So again, it's been forever since I have blogged. Things have been crazy, but that's life in a big city. Been looking for work as much as possible and have made some big changes in my life.
MY NAME HAS CHANGED! But overall, it's still Jade, but now I'm Jade DaRu and I feel as if I am free. Not free from every stress in life, but free from the last 5 years. Sometimes you think the people in your life are one thing...then you find out you have been wrong for a long time. So now I get to start my life over AGAIN!
Still doing Makeup, still doing Graphic Design, but as a new entity and brand. So look out world, Jade DaRu is here to stay.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
It's Been Awhile......
So my friend DJ Buddy Beaverhausen posted recently and reminded me that I haven't posted in forever. Perhaps it is about time I start again.
So...still unemployed, benefits gone....rough times again. Need a third roommate (advertisement.....room 21 x 11.5)
I am doing a lot of shoots and film and video which is good. Recently I started work on a cool webisode called Get Some. Check out the trailer here: www.getsomeseries.com It's a lot of fun with a great crew.
I also just finished my first semester at Parsons The New School For Design for their AAS program in Graphic Design. I LOVE IT! I've actually had a few request already for some design work, so that is exciting.
I have also started working as the exclusive makeup artist for Demo Alexander for D.eMo.Hart for D.eMo.Hart Photography Concepts. He is an awesome photographer with an artistic eye and very creative and fun concepts. I know this guy is going to go far in his career and I am honored to work with him. To think our working together happened because I went to Rickys. Sometimes shopping works out. See there's the shopping angle to my blog title.....sometimes going shopping can lead to other ....well...leads.
Yes, I'm still cooking, but nothing really new that I can think of. My next project on the food front is to learn to make Duck Rillettes from scratch. Scotty will love this ever since I introduced him to this yummy stuff at Savoy last month. Sigh...so sad that they are closing in June, but I'm sure it will be exciting when they reopen as a new more casual restaurant.
Well that's it for now. I have to get some stuff done.....I need 36 hours in a day to get it all done...seriously.
Anyway happy Friday!
So...still unemployed, benefits gone....rough times again. Need a third roommate (advertisement.....room 21 x 11.5)
I am doing a lot of shoots and film and video which is good. Recently I started work on a cool webisode called Get Some. Check out the trailer here: www.getsomeseries.com It's a lot of fun with a great crew.
I also just finished my first semester at Parsons The New School For Design for their AAS program in Graphic Design. I LOVE IT! I've actually had a few request already for some design work, so that is exciting.
I have also started working as the exclusive makeup artist for Demo Alexander for D.eMo.Hart for D.eMo.Hart Photography Concepts. He is an awesome photographer with an artistic eye and very creative and fun concepts. I know this guy is going to go far in his career and I am honored to work with him. To think our working together happened because I went to Rickys. Sometimes shopping works out. See there's the shopping angle to my blog title.....sometimes going shopping can lead to other ....well...leads.
Yes, I'm still cooking, but nothing really new that I can think of. My next project on the food front is to learn to make Duck Rillettes from scratch. Scotty will love this ever since I introduced him to this yummy stuff at Savoy last month. Sigh...so sad that they are closing in June, but I'm sure it will be exciting when they reopen as a new more casual restaurant.
Well that's it for now. I have to get some stuff done.....I need 36 hours in a day to get it all done...seriously.
Anyway happy Friday!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Rough Times, behind and ahead
So it's been a bit of time since I last blogged. Been super busy, sometimes in a good way, sometimes not. My best friend is mad at me so barely speaking to me, and that has not helped me feel better about life.
Funny, how the most important people in your life are the ones that can make a difference in how you feel every day. About yourself, about life, optimism, pessimism. And sometimes, you fight over something that is mostly nothing and just wonder why and how to fix it even when it seems the other person doesn't want to make the effort.
