Goodbye 2011

It's officially New Years Eve. I have been thinking about the past year so I wanted to share my favorite memories of 2011.

1. Visiting Paris for the first time. I have been in love with the idea of Paris my entire life. I'm not sure if it is due to my French heritage but I always wanted to truly experience the Parisian culture. My visit there was life changing and now I cannot get enough of that city.... I just realized I never shared my trip with all of you! Look out for the First Trip to Paris blog coming soon.

2. Moving back to the USA and seeing my family for the first time in years!

3. Visiting Amsterdam

4. Enrolling back into University full time and switching to a History major from Marketing. During my time in Europe I really searched for myself. I discovered that a very important part in life is doing what you love. I did not love working in PR. I have always been fascinated with history and humanities. I used my electives to study them. Then I realized...why am I not making this my career? I am so passionate about European history and literature and this should be my path in life. I made the big switch and I am so thankful for this decision.

5. Adopting Halo, Iggy Pop and Syd Vicious. A feral cat gave birth to 7 kittens at my mothers house. One of the kittens was badly hurt (broken leg) and seemed ill. I caught her and took her to the vet. We treated her for parasites and I checked her health. She was ill and the proper medication was delivered. The vet said he leg was going to have to come off soon due to the injury. I was able to bring her home at that time with her medicine and schedule the surgery. Upon hearing this news I knew she was going to have special needs so I decided to being her into my family permanently. I named this little lady Syd Vicious. She was a feisty tiger kitten and the name fit her perfectly. My short time with her was a blessing. She passed away within 12 hours of returning from the vet. She was too just too ill and what the vet was able to do just wasn't enough. She was just too far gone by this point and there was nothing we were able to do. My heart was broken but I made her a promise that day that I would make sure I saved all her brothers and sisters. I kept that promise. I adopted two of them into my family and found an amazing rescue to take the others. I kept Syd's twin brother Iggy Pop and also her other brother Halo. This was 4 months ago and Iggy and Halo are healthy, happy and growing like weeds. I call them my Winchester boys (supernatural reference). 

Here is the little lady, Syd Vicious, herself. 

This is Iggy Pop (Syd's twin) and Halo 

6. Finally finish my back tattoo and starting the cover over my butterfly. I loved the way my cherry blossom tattoo turned out and I was so happy with the Geisha tattoo that Matt added. We still have a little work to do on the cover-up tattoo but the bamboo tattoo and the movement that Matt has done so far really fits.

Tattoo and cover up done by Matt Thomas owner of On Point Tattoo Lounge

7. Being diagnosed with Celiacs disease. This may sound like a strange thing to have as a happy memory but after years of suffering I finally knew what was wrong with me. Discovering the reason I have been ill for so much of my life and then all of a sudden being able to change that was incredible. Within weeks of living a gluten/wheat free life I actually felt like a new human being. My body completely changed not only outside but I actually felt healthy. 

8. Moving to Las Vegas was another milestone in my year. We had been planning this move for over a year and finally arriving to our new home was so satisfying and rewarding. 

Those are my favorite memories of 2011. What are your's?

I wish you all a safe and happy new year!

Happy 2012

xx

Seizure Monte

The Kat Von D Clothing Line is Now Available

I blogged a few months back about the upcoming release of Kat Von D's own fashion line. As a huge fan of Kat Von D, I eagerly awaited the release of this clothing line.  The line was finally released last month and it can be purchased at http://www.katvondlosangeles.com . I love the mix of victorian, gothic glam and rocker chic style that is brought together to result in a high fashion contradiction. There is a steam punk influence and I also see some similarities with her collection and some of Alexander McQueen pieces from the past. I am certainly not disappointed by what she has released in this collection. There are more pieces that I would purchase than not. I didn't find any pants or skirts that I felt stood out though. The bottoms that I did like are the identical to clothing I already have in my closet and not unique to this collection. The tops and jackets are a different story and I am in love with almost everything in these categories. I would like to see her add more to her accessory line such as bags and shoes. Overall I think there could be a future for Kat in the fashion industry.

Here are a few of my favorites that I will be ordering as a late holiday gift to myself.

Daphne Top - $79

Perfect for one of my nights out here in Las Vegas

Slash Sweater $110

Just downright sexy. I will be pairing this with black skinny jeans and these boots

Napoleon Coat in Red $429

I spend part of my year living in Manchester, England. This coat will be perfect for adding color in the chill dampness of England.

Beethoven Jacket $349

This is my favorite piece so far from the Kat Von D clothing line. It would be perfect with leather pants.

Click here to visit and shop the Kat Von D clothing line.

Her style of fashion is sure to make all of us feel like the sexy rockstar that we are. 

