dieselpunk and Steampunk communities has been such a wonderful honor. I thank Tome for granting me such an opportunity to share my passion for retro living!

And in case you haven't heard about the Dieselpunks or Steampunks cultures, I invite you to visit: Dieselpunks.Org! You will find this website so interesting and fascinating!


Here is the link to my interview article on the Dieselpunks website:
"Interview Carmen Johnson of Retrotimes Productions"



Have a fun weekend!


Chao,


Carmen

Meet Me in Tokyo!

I have been always fascinated by the culture, food, and architect of the Orient. So that is why I designed "Meet me in Tokyo". I wanted to build a scene where a couple is enjoying a carriage ride through the city lights and buildings of Tokyo. I wanted to use three main colors for my design: red, black and metallic gray colors, to bring out the ambiance of the city colors predominantly used in Tokyo. At the end I added the lamps on the sides of the building. My
Bohemian Girl Sofie is dressed in her Kimono, and course I couldn't forget to add her flapper Bohemian Girl signature hat! Meet Me in Tokyo has an of Orient feel but with a touch of retrochic feel!

To purchase my Bohemian Girl Collection design tote bags and t-shirts you are welcome to visit my shop: Bohemian Girl Shop.


I totally love Sushi food. So I wanted to share with you some tips and a recipe in How To Throw A Sushi Party by EHow.Com.

What you will Need:

Maki Sus
Avocados Slices
Cucumber Slices
Fish
Miso Soups
Pickled Radishes
Sake
Seaweeds(nori)
Squashes
Sushi Rice
Vinegared Ginger
Wasabi
Chopsticks


Steps:

1-Use a table that is low to the ground.

2-Provide pillows as chairs.

3-For each person, set out a large plate, a small plate such as a saucer, a steamed facecloth and chopsticks.

4-Set out two to three plates of prepared wasabi and vinegared ginger.

5-Provide one or two bottles of soy sauce.

6-Cut fish into sashimi slices and arrange them on large platters.

7-Provide other fillings, such as cucumber slices, avocado slices, squash and pickled radish.

8-Provide side dishes such as sunomono (pickled octopus), edamame (fresh green soybeans boiled in salted water) and miso soup.

9-Cut nori (seaweed) into 4-by-4-inch squares and stack onto two plates.

10-Provide shari (sushi rice) in a large wooden bowl.

11-Provide sake (rice wine) or Japanese beer.

12-Pass around the nori, rice and fish and have each person assemble his or her own sushi rolls.



Enjoy!



Chao,


Carmen

Youtube Makeup Review: Besame Cosmetics!

I finally finished editing my very first video makeup review on Youtube:
My Favorite Retro Makeup: Besame Cosmetics!



I am totally excited about this makeup that I can't stop talking about it. And what I am also excited is that finally I got to take some pictures that really showed the real color of these fabulous makeup!

Now mind you, my video didn't have good lighting, which ended up looking vintagey. So I had to add these two photos of me wearing Besame Cosmetics to the video. Now the ladies could appreciate these products.


And voila!











I can't wait to order more makeup! I know exactly what I want!


To buy these wonderful makeup I invite you to visit: Besame Cosmetics.




Chao,



Carmen

Photos: Copyright © 2010 Carmen Johnson.

Passion For Flamenco

One of my passions of all times has been flamenco! I have been fascinated with this dance since I was a little girl. Though it wasn't until I was older that I really wanted to learn it. When I was living in Miami Beach I started attending a dance school. And the moment I started my very first lesson I realized that this type of dance takes a lot of strength and energy. The next day I was sore from the tip of my head to all the way to my feet. I knew that it would take several more lessons to get my body used to this kind of dance.

After a while, like everything in life I got distracted with other pursuits. I would still though continue dancing flamenco at home and at events where they had flamenco music. I do want to one day start taking flamenco lessons again. I know that I am not as young and agile as I once was. Though I can still enjoy this amazing passionate dance at my own pace.

Oh and by the way,The Flamenco Festival 2010 is coming to New York and Miami! You will have a chance to enjoy the performances of renowned dancers and musicians from Spain. For more information you can read: Time Warp Wives February 2010 Letter.



