“Merii Kurisumasu” (means Merry X-Mas in Japanese)

As I get ready to celebrate another sunny Southern California Christmas… I can’t help but reminisce about my days in Japan, especially Kyoto.

The shrines, temples, bridges, and most importantly, the cherry blossoms… which bloom as soon as Winter is over!

But yes, Winter is just beginning! And you know what that means? It means that it’s time to fill up the tub and indulge in a long, hot, refreshing bath!

Thanks to Get Fresh and their splendid Memories of Kyoto Set… you can sit back, relax, and dream about your visit to Japan. And while you’re doing that… I’ll be packing my bags for my red carpet return back home.

Sayonara sweetheart! xo

All I Want For Christmas is Jimmy Stewart…

During the holidays I simply CANNOT live without watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” at least 5 times on television. It inspires me to get out there and find the perfect gifts for my loved ones… in order to renew their spirits AND their skin.

Thanks to Viva Swag and SpaRitual, Holiday shopping has never been easier! It’s a Wonderful Life! Eco-Luxury Holiday Gift Set will bring peace, harmony, and silky skin to whoever is lucky enough to receive a present from me.

All I ever wanted for X-mas was Jimmy Stewart.

Viva Wish List!

That’s right! The holiday season is here. Better get a head start telling your loved ones what you want, rather than receiving a stock gift… you know, another picture frame or cheap lotion.

Speaking of lotions, my all time favorite scent is vanilla. How I adore that smooth, creamy, delectable aroma. The holidays are a time for indulging… so why not indulge in a gift that will elegantly caress your skin, as well as entice your senses.

Bonjour L’Occitane and thank you for your Vanilla Shea Star Kit.

Not only does it make me reminisce about my days of frolicking in the provinces of France… but it makes me feel and smell absolutely divine.

Au revoir stale skin.

To cleanse?… OR to stuff?

THAT is the question. And believe me, it’s NOT a trick question.

It’s that dysfunctional time of year again. When Americans have a valid excuse to stuff their faces and pass out at the end of the night without even cleansing their ever so delicate skin! Where is the shame? It was probably forced down with that last bite of pumpkin pie!

Speaking of pumpkin pie… you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to indulge in your love for pumpkin. MyChelle Dermaceuticals Creamy Pumpkin Cleanser is available all year long!

Pumpkin is an antioxidant that strengthens the skin and aids exfoliation. Pumpkin pie is a dessert that satisfies your taste buds for 5 minutes and piles on tons of calories.

Team Edward!

The day has finally arrived! No, I’m not talking about getting a complete makeover by Moi. (I am highly in demand this time of year and there is a waiting list.) I’m talking about the holy day in which “New Moon,” the second installment of the “Twilight” saga is out on the big screen. Don’t be ashamed… I know you have been dying to feast your eyes upon that grade-A meat of a man.

If you’re a TRUE fan… I know you will be excited to try the limited edition Twilight Venom by DuWop. I’ve come across many good collaborations, but Stephanie Meyers and lip plumping go hand in hand.

And by the way, if you’re lucky enough to shake my hand, know that you are shaking the hand that transformed Edward into the sparkly vampire that he is today. I love my job! xoxo

Ode to My Feet

It’s that chilly time of the year again… When Fall is finally kicking in and Winter is just around the corner. You know what that means? Besides, buying yourself a new winter wardrobe… it means that your poor feet will be requiring some maintenance. That’s right. Of course you can always hide them in a pair of socks and those horrible looking things called Uggs… but who are you fooling? If your name was Takahatchi, your feet would be hydrated and supple all year long… but unfortunately it isn’t… and I bet they’re a little dry and crackish. But never fear… Takahatchi and Calendula Foot Balm by Kneipp will pave the path for your beautiful feet to walk upon. Equipped with Calendula, Sweet Almond Oil, and Rosemary, this rich and hydrating balm will rejuvenate your footsies and leave them happy. And when you’re feet are happy… they’ll take you places you’ve never been. Trust me… I’ve been to them all.

