How the heck do I get this thing published?

I get by with a little help from my friends!

Fortunately this Broke Diva has some cool friends. The book I have written is for grades K-4. I have a friend in Miami that teaches children in that age demo and had her read the manuscript. She loved it - yes! And even lent her skills in editing it for me - what a great girl. Her name is Amy and I am giving her a shout out! She told me she could not wait to read it to her class.

I also have some PR friends. Dawn, sent me a lovely and very LONG list of children's book publishers. My other home-girl, Andrea read and revised my query letter to prospective agents - because apparently you need one of those to get the publishing houses to even read your manuscript.

And lastly my long-time friend/sister and writing partner, Jamiyla sent me some pointers on query letters. I put all of our ideas together and redid the query letter ready to send. Ok so that's down.

NOW, on to money. As it is, I cannot afford to self-publish at this time. I just enrolled in school to elevate my degree status in Fashion & Retail Business (I am preparing to become CEO-Founder of one the largest children's brands in the US, so I have got to have my education in order).

So again, now...I have no money. I read about ebooks and thought that might be the perfect way to do this thing while waiting for an agent to attack this book. My husband put it in terms of the music industry with indie artists: You print and press your own CD's and sell, sell, sell until you get a deal. This way when the A&R's and label reps give you a deal - you pretty much can name your own terms because of what you have already sold and are continuing to sell. Makes you more desirable, marketable to an existing audience and profitable.

With an ebook I can sell the PDF download on the website (soon to come) for a great low price, say about $3, and sell it until I fundraise the money to get the book pressed and bound. Once I have reached the selling goal I re-direct the sales to the hardcover. The $3 deal is limited and makes folks get into it faster and more folks will want to pay the ebook price before they commit to the full price (somewhere between $10-$12 hardcover). So it's a great marketing tool. I'll even give a free hardcover to the first 1000th downloader!

Deadline to get this up: June 13th, 2010 on my brother's birthday. 

I am on linkedin, momcafe.com and a great children's fashion source site with access to thousands of viral customers. So I hope that the intro price plan will erupt and explode - all while waiting to hear back from some agent. If I do not get picked up soon after the limited ebook price - I will self-publish and get some help to distribute. So far so good? Well, I know it will be time consuming. But sounds good to me!

I am grateful for my friends and they are all long-time relationships spanning back a cool 15 years and more! They are my go-to people for EVERYTHING. And the husband is the best because he's soooo accessible.
I just turn to any side and start talkin'. Because I am the master of multi-tasking. I am still in business plan mode and wrapping that up for the summer, home-school the big kids and take care of the future Tripple Crown winner, be creative, cook dinner, clean the home, watch the sunset in rainbow colors, etc., etc., etc...

AND now I write books!

I always thought of writting a children's book. Especially after I conquered child #1 and then, child #4.
I wondered about it and thought that this is pretty simple - life with my kids is like a reality show that never ends. And it's not even scripted! You can't make up the stuff that goes on here. The friends that have stayed with me and my family can testify to that. So why not give this a shot?

I never believed in being stuck on one thing or that you can only excel in one thing. But I love to write and I love to write creatively. I am working on a website for a television series that I co-wrote with a wonderful and long-time friend of mine, that is going to be big fun (update when the site is released). But this kids book thing is so clever and so chill, I had to do it.

The series is called "Arizona Paris" and is inspired by my daughter, Leotie (you know - the one who cried for a Prada bag on Rodeo Dr). She reminds me of a little Lucille Ball. Everything she does and says is magic. And she is always acurrate in her delivery. There is not a moment that goes by that does not include me shaking my head in amazement. She is the leader of the pack here when it comes to comic relief.

However, now that we are in the boonies of Arizona, the fun does not stop. She is bringing to life everything she has absorbed in Hollywood to our rural lifestyle. It is the most interesting thing ever to me because she defines country-chic. She brought Hollywood to Cochise county and mixed it with her love of horses and big imagination. Picture a 5 year old girl helping to shovel horse poop in patent leather shoes and fancy white gloves. This is my daughter and it is hilarious!

