Featured Model: December 2010: Mariah

Hometown: Huntsville, AL
Occupation: Student & Model
Ethnicity: Japanese & French & German
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 5′5 1/2″
Weight: 118lbs
Stats: 34B-24-34

Photo Credits belong to: Keith Selle.

December means several things for us, the most important being that we finally get to take a break after a long year of hard work. But not to worry, because we've already begun planning for 2011 and we can safely say that it will be even better than before. But enough about that, let's talk about presents! Our gift to all of you this year is none other than the breathtakingly beautiful, Mariah Longo. As an exclusively-signed and managed TunerPlayground model, Mariah has already worked as a brand ambassador & official spokesmodel for many of our notable clients this year, including NOS Energy Drink and Hankook Tire. You can also find her at our upcoming collaboration with Gymkhana Grid & Ken Block working for our newest client, Castrol EDGE. For more information about that be sure to read her interview and try not to forget about the sixty never-before-seen photos of her either! Merry Christmas!

TP: So we have to ask, how did you get into modeling? Were you discovered?

ML: I dated a photographer for a little while and found that I really enjoyed being in front of the camera. After doing some modeling for fun, I was scouted for multiple jobs and began doing a lot of promotional work. Hopefully the jobs will keep coming without me having to date a bunch of photographers though...haha. Although I think my hard work and persistence should keep me from having to do that! ^_^

TP: Well...we think our photographer might fancy you a bit. Haha. So how do you feel about signing exclusively with us? What were some of the important factors that led to your decision?

ML: You guys have offered me so many incredible opportunities already, and I know that they'll keep coming. Everybody that I've worked with has been really excited about all of the jobs and projects, and they are all so passionate about what they're doing. I love the people that I get to work with as well, and I also really enjoy the jobs that I've been given. Being with TunerPlayground has been very laid back with an awesome vibe overall. As a signed model I've also been able to utilize the company to gain broader exposure and many new fans!

TP: We're very glad to hear you say that, and its been a pleasure having you so far. Do you consider yourself beautiful? What do you think is your greatest asset? What makes you unique?

ML: I think that I am beautiful, but a lot of it stems from my personality that I feel then adds to my outer beauty! To be a model you have to exude confidence, but also have humility and comfort in knowing that surface beauty fades. I love being able to feel confident and sexy in my own skin, and to be able to use that confidence and sassy aspect of my personality at work is so fun! My greatest physical asset would have to be my eyes...but being a goofball and a dork definitely sets me apart from a lot of girls too. ^_^

TP: What was the first major event that you modeled at? What made it most memorable to you?

ML: My first major event was MotoGP. I worked for Hotbodies Racing and they had a shirt with me in a bikini on it. At the event, I had to wear booty shorts and a torn up shirt. It was one of the first times I'd gotten to wear something sexy in front of so many people, I remember that I loved seeing guys try to sneak pictures of my ass! It was the first time I'd ever had any sort of memorabilia with my face on it, so I took home a bunch of shirts so I could give them to my Mom. Haha. She only wanted one, so now I have a bunch of shirts with me half naked on them sitting in my closet...people think I'm weird and a little self-obsessed when they see them.

TP: We call dibs on a few shirts! Haha. So who is your favorite model or celebrity of all time?

ML: My favorite celebrity is Angelina Jolie, she is so sexy and classically beautiful, I would love to meet her. If I had the opportunity to plan a photo shoot with her, I would want to do a sultry boudoir theme with her. All black and white with vintage lace lingerie, an old motel room, red lipstick and big curly hair...yum!! ^_^

TP: Have you ever used your looks to take advantage of someone? Be honest.

ML: Not yet, I'm still practicing! I know you have to show a little cleavage and give a sexy wink...don't worry, I'll get the hang of it soon. You guys won't even see it coming, one minute you'll be minding your own business...the next, you'll have bought me a new car! Haha. ^_^

TP: Wow. We need to be prepared then. Haha. Tell us, what are your hobbies? Any hidden talents you'd like to share with the world?

