Show Off!

What inspires you?  Not just moves you emotionally, we all have that capability (well most of us ha!), we're human after all. But what really gets you going? Peels you off the couch?

If it hasn't become clear that a good stage show does it for me, this week has proved it even further!  Once in a blue moon, I decide to give myself a calendar week filled with plans. I prepare to spend money I don't have, but spend the best of times with folks I haven't seen in a while. I schedule seeing shows, starting with the free ones. I will make it public and try to get a partner in crime, that way I don't back out due laziness. What a formula right? This way I can't even hide from myself!!
Sunday, my usual go to is Kitty Nights obvi! It's a weekly show, the longest running in NYC I believe, always has a guest host and a great lineup from nOObs to top dogs! I also won 2 raffle bags technically but gave up the second one to be fair.
Tuesday, I decided to finally check out Bushwick Burlesque, and I am SO happy I did! Dang. Best show I've seen in a LONG time. Darlinda & Scary Be killed it AND I got to see Dirty Martini in action again, woot!
Thursday, my tried and true show is my homegirl Calamity Chang's no-cover weekly show "Spankin the Lower East Side" at Nurse Bettie. SO much fun all the time. I love performing at that place too!
My final stop was Friday night at Bedlam Burlesque. Thanks to the dude who won my 2nd raffle bag at Kitty Nights, he invited me to be his +1! UM, GREAT SHOW! We had so much fun!

While all those nights left me exhausted, it bummed me out that I couldn't be a regular show goer. I just can't afford it. Ya know, a few brews or gin drinks on top of tips and gogo girls, what am I to do? Maybe I'll start committing to one show a week...that sounds pretty great actually!

So I now have 2 acts in the works. I've been very active in costuming and brainstorming and music finding/editing. It feels good. I am excited to get back on stage. As of now my next scheduled show is in March!

I'm peacing out on this entry because a dear friend of mine sent me a casting notice and  I need to submit my stuff asap! I hope you stay warm as the temperature is fucking off the chain!

Ciao for now,

TT

PS: I started an OK Cupid profile. By started I mean I answered about 2 questions and haven't put a pic up. Hello 2013, baby steps!

PPS: I felt like a million bucks the other morning so I decided to snap a hot bod pic. I love my morning belly <3

POST #100!

whoa! 100 posts later and I'm still here. Lazy, but still here! I guess it woulda been more too, but in the beginning I wasn't doing it weekly, just when I felt like it.
So, how's your first week in a new year been? The same as usual, right? How did your bold resolutions hold up after a few days? Who quit smoking? Joined a gym? Anything really good, like being a great person? Tell meeeee!

All good over here, just making plans for 2013, the year of the Snake according to the Chinese zodiac. (I could use a good snake if ya know what I'm sayin, nudge nudge...well, not nudging some of you!) According to some website that I googled says: To gain the greatest benefits from this year, you must control spending and use your talents wisely.
Well I'll be damned, finally a year that clears that up for me? What the hell! I've been doing this for at least 2 years now...maybe this 3rd one will be a charm then?? I'm having high hopes, but not while I sit back and relax! It's becoming clearer to me the sort of career I would like have and all the extra bonuses that could go along with it.  Here's to the year of the Tassels?!

I'm not gonna lie, sitting here typing, I'm itching to vlog again. My schedule doesn't allow too much time for it or the editing but I LOVED the process. There will be more for sure. Maybe if I've got something cute to show off I'll start making little snippets!

So a few dude updates, because right now I can't seem to think of anything else:
1- Remember this guy? well I haven't seen him in a couple of months but we've kept in touch. I feel another "Casualties of being Casual: #3" coming up. We'll be hanging soon. Mama needs to get her some.
2- Remember this guy? well I FINALLY got his contact info the other day. I shot him a text because I'm too sissy to call and frankly there's no real reason too. It was a very cool/mildly flirty "If you're ever in NYC call me" type of message. He replied exactly how I was expecting. I googled him, like all good girls do when we get someone's full name & digits, come to find out he was a porn actor and now focuses on adult directing & photography.  I'm in love. HA! So if I ever see him again, I'll let you know how our hot night of fun goes because I'm sure that's all it will be.
3- A few weeks ago, I Facebooked (I know, I'm horrible at these things) a dude that I have mutual real life friends with, but also that I've become internet friends with. Well, he never replied. I know he saw the message because we've corresponded before about doing shows together. He replied within minutes to that. Whatevs! I was dying to approach him so at least now it's out of my system. If we ever meet, we meet. His loss!
4-  Remember this guy? Well I haven't talked to him in months. Some days it's killing me, others I think of him fondly. It's so weird when you're life, in regards to relationships, is SO different than you thought it would be at this age.

