here's the down and dirty on TATTOOS!!!

Who doesn't love a good tattoo? I grew up with a Magyar grandfather who had a beautiful tattoo on his forearm. It was an optical illusion. If you looked at it one way it was a beautiful rose. If you looked at it another way it was a beautiful woman's face. He told me that it was done with a quill. I never understood what he meant. I was young.  Then when I got to be 40, I decided to get a tattoo. I had mine done the modern way and it hurt, not with a quill!  A quill is a feather that poked into his skin a zillion times to make that picture. Wow...My Pop Pop was tough!

I see many women that come in looking for a dress, backless, strapless, whatever and I hear them all sing the same song. "I'm so sorry I had my tattoo done there"  Even Kelly Osbourne is undergoing a series of laser treatments to remove some of her tattoos.
http://news.ph.msn.com/entertainment/kelly-osbourne-has-second-round-of-tattoo-removal-2

Many of her fans have chastised her for getting them removed. Her answer to this was as follows from facebook:

Kelly Osbourne

10 hours ago

As some of you may know I have started the arduously long and painful process of removing SOME of my tattoos. The reason I capitalized the word ‘some’ is due to a small group of my now self proclaimed X fans. They no longer like me because I am attempting to grow up and better myself. They labeled me a sell out and gave me a lot of flack over my decision to remove them… lets just get real hear for a second I have some proper shit tattoos. They are representative of MY teenage rebellion, self-harm, drug usage, or an lets just say for lack of a better phrase ‘Past penetrative pals!’ Take it from me because I have made this mistake (I will never say how many) NEVER get a living lovers name or a matching couples tattoo. It is my belief that they are the kiss of death on any relationship. It doesn’t just mess up the relationship you are in when you get your everlasting dooms day ink but future relationships as well. Trust me when I say this that ‘Jessica’ does not want to stare at ‘Sarah’s’ name while you are bumping uglies. Here is a tip to all… we might tell our partners that seeing a name that is not ours on their body does not bother us and what’s in the past is the past. WE ARE LYING TO YOU AND WILL USE IT AGAINST YOU FOREVER!!!! I also have a moog keyboard tattoo and I cant even play the fucking piano so please forgive me for being such a sell out for wanting it removed.

Anyway lets get back on topic! Tattoo removal… Anything to do with pain and foreverness always has rumors surrounding it so as extreme at this may sound tattoo removal it right up there with child birth. After only two sessions of laser treatment I have leant so much and wanted to share with what I have discovered along with some advice I have to give.

1. Yes it hurts. It huts a lot. Two hours before I go in for the treatment I use some Lidocaine and Prilocaine cream (numbing cream) my Doctor prescribed.
2. In my opinion removal hurts more then getting the tattoo
3. Green is the hardest color to get out
4. The laser brakes down the ink into your blood stream and we eventually pee it out if you system
5. The better blood circulation you have the faster the tattoo will removed
6. It feels like the worst sunburn of life for up to three days after
7. They use different lasers for depending on the colors of your link
8. Only ice it for 20 mins at a time
9. It hurts the worst the first time
10. It only goes white and burnt looking the first time you do it.
11. It smells weird when your skin is being zapped
12. It gave me the taste of dirty pennies in my mouth but only while I was getting zapped.
13. It’s really important to keep it really well moisturized
14. If you get blisters after then they need to turn the laser down as this should not happen or it will cause scaring. It might take longer to remove but it’s worth it
15. Did I mention how much it hurts?
16. Oh yeah this one is just for us women… you are not meant to get a treatment if you are surfing the crimson wave! It’s a big no no. No pun indented. 

I hope this answers most of your questions. If you have the courage and the means I highly recommend.

big kisses I love all you guys! you are my #KellysHeros

***********************************************************************

Well Kelly, you are not a sell out. You are a beautiful person that has decided to change..so what? I am 51 years old, and when I was 14 I wore all kinds of crazy bell bottoms, some of them so big I looked like I was floating on a cloud. I had my hair (which was down to my butt) streaked with ORANGE streaks, because my hair was so dark it would not go blonde. Then at 20 I got my hair cut, started going punk...I think it was Cyndi Lauper (http://cyndilauper.com/) who was my idol then.  Then at 30 I was into MCHammer pants. Remember "You Can't Touch This" http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=u+can%27t+touch+this+-+the+collection+album+by+mc+hammer&FORM=VRMAAL#view=detail&mid=636A489DAE1F03621E1E636A489DAE1F03621E1E

