Big Cherry

Do you remember the candy, Big Cherry? It was my favorite growing up. I could count on a good family friend, to sneak me one, at the little league games. Every single time! Or my Auntie Joe, bringing one over, after I finished my dinner. Yum! Those were the days. :)



Today, I got a delicious Big Cherry! Ya, I know. It's early in the morning. But yum, it was good! Honestly, I didn't know that they were still making them. I never see them anywhere.

But Dr. M walked in. 2 precious candies in his hands. So we sat and ate. Enjoying our bliss in complete silence. The crunchy nuts, super sweet filling, and the yummy cherry! This is going to be a great day. Happy Saturday! ♫

Commander in Chief Lilies

I'm really a fan of lilies. They're beautiful. And super easy to grow! I almost cried, when I seen this Lily. It's so beautiful in real life. And I knew I had to have some.

I asked my friend C, were she got them. Well, the next day, I had 5 bulbs on my desk! My friends are incredible. I planted them, as soon as I got home. Along with 3 yellow King Humberts. Yes, they look amazing too! I'm one step closer to a "Tropical Paradise," in my backyard!

I'm hoping that these lilies multiply. They're gorgeous. And so expensive! But they're beautiful. And honestly, they're perfect for this time of year! The rich red, against the beautiful green grass. ♫

Celebrating

For a few years now, I've worked on the 4th of July. It's been amazing. I know. It doesn't sound like a good time. But it really is.

First of all, the community is amazing. Always trying to give back. They acknowledge the kids. And their health problems. And their needs. So many businesses offer to help. In any way they can. As in, donating items, giving money, or giving time. Especially for the holidays. This year was no different.

The kiddos enjoyed berry pancakes. Everything had to be red, white, and blue. The kitchen also set up a cookie decorating station. We had crafts. And at noon, DJ J came to broadcast live. Let's just say, he brought the party! Kids were dancing all around. And we had a BBQ.

We convinced the kiddos to chill in the afternoon. Naps, movies, and overall down time. But by the evening, we were back to BBQ-ing. DJ J was still there. He was supposed to go DJ at a club. Instead, he hung out with all of us. Oh, and Ol' Blue Eyes was doing a MAW at our hospital. The kiddos were so excited!

But the best, was after dark. We figured out what kids would stay on the "Play Deck," which would stay inside, and who would get to go on the roof. People were moving around. Getting kids were they needed to be.

Everyone was over the moon! Berry sundaes were delivered. And we waiting on the fireworks. The city really delivered. 5 separate fireworks displays! The kiddos "ooood ad ahhed" until almost midnight! The fireworks were amazing!

And as we wheeled kids back to their rooms, all they could talk about was the day. BBQs, flags, and fireworks. It's nice to give them, a bit of the "normal" life, that they usually miss out on.

Seeing all of this, it makes me grateful. Grateful that I am doing a job, that really makes a difference. God has guided me here. To do good. To make these kids feel better. To make the world a better place.

Some days, I wonder why I'm in this field. It can be so hard. And heartbreaking. Literally, heartbreaking. When we lose a patient, it's like losing a family member. It's tough to see all the suffering. But days like this, make it all worth while. If only, we could give the kiddos, more of their childhood back. ♫

The Incredible Hulk

I never watched "The Hulk." Not the movies. Not the TV show. It just didn't interest me. Not my style of TV time. But when my parents came to visit in March, my Mom found this show. OK, so the fact that I only get 2 English channels, and 6 Spanish ones, might be the reason.

My Mom was looking for something to watch on TV. It was already getting warm outside. OK, it was HOT! And we were looking for something to do. My Dad was taking nap. We found "The Incredible Hulk" on RTV.



My Mom was so excited. She watched every single day, while they were at my house. And I have to admit it, it was a pretty good show. A few times in the next weeks, I watched. And well, I became a fan.

Yes, I work. And 90% of the time, I'm not at home in the middle of the afternoon. But those few days, that I was home, I watched. Yes, I was becoming a fan.

Well, recently, the schedule was changed. Some "Western" now comes out. Ugh! And I was really starting to like this show. But what can you do? I did enjoy it for the last 3 months or so. ♫

Oriental Poppies

These beauties, are one of my favorite flowers. They're Oriental Poppies. They range in color from pure white, to a coral red color. But these pinkish peach ones are my favorite! They're just so pretty to look at.

