Ruffly Dresses

For the last 2 weeks, I've been trying to put in an order, with Old Navy. Yes, it's been a struggle. Left me wanting to just run away from my computer! It's some sort of issue with using a "VISA gift card." But I'm not giving up. One being, I have a $500 gift card to use! And I really want this dress...



Isn't she pretty? The minute I saw it, I wanted it! Yes, I did! The style, the color, everything about this dress makes me happy! Those ruffles, oh they are AMAZING!



Then I saw this blue one. Which I LOVE even more! But it's out of stock. Ugh! I wish they sold these in the stores. Or get a new stock. I really want this beautiful, blue dress. ♫

Gala Design

I recently found the Etsy shop, Gala Design. Oh my goodness! They have some of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry. I've never wanted every single item from an Etsy Shop before. But this shop, well, can I have one of each? PLEASE!

Here are some of my favorites. They're just gorgeous. And I'm already trying to figure out, just how to save all of my pennies. The pieces aren't ridiculously expensive. But for me, I'm going to have to do some saving up.



The Olivia Earrings. Perfect for casual days. Something I can throw on any old day. And still feel "put together."



The Rosalie Earrings are a fun set. With a nice "pop" of color. And the perfect amount of femininity.



Talk about fun! These Dandelion Earrings just make me smile. From the name, to the design, they're just fun!



The Ella Earrings, are simple and gorgeous! Who wouldn't want a pair of these? They also happen to remind me of my birthstone. Total bonus!



The last piece, well it's my favorite! The Harper Necklace. I'd treasure this piece. I just love the beautiful, and simple design. Something fun, and timeless.

What do you think? Aren't they just amazing? Maybe if I'm good, I'll get my favorite piece for Christmas. That doesn't seem too bad. Right? Oh, I'm off to go stare at the Shop page some more! ♫

What We Did Yesterday...

Yes, we took a ride on the train. And we had a blast! OK, so waking up for no good reason, at 5AM, was not my idea of fun. Nor was getting my Mom out of bed at 5:30AM. But we had a fun day.

Um, we met this cute elderly lady. She was at the train stop with us. And was so excited about riding the train. Yes, just like us, it was er first time. Did you know, the train has been around for 5 years! What the heck? Why has it taken us so long to take the ride? I just don't know...

But it was a nice and enjoyable time. Like I said, we met this adorable lady. And she talked to us about everything! It was so fun listening to her. The entire trip was relaxing. So relaxing! And you get to see things that, let's be honest, we don't stop to enjoy. At least when we are driving.

Breakfast at Pascual's was super yummy! A little pricey. But we were in "The City Different." Honestly though, it was so good! I have to admit this much, My Music Man was right. I'm glad we went there. And my Mom and I did some shopping. Who can resist the plaza? My Dad just relaxed all that time!

The train was "cruising" on the way back. We left at 4:15PM, and didn't get to our stop until 6:30PM. And let me tell you, we were exhausted! But it's definitely something I'll do again. Maybe with one of my Goddaughters. :) That would be a lot of fun! Or maybe, just to go visit "My Wanna Be In-laws." ♫

Inexpensive Summer Trends

So a few weeks ago, I was watching GMA. And they were talking about summer fashion. Lara had some fun suggestions. And well, it got me thinking. So here is Lara's list...with some of my thoughts. :)

Lara's List of Six

1. Emerald green cut cocktail ring
Cost/where to buy: H&M, $5.95. Check with your local H&M store for availability.

Sounds pretty great to me. You know me and my love for accessories. Funny how rings are quickly becoming my favorites! Now if we could just get an H&M store nearby, I'd be one happy lady!

2. Soft crop olive pants
Cost/where to buy: American Eagle's Aerie line, $14.95

I can't lie, I have 4 pairs of these. From Old Navy! I got them on clearance 2 years ago. For $2 a pair! They're my favorite in hot weather. :)

3. Striped women's scoop-neck tee
Cost/where to buy: Old Navy, $8.50

Really? So easy! I've got a bunch of striped tees. They actually remind me of sailing. I don't know why...

4. Macramé belt
Cost/where to buy: Old Navy, $17.94

Really? I might have to go raid my Mom's closet. She has a ton of these! Totally from the 80s!

5. Brown and gold sequence gladiator sandals
Cost/where to buy: Payless, $19.99

I'm so not a fan of sandals. Especially gladiator sandals. But I know some people out there must enjoy them...

