Twilight Giveaway: Autographed Photos of Marisa Quinn

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I am sitting with my family, Marisa's mom in particular, and we are discussing how thankful we are for her success.  We are thankful to the Twilight franchise for including her in this epic film.  We are thankful for the cast and crew who all made her feel right at home...despite the fact that she came on board towards the end.  We are thankful for her Los Angeles "family" who care for her just as lovingly as we would.  Most importantly we are grateful for ALL the prayers that have been sent up on her behalf!

In honor of our deepest gratitude Fete, and Fete's family, is giving away 8 autographed photos of Marisa.  The directions for entry are listed below.  The winner will be notified via email.  Full details of the giveaway are included in the application below.

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Marisa: Interview Part I

Today there is an ENORMOUS amount to celebrate!  Twlight: Breaking Dawn II officially opens at the box office.  And while this normally would mean precious little to me...I am a wee bit of a fan, not a Twihard by any means...this time around I can hardly contain my excitement!  

Our family is proud, so proud, that our sweet Marisa is playing Huilen...an intense and pivotal role in the epic saga.  

In honor of the release...a two part interview and a possible giveaway...hint hint!

       Fete:  After you remove your sleeping mask from your eyes, what is the first thing you do when your feet hit the floor?

      Quinn:  Hahaha… well, first of all, my eye mask is white and fluffy like a comfy puffy cloud.  (Sorry boys, it isn’t silky or sexy at all.)  Honestly, the first thing I do is blindly fumble for eye drops (the one downside of having had Lasik surgery), and stumble toward the kitchen (can you tell I’m not a morning person?) where I stash my rejuvenating gel eye mask – SWEET RELIEF!!!  Once I have that cold jolt of puff-reducing fabulousness, I’m ready to start the day!

   Fete:  I know that you have always suffered sensitive skin...which is difficult considering the work you do is IN FRONT OF A CAMERA!  Please share with us your skin care routine.

Quinn:   My skin care routine is all about Dr. Hauschka.  Using all natural botanicals, his holistic skincare system is all about supporting your skin’s natural process of renewal.  Less is more is his philosophy, and he believes our skin has a natural capacity to heal, moisturize, and maintain itself without overindulgence or dependence on man-made products.  As a woman with dry skin who swore I could never go even 5 minutes without my moisturizer – I can tell you after a few weeks I was a complete believer.  I now never use moisturizer or any kind of cream at night – rather I allow my skin to do what mother nature intended it to.  My once “dry skin” has turned completely normal, and with the support of a natural supplement called “Purvana” my skin stays clear and healthy.

Fete: Your sister Sarah once said, "Marisa doesn't just have hair...she has a mane!"  Tell us your secret to GREAT, healthy hair!

 Quinn: My most powerful secret to having great hair is… just RECOGNIZING that your hair IS great!  As women, I think we so often fall into the trap of wanting what we don’t have.  For so many years I tried to fight my curls – battling them into stick straight submission with straighteners and blow dryers and constant heat torture.   The problem was I just didn’t know how to make the most of what God gave me.  Curls are very different than straight hair – and even the way I shampoo is different depending on whether I want to do a straight style or amp up my natural waves.  The secret to awesome curls is to never ever comb them out, not even in the shower.  Use a “low poo” shampoo (I like Deva Curl), and a hydrating conditioner – apply both but do NOT comb out the tangles like you would with straight hair.  Just let it sit on the hair, and crunch up the curls as if you were using a diffuser.  Gently rinse most of the conditioner out, and then apply a curl enhancer before you even exit the shower.  Crunch those curls again to squeeze out the water, then gently wrap hair with a microfiber towel (regular terry cloth causes frizz!).  A good ol’ natural Air Dry is what really makes my curls look their best, but a blow dry on LOW using a diffuser is a great option as well.  However, my best advice is simply to remember your hair is as unique as you are, and only you can determine what works best for YOU!

Fete: You once told me you've never had a manicure!  Now I KNOW that is no longer true as I saw something on the internet showing a fab manicure/color treatment!  Have you started getting mani/pedis what with all these events and red carpets?

      Quinn: You crack me up.  I never said I had NEVER had a mani/pedi, I just said that I NEVER get them.  Well, never on the regular.  They’ve always just been a special treat once or twice a year. In the past, because I could never afford them, and now – because I generally just don’t have time.  I’ve gotten pretty good at doing it myself, and multi-tasking in my home office between coats.  But let me tell ya, I recently had my first legit “Deluxe” mani/pedi at the Ritz in downtown Los Angeles, and HOLY BANANAS was it AWESOME!!!  I look forward to the days when I will have both the time and the money to enjoy that more often!!

Fete: We come from a LONG LINE of fabulously well groomed, well kept, gorgeous women who CLEARLY know how to maintain their inner and outer beauty despite the passage of years.  They have NEVER been shy about "telling us" how to maintain a solid health, diet and beauty regimen.  What bit of advice stands out to you?  For me...it is NEVER let your nail polish chip off...NEVER!  And only use your ring finger when applying ANYTHING TO YOUR EYE...it is the finger with the least amount of strength, doing the least amount of damage!  What life lesson or piece of wisdom have the women in our family taught you that you have carried with you?