I went through childbirths, divorce, weight gain and loss, health issues, financial changes, job changes...OF COURSE your decisions and your choices are going to be different. The thoughts you had at 20 do not reflect who you are at 40 or 50. So Kelly...don't listen to people who say you are a sellout. I loved you when you sang SHUT UP! (that was my theme song, I had 4 kids then!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FywnbpC9i_s

I loved your hair, your tats, your style...and I love you now. For people like me who got a tattoo and still love it...( I really do) good for you, and for people who want to change, do it! We are a work in progress, we never get to where we are perfect. So, Kelly..I love you. But can you tell your co star Joan Rivers not to be a bully? I thought Kirstie Alley looked hot~! (purple and all!)  thanks! and much love!  

this is my famous tattoo! Love it then, love it now...but who knows...maybe I'll have it removed one day............................time will tell

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

My gift to myself this Christmas

As the holidays approach, and I see people coming into my store to buy gifts, I came up with a scathingly brilliant idea!

I watched Good Morning America this morning and I was inspired to buy myself the perfect gift. If you haven't watched the segment on Amy Robach's double mastectomy, you can do so here, just click on this link:  http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/amy-robach-returns-good-morning-america-article-1.1538442

Amy went thru a double mastectomy 3 weeks ago and will assume chemotherapy on Dec. 16th. She is 40 years old. She found her problems in a routine mamogram which she did for a story on  Good Morning America. As an owner of a boutique and talking to many women throughout the week, I hear the same thing. "What did I do to cause this cancer?" Women think, "i'm not a smoker, I eat well, I don't take drugs, what made me get cancer?' But what we don't realize is that carcinogens are everywhere. And who knows how it got where. Sometimes it's just something that manifests from a strange gene and next thing we know it's out of control. Mamograms are important and I find myself in a precarious position. I have no health insurance. When my husband and I bought this business on Dec. 1st of 2012, we gave up everything. My husband was an ironworker in NYC and I was a corporate accountant. We wanted our own business and my husband loved my work making hats. So, we sacrificed and worked harder at this than anything else in our whole lives. The gift I gave myself for my birthday was a pap smear. I worked with my doctor and the lab to make it affordable for me. The results were fine and I thank God for that. Now, I find that I have not been for a mamogram in 3 years. I do my exams in the shower, sometimes when I wake up in the morning, but truthfully a mamogram is what I should have. So...my gift this Christmas to myself is as follows: call my Dr and have a mamogram ordered. Call the diagnostic place to see if they have a special price for 'non insured'...  and then MAKE THE APPT!  If I can get my nails and hair done, I can get a mamogram! Don't wait ladies! Your health is your wealth!

Rose Ellen A Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

Love yourself....no matter what!

Today I watched Good Morning America and what I saw made me so angry!   Self proclaimed "Fit Mom" Maria Kang has been temporarily banned from facebook after complaining about the positive media coverage of a plus size women's group that encourages plus size women to pose in lingerie. This woman to me is not a 'fit mom' she is a BULLY.  It took every ounce of self control not to stand up and curse at the TV. Who does this woman think she is? She posed for a photo with her in a bikini and her 3 sons underneath her. I have NEVER been that size even BEFORE I had my children. On a good day with running 5-8 miles a day and eating healthy small meals, I am 172 pounds and I'm a size 10. That is FAT according to Hollywood or Society's standards. When in fact, my cholesterol and my blood pressure was probably lower than Ms Kang's.

Everyone has a different set of genes and a different metabolism. How can a woman automatically say that a woman who has a different body type and a different lifestyle is wrong? I know many many bigger women who are healthy! They lift weights, they eat well and the exercise. I agree that an obese woman who sits all day is a health risk, but bullying them to change their lifestyle is a no-no. Encouragement, HOPE!

