Miss Ginger learns she is a "fabulist"

Last night I discovered a word that just describes Miss Ginger perfectly!!  While playing Cranium WOW (you must get it!)  one of the words in a multiple choice question was "fabulist".  I thought it should mean interior decorator: "Gurls, this place is a dump!  We need to hire a fabulist!" but that's not it. The word means a writer of tales and fables,  and since Miss G's life is one tall tale,  I think it's a perfect word for her!

The game was really fun,  and we played it until way too late into the night.  Miss Ginger has been exhausted today,  so she's done nothing but take catnaps the the kitties all day.  Hubby's still out of town, so the house is quiet, and it's way too hot and humid outside to do anything anyway.

Article: When Is It Time To Toss Your Makeup?

"Hey! I know what's going on here! YOU are looking out for MY best interests!" - Karen Walker

One of my dearest drag "Mommas" sent me these tips on keeping your makeup fresh and healthy!

From: Sally Jessie Helms Lieberman Gore Kumoniwannalayu de Tejas
Subject: Article: When Is It Time To Toss Your Makeup?

Ginger, thought this article might be of interest to you.

 

Hugs!

 

 

  When Is It Time to Toss Your Makeup?

Posted by Leslie Baumann, M.D.

on Wed, Sep 26, 2007, 9:33 pm PDT

 

After spending half your paycheck at a department store makeup counter, the last thing you want to think about is throwing your hard-earned treats away!

But when it comes to beauty products, it's important to learn when to let go. Past its prime, the makeup that you love can actually cause acne and skin irritation.

First things first: Storage is half the battle. The less oxygen your makeup is exposed to, the longer it will last, so always screw those caps on tightly. And keep your cosmetics in cool, dark places - heat and light can cause makeup products' preservatives to break down.

Next, consider the following rules of thumb:

• If you use makeup with retinol, the retinol will "expire" and stop being effective in about a month. The makeup itself, though, should still be perfectly usable but you will not be getting the benefits of retinol.
  
• Mascara is the item in your makeup arsenal with the shortest lifespan and the highest susceptibility to bacterial contamination. Experts agree that you should replace it every three months. (And remember basic precautions: Never share mascara, and toss any open tubes if you've had an eye infection.)
  
• As a general rule, creamy products need to be tossed sooner than powders. Your cream blush, foundation, and concealer should last about a year. (Oil-based foundation, however, lasts longer than water-based - up to 18 months.)
  
• Powdered products - facial powder, eye shadow, and powder blush, for example - are among the longest-lasting items in your medicine cabinet, and should last for two to three years.
  
• When sharpened regularly, liners - eye and lip  are good for up to three years. Thank goodness for self-renewing beauty products.
  
• Lipstick is another one of the makeup world's great values, and should stay with you (barring any changes in fashion, of course) for a good three years.

These guidelines refer to the most common makeup brands. "Natural" products, however, have fewer preservatives and typically need to be replaced sooner. Another tip I've heard several times is that storing foundation and lipstick in the fridge can extend their shelf lives. So move aside, mustard and salad dressing!

Of course, all of these guidelines are trumped by common sense: If you notice any unusual odors coming from your makeup products, toss them immediately. Changes in color or texture (like clumping or separating) are also a sign that you're due for a trip to the makeup counter.

Finally, don't neglect the tools you're applying all these products with - makeup brushes and sponges can harbor bacteria that lead to acne. Some unconfirmed studies have also suggested bacteria may contribute to rosacea.

Wash your makeup brushes and sponges in mild detergent every week (and replace sponges regularly). Always lay brushes flat to dry - stand them upright, and water can seep into the metal bands that hold bristles together, causing rusting and damage to their handles.

Wishing you great skin!

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Tags: makeup tips, drag queen

Taking the weekend off!