Isn't dress spectacular? I just love the feminine details it has. I found this dress in one of my favorites website Flamenco World! Besides the clothes and shoes that you can buy there, you will find this one of the best website source of flamenco on the internet.



Chao,


Carmen

Photo: Photobucket

Tiffany's & Blue Eye Mask

God morning Holly! by vivien22

These winter blues have finally caught up with me. I totally feel like Holly from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Almost every morning I have been sleeping in until my doggie wakes me up. But instead of strolling down Fifth Avenue and admiring pretty jewelry at Tiffany's, I am strolling down my hallway to my Paris Room and getting my soft blanket, which I bring over to the living room so I can lay on the couch again.

You know that I have felt so relax lately. For several months I had been dealing with stress and sadness that seem not to go away. So I felt that I had to make some changes in how I deal with stresses in life. And trust me there is plenty of crazy stressing things out there for everyone to share.

With the help of my hubby and past experiences I came up with my own anti-distressing to do list. And here it is:

1- Bible Reading Everyday. I have been a good girl in not skipping breakfast and my Bible reading. Reading the Bible is very powerful and comforting at the same time.

2- Can't Watch News. Sorry Anderson Cooper. This one was very hard for me, because I am a girl that cares for what is happening in the world. Though whenever I finished watching the news my mood will go from feeling blue to clinical sadness. Not a good thing.

3- Stretches, Exercise, & Massages. This is a must for me, especially that I had to deal with a back injury from several car accidents. At my therapist I learned some pilates. If I don't do stretches everyday, I am in pain and pretty much miserable. Also I started to do some indoor exercise with my stationary bike. And when the weather is comfortable I take my doggie for a run on my three wheel Bike. We both come back home feeling renewed. Every week I ask hubby for a massage. Even when I don't plan one, it seems like I always need one every seven days.

4- Thinking Positive. Sometimes you can be your worst enemy. And when you are feeling the blues, "Misery likes company". So whenever my thoughts or words start coming out negative, I immediately change the channel. I try to keep my self busy with fun positive things that make me feel relaxed and happy. Although there are times when you can't control the world around you. You can still control how your mind deals with such things. For me this is the most difficult thing in my list.

5- I have to go to bed early. I am still working on that. Hubby comes back from work late at night. And I and doggie stay up waiting for him.


So far these steps has truly helped me. And I feel happier!


This pass week I saw Breakfast at Tiffany's again. I said again because I just finished watching the whole movie a few weeks ago. Then there was Holly all sleepy when she opened the door to "Fred, Baby". And that is when I realized how cute were her Tiffany Blue Eye Mask! I totally love the eye lashes and gold trim! And also she had these stylish looking ear plugs. I actually found a similar eye mask and ear plugs. I have yet to decide if I want to purchase them, or if I can make my own. I think that it would be a good project to do. Anyhow I am too sleepy right now to make a decision.


Darling, I have to tell you that wearing pajamas all day is all so liberating!



Chao,



Carmen

Retro Barbie Doll!

I always wanted to start my own retro Barbie doll Collection. And for the past several years Barbie Reproduction Dolls have been making a comeback, which is great for any who is starting to collect them! I am not thinking to have a big collection. I like to keep things simple and easy to manage. Though I would still like to have a couple of dolls, dresses, and retro accessories.




I think I will start my collection with the Barbie's 50 Anniversary Doll. This Barbie has always been my favorite! I love her stripe bathing suit. She also comes with her cocktail black dress and shoes. She is a Classic!







They other day I realized that I lost my favorite umbrella. I wanted to get an umbrella that was both retro and chic. And sure enough when I saw this cute Barbie umbrella on my Avon Page, I immediately added to my wish list!







The neat thing about Barbie is that at times she is featured in neat products. Here Barbie is being featured in Stila cosmetics! I think it's so retrochic!


Recently I came across Michelle Phan's Barbie Transformation Tutorial. She has become one of the most popular girl's in Youtube! Her Barbie video is of a modern Barbie look, which was pretty neat. But if you would like to see a vintage Barbie transformation you should see Johanna Öst Barbie look. I think she did a phenomenal job looking like a real life vintage Barbie!




Have a great week!