Late in the Spring, I found a package of roots. I bought them. And planted them. Very recently, I found seed packets. I bought 5 packs. They were 5 for $1! I couldn't pass them up. But these beauties, they just don't want to grow for me.

What really breaks my heart is, My Music Man, he just threw a bunch of seeds in his yard. Dude hasn't been home, in at least a couple of weeks. Darn it, if his plants aren't already getting flower buds. How in the heck does that happen? I don't know. But I'm still hopeful that my poppies will grow and bloom this year. ♫

I LOVE this Apron!

This picture instantly made me smile. And it got the wheels turning in my head. Like...I can make this. By know, you should know about my "love affair" with aprons, crochet, and all things vintage.

This picture, well, it just sums up everything. All together, in this little image. And those creative juices, well, they are begging me to create something like this. Maybe in a fun pink color. With a touch of lime green. Or teal with red. The possibilities are endless!

As the weather is getting warmer, I want to be "nesting." Have this urge to really make my house feel like "home." And I want to fill my home with lots of handmade things. If you could see my list, you'd just laugh! It's that long. :) Happy Monday! ♫

Operation

I don't know about you, but I really do enjoy playing board games. I've always really enjoyed them. And now, I'm sharing my love of board games with the "itty bitties." We've got a pretty good collection going on at my house. Everything from Scrabble to the Disney Princess. And don't forget Cootie!

Most of the girls just LOVE to play Candyland. It was one of my favorites growing up too. Until I was about 5. But that story is for another time and another day. One of Care Bear and I's favorite game to play is Operation. She just loves it! And honestly, until a few years ago, I'd never played it!



We can easily get lost for hours and hours, just playing operation. Using our "skills." And just laughing at one another. Why did I not know about this game when I was younger? Maybe I wouldn't have been so opposed to dissection, in my high school Anatomy class. :)



And recently, I've run across this game. For the more "itty bitties." "My First Operation." More fitted for little hands. So as to not frustrate them. Now I just need to buy it! :P

What about you? Are you a "Closeted Board Game Lover" too? What's your favorite? I'm a HUGE fan! And I'm always looking for more games. Even if it's just me and a bunch of little girls playing. Ya, I'm the cool "Tia." ♫

On My Wishlist...

I've always wanted a subscription to Crochet Today. Every issue is loaded with amazing patterns. And great articles. I know, I probably sound like the biggest nerd on earth! But I just love this magazine. Maybe one day, I'll be getting this magazine in my mailbox. Until then, you'll find me at the local library. Reading this beauty! ♫

Yum!

Let's take some time...and talk about one of my favorite candies. Yum! I can't even remember when I first had these. But they were delish! So much so, I went out and bought a few bags. Then, my friends gave me a few more. And before I knew it, I had 12 bags in my freezer.

Honestly, at times, these candies, were the only thing in my freezer! That just makes me laugh. Especially since, I'm lucky to eat, 5 Kisses in a single week. But they're so yummy!

And they're even better in the peanut butter Kiss cookies. It's like heaven! I honestly don't know what it is. But they're incredible. I just wish that Hershey's would make them a permanent candy. ♫

Fiesta Mexicana!

This picture can pretty much sum up my week. It was a good week. But a very busy week! Lots of teaching and performing. Lots of learning. Lots of singing. Being part of this big weekend, well, it takes a lot of hard work.

I had the pleasure of performing for this Big Mariachi Show. Filled with greats, giants, and lots of Maestros. Men that I respect more, than you'll ever know. That have taught me about my cultura, and the musica. That have taken me under their wings, and have shown me the ropes.

Seeing all of my favorite little girls learning, only added to the experience. Seeing them learn about our cultura. Carrying on the traditions. It was amazing. But sharing the stage, was just magical.

This has been a week filled with music. Lots of it. The best of the very best. Lots of trajes. Many Maestros. Everything oozing with the spice of the Vida Mexicana! I enjoyed every second of the week and weekend. Every single second!

It didn't hurt that so many of my friends were here too. Sharing the stage. Teaching alongside me. Laughing. Sharing their families. Enjoying our cultura. It was magical. It was just magical to see how traditions are past from one generation to another. These shows and conferences never get old. Never! Que Viva la Vida Mexicana! ♫

Making Magic

Making Magic. It's what Maestro G always tells us to do. When we are performing. Making the audience "feel" the music. Do more than play your instruments, sing the words, and dance. Make people feel the music. Make them cry. Remember. And fall in love.