It's been a week since Trash Disco and Miss Ginger is STILL tired!  So,  this weekend the wigs are staying in the closet and Miss G. is having a weekend off!  Don't get me wrong... I love doing it!  But a girl's gotta have some time to herself now and again,  dontcha think!? Plus, there's life chores to be done:  hair to reset,  lingerie to rinse out,  etc. And the new day job is kickin' my ass!  In a good way,  but there's much to be done!  And hubby's away,  so the Kitties and I have the house to ourselves.  Major catnaps, I promise!

So last night we kicked off the weekend with a little happy hour at In n Out, our neighborhood watering hole. "Mom" and "Dad" were there, along with some of the girls from the "Screw Krewe." Some of them were off to EJ's for an ICOH show,  and Cravyn and friends were having a show at George, but I was right here in the 'hood,  close to home,  with a Taco Bell between home and the bar screaming "Ginger!  Eat Me!"  So I did.  And that's the end of that story!

The Kitties and I went to bed at 9pm last night,  and slept until 6 this am.  We needed it!  They were tired after helping Celia clean the house all day yesterday! I woke up this morning realizing that the project I worked on all day yesterday at work would be so much better if I reformatted a couple of things and printed it on a larger scale.  Since I'm reviewing it with the Boss at 8am Monday,  I'm going to run in to the office this morning and redo it.  Don't feel sorry for me: 10 steps away from the elevator on the 1st floor is Starbucks, so I can kill 2 birds with one stone.  Plus, downtown is dead on Saturday so I can zip in and zip out!

Tonight is game night with the Girls.  They come up with the best board games,  and with some snacks and lots of Pinot Grigio,  we will all laugh until our stomachs hurt!

I'll catch you up on the happenings tomorrow!

Trash Disco was FABULOUS!

Sunday night's Trash Disco event was groovie,  outta site FABULOUS!  I think everyone had a great time and we raised lotsa money for the Krewe!  ShyAnne were her typically FABULOUS self as my co-emcee, and all the boys and girls on stage looked great! Check out the photos on my website at www.ggrant008.com!  I think the surprise hit of the night was the "Retirement Village People",  and I'm sorry I didn't get to snap any pics of them!  If anyone has photos they want to share,  email them and I'll add them to my website!  The next big event for the Krewe is Fais Do Do on October 6th.  We'll be drawing for the 40" Westinghouse flat screen TV with built in DVD player,  so get your tickets from a Krewe member or email me at ggrant008@aol.com or ginger@ggrant008.com and we'll get you hooked up with some!

A Very Sad Night for Us!

What sad news that Alice Ghostley has passed away!  All the boiz and gurhls who are my age grew up with her as the ditzy Esmeralda on Bewitched,  and we loved her all over again when she spoke her somewhat deranged (but always honest!) mind on Designing Women!  Whether she meant to be or not, she truly was a gay icon and Miss Ginger,  for one,  will mourn her loss and miss her talent!

 

What a GREAT Saturday this has been for Miss G, otherwise!  NO PLANS!  She slept late,  cleaned up her office (she REALLY needs a personal assistant!),  then spent the rest of the A.M.  snuggling with the kitties! After lunch, she and the hubby went to Sam's Club for supplies and then came home and had a nap!  After spending the early evening pulling oufits together for a big day tomorrow (Trash Disco for the Krewe followed by IPR Prom for ERSICSS) she made yummy steaks on the grill for dinner and spent the rest of the eve playing on her computer!  2 bottles of merlot later it's about time for bed but the Alice Ghostley news was Soooo blogworthy that Miss G decided to polish off the bottle!  Hope to see all the locals at Trash Disco tomorrow!

Esmeralda' on Bewitched dies

LOS ANGELES — Alice Ghostley, the Tony Award-winning actress best known on television for playing Esmeralda on Bewitched and Bernice on Designing Women, has died. She was 81.

Ghostley died Friday at her home in Studio City after a long battle with colon cancer and a series of strokes, longtime friend Jim Pinkston said.

Ghostley made her Broadway debut in Leonard Sillman's New Faces of 1952. She received critical acclaim for singing The Boston Beguine, which became her signature song.

In the 1960s, Ghostley won a Tony for best featured actress in The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window.

