Red Snapper

Red Snapper in the Kitchen: Lasagna

Funny story. We knew this month would be a cooking episode for the Full Reveal, but we weren't sure which recipe to share. Our grocery order was delivered with a pound of shredded mozzarella and a bunch of peeled garlic that we didn't order.

It was clear that we needed to make lasagna. While lasagna is typically recommended for a "shallow" pan, it really demands a deep dish. The dish of lasagna was so heavy that I couldn't manage it with my healing hands.

If you'd like a more detailed recipe, let me know!

Behind the Scenes: Costuming off the rack

I love doing my cocktails and cooking episodes for my Full Reveal tier when I'm not breaking out old or new acts. It's another fun way for me to create.

I realized this month that I should have more aprons, so I hit Amazon to find something that fit the theme but could be reused in the future. I found this one.

I thought it would fit nicely across the chest and expose my butt. The pleats in the bodice and the side view made it seem like it could fit my ample bosom.

It arrived a couple days before shooting and seemed to fit nicely over a tank top. When I removed my tank top, it cut across the center of my breasts, leaving half a nipple out each side. I couldn't tape it down because it would look unnatural when I moved. I couldn't scrunch it between my boobs because that just looked stupid.

Obviously, I'm fine with my breasts to be loose. However, I had to wear a tank top under this Amazon special so it didn't look weird.

I could just cook topless but there's too much potential for splashing and burning. You can see that my breasts are trying to escape the sides of the apron, even with the tank top.

I think I'll make some custom aprons so the cut and fit work much better.

Surprise Gig!

Photo by Manrique Photos.

I'm stepping in for another performer this Saturday at the All-Con burlesque show. It's my second post-Covid, in-person gig. It's also been a while since I've done two acts in a row. Thankfully, Sailor Jupiter is largely a "parade and pose" number without a lot of athletic dancing. Greedo is go-go and gets my heart pumping a bit more.

My original plan for tomorrow was to take Nutmeg to Viva's for more training on the stage. It may not time out very well since my call time is 6:30pm and I'm not what the backstage situation will be. (For other conventions, I've dressed behind kitchens, in hotel rooms, or behind the curtain. I'm not sure if we'll have makeup mirrors or lighting for applying eyelashes. It's just simpler for me to do my face at home.)

No heavy fans for me yet. My doctor suspects it's tendonitis, so I'm only working with baby fans for now.

I have my packing list ready to start preparing tonight. Very excited for the opportunity.

Tub Tales 02.26.23

As per usual, I do some rambling in this one. Reflections on my burlesque past plus the inconveniences of covid.

Behind the Scenes: Blue Screen Shoot

Mr. Snapper got this video when we were shooting. The dogs wanted to be involved, of course.

Full Reveal: Greedo

As I continue working to find out what's happening with my slowly-healing hands, I'm still performing where I can. For this month's full reveal, you get early access to the act that will be seen in Peepshow Menagerie's Interstella on March 5th.

I do love performing to music from my early childhood, so this ELO song holds a special place in my heart. I got to combine my hippie roots with go-go flair, wrapped in some fun cosplay. We had to shoot this in front of the blue screen, which added some interesting challenges since the costume is blue green.

It finally got me.

After almost three years, I finally got the Covid. 

We picked up another tool for creating content at the Apple store at the end of January. I was booked for a virtual show in late February and had big plans to get my hands x-rayed that Monday.

I tested positive the first time on January 31st. It totally kicked my ass. Mr. Snapper brought home the Covid but was symptomatic a day or two after me. We were a miserable sight, sleeping away half the day and not knowing what day of the week it was. I spent my birthday recovering from Covid. Boo.

I'm negative now. :)

This coming weekend I'm shooting for the Peepshow Menagerie virtual show, and I'm back at Viva's the first weekend of March with an act I had retired. I'm pleased to get back to creating.

Tub Tales 01.29.23

Here we go! The dogs were being extra because of course they were. :)

I talk about the amazing logo Mr. Snapper created for my Full Reveal. It's on a t-shirt here if you loved it as much as I do.

Full Reveal: Cocktails with Red Snapper - Baby Raptor

This drink is so sweet and tasty. We created the recipe in early 2019 when our baby raptor mug arrived, then tweaked it a little so it was more balanced. We were a bit newer to mixology then.

I do still have plans to make a complete dinosaur showgirl act, but I just haven't landed on the final look. It would be an involved project to undertake, so I need to iron that out before I pattern and build.

Behind the Scenes: Not Very Handy

I was so excited to book a gig for January. It's been a minute since I was on a proper stage performing. When I said yes in December for this date, I figured the pain in my hands was from spending an hour a day learning to crochet.

Oh yeah, I also bought a leaf blower as a present to myself when I left my old job. I spent about 90 minutes blowing leaves the weekend I got it. It's not like I used it long enough to need to worry about physical problems from the vibrations.