So I wrote the first story of an ongoing series. It is about our move from LA to Arizona in what would be from her perspective. I read it to the kids and they so got it. They laughed when they were supposed to and they enjoyed the story, so at least the target audience is locked down. And I am going to do the illustrations-yay!  When I read it to my husband he immediately wanted to be down and offered his artistic skills - which I would be honored to use. He is a fantastic artist.

So now another item on the list to cross off -

• Get the kids brand of shoes/apparel and accessories off the ground in 2011.
• Get the TV show picked up.
• Win the Kentucky Derby (3 years from now).
• Launch the women's wear line (dream #1).
• Have a successful writing career!
• Curate a museum exhibit. I am such a nerd and still on the Indiana Jones fantasy.

So now the next step is to send out queries and hopefully find an agent ;) Thank goodness I've got some great friends reading this and giving some valuable feedback.

This Diva is always on the grind to create what's hot and will let you all know how things progress!

tg

Diva's use large wok!

My son, Little Paw has been begging us to eat frog. He has also requested snail and monkey brain. In fact he has requested just about every kind of animal/insect you can think of that does NOT exist on your supermarket shopping list. But who could blame him? I mean how many frozen pizza rolls, french fries and cheeses sandwiches can he eat? And I have not done such a tremendi-oso job with dinner either - it's chicken or chicken! Well, I through in a steak every now and then.

So what's a Broke Diva to do? Chinese take-out? That costs us just under $50.00 to feed the brood. Pizza? We are not residing in NYC anymore so the watered down, doughy substitutes of the franchises are cheap, yes - but not desireable. And don't get me started on why we are not eating out every night at the nearest chic, L.A. restaurant. Where we live now, we spend  more money filling the tank than to get to the nearest place with food!  So when my inquisitive and daring little 6 year old started to actually cry over it - off we went to find "new, exciting and different foods!"

The husband got the address to Lee Lee's Oriental Market in Tucson and off we went on an adventure that turned into a history lesson of sorts as well. I found that the best way to feed the family and offer them something great to eat every night was to visit Asia. We walked into the largest supermarket in all of Arizona that catered to all of Asia - including the Middle East. We bought something from every region. We bought some spices, sauces, breads, jasmine rice, cat fish, weird fruit (that tasted as weird as they looked), whole octopus, large frog legs (yes, we did), lamb, goat (for curry), a variety of other stuff and did not skimp on the curry! We even invested in a REAL hand-hammered, gianormous wok. It's a bi-otch to "season" - but worth it. We had one from Target in storage - but this was serious cooking at only $16 bucks. All in all we spent just over $200 - that's 4 nights of Chinese take-out. And while in the store I schooled the kids on the Buddhas they were seeing all over the place and even took some of those free booklets - "Heart of a Buddha."

It has been about 3 weeks and we are STILL dipping into the spices and frozen dumplings. It was a great way to keep costs down - but to also introduce new foods to the kids. We love West Indian dishes and Asian dishes so this was a treat for the husband and I too cook the dishes we enjoy that the kids don't get a chance to eat. I mean where is the nearest West Indian restaurant in Arizona? As far as I am concerned - it's on Flatbush Ave, in Brooklyn! My girl, Candice would be proud.

And that octopus did take a minute to get tender - but was AWESOME! Little Paw was so ecstatic - he still is because we have not gone through our Asiatic food stash. This was luxury for the Broke Diva all the way out here in West Bubble... And I even started using our beautiful serving dishes at our vintage dinning table (found a great one on craigslist that can seat up to 8 people). The husband bought a very nice center piece with candles (we have NOT lit them yet). Leotie thought it was a very nice piece and good for " - kissing Daddy" - too much TV. The whole experience took us out of the living room and into the kitchen and saved us tons of money as a result.