Chao,


Carmen

Fantasy Retro Dream Home

For all of you retro lovers out there, this is what my retro dream home would look like! A silver retro trailer attached to a vintage woody wagon! Simple outdoor living, with an hint of sophistication! I am totally loving it!

Even though I love being in my little quite home, and I love my neighborhood, deep down inside I am a very adventurous gal. You see I came from a family that wasn't afraid to get up and move to another town, city, or country. The longest that I lived in one place is three years. We never really didn't have time to settled down like many families do. My dad will come one afternoon from work and would say, "It's time to move." My mom and us four kids knew the drill. And within that day we were packed, in the car, and ready to go.

So when I asked a friend how long they have been living in their house, and they say, "I have lived here all my life," I find it really strange and amusing. I can't fathom being in one place for all my life. I think that most of my life learning came from my experiences of living in different places. That is way I love traveling!

I always wanted to have my own retro trailer and travel throughout the states. And I am not just saying for vacation, but that is how I would love to live. I know that it sounds pretty crazy for many people, but I think that being stuck and one area is quite boring.

For several months my hubby and I was thinking of making a big move. The job market was bad where we live. So we put our home in the market. And hoping that we can sell it, and move to a new location! I was all for it. I was ready to start a new chapter in our lives. And the best part of it my hubby was also!

You see my hubby also grew up moving from one place to another. Just listening to his stories about how he grew up, was like if we both grew up together. Finding that we were in this together gave me a chance to share my plans. Yes, I started with, "Oh, my goodness I would like for us to get a silver trailer and travel through out the states! You can get the job that you want. We can can stay at different locations. If we get bored we just pick up and go. Wouldn't that be great"?

My hubby then said, "huh. living in a trailer?" Yes, I did say trailer. Hubby was a bit surprised. You see several years ago before we bought this house, hubby suggested for us to buy a mobile home. I was not 100% convinced about living in a mobile home. Living here in Florida with hurricanes and tornadoes, and imagining that we were not in Kansas anymore, made me think twice in moving to a mobile home.

My idea about us traveling all over the States in our cute little retro home on wheels, made my hubby a little apprehensive. He was definitely ready to move to another state, though not in a home on wheels. He then explained the reasons: "It is more expensive than renting a place and we will be cramped in this very, very small place."

And that is when I knew that my hubby is not as adventurous as I thought he was.

So at the end I couldn't convince hubby. In the meanwhile I kept on dreaming about how our lives will be if we traveling in our retro home. Then that is when I saw this movie: The Long, Long Trailer (1954; MGM).

This is the very first technicolor movie that Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz appeared on. This movie is about honeymooners who buy a trailer home and soon encounter the problems of living in a house on wheels.

When I first saw the beginning of the movie, I was totally excited! Here it was the very thing that I am dreaming of doing. The wife dreamed of having a little place to call her home. And she got her dream, when she was able to convince her husband in getting the trailer. And after they were off in starting their new life living in a trailer, that was when things started to really look ugly for them and for the trailer.

There was one scene where they went to a heavily wooded area just like the picture above. Though imagine the scene with a torrential rain. The trailer ended side ways and stuck in the mud. That scene was so funny for the first few minutes, until I thought that that could easily be me and my hubby under those same circumstances. My hands literally started to sweat.

Even though my retro dream home fantasy came to a screeching stop. It didn't dampen the possibility that hubby and I could one day own our silvery vintage trailer... of course only for vacation purposes!


Chao,


Carmen

P.S. I am totally enjoying my Sunday with the live broadcast from the Cidada Club! Enjoy your week!

Photo: Flickr Creative Commons.

Here's Looking at you, Kid

This is "Here's Looking at you, Kid", from of my Bohemian Girl Collection! How I do love movies. Old black and white movies of course are my favorites! I wanted to built a scene around one of my favorite luxuries, a drive-in movie theater. I pictured that a cute couple were watching a classic. As I had the couple seeing each other, the phrase "Here's Looking at you kid", came to mind. And that's how I decided to include the famous scene from the 1942 Casablanca.

