I wish everyone knew how utterly FAKE all the magazine ads and the commercials on tv are! The models and actresses we see in advertisements are just shells of people - after all the makeup and the photography angle tricks and the photoshopping, there's little left that is actually real - but as a child, you don't understand that. I would tell a child today to love herself without hesitation, without second-guessing herself, without shame and with abandon.
2. What song puts you in a good mood every time?
Where do I even start with this one? I mean, music is life! But, I can say without fail, any Elton John, Beatles, or classic rock song gets me happily singing along every time.
3. What is the best advice someone gave you or you realized about life?
You can't wait for someone else to make you happy - you have to find and make your own happiness in life, and sometimes you even have to be your own hero. But that's because, baby cakes, you're so much stronger than you know.
4. Who makes you giggle like a giggle monster?
My husband, my sisters, my gnomie, and all the adorable and hilarious actors on "New Girl".
5. What is something about society that bugs you that you wish didn’t?
It bothers me that people who are famous for acting and singing and posting selfies are billionaires, yet teachers and nurses and social workers struggle to make a living. I think it's rad that rock stars and movie stars make oodles of money doing what they love, but shouldn't everyone?
6. What is one of your favorite things to do on the weekends?
Weekends are for adventures! Exploring the farmers market, going to theme parks, setting up guerrilla art installments, going out to eat, dancing in front of live bands...but! Weekends are also for relaxing: sipping Slurpees while watching back-to-back Redbox 2-for-1 rentals with my dogs in my lap and my family by my side is pretty heavenly, too.
7. What is something you’re really proud of that you’ve done?
I recently wrote a young adult novel, and although I'm still looking for an agent to represent it, I'm proud of myself for accomplishing such a feat and for getting that much closer to my dream of being a full-time author.
8. What is one of your favorite memories with a friend?
There are a million of these! Dancing with my gnomie Kasandra has to be a recent highlight, and we dance all the time, so this is a memory I get to relive often! Dancing is one of the happiest things you can do with your body, in my opinion, and to enjoy it with a friend makes it that much happier.
9. What advice would you give to someone who needs a boost in confidence?
To someone who needs a boost in confidence, I'd tell them to stop wasting time with self-hate, because no matter what, you'll never be skinny enough or pretty enough or talented enough for your own standards until you accept the beautiful person you already are. There's nothing wrong with wanting great and better things for yourself, but be kind to yourself, because whether you think so or not, you deserve it.
10. Lastly, how do you plan on investing in self-love?
I actually already invest in self-love in several ways: I've been participating in #100daysofselfcare on Instagram, I have several self-love-promoting guerrilla art projects in the works, and I've been learning to accept my body for what it is rather than what it isn't. Plus, there's the Squad, and that's all about self-love!
Love,
the Confetti Monster
xoxox