I know that this is a  hood cliche that if you don't have money and you're hungry - go to the Chinese Food Spot. However this is slightly different because you are making the dishes yourself - but pretty much the same! I remember going to the Chinese Food Spot and bringing home my $3.00 chicken wings with fried rice and egg roll and eating from one of my mother's occasion dishes than out of the Styrofoam plate it came in. Always had to be fabulous in some way. When I got older I had it with white wine. Now I use my totally official wok from Taiwan and through down like my name was, Nadira Assam.

Anyway - a great idea to brush up on your culinary Diva-ness and stay sassy and classy with no dough!

tg

A new Beginning - again...

A little over a year ago I took my oldest daughter, Leo on a Rodeo Drive stroll with some associates of mine. We walked onto the landing of the Prada mega-shop and took a look at the mannequin in the underground display case. While we proceeded to enter the shop, she stopped to look at the small cosmetic cases with flowers on them.  They had them on display like free candy. She picked up a purple one and said, "Mommy, can I have this one?" - they were the words most parents loathe to hear when they cannot get something for their child. But for real, it was a PRADA bag for crying out loud! She could have very well asked for a make-up case at Target and it would have been fine. Nonetheless, she is my daughter and for some reason she knew that this particular bag was the bag she had to have. I motioned her inside the store somehow and thought she had forgotten all about it. However once we were headed out she remembered - "But Mommy, what about the bag?" - darn it. I told her that I just could not get her the bag "today." My colleagues - vintage fashionistas - thought it was a great moment in time for them. I, on the other had, wished that I could unload my black AMEX and head straight to the cashier to purchase a multi-hundred dollar Prada bag for my 4 year old.

What took place over the course of an hour was amazing. My disappointed daughter cried her heart out at the entrance of Rodeo Drive during the middle of the afternoon. I mean nothing could stop her tears - not even candy from the sales girl at Cesare Paciotti. Folks were coming out of their shops to see the little girl in her glam shades crying along the strip. Once I told them what she was crying for - I think they wanted to break out the AMEX, too. We even saw that model, Toccara Jones at Gucci - nothing.  Finally - while waiting on line for about forever at Sprinkles...she fell asleep in my arms. She didn't even see the sprinkles!

That whole scene was crazy to me because she did not throw a tantrum. She did not sulk - she just stopped dead in her tracks and cried like she lost her kitten. It was a whole-hearted cry. She is now 5 years old and a princess in training. I wondered if she would become a Broke Diva herself one day. I am sure of it. So tomorrow I am introducing her to my 1960's vintage sewing machine. I have not sewn a stitch in years - but I bought it for her. To make dresses and whatever she wants that I can do on this machine. I also bought it to ease my sewing hand and to get back to the heart of who I am. I am a designer and frankly I am my best when working with my own hands. My OWN hands. I think that this machine and my designs will show my daughter - all of my children - that you can create what you want. I am not saying that I can create that Prada bag - but I am going to show her an outlet of creativity that money cannot buy.

I have a laundry list of things I want to make. I hope that by me getting back into the groove of designing and sewing will open up what has been put to the back for some years now. Back when I was living it up as a naive artist - I felt greatly liberated. Now that I have the education of the industry - I am so ready to get it all started again. So bit by bit, dress by dress, and getting the kids shoe line off next year, I will regain what years of working for other folks has put to the side. My goal is to walk down any street/drive/or road with my daughter and when she says "Mommy, can I have this one?" - I can say, "Yes, yes you can." And pulling out a loaded AMEX won't be too bad either. But for now I toll away and sew and write and draw my heart out until I create the life I desire. So far it is coming together daily.

It is another beginning - as all journeys are. I am looking out into the starry sky and can see shadows of our horses in the night. Another realization for the Broke Diva. Something that I always dreamed about as a little girl is right beyond my window. I am not wealthy in money - but mega rich and wealthy in the since of making the life I want.

So I auditioned for Project Runway?

