My True Autumn Makeup Kit

I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of a wonderful gift from Darin Wright, owner and color maven of Elea Blake Cosmetic Studio, a full blown color analysis.  I’ve been told over the years by several cosmetic counter specialists which colors I could wear, but never have been through such a thorough evaluation, as I had at Elea Blake.  Which means, I have spent a lot of $$$ purchasing makeup and sometimes clothes that did not enhance my natural colorings.  Often times, that makeup took up valuable real estate in my bathroom, but I hated to throw it away, I mean, I paid for it.

In comes the fabulous “D. Wright-geous” (Darin, I just gave you a nickname) to save the day.  The color analysis begins by arriving at the Elea Blake Cosmetic Studio sans makeup (gasp).   You are draped in a color neutralizing cape and hair cover so that the only influence of colors, are those that Darin begins draping you with.

Darin’s trained eye sees for the most part, what I can’t.  She can see how a particular color brightens my face, makes my face look dull, or accentuates the dark circles underneath the eyes (we don’t need that).  I’ll be honest, I couldn’t see most of those things.  Sometimes, you just need an expert!

My handy dandy color palette - it's ALWAYS in my purse.

Once we determined my season, I am a TRUE AUTUMN, the real fun begins with a professional makeup application with my perfect colors.  Buying makeup is so easy at Elea Blake, because everything is coordinated by season and once you know what season you are, bam!, you can pretty much grab and go with a selection and it is guaranteed to look fabulous on you!

One question, that came up for me, was my hair color.  Darin’s expertise is COLOR – not just makeup color.  So naturally, for me, the question I needed to have answered was, “is my hair color the best for me?”  In my youth, I was a natural blonde, which sadly began to fade away and require outside assistance in my late teens.  It was only 5 years ago that I stopped the blonde infusion and went R-E-D.  But I needed to know, was it the best?  Darin pulled out the hair color samples and we found what she knew would be the best compliment to my true autumn nature, a warm rather than cool color.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and I returned to the studio with the new hair color – not only did Darin love it, the hubby is very fond of it, too.  I will be honest here and say that I received so many compliments with my hair color change paired with my new make-up, I was shocked and quite grateful.

Here’s a quick recap of the process, mind you, I hesitate to post anything without make-up!

Faith enjoying the show.

It was packed with beautiful bikes and cars as far as the eye could see as well as some good eats!   After lunch we found a shady spot under the stage pavilion where Bo was scheduled to perform.  In theater terms, we were sitting on stage left.   Bo came out to sing and my daughter ended up standing the entire time next to the rope watching the performance.  At one point Bo came over and gave her a high-five!

During the show, a gentleman who noticed my daughter waiting there with her pictu

re, came up to my husband and handed him two of Bo’s CDs that he just bought for my little girl.  And then, immediately following the show, the drummer came up to Faith and handed her one of his drumsticks.  Double score!

Faith and Bo Bice

Two strangers in one day bestowing acts of kindness to our daughter.  It’s those little things that really make you smile and remember that there is so much kindness in the world and that a small act of generosity is priceless.

We then proceeded to wait for autographs – I mean who can resist a face like hers?

In closing – go forth and perpetrate random acts of kindness!

(Nooga.com): What is something most people don’t know about you?

(ME): I’ve met Hugh Jackman twice and kissed him.

So, after posting the article to my Facebook page, I received many congratulatory comments about the article (thank you Chloe Morrison), including those wanting to know more about my Hugh Jackman encounters.

So here goes…in 2000 the move X-Men was released and my hubby, being a huge fan of the comic book series, dragged me along to see it.  I had really no interest in it whatsoever, but it was a date night and it meant a night out.  And then it happened – I was introduced to Wolverine aka Hugh Jackman on the silver screen.  Who knew there would be something so alluring about a “pompadour-wearing mutant” who growled.   The film, which did an amazing job emphasizing how fit Mr. Jackman was, began my movie star infatuation with Hugh Jackman.

Once in a lifetime?