So far, it's apparently the year of no-snake-for-Tina. Ha! I started reading Kirstie Alley's new book "The Art of Men: I like mine al Dente" it's an autobiographical journey about how men influenced her life more than women. So far it's amazing! Growing up and living in Kansas, her awful verbally & physically abusive mother and her thoughtful, honest father. She is a riot. I didn't know much about her before this book, other than that she's gorgeous, hilarious, and talented. Will report back with more next week!

Hope you all have a great week ahead. I look forward to seeing a few shows! This Saturday I will also be performing at and representing my day-job at the Lovesick Expo. It means I'll be missing my usual Long Island hosting gig at Rockabilly Rave 4, but the timing just won't work out, boooooo!

Ciao for now,

TT

PS: I gogo-ed for the first time ever at THE SLIPPER ROOM on New Year's Eve-Eve! It was exhilarating. I was nervous for about oh, 10 seconds while walking on stage and then I let loose. My big mistake was wearing heels at work all day and then bringing uncomfortable heels to dance in. They had to come off. I didn't wanna be shoe-less but it would have been an awful set. I look forward to adding gogo to my offerings. I was terrified to do it for so long. I found it much different than performing and felt so much more on display. And being a bigger girl, my creases would be on display for much longer than a 5 minute strip show. Dang, it felt great!

Size Me Up

I am SO excited to be working for a brand and physical store in New York that caters to a size range of XXSmall up to 4X!!

After the first phone call my co-worker received asking "Are you only going to carry size 0s like every other store in NY?" we started to get people popping their heads in the door with the same question. The sheer sense of relief that comes over their face after I tell them our range is unforgettable. One woman, visiting from the UK, was so grateful "to find beautiful styles in my size" she could barely say the words. The experience has been giving me goosebumps!

I mentioned it in my last post, that I actually asked my interviewer "I know Bettie Page makes plus sizes, but will we be carrying it in store?" I too was not only relieved, but proud even to be able to represent a shop that is so lacking in NYC.  I'm also getting smaller sized girls (just as self-conscious as us chubby ones wouldn't ya know!) saying "but I don't have any curves for these." I have been assuring my clients:

**If you have curves the pieces will show them off, if you don't have curves, the dresses will create them!!**

I've really been enjoying work. Sorry for this delayed post. I had a shitty bought of PMS and was SO tired every time I sat in front of the computer this week. Now that I'm not pregnant (read: I'm boatin down red river) I actually have my normal energy back! I am starting to feel much more settled at this job than I had in an entire year and a half at Sephora. I loved my coworkers and doing makeup, but that isn't where I wanted to be. I felt anxious a lot of the time being on the hunt for work. I definitely derailed from the performing track and I'm getting myself back on it! I am fiending for it!

I'm also in need for the touch and smell of a man. How's that for a closer?
Thanks for stopping by, have a great weekend!

Ciao for now,

TT


PS: Haven't been on stage in awhile, but I'll be stripping for Sandy victims - come check out this awesome benefit: HurriDAMES! I can't wait <3

The Casualties of being Casual: 1

Ok, I'm being dramatic with the word "casualties," but I think I've encountered a conundrum that for some of you daters out there becomes a turning point!  I also numbered it one because I feel I'll be chatting about others. This is the best non-relationship, relationship ever. I have someone to spend time with stress-free and am learning so much about myself. Be jealz.

My lover friend (HA! the list of names I use to refer to this dude is hilarious) is a musician - thank god a good one, there's nothing worse than meeting someone that is some type of artist and you think 'great, another one, can't wait to lie about how talented you are' - so after much debate I went to see his band play more by his urging.  My reluctance to go was mainly because I knew he'd be in a zone, perhaps have some lady friends and maybe even a mom lingering.  I also knew this meant that we'd have to act in a way that wasn't natural in regards to how we normally do...I'll elaborate in a second.  With all that, I jokingly told him I'd rather avoid emotional stress than test myself. After the band finished, I then debated whether or not to just sneak out and talk to him later or go say a quick hello because I had to run to a friend's party anyway.  I opted for the quick hello; It's not like me/him/us to just bounce - well not like this anyway - Oh Snap! hahah  I slowly made my way up to him, he spots me, flashes his fab smile accompanied by a wink (I sweat guys who wink btw), he rounds the table, THEN IT HITS ME: how do I greet him? We usually kiss on the lips and have a nice hug?! I didn't think this could happen but who knows?! Then, I read him like a book and saw his face beeline for my cheek. Of course, it's the cheek. And an awkward sorta knee bent to greet my 5'4" frame super friend hug. LOL I don't know if you can picture this but I can and am right now! hah!