Yes, it's true. I have not told many folks but this is the story:

I had just gotten over the new-mother crazies with my first son, Little Paw and had decided to venture back into the world of fashion. At this time my husband was working with The Humane Society of New York and I had to find something to to keep me occupied at home. Being a designer, not even the demands of a 1 year old could keep me from sketching!

I was online checking emails and my sister-in-law sent me this link that she thought I or my artistic husband may be interested in. It was 2004 and there was an ad for designers - designers of all kinds - to come to a hotel in Tribeca with a portfolio of work to compete for a chance to showcase at Bryant Park for Fashion Week. Okay - so maybe I totally missed the fine print that this was an audition for a television show? Well, at that point I was not about to ask someone to take off work to "baby-sit" my son for me, so... I packed him and my portfolio along with some swimsuits I had made. If some of my friends remember that I was deep into swimwear around that time and had gotten some swimsuits made...anyway, I took my Little Paw with me to this "audition" I thought - what could be the harm in that? I show my portfolio, my little press clips and runway pictures of the shows I've done - why not put swimwear on Bryant Park?

I was a House-Wife for crying out loud and I needed some air! Who would pass up the chance to show under the tents? And there was nothing wrong with taking my son - my motivation, with me. I arrived at the hotel (don't ask me the name of it now), with Littles in his high-end stroller and sat in line outside with the other designer hopefuls. I was in between a t-shirt designer and a special occasion dress designer. None of us knew what the heck this audition was for. The ad said "calling ALL designers" and every designer came - people who made scarfs, children's clothing, someone was there who designed socks - NO ONE knew what they were there for. Eventually after about 2 hours passed, my name was called and I entered the room where they were holding the other designers before me. The girl that was ushering me in pined over Littles and let me leave the stroller in the hall, "Aw...he's so cute" she said to my little bundle of joy. "Thank You" I replied as I looked up at these blinding lights and camera crew that were around the room. I thought to myself - why in the world are they filming this? What is this some kind of TV show? No - it couldn't be.

Little's and I were seated off to the side as a woman showing her scarves to 2 people that were seated behind a table covered with black cotton cloth. The man was tall and tailored with short white/silver hair and the woman was blonde and very pretty. The girl that brought us in asked me if it was alright to look at my portfolio while we waited my turn. She told me my swimsuits were hot and that when I go up there - just be natural and not to be shy...I really was not prepared to be filmed. I am not a camera fan. It was a rainy day after all and I had been waiting for 2 hours – I was still a part-time, breast feeding cow who was itching for her next meal. I played with Littles and gave him his bottle and then, it was my turn. "He can sit here with me while you go up" she said. Well, with all the camera lights I was still reluctant to leave him even for a few feet away. He was such a great baby he gave me no problems and indulged himself with her clipboard and pen while I sat down in front of lights, camera, action!
Okay so by now you know the tall guy was, Tim Dunn because that is what he told me his name was and that I was auditioning for a show that puts a group of designers together to compete for a spot under the tents. He along with the very pretty woman (an Editor from Elle Magazine) flipped through my portfolio and of course thought the designs were "Fierce" as Tim Dunn said. However it was difficult for him to push me forward because I was a swimsuit designer and that the competition would involve having to make dresses or a coat and apparel pieces. I told him that was not a problem for me - but that I did not understand what this was about. Then he asked me - "What would you do with the baby" - we all looked over at Littles..."What do you mean" I asked. "This is a television show and we make all of the designers live with each other for about 6 months and..." Well at that point everything that he and the Elle Editor said went "Womp, whomp, wha, wha." A television show? Who would do such a thing? and Why? Then I thought of Bryant Park and responded as only a Broke Diva could, "I'll get my husband to watch him." Well, we all went into hysterics because that was just not happening.

