The Beginning - Makeup In My Town

Hello everyone!

So, I'm not 100% sure how I am going to do these. The name is still kind of up in the air really because I have NO idea what to call this whole thing. A series I guess? Why is it so hard to think up names sometimes?! bah. ANYWAYS. Other than the name, I'm not even sure if you all would want to see like the actual steps it took to create the looks or like the products that I used. If you want to see the steps that it took, then I can always do a sped up video showing how I did everything with the pictures at the end in the physical post instead of the video. What do you think? I can maybe do this whole thing once a week because lets face it, I see way too much ridiculous makeup every day. :P

I also want to mention that I might not even do ridiculous makeup all of the time, I might throw in a look that is gorgeous that I've seen or something. We'll see how it goes! :) Hopefully you all enjoy this first one! I'm not listing the makeup because I did this probably 3 weeks ago but have been putting it off because I haven't been able to think up a good neutral name.


So, this first look isn't too bad. Except for the hairy caterpillar brows, the over drawn pale pink lips. Also, notice the "fake" nose piercing which this person literally used a gold dot on their nose. Why?

Just get one of those fake studs that is magnetic that goes in your nose. Way simpler in my opinion. Also, the dark mole thing..Granted I actually do have a mole there, which is funny but the eyeliner on top. I'm not even sure, do people still draw on fake moles? I know they were popular at one point ages ago, but it was farther up on the face or near the eye. Not so much the edge of your mouth.

I just can't with people sometimes. I mean, don't get me wrong, for the most part the makeup is okay. Tone the brows down, take off the black and gold dots and fix the dang lips and bam baby, you've got a pretty decent look there.

So, this isn't one of the worst looks that I've seen. I totally get that strong brows are back on trend, but I just can't with brows like that. I'm kind of really excited to start working on the next look because that one is a doozie!

-Autty

Dulcet Restaurant and Lounge New Port Richey

So, this blog post has taken me longer then it should have to get posted. This happened back in February and here it is the end of May. I don't have too much of a defense as to why it's taken my this long to get a blog post up. Honestly, I've just been burnt out on blogging, I seriously considered giving it up because it became a chore to me. That's why I've been taking it slow and I feel that I'm starting to get it back, so here's to hoping I can get the kick in the butt that I need!

I was invited to a Press Night for a new restaurant here in New Port Richey, Florida called Dulcet. I think the only reason they knew about me was because I had tweeted at them on twitter (obviously), on how I had noticed a new restaurant with a red carpet and a doorman. ( I actually called the gentleman a Bouncer). They had tweeted at me and actually invited me for a tour and I was planning on going within the month of February but they invited me to attend the event first! I had invited a few other bloggers to attend with me, but at the last minute every with the exception of Denise from Harajuku Girl FL Beauty. I was glad to at least have someone with me, even if it was for a short time. Now, I've never been invited to a press night or a grand opening or anything like that so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. If you saw my twitter exchange with Denise that night, or the phone call to my sister or the texts to Chris you would have known how simply terrified I was of walking in alone. I was instantly regretting not inviting my sister to attend.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first walked in...Actually, I thought there was going to be like Journalists, other bloggers and what not. It was City Council members, myself, Denise and one other Blogger. Unfortunately I can't remember his blog. I looked it up, but apparently I remembered the name incorrectly. When I was taking pictures, it didn't even occur to me to use my flash for most of them because me being me and being as afraid as I was thought the lighting was good enough. I'm still pretty pleased with how my pictures came out though!

Look just how absolutely stunning that plate was! Let me tell you though,  I was so intimidated by this plate as well as I was pretty afraid to eat the food. I don't eat seafood as well as I'm allergic to Salmon, HOWEVER, I didn't die so it's not a serious allergy! On the plate you can see all of the different elements, I'm bummed that most of my pictures were unusable but I did collage them up so this wasn't a mile long deal..

On the plate as a whole there was Quail Eggs, Crab Cakes, Salmon Gravalax, Giant Shrimp, Candied Peppercorn Bacon and Mini Caprese Salad Skewers.

What you see on the little skewer was a mini Caprese Salad. It consisted of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, a little torn basil leaf and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The ONE and only other time I ate a caprese salad, I despised it but I was probably like 10 years old. Since I'm obviously older, this was actually pretty good I have to say. I don't like Balsamic vinegar or tomatoes, so for me to actually enjoy this was a miracle. I will say that I didn't eat the other one though, one was good enough for me.

