It's the end of the setup day for Fabulace hair at the International Beauty Show in NYC! It was a long drive up here, but we survived- topping it all off with some delivered pizza from Lombardi's. (Yum!)

Below is our booth/stage setup! Check out our swagalicious (Yes, I used that word) photo wall/mini red carpet! Love it. Fabulace hair is going to be having a LIVE show that will be streaming on Ustream- so watch out for it! If you are at IBSNY, you definitely need to check it out. It's going to be lots of fun! We're booth 2203.

 Here's my official badge, another view of the convention center, and the view out the front door! Love this city.

Fabulace!

In just a few hours I will be on my way to Manhattan for a very exciting venture- I'm going to be live-blogging in order to promote Fabulace hair at the International Beauty Show- the largest beauty convention in the world! What is Fabulace exactly? It is a seamless weave technique hair extensions company that is made out of 100% virgin Indian untreated hair.

As you can see, hair extensions are not just for women anymore- even men can benefit from the Fabulace hair extensions and bring out their inner Fabio ;)

If you are looking for celebrity style, Fabulace can provide you with high quality extensions at reasonable prices that can have you looking like you just walked off the runway. When it comes to extensions, you want something that's going to look natural and seamless. For a high-quality hair weave or extension, Fabulace is the way to go.

We've got a live show coming up in the next couple days- stay tuned on my blog as I give you the full scoop straight from the International Beauty Show in NYC! 

So you may be wondering- how's life in ole' Janineland? What exactly is this life of craziness that she speaks of?!

Here's what's up:
So as you may have read in my recent post I have a new job. It definitely has its ups...and of course its downsides as well. Overall, the experiences I have with this job are ones that I will no doubt take with me for the rest of my life. It's one of the most challenging and unique things I've ever had to do!

Just imagine- every single day driving anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour and a half depending on where to a random Kroger or Belk, oftentime in a small, country town. You arrive and set up the booth, going in the back of the store to do so when its the first time you have ever even been IN the store in general. Then making intercom announcements, doing shows- rinse and repeat. I've encountered SO many different types of people, and really learn how to interact with them. While at first I thought this was a very performance based "act-y" type job- it's really alot more about connecting with people and getting on their level. If that means sometimes I put on my thick southern accent while doing so, then by all means I do that. If it means getting a little bit of an attitude- I do that too. The dynamics involved can be really interesting, and I feel like I've learned so much about human culture, really.

Money-wise, things can get somewhat inconsistent since it's a full-commission based job, but I actually do get a raise in about a week so that should help things in that area for sure. I'm going to try picking up some freelance writing jobs again because I kind of miss that....

You know what else I miss? Theatre. I was driving in the car today listening to my favorite musicals- and I realized that my soul just really craves it and needs it. I feel like this past year has been some sort of strange career experiment where I focused on film and kind of overlooked theatre- but this year I feel like I'm going to try to really get my feet wet in the Atlanta theatre scene. Whether that means doing an internship/ working at a theatre first, then I may even do that. I know that I just NEED to be doing theatre and I really haven't been truly happy since I stopped. I just feel like there will always be that void there! Now, I of course want to still do film, too- but I just think for a while I need to shift my focus a little bit!

In other news, I'm actually NOT single anymore.

Yes.

You read that right.

I, Janine DeMichele actually have a boyfriend.

Random, right? It really is. We met really randomly downtown, and just developed this sort of instant connection. Several phone conversations and skype dates ensued (he lives in Fayetteville) and then we had one of the most amazing first dates I've ever had. It was really crazy. It's been this sort of whirlwind thing that has been so amazingly refreshing, mainly because he seriously is one of the sweetest guys I've ever known. And if you know me, I've dealt with alot of these wishy-washy situations where I am in constant doubt and unsure of myself or where it's all going- but I never, ever have to question anything with him and that's one of the most wonderful feelings. I'm not going to get all sappy on you, but just know that I'm happy and am finally being treated how I feel like I deserve.

