Recently in Miscellaneous Category

I admit writing a blog is more work than I thought. If, of course, writing a blog was my full time job, or even part time, or 1/16th time for that matter it would be easier. But what content am I to provide you that you can't get elsewhere? That is usually my main question.

I guess that, they tell me, is where I step in. People want to hear it from someone with whom they've built a rapport. And I am only beginning to discover that there are actually people who read this and glean some sort of nugget on occasion from it. That alone keeps me going.

I think what the average reader may not understand is that thought I get SOME response, you can pretty much click onto any of my previous blogs and discover out of all of them I have gotten, perhaps, 6 comments. Sometimes people drop me a direct email, and I respond directly. Another thing I love to do, it's a great way to procrastinate and feel I'm working.

You see, I like to chat. I could probably go back and forth in an email in perpetuity. At some point I realize I am probably wasting someone's time, or in some instances, it is getting too personal. Not for me, mind you. I'm a spiller. But I do realize that TMI is TMI. So as I tend to give TMI, you at least have the great advantage of a simple click.

So what's on the horizon now? What am I working on? Let me give you the list. And, HELP! I LOVE ideas and thoughts from people who have a general idea of what might improve the process of getting the information to as many of you as possible. That is my purpose you know. To help people realize their ultimate image. I need to come up with a better one though. To help make you beautiful. Maybe that's better.

My mission (and don't worry I'm getting to what's on the horizon) 20 years ago was written like this: To create a comfortable, peaceful, and professional environment to help people attain and maintain their ultimate image potential.

It evolved to "To help people realize their ultimate image." In "the environment" though I tend to scare staff and clients for my own entertainment. So, I probably nixed the peaceful and professional part. It is, however, comfortable at reVamp! salonspa (check out our new website!) and my staff is rather professional (for the most part), and if you go downstairs to the spa department is truly is peaceful. (If I'm not creeping up on a manicurist).

Anyway, the horizon.

First in the works is the "Beauty Revival Guide," a workbook to accompany "Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45." I'm having Larissa, who is the fabulous designer behind the book, help me create the mate to the comeback system.

Next, I need some auxiliary products to sell when I have speaking gigs. You know, the point truly is to get as much insight, inspiration and information to as many people through as many means as possible. That includes my book on CD, DVD's of how to's, podcasts and/or video podcasts. I'm creating a new a cosmetic, yet to be revealed, to help the appearance of thinning hair. And I really need to find the right cups to go with my casual dinnerware. I also need to get my press package for my speaking organized and updated. Each and every one of these seems to require me to start at square one and research who what why when and where.

And, I want a new computer. So I have the PC people screaming to keep my PC, and the MAC people giving that superior nod that I don't really know what the enlightened do. Kind of like a Jehovah's Witness who knows you're gay. Love the sinner, not the sin. I know the look.

But that's another blog.

What I have done though is finish my blog for this morning. Updated you. And, as always, welcome comments. I am, still, figuring it all out. I have the information; I'm just not always adept at compiling it, editing it, printing it and publishing it.

I cannot speak any louder than the voices of the people who are touched.  In fact, I'm pretty speechless.   Imagine!  But these quotes taken from emails that have been sent me, keep me going.  

Q<strong>uotes from readers of SYC</strong>

"<em>"The book is my answer to prayer - "I am", beginning today, taking the step by step challenge"</em> -  Connie
 
 
<em>"I'm so impressed with your information, artistry, presentation,
conversational tone, and ,  and most of all-- your inspirational
makeovers on real women.  Your book is heads and shoulders above other
books that purport to cover the same topic."</em> -  Helen
 
<em>"I bought the book for my girlfriends as we're all 50-ish.  The book is
a solid hit!  Congratulations."</em> -  Kathy

<em>"I completely responded to your book and am grateful you do what you do!
Thank you for sharing your outstanding talents!"</em> -  Stephana
 
<em>"I have just re-read your book "Staging Your Comeback", and I want to
thank you for championing and yes, liberating! women of a certain age."</em> - Scarlett

<em>"Thanks to you I have a starting point, thanks to you, for the first
time in a long while I believe I can do and know I will. You've made
it easy."</em> -  Lori
 
<em>"Thank you so much for giving me hope.  I really don't think that you
have any idea how you are touching so many women in my situation."</em>- April

<em>"I have read your book Staging Your Comeback (I'm recommending it to my
friends) and it was so fun, insightful, and hopeful. You have a wonderful
outlook on aging."</em> -   Malana
<em>