I love my friend more than anything, but sometimes I just wish life around him could just be normal. Never having to walk on eggshells, never having to be careful what you say, so you don't bruise the ego. I just want to be myself, ALWAYS. But sometimes life isn't that easy, not so cut and dry. Everybody is different, and you have to learn how you need act to be around some people. I've learned you can NEVER expect someone to change for YOU. You have to make the changes in yourself. Adapt, learn how to be around each person in your life. But NEVER expect they will change for you. If you love someone, love them for how they are and don't try to mold them into what you think is perfect. It never works! EVER! Life would be too easy if we could change others just like that. So we have to take the hard job to change ourselves. But that is enough about that.
So recently I did ruby-red lip makeovers at a Valentine's Day party which was a huge hit. And even more recently, my friend Marissa and myself did face-painting for a Mardi Gras party. That was fun and creative and was at the beautiful 230 Fifth Penthouse lounge. Great place for a party AND always free to get in. Most beautiful views in the city from the lounge. And they have a year-round penthouse you can hang out on.
Andy Troy, a friend of mine has a great social networking group called Tasting New York City. Check out the website: www.tastingnyc.com. Join up and come to some parties. I know the next party is a cocktail party and wine tasting. Should be lovely.
Just finished a music video, which I can't wait to see. We shot all over New York City and the outer boroughs. It was cool to see the city like this.
Hopefully, I will be doing a reality TV show, soon. Fingers crossed. Somewhere there has to be a break. It's just such a long time coming.
Well, I leave you there, with the hope that with the Spring coming, good luck and new opportunities will all be coming our way.
Funny, how the most important people in your life are the ones that can make a difference in how you feel every day. About yourself, about life, optimism, pessimism. And sometimes, you fight over something that is mostly nothing and just wonder why and how to fix it even when it seems the other person doesn't want to make the effort.
I love my friend more than anything, but sometimes I just wish life around him could just be normal. Never having to walk on eggshells, never having to be careful what you say, so you don't bruise the ego. I just want to be myself, ALWAYS. But sometimes life isn't that easy, not so cut and dry. Everybody is different, and you have to learn how you need act to be around some people. I've learned you can NEVER expect someone to change for YOU. You have to make the changes in yourself. Adapt, learn how to be around each person in your life. But NEVER expect they will change for you. If you love someone, love them for how they are and don't try to mold them into what you think is perfect. It never works! EVER! Life would be too easy if we could change others just like that. So we have to take the hard job to change ourselves. But that is enough about that.
So recently I did ruby-red lip makeovers at a Valentine's Day party which was a huge hit. And even more recently, my friend Marissa and myself did face-painting for a Mardi Gras party. That was fun and creative and was at the beautiful 230 Fifth Penthouse lounge. Great place for a party AND always free to get in. Most beautiful views in the city from the lounge. And they have a year-round penthouse you can hang out on.
Andy Troy, a friend of mine has a great social networking group called Tasting New York City. Check out the website: www.tastingnyc.com. Join up and come to some parties. I know the next party is a cocktail party and wine tasting. Should be lovely.
Just finished a music video, which I can't wait to see. We shot all over New York City and the outer boroughs. It was cool to see the city like this.
Hopefully, I will be doing a reality TV show, soon. Fingers crossed. Somewhere there has to be a break. It's just such a long time coming.
Well, I leave you there, with the hope that with the Spring coming, good luck and new opportunities will all be coming our way.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Consommé, the challenge taken and conquered!
Well, the Wikipedia description of consommé is:
In cooking, a consommé is a type of clear soup made from richly flavored stock or bouillon that has been clarified usually through a fining process involving egg protein. It usually requires an advanced knowledge of cooking and past experience to create a high quality consommé. Despite, or perhaps because of, these limitations, consommé has maintained its place as one of the most highly regarded and appreciated soups in the world.
Does this mean that I am....one who has an advanced knowledge of cooking. Why, is it possible? I think it might because today, I made consommé for the first time in my life and voila, I got it right on the first try. I was amazed at myself even.
