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Please feel free to post any comments you have here on the TROPICAL ESCAPE BLOG.  All entries will have to be approved by the webmaster before being posted.  All that is required is a name (or any name you choose to use) to post on the BLOG.  So if you don't want your name to appear for whatever reason you are no longer required to include your real name or an e-mail address.  It would be nice, though, to at least include your first name.  Approved comments will be posted by the end of each day.

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Date: 4/8/2010 Time: 11:11:18 PM
NAME: Power Puffs and PJs
SUBJECT: Slumber Party with Josett
COMMENT:
Bring your favorite sleepwear and expect all night girl fun.
We will ordering take out food, doing makeovers, painting our nails and watching chick flicks. What else could a girl want?
Oh yeah, Wine!

The Holiday Inn Express in Davenport is offering us rooms at a special rate. They have been so gracious to us in the past and have invited us back for our next event. To reserve your room, ask for Shane and tell him you are with Trading Faces. You can also email him at d.shaneanderson@ymail.com.
He is reserving us rooms close together for comfort and privacy. I will have a large suite for us all to sit and enjoy girl time together. We will eat, drink and be merry!

There will also be two special guests attending the party that I know you will enjoy!

Please RSVP and ask for your list of items to bring.

Feel free to email any questions... Tradingfaces101@aol.com

The $89.00 fee includes food, wine and lessons with Josett
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Date: 1/21/2010  Time: 12:19:37 AM
NAME: Fla West Coast Transgenders
SUBJECT: 1st Annual Be My Valentine Ball
COMMENT:
1st Annual "Be My Valentine Ball"

WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 2010

WHERE: Homewood Suites by Hilton
3470 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL. 34237

TIME: 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
6:00 - Commitment Ceremonies done by Rev. Lisa from Sarasota's MCC
7:00 - 12:00 - Dinner, Dancing and much more

COST: $15 per person
CASH BAR, Amazing catered food from local restuarants

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE - Purchase yours today by calling 941-879-4888 or 941-256-1236, pick them up at the Alley Bar or Purchase them on our website through pay pal (add $2.50 per ticket through pay pal)

$89.00 Suites Available (Up to 4 Guest Per Room)- Includes Breakfast
Call 941-365-7300 Ask for Sharon (Let her know name of event)
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Date: 10/5/2009 Time: 12:20:52 AM
NAME: Josett
SUBJECT: Make-up Class in October!!
COMMENT:
Hello Ladies,
Just wanted to let you know about the make-up classes I am now offering in Davenport Florida. The next one is being held Oct 23rd at the Holiday Inn Express. Please visit my website for all information. www.TradingFacesOrlando.com
This is going to be an informative and fun time. It also gives the Tgirl the opportunity to meet other girls! We will be going out on the town after the event..I get to go with them this time...I am so excited!! All is welcome and encouraged to bring friends.
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Date: 9/1/2009  Time: 1:33:35 AM
NAME: Trey Keeffe
SUBJECT: Thanks
COMMENT:  Thanks for adding our link! It was a great time this weekend!
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Date: 8/30/2009 Time: 3:33:01 AM
NAME: Jamie
SUBJECT: the Escape Sat. Aug 29 2009
COMMENT:  This was my first time out and about, First time being with other transgender ladies. It has been a rewarding experience for me, and have meet several very nice and helpful ladies, with whom I will be in contact with. I can't wait for the next party in December. I thank Christy for doing the work involved, and thank those that helped her.  Jamie S
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Date: 5/5/2009 Time: 1:11:17 PM
NAME: Stephanie
SUBJECT: Sarasota Pride
COMMENT:  This Saturday is Sarasota's "Pride Day" at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall from 12 noon to 6PM.
Wondering if any other sisters are "riding" (as in motorcycling) there Saturday morning?
New to the area and still have a tendency to get lost!
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Date: 3/11/2009 Time: 11:56:42 PM
NAME: Josett
SUBJECT: New Beauty Guide!
COMMENT:   Just wanted the ladies to know my new book is finally here!! "FINDING YOUR FEMININE SIDE...Then Knowing What To Do With Her". It is available on my web site. I have gotten nothing but good reviews so far! I worked very hard to address issues that I see my clients and friends face. It's full of tips about make-up, wardrobe and blending in. I wanted it to be a small simple hand guide that any lady could carry and refer back to. I hope you all enjoy it! Hugs from Orlando....Josett