In June 2003, my fabulous husband (of 22 years next month!) told me that Hugh Jackman would be appearing on Broadway in a musical called “The Boy from Oz”.  I very calmy explained how we had to go see this show!  Ever obliging and devoted, Bill ordered tickets to the show for that upcoming November.  Not only did he get tickets, but SECOND ROW AISLE!  That’s my man!

We headed out to NYC and arrived Friday evening -  our tickets were for the Saturday evening performance.  We took a stroll over to the Imperial Theatre and found the stage door where folks begin to line up to catch a glimpse of the performers afterward.  The crowd grew quickly and people were holding on to their Playbills hoping that Hugh would sign them on his way out.  AND I was one of those people!

Sure enough, Hugh came out of the door and began greeting his fans and signing autographs.  I was right in the first row of fans and he stopped to sign my Playbill and I told him I was looking forward to the show tomorrow evening.  I couldn’t believe he was right before my eyes.  Wow!  I thought THAT moment was IT!  I had no idea what awaited me the next evening.

We took our seats in the second row and I claimed the aisle seat, which meant closer to the stage.  Entranced for two hours by Hugh’s amazing acting, singing and dancing, I was grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Immediately following the show  they were auctioning the black t-shirt that Hugh wore during the performance to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.  If you were the winning bidder you not only received the autographed shirt, you would also get to go back stage to meet Hugh and take a photo with him.  I remember seating in my seat thinking, “gee, that would be swell.”  Not for a moment did I think this was possible.

At this point, the entire cast was standing on stage right in front of us.  Awesome opportunity for eye contact with Hugh!  The bidding began and I glanced around the theater trying to see who was in the game.  All of a sudden, the man to my left began bidding!  Who was that man?  My husband!  I sat there in shock and couldn’t speak.

The bidding wasn’t too heated at this point and I was just thrilled that Bill would attempt to do this for me.   I would never even have considered participation in this act of capriciousness.   I thought we had it at the $1,100 bid (which was more than I could bear!), but then, all of a sudden from the back of the theater, a group of woman began bidding together for this chance!  It went back and forth, between Bill and the lady gang in the back.  I sat there numb, still unable to speak and say, “What are you doing?  Are you crazy?”  Back and forth it went – until it reached $4,800!  That is when Bill stood up and shouted to the women in the back – “Come on!  I’m doing this for my wife’s birthday!”  The theater began clapping and the man conducting the auction offered to give away two autographed shirts to each of us for $4,500 each. Holy @%*#!

After the conclusion of the auction, they announced anyone who wanted to have their picture taken with Hugh could make a donation of $100.  Really, after the fact?  Bill could have got off for a $100.  I did however, end up with the shirt that Hugh wore, just sayin’.  I own Jackman DNA.

We then headed back stage to retrieve our prize.  Again, I was numb and couldn’t even speak.  I was thrilled that I was going to get his opportunity, but even more so, that my husband would do this for me.

We arrived backstage and Hugh Jackman was as gracious as he could be.  I, on the other hand, was starstruck and tried to speak, but was barely coherent.   Bill had to pretty much translate for me.  Finally, I mustered the ability to speak the words that Hugh would remember for the rest of his natural life…”You touch people’s lives.”  Yep, that’s it.  Once in lifetime opportunity and I go total dork!  We took our pictures with Hugh to mark the occasion and that was it.  Or, so I thought…

Explaining the donation letter to the Stage Door Manager.

Fast forward a year and we were heading back to NYC to see The Boy from Oz (one more time before it closed) and Wicked.  I had brought with me an 8 x 10 of the photo of Hugh and me hoping that I would be able to get him to autograph it.  Along with that, we brought the letter we received acknowledging our generous donation,  I thought this could be helpful.  I was also hoping to grab a kiss this time, as last time, I didn’t have the ability to think clearly and get one.

So the plan was to head to the stage door and see what we could accomplish.  One year later the back stage was much busier.  Hundreds of people (mainly female, and who called themselves the “Oz-alots”) were lined up trying to catch a glimpse of Hugh.  I thought there was no way I’d get through.  So what did I do?  I called to Kevin, the stage door manager who we met last year, and showed him our letter and photo and to see if I could get Hugh to sign the picture.  What did Kevin do?  He opened the ropes and let me through the hundreds of waiting fans into the “inner circle” to wait for Hugh to come out.  I was in the secure area right in front of Hugh’s waiting car. For real.