Top Row - Salmon Gravalax - Bacon Lobster Tuna Roll, Wasabi, Pickled Ginger

Bottom Row - Candied Peppercorn Bacon - Large Shrimp with Cocktail sauce

Here is another view of the BLT (Bacon, Lobster, Tuna Roll)

This plate of goodies was Desert. Macaroons (pistachio, caramel, chocolate), Chocolate Dipped Gooseberries and Rum Chada ice cream covered in chocolate. The Rum Chada ice cream was delicious, even though it really just tasted like vanilla to me. 

Food wise, everything was on point. Even though I wouldn't normally eat most of everything that was given to me to taste for allergy reasons (Hello Salmon) as well as I just don't eat fish. Well, I tasted it anyways and obviously I'm still alive and kicking so the Salmon didn't kill me :P. I am so wanting to go back for the candied peppercorn bacon, it's amazing and I was craving it the other day like crazy...that coming from a person who isn't over crazy about bacon. I eat it, but I don't go crazy over it (Chris, I'm looking at you)

I don't even remember the name of this drink honestly, all I remember is that it was $10 and there was so much alcohol in it that you couldn't taste the fruit in it. It's their version of a pina colada pretty much without being mixed with ice. I don't know, this and the BLT roll was my least favorite things of the night. 

Now here you get to see the ambiance of the restaurant. I think this all has to be my favorite thing of the entire place. Dulcet has done a seriously phenomenal job with how they changed the place. I've lived in New Port Richey my entire life and I love the fact that we have this awesome place to go now. The top left picture is their water wall. I was completely in love with it! So of course, I grabbed a table right next to it! It's absolutely mesmerizing! The bottom left picture is some art work that was done specifically for Dulcet and I really think that it fits and gives them a little something extra and personal in their space. The two right pictures are something that is absolutely amazing. First off, it's their stage for when they have bands play and what not. But what's really cool is the four 4K resolution screens that cast “live” jazz music into the space. Funny enough, when I was there Jingle Bells was playing, so I found that quite humorous, nothing like Christmas in February. I have to say though, they’re quite impressive. The displays are manufactured by a company based in Cologne, Germany

I think that my other favorite piece in Dulcet has to be their garden wall. It's got Herbs and other things that Chef Paul Syms might need to cook his amazing foods. I did get to meet Chef Paul Syms for a minute when he came over to ask how I was liking the food and he seemed very nice. I wish I would have gotten a chance to ask him more about his appetizers though! I definitely wasted that opportunity because I was shy. 

All in all I think that Dulcet is such a nice restaurant in New Port Richey. It's definitely a diamond in the rough, but over the past few months I've kind of seen this little historical town change for the better in some ways and I think it's because we have this hidden upscale place to visit. Also, I need to mention that they have doormen and a red carpet outside. That was actually how I first noticed that they were there! It also doesn't help that a couple of their doormen are cuties! :P 

Dulcet is such a great addition to Grand Boulevard and it's kind of in such a nice location in the downtown area that they'll get a lot of different clientele. Obviously they'll get city council members and people who have money and then they'll get visited by people like me. Someone who really wouldn't be able to experience a restaurant like this on a normal basis or really someone who just gets to do something fun and different only once in a while. So, they really cater to a lot of different kinds of people. Their prices could definitely set you back though, so if you're wanting to visit, make sure you have the money. I wish I would have gotten a picture of their menu, I think I saw a plate of something for $26. So definitely be mindful since this is an upscale restaurant. 

I definitely suggest that if you're in the area, come check Dulcet out! I plan on going to on of their Lounge nights on the weekend, I'm not sure which though. That is something I definitely want to experience!They also serve brunch now, which is something that definitely needs to be checked out as well! I've seen the pictures and it all looks so delicious!

UPDATE 31/05/15 - I was informed that on typical nights, there is no cover charge! There is only a cover charge on nights they have events. So if you're wanting to go and experience them, just check out their facebook or twitter to see if they are hosting an event so you can plan accordingly. 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thedulcet
Instagram https://instagram.com/dulcetdining/
Twitter https://twitter.com/DulcetDining
thedulcet.com

Backstreet Salon - New Port Richey

Typically, I like to get my blog posts typed the night before, but I was enjoying my day off a little too much, shame on me!
If you're in New Port Richey, or surrounding area and are looking for a GOOD and AFFORDABLE salon then the Backstreet Salon is for you! They are located on 4206 St. Lawrence Dr. - New Port Richey, Florida 34653. You do need to call to make an appointment, since each lady has their own clientele 

The phone number is (727) 807-3370.

