The PA Burlesque Festival is almost here!

We are exactly 1 week away from the 6th Annual PA Burlesque Festival at the Mauch Chunk Opera House and those of us here at Sinister Rouge couldn't be more excited!

You see, it's because of the Burlesque Festival that we first found our way to this beautiful mountain town that we now call home.  It also happens to be where we met Bettie Krueger & Krystal Lake for the first time!  Madame Corsetiere is an inspiration with the way she brings everyone together.  I'll be the first to tell you that trying to keep a good group of people together and going is not the easiest of feats.  Not to mention her skills when it comes to costume design are incredible to say the least.  But back to the show next week, that's what you really want to know about.....

 Do you see that? Miss Poison Ivory is headlining Friday night!  <<girlie squeals>>  Miss Poison Ivory is definitely the one performance I am always the most excited about ever since I first saw her on the PA Burlesque Festival Stage for their Halloween themed Boolesque Event...So, yes, last year when she won the Crystal Corset Award, we were all ecstatic!  Check out my favorite performance that I've seen so far here: 

 Not only do you have 2 nights of amazing performers (click here for full listing), but they're also doing 2 days of classes!  That's right, in love with what you see in that video above or at any of the shows?  Miss Poison Ivory will be teaching 'Burlesque 101' on Saturday.  Nina La Voix, who can shake it like no other, will be teaching her class "What Dat Booty Do" on Sunday, which if it's anything like last year's packed class will be tons of fun!  Madame Corsetiere will even be teaching 2 classes on Sunday!  I could go on and on, but just check out the full schedule.

See you there!

What's a Blue Moon anyway?

July 31st is the next time a Full (and Blue) Moon hits the skies. What many don't understand, is why a regular old Full Moon sometimes gets referred to as a Blue Moon.

There's a few reasons why...

1. A Full Moon is called a Blue Moon when it is the second Full Moon in a calendar month (the first Full Moon in July happened on the first).

2. Another definition of a Blue Moon, is when two Full Moons occur in the same Astrological sign.

3. Lastly, the term Blue Moon could be used to describe the third Full Moon in a season of four. Now an Astrological "season" isn't a regular weather season like Spring or Summer, but is a time period between a solstice and an equinox.

Since Blue Moons are uncommon, happening only every two or three years, the saying "Once in a Blue Moon" is used to mean a rare concurrence and has nothing to do with the actual color of the Moon. The next Blue Moon won't hit the skies until January 2018, so July 31st is a good day to do something different. Do something you haven't done before!

If you're looking for some one-on-one astrology or tarot guidance, head on over to my website (www.KSBRodgers.com) to book a reading!

Feeling comfortable in your own skin - just in time for beach season!

Hey there!

So it's summer. I want to talk about feeling comfortable with the body you have right now. I mean it, right now, this second. You with (what you think) is a "terrible" body, listen up! You're awesome, and your body is a gift. Can you walk? Can you lift things? Can you speak and move? Then, guess what, your body is perfect just as it is!

I keep seeing things like this being put up by people on Facebook:

This is Jack Black as Nacho Libre.

Tacos aren't inherently bad for you. You can make them with lettuce instead of corn tortillas, you can use grilled fish, tofu, or chicken instead of ground beef. You don't HAVE to add cheese - use onion and cilantro. If you want a taco, eat a stupid taco. This is what I want to reply when I see it, but I don't. Maybe I should, but honestly, I don't want to make someone with body issues feel worse. Instead, I normally tell them that they're awesome the way they are and that I puffy heart them.

One slice won't kill you. Seriously.

This one really drives me crazy. Again, healthful alternatives - cauliflower crust, whole wheat crust, less cheese, vegan cheese, no meat, etc. If you want it, eat it. Don't eat a whole pie - you'll likely feel gross. Enjoy the damned pizza, and go ahead and have a beer with it if you want. Enjoy your life, damn it!

I'm saying this to you as someone who was there before. I suffer(ed) from body dysmorphia, an eating disorder, and exercise orthorexia. There are some of us who are all or nothing. You can either suffer and burn out, or you can find peace and accept yourself. At almost 35, I've found peace and I accept myself. 80% of the time, I eat small portions and make healthful choices, and the other 20% I eat things that make me happy - like ice cream, s'mores, and hot dogs. I have food allergies and some gut issues, so I am forced to restrict certain items, or I'll end up in the hospital, so there's that. I find alternatives, like sunflower butter, that make me happy and remind me of foods that I used to eat.

Remember, you don't know what someone is battling, but you can be kind. Enjoy your life and please, don't feel bad if you have thighs that rub together - you're closer to a being a mermaid that way. Stretch marks and cellulite - puh-lease - battle scars. Chub? Whatever.

Enjoy the beach - wear an awesome straw hat, wear that suit, and if you need to, an airy caftan or cover up.  Use sunscreen, and enjoy the salt water or pool. Soak in those rays and read a book. That's what summer's about. Oh, and custard!

New Jersey Festival of Ballooning: Up Up and Away!!

 New Jersey Festival of Ballooning!!!

Your Next Date Destination!

If you and your significant other are looking for a fun filled day or evening you should consider taking a trip to the New Jersey Festival of Ballooning at the Solberg Airport in Whitehouse NJ.  The Quickchek NJ Festival of Ballooning is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America!!! Held annually, the festival features twice daily mass ascensions of over 100 special shapes and sport hot air balloons, concerts, food, vendors, crafts, fireworks, a balloon glow (evening), and a 5K run. There are also many local hotel accommodations if you would like to lengthen your stay. The hot air balloon ascensions are at 6am and 6pm each day of the festival. The timing helps ensure not only a breathtaking sunrise or sunset experience but is also the calmest time of day in terms of wind. The balloons will not be released if the weather is not adequate.

It has always been on my bucket list to go on a hot air balloon ride and this festival is a perfect opportunity to do so!

Prices and other information:

If you are considering taking your own ride to go up up and away during one of the mass ascensions you will need to order your ticket online for $225-$250 per rider. General admission to the festival is $25 from June 27^th-July 23^rd if purchased over the phone or online. General admission tickets at the gate can be purchased for $35.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. If you are interested in volunteering or working as a vendor inside the festival visit the festival website here.

The address for the festival is:

Solberg Airport

39 Thor Solberg Rd

Whitehouse Station NJ 08889

The Festival is held Friday July 24^th through Sunday July 26^th.  See you there!!!!

XOXO

Jennabelle Adams