Talking coherently to Hugh at our second meeting.

Hugh came out greeted the waiting fans and signed autographs as usual.  As he approached the car to greet me, I explained our story and he signed my picture.  I also said I was remiss and forgot to ask for a kiss last year – so I got to remedy that on the spot!

And that is how I met Hugh Jackman…twice!

$4,800 Black T-shirt with Hugh Jackman DNA

So how does this work? Well, several of Signal Mountain’s well known citizens will become the wait staff at The Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club and be responsible for serving their dinner guests…well not just food service. WE are expected to provide the entertainment as well!

Our guests will get to make requests of us and tip us for a good performance. All these tips will further the mission of the Society’s patient support, research, and education programs in Hamilton and surrounding counties.

I am currently looking for a $250 corporate sponsor for this event which takes place on Thursday, August 25th at 7:00 pm. Please send me a note if you would like to sponsor our table or if you would like to attend.

dawn@charmedbydawn.com

Enjoy watching!

May 1, 2011

Contact: Dawn Skowronnek 423-994-7680
dawn.skowronnek@att.net

12-Year-Old Challenges Community to Shave Heads for Pediatric Cancer
Event set to take place June 26 at Chattanooga Market

Chattanooga, Tenn., − On June 26, 2011, the First Tennessee Pavilion in Chattanooga will be the site of a hair-raising event. Well, more like a hair-falling event. That’s when people will be lining up to shave their heads in support of pediatric cancer care. Thanks to the efforts of 12-year-old Jack Skowronnek, “Jack’s Chattanoggins” will be teaming up with the Children’s Hospital Foundation at Erlanger Hospital and its Pediatric Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders to raise money – and awareness – for children’s cancer treatment through a head-shaving event at the Chattanooga Market. Jack and his Chattanoggins will be raising money as “shavees” by soliciting donations from friends and family. Anyone can register to participate, and all proceeds from the event will go to Children’s Hospital to help fund life-saving pediatric cancer treatment.

Inspired two years ago by the book “Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie”, Jack decided to shave his head to show kids with cancer that it’s okay to be bald. After some research by his mom, Dawn Skowronnek, Jack discovered that he could shave his head and raise money for the research and treatment of childhood cancer through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. That first year, Jack raised over $1,300. In 2010, Jack repeated his head-shaving event, and convinced some friends to jump on the bandwagon. The result was over $3,000 in donations, along with local businesses donating their time and efforts to help feed, entertain and shave heads.

This year, Jack has teamed up with the Children’s Hospital Foundation to make this event a city-wide affair. Thanks to Paul Smith and the Chattanooga Market, Jack will have a large venue for his Chattanoggins to shave their heads. The event will be organized and managed by Dawn Skowronnek and Children’s Hospital Foundation, and promoted via social media channels, grass-roots efforts, as well as radio ads with media partner, the Brewer Media Group. Jack is hopeful that he can convince local firefighters, police and perhaps some local Chattanooga celebrities to become shavees to help his cause.

Jack’s Chattanoggins is currently looking for opportunities to partner with restaurants throughout the city and suburbs for a series of recruiting events. Any business or organization that is interested in being part of this great event can contact Dawn Skowronnek at 423-994-7680. Individuals or groups that want to have their head shaved on June 26 can go to www.JackShaves.org and become a Chattanoggin by clicking on the “Register as a Shavee” link. You do not need to shave your head to support the event; online donations and volunteering the day of the event are equally important.

The event will begin at 11:00 AM on Sunday, June 26 at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Donations will also be accepted on the day of the event.
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The Pavilion, first stop of the journey.

I received a generous invitation to attend Bella Sera 2011 (a Palo Duro Presents event), and I scrambled to get a babysitter for the kids and – score!  An evening at the Tennessee Aquarium while sampling local restaurants, drinking well-aged “grape juice” and supporting a great cause was, quite simply, an irresistible combination for me.