6. Blue and white trend items
Cost/where to buy: H&M, various items price under $20. Check your local H&M store for availability.

Really? I have a ton in my closet. Funny how lots of these things are already in my closet. And I got them on clearance. For under $5 a piece.

So what do you think? Anything you love or hate? I'll be the one in leggings, ballet slippers, and silly rings all summer long. How about you? ♫

Summer Dress

I missed the Old Navy dress sale. I'm pretty bummed out about that. Because, I've noticed something. I'm changing. Maybe I'm getting older. Or lazy. Or just more settled into my "personal style." But I'm in love with 2 things this Spring/Summer. Leggings with over sized t-shirts. And dresses.



Yes, this dress is pulling at my heart. I'm imaging all the fun we could have this summer. The comfort I could feel while wearing this cute dress. It looks so easy. But my purse strings, they're not as "easy" as my heartstrings.

So this beauty, will just have to go on my Wishlist. And I've got my fingers crossed. That it's clearanced before the end of summer. And that I find it in my size. Because we were made for each other... ♫

Same Sky

This is a bracelet from Same Sky. Such a great organization! Just think about it in terms of "women helping women." You are not giving a "handout." No, it's more like a "hand up." I wish I had more money, to help these women. But honestly, this organization has touched my heart. You should go read about it too! ♫

Something From Years Gone By

Are you anything like me? You hunt out the local Antique Shops. No matter where you are. Especially in small towns. Especially in the South?

Earlier this week, M and I got to do a little bit of exploring. B took care of the kids. And we brought C along with us. These are the women that I spend most of my time with. You know, when we're traveling. M is not only my MUA, but one of my best friends. And C, she has become another of my best friends! By the way, she's expecting her first baby this fall!

So we decided to do a little bit of exploring. Our boss' Mom suggested a certain area. And that's exactly where we were headed! Why? Because we wanted a little bit of fun, to take back home! We spent hours and hours in these little towns. And we had a blast!

I don't think there was one shop that we drove by, and didn't go into. They sold everything! It was pure bliss. We tried on vintage clothes, looked through old books, and eyed some gorgeous furniture. I'd definitely get into some trouble, if I lived around here!

In the end, I bought a few cookbooks. I still haven't had much luck with a set of mixing bowls, a vintage suitcase, or a vintage doctor's bag. But they're on my list. And I'll continue to search for them. Oh, and I picked up an incredible dress. That was very exciting. Especially at $2! You have to love vintage shopping! ♫

Blue

It's funny. When ballet flats became the "it shoe," I hated them! All of them. These days, it's either stilettos or ballet flats. Funny how things come full circle.

Well, I've been hunting for some fun shoes. Something bright. Full of "life." I'm thinking, I may have inherited the "shoe gene" from my Mom. :) But honestly, they just make me happy. Especially when much of my "work attire" is pretty boring. Pencil skirts, button up blouses, blazers...you know. Not that fun.



Then when I get to just hangout, I lean towards leggings and big shirts. Or jeans and t-shirts. So shoes, they're the "party and fun" part of my outfits. And honestly, I've been so inspired by all the Mexican Shoe Stores around here. Now, if only I could find the perfect blue shoes...♫

Seeing Love...

Everything about this dress makes me smile. I don't know what it is. But I really do LOVE it! Everything. The silhouette. The color. And especially, the polka dots. Now, if I just had some extra money... ♫

Modcloth Love

Have you ever heard of Modcloth? It's the online store, that I'm in love with! No lie. I visit it multiple times a day. I think up ways to incorporate their clothes, into our shows. Just so I have a legitimate excuse to buy these gorgeous items!

Here are a few of my absolute favorite items. If only I could find them under the Christmas tree. Oh to dream...



By now, I'm pretty sure, most people know of my Scarf Obsession. This one is just so feminine. I love it!



And a fun hat. Seriously, it just makes me smile! And I can always use a hat, for those long walks to school and back.



But my favorite is this dress. It's just so girly. And yet, grown up. I like the richness of the color. And the fun details.

Isn't it fun to dream? If only I didn't have to pour all of my pennies into school. Maybe I could just buy one of these beauties! ♫

2010 Fall Beauty Trends

On the plane ride home this week, I read this article. There are lots of great products that they talk about. And I had to almost laugh, because lots of these colors, I already wear. So here is my list of favorites, based on the article.