Tim Dunn thin rubbed his hand across his chin "-I want you on the show just so you can bring the baby, he's gorgeous." He and the Editor agreed however thought that may be a problem. There would be no way that I could - now seeing what Project Runway has become - cut, sew and pull together a collection with poor Littles strapped to a dress-form. Getting mommy-confusion with a busty mannequin covered in muslin with scraps of fabric in place of his pamper. That just would not work. I wanted to do this thing even more once I knew I could not participate. I looked behind them at the black curtain where the "chosen" were able to walk through. It was the most interesting interview I had ever been on. Never in a million would I think there would be a reality show on fashion competition. I said my Good-byes to everyone and was given business cards and told to come back for the next round. I was just happy that they liked what they saw. It was another validation to my craft and why I would tote my 1 year old to the city for a chance to sashay down the runway.

I will never forget that day because when we walked out of the hotel, the sun broke as Littles and I walked down Broadway to China Town. I did stop at Pearl River before we took the descend to the subway home.

I remember telling my husband about it and how I said I would get him to watch the baby. He thought that was hysterical, too. For some reason I did not - I think I was actually considering it. "How and where would we get money from?" he asked me. Being the supportive husband he said, “Are they going to pay you?” Well, of course not and as for means of money, I had not figured that out yet. I figured it would just happen. That is the what a Broke Diva does - she does not always think things through - she just knows it needs to happen. I did not go back to the second calling to reclaim my place. There really wasn't a way to get money to pay rent, etc. while the hubby and Littles waited for me to try to make it to Seventh on Sixth. So I totally forgot about it until I saw the first season of Project Runway. Was this the television show I was supposed to be on? It was madness! I probably would have fought with every designer there.  And Parsons? I was a graduate of F.I.T - Parsons was like Holy Water to Vampires for us. But it was the best show I had seen in a long time. I sooooo could have rocked that show - so could my husband. But for sure some great talent was there and the show has evolved and has acquired some dope designers.

I never made it Project Runway, but I will never forget that Tim Dunn thought my Littles was gorgeous and adorable. And thought my work was great as well. A small part of me takes pride in being at that audition.
6 seasons and 3 more kids later I still think that Tim Dunn must be a Broke Diva, too.
Who but a Broke Diva like me, would ever live by these words: "Make it work?"
 
True story.
tg

Into The Woods: From Brooklyn to Boondocks

Leave it up to a Broke Diva to manifest dreams. After loosing my last brain cell stressing out because we lived over a bunch of dead-beats AND we have 4 children that stomp, run and jump - we moved out of Hollywood. It became apparent to me that the maximum amount of kids in a multiple child household in LA is, 2. We have 4. So for months I was in a state of stress because all I wanted to do was find a way to get these babies a back yard. I was desperate, I even looked at places that had only a porch and thought - "well, they can scoot up and down the driveway..."




And then, I saw the ad - on craigslist.com. Perfect for a family that works from home, a 3 bed/2bath house on 11 acres. An old Arabian horse facility...horses? Well the husband will go crazy for this. Little did I know he had already seen this ad and pined over it for months but thought it was too far. Well it was too far for my taste. I was looking in West Hollywood, Silver Lake and Eagle Rock. I did not want to commute too far and I did not know that the LA area was so spread out and the prices were starting to get beyond the 2grand mark. I wanted to be out by May and it was getting close so why not take a look at the place in the middle of no where? We made arrangements with the 70 year old owner and headed out. I thought it was going to be a journey so I packed EVERY single snack we had and headed to the 99cent store for more! Map-quest said it was over an hour ride from Hollywood/Highland. I really did not want to commute for more than an hour for meetings but...