Tonight, I take the stage with some of the most amazing musicians out there. Full of talent and accomplishment. On such a big anniversary. I'm beyond excited! And to know, these musicians are also some of my very best friends, I know that I'm blessed!

Now that my "Music Man," S and I are on good terms again, it makes many, many people happy. Por que? We trained together. I learned how to sing with him. We became the performers we are today, by working together. Many days and nights...blood, sweat, and tears...and even broken hearts, got us to where we are. And let me tell you, we know how to put on a show!

For days now, we've been rehearsing. Long after the participants and students have gone to bed, we are on the stage. Working with all the "Maestros." The lighting is perfect. There's not one mistake in the music. Everything is good to go. And in the middle of those "Canciones de Amor," my heart dancing. A feeling that I never thought would happen again.



Did you watch that? From 1:44-2:50, el Maestro G tells us, we can recreate that magic. On stage. For everyone to see. Ya, S gets that "sparkle" in his eye. And I roll my eyes! But tonight, we are pulling out all the stops. For one "Grand Performance!"

I've got my "Music Man" back. Two performers that are destined to perform together. Possibly forever. That part of our story...well it's still left to be written. But the music part, we can't deny that. We are a good team...together.

I can't help but have butterflies in mi pansa! I really can't. And to get to share the stage with all of my good amigos again. That alone is the reason I couldn't sleep last night. Add in my cute ahijadas who are dancing, and we are set for one grand Fiesta Mexicana! ♫

Oriental Lilies

I don't know about you, but Oriental Lilies are some of my favorite flowers. I'm not lying here! There's something about this flower. Beyond the exotic color. And the beautiful bloom. Which, smells amazing! They're just so exotic! Almost like a "forbidden" garden gem.

And because of the size of my yard, and the way it lays, I've been able to create separate almost "Garden Rooms." I've concentrated heavily on the side yard. As it's the largest. And thanks to all that good USDA certification, I've been able to add lots to my yard. Lots of fruit, pretty flowers, and even a couple of small trees.

But the "gem" of my property, is the back yard. Ya, the part with the palm tree. The one that was almost 100% responsible for me buying my house. I'm not even joking here! The same tree that died 5 years ago. And started to come back to life last November. Yes, the one that sat in the middle of 18 inches of snow in February. Yes, that palm tree, it gave me an idea.

Because of the area I live in, tropical plants, trees, and flowers thrive out here. Thanks to all those 100+ degree days! I've started out slowly. As tropical plants cost significantly more than your average rose bush, or packet of flower seeds.

So far, I have a nice little mix of plants. And a palm tree that is fighting to live. I'm almost positive, that baby is not going to make it. And I've already started saving for a "King Palm." I'm super excited!

I want my backyard to feel exotic. Like a hideaway. I have all sorts of plans. And little by little, I've been adding to it. I'm on the search for the perfect outdoor furniture. And I'm really loving all the tropical flower vines growing on the fences. It's really starting to look amazing. Thanks goodness!



But one of my favorite flowers, I still haven't added in the mix. The bulbs are so expensive! $6 a bulb! Last year, I managed to find a semi good deal, and bout 12 bulbs for $8...on clearance. But with the deep freezes that we had, they pretty much died. So I'm on a hunt. For some reasonably priced bulbs to add to my little piece of paradise. Oh, I can't wait to see these lilies taking over my flower beds! ♫

Pluot

Have you ever had one of these? They're Pluots. A mix of a plum and an apricot. So yummy! I first tried them in one of my college classes. Soon, they became a favorite of mine. At first, they were little hard to find. But oh they were so yummy! Very juicy, and so sweet!

Now pluots are everywhere. I see them at Wal-Mart, Albertson's, and even the Farmer's Market! And they're not expensive at all. Most of the time, they're less expensive than plums.

Honestly, if you haven't tried them, you should. You should try any of the hybrid fruits out there. Some are really interesting. While others are really delish! Give them a try. And let me know what you think. ♫

No. 22

This is my favorite perfume. Chanel No. 22. I got it as a gift. Years ago. From one of my bosses/friends. It's a good thing too! Because it's so far out of my price range. But it's so beautiful. The scent is feminine and light. And completely unmistakable.



Whenever I wear this fragrance, I feel like I'm wrapped in silk. It's that lush and gorgeous. The perfume is designed around white flowers. I'm pretty sure that's why I love it so much. Most of my favorite blooms, are white flowers.