Too much estrogen… not enough Takahatchi

And here I thought… I was a diva. The women here at Viva Swag have been driving me crazy! If it wasn’t for my wise beauty picks, or as Farrah likes to call them, “secret weapons”… these broads would find ways to include me in on their drama. But then again, Viva La Drama!!! When you’ve got a handful of frisky ladies, PMS, and a full moon, the only thing to do is bust out the 100% Pure Dark Chocolate Mocha Shower Gel. Made with antioxidant rich dark Belgian chocolate and organic Hawaiian Kona coffee… you can get your fix without the caffeine and calories. Best of all, 100% Pure products are 100% natural and free of chemicals and unhealthy toxins, just like myself. Too bad I can’t say the same about others. Hmmmppphhhh!

Lovely Bunch of Pink Coconuts

Greetings my Beautiful Ones! I hope you didn’t miss me too much last week… I had my hands and feet filled with projects and products. Some of them top secret. But I can tell you this… what a monumental month it has been!

Viva Swag co-hosted it’s first Twitter Party with www.DailyDoseOfStyle.com! Good times galore! How often do you get to attend a party where tons of prizes are given away every 3 minutes. NEVER! Too bad for you if you didn’t make it… I did, and my goodness, it was unbelievable… and to be honest… more fun than a facial.

The good news is that Viva Swag will be hosting its OWN Twitter Party shortly! Oh yes… just you wait! Details coming soon…

And if you can look past the colors orange and black this month, you will notice the lovely shade of pink out and about. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If I had my own pair of coconuts, I would embrace them right this moment and thank them for their love and support. Since I don’t, I am honored to share some pink beauty products with you… products which will donate a portion of their sales to different Breast Cancer foundations that support women who have survived the disease. Essie’s Yes We Can, Pink! Nail Polish, Pomegranate Balancing Moisturizer by Korres, and GloMinerals gloMarvelous in Pink Kit are three of my favorites.

Keep tuning in to www.VivaSwag.com for more Pink Products… and remember to always live your life to the fullest!

xoxo

Love, Takahatchi-san

Everyone needs a Takahatchi, more than a Ken

Back in February, 50 models sparkled down the runway at Bryant Park to celebrate Barbie’s 50th birthday. Fifty of America’s top fashion designers created signature looks for Barbie’s runway show, and yours truly was invited to display his makeup artistry.

Talk about high maintenance models. Almost as high maintenance as my gorgeous pink hair.

All these young girls had to do was show up, get dolled up, and prance around in specially dyed Barbie Pantone 219 Christian Louboutin stilettos.

But noooo! These models couldn’t care less about their glamorous wardrobe, dazzling hair, and bewitching makeup… compliments of moi, and the new Barbie Loves Stila line, equipped with 3 sultry Smudge Pot shades and an All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner.

All they cared about was being chosen to make their appearance with the one and only male model at the show, aka Ken, aka the anatomically incorrect boy doll.

Hmmph! I’ve never seen sooo many plastic pleading tears begging to be seen with this sterile looking pretty boy in my life.

At least the liner was waterproof.

Excuse MY Beauty

I dedicate this post to the ever so odorous, Ms. Saige Harmony.

Dear Saige,

Just because your last name is Harmony does NOT mean that you are pleasing to the ear. In fact, you are not pleasing to the eye either.

First things first, I am in NO way insecure about myself. I just tend to be a little neurotic when my roots have grown out half an inch, and my stylist happens to be bathing in Bali. Second, my art does not mask… rather, it projects the beauty in which you already possess. And I admit, YOU are indeed a gorgeous one, but those eyebrows… BLASPHEMY!

I promise to keep my body butters and lipsticks to myself, but please, OH PLEASE, be humble and accept a gift when it comes your way, especially if it’s to your advantage. The feng and shui will agree that if you tame those unruly brows with these Artisan Tweezers, and tend to that overgrown shrubbery with this earth friendly Hemp Wax, THEN the yin and yang will definitely be on your side…

Trust me my dear, your candles are great, but my magic is greater.