www.TradingFacesOrlando.com
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Date: 3/10/2009 Time: 2:41:21 PM
NAME: Nick
SUBJECT: Hell of a party
COMMENT:  Those of us guys who managed to drag ourselves out from under rocks to attend the party were so blown away at how much fun we had. Seeing so many beautiful women in the same room was heartwarming, encouraging and downright sexy. Hopefully next time I'll work up the nerve to actually ask one of you to dance! (hormones haven't helped teenage jitters when it comes to pretty girls)
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Date: 3/10/2009 Time: 11:13:27 AM
NAME: Carolann
SUBJECT: My Second Treatment Experience at Aesthetics by Karen Marlise
COMMENT:     After I posted the my last comments here I realized I hadn't updated you on my latest experience. I hope you don't mind the updates and that it inspires you to make the decisions that make you happy. After all life really is short. My second treatment at Aesthetics by Karen Marlise was last week and I must say again I was not disappointed in my treatments. Just like the first time I was greeted with a friendly smile and hug. There was a lot of activity going on and I had to wait just a couple of minutes for my treatments. I was early any ways so I expected a brief wait.
     Let me first give you an update on my first treatment results. I had my underarms lasered and it has been a few weeks and they are still smooth and silky. It took a few weeks for all the black dead hair to purge out of my skin and now my underarms are almost all milky white. I can’t tell you how great it is to not have to shave every day under my arms. One less thing to do in the morning when I shower. I don’t know about you but I really like the feel of smooth skin and no razor bumps or stubbly hair on my legs and feet. No more hair on my toes either.
The electrolysis takes some time to remove all the hair. Not a quick process at all. One hair at a time. Last week on my second treatment I had my mussel area of my face treated with a laser. Killed all those nasty black hairs, Yeah! One thing, I have come to the conclusion, is since starting my treatments is that I should have started much sooner than I did. To have electrolysis treatments you have to allow your hair to grow a day or two ahead of time so the technician can see the way the hair grows and then can grab it after it is killed. Well by letting my facial hair grow I can see how much platinum blonde hairs I have, I know they are not gray because only older people have gray hair and I’m still a kid at heart ;--), laser treatments cannot help me get rid of my platinum blonde hair so I am forced to do electrolysis on them. Maxine spent about an hour and a half on me and killed I don’t know how many hairs. I was having her jump around so that it isn’t as noticeable!
     As the hairs are removed. That way it was more of a transition I thought. Well after discussion with Karen I’m going to start having the hair removed in a grouping so that I can also have electrolysis on my face to kill the black hairs that I also have. That way it will speed the process and be more efficient.
I also had my legs lasered and now my legs feel smooth almost all over. I say almost because of those darn platinum blonde hairs exist on my legs too! It is so great to have nylons on and feel them against soft smooth skin. Now I know even more so why so many gg’s like the feel of silky legs and nylons. It is pure heaven. I still shave during my shower to eliminate those nasty platinum blonde hairs but it is over all silky smooth to the touch.
Taking advantage of the Tropical Escape Introductory Special pricing also can help in the cost factor. I must say Aesthetics by Karen Marlise is priced reasonable normally and with the specials it makes it more doable.
     One of the best decisions I made in 2008 was to overcome my fear of finding the right group and that I visited Tri-Beta in St Petersburg. That decision allowed me to meet a great bunch of girls and give me the opportunity to get out more and be with other wonderful girls like myself. I was spending time going out by myself during the days and trying to keep myself busy. You know it only so much fun to shop by yourself. By me joining Tri-Beta and attending meetings it also allowed me to meet Karen Marlise and finally decide to do something about my hair situation. I have wanted to remove those nasty stubs for so long. Not that I’m looking to transition but it is so much nicer to wear clothes and make up and just helps in the overall appearance as a female. Now I know many of you are saying “Yeah, but what about your wife and friends what are they going to say or do?” Well I have come to the conclusion I will address that when it is necessary. I am a person who really likes myself and I enjoy being feminine whenever I can. I am a good person and this is a part of me that makes me who I am. I am caring, compassionate person who cares about people and concerned about society as a whole. This is my time to come out of the closet and if by me telling my story it helps others like me then I will continue to feel good about myself and others.
     So, with your permission I will continue to keep you informed about my journey on the road to being hair free. Enjoy your femininity and be safe. I looking forward to seeing you at many events throughout the year!