On the way up this San Francisquito Canyon Road (a mouthful - say it 3 times fast...) in the town of Santa Clarita - it was the most breath taking scene I have ever witnessed. We were driving through Angeles National Forest - a canyon forest! On this snake road carved out from way back when, the view of the rolling hills and mountains did me in. The kids were oohing and ahhing in the back of our mini van rental and they were excited to know exactly where we were going. We passed farms and equestrian trails and boarding facilities and beautiful homes I couldn't wait to see where our destination was. We finally found it and drove up the pine tree-lined road that lead to the house - it was a gorgeous site. The caretaker walked us around the property and explained the 11 acre spread. I dashed into the house and inspected the rooms and the gigantic fireplace, skylights and central air/heat. We went down to the running stream that supplied the property with water. No water bill - ever! AND we got up there in 45 minutes from the crazies on Hollywood Blvd. I thought - I'm gonna miss Spider-man and his eerily stained costume. The kids were running around the place and the husband said that Song Bird had a look that she knew she was home. At only $40 more than what we were paying for that 2 bedroom on "Tran-nie strip" - I'll take it!



We moved in 2 weeks later and it has been lovely ever since. We had to move out of the city in order to give a better life for the kids to enjoy. HOWEVER, if we were wealthy I would have had no problem with that $3.5million place in Malibu with plenty of room for horses and ATV's! Now that place was spectacular and overlooked PCH and the ocean...one day, one day. Now whenever we want to get a piece of LA we can get there in 45min and if we want to go further, no problem. I did find my old friends - the trusted 99cent store, Target, Trader Joes, Ross - all my old buddies are about 20 minutes from the house. I have been practicing my driving skillz as well so that is great to finally do at 32 years old (Damn you NYC and your hop-in-a-cab-and-go way of life)!



So that is how this Broke Diva escaped high rent and stopped being stressed out about not being able to get the kids out more often. Now they are out EVERYDAY and if they get on our nerves - we kick them out AND they can stomp, run and jump till they drop. I cannot tell you about the views here. They are gorgeous. Imagine waking up every morning to tons of pine and oak trees, the sounds of horses - wait, did I say horses? Well, this is a horse community and all of our neighbors have horses, goats, llamas and there is even an ostrich is across the street. When I sit at the kitchen table I see mountains and green trees everywhere. We have a raised deck and that is awesome to sit out and see the grounds with a cup of coffee or tea as you plan out the creative process of the day. There is got to be something fabulous about seeing REAL stars light up the night sky. I am inspired every here and that is the best for us. We can work and not be stressed out for the kids. I think I finally found the fabulous-ness I was searching for.



Now, let me tell you that I do have a husband that has over 15 years in his career in the animal care industry. When we lived in San Diego he was a full-time foal sitter taking care of horses and their foals at birth. He also has a dream of creating and owning an equestrian training facility and stable. Well, he too is a Broke Diva like me. Not long after we moved in, he adopted a Thoroughbred race horse named Western Starlite. She is beautiful. I always wanted a horse. Never had I imagined that I'd actually own one and to have my children experience it as well. Talk about being able to do for your kids what you never had...this horse is the most gentle beast. My husband's philosophy is to not cage the animal or keep it in stalls so that he can create the most natural experience for the horse. If you know anything about the race horse sport, there are concerns about the animals not being able to LIVE like a horse and may be the reason why so many popular race horses are not at their very best. Soooooo Western Starlite is free to roam the 11 acres as well as occasionally walking up the back patio to the back windows of the bedrooms to say - "Hay", I get a kick out of that. She comes up to the BBQ pit - which I help build - and hangs out with us. The husband "lunges" her and I have seen her run, she is super fast and loves the freedom. His goal is to breed her and produce the next Triple Crown Winner. Pretty ambitious, there has not been one since 1935 sometime. The cost to feed a horse is about $100 a month and that includes her beauty/cosmetic needs. To off-set some of the expense, homeboy is getting a weekend job! And I am starting to use the shampoo we bought her (NOT Mane n' Tale!) and the hoof shine/protector for my nails. I will let you know the results and put you on if it works out.



All in all some part of a dream has been manifested in moving here. The inspiration is endless and I am more than happy here. OK - I did spot a deer, some kind of prairie rodent and even a bobcat...but for some reason, I am not afraid of nature. My husband has also found that his dream manifest is happening as well. He has met so many great people in the industry already that respect what he is trying to do and are being very helpful in getting him started - for free. The magic word. Little Paw is enrolled in a charter home-school program with free tuition and books. So it all seems to be working out so far, even with the rough patches that we got over. The Artful Dodger stint is over (that's another story) and I am starting the kids line (read the next blog: http://littlesleotechnbird.blogspot.com).