I had to postpone the gig when the poster was ready. I couldn't pull up my pants without my hands hurting. I couldn't open water bottles or lift cookware. At least I could type.

I was supposed to do a fan dance and another act, but I still can't fasten a bra without pain. We were clever with this month's Full Reveal, knowing I couldn't do much with my hands.

I saw the doctor last week and I get x-rays on Saturday. It's not rheumatoid arthritis or carpal tunnel. It could be osteoarthritis, stress fractures, or soft-tissue damage. I think I may have to delay live performance yet another month.

Once upon a gallery showing

Lili vonSchtupp (whose birthday is today) is the Godmother of Los Angeles Burlesque, working hard to bring attention to our dirty niche of the entertainment industry. When I got into burlesque in the summer of '07, I knew more about Seattle and New York burlesque than I knew about my own city's scene.

Lili created Monday Night Tease in late '06 from something that was called Tease at Threes. She had Scarlett Letter as a producing partner for a spell, and she had an incredible knack for bringing big ideas to the stage.

Lili wanted to do a gallery showing featuring live stage photos from Monday Night Tease. She asked a handful of us to perform at the gallery opening, and she said it was a private event so we didn't have to wear pasties. I stripped down to a heart-shaped patch over my vulva, fishnets, and dance shoes.

There were snacks and booze after the performances that evening, so I served fudge while mostly naked. I stayed away from the storefront windows so I wouldn't draw gawkers. This is an edited snapshot Chris Beyond took of me and Anastasia von Teaserhausen that evening, which was ten years ago today.

Being naked in a public space takes a lot of trust. I knew many of the people there, and they watched my back. I know that any of them would protect me from grabby hands.

Full Reveal: LeT it sNow

We had fun working on this one. I mean we always have fun, and this one was also fun. It was all playtime.

Looking forward to more fun in 2023.

Tub Tales 12.26.22

2023 is just around the corner and I have some thoughts.

Thank you for your support!

Behind the Scenes - Vegan Faces

After last month's episode, I have an alt version of "sexy" faces for you.

Practice with me. :D

A queen since 2017

Last night I realized that I won my crown exactly five years ago. For those who've been around a while, you may recall it was such an oddball win that I didn't get crowned on the stage. If you didn't know, here's the story in brief.

It was the final year of the festival and the organizers had a real-time spreadsheet that was updated with scores in the performers-only Facebook group. We could see who was winning what prizes over the course of the evening. I wanted the comedy prize, but my Yakety Sax act had the highest scores across the board. My fellow performers knew my name should've been called out as queen, but the stellar performer just behind me in the scoring was announced. I was shocked but smiling, and other people asked me what happened.

The judges had computer problems and lost access to the spreadsheet somehow. They fumbled. They apologized after everyone left, we took a promo shot with two queens using the king's crown for me, and then I was mailed my crown later.

For that particular festival, we paid an entry fee plus an additional fee for extra categories. People were considered for every category for which they paid. I could've entered for queen and princess, but I'd been performing for long enough that I didn't feel I would qualify as a princess. I entered for queen, comedy, and glamour.

The judges looked at the princess numbers because most of the ladies entered for princess and queen consideration. They accidentally gave my award to the top scorer for princess, who had also entered to win queen.

Even with the hiccup, I was running on adrenaline for hours after the show. I couldn't believe that I won. My flight home was after a very short night's sleep in a hotel, and I was absolutely buzzing.

And I almost didn't go! There was risk of weather and I didn't want to get stuck. I decided that morning to catch my flight to Charlotte, North Carolina. Good thing I did.

He told me to fetch a crown. I was tickled that I succeeded.

I'm not sure what the future will hold for burlesque festivals after COVID. I haven't done much hunting for festivals and dates since I'm focused on preparing the puppy for the stage. I'll have to see what the world knows in 2023.

Tub Tales 11.25.22

Jibber jabber time! I have good news from my personal life, which trickles over into my entertainer life.

Full Reveal: Dutch Apple Pie

It feels like the holidays are a great time to spend a little more time in the kitchen. Here's a favorite recipe of mine.

Behind the Scenes - Meat Faces

Thanksgiving is a few days away, so it seemed like the perfect time to share my secret recipe for "sexy" faces. Enjoy.

Investments!

It's November and I'm so grateful for you!

This image is full of goodies for making magic, thanks to your support. In the past couple of months, we got two fancy lantern lights to make it easy to light shoots, three C-stands and a transport bag, a video tripod, a gimble, fancy embellished pasties and a strappy panty from Manage et Toi, and a fluffy robe.

I love that I'm able to create artsy, silly content in my home studio, bathtub, and kitchen for you. It's a delight to be able to work as an entertainer.

Full Reveal: Red Snapper Does Mr. Snapper I

If it isn't fun, is it really worth doing?

This was tons of fun and I really appreciate Mr. Snapper trusting me to record this magic. More to come in future months. Hope you enjoy it.