ML: I love laser tag! I feel so bad ass whenever I go, and I love dressing up in tight little black clothes and running around like a ninja. I also have an obsession with baking...my specialty are Tres Leches cupcakes. Yummy! I want to own my own bakery sometime in the near future. I also love being outside and trying new things...anything that gets my adrenaline going makes me a happy girl. ^_^

TP: What is your astrological sign? Do you believe in horoscopes?

ML: I'm a Libra. But I've never really followed my horoscope. Every time I do read it, I feel like it could apply to everybody in some random way. I love when guys use the whole "What's your sign?" pick up line...totally cracks me up! Has that ever worked...for anybody? LOL.

TP: Do you have any weird habits that no one else knows about?

ML: I love eating with my hands. LOL! For some reason food tastes so much better when you don't have to use utensils. Whenever I'm alone I pick up my food with my fingers...unless it's soup. That would be a little too intense for me. I think food is always sexier when you can lick it off your fingers... ^_^

TP: Goodness. We need to go to lunch soon. So what does a typical day look like for you? Where do you like to go for some time alone?

ML: My days are always different because I travel so much for work. I feel like I'm always in a different city every couple of days. But one thing never changes! I like to go to bed early (I know...I'm a Grandma!) I take off my makeup, turn on a movie, and cuddle until I fall asleep. I live on a vineyard and I'm never home, so being home is like a mini vacation for me.

TP: So what's your favorite food? Drink? Place to eat?

ML: I'm a big fan of trying new things, and I'm known for constantly eating! I love food way too much. I was born and raised in the South, so my favorites are definitely fried chicken, fried okra, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy...but I also love trying new things from different places. I like food from India, Puerto Rico, Ethiopia, etc. Give me anything and I'll try it at least once. ^_^

TP: Since we are an automotive interest website and most of our readers are motor-heads, we have to ask, what do you drive right now? What would you say your dream car is?

ML: I drive a 1983 Porsche 928. It's incredible! It handles so well and is way too much fun to drive. I feel like a race car driver. It looks like the Batmobile too, and definitely makes me feel super cool.

TP: Haha. That's awesome. Have you ever thought about getting into racing?

ML: I would love to try and get into racing. In fact, I would love to even just have the opportunity to ride along with somebody.

TP: Well I'm sure we can make that happen soon for you. By the way, does size matter for you? You know we're talking about car engines of course. Haha.

ML: Haha, size definitely matters...in all situations. ^_^

TP: If we looked through your cell phone, what kinds of juicy things would we find on there?

ML: Uh oh...you probably shouldn't go through my pictures...or my texts for that matter...hehehe.

TP: What item of clothing or accessory makes you feel the sexiest?

ML: I love stilettos...with or without any other articles of clothing accompanying them. ^_^

TP: Oh my goodness. Haha. So what has surprised you the most about modeling? What has your most memorable modeling moment been so far? Most embarrassing?

ML: A lot of people think it's so easy! But it takes a lot of effort to even get ready for events, and standing a full work-day in heels is tough, but I definitely love what I do. I haven't had any embarrassing moments quite yet...but I'm sure there are many to come. Haha. ^_^

TP: So what do you look for in a guy? What would he have to do to get your attention and to keep you interested?

ML: I love a guy with a goofy sense of humor. He has to be tall, dark, and handsome. I'm a hopeless romantic, so all the cheeseball stuff works on me. I love when a guy does something I've never seen before... ^_^

TP: How do you feel about pick-up lines? What was the best line that was used on you? Did it work?

ML: Pick-up lines crack me up! I think they're so funny, but they never work on me. This one time a guy messaged me on Facebook with "I'm no Fred Flintstone, but I still can make your bed rock." He got denied. Haha.

TP: What gets you in the mood? What are some of your turn-ons?

ML: I love seeing a guy drive stick...and a guy who can play the guitar. I guess seeing a guy use his hands always gets me. It definitely doesn't take much...I just need all of his attention to be on me and I'm good to go. ^_^

TP: So we need to learn how to play the guitar. Got it. Haha. On a scale from 1 to 10, how wild are you in the bedroom?