The Broke Diva has a horse and lives in the Boondocks. I wonder how long will it take to ride out to Brooklyn? And oh yes, I am expecting a pair of kick-ass green cowboy boots to come from Brazil to inauguration this venture officially, cause I have to look fly even if I am all the way out here in the mountains.
Best!!!

Tanita

...How We Get By

Hello World - sometimes Broke Diva's or Diva's in general, can take you for granted. There has been 'nuff noise about your situation. However I feel like most of the ideas to be "Green" are pointless or have no grounds for common sense. Nor do they fit into my budget.



You All remember Blacky Chigurh? The gi-gantor Dobbie - well he has healed himself 100% and is back to being a pain in my ass. Anyway - short of dropping him off at the nearest pound, I walk him every morning with at least 2 plastic poop-bags that I "recycled" from grocery shopping. As I bend over to pick up the horse sized dog poop, I cant help but wonder - "Am I really helping the earth this way?" Plastic bags are not biodegradable - however I need to curb my dog. But what about if he shits on grass? Is his poop not good for the soil? Is it better to not pick up after him or fill the dumps with more waste that will just sit there for years and years to come? So - I decided not to pick up his poop if he goes on the dirt or the grass. I still think it's gross to walk down the street and see dog shit - don't be fooled, folks in Hollywood DO NOT CURB THEIR DOG'S! And I don't think it's because they feel an urge to give back to the earth - they just don't care if I step in FiFi's poo in my $450 Neil Barrett Pumas!



Anyway, the point is if I buy the eco-friendly poop bags - that is an added expense in itself.



Washing dishes has also been challenging to this Broke Diva's earthly conscious. If I wash them by hand I use too much water - however if I use the dishwasher I save more water use - but increase my energy usage and utility bill - that is also not in the budget. Somehow I have got to come to a happy medium. Driving cars, polluting the air, travel, making shoes, eating out, burning oil, burning money - this is how we get by. As Creative Director I have the opportunity to say how we operate. So I took it back to the old school - the time of pencil and drawing pad, marker paper and prisma colors. I thought, "here is a way I can conserve energy." But because everything is so rushed these days, I had to resort to using the computer more to render designs faster. But this is how we get by.



I try to conserve but it seems that the more I do the more I realize how much this Broke Diva does to the environment. Being broke forces you to be conservative and reuse and recycle. Hell, I recycle the kids clothes, there was one denim outfit that was used on all 4 of them! I recycle toys and make works of art, whatever I can, but I still feel like I am not even creating a dent, especially if we use the car too much or if I have the heat on all night because it gets hell-a cold.
Don't get me started on make-up and testing and the fact that rhino's and bears are becoming endangered.

I designed an eco-friendly shoe for Ed Hardy but no matter how much hemp was used or recycled rubber this and sustainable low ink that, could not compare to the toxins that exploded through the air from the manufacturing process.



How about the process used to print the paper that I attain from the bank on pay day? Or washing dishes by hand vs dishwasher - do I want to save water or save money? Poop on my shoes or poop trapped in a land-fill? Take the train to work and save on gas - but now that the NY MTA has raised the fare, how about just driving the car for the same price? An eco-friendly t-shirt at $40 or a not-so-friendly t-shirt at $20...This is how we get by.



How can a Broke Diva make a real difference? Perhaps the only way is to do as much as you can with what you can. Otherwise turn in your Matt Berson's for handmade mocs and head for the mountains - give up your blackberries, train some messenger pigeons and live off the fat of the land in your beautiful wooden lodge and brick burning fireplace. Wow, that sounds lovely. Wonder if those mocs come in pink? Well, now that would not be PC - that would require harsh dyes and chemicals...darn it!



tg