Love, THE Takahatchi

Crazy for Swayze

*Sigh*… And here I thought 2009 would end without another celebrity death. My naivety comes and goes, mostly goes… but WHY oh WHY did it have to be Patrick?

Being the exclusive outsider that I am, I admired and adored Mr. Swayze since I first laid eyes on him. I was a wee 5 years old when I first met Darrel Curtis in “The Outsiders”. One of my favorite movies of all time. Four years later, I met Johnny Castle, and I was never the same. My hands went from being regular hands, to exquisite jazz hands. How else did I become head makeup artist at such a tender age? Oh yes, my dancing became extremely dirty as well, and I refused to play that lame elementary school game “Four Corners”, because nobody could put Takahatchi in a corner.

Then the years passed, and I had the pleasure of meeting Sam Wheat from “Ghost”, Bodhi from “Point Break”, and finally Vida from “To Wong Foo…” That’s when I had the chance to be in his presence. Yes, yours truly was on set applying drag queen makeup. One of the highlights of my career.

Which brings me to another highlight of my career. Introducing YOU to chemical free products which help prevent cancer. Ignorance is bliss, and change is difficult to some… but it is for your own good.

Takahatchi’s Words of Wisdom #009: “Aluminum belongs in foil. Not in your armpits.” Please take a moment to view these alternatives to your regular not-so-good drug store deodorants. Kill It Dead by Simone Chickenbone and Totally Pure Deodorant by Origins Organics are two of my favorites. They are both aluminum/paraben/and synthetic preservative free!

In conclusion, Patrick Swayze lost his battle with cancer on Sep. 14, at the age of 57. May God rest his soul in heaven, where there are no corners to be put in.

Because I'm a genius...

… And I demand respect.

My IQ is above and beyond, along with my looks. Therefore I have been in high demand these last couple of weeks, and Thank Buddha, I’m finally off that mosquito infested island, that is… Aristotle’s private “paradise. ”

Not only do I thank Buddha for being off that disgusting piece of real estate, I’d also like to thank the wonderful world of Kabuki for influencing me from the tender age of 3. It allowed me to master the cosmetic arts as well as staged productions. So you see, if it hadn’t been for my fashion styling, beauty makeover, and dramatic interpretation of the famous Kabuki, “Kenuki”, Kip would have never been able to escape Ari’s stale smelling mansion and creepy island either. I never wanted to be his savior (I helped him develop a terrific disguise), but I was promised a lavish trip to a Parisian Hideaway, equipped with my own hot pink jet. Being a genius has its perks.

Which brings me to Karl.

“… It’s not that I’m too bossy, but as far as I’m concerned, I see it one way and not in another way.” A quote by the OTHER Genius, Karl Lagerfeld, who by the way, turned a glorious 76 years old today and deserves perks as well.

So, I asked my darling assistant to overnight him the Japan Travel Kit by Red Flower, because the divine products are created to release the flow of vital energy in the body, which he needs. Also, I’ve mentioned it twice and I’ll mention it again, ALL good things come from Japan.

Now I’m off for some body rehab with Jack Black’s Scrub & Muscle Soak… the OTHER Jack Black (i.e. not the actor). I thank Kip for all these knots in my body (it was quite a fiasco getting him off the island). I hope my exaggerated theatrical movements paid off…

You WANT to be noticed, right?

In that case… let me advise you. Being born backstage, gave me, THE all-knowing Takahatchi, an all-access pass for life. Don’t fret my dears, for I will guide you on your path… Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable, yet fashionable shoes, such as these darling Adidas by Stella McCartney.

My trip to Greece was very successful! The magnificent bride looked absolutely divine, (with my help of course). Her wedding theme was based on “Old-world glamour and luxury.” And with that simplicity in mind, the only makeup I needed to apply on her flawless face consisted of: a little bit of gloss, a light foundation, Glamour Eyes by Sugar Cosmetics, and Lola Loves Lashes classic cake mascara to her already dreamy eyes, which I made dreamier.