ML: Haha yes you do! Oh I'm definitely a 10. There's something about being behind closed doors...I feel like I need to give them something they'll never forget...

TP: What do you wear to bed?

ML: I love sleeping in a cold bedroom with nothing on. I have a big warm comforter and I like to snuggle up underneath it...I also love my feety pajamas. But I only wear those on my super lame dork nights...which I'll admit, may happen more often than you'd think. ^_^

TP: Haha. So what's your favorite position in the bedroom?

ML: The folded deck chair! Haha. Just kidding. But yes, that is a real position. I like to keep it simple though, me on top, definitely the best view. ^_^

TP: Haha no arguments here. So what is something no one else knows about you that you are willing to let us in on first? And your answer above doesn't count. It has to be something else!

ML: I hate wearing a bra! It's my biggest pet peeve. I hate how tight they are! So restricting...I love going bra-less.

TP: We feel that more women should follow your trend. Haha. So were you popular in high school? If so, why do you think that was?

ML: I was actually a really big nerd. I would hang out in the library during lunch and do my homework. Haha. But I had a lot of friends, and I definitely made a lot more after I became more outgoing and comfortable with myself. I was shy and quiet in high school and mainly kept to myself. Not anymore though! Hehe.

TP: If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

ML: X-Ray vision. Oh yeah. Watch out boys! ^_^

TP: Do your friends have any funny nicknames for you? If so, tell us about them and the stories behind each name.

ML: Little mouse, because I'm always nibbling on something. Cupcake, because I love baking. And Cheez-it...because I really like Cheez-It's, hahaha. Do you like how all of my nicknames are food based?! Definitely stays true to my personality. ^_^

TP: Interesting...so do you use Twitter? Facebook? Myspace? What do you think about social networking sites and how they have affected models these days?

ML: I have a Myspace, but I never go on it anymore! I checked it a couple of weeks ago and I have over 400 friend requests and messages...it completely stressed me out so I just signed off and decided that I'll probably never go on it again. Haha. I'm always on Facebook though! I love having the ability to connect with old friends and network with new ones. It's also really helped with my career, I get a ton of jobs via Facebook.

TP: Good stuff. So what are five things you never leave the house without?

ML: Wallet. Mini makeup bag. Car keys. Chocolate. And sunglasses. I carry various kinds of candy with me in my purse at all times too, and I look really cool when I eat them with my dark sunglasses on...haha. ^_^ I used to carry around my hot pink pepper spray too, but airport security confiscated it. What the hell?! What would a sweet girl like me possibly do with pepper spray? They shouldn't have taken it! I need it! ^_^

TP: Hahaha. So do you like to travel? Where have you been that you absolutely loved? Where would you like to go someday?

ML: I LOOOVE traveling! I've been to the south of France, which is incredible! My grandparents have an apartment in a small village there. I love that every morning everybody goes to the various little stores and picks up fresh food for the day. It's such a simple way of life, I find it beautiful! I would love to go to Tokyo, Japan. I hear the shopping is kick-your-ass incredible. Yep...it's supposed to be that awesome.

TP: Haha. We can vouch for the shopping in Japan since we go to Tokyo Auto Salon every year in January. Maybe we'll bring you along this year. If you're good. Haha. Tell us, where can your fans find you online?

ML: I'm on Facebook and Model Mayhem. Just look me up!

TP: Where can your fans expect to find you with TunerPlayground next?

ML: Well I just got back from SEMA with you guys and I'll be at Gymkhana Grid on December 3-4 at Irwindale Speedway working as an Official Spokesmodel for Castrol EDGE. You guys rock! ^_^

TP: Aww thanks! Hehe. Okay it's time that we wrap up. Any last words?

ML: Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured! Follow me on Facebook and be sure to stay updated on my upcoming events. Lastly, be sure to check out my sister's music here.