Drive-in movies are almost extinct. I have personally enjoyed going to the drive-in here in Florida. When my hubby and I used to live in Miami Beach we will drive to Ft. Lauderdale to an old, but well preserved drive-in theater. And I have to tell you it was a lot of fun! Here we where in our own car, under the starry skies while enjoying the fresh night air, eating popcorn, and holding hands. It was so romantic! What more can you ask?

I just loved our drive-in movie dates!

You can purchase my lovely "Here's looking at you, Kid", tote bag from my Bohemian Girl Collection shop at any time!

I found a great website that lists "Drive In Movies" in the U.S., Canada, and Australia :
www.driveinmovie.com

Happy movie nite!



Chao,


Carmen

Sock Dreams & Inspirations

I am totally ecstatic that finally Florida is cooling off! Time to take out those warm socks. And what better than these fabulous looking socks from Sock Dreams! They are so chic and classy and there will keep your footsies warm and happy.

As a Retro Reporter I am always looking for people, places, and things that inspires me. Through Dolly Dahl, I heard about the very talented Emily Martin. This artist and designer sells her cute art collection at her Etsy store called the The Black Apple. Not only was her art inspiring, but I found that Emily had a unique sense of style.

Emily knows how to add a little whimsical flare, to her retrochic look. And one of her signature looks are these knee high socks. I totally love how she is able to pull out her unique outfits and still look ladylike and classy!

I am sure that you too will love visiting her blog!




B. ella Gigia Microfiber Trouser Socks





Liza Polka Dot Knee Socks





B. ella Alessa Argyle Trouser Socks





B.ella Lena Diamond Trouser Socks



Don't you love these Parisian looking socks?



They are sooo dreamy!





Chao,



Carmen

P.S. I am hoping to hear from Emily for an interview on my Time Warp Wives website. I know that her vintage fashion will inspire many.

Liz Eyebrows & Prints

Lately I have been a bit under the weather. Just feel like staying on the couch and wrapping myself with a soft blanket, while enjoying some great movies on TCM. And that is what exactly I have been doing this whole week!

These past several days I have watched some great movies with Elizabeth Taylor. She is not only a great actress, but she is and was very stunning in her early years. Being that I am also brunette like Liz, expect of course I don't have her violet color eyes. I try to learn how she wore her hair and how she did her makeup. I thought I had all her beauty tricks down, until I watched her movies this week. I came to realize that their was one thing that I didn't paid attention. And that was her dark thick eyebrows!

Like any classic girl I do pencil my eyebrows. I would usually use a light to medium brown pencil. Though I haven't tried to darken them and to make them thicker. I was always afraid to end up looking like a smurf.

So I went ahead with the experiment and started to fill my brows with a black liner. Yikes! It turned out way too dark!

On my second attempt I went for a dark black pencil. It look well, so so.

My third attempt I used both the eyeliner and then a dark brown. And it was starting to look better.

Then one day as I was ready to go out I tried a dark brown pencil. And it turned not perfect, but pretty, which is decent enough for me.

So as I work on my eyebrows and trying to figure the best classic look for them, I came across these cute prints. At first I thought that it was Miss Liz Taylor, but then as I took a closer look I realized that it wasn't Liz.




I was a bit disappointed, but then realized that I am blind retrochic gal with a huge eyebrow problem!

Still though aren't these prints so retrochic? I totally loved them! And if you are feeling like me under the weather and want to keep cozy and warm why not get one of these stylish hot water bottles.

I believe that a girl should always look stylish no matter how crabby she feels. Don't you think?



Chao,



Carmen

Photo: Creative Commons

Knitted Fashion Patterns

The cold season is the only time that I get to wear my knitted clothes, and that means about a few cold snaps here, and there. Oh, well that is how Florida winter is. Anyhow, here I found some inspiration for vintage knitted fashion that I know you will absolutely love!

To always looking stylish in knitted clothes you have to make sure that it's fitted. An over sized and bulky knitted outfit will make you look heavier. These samples will get you going to how to correctly wear a knitted outfit and still feeling pretty!
















All these knitted fashion patterns are from Iva Rose Vintage Reproduction. If you know how to knit these patterns are for sale! And if you don't know how to knit, this will be a great time to learn!



Chao,



Carmen

Call me Victoria Jones!