This scent is definitely floral. But not over the top. The scent of white rose, jasmine, lily, Orange Blossom, and Lily of the Valley are clear. But there is also a slightly spicy scent. Most likely from the nutmeg. And the unmistakable cleanliness of vanilla.

Yes, this is definitely my favorite fragrance. Perhaps, my "Signature Scent." It's the one I just adore. I find myself reaching for it more times, than not. Let's just say, I'm grateful that my friend has taken the hint. I can count on getting a bottle, for all the major events during the year. Like my birthday, Christmas, and that big week of shows.

I was never a woman that pined over fragrances. Or the various "notes," that make up a good perfume. But No. 22, well it has changed my life. And the way I view perfume. Let's just say, I finally understand the whole, "making a memory with scents." ♫

Yum!

Dion's Chef Salads are some of my favorites. No lie! For a few years, we didn't have a Dion's where I live. So every time I went to my hometown, I'd buy a "family size." Delish! I'd eat it all week. And it was honestly heaven!



Now I can get one whenever I want. It makes me so excited! I prefer mine without salad dressing. Followed with a yummy brownie, for dessert. Just blogging about it, is making me hungry! And I just had one of these yummy salads. Last night. For dinner.

Another thing about Dion's, lately I've gotten good entertainment there. No lie! Every time I go with my parents, there is something interesting going on. Like last night, we witnessed a HUGE fight. Just outside the door. We had a window booth. And witnessed the entire 45 minute situation. Cops and all. Dion's is a safe place. But sometimes, the "entertaining people" are just out. And well, we got dinner and a show last night. ♫

Commander in Chic

This is my "new" favorite nail polish. OK, not new. I wore it all winter. Last year. Then I lost it. I have no clue, what I did with my bottle. I've searched everywhere! Something tells me, I left it in Sin City. :(



But I just picked up a new bottle. And I'm loving it. Again! It's just the perfect dusty purple, taupe color. A neutral. But not boring. A color that goes with so much. And is a bit elegant. Yup, it's love. ♫

He Makes Me Smile

There is this one man, that just makes me smile. The same way that King George sends my Mom over the edge, Josh just makes my day. There is something about this crooner. It's a little about his looks. But way more about his deep voice. Oh my!



So on this Funday Friday, I'm taking a moment to not just listen to my favorite singer, but to watch his video. Now if I could just find a man in "real life" that has a voice like his... ♫

A Great Sunday Read!

I read this story, and well, it just filled my heart with love. In case you're wondering, it's a story about a NASCAR driver, his Abuelita, and their family's journey to the USA. So go ahead, read it! It's really a good story.

My heart is a little sad. Today marks the last NASCAR race of the season. I'm not going to tell you who I'm cheering on. Or where my favorite driver currently sits in the standings. But it will be a sad 3 months until the Daytona 500. What am I supposed to do with my Sundays? It's been a while since I've had a free Sunday.

So go read Aric's story. I'm telling you, it's a good one. Me? I'm heading out. I have a 10K to run this morning. Wish me luck. I need it! I'm still fighting this cough/cold/flu. And my training has been hit and miss for the last 2 months. Happy Sunday! ♫

Can I Make One?

If you talked to anyone out there that knows me, and you ask them what one "Signature Style" item is, they'd tell you a scarf. Yes, I wear them daily. For at least 10 months a year!

I'm not picky. I'll wear the $5 scarves from Wal-Mart. The BOGO scarves from the Street Markets. Or, I'll make my own. Seriously, I'm not picky. I just like scarves.
my ever growing collection, well I think it says it all!



And now, I'm evolving. I'm really enjoying cowls. I found this picture while doing a Google search for a crochet scarf pattern. And I'm in LOVE! I'm going to try and make one. Make up my own pattern as I go. What do you think? Can I make one? Will it turn out OK? Will I use it? ♫

Gemma

I really do enjoy Gemma's videos. She has 3 YouTube Channels. One with her Beauty Videos, a Health Channel, and her Daily Vlogs. Gemma's Daily Vlogs are my favorite! She is just very entertaining to watch. What else can I say?

As far as her style, I really do enjoy it. That's why I watch her Beauty Channel. Because there are so many products that I've learned about. Like in this video, I just LOVE her scarf. It's my favorite!

Oh, and I really do like the British accent. This might be weird, but when I can't sleep, I put on one of these videos. Her voice puts me to sleep. Something that I'm grateful for. Especially when I only have 2 or 3 hours to sleep. But honestly, Gemma's videos are a lot of fun to watch! She also has a great blog! ♫