Richard Simmons (who I love dearly) knows all about being obese. And he knows all about being healthy. He has walked the walk and he has compassion and empathy. Sometimes the goal is so big, you don't know how in the world you are going to get there. The hundreds of pounds did not pack on because they were at every party in the world. They were eating out of sadness, depression and lack of worth.  It's more than just a donut here and there. Ms. Kang just doesn't get it on so many levels. I'm glad she's banned from facebook...I wish she was banned from being in the media. To me, she is everything I do NOT wish to be. A skinny, pretty , girl with a 'better-than-you' attitude. I wasn't lucky enough to carry my children without a stretchmark. I have alot of those. My hair fell out when I was pregnant, and I lacked iron so my teeth turned a crappy shade of grey. I definately did not glow. I went from a size 10 to a size 24. Then after my kids I went to a 14..and I was grateful. After a FEW YEARS I returned to my size 10 only to get pregnant again and balloon to a 24. Then I nursed all my children(4) and my boobs sagged.  I have flaws,and now at 51 wrinkles and lines where they are not supposed to be.

Beauty is when you get up in the morning and put on alittle lipstick or chapstick, do your hair in the best way possible and smile. Beauty is when you are pleasant and caring to people. Beauty is when YOU like what you are wearing. Beauty is when you feel confidant about yourself. Beauty is infectious! It's not being a size 0 with rock hard abs. So sorry Ms. Kang, but you have a long way to go to be beautiful.

this is me, Rose Ellen Moore at 5'7" and 170 pounds. This was last year. 

 Here I am 25 pounds heavier. It's not that I don't want to run, 

I just don't have time now because I am in my store. But I try every day, and I'll get there again..... I'm not worried,because I'm still beautiful and so are YOU! so SHINE today...feeling good is looking good. 

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/fit-mom-temporarily-banned-facebook-hate-speech/story?id=21048325

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/battle-body-fit-mom-takes-curvy-girl-lingerie-21092939

www.rcmooreunique.com

when everything goes WRONG!......

Today started off with a bang...ripped the pantyhose...well that's ok. I'll wear pants. So I put on the pants no problem..go to wash my hair. I'm out of shampoo..that's ok. I'll wear a wig. For some reason I couldn't get my wig to 'lay down' so I washed my hair with dish soap. I have to say that Dawn did the trick for styling my hair this morning. So among the great points of getting out tough dirt and grease, it also does the hair good.
Then the make up...poked myself in the eye with the mascara wand. If you have never done this..I compare this to jabbing yourself with a pointed object under your fingernail, or pulling a nose hair. After a few minutes of eye watering and cursing at myself, I proceeded to put a pull in my sweater,and stepped on my phone charger. When I finally made it out of the house, I was thankful to get in the car and put the seatbelt on. I thought, I'm SAFE!

All of this was brought about by our favorite friend, 'anxiety'!  Sometimes we actually WILL things to happen just because we are nervous about something. I was scheduled to do my radio commercial this morning. I was so nervous about doing it...I couldn't even function. And it was all for nothing!  Everyone at the station was so wonderful and it was so interesting how they do commercials!  Maybe that's what I want to be when I grow up!

Anyway...my message to my sisters today is this: throw Anxiety out the window. There is no use for this thing in your life. Keep calm, enjoy life...My commercial went well, and if it didn't...what was going to happen. Was my head going to explode? A commercial isn't worth the stress that I put on myself. Why waste time with anxiety when you can have a better time with 'happiness, excitement, and fun'?  Enjoy yiour day....Keep calm and ENJOY!.....................

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

with Laura St James and Catherine Bodock at WLEV 100.7 radio station!

the beauty of 'vintage'

In the Webster's dictionary the definition of 'vintage is as follows:

vin·tage  (vntj)

adj.

1. Of or relating to a vintage.

2. Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic.

In noun form vintage has to do with wine. But in adjective form, it's relating to 'things'.  Here at RCMoore for the Unique Individual we have many many different 'vintage' things. They are characterized by excellence, maturity and enduring appeal, just as the man or woman who would wear it. What some consider OLD...I consider fabulous. I have a studio in Bethlehem where I repurpose certain things, and suddenly, 'everything old is new again,.'   We have bathing suits from the 1920's, 40's,60's and 70's...we have fashions that only the daring could wear. And if you think you can't pull off a vintage coat...well....when I step out in a vintage outfit, I get stares, I get compliments, and a ton of smiles. I usually hear, "I used to have a coat like that, I'm so sorry I got rid of it!'   Or....'where on earth did you find that? I would love to have one!" Come on in to our store and look through our ecclectic creations of fun! You will think you are taking a walk in the easter parade in 1930 and then you will think you are in the 50's on Leave it to Beaver then in the 70's on Love American Style...all these things will bring your thoughts back to a moment in time. If you don't see it, ask us...chances are it is in our studio in Bethlehem!