I love weekends because it gives me time to reboot my mind. What does a girl to do when she wants to relax? Well, I for one love music. Right now I am enjoying a little bit of oldies before I watch the online Cicada Club performers. I am listening to Bing Crosby, the Andrew sisters and Billie Holiday. When I listen to this music I imagine that I am a jazz singer star back from the 40's. And that my name is Victoria Jones. I just love it!

I always wanted to learn how to sing. When I was little, I use to perform. I used to sing and dance in front of hundreds of people. It was fun and it had nothing to do with winning an award of any kind. Over the years, as I got older I realized that my voice needed some real tune up. So while I was in junior high I started taking singing lessons. Unfortunately I didn't continue taking the lessons, and my voice stayed stagnant.

I admit that I don't have a great singing voice. Though I am modest enough to say that my voice isn't that bad either. I know that I have plenty of room for improvement.

Would that stop me from singing? No sir! I don't care if I sound like a shaky chicken or a goose. I am proud of my singing voice. Singing makes me happy. And even if I don't fit the standard of perfect voice, when I sing I am Victoria Jones, and yes I have a beautiful voice that will make you melt like a sundae on a winter's day!


I got to go now the Cicada Club Show is on!



Chao,



Carmen Aka Victoria Jones

A Walk in The Park

On Friday hubby and I with doggie took a much needed walk in the park. I love spending quality time with family surrounded by nature. And now that the weather is cooler, I can't wait to do more outdoor activities! I am so fascinated with nature. I love to day-dream of a future day when people will live in harmony with nature.

In the meanwhile I am soaking up the beauty of God's creation, and imagining that
that we spotted far off a castle, that sat so pretty like a jewel in a garden...

just day-dreaming!



Enjoy your weekend!



Chao,


Carmen

Photo: Creative Commons

Retro Biker Chic

I am totally excited because the weather is nice and cool. And that will mean that I could finally ride my bike!





I love feeling the cool wind on my face when I am riding my bike.






I believe that a girl should always look presentable no matter where she goes. When I go for a ride I always wear my sun glasses. Being that I live in Florida, it is very sunny and bright here. Also I love pulling my hair away from my face, so that way I could see where I am going. Here I am wearing a purplish and green scarf. I love these black sunglasses, there are so Jackie O.





I can't wait to start riding my three wheel bike. Oh, you thought that I was talking about riding a motorcycle. Oh no, I don't ride motorcycles. I like having safe fun, thanks.


I still like being called Retro Biker Chic, though.


Chao,



Carmen

Friday Sweetness!

After a busy crazy week it was time for me to kick back and relax. And what more than enjoying a sweet treat to start the weekend off! I told my hubby that I was craving for a sweet soft cake. The first thing that came to mind was my favorite Spanish cake called " Tres Leches".





I usually buy this cake from one of my favorite Cuban restaurant "Pollo Tropical". I have made Tres leches before, which is not that difficult to make. I usually first bake a plain vanilla cake. After the cake is ready and out of the oven, I start adding three ingredients: milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Is like giving the cake a milk bath. Tip: You want the cake to be soaked enough, though keeping some of the cakes consistency.





The Tres Leches that I buy comes with a layer of wipe cream and a cherry. If you have a sweet tooth this cake will be one of your favorites. Mind you, sometimes the cake comes a bit too sweet. It all depends where you buy it. Here I am displaying my cake on a white and black design plates that I bought from Target several years ago. Doesn't this setting look delicious?

This Friday I ate my Tres Leches while watching my favorite t.v. show Monk.

It was so nice to spend time with my hubby and enjoying a Friday full of sweetness!



Chao,


Carmen

Let's Go To The Movies!

Every time I see these "Dancing Snacks Metal Signs", it reminds me of when Danny was left behind in the Drive-Inn. These dancing snacks were the best part of the drive-in and movie theater experience. Add these retro Dancing Pop Corn, Soda, and Hot Dog Metal Signs to your restaurant, kitchen or home theater, and your place will look swell!

And if you would like to add a more three dimensional look to your kitchen, you are going to love the following retro food appliances for your movie nite!




