Dirty Thirties HANDLED

“Stella, I’m 37. What a completely lame age to be.” I said out loud to my golden retriever this morning as I slurped shrimp-flavored ramen for breakfast at 11:15am.

I stayed up really late last night migrating images from my personal Instagram with the business name to a business Instagram with the business name per the instruction of my cousin slash best friend slash marketing consultant, Rachel Hyde. She thinks my personal life is too tied up in the business and it’s difficult for first-time clients to navigate the social media platforms. She’s right.

So, to completely defy all reason, I have decided to use this particular platform to … tell a completely hypothetical story about something that could happen to anyone (it’s totally about me.)

A stand-out, sure fire way to tell that you’re plummeting into the depths of mid-life crisis is looking in the mirror to find that the head of hair that frames your face is grey. NOT the natural kind that you get from living a pure and decent life but a grey that started out grey but was covered up with brown followed by a more striking black, stripped down to a ginger color, tortured into an ashish blond, covered in royal purple, faded to a yellowish lavender, bleached of all remaining dignity and strength, tapped, foiled and woven into a frenzy, coaxed back into a periwinkle color and finally DYED grey for the low, low price of roughly $1,300. THAT is when you re-evaluate your beauty standards. And your life.

March 9, 2017March 9, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: ContemporaryTags: Contemporary, Hot Tomato, Hot Tomato Pinup Academy, Instagram, late thirties, Marietta, MOV, o, Ohio, Photography, sexy, vintage Leave a comment

Come as You Are

What if you could come just to the studio for your session… as you are?

Sleep in that day. After a long shower, the kind where you just stand there in no particular hurry and let the water just run all over you. Drain the hot water tank until you are in a thick cloud of rolling steam! When you push the curtain to the side, stroll out like a super-star emerging from the fog at a rock concert. Cover your body in your favorite body cream or baby soft powder. Leisurely dress in your soft cotton tank, over-sized sweater and favorite faded jeans. Welcome your curves to spill and remain soft and pliable. Pile a love-worn scarf loosely around your neck and shoulders and slip on leather loafers.

Go out and start your car well before you intend to leave so it’s too warm when you head out and you have to crack the window as you start down the road. (My favorite scenario is when the heat in the car is unbearably blasting and I open the sun roof when it’s snowing!) Your favorite mug in hand, the one that molds to your hands and warms your heart, you breathe it in deep and turn on music. Drive like a tourist. Notice the interesting architecture and natural landscape of the neighborhood you usually speed through.

When you arrive in our space, you’ll smell coffee and hear laughter. Your time with us will follow the natural path of self care that you’ve already started.

Your session is just that, yours. You. Not always a dressed up, cinched in and painted version. Rather, soft, natural, relaxed and unfettered. I know this kind of session speaks more to me where I am at this moment in my life. Maybe it speaks to you as well.

I’d love to here your thoughts. Begin Here <3

January 11, 2017March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, Contemporary, Experience, Full Service, GDHT, Personal Branding, Portrait, Self CareTags: boudoir, Marietta, natural, Ohio, Photography, Self Care, soft Leave a comment

Fierce Mama Love

 

Can they ALL be my favorite session? For serious. Look at these.

This Mama knows how to rock a bump, now. Week 38 didn’t exactly look the same on me if memory serves. “Fierce” isn’t just a sexy buzz word I’m putting in here either, I’ve seen this mama bear with her THREE other littles! (You read that right) The love, the snuggles, the..ahem..”shaping of character” that is the hardest and best gift we can give our children…this Mama has it all!

She’s brilliantly funny, drop dead gorgeous and happens to be married to a lifetime friend of our photographer in training (yeah, you read that right too). Training.

Jocelyn: “A boudoir maternity shoot..this will be a first!”

My jaw flopped to the floor when these proofs were placed in my hand. STUN.NING. Just pure magic! I mean, here we have a great photographer that adores what she does, photographing a super sweet and hilarious friend who is blissfully expecting an already flipping ADORED baby girl! Mama is also super hot and had a brilliant hair and makeup team and was photographed in the most kickin studio in Marietta…maybe even the WORLD!

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So yeah, you could say I was pleased with the results ;)

ALSO, guess who’s birthday is TODAY? That’s right! Happy Birthday, Kennedy Sue <3

You got one fierce Mama, sweetheart!!

January 9, 2017March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, Contemporary, GDHT, Legacy, Portrait, Self CareTags: boudoir, fierce, GDHT, Hot Tomato, mama, Marietta, Maternity, Ohio, Photography Leave a comment

The Book of Love

A little black book will have a BIG impact.

Hot Tomato loves to tell a story with images. Flip through this fiery selection and see if you can guess the plot twist!

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Fill out our Contact Form and we will get you booked right away.

