Friday Tip

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s Friday! Tip time!

Organize your photos and videos.

Decide on a system that works for you and stick with it. Whenever you receive your pictures, take a few minutes to put them in your photo storage place, whether that’s on your computer, on storage media, on-line or somewhere else, but they should all be in the same place, so you always know where to find them.

I make sure each photo can be identified by date, event, and photographer. If I’m feeling really virtuous, I also tag them as “like”, “love”, and “no”.

Like I said, use whatever system works for you, but have a system. If you apply it when the photos come in, it won’t turn into a huge task. You’ll thank yourself later when then images you want are right at your finger tips.

And don’t forget to back them up!

M2These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Published in: on 28 April 2023 at 5:21 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Friday Tip

Dear Constant Reader,

Greeting from San Jose, CA! I’m at Costume-Con this weekend. Two cross-country trips a week apart… I’m not exactly sure how that happened…

Anyhow, here’s your tip!

When measuring yourself for a costume or fitting one, ask a friend for help.

It’s possible, especially of you have an excellent dress form, to do this sort of thing yourself, but it’s always more accurate to do it on your own body. However, if you move, you’re changing your measurements. And you might need to contort yourself pretty seriously to reach parts of your body. I’ve been there. It’s much easier and more accurate to stand still and let someone else get the exact measurements or fit the garment on you.

This tip brought to you by Ava Fox crawling around on the floor Wednesday night after rehearsal to mark the hem on my new costume. My troupemates are the best.

M2These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 18 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Published in: on 21 April 2023 at 11:00 am  Leave a Comment  
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Friday Tip

Dear Constant Reader,

Greetings from Oregon! I’m in Portland for the first annual Booklover’s Burlesque Festival. If you were one of the lucky ones to get a ticket to the now-sold-out Cozy Classics Brunch, you’ll see me perform The Faerie Queene on Sunday.

Here’s your tip!

When traveling, plan your outfits to bring the fewest items while still looking good.

I know there’s this image of the showgirl with her massive pile of suitcases. Legends would travel with trunks, one for the theatre and one for the hotel. However, these days are over and baggage fees are high. I’ve flown to perform, even internationally, with a carry-on suitcase and large totebag.

The key is carefully planning your wardrobe to be as small as possible. Obviously, your costume and everything else you need for the show is the most important and takes precedence in your suitcase. Beyond that, be as minimal as you can. I’ll wear a comfortable dress on the airplane (and change out of it when I arrive, so I can wear it on the way back). I’ll usually bring one skirt and coordinating tops for day time. Evening attire is a little harder, but a classic LBD with different accessories each night is my go-to. And remember — you really do only need 2 pairs of shoes.

Now, I’m talking three, four days, not a month. The longer you’re going to be away, the harder it gets to keep your luggage small, but the principles still apply. The more space you save, the more room you have to bring goodies back!

M2These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Published in: on 14 April 2023 at 11:00 am  Leave a Comment  
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Friday Tip

Dear Constant Reader,

Just a quickie today…

If you’re using magnets on your costume and they’re proving too strong, swap one of the pair for a steel washer.

The magnet-to-metal connection is weaker than magnet-to-magnet and will make it easier to remove.

M2These writings and other creative projects are supported by my 17 Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Published in: on 7 April 2023 at 1:02 pm  Leave a Comment  
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