It all started last night because of my friend Scotty. How, you ask, does this have ANYTHING to do with Scotty? Well, I was going to make slow-cooked oxtails in the southern style, but Scotty wanted to take me to dinner. Now, I had already defrosted the oxtails (yes, I had them in my freezer from when I made them at New Years) so what to do with them.
Consommé was not even on my mind at this point. I decided to make beef stock with those oxtails. Which on it's own came out beautiful. Some shallot, garlic, herbs and the oxtails simmered for 3 hours. Then, strained twice through a very fine sieve.
And today, I decided to take the challenge, armed with the stock and 2 egg whites and it came out BEAUTIFUL. Very exciting stuff.
Also made a beautiful fig and olive tapenade (thanks David Lebovitz) which was fantastic on chicken cutlets.
And then blackberries mascerated with vanilla sugar and lemon juice over lemon squares with brown sugar ice cream.
If it all sounds delicious, it was and I would definitely make it all again.
Wow, the consommé was well worth the effort and everything else excellent.
So now, I've conquered another recipe (the first one was baked cucumbers, remember) from the unforgettable Julia Child on my way to Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Here's hoping in 2010, there are more successes to come, and not just in the kitchen.
Bon Appetit!
In cooking, a consommé is a type of clear soup made from richly flavored stock or bouillon that has been clarified usually through a fining process involving egg protein. It usually requires an advanced knowledge of cooking and past experience to create a high quality consommé. Despite, or perhaps because of, these limitations, consommé has maintained its place as one of the most highly regarded and appreciated soups in the world.
Does this mean that I am....one who has an advanced knowledge of cooking. Why, is it possible? I think it might because today, I made consommé for the first time in my life and voila, I got it right on the first try. I was amazed at myself even.
It all started last night because of my friend Scotty. How, you ask, does this have ANYTHING to do with Scotty? Well, I was going to make slow-cooked oxtails in the southern style, but Scotty wanted to take me to dinner. Now, I had already defrosted the oxtails (yes, I had them in my freezer from when I made them at New Years) so what to do with them.
Consommé was not even on my mind at this point. I decided to make beef stock with those oxtails. Which on it's own came out beautiful. Some shallot, garlic, herbs and the oxtails simmered for 3 hours. Then, strained twice through a very fine sieve.
And today, I decided to take the challenge, armed with the stock and 2 egg whites and it came out BEAUTIFUL. Very exciting stuff.
Also made a beautiful fig and olive tapenade (thanks David Lebovitz) which was fantastic on chicken cutlets.
And then blackberries mascerated with vanilla sugar and lemon juice over lemon squares with brown sugar ice cream.
If it all sounds delicious, it was and I would definitely make it all again.
Wow, the consommé was well worth the effort and everything else excellent.
So now, I've conquered another recipe (the first one was baked cucumbers, remember) from the unforgettable Julia Child on my way to Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Here's hoping in 2010, there are more successes to come, and not just in the kitchen.
Bon Appetit!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Tea, Frustrations, Life
Hi Everyone. I'm sure I should be doing something else rather than blogging right now....but I figure why not enjoy a moment here and write. So here I am.
I decided to blog today because I am flat broke but still ordered my tea from Mark T. Wendell Tea Company because if there is one thing I cannot live without....is a decent cup of tea to get me going on my job search.
I know we are in a recession, but it is sooooo frustrating and I'll admit, a bit depressing trying to make it all work while paying your dues. I really want to do makeup full-time, but it is so hard to find work. If you apply to something on Craig's List and it is too long after it is posted (say an hour or so), you can guarantee you missed the boat because the poster became inundated with replys to the post. And I understand that there is only so many they can review, but it is frustrating that they don't at least send out a form email of some sort saying something like "Hey thanks for replying to my ad. Unfortunately, we have filled the position you were applying for but will keep you in mind for the future".
Just some kind of acknowledgment so you feel like you are worth something. Is it too much to ask? When I have put ads up and gotten inundated with replys (like when I was looking for a musician to write music with), do you think I wanted to answer everyone that wrote to me? No of course not. But did I? YES I DID, because it is common courtesy to do so.