We hope that you not only support small businesses this Christmas, but remember that recycling clothing is the best thing you can do for your planet!  We hope to see you soon....

All we want for Christmas is YOU! 

 Rose Ellen A Moore/ www.rcmooreunique.com
join us on facebook and twitter!

I'm blogging about a touchy subject..........FUR!

In Elle magazine this month, one of their articles was about a woman who's grandmother bought her a fur coat 27 years ago. She wore it only a few times even though the coat kept her warmer than any others and she loved it because her grandmother gave it to her. But she was afraid to wear it because of the confrontations she would get with strangers regarding the treatment of animals to make her fur coat.

We at RCMoore for the Unique have vintage clothing and also vintage furs. We try to be kind to the planet by recycling clothing that other people do not want. We make costumes, we repurpose items to make them look beautiful. It is challenging and fun. I restore old hats along with making my own new hats. The fur coats that we have are from many years ago, but they were well taken care of.

 My own personal views on wearing furs are this. We live in the United States of America. We are on this earth with all kinds of people who have all different opinions. We have meat eaters, and vegetarians.  If you are a strong advocate AGAINST furs, then you better not eat a hamburger, you better not have a leather purse or a pair of shoes.And that suede skirt? toss it!  If you are a strong advocate against wearing fur, then that is your opinion and you have a right to that opinion. As well as the person choosing to wear a fur.

The message I am trying to send here is tolerance. Lets not get ugly about things. People have the right to choose and I thank all the veterans of our United States that gave their lives that preserved my right to choose. Whether the fur you  wear is real or faux, respect each other's opinion, and live peacefully.

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

Perception is the key~!

As we look forward to the Christmas/ Hanukah/ Kwanza holidays, and then the new year, we tend to reflect and in that reflection sometimes become depressed about things we could have done differently or about family that is not here. I know for myself, that, among all my blessings I still feel a sense of loss for my mother and father, and for my sister, and for my children that are not near me. But life is like a diamond. We can turn it around and look at a different color in any given direction.

I have the power to choose whether I want to be happy or be sad. And sometimes that sadness can be addictive. Some people find their sadness to be a 'comfort zone'.  Some people have been sad so long, that it feels uncomfortable to be happy.  But truly, happy is a choice. We have that choice every morning when the dawn breaks. We decide how the day goes, no matter what actions others may do, or catastrophies befall our government. We have the power over our own lives. We can choose to be miserable or we can choose to smile through it all.

Life is hard. You may see people with the perfect body, the perfect outfit, the perfect make up, and you have no idea what is going on in their lives, behind their closed doors, or with their health or finances.  Every single person in this world has something going on. One day it can mean excitement or fun and the next minute it can be tragedy. My wish for everyone for this holiday season is as follows:


1. TRY EVERY DAY! and never never never give up~!  Try to stay on your healthy eating program! try to be kind to a person you can't stand! try to put a smile on your face when you feel like crying! Try to do your best! TRY TRY TRY!

2. Make a conscience choice to choose positivity! choose happiness! choose love! choose HOPE! choose tolerance! choose compassion!  don't forget- we are one step away from being in the other person's shoes.

3. RESPECT yourself and others!  If you can't get out of the rut of feeling sad, then allow yourself some time to cry. Just a short time. Give yourself respect and compassion and practice it with others. And sometimes when you help others with their problems, your problems get smaller.

4. Enourage other people to follow these rules, and they should encourage you when you are having a difficult day.  Enlist your army of friends to join your circle of happiness.

There is always going to be a war somewhere, there is always going to be sickness and starvation...there are going to be bullies, murderers, and  thieves. But if each of us try....we throw a pebble in the water that causes a ripple. And with all of us together doing the same thing, we can create a tidal wave.

Rose Ellen Alexandria Moore
www.rcmooreunique.com

My 37 wigs..............

Gregory Griggs


Gregory Griggs,
Gregory Griggs
Had forty-seven
different wigs.

He wore them up,
He wore them down,
To please the people
of Boston town.

He wore them east,
He wore them west
But he could never tell
Which he loved best.