So after this I didn't feel so good. I didn't feel bad, but was wondering "Man, how do guys do that?" They're just able to turn it off.  Pretend to be old pals, soft punch on the shoulder.  In some way I'm jealous in other ways it's a bit cowardly (obviously varies from situation to situation).  Maybe I'm more casual than I thought about most things?  I don't wanna assume a peck on the lips means people are "something more".  I don't care if people wonder "who is he/she with?" ya know? I actually laughed at this while walking to my friend's party. I know some girls whose entire nights would be "ruined" over this. They'd be wondering what it meant for them...was he embarrassed? Was there another girl there? etc...Later I texted him a virtual kiss on the lips, I don't think he got it - the implication not the text hahah, I can't wait til he reads this.  All I wanted was a kiss especially after seeing him sing and perform. C'mon, we all know what musicians do for a girl lol I'll have to wait for my smooch I guess.

THURSDAY NIGHT COME TO NURSE BETTIE'S! 10p, No Cover: Calamity Chang's Spanking the Lower East Side. First show in sometime. I am excited. I need a creative nudge!!

Hope you had a nice weekend - I spent some time out on Saturday night to celebrate a friend's birthday. Saw some faces that I hadn't in a while so that was nice, other than that I was working..booooo! Grateful but fuckin over it. Where is my sugar daddy?????

Happy Tuesday - Have a great week!! Am looking forward to a friend's wedding shower this weekend in NJ! It's the wedding in June where I'll be a groomsWOman, woot! Here's a pick of my real bad dress rehearsal. Found this gorgeous suit on great sale and the last size fit!! Underneath, for reference, I threw on my dad's shirt and tie..love it!

See you next week xo!

Ciao for now,

TT

Tax Money Bitches!

So I'm not getting anything TOO exciting back but these days a little bit goes a long way for me!
I'm trying to figure out how to spend some of the money on myself (whatever's left over after some late bills are paid, oopsies!) in the likes of improv classes, belly dancing, tap or a few things at the School of Burlesque or even a tattoo. Oh and some new materials are definitely on the list. I have a dope idea for a costume, would be amazing if I could execute it!

I've been dying for dance classes. I should have added swing to that list because I've got the itch for it also.  Some friends offered up lessons but I definitely excel and feel less self-conscious when I set out and do things on my own surrounded by strangers. I'm obviously a product of doing everything alone!

Some exciting news - Meat My Friends will be back!! Saturday, March 24th, new cast, new hilarity, new talents at Angels & Kings. I can't wait to see this show! What's also exciting is that I have performers interested in later dates. I hope the venue & I can agree on some future nights so I can get the ball rolling!

Although I love watching all my performers, I am totally honored to be hosting Jay Miller & Casey Jost. Two super talented guys I know from Staten Island. What they have in store, I'm not gonna share but it's definitely not to be missed!

Here's one of my fave clips of them from Jay's talk show.


Stole it from Jay's Youtube channel. Stop by and check out more!

Tuesday with Tassels has been a bit lame-o. Between my two day jobs, I'll be working at least 14 days in a row. This shit better be worth it!!
Hope you guys have a great week. I for one am really looking forward to Spring. I know winter wasn't bad at all but I just want my puffy coat to get packed away again. Over it!

Thanks for stopping by! If you haven't yet, please swing by my "fan" page (I don't I've ever said that) and give a like, ya know, if you like me! :) Also if you like filthy talk and bad jokes, go ahead and follow me on Twitter!

Ciao for now,

TT

PS: That guy I mentioned last week, well I shot him a FB message because I was too chicken to ask around for his number, but I gave him mine and am still tapping my fingers on the table. HA! Keeping the faith though, we'll see what happens! The lower expectation, the bigger the surprise...

Bubbling Over...

WITH EXCITEMENT!