Trust me, you don’t have to be named Lola to get whatever you want.

But it would help if you were named Takahatchi. *Wink*

And as for my assistant, she greeted me with open arms and The Beatles, as she picked me up from the airport, which made it harder to guilt trip her about her absence.

“All You Need Is Love.” Very true. All you need on the path to love, an amazing black mascara.

Not ALL Islands Are Created EquaL.

So I decided to grace the Cyclades Islands with my presence. Well actually, I was flown to Mykonos to beautify a beautiful young lady, a devoted client of mine, in preparation for her Mediterranean wedding.

I am thrilled to be in Greece. Too bad my assistant decided not to come! Hmmmpphh! She wants to spend every moment with this new man in her life, whom I STILL haven’t met and given the Takahatchi seal of approval. Who in their right mind would pass up overtime pay and a FREE opportunity to accompany their amazing boss while indulging in the breathtaking sights and plate breaking sounds of this exotic destination? Her loss.

I guess that’s what true love does. I understand. Because that’s exactly how I feel about my Korres Ultimate Men’s Tool Kit. With roots in the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Athens, Greece, Korres Natural Products’ approach to skincare is “based on the guiding principles of Homeopathy, and draws on natural ingredients blended with science for gentle, skin-friendly methods and true results.”

I thank Korres, for treating my body ever so kindly. And I thank Ouzo, for allowing me to forgive my love-struck Lotus Blossom. OPAHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Is it February yet?

Because love is in the air. And I’m not referring to Cleo and Kip. I couldn’t care less. Wait, let me rephrase that, before I stir up conflict… which is not the way The Takahatchi likes to stir. I couldn’t care more, because I’m already dealing with my assistant’s throbbing heart (cue the romantic music).

It all started Friday morning when I asked my darling Lotus Blossom to accompany me to dinner with a client, and she declined the invitation (very unlikely of her). Her reason being… she needed to prepare an outfit for a date! Really!?!

This news was a bit shocking, yet intriguing. And Intrigue is one of my middle names.

Being the brilliant, thoughtful and exquisite man that I am, I decided it would be fun to role play as Henry Higgins and make her my Eliza Doolittle. And so I did.

I rescheduled my dinner, invited her to my humble abode, prepared a gourmet feast with my Paella Kit, and got to work on www.VivaSwag.com.

We decided that the Adrianna Papell Floral Silk Halter Dress, Gordon’s Jewelers Hello Kitty Garnet Heart Pendant, Marc Jacobs Posh Turnlock Solid Flap Clutch, and the L.A.M.B. Tansy Pump would be the PERFECT outfit.

Thanks to the lovely picks of Farrah, Cleo, Meadow, Fredrica, and myself… and the joys of overnight shipping, my darling Eliza was all set to meet her suitor….

To be happily continued…

“What do I wear in bed?…

…Why, Chanel No. 5, of course.”~M.M.

The symbol of eternal femininity? Why, Marilyn Monroe, or course! Marilyn Monroe passed away on August 5, 1962, exactly 47 years ago today, but the interest in her life and her story will continue in popular culture and in feminist studies for years to come. She was the definition of Hollywood glamour, for she enamored the world with her bewitching beauty, voluptuous curves, and rosy red pout.

Besides the fact that she died from an overdose of barbiturates, I wonder if all the lead in her red lipstick could have caused her demise as well.

Hazardous cosmetics lurk around every corner! And it is I, Takahatchi, who will try to educate you and you and YOU… about what products to avoid… and what products to indulge in!… (Found at the ever so helpful www.VivaSwag.com

Take my advice and INDULGE in NVEY!!! NVEY ECO prides itself as being one of the first totally organic cosmetic brands in the U.S. market. Only the purest and most gentle plant, mineral, and antioxidant ingredients, such as Chamomile, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamin E are used in NVEY ECO’s makeup products. Best of all, NO LEAD!