Behind the Scenes - Beyond Vanilla

The Beyond Vanilla event was intended to celebrate the BDSM community, but with Snappers at the helm it was all about ice cream. This was my favorite joke of both evenings.

Tub Tales 10.23.22

I ramble about a few little things in this episode. Highlights include:

- job hunting

- office costume contest

- puppy classes

- growling

- new equipment

- bubbles

14 Years Later

All images by Chris Beyond.

I studied burlesque through most of 2007 with a summer debut in a group number that year, followed by an unpaid solo at a dance showcase. In early January 2008, I started getting paid to do burlesque.

My husband wrote a play about burlesque dancers during World War II, and these are some images from one of the promo shoots we did for that show.

Chris and I had a lot of fun shooting together over the years.

This may have been the second time he photographed me.

This dog belonged to the costume designer, and that's my own little red train case behind my foot. It's hell trying to photograph pets.

I had a fake martini before this. Spilled some on my dress. Oopsie!

I think the last time I shot with Chris was in 2016. It's been too long.

Tub Tales 09.29.22

Here's a recap of what we did for Beyond Vanilla, the event for which I didn't have the complete or appropriate name last month. My baby wanted to be part of the video.

Red Snapper in the Kitchen: Maple Spice Ice Cream

This month's Full Reveal involves more kitchen sorcery. I love ice cream, and I jumped at the chance to make some. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Behind the Scenes: Training with the Dogs

I try to train with the dogs gated outside of the studio, but I want Nutmeg to feel comfortable in my stripping space. Here's a fun little compilation of my training time with them in the room.

Notice that Nutmeg isn't the only troublemaker in the room.

The $550 Pair of Panties

With the Tim Burton show at Viva Dallas Burlesque next month, I've been working on a custom panty that matches my costume more than the quick solution from last year. I followed tutorials by Christine Manuge of Manuge et Toi to draft this cute, strappy thing in a lovely yellow. It plays nicely with fishnets because of the straps.

Those straps are 5/8" wide, covered in fabric. Since I was fitting this to my own body and the bands are wrapped in fabric, I didn't bother trying to make adjustable straps. I clipped off the excess elastic when it was time to stitch down the edges of the straps.

Nutmeg likes to run through the house with leashes and ribbons, almost like she's trying to use them to herd the other dogs. It's very cute, and she doesn't chew them up or swallow them. I let her take the wide straps for play. Each strap was maybe 3" long.

As I was securing more straps, she begged me for more. Why did she need a third piece of strap?

That's when I realize she probably ate them. They seemed too big to eat, especially for such a small dog.

We scoured the house to check every place she went from the time I gave her the first strap. Nothing. The virtual vet told us to take her to the emergency vet, and our local vet confirmed they didn't have what was needed to induce vomiting. Fun.

Because she's so small and too wiggly for an injection at the beginning of the process, they tried specialized eye drops to make her nauseous. We had to dance around with her, spin her in a chair, and show her rave videos to help her feel dizzy enough to puke. She threw up some kibble but the x-ray showed she still had something inside her belly. 

We opted to feed her some very appealing dog food to fill her belly, which she ate. She was finally relaxed enough for the injection to prompt vomiting. Within ten minutes, she ejected two chunks of fabric-covered elastic that hadn't been chewed up at all.

We returned home and I finished the panty. I look forward to sharing it with you in its completed state.

Elastic and fabric cost maybe $20. The rest was the vet bill. (Have I mentioned how happy I am to have pet insurance?)

Tub Tales 08.18.22

Adulting means getting excited about the silliest things. My staycation was restorative.

Red Snapper in the Kitchen: Deep Dish Pizza

For this month's Full Reveal, I spent a little time in the kitchen. I love to cook when it's not at the end of a busy day. This is a fun way for me to share a favorite recipe with you.

Behind the Scenes: Another Shoot Day

I love shoot days. We essentially clear the calendar for the entire day and just shoot. There's plenty of pre-production before the shoot day, but it's still fun to create in our home studio. If I'm not shooting at home, I'm probably hiring someone to do hair and makeup, which means I'm on someone else's time table and I can't break whenever I want to have a snack or whatever.

It was great to shoot in another part of the house and doing something a little different. It's refreshing for me as a creator to mix it up, especially since I'm not constantly creating new acts for live shows.

Another fun extra this week was the arrival of my two new fan cases. They're aluminum and will keep my fans very safe backstage. I should probably get some fancy adhesive nameplates for them.

Feathers aren't as neat and tidy as the instruments for which these cases were probably originally designed. I'll have to create some kind of weighted cover for the fans so the feathers don't get caught in the case edges. I'm using bubble wrap to cover some of the edges before closing now, and it's not very effective.

We'll start preparing our material for the kink show soon. I don't know that I'll have any fun behind-the-scenes stuff to show there. :)