From what I have been told, this is the first event that the Aquarium has hosted for an outside organization, and I was eager to see how it would be executed. Upon arrival our age was verified and we received our entrance bracelets and wine glasses for the sampling that awaited us.

Ogya

We strolled into the pavilion just outside the River Journey building to find The Ogya Band was playing their usual high energy music. We had previously enjoyed this entertaining group last year at Riverfront Nights, and they did not disappoint. There were tables placed throughout the pavilion with volunteers pouring their sample wines to eagerly awaiting guests.   There were 55 cases of donated wine along side 11 restaurants each with 1,000 tapas size servings.  To help keep the us satisfied while we awaited the opening of the Aquarium was Lupi’s Pizza and Niedlov’s Breadworks serving up mouthwatering snacks.  In fact, Lupi’s was continuously cooking up their portions on a portable stove, nice touch!

We enjoyed the beautiful view of the Tennessee River and the four landmark bridges, my favorite being the Walnut Street walking bridge, all while sipping our first pours of the evening.   At 7:00 pm the doors to the Aquarium were opened for the other 500+ attendees who joined us for that evening. As we entered, we found numerous silent auction items on display.    A custom mosaic mirror was the first item to catch my eye, and we moved on to view everything from custom designed jewelry (by yours truly), photography, paintings and local attraction packages.   All of these items were generously donated to help capture the attention of interested guests and, hopefully, ignite a bidding war.

We then cruised into the main entrance of the building and found Charlie Loomis, the head chef at Greenlife Grocery, serving up the first of my two favorite dishes for the evening, a Cuban-nooga.  This smash hit is a Cuban-style pressed sandwich with local flavors featuring the following: Sequatchie Cove smoked pork, house made Sequatchie Cove chorizo sausage, Sequatchie Cove Cumberland cheese, dill pickles, caramelized onions, spicy black bean spread, Lusty Monk whole grain mustard, swiss cheese, Greenlife Grocery foccacia and served with a sweet and spicy slaw!  A mouthful, indeed!  I was pleased to discover while at Greenlife last weekend, that they were selling the sandwich for $1 an inch.  I do hope they keep it on a regular basis.

Delta Country

Onward and upward!  Literally, up the escalator to the top of the Aquarium which is equivalent in height to that of a 12 story building.  Once you reach the top, you enjoy a lovely view through the floor to ceiling windows.  We ventured through the the aviary area (wisely, they served no food in this area), and through Delta Country where the crocodiles watched as Blue Orleans served up their crawfish mousse and shrimp salad with the Blues of Mark “Porkshop” Holder playing in the background.

Hubby and Me with friends April and Mark

My favorite part inside was the stroll down the dimly lit ramps where we continued our tasting of the delicious local offerings and their carefully chosen paired wines.  It was an extraordinary visit to the venue; as usually I am trying to keep my kids together and making sure everyone sees what they want to see.  This was a wonderful experience for an adult.  I was able to appreciate the 400,000 gallons of water while strolling at my pace, wine glass in hand and chatting with our friends.  The background music of the Ben Friberg Trio seeming as if it should always be there.

Our journey inside ended at the Tennessee River where Bluegrass was being played by The New Binkley Brothers.  This is where we arrived at my other favorite dish of the evening.  I’m giving a virtual standing ovation to John Palacio, Executive Chef at Porter’s Steakhouse.  John created a smoked pepperloin on toasted crostini topped with braised eggplant copanata, oh my!  Oh my, indeed!  To die for!  And to spill for.  As my friend took her first bite of the crostini, she ended up spilling it on her white blouse.  But let me tell you, that didn’t stop her from going back for seconds and thirds!  It was a perfect combination worthy of paying for extra dry cleaning.

As we exited the building and returned to the outdoor pavilion the music was lively and some dancing had begun.  We took a seat on the benches and enjoyed a bit of people watching, while my husband crashed a group photo.   We sipped the last of our wine and  bathed in the perfect weather, which must have been custom ordered.

Thank you to Bella Sera and Palo Duro Presents, The Tennessee Aquarium, the restaurants and the volunteers who all played a part in providing an excellent experience. Most of all, congratulations to Chattanooga Endeavors on a successful fundraiser!