Until Friday, I was making myself sick (and break out) because I was so nervous going over and over in my head how the night of Meat My Friends will pan out. Well ya know what? After a SUPER fun time at Rodeo Bar on Friday night for Rock and Roll Roadshow, that has all gone out the window. There is so much goodness in and around me that I am being confident and ready to go full steam ahead. For the next week anyway HA!
Note: When I said goodness IN me, I wasn't being dirty. That's still missing but let's see what happens Saturday night *wink

On Sunday I started reading Goldie Hawn's autobiography: A Lotus Grows in the Mud. I am a huge fan of autobiographies. I unintentionally draw inspiration from people more than anything or any place in the world.  I love hearing their stories even of the simplest of moments.  I bought this years ago on super discount and never got around to it. I'm forcing myself now.  In the past few months I've really been studying up on variety shows of the past with strong lead women. Carol Burnett, Cher, & Goldie seem to be occupying my thoughts more than most things right now.  I'm feeling empowered.

I worked throughout the weekend then Sunday night - sans interest in the Superbowl - took myself to see Fooling Around with Casey Jost at The People's Improv Theater. Casey and I have lots of mutual friends but we've never met so I was looking forward to it. A musician/actor/comedian friend of mine, the talented Brian Bonz, was also part of the show! I love seeing sketch comedy because it's something I have so much interest in but a huge fear of actually pursuing.  The show is part sketches, part audio visual, part talk show/interview - SO much fun. Am definitely gonna be in touch with these guys. Would love to have them in a Meat My Friends show! Also Jackie Hoffman was there watching and I love her. Bonus!

Monday was amazing. My mom and & grandma came to visit me from NJ - mainly because I had forgotten my iPod there on my last visit and needed it stat.  We had a great lunch here at my place, chatted and that was it! Earlier in the morning, my first guest blogger post for Pinup Girl Clothing went up!  You can read it here on their Tumblr blog. There will be more down the road too!

On Thursday, there was one of those "sorry we missed you" notices in my mailbox.  I wasn't sure what package and from who it would be but it turned out to be so much more than I imagined!  My dear friends at Orchard Corset have out done themselves again. Long ago they offered me some coupon code stubs to share with friends and show goers...hearing about my new productions coming up they wanted to make new ones.  Little did I know they would be surprising me with sexy goodies too!! Thanks to their generosity I feel the need to add another Fun Bag raffle to the mix for Meat My Friends! I wonder what piece(s) to include?!



Well, next week's post will be after the Manhattan debut of Meat My Friends. Fingers crossed all goes well, the audience, performers, and venue is happy. My stomach is turning, for good reason, it will truly be a dream come true night. I think I'll be crying tears of gratitude even if I have to duck into a bathroom for a minute to collect myself. I hope some of you can make it out and if not this time, I hope there is a regular show on the way!!

Thank you so much for stopping by and new readers welcome to my blog!! See you next week...

Ciao for now,
TT

PS: Here's all the info for Saturday night - hope to see some of your fugly faces <3


MEAT MY FRIENDS: A PRE-VALENTINE'S DAY SHOW

Tina Tassels presents:
MEAT MY FRIENDS – A PRE-VALENTINE’S DAY SHOW
“Break my heart, I’ll break your face” –The Sirs
https://www.facebook.com/TheSirs
Sadly they won't be able to play but we'll be spinnin their tunes!

Making its Manhattan debut, Meat My Friends is a variety show aimed to satiate your live entertainment appetite with burlesque, music, comedy and everything in between. Showcasing some of NY’s finest, come celebrate love or a lack thereof with us!

Evelyn Vinyl
http://evelynvinyl.com/

Calamity Chang
http://www.calamitychang.com/

Kiki Valentine
http://www.sundayshownyc.com/

Dottie Dynamo
https://www.facebook.com/dottiedynamo

Matthew Holtzclaw
http://www.matthewholtzclaw.com/

Paul Schalda of Paul & the Tall Trees
https://www.facebook.com/PaulSchaldaAndTheTallTrees

Foul Language, Performances, & Hosting: Tina Tassels
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tina-Tassels-Page/158207487545461

Stage Kitten & GoGo Girl: Charlie Gunn
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002002213596

AND Moz Foto is gonna be in the house snappin pictures of you and your sweetheart(s)! We don't discriminate as to how many you have!
https://www.facebook.com/mozfotostudios

DJ Mr. Nice Guy will be workin the decks for us! Join the post-show dance party!

Enter to win Tina's Fun Bags - raffles jerk! – with some goods to help your Valentine’s Day get a little hotter!