I love this nursery rhyme. It's so me. Why? Because I like to change my look every day. If you follow me on facebook, you just never know what my look is going to be from day to day. Why do I do it? Because I like to play. I like to make people laugh. I rejoice in doing something fun and I absolutely LOVE color and sparkle. When people look at me they think I'm a bubble head in a wig, but in truth, I hold a degree in corporate accounting, I play 6 instruments very well, I went to computer school, andI can put a computer together from nothing, I can cook, I have a certificate in cosmetology as a teacher, and more than any of that, I love life, love to laugh and I love people. So...I may be wearing several different kinds of wigs. All different colors and lengths. But under this wig, is a heart full of love and a mind full of ideas. Remember that saying, "you can't judge a book by it's cover? You can't judge anyone by their looks. 

My message to women today is....Have fun with how you look. Learn to ignore ignorant people. What everyone else thinks is none of your business. Put on your suit of armour and let all the negativity bounce off.  Enjoy LIFE!

Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukah, and enjoy your LIFE!

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

Someone make me a man............I want to be a drag queen!!!!

On Wikipedia the definition of a drag queen is as follows:

"A drag queen is a man who dresses, and often acts, like a caricature woman often for the purpose of entertaining. There are many kinds of drag artists and they vary greatly, from professionals who have starred in films to people who just try it once. Drag queens also vary by class and culture and can vary even within the same cities. There are drag artists of all genders and sexualities who do drag for various reasons or purposes."

I don't know if any of you have watched RuPaul's drag race, but I am it's biggest fan! I love to watch the creativity, the gowns, the sparkles, and most of all the respect and care that they give themselves. Watching these men transform themselves into beautiful women is an art. I watch with awe as they apply each eyelash and lipstick carefully to create an illusion. Isn't that what life is, afterall? 

 At the end of each show RuPaul says, 'if you don't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love someone else ...can I hear an Amen?" and of course the whole crowd yells AMEN! because it is so.   I love RuPaul. He has done a great service not only to gay men of the world, but also to women. He tries to instill a sense of pride, a sense of love for yourself and above all, respect for yourself and others. 

It does not matter if you agree with same sex marriage or not. It does not matter if you agree with another person's lifestyle. We need to practice tolerance and respect for each other. We are all made in a very unique way and no other person can judge another person for the life that they live. 

So my message I give to everyone today isthis:  love yourself and others. Respect yourself and others. Tolerate yourself and others. And in the words of RuPaul:

" If you can't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love someone else....CAN I HEAR AN AMEN?! "

Rose Ellen Moore

www.rcmooreunique.com

Easy tips for moms

I am sure that all of you are saying, " What is SHE going to write about getting ready for parties with kids? What does SHE know?" Well ladies, I KNOW!   I have 4 of my own children blended with 2 of my husband's children, and all of that was NOT the Brady Bunch!   Let me tell you something...I have experienced all kinds of illnesses, real and imaginary. I have experienced every kind of behavior problem, trying to get all of us ready for family gatherings, family photos and that does not count trying to get ready for work on a daily basis.

I remember being dressed in something very nice, and then having a child wipe their nose on your hip...smear jelly on your shoulder as their crying. I know...trust me , I know. So, here are some helpful tips on how to maintain your sanity.

#1.   If you are late, so what?  No one is going to spank you...  Better to be late then get in an accident. So take your time and try to manage your time wisely.  Start in plenty of time to concentrate on 1 child at a time.  start with feeding them well. Then washing, then dressing and plan to pull out a new toy that does not involve paint or markers. Something fun that they can keep quiet for a bit until you get yourself done.

#2.  Put on your dress and then cover it all with a large man's shirt. This way, a child cannot 'ruin you'.  Best thing is to put on your dress first, then do your hair and make up. We will get to easy hair and make up in another blog.

#3. Do not yell..it doesn't do anything except put the children in a bad mood. Sometimes no matter what you do, children want to be near mom. Let them be. I remember some of the greatest pleasures was watching my mother put on her make up and do her hair. It's how little girls learn not only to do these things, but also to take pride in themselves.

#4  Remember...these moments don't last forever. Your children will be small one time. So try to take the stress out of it. If you need alittle help, enlist a high school student to come in a keep an eye on the children until you are done. A few dollars well spent.

#5 If you have wine...pour yourself a glass.............you deserve it!

Rose Ellen Moore
www.rcmooreunique.com