<em>"I've read a number of books on how to look better as you age, they
were all helpful; but yours was absolutely awesome!! It really is
inspiring and so truthful, you really are the best at what you do. 
Thanks so much."</em> - Dee

<em>"Your book has saved my life.  Thank you so much for taking the time to
share your knowledge and help with all of us who so desperately need
it.</em>" - Maria

<em>"I rushed home from Walmart last night, your book in tow, and read
every page cover-to cover.  I have been looking for you for 10
 years!!!"</em> - Fay

<em>
"Thank you so much for addressing this often neglected season of life</em>."  - Joan
 
<em>"Thank you for a writing style that is to the point but takes the time
to have a little fun along the way.  There were several instances when
I nearly fell out of my chair with laughter!"</em> - Toby

<em>"But most of all, thank you. Somehow, over the years, I had forgotten
 that I was worth that effort. You rock my world!</em>" - Kelli.
<em>
"It is a wonderful book, and you made the process simple.</em>" - Chrissy

<em>"Thanks for thinking of us "Second Act" ladies and giving us the chance (and empowerment) to be beautiful again".</em>
Jennifer

 <em>
"You made me feel pretty again, Mr. Hopkins. I have now resolved to
curl my hair every day and put on makeup, even if I don't feel like  it."</em>  - Katie

<em>
"I WILL make a comeback.  And it will be YOU that inspired it." </em>  - Rebecca

<em>"Thank you for this book i feel more like a beautiful women than a
factory worker mom person. I have found me." </em> - Kim

Ever look back and think, "I used to...?" I do. A lot. I work through most of "I used to's.." ending up with either "I'm glad I did," or "at least I did." I rarely think I wish I hadn't. Recently I came across some old footage of a performance of mine for a PBS special with the Erie Philharmonic. It has been nearly 10 years since I stood on that stage with Maestro Eiji Oue conducting. Some things seem like yesterday and some things seem like another lifetime. When I look now at how young I appeared then it seems like incarnations ago. I wanted to share it though, so here it is. I'm glad I did.

Staging Your Comeback has been such a consistent seller at Wal-Mart over the past couple months that it has been picked up for six different Mod sets (planograms in Wal-Mart speak) in the Fall. To put that in perspective, the only other title that HCI publishes that had more Mod sets was "A Child Called It." Also, sales at Target have been so good that the book has been chosen for the planogram in 1,561 stores! Currently, it is on a best seller promotion because of the TV exposure. Since then sell through continues to exceed expectations and the book will move to the planogram (Life and Home section). The book continues to hold its own on Amazon as number two in Beauty and Health (and I'm going to make sure it gets to number one!). Feel free to add a review if you have not (and you like the book!). I can use all the good reviews I can get. Little House on the Prairie, The Musical a must see for fans of the books and show I had the great fun of going to the first preview of "Little House on the Prairie, The Musical" which is showing at the Guthrie and headed to Broadway. Sold out until October, the Musical has Melissa Gilbert playing Ma. I had the entertainment value of attending with Alison Arngrim (Television's Nellie Oleson) which, of course, made the experience more interesting (and hilarious). Drinks after the show with Melissa, Alison, and other cast members reminded me why I so pleased to no longer be "in theater." The drama, the angst, the who am I, am I good enough, who are you, I don't care. We did give Alison a tour of Minneapolis, complete with the flour tower tour at the Mill City Museum. A must experience if ever in the Twin Cities. Later we took her to a party at the Chambers hotel, where, gay icon that she is, she was inundated with men who LOVED that character. I looked over and she was sitting on a chair surrounded by grown men on the floor looking up at her with bright smiles and laughter. Shows you you CAN be a bitch and be loved. See? Christopher Hopkins, Tennis Star If you have a chance to grab one of the last remaining tickets (O.K. there are tons) to the Ronald McDonald House Classic Golf and Tennis Tournament on Monday, August 4th, you will be able to watch (and play alongside) local "celebrities" and do something good for charity. I have decided that yes, I will actually attempt to play tennis, something I have not done since 1984. Maybe 1982. And as memory serves me, I wasn't very good then. Which is why I quit. My parents TRIED to find a sport in which I could excel. I wrestled (where I just laid laughing when I got pinned "This is ridiculous"). I played basketball (where I knocked someone's tooth out doing lay ups, and was penalized for "traveling" having NO idea what that meant). I was in Little League (where I walked to first because the ball hit me in the arm, only later to get a black eye in the outfield when the ball rolled to me, hit a bump and popped up into my face). I shan't forget Miss Gullickson, the 7th the Phy Ed coach shouting "Hopkins, you pansy!" when I complained about doing ANOTHER 50 yard dash. I mean seriously, why? She must 60 something and arthritic now. One can only hope. So for the entertainment value alone, come play tennis with us. Or golf. Or just watch and be entertained with bafoonery. I must go shopping for an outfit. I mean, I should really get on the court and practice.