$10 to our Door Girl: Coco Masala
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002520990225

Door opens at 7:30pm, Show starts at 8:30
21+ so don't bring your kids!

*Don't be shy, dress to impress - even if only for yourself!*

DRINK SPECIALS JUST FOR THE SHOW!

You Got the Write Stuff

So cheesy I know! Get over it.

Saturday night wrapped up another great Rockabilly festival out in Long Island. I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a pinup contest, performing and then hosting the burlesque portion of the night also. There were 4 rockin bands, swing dancing lessons and a contest, vendors, and a super great crowd. The snow didn't hold anyone back, it was an impressive turnout!  The people are so kind to us and gave us great feedback. A show goer came up to me asking, "Are you all professionals?" and I jokingly replied "We try to be!" he simply said "Excellent." and walked away. So cool.

Performing outside of the city is an entirely different experience. You travel to a town that has only a percentage of the entertainment options that the saturated venues of NYC have, so everyone is much more appreciative. Not that NYC crowds aren't great, but I think people become blase having so many opportunities to view different types of live shows.  Sad but true.  Wake up people, you live in the greatest city in the world!

Well I've been focused on writing more content for Pinup Girl Clothing's website. So far I've gotten great feedback for what I've submitted and I believe it will be posted beginning in February! Holy cow! I also submitted my interview materials to Pin Up Perfection Magazine. My first interview yet. My head is spinning with excitement.

So I finally posted a new video to youtube. I actually hate doing it but I think it's a good idea. I feel SO self conscious on video hence vlogging being a goal for 2012. I don't mind pictures, in fact I enjoy them. I was taught years ago by my father how important they are and I agree with him 100%.  The video isn't great either but whatevs. I hope my friends far away enjoy it at least! Here it is:



Yikes!

Keep your eyes peeled on my Facebook and Twitter for updates about when my interview, and writes ups are posted. My rehearsals are now geared towards a new rockabilly show by Minnie D'Moocha at Rodeo bar Friday, February 3rd and obviously Meat My Friends Saturday, February 11th. For Meat My Friends, I've also been writing content to help guide the show. I can' freakin wait!

Have a great week, from my tassels to yours...

Ciao for now,
TT

The Stars Are Doin' Some Aligning

Within 48hrs I got offered an interview (MY FIRST EVER!) with Pin Up Perfection Magazine and asked to be a contributing writer for one of the very few websites I follow: Pinup Girl Clothing. WHAT?!

I'm pissing my pants!
Well not really, because that would be time wasted cleaning up the mess while I should be busy behind the computer getting to werk! I have been steadily brainstorming, writing, reaching out to fans & friends alike for topic suggestions and looking for inspiration. I have so much stimulation that I don't even know where to start!

The interview process is really interesting. I'm enjoying it so far until the most current question. I'm getting a little nervous about my answer. I keep wondering if I will be offensive to anyone. If my answer is not an honest and natural one though, I will be the first to call myself a hypocrite for not being confident and sure about how I feel. That's what I would tell you to do!  I have to get used to the idea that there will always be someone left unhappy even if for the dumbest reason ever!

Ahhh - this is really exciting!
Man, I had a fun week of catching up with friends. It had been so long that I decided to say fuck it, and spend a few extra dollars on dinner and drinks. It's always worth every penny.

THIS Saturday is Rockabilly Rave 3 and after that I've got nothing schedule until early February. I'm excited about the Meat My Friends buzz and I'm confident we're gonna have a sick turn out at Angels & Kings.  My cast is pumped up and the set list is taking shape. A new flyer to celebrate is coming soon!

So reader, if you haven't seen any of my posts on facebook or Twitter, as I mentioned above I've been reaching out my friends, family, & fans for some guidance. Here's the post, any help would be greatly appreciated!

ATTENTION FRIENDS, FAMILY, FANS & FUCK FACES ALIKE!
I'm asking for your help during my brainstorming session - what sorts of topics would you like to read about from a Plus Size Pinup's point of view (read: MY pov)? Body issues, Pop Culture, Current Events, Exercise, Diet, Choosing the right dress/clothing, Dating...??

Lay it on me!
Prefer to be discreet? Email TinaTassels@gmail.com ♥ Look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks for stopping by for another installment of Tuesday with Tassels!
Have a great week - see some of you soon.

Ciao for now,
TT


PS: New pictures were posted to my Tina Tassels Page from my shoot with Moz Foto. Check em out!