So that's life right now, I've got some pretty cool things in the works actually so stay tuned! ;)

So life lately has been pretty great, I must say.

I FINALLY quit Taco Mac. Long time comin.' Now, I wouldn't say it was one of the worst jobs I've ever had, but....

Okay! Who am I kidding. Yes, it was. But not because of the people, just because of the company in general. I don't hold a grudge or have any hard feelings towards them, but I do have to say it feels amazing to have a new job where:

1.) I don't have to deal with being treated like a servant
2.) My managers treat me as an equal
3.) Positive reinforcement is used instead of constant lecturing
4.) I make more money
5.) I get lots of breaks
6.) I have FUN
7.) I have a flexible schedule
8.) The company actually CATERS to actors, instead of treating us like our personal schedules are irrelevant
9.) I have incentives to do well with real rewards such as all expense vacations instead of measly little reward cards that let us get out of doing 1 1/2 hrs. worth of extra work that we SHOULDN'T even be doing in the first place
10.) I have a sense of authority instead of a sense of being degraded
11.) I get free stuff all the time and even get reimbursed for drycleaning my chefs coats which were PROVIDED for me instead of having to pay for every little measly thing including name tags

And basically- the list goes on.

So what am I doing exactly?

I'm working for a company called US Jesco which manufactures home and kitchen products such as the Mr. Sticky, Magicloth, Chefs Rival, and the Chefs Envy. What I actually do is perform live infomercials in stores such as Kroger, Sears, Belk, etc. So in a shift, I basically I show up (where the stage/light/tv screen/produce etc. is already provided and set up FOR me) and do about 7 pitches at around 20 minutes each. Each pitch is a fully scripted and blocked mini performance that is interactive, and is pretty fun to do. Basically I'm just showing how the product works- chopping and slicing veggies. We also give away free kitchen tools which is fun. :) Even if people don't buy- they are usually entertained and it's nice to think that I've made someone's grocery shopping experience a little brighter, haha!

Basically, there's no stress- but just enough of that sort of challenge that keeps me going. I'm just not the type of person that is going to be in any way happy sitting at a desk filing papers- even if it's just a day job. With each pitch there's a sort of anticipation- you have no idea how your audience is going to be and of course you want them to buy and you kind of can set personal challenges for yourself each time. There's some really great money to be made once you get real slick with your performances and get all the little psychological sales-related nuances just right. I'm really excited.

Also- I'm so excited because there are SO many travel opportunities since it is a global company. They just opened a market in Scotland- and I got an e-mail about them wanting to take some agents to Texas to work some stores out there during SXSW. They had people go to the X-games- and even Hawaii! Definitely I plan on taking up some of these opportunities in the future- but since I'm fresh out of training it's not the best of ideas quite yet.

And one of the greatest things about this job is that if I get cast in a film or show and need to take off a month or something like that- it's totally FINE. I can leave and come right back. Amazing.

So that's what's going on in my "work" life, but what about my acting/modeling career?

Well, here recently I've done some promotional modeling work, gone on several print modeling go-sees, done a pilot/teaser for a small indie film and industral work, and submitted myself and auditioned for commercials/films. I've gotten callbacks but haven't landed anything big yet. However, I'm not discouraged in the least, It's just how the biz works. I actually just submitted a video audition yesterday for a pretty big budget SAG film that if I landed could be a game-changer for me so keep those fingers crossed!

As soon as the funds start rollin' in again I'm going to enroll myself in some acting classes to keep them acting tools in shape because I really think it would be great for me so I'm excited about that.

I feel like I'm in this process of seriously upgrading my life. I mean, within a year I also plan to be in a new apt. (preferably my own place with a cat close to Midtown/Buckhead,) have a new car, and a macbook. Career-wise, I want to have done some musical theatre and at least some small roles in big budget films and a couple leads in some indies.