Modeled after the antique popcorn carts of the early 1900s, the Nostalgia Electrics Old Fashioned Movie Time 60" Popcorn Cart makes delicious popcorn, perfect for your family night. A vintage look cart with large a storage compartment, it sets the stage for fun get-togethers or movie time.




No need to wait for the state fair to enjoy a refreshing snow cone thanks to this easy-to-use snow-cone machine. The countertop appliance uses regular-size ice cubes, and its durable stainless-steel blades quickly transform ice into fluffy snow. Add any flavored syrup for a snow cone, or experiment with other fun combinations--a soda pop for a slushy drink, yogurt or fruit for snow smoothies, and more.




This Carnival Cotton Candy Maker is modeled after the Antique Cotton Candy Carts of the early 1900's. Easy, safe, and fun for the entire family. Simply pour the sugar mixture into the top, turn the unit on, and instantly make fresh carnival-style cotton candy right in your own home.





The hot-dog roller features five nonstick rollers that rotate continuously, plus a convenient built-in bun warmer in its canopy top. Its retro style brings back memories of classic diners, ball games, and family gatherings, and the removable rollers, grill, and drip tray make cleanup a snap.




Have a fun movie nite!



Chao,


Carmen

Fashion Swap Party!

This past weekend, I attended a Fashion Swap Party, and I had a fabulous time! Besides the lovely clothes and the goodies that I brought back, I was able to be spend time with a dear friend that I haven't seen in years! My friend and I go back many years ago when we both lived in Miami Beach in the early 90's. It was wonderful to reminiscence the good old days.

Well, my friend was the host of the fashion swap party, and I have to say she did a great job being a host and organizing the event. My friend opened up her home for the event. And invited her friends from different areas, that way we didn't end up with an outfit that our close circle of friends own, so in other words you are getting clothes that you have never seen or borrowed. What a great idea, don't you think?

Here is a short list of what my friend and her guest did:

1- Send an invitation with an RSVP.

2- We made sure to RSVP.

3- We went through our closet, boxes and bags to look for those clothes that we no longer wear or fit in.

4- In the day of the party we brought a dish, dessert or beverages. I brought a carrot cake and a red velvet cake. And of course I brought a bag full of clothes.

5- My friend had a metal clothes hanger and several tables to display clothes, jewelry, purses, shoes, etc. Her place was transformed into a boutique!

6- Then the fun started when the ladies started to go shopping (ransacking the place)!



What a way to meet and spend time with friends while shopping for clothes, for free!


I can't wait to start planning my own fashion swap party!


Chao,


Carmen

P.S. Several months ago at my Time Warp Wives fashion page I posted the article Organizing a Fashion Swap Party. This article has great ideas for your next swap party!

Needle and Thread

Here is my Singer Circa 1960's sowing machine. I know she is a little thing. Though even she is modest in size, she works like a speedy train!

Several years ago, I took the biggest project ever, and that was to re-upholstered my sofa. I had a basic understanding of doing it, though I didn't know how tedious it was going to be. So a dear friend kindly helped me with my project. She not only taught me how to sew and re-upholstered my sofa, but she gave me this cute vintage sowing machine as a gift, which to this day I thank her so dearly!

And you know what? We re-upholstered my entire sofa using my Singer! This machine is not only fast, but she is tough! She was able to sow thick fabric with pipping and all. I am telling you she is a tough cookie!

There are a lot perks about my Singer machine. The first thing is that it is small and easy to carry. And for a petite delicate person like myself, I don't carry or lift anything that is 5 pounds heavier. Though there are times, that my back will not permit me even to take her out of her box. So that is when super hubby comes to the rescue.



This Summer I have taken a new hobby of doll making! I have a friend that used to make dolls for a living. And she is teaching me basic techniques. As you know I am a sophisticated girl that have a passion for fashion. So when I brought these silky materials to my friend's house she said, "Oh, you don't want to use your best fabric for your first doll. It will take you several tries until you get your doll perfected."

I have yet to finish my first doll. I can't wait to see how pretty she will turn out to be. And even if she turn out looking a little funny or even a little ugly she will be my precious baby!




Have a nice day!