I just returned from a book signing event in my hometown of Redwood Falls. Redwood Falls, Minnesota is a town of about 5000 people and is 2 hours (we use time instead of distance) southwest of the Twin Cities. Sort of like those on the coasts like to think the Midwest as "fly over" territory, people in the Twin Cities at times tend to think of rural areas as, well, provincial. They'd be wrong. As I greeted women and signed books at A & W Furniture and Gifts,one of the largest furniture show rooms in Minnesota, I was once again reminded of the lovely women from where I was raised. The women who we saw every day as our teachers, secretaries, board members and Moms - those Mom's who showed up for Parent/Teacher conferences and sporting events and who we secretly compared to our own. What I remember, "back then," was that the ladies in my hometown knew how to make themselves attractive. They had their hair done, their nails were manicured, and they wore fresh and classic looks that represented their sense of style. Their look was based on appropriate for the occasion. Women dressed up for church, out of respect. Teachers dressed professionally and attractively out of respect for their profession and their students. Men wore jackets. Sales clerks got ready for work. Moms walked through the park with tans, short shorts, and cute figures. Though the community's industry was based primarily on agriculture and manufacturing, there was a sense of respect and pride in appearance that raised the image of the small community. But the world changed. Casual, relaxed, comfortable and "who cares?" took over in the 70's and 80's and by the time we hit the 90's it had transformed the urban, took over the sub-urban and slayed the rural with a vengeance. Cut-off shorts and sweats at Church? Absolutely. "God doesn't care what you wear." Ill fitting, poorly made flimsy knits suctioned to figures that embraced curly fries? "I'm just running to the store." But I was given a gift last night. A reminder that not everyone has "gone with it." I was reminded as I saw those same teachers, secretaries, board members and Mom's, now older but still oddly as I remember them, of what I loved about my home town. A sense of right. A sense of respect for the occasion. An effort made when it would be so much easier to not. A belief that it doesn't matter where you live; it is how you live. I knew they did it, in part, for me. They know I have become "The Makeover Guy" and I was signing a book about beauty. They knew I'd notice. But I also knew they did it for themselves. They "got ready." And I realized again that it is from those women, in large part, that I built my voice. Their influence helped in how I wrote my book and to whom I was speaking. And it reminded me of what I loved about growing up in a town that took pride in its appearance, its sense and respect for occasion. It reminded me that how we appear speaks so much more about our self respect and respect for others than anything we do or say. You won't convince me that appearance isn't important. It certainly isn't everything, but it represents everything you are saying when there isn't time to say a thing. View image The Book Signing Event in Redwood Falls, MN View image Classmate Erik Scholl's Mom, Bev and his sister Jane View image English Teacher Sandi Schwartz getting "free" advice View image Aunt Mary Wetmore and her daughter Emily (who would want me to make a point that she is pregnant here).

Christopher,

I am a 47 y.o. woman who let herself go.  I don't really know why except I've gained 60 lbs over the past 8 years and gave up wearing make-up and wearing anything other than sweat pants and horrible fitting blue jeans.

Your book has given me the inspiration to get out there and try again!!!!  To be honest, after seeing Sex N the City movie two times since it came out, I did go out and buy 5 easy summer dresses.  Non form fitting but much much nicer than sweatpants.  I also bought an expensive designer purse and shoes as I couldn't go through summer in my new dresses with a 5+ year old black leather purse.

But your book has provided me with a true game plan for the summer.  I am going for a pedidure today and for eyebrow shaping on Tuesday.  I just booked both appointments.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me some courage to start over.

Nancy

  Christopher -I just finished reading your book and had to email.  I send a thousand 'thank you' notes for writing your book.  I am a sixty something who just returned to the work force for my fourth career and believe me I had no clue what to wear.  When I was twenty and thirty is was simple - read a magazine, buy a little suit, understated make-up and I was good to go.  Now with the uneven skin and the wrinkles and the SAD state of dress in the work place I was totally lost.  I have never before been in this position so your book was a Godsend.  I shall use every page (including the ones about organizing my closet-ugh).  Best of the best to you

Sincerely,

Danna  

Dear Christopher,

I bought your book and loved it I have underlined and highlighted each and every page. I feel that your book is a breath of fresh air and a joy to read and am following all your hints and guidelines. I am the true alluring/dramatic can't you tell and won't give up without prying your book out of my hands.The words old lady will get people beaten to the ground.lol If you are planning a beauty journal/workbook that goes into more depth. I would buy it yesterday.

smooches phyllis  

Hi Christopher!