And in conclusion, I quote The Lovely Marilyn once again, “It stirs up envy, fame does. People feel fame gives them some kind of privilege to walk up to you and say anything to you - and it won’t hurt your feelings - like it’s happening to your clothing.”

Hmmmmmmmmm…………………………

Haik-Who???

NO. Haiku. A type of poetry from the Japanese culture. Combining content and language in a meaningful and compact form: 17 syllables in a matter of 3 lines, while painting a mental image for the reader.

Takahatchi is always ready for a challenge… making the impossible, possible… the ordinary, extraordinary… and the dull, ever so dainty.
Online shopping is too bland and humdrum. With Viva Swag, online shopping is stimulating and suspenseful… similar to what is found inside my head.

And now, please take a moment to read my exclusive poetry, which I have dedicated to Viva Swag.

Oh Cordless Trimmer.
Precision Blades Like Fine Teeth.
Grow Facial Hair, Grow.

Nourishing Foot Cream.
Thick, Rich, and Very Dreamy.
Thank You Gilden Tree.

And last but not least.

Beauty Is Power.
The Feng and Shui Will Agree.
Love, Takahatchi.

Excuse your hairy-ness!

My darling and patient fans! I returned from my Zen Retreat (where that "au natural" hairy armpitted Saige happened to be recuperating as well), where I spent my days trying on different facial masks and writing haiku's. And this past week, I have been swamped with work! My pasty assistant and I have been going to the beach almost every day, trying out new sun products that have been introduced to you on Viva Swag!

From Ventura, Zuma, and Malibu, all the way to Newport, Laguna, and San Diego. And not once did I get burned. My assistant however, got burned once... and it wasn't the sun's fault.

It might have been my fault (just a little), for only giving her a one hour notice to prep for my sunscreen research. But it isn't my fault that her body hair is out of control. If only she was blessed in that department, like yours truly.

So I became her personal esthetician and tried MOOM's Organic Hair Removal Kit on her wonderful body parts... and can I say, that it did WONDERS! With ingredients consisting of only sugar, water, chamomile, lavender, and lemon juice.

Simply marvelous, not to mention miraculous! (Unlike that Saige girl).

And with miraculous in mind, Dermalogica's Daylight Defense Waterblock Solar Spray, and Coola's Organic Moisturizing Suncare were among our favorites sunblocks as we bummed it on the beach.

Our research came to end, while the flaunting of our hair-free sun kissed tan bodies began.

Full Moon Procession

Greetings fans, friends, foes. What a day it has been. If you took my advice and purchased CARGO’s Better Than Waterproof Mascara, your face wouldn’t be a smeared mess. After all, you did watch M.J.’s live memorial coverage. Didn’t you? I did. And let me tell you, watching his children bid their Father farewell, made me realize how precious life is, especially for those whose lives are being monitored and judged at all times.

I would like to leave you with a quote by the King of Pop himself: “If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.”

Love conquers all. And so does a mid-week retreat. That is why I’ll be packing my Zen Solo Retreat Basket and heading to wherever my assistant sends me.

Did I mention it’s a full moon tonight?

His own personal Angel

I woke up Thursday morning to such disappointing news. My assistant and I were on the east coast for the weekend (celeb. emergency), when she told me that my amazing flat hair iron was dead. That was disappointment #1. Then when I was manually styling my hair, staring in the mirror, I noticed some Breaking News in the reflection. THE Smooth Criminal himself was pronounced dead, along with the moisture and shine in my hair.

My little Lotus Blossom and I were extremely upset to also learn that THE Glamorous Farrah Fawcett had also passed. That same morning. THE definition of a 1970's ultra-feminine icon. An inspiration to beautiful women everywhere. Including me.

Three disappointments in the matter of an hour.