Backstreet Salon is co-owned by Carrie Bacon and Cheryl Freyer.
I've known Carrie's husband Doug since... oh sheesh 2009, so when I found out she had opened a salon, I'm sorry but I got really excited, probably more than I should have. I love when people open new businesses that are local! Backstreet Salon has only been open for about two weeks, so congratulations to them!

I'm a huge person on appearance, when it comes to packaging or how a place looks on the inside. I'm not too worried about how places look on the outside to be honest.

The inside of the salon is absolutely adorable. The walls are a sky blue and the partitions are a darker blue. Each person has their own station, which is how it should be and typically is when you go into a salon.

Let's take a side step and talk about the entrance. When you walk in on the left is where the receptionist would sit. They've got a cabinet that has some products in it. The chairs, oh my god the chairs! I freaking love them! I so want these in my house. They're extremely comfortable as well! Kudos! Most salons have really ugly chairs that are uncomfortable, or cute chairs that are uncomfortable.

Here is my before hair. It has been a year or more since I had gotten it cut. Insane right?! The last salon I went too, to get it cut did a horrid job and I've been trying to grow it out since then. Shameful. Anyways, Anyways. Lets get back on track!

This is what you see as soon as you walk in. The receptionist's desk is on the left, but here is the main salon. Now you can better see what I mean about the two little blues. Can I just say how much I love brown and blue together. Oh my goodness! It is one of my favorite color combinations! The Salon itself is VERY well lit, which is extremely helpful to not only the stylist but too the patron as well. When I went in there were 3 stylists working. (Is stylist even the proper term to use? Feel free to correct me) Carrie, Cheryl and Sandy. I believe they have enough areas for 7 people.

The one thing that I paricularly like is that each piece of equipment has it's own place ON THE COUNTER! I've been to a few salons where they're pretty much kept in containers on the floor. Not good, so I was very pleased at how organized and sanitary they are!

I didn't get a better picture of this area which was a my bad. I'm sure we all know what these are so I shant go into much more detail. On the other side of the wall though is either a coffee pot or a kettle to make tea. I'm not sure which, but that's a nice touch! It's always that little something extra that puts you ahead of the game!

Here are the chairs! This is the part I was worried about, a lot of the time the chairs are a bit uncomfortable for me, because I have wide hips. Boooo. These chairs are wide enough for my arse with extra wiggle room. That is a huge detail for me!

Here is the hair washing station! You know when you go to get your hair washed and you have to sit in a kind of uncomfortable position, let me tell you, holy crap. These chairs recline! Whhhattt??!!! I also had a heart attack when I started to scoot down the chair and is went back, I thought I broke it. Lol. I'm such a dunce sometimes. I like that this section is kind of private from the rest of the salon. I don't know about anyone else, but having a whole ton of people watching me get my hair washed makes me feel weird, so I'm grateful that this is kind of secluded.

Now, with all of the out of the way let's chat about my experience. Typically when I go into a salon, I'm nervous, scared....pretty much in a nutshell I'm a nervous wreck. I've almost cried a few times, that's what happens when you have one too many bad experiences! As soon as I walked I felt calm, I wasn't nervous or anything, which for me is an awesome thing! Backstreet Salon is a very inviting and welcoming establishment. They've got good music playing, but it's not loud enough where you can't hear yourself think, the volume is at a very moderate  level. Carrie is the one who cut my hair, so when we went back to the hair washing station and she started washing my hair, oh my lord. Okay, remember when you were little and your Mom used to wash your hair?! That is EXACTLY how it was. No joke, I could have fallen asleep, that's how relaxing it was! It that weird to say.

Now, I typically give new hair stylists, vague descriptions of what I want. This time I wanted the ends of my hair trimmed, layers added and I wanted to keep my side-swept fringe. I got everything that I wanted and you can tell that I actually LOVED my hair cut because I wore it down at work that night. I NEVER wear my hair down.

I can't even describe how happy I am with my hair! I've been wearing it down quite a bit, so thats one sure tell sign that I love my hair cut! I definitely plan on going back and getting my hair cut there regularly, (aka not once a year)

You can find Backstreet Salon on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BackstreetSalon
That is currently their only social media platform, go like them! :D
I can't thank Carrie enough for the amazing hair cut! :D