It Was That Kind of Week...

One of wearing stockings on stage. No bare legs. 2 shows, 4 costumes, all with fishnets. You can ask why, but I'm not really sure! Just wasn't into my thighs this week. It's so stupid because fishnet stockings do NOTHING for support or shape. I just felt better with them on...

Recap: Wednesday night I got to perform at Rodeo Bar for the first time! I love that bar/restaurant/staff/everything and you should too! Minnie D'Moocha hosts a monthly show Rockabilly Burlesque there with a live band and we had a blast! The turn out was a little small which in my opinion is because people are recovering from the holidays AND it was our first real cold, windy day. New Yorkers take cover in the winter and I can't pretend that I don't either!
Alas, I decided to challenge myself by doing a fast song. From the very beginning of starting to perform I thought I'd be this high energy, comedic performer and I've found my home in slow sensual classic teasing acts. Who woulda thought?! Anyway, from the band's list I picked "Do You Love Me" by The Contours. Yes, the Dirty Dancing song. It was SO hard for me and I felt like a fool. I am in constant awe of performers who are on the go every second of the song. I tried my best to actually dance (because I can!) but I was so self-conscious, feeling like "a fat girl dancing around" that it really held me back. Well, it's over now! I had fun but I don't see such fast music happening again anytime soon ha!
The second song I did and am currently working on parlaying into a new act is "Sleepwalk" by Santo & Johnny!!


*sigh* I KNOW! It's so amazing. I died and went to live music/performing heaven. This kind of music is what I feel I belong in the middle of. I felt like a star afterward!

Next up was the return to Staten Island of MEAT MY FRIENDS - my own production that is slowly finding a regular home. It was a success. I got to host extreme talent in the likes of Calamity Chang and Minnie Tonka. I was SO nervous. They are both so accomplished and big names in NY and even the USA! I look up to them and can only hope they enjoyed themselves because I know Staten Island LOVED them! I have to give a huge thank you to Full Cup again. Their staff is just SO good to us! And the audience in SI kills it every time. Thank you times a million to Evelyn Vinyl, Dottie Dynamo and Nick Williams too! Having them around is always calming. Such a great night, I'm still high from it! Met some great people and I'm pretty sure another show is in the works there! I also realized only the next day that it was actually the first entire show I hosted on my own. SCORE! I feel like Long Island didn't count for some reason but I guess it did. Whatever! I'm excited! I can't think straight! haha

Now I'm gearing up for the Manhattan debut of Meat My Friends. THIS IS A HUGE DEAL FOR ME!
Find me on Facebook (in the left column you can click on the TT Page) where you can find all info and the invite! It's a variety show...to say the least! Mark your calendars: Saturday, February 11 at Angels & Kings, $10 8p Doors

This week I'm trying to focus on a new act, confirming my cast members, and getting to work on the night's events! To unwind a bit I will be catching up with my friend Colin Kane at his monthly show at Gotham Comedy Club. Get a ticket and meet me there Thursday night! A show called Unzipped is not to be missed in my book.

Hope your first days in 2012 are going well. If you had a week of wearing stockings (figuratively) too, then keep your chin up with me...we've got a lot of year to go. I can't freakin wait!

Ciao for now,
TT

PS: GO HERE TO CHECK OUT THE NEW PICS FROM MY PHOTO SHOOT WITH MOZ PHOTO STUDIOS!
Werk!

Let The Games Begin!

I can't remember the last New Year's Eve I had without crying until now. Usually the clock strikes twelve; I kiss, hug, dance around for a few minutes and then always find the need to duck out of the crowd and shed some tears. I'm not sure it's only ever for one reason in particular, but its definitely always littered with loneliness sprinkled with fear then doused with some sort of alcohol, ya know, to really feel the burn. This year was not one of those years.

I walked onto stage with 2 other performers (Tansy & Pandora). We counted down the last minute until 2012, then joined the rest of the room in blowing horns, clinking glasses, and cheering on the Gods. I had no time to cry for I was filled with nothing but joy. The only tears that would have fallen would have been of incredible happiness, pride, and excitement for what still lies ahead.  I could not believe I was performing in NYC on NYE. A dream I've had since forever...

