Lucyndiamonds

Memoir Tattoo

2012-02-21T14:52:00.000-08:00

All it took was six grueling months to finally book a date with Kim Saigh. I have two tattoos of origami cranes and I want this third piece to be done by Kim specifically. Despite the fact that she was one of LA Ink artists- I thought I'd never get a session with her. But again-I thought it wouldn't hurt to try? So I went ahead and emailed her. I heard nothing for first three months, then her assistant got back to me. The feeling I had was beyond victory- much better than winning a competition or a bet.

We contacted back and forth and got a date. Then I had to cancel and her assistant informed me that she won't be booking 2012 dates until the year comes in. I was so bummed, with all that looking forwarding I did just went into the trash chute. All of the sudden- Kim herself responded to the email saying "Yes, when would you like to reschedule?" and the next thing I knew was I was laying down inside her private tattoo studio, enjoying every poke from the tattoo machine.

The process of "during" before getting tattooed by Kim looked like this:

We did phone consultation the week before January 13th (it was on Friday, the 13th) a perfect Friday to get tattooed. Dad and I went out and took the trip to LA on I5- a rural interstate but I found it to be relaxing. We stayed at a some nice urban-ish hotel in private property (thanks HotWire) and explored a bit of Santa Monica. I enjoyed this with Dad since it's rare for just two of us to go on a mini vacation.

On the 13th, I was in a very good mental shape- too excited to meet Kim and get tattooed. Dad wanted to stop by High Voltage Tattoo home of LA Ink- we went and I ended up getting a note from G-SPOT (shop manager) for Kim. Loved that, shows how close-knit the tattoo community is. I arrived at Memoir Tattoo studio and learned that it was locked, went out for a cup of tea then Kim texted me to knock the door. I knocked and heard footsteps, Kim opened the door and greeted me with a friendly "Hi!" This is it, finally! I thought in my head. Her studio is BEAUTIFUL, the proof is in the pudding:

Turns out that she shares the studio with her beau Shawn Barber who is a legend in painting world and he also begun tattooing roughly 3-4 years ago. He IS extremely talented with tattoo portraits as you can see how his work is all over the wall. By all means, Kim does also paint- her work is intensely good!

Anyways, spent first half hour talking to Kim about the piece and she quickly sketched the crane up. I noticed that she did not sketch the pattern- meaning? She's gonna freehand on this piece and I became even more excited. I spent over two hours on the table with ONE bathroom break. It was the most peaceful and spiritual tattooing experience I ever had. Nobody was walking in and out, we didn't talk. However it hurts really bad, well..all tattoos hurts! The last leg of the work (about 20 minutes before finishing up) Shawn came to the shop. I found myself even more stoked to meet him in person, it was as if you met Van Gogh! Shawn seemed nice and very down-to-earth, fits with Kim well. When Kim was done- she and I talked for a bit. I asked her some stuff related to yoga and that wrapped the appointment up well. I left with a great feeling and a great work etched onto my skin forever. Kim and I are still in touch and I'm up for another project with her. If you are looking for a decent work- customized work that is worth the money, and getting tattooed without interruption. I'd say go to Memoir Tattoo.

Being Naked

2012-02-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

We don't need things we're born with (except for tattoos!). I grew up with bad acne and throughout my junior high years to my early college days, I'd cake my face with make-ups. It was a way of hiding my bad skin so I could meet more people but of course I was still insecure. While growing out of the skin phase, I switched from cream foundation to mineral powder for lighter look. As years passed by, I became less attached to the mineral powder and currently I never use foundation or some kind of coverage. I love it. I grew so much to this point where I am very comfortable with my skin- the only addition would be doing my eyelashes and a shade of copper blush. And, the breakouts? All gone!

I'm a loyal reader at IROCKSOWHAT and Jess did a naked face challenge- thought I should too. A shout out to Deanna of delirious rhapsody- the founder of this naked challenge: thank you for empowering us all to remind what is real! Check her blog out :)

Diy Project: Wooden Photo Display

2012-01-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

The do-it-yourself project I am featuring on this blog is a very fun one! It makes a great gift or decoration to your room, it does indeed adds up a pastoral touch.

You will need:

Wooden block (you can get this easily at Home Depot) * Printed picture of your choice from a laserjet printer on regular paper *Mod Podge * Gel Medium * Brushes

You can easily get those items at any crafts store, I got mine from Michael's

First, apply a layer of gel medium on the wooden block then apply the printed photo on the wooden block. Please make sure that you're applying the printed side ON the wooden block so the transfer can be accurate. If you see air bubbles, flat them out. Let it sit for 24 hours.

After leaving it for 24 hours, soak the block using a wet rag. Go ahead and peel out the remaining paper, this procedure takes time. Do not worry if you accidentally tear the picture- remember imperfection means perfection.

When you're finished with the peeling part, apply a layer of mod podge. Let it dry overnight, this is a sealing procedure.

And, you're done!

Diy Project: Revamping the old with new!

2012-01-09T17:38:00.000-08:00

I have had this bust for a longtime, since 2000's and I painted it. I grew fond of it but I didn't like the color because it serves me a reminder of my past. I am about to finish my last semester at Gallaudet University and I'll start a new chapter in life. I want this bust to symbolize a new change so I decided to paint it. I wanted it in one solid color and I have been going back and forth on which color: Jet Black or Laguna Blue- and I finally made a decision.