What has happened to Common Courtesy and Decency in this place we call the United States. Where have these people been brought up? Not in my universe apparently.
I pray the economy turns around and everyone will be in a better place soon, because this life is so sad here right now. Everyone is broke. There are no jobs out there. As with my last post, I can't believe (even when I look online for these types of jobs) how little admin support jobs are being advertised. There are no jobs to get, and if you see one that interests you and you reply too late, you can forget about it, it's already a missed opportunity.
A friend of mine told me that there was an article a few months back in the New York Times where a company had put an ad in "Craig's List" for an admin position. They had to take the post down within something like 45 minutes as they had 800 replies and counting and couldn't handle them all. They had people replying that were qualified, overqualified. Unemployed Lawyers, Bankers, Executives, all because they just wanted to work at anything other than being unemployed. And doesn't that tell you something about how bad it is out there?
Another friend of mine and I were talking (or commiserating is more the word as he is in the same boat as I) the other day about how these companies are getting used to having their executives, etc. answer their own phones, write their own emails, file their own files, etc. If this keeps going on the way it's going, then these companies will never rehire the admin workforce they once had because they will feel they do not need to. They can get extra work out of their excecutives, etc. More bang for their buck so to speak because they save money by cutting support staff and not replacing them.
It just shows that it's also time to learn something new, train for something else, because who knows when secretarial or word processors will find those kind of jobs again. There are too many of us looking.
This is why I felt it would be the perfect time to pay my dues trying to get this full-time makeup thing going. But for now, I think I'll keep doing that, but try and get those ITG Vouchers to get some training in Graphic Arts. At least I can do that anywhere. Every company needs graphic arts in some capacity. And at least it is a creative gig to have. And you can do it freelance or for a company directly.
Well, sign off for now and must get ready to go out in the rain. My dear friend Charlie is taking me to see Darlene Love at B.B. Kings tonight. If she doesn't lift my spirits, I know Charlie will. Happy weekend everyone. And my everyone have a Charlie in their life to keep them smiling more often.
I decided to blog today because I am flat broke but still ordered my tea from Mark T. Wendell Tea Company because if there is one thing I cannot live without....is a decent cup of tea to get me going on my job search.
I know we are in a recession, but it is sooooo frustrating and I'll admit, a bit depressing trying to make it all work while paying your dues. I really want to do makeup full-time, but it is so hard to find work. If you apply to something on Craig's List and it is too long after it is posted (say an hour or so), you can guarantee you missed the boat because the poster became inundated with replys to the post. And I understand that there is only so many they can review, but it is frustrating that they don't at least send out a form email of some sort saying something like "Hey thanks for replying to my ad. Unfortunately, we have filled the position you were applying for but will keep you in mind for the future".
Just some kind of acknowledgment so you feel like you are worth something. Is it too much to ask? When I have put ads up and gotten inundated with replys (like when I was looking for a musician to write music with), do you think I wanted to answer everyone that wrote to me? No of course not. But did I? YES I DID, because it is common courtesy to do so.
What has happened to Common Courtesy and Decency in this place we call the United States. Where have these people been brought up? Not in my universe apparently.
I pray the economy turns around and everyone will be in a better place soon, because this life is so sad here right now. Everyone is broke. There are no jobs out there. As with my last post, I can't believe (even when I look online for these types of jobs) how little admin support jobs are being advertised. There are no jobs to get, and if you see one that interests you and you reply too late, you can forget about it, it's already a missed opportunity.
A friend of mine told me that there was an article a few months back in the New York Times where a company had put an ad in "Craig's List" for an admin position. They had to take the post down within something like 45 minutes as they had 800 replies and counting and couldn't handle them all. They had people replying that were qualified, overqualified. Unemployed Lawyers, Bankers, Executives, all because they just wanted to work at anything other than being unemployed. And doesn't that tell you something about how bad it is out there?