Be Safe and Happy!

Hugs,
Carolann
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Date: 3/10/2009 Time: 9:21:27 AM
NAME: Carolann
SUBJECT: Tropical Escape and Flyer
COMMENT:
Hi All,
Just a quick note to tell everyone who missed the Tropical Escape it was a really good time. The food was great and the vendors that were there had some great opportunities for all of us. Thanks to Miss Kitty and Christy for putting it together. We need to mark our calendars for another one on May 30th. There is a flyer from Aesthetics by Karen Marlise in the pictures section that I posted (the flyer can be found on the LINKS page with her main website link as well). I heard several people make comment of how reasonable the pricing package was for those attending Tropical Escape. I’m sure Karen Marlise will honor the flyer even though you were not able to attend. So print it out and bring it to your appointment. I know I am.
See you at the next Tropical Escape

Hugs,
Carolann
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Date: 3/9/2009 Time: 2:10:19 PM
NAME: Carolann
SUBJECT: Will you Dance with me?
COMMENT:
Will You Dance With Me?
READ THIS VERY SLOWLY.... IT'S PRETTY PROFOUND.
Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.
I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.
How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word 'refrigeration' mean nothing to you?
How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched ' Jeopardy ' on television?
I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, 'How about going to lunch in a half hour?' She would gas up and stammer, 'I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain.' And my personal favorite: 'It's Monday.' She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.
Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!
We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet... We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college.
Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of 'I'm going to,' 'I plan on,' and 'someday, when things are settled down a bit.'
When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips.. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Roller blades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.
My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process the other day; I stopped the car and bought a triple-Decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.
Now...go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to......not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?
Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.
Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butter fly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask 'How are you?' Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Have you ever told your child, 'We'll do it tomorrow'? And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say Hi?
When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away..... Life is not a race Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.
Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.
To those I have sent this to... I cherish our friendship and appreciate all you do.
'Life may not be the party we hoped for but while we are here we might as well dance!
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Date: 3/1/2009 Time: 7:30:56 PM
NAME: Dana
SUBJECT: Atta-Girl!
COMMENT:  Hi,Again i just wanted to say. thank you Very nice party. It really was just what i needed to relax Its been a while since i,v been out with no children in tow,I love my kids and Adult time is very important too.to everyone who reads this please come to the next party there are plenty of hotels near by so you can cab it and be safe.next time i'll bring some food it was saturday that i was aware there was a party. i,m happy that i came and too see all the women who attended also was enlightening.

love you all,
Dana
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Date: 2/24/2009 Time: 7:58:16 PM
NAME: Phyllis
SUBJECT: Atta-Girl!
COMMENT: I just wanted to commend you all on your efforts. I have lived in the area for nearly 9 years, this is probably the first positive thing that I have seen happen at the grassroots level since I have been here. Don't get me wrong, I have engaged in some wonderful events and met wonderful people and visited many clubs.

As a full-time, pre-op, I am....I would guess...very comfortable in my skin and am passable that I go to gay and straight clubs without much concern...(YEAH Parnters...I love that place!!!) but I am truly happy to see something like this is finally happening since Z109 closed (so sad Sally and Amber had to close). Although I don't know if I will be able to attend this Saturday as I am supposed to be diving early Sunday morning, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to everyone involved and hope this is not only successful at this event, but positive enough that it will flourish more events in the near future.