1. Rosy Red Lips: MAC's Russian Red

I've been using this for years! Love it! It's just a nice red lipstick.

2. Stormy Nails: China Glaze in Avalanche and VIII

Avalanche is a grey, silvery color. And VIII is a dark purple. Both are amazing!

3. Blunt Bangs: I have long, side swept bangs.

Blunt bangs aren't for me. My face shape just doesn't go with blunt bangs. I usually don't have bangs either. But I did have long, side swept bangs cut a few weeks ago. :)

4. Natural Skin: Neutrogena Healthy Defense for Sensitive Skin, SPF 50

I always have natural skin. I can't tan. And I think faux tanners look ridiculous!

5. Pink, Cheery Cheeks: MAC's Dollymix

This is just a great color for me. It's the best color out there! It just goes well with my complexion.

6. Beautiful Bun: Bobby pins, a ponytail elastic, and Dove's Non Aerosol Hairspray.

I wear buns a lot for Mariachi. But I like to have a deep, side part. I pretty much put my hair in a low ponytail. And then pin my bun in place. Spray with a little hairspray, and I'm good to go. Just to add a note, I've tried all those new pins for buns, honestly, the bobby pins work better.

7. Natural, Lush Lashes: Max Factor 2000 Calorie, Waterproof Mascara

I know that they don't sell Max Factor anymore in the USA. But this is the best mascara. It lengthens, and volumizes your lashes. And your lashes look amazing! I've tried lots of different mascaras, both high end and drugstore. But I bought a few before they stopped selling them. OK, like 12 tubes. But you can still find them on various websites. Or you could do a swap with someone from the UK.

8. Defined Brows: A good brow waxer and Revlon's Expert Slant Tweezers.

I get my brows waxed pretty regularly. I have to. Because they're pretty thick. Not in uni brow style. But in my eyebrows are long across my face. They go down pretty far. And they are thick as in my brows extended well into my eyelid. I say to get a good brow shaper because I had a horrible experience with a bad one. And I had 2 brows that didn't even look similar. Now I actually go to my friend and MUA for a good wax. And I have the Revlon Tweezers for the occasional stray hair. They're better then the $40 pair of tweezers that I got as a gift.

9. Bold and Crazy Shadow: Urban Decay Hearts NYC Book of Shadows III

There are so many amazing colors in this set. If you don't have a lot of eye shadows, this would be a good investment. I got mine as a gift. And when I checked online, they're not out yet. But keep your eyes open. They should be out in the next few weeks.

10. Textured Waves: Dove's Spray, Leave-in Conditioner and Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly, Finishing Touch Cream.

First off, I should say that I have naturally textured hair. And for the last 6 months or so, I've finally embraced it. My hair is more than wavy, but less than curly. So I use the Dove spray and Herbal Essences cream. The Dove spray is a little hard to find recently. I'm not sure if they're discontinuing it. Or if the stores are just not stocking it. Who knows. Lots of the shelves recently are pretty empty. But I just spray the Dove in my hair, tousle my hair and add the cream. When my hair dries, it's just perfect!


As you can see, I've been wearing lots of these products already. My look is pretty simple. And once I find a look or style that I enjoy, well it just sticks. I've collected lots of these things over time. As to not break the bank. But you can find similar products at the drugstore. And I never feel like I have to wear certain colors during only certain times of the year. Just have fun with it. ♫

IcyBag

I really need one of these IcyBags. Seriously, I need one! I live in the desert. I'm not even going to talk about the makeup meltdown I had last summer. Let's just say, 2 lipsticks, 1 cream eyeshadow pallet, and 1 cream blush later...well I had a HUGE mess! My makeup was melted together...all over my back seat. At least I have leather seats...

And this wasn't the first time that's happened. Yes, this particular time, I had left my car for 5 minutes. Yes, 5 minutes! The time before that, I was in high school. And I left 5-6 lipsticks in my car. Not sure what I was thinking. But it was just a big pink blob when I got back from practice.

But this is definitely something I want to buy soon. Yes, I live in the desert. It's ridiculously hot 10 months out of the year. No lie! But it would also be nice to have with me for gigs. Then I'd actually take makeup to touch up with. Now, I just put whatever on, and pray that 20 hours later, when I get home, that my makeup still looks decent. ♫