From 1969 to 1972, she played the good witch and ditzy housekeeper Esmeralda on TV's Bewitched. She played Bernice Clifton on Designing Women from 1987 to 1993, for which she earned an Emmy nomination in 1992.

Ghostley's actor husband, Felice Orlandi, died in 2003.

Sordid Lives

Well,  tonight was the opening night of "Sordid Lives" by Unhinged Productions and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised!  The VIP performance was themed as a "wake" for Peggy,  with Unhinged Creative Director Karen Hemberger playing the role of funeral director. She was a stitch and didn't step out of character for one moment!  Eric was GREAT as Ty,  and I also loved the portrayals of Latrelle, Brother Boy,  and Sissy!  Since the copper had been stolen from the air conditioner atop the theater (I'm serious!!!) the room was kind of warm,  but in keeping with the "funeral" theme,  parlor fans were provided to each guest to keep the air moving and add to the atmosphere!  The "White Trash Buffet" catered by Mike and Floyd, et al, was delicious and again, totally in keeping with the theme!  All in all it was a great night and definitely  a production worth seeing and supporting!

                                                           Speaking of productions,  don't forget Trash Disco this weekend at Rich's!  Your's Truly is hostessing along with the inimitable ShyAnn,  so you don't want to miss the party!  See ya Sunday!

Love to all!

Ginger

 

Happy Birthday, Southyrn!

Well, Southyrn's show was a big hit,  and event though we left before the final count,  I know we made a lot of money for Legacy! Sorry there's no pictures,  but Miss Ginger wore her blonde wig and forgot the extra batteries for the camera! ( If anyone has photos,  please send them!!!)  Southyrn started the show with her incredible version of Proud Mary, and, if I do say so myself,  Miss Ginger got quite a round of applause for her rendition of Big Time, by Linda Eder.  It was a great crowd and the show was close to it's goal of $1,000 just from table sales,  so I know the tips brought the total over the top.  Selena and Sofonda St. John were incredible as emcees,  and the crowds from both ERICSS and ICOH were there to support the common cause!  ShyAnn and John Paul had just come back from Waco with the exciting news that SweeLo had been crowned Empress of the court in that fair city, so it was a very upbeat night for all!  Cravyn, Alicia, Athena,  and Sabrina all had FABULOUS numbers prepared for the evening,  and it was great to see all the girl's out to support Southyrn on her big 4-0! Also,  big thanks to Steve,  Martha,  Donna, and Jody,  who all bought tables!   A great time was had by all,  and my love goes out to all who came to support Leagacy's Drug Assistance Program! Ginger has to go back to work at the day job tomorrow,  but she'll be back out Sunday raising fund for her own Krewe of Olympus at the Trash Disco party at Rich's.  Hope to see you there!  Be sure to click "add your own" below and give your comments if you saw the show!

Homecoming!

Miss Ginger is sooooo excited to be coming home tomorrow!! She misses her hubby and her babies!!  Atlanta has been great and her new job is FABULOUS, but Miss G needs to get home and prepare for Southyrn's show on Sunday!  She's got some great ideas, but until she gets home she really won't be able to put a "vision" together!  She's hoping her fans will come out and support her Sunday night!  Southyrn's show is a direct benefit for Legacy! Hope to see you there!

Love to all!!!

...Ginger!

Here's a new game I learned from a good friend!

My new "journal friend" in Germany turned me on this game called "Interview Me!".   She has emailed me 5 questions to get to know me better,  and here are my answers:

From: MssingMySoldier@aol.com
Subject: Fwd: AOL Journals Comment Added Alert ("Deployment Journal")

Okey doke. :) You can interview me, too, if you'd like.

 

1. What is the biggest challenge in being a drag queen? Definitely finding clothes that are large enough, appear flattering,  and cover everything that needs to be covered!  Thank goodness my Momma taught me to sew before she passed!

 

2. Who is your biggest inspiration in life?

My late mother and father.  They were so humble and loving,  and they allowed us each to grow up and form our own lives.  They guided us, but never forced us, and I think that's pretty special!