It's all gonna happen because I'll make it happen. I'm excited. :)

As for my "love" life lately, well let's not even get into that. I'll just say it leaves much to be desired. But it's okay. Because I think I'm a pretty great person to be honest and some day just the right person will realize that and all will be well. Although I do have to say I get little "pings" where I wish I had somebody as a sort of companion- when I see a restaurant I want to visit, or an event I really want to go to, etc. But it's cool, because right now I'm just focusing on me and upgrading my own life.

And I just don't think anyone can really keep up with me right now anyway ;)

Upgrading.

Fellow 20 somethings- do you ever have those moment where you're like..."Whoa. I'm ACTUALLY an adult!" Like, somehow you made it through your Ramen-eating, sleep deprived days and emerged on the other side wiser and even somehow having it together?!

Well, I've had many of those moments here, recently. Why, you ask? Here is a list of my "Adult Awareness Moments" I've encountered here recently:

• I became a victim of identity theft (GROSS!) in which my debit card, payroll card, and cash was stolen. I took care of the situation and will be getting my money back. Like a BOSS.
• I applied for a financing plan for a macbook and got denied, realizing I needed to get my credit in check. Finally saw my credit report, was not terribly pleased with the results, but realized that it's mainly because I actually don't HAVE credit. Applied for a secured credit card and it's on the way to me. Yay!
• Got a savings account finally. I've been meaning to do it, but it was just something I never did. Now I have one. Too legit, right?!

Apart from my adult moments, I've also decided to upgrade certain things in my life, and I realized that I had been settling for less in pretty much every aspect of my day-to-day life. Here is where I have made some upgrades:

• I realized I needed to stop going to Great Clips to get my hair-cut and go to a real salon like a normal person. Found a stylist I like. Will be going back to therefore said real salon next time I need any hair services. This place offers free shoulder and head massages and drinks for its customers. HAIR UPGRADE.
• Joined a legit gym instead of counting on the one treadmill to be free in my ghetto apartment complex's mini fitness center. FITNESS UPGRADE.
• Got Netflix instead of making myself find terrible quality free versions of TV shows and movies online when I feel the urge to. ENTERTAINMENT UPGRADE.
• Decided it's seriously time for me to not worry about guys and focus on myself and my career. RELATIONSHIP UPGRADE. 
• Bummed because I didn't get a callback or audition for these minor indie things I was submitting myself to, but landed a callback for a huge national brand commercial. (I'm freaking out about it to be honest, though!) CAREER UPGRADE.
• I've traded in alcohol for kombucha and green tea. HEALTH UPGRADE.

So basically, I'm feeling much better off and positive about my future, and I am super incredibly excited about life. Like, I feel good. Really. It's nice to be completely focused on myself again, and even working at Taco Mac is not the seventh circle of Hell it used to be. It's somewhat....TOLERABLE?! Crazy, right? Ha. I think I've just forced myself to accept the inevitable. But I don't think I'll be there that much longer. :) Here's hoping, anyway!

Tumblin' along.

So I've been playing with Tumblr for a while and have decided to start using it more frequently. Anyone remember my old health blog The Quirky Veggie? Well, this tumblr is going to kind of be a spin-off of that, except it will include all sorts of inspirations- not just for healthy eating, but for pursuing your dreams, living well, fashion, etc. Of course, the occasional funny gif will be included as well. ;)

So follow me at http://janinesinspiredlife.tumblr.com/.

Note: I will still be keeping up this blog, but am going to keep it mainly for my personal thoughts/journals and for posting photoshoots and such. My tumblr is more of an outreach, type thing. Sometimes the two may intertwine, but we'll see where this goes.

So follow me! :)

I've come to the realization that this is my year.
And I know EVERYONE is saying that. But seriously. After this hellacious year of transition, awkwardity, etc., it's time for a change.
I feel like I'm at a pivotal point in my career as well, fresh opportunities are on the horizon, I'm a clean slate relationship-wise, and I really think it's my time to finally REALLY shine.