I'm really excited!!  I bought your book yesterday - it JUMPED off the shelf at me - exactly what I was looking for to revamp and revitalize!!  I have been fervently studying every page, highlighting, making notes in the margins, writing affirmations, taking measurements, and kickin' ass!!  (Okay, not literally, but you get the point).

PS - I'm 44 and I look too frumpy for the way I genuinely feel inside.  I'm tired of covering up the real me with all this frumpiness!!!  You're book speaks right to the heart and soul of a woman - do you know that? Your words jump off the pages and have pulled me out of this mess that I am not, but of which I have become.  THANK YOU!!!!!


Rebecca  
Orange Park, FL

Good Morning, Mr. Hopkins:
 
I purchased your book yesterday, and while I have only had time to do the initial "hit the high points" read, I have to say that you've hit a home run. My goal this morning is to find my tape measure and determine my body type, etc. While I have always tried to dress stylishly and appropriately, and have always styled my hair and used makeup, something's been missing. Hopefully, your program will give me the little extra something I need to feel completely confident in this second act. Thanks!
 
Jo (age 51)
 
Dear Christopher,
 
The first time I wrote to you I had started to add some new looks to my wardrobe and was starting to wear some make up on a regular basis.  Well it's almost 2 months now and my wardrobe is almost totally changed.  I'm wearing a light but complete make-up everyday and for the final transformation I colored my hair for the first time in 5 years!  My hair could have been called salt & pepper in the front but was nearly all gray/white in back.  I used your guidelines and went with a color that was a little lighter than my natural color when I was younger.  When I walked into work on Monday morning the comments were great.  Everyone agreed I looked about 15 years younger and people said I looked like my own younger sister.
 
All that was very fun but the biggest change was on the inside.  I just felt better, younger, more confident and more ready to take charge of this phase of my life. Then one day I had the opportunity to speak with the top 2 people in the company about a situation that I thought I could contribute to and do you know what happened?  I got promoted!  This week I moved out of the "cube farm" and into my own office.  OK, so the 30 years of retail experience I bring to the job is important but you can't tell me that the changes I made both inside and out after reading your book didn't help!  I'm not sure I ever would have put myself out there and spoken up for my own position without the personal confidence I've found.
 
Thanks again, I'm a believer and I'll be watching for the sequel,
Debbie



 

 

Looking great is difficult. Particularly on the campaign trail. I have first hand experience in this matter. I did Hillary Clinton's hair and makeup her first time on the campaign trail. What distinctly stands out in my head was how different she was from the women I was used to "improving."

At the time I did the hair and makeup for the news talent on the local ABC affiliate news station. When a television personality sits in the chair there is always one eye open watching. "I think that's too much."

Or "Can you spray that more?"

When Hillary was ready for hair and makeup she calmly closed her eyes and exhaled. As if, "now it's time for this. Not my thing, but he's the professional."

I told her "I'm just going to follow what has already been done."

To which she replied "Thank you, I appreciate that."

When I got done with her hair she looked and said "Wow! How did you get that volume on top?"

Then finally, "What can I do for my skin up here in Minnesota, it's so dry."

I don't know if she was actually interested, or asked instinctively knowing everyone is a voter. I didn't care. I liked her. She was calm, positive, interesting and focused. I liked her.

I still like her. Only now she has my great respect. There's a famous quote that says "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, only backwards and in high heels." This applies. I continue to wonder at how put together and attractive is Hillary Clinton. Against genetic odds she takes what she's got and makes it work. Radiant isn't easy. Particularly for a 60 year old woman running a race while the whole world watches. But she does it looking good. And that alone is a huge testament.

Hillary does what Obama does, only backwards, forwards and sideways in heels, hose, makeup, highlights, hairspray, foundation, powder lipstick...and a really good bra. Try that for a couple weeks, Obama.

My friend Mark Durkop called me to judge a fashion competition. He said "I've invited my friend Jack who was on Project Runway." I'd not watched the current season of project runway, so I immediately did an internet search and go the skinny. I found Jack's hilarious youtube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evCOdcJl2PEand looked forward to meeting him.

Jack arrived in time for us to appear as guests on FM107's Lori and Julia show. Unfortunately as I pulled in to the parking lot of KSTP my car died, leaving me having to arranging towing and repairs minutes before going on air. Fortunately always there Robert, who had chauffeured Jack from the airport could stay until the segment was over and transport Jack to his hotel, and me to our home.