The highlight of my day was when L. Blossom found the perfect replacement: A Verseo Ceramic Pro flat iron. If only she had discovered this amazing product sooner. At least my precious hair wouldn't be as depressed. I ordered three, then as I continued staring at the messy haired man in the mirror, I remembered M.J.'s lyrics: "If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change."

I just have to wait a couple days until my Ceramic Pro arrives.

One for One...

... is much classier than "an eye for an eye." And I, Takahatchi, being the classiest of them all, would like to thank Mr. Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS Shoes (also a classy gentleman) , for beginning the One for One Movement: For every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.

And believe me, there's more children in need than adults.

Trust me, I know some adults who have a pair of shoes for every day of the year... for the next 10 years. Take for example, Mz. Farrah Sterling.

I give myself credit for introducing her to TOMS, but I would like to thank her assistant, Ronna, for posting TOMS Shoes on the Viva Swag Accessory page. Taking this into consideration, I have purchased several pairs for myself (because I do have the ability to empathize), and one pair for my little lotus blossom, my assistant, Christine, because I want to bring joy and happiness to her lovely feet.

I also want to bring joy and happiness to YOU and Mz. Sterling by introducing NVEY ECO's Organic Lip Plumper. Take it from me, it's a $40 chemical-free miracle, and it will save you a trip to the cosmetic surgeon's office.

Much Respect. To you. Your feet. Your lips.

Ciao BeLLa!

AND Grazie for patiently waiting, for my return that is. Not only have I been sipping on Limoncello's and indulging in cannoli's, but I have been working on an exclusive project! Yes, yours truly, has been in Italy, working on the most anticipated movie of this year. And what may that be? I'll give you a hint, I had to use a LOT of that amazing Hi-Definition Foundation from Smashbox.....and marvelous shimmery/sparkly GENIE COLORES from COLORESCIENCE!

Now, you're either a crazed fan or a smart cookie. Go figure it out! Then go browse my simply stunning swag selections. My assistant will humbly appreciate it.

The transformation has begun!

And what is this transformation you ask?

It is the beginning of what is to become. The river is flowing, the stars are shooting, and Viva Swag is blossoming into the ultimate personal shopping experience! I have found myself a brand new assistant, and she is rather blessed to have me as a mentor. In fact, you are all blessed. It is I, who will assist each and every one of you on your path to beauty.

Outer beauty that is. I can't do anything about your inner beauty.

But it is I, Takahatchi...who has advised, criticized, and inspired dozens of A-D Listers into finally realizing that beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. And I, my friends, have 20/20 vision.

To quote the great Dalai Lama ~ "With realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world"

A world where my little lotus blossom and I can spoon feed you the latest scoop on beauty trends, chemical-free beauty products and words of wisdom.....

Lesson two: Invest in a good sunscreen, preferably one that smells like watermelon, and is brought to you by KORRES.

Now go flutter away and enjoy that Strawberry daquiri.

FOUNDATION ALWAYS!

I AM TAKAHATCHI. Fashion and beauty are my constant gift to humanity. Blog with me and learn the secrets of the stars - How I have personally made over the faces of virtually EVERY major celeb in Tinsel Town. How more than one celeb has left me only to return when their careers came crashing down along with their body parts. I, TAKAHATCHI, rejuvenated their faces and their careers. I can do the same for you!

The first lesson from the master:

FOUNDATION ALWAYS!

Beauty is like a tender butterfly that lights upon a passing leaf. The ying and the yang the feng and the shui the bread and the butter. And then you breathe too heavy like my dull assistant and BAM it flies away! You're fired, assistant! Where was I? Yes, the leaf is the foundation for the butterfly which creates the perfect balance for beauty. Foundation must be in perfect balance, for upon it sit the fabulous colors of the butterfly. And you, my precious, are my butterfly.

Start by applying a little SMASHBOX COSMETICS HIGH DEFINITION FOUNDATION and voila, the caterpillar becomes the butterfly. Now, you're hot, hot, and I mean H.O.T. You understand? Good! You are a fast learner! Now, if only I could find an assistant as smart as you...