January 4, 2017March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, Contemporary, Fine Art, Full Service, GDHT, Love, Portrait, Self CareTags: GDHT, Marietta, Ohio, Photography, Valentines Day Leave a comment

Second Annual Men’s Night

THE DEAL-12/6/16 5-8pm only:

Hot Tomato dollar amount gift certificates up to $500

Big Spender Special- Free Big O session ($395 value) with package purchase of $1299 or more.

 

 

 

TO DO: My next 48 hours are not too shabby, folks.

• Pack sun dresses, bikinis and passport into a carry-on 
• Shop for top shelf whiskey and meaty snacks
• Spend an evening playing Black Jack in the glitzy Hot Tomato Parlor with the finest men in the MOV
• Package special gifts for some very lucky ladies
• Drive to the airport overnight to catch a flight to sunny Aruba

Dear sweet men of the Mid Ohio Valley, this is it. Tuesday night from 5pm until 8pm, come and get your lover the gift that every woman will envy before I leave the country!

Want to know a little secret? Not only will you give a most magnificent gift for Christmas, BUT it’s pretty certain the you will reap the rewards of this fine gift come Valentines Day (if you get my drift).

Hot Tomato offers an experience that will help HER see what YOU see! We celebrate all women and show them how beautiful they are right this minute. We offer any type of photo experience that speaks to them, be it head shots, boudoir, vintage style, dark and moody, or simply dolled up in their favorite attire and celebrated as the special women they are! We do it all.

Check out some of our standing packages here.

We will also have some specials on Tuesday night that won’t be offered at any other time!

Not sure where we are located? Let me give you “Our Card”.

Text or call to make an appointment or just stop in!

December 5, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: Experience, Full Service, GDHT, Hot Tomato Gift, Local Event, Love, Portrait, Self CareTags: blackjack, Christmas, gamble, GDHT, gift, Hot Tomato, Marietta, mens night, Ohio, shop local, whiskey Leave a comment

Hooch, Gams and Giggle Water

A guide to Speakeasy Sparkle Party Night

We are  ONE WEEK away, Ladies! So, this is for my last minute gals. We carry a torch for you too. Worry not ;)

• First things first. Before they are all gone, get your ticket already!
• What do I wear??– No time to order? No problem! Loose fitting plain black cocktail dress with a ton of pearls and obnoxious costume jewelry. Furs..ask Grandma if she still has one tucked away or borrow from the Hot Tomato studio. Feathers..hit the craft store and grab an ostrich plum, hot glue it to a headband and voila! Wanna go gangster? Wear a suit and hat! Feelin naughty cabaret? Pshh..all ladies event! Wear your scandalous skivvies!!
• How do I do my  makeup?– Let US handle your face! We are still taking makeup appointments that afternoon at the Hot Tomato studio. Email us at hottomatopinupacademy@gmail.com to secure your appointment! I you want to experiment on your own, here’s a fun tutorial!  
  
• What will there be to eat and drink? A full bar will be open all evening for your giggle water pleasure! We will also delight in a sparkly champagne toast to our fabulousness! Lots of heavy appetizers, fruit, veggies, cheese and mini desserts to keep your hotsy from getting too totsy ;)
• Will there be a photo op?- Of course, Darlings! We are Hot Tomato! This year’s photo booth has a tremendous “Bad Girls” twist! Let us capture your mug is one shot!!
• What if I’m allergic to glitter? STAY AWAY..lol Don’t even come to the city of Marietta. Seriously. Sparkly Ladies shall be seen from space this year!!

LET THE SPARLKLY COUNTDOWN BEGIN!!

See you all on December 3rd at 8pm at River Town Grill turned Sexy, Sparkly Speakeasy!!

November 27, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, Community, Experience, fashion, GDHT, Local Event, Self CareTags: 1920's, Marietta, Ohio, Sparkle, sparkly ladies, speakeasy 1 Comment

Vines: What Would a Plant Do?

My mother always grew Morning Glories around my childhood home. In my fast paced childhood, I can remember thinking “When I’m older and have nothing else to do, I’m gonna sit and watch those vines reach out and grab the next link in the fence.”

How do they know where to go? Do they look all around and think critically about what to cling to? Do they judge other vines for blowing freely in the wind? Nah…know what they do? They follow nourishment. They rise and reach, grab and spiral, bask in the sun and grow. It’s instinct.

You have instinct too. In fact, you are closer to that plant than you think. When I find myself in a tailspin, I actually think to myself “What would a plant do?” I know that sounds a little crazy but this kind of simplicity is so imperative, especially in a “complex” situation. At the very least, I am able to remember, in that moment, to do things like hydrate, get outside, be quiet, feel the breeze on my face, ground myself, trust my roots and look for nourishment.