As I ran around trying to clean up and prepare for company (Jack, Mark and his friend, ShopNBC host Brian Kessler) Robert went to get food and drinks. Jack arrived, with laundry, and always ready to help Robert washed, dried and folded. Robert also prepared and served the food and the rest of us settled in to getting to know each other a little better. No want of conversation this group. 4 extroverts and Robert, who can certainly hold his own, but is most likely man out of the conversation when it's ruled by 4 "front of the camera" personalities.

After about an hour we drove to CRAVE restaurant in the Galleria in Edina, where coincidentally Jack was born. Not in the Galleria, but in Edina. We met Keyvan Talebi, my business partner, and owner of CRAVE, Bella Notte, View, ReVamp! salonspa, and a few other companies I don't know much about. His girlfriend, the ever fashionable and always charming Laura Schara joined us as we completely devoured sushi, flat bread pizzas, home made pastas, Sea Bass and Chicken. I'd go into preparation details, but that is where I have no talent. "A what reduction sauce?" Oh. Tastes good. Next.

Photo: Brian Kessler, Mark Durkop, Jack Mackenroth, Christopher Hopkins (right click to view entire image)

Photo: Mark, Jack, Christopher, Robert, Keyvan Talebi and Laura Schara (right click to view entire image)

I'm not a foodie. I like food, but discussing it is about as interesting to me, as the conversation on fashion and trend and body types was to Keyvan. I do try to throw in a business sentence or two to keep him from dozing. That or something about breasts.

All in all a lovely evening, good schmoozing, great friends and a wonderful warm up to the following night competition held at Epic Event Center in Minneapolis. But that is, another Blog.

I tried. I tried to "get it." I tried to be "hip to the new scene" and embrace what appeared to me to be 52 horny bar chicks ready to rumble. Flipping through channels, my partner of 20 years and my guide to "am I being too bitchy?" Robert agreed. So by the time we were on our third Manhattan our two dogs, Max and Jake kept looking up to see what was wrong with the Daddies as they screamed "NOOOOO!" and "TEERRIIBBLLEE!!!"

Seeing a bunch of babes in boot-cut denims, heels and tank tops give each other high fives and click across the stage like a night club gal running to the bathroom was, to say the least, disturbing. But then to see them eliminated, put to the test, and embarrassed in front of a screaming crowd of, who were they, anyway...the crowd? Did they give free tickets at the Las Vegas Strip Mall? Ick. Well, it was disheartening.

Next, the swimsuit competition. Out come women primed for the cover of Maxim. Even I wanted to take them home, give them what they needed, and send them home grateful. There was no grace, no loveliness, just sex. Fitness and health? More like: "Twenty bucks for a lap dance?" Robert: "Where's the pole?"

Poor Clinton Kelly. It was obviously for the money. I give him credit as he managed to hold it together in a sea of estrogen and implants when he obviously wanted to be anywhere else. As the most lovely were eliminated to leave us with, you guessed it, bottle blondes with spray tans and bleached teeth, the moment of no return: The eliminated contestant who got down and gave us 20. PUSH UPS! Joined by her sisters in strappy stilletos and bitty black dresses, we watched in horror.

What once gave us the hope that young women could sustain a title that held the name America, was drizzed down to Hooters waitresses who could, as a hobby, sing and dance. America. Once the beautiful.

I feel like I'm starting all over again. After a brief hiatus from the regular TV makeover scene, I'm back at it. The process is not the same since I let my hair go gray two years ago. Trying to re invent, as it were, how I look, when I'm used to looking how I LOOKED is daunting. For years, I had enough episodes under my belt to watch and learn and remake myself in the image becoming to a TV camera, that it became rote. Now, however we have, (gasp) HIGH DEFINTION TELEVSION!! I don't like it. I look better in person than on TV, and the glory of TV in the past was, with the right lighting, you could look BETTER on camera than in real life.

To complicate matters further, we have wide screens. So my once too skinny and defined face, which improved with horizontal bands of television, has gained in fullness and fluid, which works for me in person, but on camera , I look like William Shattner. I notice every detail from the botox to my eye lid imbalance. (I always noticed the lids, but I actually forgot about it until high def). To make matters worse, my facial issues come SCREAMING out of flat wide screens in across the country. I can hear my clients on the treadmill watching with no sound... "He's done something, I can't tell what, but he doesn't look right."

Now, this is where someone says "you're too self critical." Ok. You're right. But that doesn't change the fact that I can see way too much facial information that once passed under the radar.

I really feel for Barbara Walters now