Chao,


Carmen

My Finger Waves

As I promised here is my first attempt of the famous finger waves! I wanted to have that 30's Hollywood hair style. So far I think that my new hairdo came out looking classy. Yes, as you have noticed I did indeed cut my hair. Two weeks or so ago when my sister was in town she wanted to treat me for a hair cut. She herself has a short hair cut and I absolutely loved it! So I went ahead for a shorter look. My sister's hair is naturally curly, so she pretty much can make her retro hairdo anytime without the need to pin-curl her hair.





Doing the finger waves right takes a great deal of skill. It took me several attempts when I started to make the S form on my bangs. Then when I finally got the right style, I made sure to pin it right away. Now the other side didn't come out the way I wanted. After I took out my bobby pins, that part looked like if I put my finger in a electrical socket! There were several reasons why that side might have not come out right. First, I couldn't figure out how to do the S form from a different angle. And second, my hair was not as damp as the other side was when I started my hairdo.





One thing for sure is that doing my finger waves was a lot of fun! Though if you want a professional finger wave look, you may want to have somebody do it for you. Especially when it comes to the hard to reach back part of the hair. Unless you have a bathroom full of mirrors, and flexible arms, your finger waves will end up looking like a tidal wave instead!


Even though my hairdo wasn't all totally finger waved, I still love how it came out!


My goal for this Summer will be to try to master this art.



Chao,



Carmen

Learning French

I always wanted to learn French. I think that the French language is so romantic and stylish!

Several years ago I started my goal of learning the language. I bought one of those learning French Cd's, which was pretty neat because not only they gave the basic French grammar but actually videos of people interacting with each other while speaking French. So for about a month I would practice everyday. I had difficulty reading the exact pronunciation. Though I could say that I was progressing slowly but steady.

Then one day I was running errands in a busy area of South Beach. And low and behold there were some ladies speaking French Creole standing right behind me. I was blown away! Not because they were speaking French. It was because I understood almost everything they said. And French Creole is not totally the same as French, though I still understood it well. Trust me , I am not the kind of girl that like to eaves drop, that is not proper etiquette. So I unintentionally continued listening to their conversation. And I would certainly not tell you what they were talking about, which is neither mine or your business. But it was groovy to understand what these ladies were saying.



Then I somehow stop practicing my French Cd's.

So several years ago I tried to get into it again. This time in addition to listening to the Cd's I incorporated in my learning schedule a PBS film. The film was about a guy meeting a girl in France. All of it of course was part of a French learning course, which I thought was pretty entertaining.

I wanted to really learn French. I had all the tools and equipment that I needed but I couldn't seem to progress. So I came to one painful realization. The problem was moi, ME. Yeap, I couldn't keep up with my schedule and French went avoir. Perhaps it was that I didn't really needed to learn it so badly, like if my life depended on it. I lived in South Beach were their were a variety of food, people and languages.

And mind you, there are plenty of French speaking people every where you go in South Beach. So are the rest of the English, Spanish, German, Italian and Portuguese speaking people that also lived and breath in South Beach. I am fortunate that I speak English, Spanish and a little Portuguese and that I had French and German friends. So in a way I felt like I could survive that International culture.

Now if I had moved to Paris years ago most likely I would be writing this experience in French. I think sometimes what moves people in learning a new language is of a need. And I have to admit, I fall into that category. Though their are exceptions like; "Do I really "need" another pair of shoes?." Or is it more do I just "want" a new pair of shoes. So Perhaps one day if I have to work in a bakery shop where the owner only spoke French that I might have then a real need to learn the language after all.



With all of that I still would love to learn French. My dream is to one day go to Paris and walked down it's famous streets and to walk into one of their famous café and ask for the toilette! No matter what you say in French it will always sound romantique and chic!

A friend of mine that speaks about six languages told me a great tip one day: "You have to submerge yourself into the language."

So the best thing for me to do would be to pack my things and start heading to Paris. I wish! Anyhow, in the meantime, I will still enjoy learning a little French just in case if I might need it one day.



Here is the website to watch the PBS french lessons: French in Action.


BBC has a great language learning courses on their website. The languages that they have are: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek, Chinese and others.

The BBC Language Website:BBC Languages/




Photo: Flickr Creative Commons from FunkyFlamenca, Wallyg, Mr Mystery.