Even outside of a crisis, this is still good advice. Remember your roots even though they are under the surface. Stretch and reach. What direction feels natural? Where are your secure strongholds? Who nourishes you?

I tell you what, I am really feeling this Roots and Vines vibe. It’s the depth I’ve been searching for in the newest chapter of Hot Tomato. The stories. The connections. The simplicity of following what feeds you. Also, while you’re busy being a plant, why not be a Tomato? Booking for the new year now.

“Our life is frittered away by detail. Simplify, simplify, simplify! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand; instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your accounts on your thumb-nail.” Henry David Thoreau

 

November 7, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: Experience, GDHT, Love, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: Marietta, Morning Glory, Ohio, roots and vines, vines Leave a comment

A 300 Hour Day

Do you ever feel like your life is one giant metaphor? The moment I entertained the notion that we might all really be connected and that nothing is really random, it seemed that all the forces in the universe high-fived each other in celebration that I finally “got it.”

My last post “Tomato Roots” came bursting out all at once. I could hardly wait to follow it up with the VINES! Yep, this was it. Felt totally right. It was a next step, a level up, a tying together of everything we all bring to Hot Tomato. I would spend the rest of October creating brilliant marketing and getting women into the studio to help them celebrate their stories and scars, family and history. EVERY very kind of beauty!! The ROOTS, the VINES!

Stay Tuned

“Stay Tuned” was how I ended my last post. The next day my sister overdosed on heroin.

Mom held her as she seized in the ER. Dad paced the hall with his hand fixed over his mouth. I made phone calls. Our work, political agenda, domestic duties, holiday preparations, social obligations and personal priorities were checked at the hospital doors until further notice.

The last two weeks have have been more like one very stressful 300 hour day. Being in the ICU with a loved one, for me, is sort of like being an on-call journalist and news reporter, while going to medical school during a family reunion in a minimum security prison. Information in a hospital is a giant game of telephone only using words like dialysis, fasciotomy and rhabdomyolsis. It’s also a terrible time to be introduced to strangers but here they come in droves bearing worried looks and awkward embraces. Your conversations are like recordings that are played again and again. It still feels good be useful. You lead an odd parade past your unconscious family member and together you stare at them, stroke their hand and then stand there and chat in hushed tones as if remarking on a museum display. It’s all very strange.

Back to My Roots

I was pretty sure I understood what I meant in my last post when I spoke of the power and possibility in my roots but I had just scratched at the proverbial surface.

There’s nothing quite like a large scale family tragedy to check the quality of the ol roots. Holy numerous branches and fibers, Batman! I knew I had some serious, deep family veins but I truly had no idea my network of support was so beautiful, complex and far-reaching. Support, nourish, encourage growth…yes indeed. In every kind of way.

I shared this glimpse of my last two weeks because I recognize that we all have life events that afford us the opportunity to grow. Our crew often is privileged to be part of that growth. Being a witness to change, a hand in healing and a new root system of continued support…

I love that part most.

 

November 3, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: Experience, GDHT, Love, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: family, Hot Tomato, local support, Marietta, Ohio, Photography, roots 2 Comments

Tomato Roots

I want the same thing for myself as I want for my vegetables…To grow strong and colorful, to nourish those that care for me, to leave behind quality seed and to die as organic compost”

~Jesse Hyde

I wrote that note on Facebook soon after I opened my account in 2009. Hot Tomato wasn’t a twinkle in my eye or even ink on my skin yet. I homeschooled. I gardened. I hung herbs around my kitchen. I watched my little girls chase butterflies and build fairy houses.

Facebook recently asked me if I’d like to update my bio. I read the current version and thought “Oh geez, how antiquated! Yes, I must update with something sassy that tells the world that I am a powerful Hot Tomato!” Then I read it again.

October 20, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: All Women, Experience, GDHT, Love, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: All Women, Hot Tomato, Marietta, Ohio, Photography, roots, Tomato 2 Comments

Real Talk

Here’s a very real cell phone picture I took yesterday sitting at my kitchen table so that I could better illustrate my state of mind to my best friend, Rachel via fb messenger. “An appropriate uniform for today,” I wrote. “Mama Bear.”

I have a unique look into the personal minds of women in my community. The kind of full service experience we offer at Hot Tomato often comes with a small therapy session. Most often this takes on a celebratory form like “Yeah, I just moved through this milestone or jumped this hurdle  and want to rock my new found power with a phenomenal session with you girls!” But sometimes there’s pain. A lot of pain. And, most times that pain can be traced to a very specific time 7 year period of time, the “teen years.” (Cue Mama Bear).

September 16, 2016March 2, 2017 by hottomatopinupacademy8 Categories: GDHT, Love, Power, Real Talk, Self CareTags: empowering, GDHT, Hot Tomato, Marietta, Ohio, Real Talk 1 Comment