 

3. If you won $5,000 to apply to your next vacation, where would you go and why?

Italy.  I've been dying to go there and just haven't gotten to do it!  I'd take as much time as I could and "wine" my way through the country!

 

4. What got you started in charity work?

Lots of things.  I guess getting involved in the community first began as my job situation stabilized and time was more available.  I met a few friends who did this type of work, and that let to more friends,  and now an entire network.  We support each other's efforts and cheer each other on.  Although many of us belong to different organizations,  we work together with our groups to do what we can.  I get a good feeling from doing it.  It's opened my eyes to lots of different people,  and made me realize how important differences are to making a world for ourselves that is worthwhile,  interesting,  and, of course, FABULOUS!

 

5. Do you think you'll ever "settle down" or will you forever be a party gal?

I consider myself "settled" compared to where I was 10 years ago!  I have a great job,  a beautiful home,  a partner who keeps me grounded,  and a circle of friends that I could never replace!  I've been offered promotions a work  that I have passed simply because I don't want to leave the world I've created for myself.  I guess in a way,  that's the truest form of "settled".  So, as long as there's a party,  and as long as I can hobble through the door,  yea,  I'll be a party girl!

If you want to "interview" Miss Ginger,  click on the "add comment" button below and fire away with your five questions!  If you do,  she'll interview you back!

Fw: Wine or Water

Here's a great comment (and great advice!!!) from one of my co-lieutenants in the Krewe:

From: Michael McKeehen <michael_mckeehen@yahoo.com>
Subject: Fw: Wine or Water

Wine or Water

In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists
have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water
each day, at the end of the year we would have
absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli,  (E.
coli) bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are
consuming 1 kilo of poop. However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine (or rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a
purification process of boiling, filtering  and/or
fermenting. Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health.

Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid,
than to drink water and be full of shit. There is  no
need to thank me for this valuable information:  I'm
doing it as a public service.

 

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Miss Ginger gets hit! In a good way!

Great news!  Miss Ginger's site is starting to show up in major search engines and web crawlers!  If you search Google for "Ginger Grant Krewe" or "Ginger Grant Olympus" it will take you to pages within my site!  But even better:  if you search Yahoo! for "Ginger Grant Drag Queen" or "Drag Queen Ginger Grant" it will give you my home page as the second listing!!!!  I know this may seem silly to some of you,  but it takes a lot of work to get web crawlers to find your page, especially when you're ditzy like Ginger and do everything by trial and error!

2 other pieces of good news!

Miss Ginger's cat bite infection seems to be on the mend! It's not so warm to the touch anymore,  and the swelling and redness are slowly subsiding!  The next time you see me I may be wearing long evening gloves, but it actually doesn't even seem to be leaving much of a scar!

aaaaand:  Miss Ginger won't be quitting her day job anytime soon because her bosses at "America's Department Store" have seen fit to promote her to a regional position!  In footwear and accessories!  Now she'll be able to paw through the clearance shoes and jewelry not only in one location but in 15! It's a young girl's dream come true!  (Okay,  a middle aged drag queen's dream come true! Damn those "complete disclosure" laws!)  Anyway, one more great thing:  no more weekends and nights!  Yea!!!  There will be some travel,  but Miss Ginger loves to fly.  Maybe in her next life she'll be an airline stewardess!  But that's another blog entry!

Anyway,  me and the hubby are off to meet the Sunday Morning Breakfast Club as we do every Sunday at 9:30!  Love to all!   ....G

September OutSmart Magazine

Hey Ginger fans! Don't miss the September issue of OutSmart magazine!  The last page features a smashing photo of yours truly and her mintly consort,  John Paul! Love ya!

What a night!