I would love to meet the staff at some point and discuss what I might be able to do to help the association grow.
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Date: 2/16/2009   Time: 11:37:59 AM
NAME: Carolann
SUBJECT: My first ever hair removal treatment at Aesthetics by Karen Marlise
COMMENT:
     Last week I had my first electrolysis treatment at Aesthetics by Karen Marlise. Let me first tell you it was nothing like what I had expected. I had heard all the horror stories about the pain, scarring, extreme redness after the treatment. None of these ever manifested. From the time I entered the door of Aesthetics by Karen Marlies I was promptly greeted by Maxine and Lindsey. After I introduced myself and they both new I was a cd since I have had some emails with Karen prior to my appointment and they were very gracious and understanding. Since this was my first appointment since my initial consultation they needed to wait until Karen was done with another client before we began my treatments.
When Karen had completed her attention to her patient who was leaving she greeted me with a hello and a Hug! Talk about making me feel comfortable. That hug helped relieve my apprehension to almost nothing. I felt I was truly with family that really cared about me and how I feel. Karen felt that due to the large amount of gray/white hair it would be best to begin with electrolysis on my face and neck first. Since I had been a bad girl and not used my sunscreen like Karen had told me to do, it is going to be awhile before she can do laser on my face. She then sent me off to the Electrolysis room to begin the removal of that ugly white stuff.
Maxine and Lindsey helped prepare me for the procedure and it was decided Maxine would tackle me first. After numbing one side of my face she began to work on the other side. She was determining how sensitive I would be to the treatment. That is why one side was treated with a numbing agent and the other not. As Maxine began to zap my hairs I have to admit I expected a lot of pain or at least sharp jabs each time. For me it was as if she just was slightly pinching my face. We both found out that because I had limited discomfort she was able to go aggressively for the, who knows 10 millions hairs. I now realize I should have begun this process much earlier in life before so much of my hairs turned gray/white. The good news is once I reduce the sun effects on my face Karen feels extremely good about the fact we still can remove a good amount of dark hair on my face and around the lips, chin nose area of my face. So you girls who still have the majority or all of your facial an!
d body hair that is dark in color; my recommendation is; if you are contemplating any hair removal in the future, MAKE THE APPOINTMENT NOW TO BEGIN THE TREATMENTS! Forgive me for yelling but I can’t stress it enough to talk to one of the ladies here at Aesthetics by Karen Marlise to understand your choices of treatments.
After about an hour of my electrolysis it was time to do some laser treatments. Because I have not been a sun worshiper all of my body under my clothes is white enough to do some laser work. Karen and I agreed it we should start with my underarms and feet. Nothing is uglier than hairy feet in heels. Wouldn’t you agree? Just as before my treatment with Maxine I was expecting some discomfort with the laser treatment, well I had none! The caring and gentleness that Karen exudes is unbelievable. Actually now knowing her it really is believable. She and her staff believe it is not about the money for their services but rather it is all about us the patient. I have learned they will not compromise a patient’s safety and well being just to complete a treatment. You might be scolded for not doing what you are asked prior to a treatment but wouldn’t you agree that is much better than having a negative outcome from a procedure. I had looked into other providers of their services and a!
fter meeting Karen at the Tri-beta meeting in January I felt I would give them a try. Probably one of the best decisions I have made in sometime. I know you might be saying “Well it is your first treatment let’s see what happens after a few treatments.” I strongly believe I could not get better treatments anywhere else and I am confident I would not find this level of care and understanding of who I am, what my needs are and my level of comfort with the procedures and of course the pricing. Aesthetics by Karen Marlise has what I have seen the most affordable and upfront pricing. You will not get any surprises on your treatment pricing or care in my opinion. If you doubt it shop around and I am confident you will make the same choice as I did and begin your treatments at Aesthetics by Karen Marlies. If you want to get in touch with them call 727-398-4187 or visit the website at www.tampabayhairremoval.com. Why not take advantage of the promotion offers they have going on now!
until May 31st. I did!
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Date: 1/27/2009  Time: 2:45:15 PM

NAME: Christy Anderson
SUBJECT: Links To Your Website
COMMENT:Please send any links you would like to share so we can put them on our LINKS page.  We are looking for business or support links.  We will add a section for personal links in the future.
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Date/Time: 2009-01-26 13:04:59 PST

NAME: Karen Marlise Cowles
SUBJECT: Professional Beauty Expert/ Permanent Hair Removal
COMMENT: I would like to let all the T-girls in Tampa Bay know that I am very experienced permanently removing face and body hair. I have been a electrologist since 1993 and trained out of one of the best schools in the nation. My website is http://www.tampabaylaserhairremoval.com and http://www.karenspps.com (my old site) for information..
Call anytime for a no charge consultation and information at 727-398-4187
Looking forward to serving you.
Thank-you,
Karen Marlise Cowle
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Date: 1/25/2009  Time: 3:31:34 PM

NAME: Christy Anderson
SUBJECT: Food and Drinks
COMMENT:We are looking for some volunteers to bring some food and drink items. We would love a few covered dishes, snacks, desserts and soft drinks. Please E-mail Christy through the contacts page to sign up to bring something.
THANK YOU ALL!!!!
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