It was my first show at the gorgeous (and incredibly welcoming) restaurant/venue Cercle Rouge. We would dance with a live band (led by the insanely talented Jesse Gelber of Gelber & Manning) and improvise as we went along. I was terrified. The entire night would be new to me.  I also knew though, once I got the first of three sets done I would be supercharged! I went out there, gave it all I had, unzipped my new dress with every little ounce of goodness I had in my two fingers and basked in the elevated, a bove the crowd, middle of the room stage we had been given. Holy shit that felt so good - I think were my exact words.

The night went SO well. The audience was so kind to all of us performers and even thanked us for doing the show!  I think this NYE sealed the deal that everything is gonna be alright. I couldn't have been happier going home (fyi: via subway instead of wasting money on a cab) fed and only a couple glasses of champagne deep!

The most hilarious thing I had realized after the last set was that I placed my pastie too high on my boob so that I hadn't been covering my right nipple at all. Oopsies! That's definitely a sign of a happy new year hahaha!

Now I prep for Rockabilly Burlesque and the return of Meat My Friends to Staten Island!! Have a great week and swing by a show if you can!  Here's to another year of bitchin, moanin, and celebrating it all...

Ciao for now,
TT

2011: Over & Out.

Well, I had written an entire post, went back to tweak it, and then accidentally erased the ENTIRE thing. That sucked. So here I am, back at the beginning!
My last Tuesday with Tassels fell short compared to what I wanted my year's end post to be. I really wanted to share a rambling list of 2011 memories and favorite things from food to places to beauty products. I'm so bummed that I can't even regurgitate my list. I'm gonna break it down more than before.

Here are some fave everythings from this year and years past. Some I recently discovered, others I've been loving for awhile but all of them I am currently obsessed with: Lancome Teint Idole Foundation, MAC Eyeshadow in Carbonized, Emporio Armani "She" perfume, Souen Union Square location, Pat Field's, MAC Gel Liner, Palladio angled liner brush, The New Girl with Zooey Deschanel, Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-aging Eye Cream, Illamasqua Lipstick in Delirium, feta cheese, my new local coffee shop Goustaro, OPI Nail Polish in Dutch Tulips, Sorme brand Lipliner, watching Big Bang Theory with my new roommate, Klondike bars with dark chocolate shells, L'Oreal Voluminous Original formula mascara when I'm not getting Smashbox's Full Exposure, fish sticks, Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter, rum & cokes, Dr. Bronner's Peppermint wash, Matrix So Silver shampoo, Eggo waffles by influence of my grandmom, Gillette Mach 3 razors

Turning my can'ts into cans and dreams into plans. In 2012 I WILL: take some dance classes, go on more dates, visit my friends that live far away, have a belated apt warming party, produce shows in Manhattan, audition, video blog at least once, splurge on a pretty dance dress, get a full time job that I want, stop talking to the wrong person and more to possibly right people, be in a wedding as a groomsMAN (how cool right?!),  sell some of my dads antiques, order new business cards, make an official website once things start taking off because I know they will, try online dating, makeout with my Latin Lover again, read my "to read" pile of books, sing more on stage, brainstorm more about my one woman show, send my friends more snail mail, do tourist-in-NY things, watch more movies, buy myself a macbook, talk on the phone more - i really avoid this out of laziness, go to more museums, be even more aware of my spending, go see the Statue of Liberty, and bake more from scratch.

This list is totally doable!
I suggest you make one for yourself - make it realistic and low pressure. A simple rule to keep is: if you don't like it, don't do it. This extends to everything in life. I am really looking forward to 2012, even though I believe everyday is a chance to start a new year, this NYE is special for me. I've had a wonderful year of love, loss, celebration, and break downs and I wouldn't trade any of it for anything.  I am looking forward with wide eyes and high hopes and wish that you would be by my side while following your own dreams. We got this!

I'm happy to report I'll be performing in my FIRST EVER NYE SHOW! I can't freakin believe it! I already have a few awesome shows in January and have a few that are yet to be confirmed. I wanna see you and your bad self at a show if you can make it!

Saturday, NYE: Cercle Rouge, NYC - Second Seating - $155
Wednesday Jan 4: Rodeo Bar, NYC - Rockabilly Burlesque with a Live Band - NO cover
Saturday, Jan 7: Full Cup, Staten Island - Meat My Friends - $10
Saturday, Jan 21: Moose Lodge, Long Island - Rockabilly Rave 3 - $10

WISHING YOU A GRAND NEW YEAR'S EVE!! 

BE SAFE, HAPPY, & SURROUNDED BY LOVE!

Ciao for now,

TT