Quinn: Yes, we do!  The beauty lesson I learned from my mother was to be exceedingly gentle with your skin.  Treat your face like a delicate rosebud, and it will stay looking as fresh as one! Life lesson: Never put yourself in a position where you are completely financially or emotionally dependent on a man.  Wisdom: Be true to yourself.  No matter what others think –if you are right with you and right with God, you are gonna be alright.

Check in for Part II of this interview...coming soon!

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Twilight: Breaking Dawn II-On the Black Carpet

This family could not be more proud!  On Monday, our sweet girl walked the "black carpet" for the premier of Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part II.

Marisa plays a South American Vampire called Huilen. I will not give away one more detail.  Suffice it to say...there is a BIG twist in the movie.  One most Twi-hards will never see coming...but thoroughly enjoy.  

Two days and counting!

Hair: Beth Whitfield

Makeup: Joseph Adivari and Kalie Johnston

Styled by: Scott Rose

Dress: Ines Di Santo

Clutch: Deepa Gurnani

Earrings: Charlotte Lu

Ring: Our grandmother's (we trade it off each time we see each other or when we KNOW one of us is really gonna "need it!"  I can't think of a better reason to wear "the cousinhood of the traveling ring!")

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Eating My Words

www.twilight.com

It has happened.  I have learned my lesson.  Never shall I say "NEVER" again.  Never shall I make fun of a group of people who feel so fervently, so passionately, for a book series/movie saga again.  (I mean...look at me an Gilmore's Girls for crying out loud.  I should have never been making fun of the "Twi-hards" in the first place!)

As many of you may know my cousin, Marisa Quintanilla is currently filming Breaking Dawn.  She is playing the part of Huelin.  I have not actually read any of these books so I don't know how to describe her character.  But I know she belongs to the "vampire" clan, as opposed to the "werewolf" clan.  Ever the proud cousin (oh yes, I DID sit through Road House II-how many of you knew there was a sequel?  Rent it...she's in it.) I decided to jump on the band wagon and familiarize myself with the movies.

To be honest I fell asleep through Twilight three different times.  It took me a number of attempts to get through it.  It was dark and sleepy and she was maudlin and annoying me.  However, I persevered.  I owe this to my cousin, right?  Immediately after I finished Twilight, I fed New Moon into the DVD player.  I stayed awake for this one.  Oh wait, no, I fell asleep...that was the week I was operating on little sleep and high emotion.  I can't help it...these movies lend themselves to snuggling up on a dreary day and drifting off into a netherworld of vampire clouds.  Admittedly, I am still a little lost about why Edward went away to Italy and the whole Voltari thing but I enjoyed New Moon.  It was during New Moon I pledged my allegiance to Team Edward.  I can't help it.  He is a 109 year old man stuck in a 17 year old body.  Seriously?  What 35 year old woman would not find his gentle and tender way of loving Bella intoxicating?

As expected...after New Moon I was eager to get my hands on Eclipse.  Now...I am just left waiting, wondering, how does this story end?  Actually....I coerced a friend into telling me how it ends.  In the erstwhile (oooooh...I like that word) I have become obsessed with the Eclipse soundtrack; and in particular this one song called "My Love" by Sia.  So haunting and mystical....the background to Edward's proposal...you know with the vintage ring?  Sigh!

Heightening my foaming anticipation of Breaking Dawn are Marisa's daily texts and varied phone calls.  She can't say much, for obvious reasons.  But what I can say is that EVERYONE she has worked with, from the biggest names to the lowliest wardrobe person, have treated her with kindness and respect.  She seems to be having a positive experience and for that....I am even more grateful to God.  He answered our prayers by allowing her this opportunity and is sweetening it with genuine individuals.

I can't wait!!!!!

"My Love"
by Sia

My love, leave yourself behind
Beat inside me, leave you blind
My love, you have found peace
You were searching for relief

You gave it all, gave into the call
You took a chance and
You took a fall for us

You came thoughtfully, loved me faithfully
You taught me honor, you did it for me

Tonight you will sleep for good
You will wait for me my love

Now I am strong (Now I am strong)
You gave me all
You gave all you had and now I am home

My love, leave yourself behind
Beat inside me, leave you blind
My love, look what you can do
I am mending, I'll be with you

You took my hand added a plan
You gave me your heart
I asked you to dance with me

You loved honestly
Did what you could release
Aaaahhh oooh

I know you're pleased to go
I won't relieve this love

Now I am strong (Now I am strong)
You gave me all
You gave all you had and now I am home

My love, leave yourself behind
Beat inside me, I'll be with you
oooooohh ooooh
Du du du ooooooh 

I am a sucker for Twilight now......Dang it!  I hate having to retract all my sarcastic Twilight comments.  Lesson learned.....