One thing that I'm extremely excited about is my audition with Fabrefaction theatre company next week for their musical Titanic. I miss musical theatre SO much, and I really think I've got a good chance. I'm excited to introduce myself to the casting people there and I really want to make my mark on the theatre scene here, which is something I haven't really done yet. Of course ultimately, I want to make my mark on EVERY scene there is, because I realized I'm going to be one of those actor/model/makeup artist/businesswoman/clothes designer/etc. type of people. Basically I want to create an empire, but hey- one thing at a time, right? ;)

Of course, I have to find things to focus on one at a time, and I really just go where doors open. Like, a couple months ago I was doing all sorts of film stuff back to back and I got to delve into that. While of course I still want to do that more, lately I've been doing alot more modeling, really because people have been contacting and finding me about it. And I'm really never one to turn down any opportunity, even if I'm not necessarily getting paid because if I've learned ANYTHING since I've graduated, it's that every single person you meet is important and could very well be your ticket to something even bigger than you could of ever imagined. Everyone you meet is a stepping stone somehow, so it's important to literally always put your best self and product forward because it's a VERY small world.

One thing I'm also excited about is the prospect of seriously delving into my make-up artistry. I've got some great opportunities for some big, paid make-up jobs coming up which is prompting me to do what I've been meaning to do for a while, build up my make-up kit. From looking on amazon for different palettes and such I will be able to do so at a reasonable price, which is pretty exciting. That really was the only thing holding me back from really putting myself out there as a make-up artist more than I have been, because of course I want to be taken legitimately. I believe my skills and technique are more than adequate, but I just didn't have the proper materials to execute it. Soon, that will change and I believe that I really could have something there if I market myself correctly. It would at least be a wonderful alternative to waiting tables to pay the bills in the meantime between acting gigs!

Speaking of waiting tables- I'm really trying to be more positive about my job instead of treating it like some sort of abscess in my life. I mean, there is no shame in it. I'm young, I'm 23 years old and working hard towards my goals but I need to pay rent like anyone else, and I'm just doing this temporarily. Sure, sometimes it's hard and I feel like it is slightly degrading, but I just need to suck it up and do it, and make the best of it. It's temporary, anyways. And I feel that in my bones even MORE so lately.

Really, I'm just feeling more confident lately about everything. My life, my career, etc. Also, being free of the baggage of guy problems I was dealing with for months is a wonderful thing. I realized that I was turning into that girl that was looking for a boyfriend at every turn. Like, if any guy showed any interest I immediately turned it into this serious thing in my mind, which I know really is not the best way to go about it. I was so focused on making somebody my boyfriend that I kind of lost myself a little bit and settled for things I don't deserve.

I realized that I'm a pretty cool person. I mean, I've got it together, I take care of myself, I can cook, bake, clean, completely support myself financially and am even able to splurge every once in awhile, I'm emotionally stable, and have got alot of talents and stuff to give to this world. If somebody thinks I'm conceited for saying that then OH WELL. Because you know what? I'm SICK of feeling like I'm not good enough because that's what I've been feeling lately and it sucks. Because I am. I deserve to be treated with respect first of all, and secondly like I am important in someone's life. Like, if I am making an effort, I expect the other person to make an effort as well. If someone is not going to, then obviously they are not worth my time. I'm over petty little "not really sure where we stand" type of relationships. Either you want to be with me, or you don't. If you do, great- let me know. If you don't- don't think that you can just come into my life like some sort of cameo artist whenever you feel lonely or what have you because I'm not standing for none of that any more.

So in the meantime, single I will remain- and I'm really coming to peace with it. Essentially, I'm out to take on the world and I'm gonna need somebody to keep up with ME, and I deserve to be treated better than I have allowed myself to be treated in the past. I mean, SERIOUSLY.

So yeah. Look out, 2012. I'm coming for you. ;)