Another friend of mine and I were talking (or commiserating is more the word as he is in the same boat as I) the other day about how these companies are getting used to having their executives, etc. answer their own phones, write their own emails, file their own files, etc. If this keeps going on the way it's going, then these companies will never rehire the admin workforce they once had because they will feel they do not need to. They can get extra work out of their excecutives, etc. More bang for their buck so to speak because they save money by cutting support staff and not replacing them.
It just shows that it's also time to learn something new, train for something else, because who knows when secretarial or word processors will find those kind of jobs again. There are too many of us looking.
This is why I felt it would be the perfect time to pay my dues trying to get this full-time makeup thing going. But for now, I think I'll keep doing that, but try and get those ITG Vouchers to get some training in Graphic Arts. At least I can do that anywhere. Every company needs graphic arts in some capacity. And at least it is a creative gig to have. And you can do it freelance or for a company directly.
Well, sign off for now and must get ready to go out in the rain. My dear friend Charlie is taking me to see Darlene Love at B.B. Kings tonight. If she doesn't lift my spirits, I know Charlie will. Happy weekend everyone. And my everyone have a Charlie in their life to keep them smiling more often.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
WorkForce1 and Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil
I know neither one has anything to do with the other...but that's news today.
Went to WorkForce1 today (they are who Unemployment will send you to look for work, but hey everyone - you don't have to be unemployed for them to help you find a job, help you train to get a promotion, rewrite your resume, learn to interview or get career training) to see about getting my ITG Vouchers for career training.....I think I would LOVE doing Graphic Arts while I'm doing the makeup thing so I want to be trained. If I can get the money to actually train in something I like, what would be better than that. Makes me feel a little more optimistic about moving forward.
I was surprised yet, not surprised that they said that when they put together their recruitment event calendars that they don't usually put the administrative support on the list because they maybe only get 2 jobs a week (it is so hard to get that kind of work right now) and they don't want to waste everyone's time since those jobs are taken before the recruitment event even happens. I knew my safety job career was in tough times, but I didn't realize just how hard it is to get administrative support jobs...how scarce they really are. Makes me want to do "occupational training" even more. Learned about a bunch of stuff that is available to the unemployed and the employed. So much to think about.
Meanwhile, working at MAC for the first time this Friday and Saturday. Fingers crossed that it goes well. I know I can sell anything to anybody, but nervous all the same.
Now for the Shu Uemura cleansing oil part. I met Gina Brooke recently (Madonna's makeup artist) and she was the coolest. She showed me a lot of great tips and introduced me to the Cleansing Oil. IT IS AWESOME. If you can afford to get a small bottle to try, it's worth it. Yes, it cleans oily skin, too. Believe it or not, oil will clean better than a regular cleanser. I have found it helps immensely to get off my waterproof mascara without fighting with it and makes my skin feel clean yet not dry. Don't get me wrong, I love my Cetaphil, BUT....this stuff really removes your makeup. Get some if you don't already have. Try it, I guarantee you will love it.
Well, that's it for now. Must go watch GLEE (I always wait till DVR is finished so I can cut the commercials.) Anyway, wishing everyone the best and I'll write soon!
Went to WorkForce1 today (they are who Unemployment will send you to look for work, but hey everyone - you don't have to be unemployed for them to help you find a job, help you train to get a promotion, rewrite your resume, learn to interview or get career training) to see about getting my ITG Vouchers for career training.....I think I would LOVE doing Graphic Arts while I'm doing the makeup thing so I want to be trained. If I can get the money to actually train in something I like, what would be better than that. Makes me feel a little more optimistic about moving forward.
I was surprised yet, not surprised that they said that when they put together their recruitment event calendars that they don't usually put the administrative support on the list because they maybe only get 2 jobs a week (it is so hard to get that kind of work right now) and they don't want to waste everyone's time since those jobs are taken before the recruitment event even happens. I knew my safety job career was in tough times, but I didn't realize just how hard it is to get administrative support jobs...how scarce they really are. Makes me want to do "occupational training" even more. Learned about a bunch of stuff that is available to the unemployed and the employed. So much to think about.