What a night Miss Ginger had last night!  It all started Wednesday night when the neighbor cat, Big Head Ted, sat at the back porch window looking all sad and lonely and cute and cuddly.  Now,  Miss Ginger can't stand a sad pussy, and, being the cat person that she is,  just knew she could cheer him up.  So, she spoke softly and offered her hand gently for a sniff,  which BHT obliged.  She stroked him lightly on the head, to which he agreed. Momentarily.  Then,  without warning,  she lept violently at Miss Ginger,  forcing her to let out a shriek that I'm sure was heard in Galveston!  He sunk his teeth, top and bottom,  into Miss G's bicep,  and shredded her forearm with his claws!  She won't be able to wear sleeveless gowns for months! Anyway, being a cat person in the know,  Ginger rushed into the house for peroxide and neosporin,  knowing that cat bites are notorious for getting infected.  It didn't help.  By the next evening,  our girl had a big red patch the size of a baseball,  and called the Dr. for a round of antibiotics.  The doc hooked her up with a next day appointment,  and told her if she got chills and fever,  or if it started swelling,  to get to the ER pronto.  Miss G was fine for a while,  but then after dinner: BAM! Body aches,  chills,  fever.  Ugh!  Her ever-trusty hubby loaded her shivering body into the car and off they went to the emergency room.  But of course,  it's only an emergency to Miss G.  To everyone at the ER, it's just another stupid queen with another stupid cat bite!  But Miss G charmed the lovely ladies at the front desk with her southern sweetness,  and they got her promptly in to see the incedibly lovely Dr. Jackson!  Not only did he give her antibiotics for the infection,  he offered her vicodin for the pain!  How's that for a good old southern boy knowing how to properly take care of a lady!  Anyway,  it's still red, swollen,  and hot,  but I'm taking my pills and laying low until I figure we've got this ugly bug on the run!

While I'm on the mend,  Miss Ginger would love to hear from you!  Click on the link below this post to add a comment of your own,  and let Miss G and her fans know what's on your mind!

Home at Last!

Well, Miss Ginger is finally home after a long day of traveling!  Thanks to a band of thunderstorms that rolled through Houston Monday afternoon,  Miss Ginger sat on the tarmac in New Orleans for 2 hours before her flight finally took off!  That was a planeload of tired 'mos after a weekend of partying,  but we made it home in one piece and everyone made their connecting flights!  Miss Ginge is headed off 2 bed with her sweet baby kitties,  and tomorrow she'll get up and get the photos onto the website for you to enjoy!  'Till next year:  Happy Decadance!

Checking in from New Orleans

My husbands are  still in bed (yes, that was a plural!) so Miss Ginger thought she'd take a moment to catch you up on the goings on at Southern Decadance.  We arrived Friday and almost immediately ran into Miss Delta Louise Carter, and we immediately began planning a sister act for Southyrn Comfort's upcoming birthday show!  Friday night we caught Lady Bunny's show, and she was her normal twisted self!  When she came on stage with choclate pudding smeared down the back of her legs I thought I was going to die of laughter! After LB's show Miss Ginger put one too many of those yummy 32 ounce daquris away,  so our girl didn't make it past midnight.  She left her husbands out drinking,  dropped Bill at the casina,  and headed off to slumberland.  Saturday she woke up feeling great,  so she headed off to the casina to run some 20's through the money shredders there. Once the gang all woke up,  we met Liz and MB for muffaletta's and headed back to Bourbon Street to see Miss Deborah Cox live and in person.  Only,  right before she was scheduled to perform,  the French Quarter got hit with one of those gully washer rainstorms that only happen in Louisiana.  It poured for hours,  so what's a girl gonna do but stay put and drink,  right? I'm not sure whether the show went on or not,  but the show on the bars at the Pub was all Miss G needed!  There was this one boy (photos to come) who is Miss Ginger's idea of absulute male perfection! All that drinking made Miss Ginger hungry,  so she and Bill cabbed it over to the casina to check out the new sushi restaurant there, Bambu. It was awesome!  Sunday morning,  the husbands are still snoring,  so Miss G's gonna take herself a shower and hit the breakfast buffet and then Starbucks!  A girls gotta keep  up her energy for all this drinkin!

Tags: Southern Decadance, Miss Ginger, Deborah Cox, Lady Bunny