Miss Mina Murray

Dear Constant Reader,

You know I’m all about education and you have a bunch of opportunities to learn in December!

The Nice and Naughty exhibit opens at The American Burlesque Collection today! I helped set up the costumes  yesterday and I’m so excited for you to see everything. There are holiday-themed videos, the aforementioned costumes, vintage Christmas cards from burlesque dancers, and more!

On December 12, Betty Blaize will be teaching a pinup makeup workshop. Learn how to get the perfect crimson pout…

Dear Constant Reader,

The very first thing I participated in at BurlyCon was the Master Scene Studies.

This year BurlyCon held their first Master Class track. As the name might imply, these were more in-depth classes for performers with a certain amount of experience. One had to apply to participate in the Master track and one of the questions was if you wanted to participate in the scene studies. I checked “yes” without even really thinking about and assuming I woudn’t be chosen and then promptly forgot…

Dear Constant Reader,

In a normal world in early November I would fly to Seattle for BurlyCon (and also to see friends and family). I’ve been attending since the very first year and have only missed three (two due to a conflicting show and one because of serious illness). This is not a normal world, so the usual BurlyCon where we all pack into a hotel near the airport couldn’t happen. Instead, they took it on-line.

This was a massive undertaking in a relatively short time. As one of the presenters I got to…

Dear Constant Reader,

We are now official in “the holiday season”, which is stressful enough under normal circumstances, and these times are far from normal.

Enjoy what you like and let others do the same.

Do what makes you happy and no shaming of anyone else’s joy. Let everyone deal with things in their own way, okay?

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

Dear Constant Reader,

The other night we were having barbecue to celebrate Scratch’s birthday. I thought this dish from 250 Delectable Dessert Recipes might make a complimentary dessert. It was good, but not in the way I expected. It’s not very sweet and makes a much better side dish. I thought I would share it here in case you’re looking for a not-so-sweet sweet potato dish for your Thanksgiving table.

You will need sweet potatoes, honey or syrup, eggs, butter, milk, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg…

Dear Constant Reader,

I know I haven’t been around much, but I’ve been a little busy. For the past two weeks, BurlyCon has been happening virtually. I’ve been trying to cram in as many classes as I can, preferably live, but catching the recordings when need be. And I taught twice. Plus we’ve been filming The BeauTease Holiday Special. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

Also upcoming, Betty Blaize will be back at B.A.B.E. with another makeup class! In Hot for the Holidays, she teaches you a 1940s pinup look…

Dear Constant Reader,

This week’s tip is a suggestion from Scratch.

Photograph your wardrobe.

Go through your closet or where ever you store your costumes and take a picture of each item. Keep them on your phone or some other easily accessible place for easy reference. Not only does it give you a visual record of all your costume pieces, you might find some items you forgot about or some pieces that have served their purpose and should be to a new home. It’s a multi-purpose good idea!

These writings and…

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s been a heck of a week. Here’s your tip.

Do something nice for yourself that’s also good for you.

Exercise. Go for a walk or a bike ride (it’s beautiful out in Boston). Take a bath. Drink lots of water. Eat something delicious and healthy. If you choose to indulge in a treat, make it worth it (no cheap chocolate!). Take a nap. Snuggle a cuddly animal. Listen to your favorite music. Dance.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To…

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Halloween Eve! I know this isn’t going to be the Halloween everyone wanted, but I hope you have a spooky one nonetheless. A few treats before your tip…

The American Burlesque Collection currently has a Halloween exhibit! If you can’t make it to Salem, you can take a virtual tour on Burlesque Galaxy.

For some light-hearted Halloween striptease, BeauTease Burlesque presents H.A.U.N.T. (Here’s Another “Unprecedented” Night of Theatre) This is a new pre-recorded show.  It contains…

Dear Constant Reader,

I’m back in the kitchen for a new challenge! I’ve been cooking with historic recipes for quite a while and I’ve made some crazy things (ham-banana rolls anyone?). I realized there was one particular type of dish I’ve never made* — a molded gelatin salad!

For my first attempt, I chose Sham-Pain Salad from Date Bait: The Younger Set’s Picture Cook Book by Robert H. Loeb, Jr. (1952). It’s aimed at teenagers (that is, teenage girls) so they can impress their friends and parents with their…