Meanwhile, working at MAC for the first time this Friday and Saturday. Fingers crossed that it goes well. I know I can sell anything to anybody, but nervous all the same.
Now for the Shu Uemura cleansing oil part. I met Gina Brooke recently (Madonna's makeup artist) and she was the coolest. She showed me a lot of great tips and introduced me to the Cleansing Oil. IT IS AWESOME. If you can afford to get a small bottle to try, it's worth it. Yes, it cleans oily skin, too. Believe it or not, oil will clean better than a regular cleanser. I have found it helps immensely to get off my waterproof mascara without fighting with it and makes my skin feel clean yet not dry. Don't get me wrong, I love my Cetaphil, BUT....this stuff really removes your makeup. Get some if you don't already have. Try it, I guarantee you will love it.
Well, that's it for now. Must go watch GLEE (I always wait till DVR is finished so I can cut the commercials.) Anyway, wishing everyone the best and I'll write soon!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Looking for Work in the big city
I know it's been awhile since I blogged, but here we go.
The past few weeks I've spent running around meeting concierges at all the high-end and boutique hotels in New York City to offer my makeup (and grudgingly hair) services to their guests. Everyone has been really nice and it seems that about 95% of these hotels don't have someone on file (and that's probably why they always call MAC Cosmetics).
In fact, my friends from MAC are who gave me the idea to do this. So far, I've gotten one job over Halloween (which was fun, I got to make a guy a ghoul for Halloween night) at one hotel. Another called me last minute and I almost got to do a Saudi Arabian Prince, but his party got canceled. Drat!
I did just do a makeup assist job that was loads of fun and I learned a ton. I did have moments where I was like "Wow, I feel like I don't know anything", but I guess that is what learning is about.....learning to make your craft better.
I hope this all pays off, but I have moments of fear that it won't. I'm behind on a couple of things, and I have to admit, all the bill companies including my building manager have been nice in arranging payment plans.
Now, I just have to take a big breath and keep moving. Next stop, bridal boutiques, I think, but first....I have to get my website up. It's not up yet and I may not be able to do a cool flash site right away, but at least get an html site up for now, (it will be jadeelhaddad.com. ) Hope when it's up you will come and check it out. It's the only way people will take me seriously. Right now I have my work on a modelmayhem account. And I know that probably seems like a joke. So onward and upward and to my website.
Life is rough sometimes, but I guess that's what makes us stronger. At least I hope so.
The past few weeks I've spent running around meeting concierges at all the high-end and boutique hotels in New York City to offer my makeup (and grudgingly hair) services to their guests. Everyone has been really nice and it seems that about 95% of these hotels don't have someone on file (and that's probably why they always call MAC Cosmetics).
In fact, my friends from MAC are who gave me the idea to do this. So far, I've gotten one job over Halloween (which was fun, I got to make a guy a ghoul for Halloween night) at one hotel. Another called me last minute and I almost got to do a Saudi Arabian Prince, but his party got canceled. Drat!
I did just do a makeup assist job that was loads of fun and I learned a ton. I did have moments where I was like "Wow, I feel like I don't know anything", but I guess that is what learning is about.....learning to make your craft better.
I hope this all pays off, but I have moments of fear that it won't. I'm behind on a couple of things, and I have to admit, all the bill companies including my building manager have been nice in arranging payment plans.
Now, I just have to take a big breath and keep moving. Next stop, bridal boutiques, I think, but first....I have to get my website up. It's not up yet and I may not be able to do a cool flash site right away, but at least get an html site up for now, (it will be jadeelhaddad.com. ) Hope when it's up you will come and check it out. It's the only way people will take me seriously. Right now I have my work on a modelmayhem account. And I know that probably seems like a joke. So onward and upward and to my website.
Life is rough sometimes, but I guess that's what makes us stronger. At least I hope so.
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