Before:

After:

The Laguna Blue color sits so well with my eyes. It is now happily placed on my writing desk, with a fresh perspective of what is about to happen in my life.

The paint took a few coats to finally dry- the process is a bit long but worth in the end! If you have something like this you want to throw away, you could try painting it in new color and see if it brings up the new energy to your room. I could say, this progress only cost me 98 cents.

Spa Sunday V. 1

2012-01-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

I'm a college student myself and in order to survive my days- I try not to break the bank. Yet I believe highly in indulging yourself, and without breaking the bank is possible!

If you want to exfoliate your face, you can do it with the ingredients you have in your kitchen. You will need two items: Honey or any other similar substance (maple syrup or agave nectar) and sugar.

Add 2 tablespoon of sugar inside a bowl then mix in 3 tablespoon of honey- if the mixture is stiff, add more honey until it runs smooth.

Directions: Make sure to steam your face well before using, you could microwave a wet rag for 30 seconds and put on your face. Apply the scrub on your face, leave for 3 minutes and rinse off with warm water. Your skin will feel soft and it will smell delicious, the best part? During that 3 minutes, you can lick a bit of your mixture on the corner of your lips! Glowing face in time before Monday arrives.

Enjoy!

Livin' lush life

2012-01-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

One of perks I enjoy in life is the ability to know every ingredient in your consumption or daily uses. It is unfortunate that we are around processed stuff, food labels containing some chemicals we cannot pronounce. I find it very important to buy organic produces (budget-wise, using the dirty dozen list) and it is also important to get some natural cosmetics products because it is what your skin consume.

I am so excited to introduce a favorite store of mine, Lush. I've been shopping and using their products for almost a year and half. Before that, I was a loyal customer of Bath Body Works. A friend of mine introduced me to a Lush shop in Georgetown. I fell in love and I loved how warm you feel when you step inside the shop. The workers are always around and eager to help you with questions you may have. They sell vegetarian and vegan cosmetic products. When I first visited the website, I fell even harder for Lush because they have the ingredient corner which holds picture and description for the every ingredient & their purpose in their products. You have full information on what you're putting on your skin. After using Lush products for so long, I decided to give Bath Body Works a check-up. To my surprise, I cannot stand every scent on shelves. I felt sick because my body recognizes the chemicals used in their products. That is a GREAT news.

Anyways, I visited my local Lush shop at Emeryville today and I enjoyed the visit! I'm Deaf myself so I don't speak- I have never once experienced a difficult communication barriers while visiting at ANY Lush stores. When I arrived the store, I could hear their automatic doorbell sound (uh-oh, everyone knows I'm in the house) and a giddy red-haired woman dressed in black, using a knit beret approached me. From there, she quickly grabbed paper and clipboard- we conversed and got some products I needed.

Here's an idea on what Lush stores look like and what they sell:

This pretty much sets the tone of Lush's objectives in their products and customer satisfaction goals.

Charity Pot is a product that supports grassroots charities all around world- every penny goes to the charity when you buy this product.

Fresh Face Mask! Take a sample home and see if you like it!

Dandruff? No problem, mon.

What can go wrong with a nice massage?

One of my favorite product, works well after a hefty workout.

Bathbombs! Stressed or in for a treat? Drop the bombs while the water's running- savor the scent & oils. It comes in over 40 types of bombs.

Bubblebars gives you a nice bubble baths in different scents

I tried this product when I went to Vegas and slipped it under a jacuzzi and it was crazy. It was one of most foamiest bath I ever had in my life. And it smells so good.

Need a trip to Kansas? Now's the time!

Those are shampoo bars, you treat them just like as if they were soap bars on your head. I'm about to try this product tomorrow morning.

Oh, I forgot to mention this fresh and pastoral scent looming around every corner of Lush store- I love it and you will. Because of Lush, I get much more excited for my showers and baths!

Lush products are pricey, yes but if you size down and get what you really need. You will not be disappointed. One of best things about this store is if you are unsure about the products- you can always ask for a sample to bring home. They will give it to you. I have never once felt pressured to buy a product, that's the best thing a customer should always be able to feel. It is not about Lush's ability to have you indulge yourself, experience a friendly and clean environment, or bringing home all Eco-friendly packaging in every products they make. It is about you knowing what you're putting your skin through. And who doesn't want to live the Lush life?

Welcome!

2012-01-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Clara! I believe that everyone should be entitled to self-indulgence. Because of this, there will be Spa Sundays.

I believe that everyone has a story to share. Because of this, there will be postings on lifestyle I lead. I believe that pictures are one of most beautiful mediums ever invented. Because of this, there will be good amount of picture postings. I believe in colors. Because of this, there will be postings on art projects.

and most of all, welcome.

Is this all? Probably not. A little about myself: I'm a five foot, ten and half inches tall lady. I die for rosemary-infused recipes. My frequent coffee order would be a small soy latte. I seem to have this undying love for Alaska. I love tattoos, and being tattooed. I am from the Bay Area and I go to a school in Washington D.C. I'm studying Communication Studies and Sociology. I participate in activities like: people-watching, running, reading, and making strokes on canvases. I think this post is a pretty much me playing it safe.

...However I like it best if the next post won't be another 'playing it safe' post.

Lastly,

Yes, ask me anything- I'm an open book.