Enjoy!

xx

Seizure Monte

A little history on me: My Father owns a tattoo shop and growing up in that atmosphere was amazing. I was encouraged to be artistic and eccentric. Meanwhile I am sure other people didn't understand my families business of choice.  When I first heard of Kat (before her days on TV) I found her to be a great inspiration to me. A beautiful, talented and intelligent female tattoo artist was not a common thing. In my opinion, she brought something great to this industry and lifestyle. She showed the mainstream world how it really is. Tattoo artists are artists! Being tattooed does not mean you are a lowlife on drugs but that you are an artist mastering your medium.(I know there are still scummy tattoo artists and piercers but aren't assholes found in every profession?) She helped open the eyes of people and I applaud her for this. So yes, I may be a bit partial to anything she does.

Perfect Dresses for your New Years Celebration!

For those of you who want to welcome in 2012 while looking our absolute best here are my top 5 favorite dresses for bringing in the new year.

1. Top Shop Cut Out Shoulder Sequin Dress

$160

You Can Purchase This Dress On The Top Shop Website

2.All Saints Rodan Dress

$346

This Dress Can Be Purchased At An ALLSAINTS Store or Online





3. ASOS Body-Con Dress in Red Sequin and Mesh
$81.81
This Dress Can Be Purchased on the ASOS Website. They Ship Internationally







4. Haute Hippie Sequin Halter Cowl Dress in Taupe
$695
This Dress Can Be Purchased at RevolveClothing.com 






I saved the best for last. This is the dress I will be found in come midnight on this New Year's Eve.
5. Metallic Pricilla Dress
$438
This Dress Can Be Purchased at Free People

I wish you all a happy and safe New Year!

Welcome 2012!

xx

Seizure Monte

Last Minute Christmas/Holiday Gift Ideas

Christmas is one week away. I know most of us that are celebrating still have at least one person left on their list to buy for. For those of you sweating the countdown this week I have thrown together a quick gift idea list that might just save you. These are items I that I have found from personal experience to be very successful gifts for under the Christmas tree...

Gift Ideas

1. Urban Decay Naked Pallet
This eyeshadow pallet was sold out everywhere last Holiday season. I didn't see them come back into stock until this summer. The shadows in this pallet are highly pigmented and blend very smoothly. The colours used in the Naked Pallet can be flattering to all skin tones from the pale to dark. There is such an array of looks that can be made using these shadows.  Everyone can benefit from the Naked Pallet being in their cosmetic bag.
Retails for $46
You can purchase this in Sephora or ULTA and also in department stores like Nordstroms or Macy's

2: GHD Straightening Iron

This is a great gift for anyone who styles their hair. If they straighten, curl or just want to add some movement this is the hair tool for them. Consider this the Holy Grail of beauty tools. 

Word of warning: If you buy this make sure it is from a reputable retailer. There are counterfeit GHD's out there so please make sure the store you are buying from is GHD retailer. Stores like Sephora are the best places to purchase this from.

Retails for $185

3. A Tattoo 

Tis the gift that lasts forever. If you have a tattoo lover on your shopping list what better gift to give than having an artist add permanent art onto their body? The great thing about a tattoo is the amount you spend is up to you. Most Tattoo shops offer gift certificates. This gives you the freedom to decided your price while also giving a gift that will make an everlasting mark.

When choosing a tattoo gift certificate make sure you research the tattoo shop that you are getting it from. You want to make sure the shop not only has a good reputation but that they also have talented artists. Google reviews and Yelp are your best friends on this one.

Traditional tattoo design by Sailor Jerry (Norman Collins)

4. Theater or Concert tickets

I think one of the best gifts you can give someone is a memory. If you have a theater lover or a music lover on your list then go check the upcoming events in your area. The budget on this will obviously range depending on what show you see. A ticket for their favorite Indie band may be $20 a person while tickets for London's West End or Broadway can cost hundreds. The choice is yours.

(Cirque Du Soleil is a personal favorite of mine) 

Cirque Du Soleil in Las Vegas

5.Charitable Donation in their name

If the person on your list is someone who does charity work then a donation to their favorite charity could be a very meaningful gift for them. I am a massive animal lover and I spend my free time volunteering at a local animal rescue. If someone took the money they were going to spend on a material object and they put that towards saving the life of a animal that needed them I would be eternally grateful. 

The Animal Rescue site has more great gifts and they donate to save animals

I hope this was a helpful list for those of you who just couldn't seem to think of anything. 

Happy Holiday's Everyone!

Natalie Clark Photography

These photos of me were taken by one of the most talented photographers I have ever met, Natalie Clark. She is an amazing talented artist and true friend to me. If you are interested in seeing more of her work go to http://www.natalieclarkphotography.com/ and you can find her on Facebook as well.

Pete Townsend Quote

“Even as age humbles me, it feeds my arrogance. There’s still nothing that interests me as much as myself.”