Summertime Favorite

I have to put these out there. I'm definitely what you would call a "Girly, Girl." I LOVE makeup, clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories. All that good stuff. But I've never really felt like I was a gorgeous woman.

Most of this might be, because I cheered when I was younger. And was surrounded by gorgeous girls. My Mom didn't really wear makeup. So I was on my own there. My hair has always been a "Thorn in My Side." That sort of thing.

But as I've gotten older, I've really begun to enjoy these things much more. A lot of this probably has something to do with this lady, and this lady. Oh, and because I've become a performer now. And it's my "job" to dress up, and look nice.

Well, as much as I love all these things, in the "Heat of Summer," I'm not a fan! Not at all! In fact, for the last few weeks, I've been sporting leggings, and some sort of long and flowy tank top. Oh, and those ballet flats. My hair is up and out of my face. Makeup is at a bare minimum.

But I don't think it's a "Bad Thing." Heck no! It leaves more time to enjoy life. And I feel so much "lighter." Heck, I'm pretty sure, my skin and hair are thanking me right now. But the one thing that I've always really gotten into, during the Summer, is nail color!

Yes, it's my one thing. It's definitely a "Summer Thing." I paint my nails 2-3 times a week. I probably buy 4 nail polishes a week! It's so addictive. Because it's my way of adding color, to my outfit. And honestly, painted nails are s cute!

Well, in the Summer I usually gravitate towards 2 colors. White or Essie's Turks & Caicos. I know! But they remind me of Summer. I sport the white for 3 or 4 weeks. Then add that gorgeous turquoise color for a week or so.

Last week, My Bestie needed to make a quick run to the store. She was all out of chocolate! And we all know what happens when Hills doesn't have chocolate! :) So we headed to a local CVS. She went looking for candy, and ice cream. I got caught up by this gorgeous display of L'Oreal nail polish!

And what in the world did I find? Some of the most gorgeous colors! Colors that all the "expensive brands" are carrying right now. I quickly picked 4, got my favorite magazines, and a couple of cards. Yes, I know! But it was some last minute stuff that I needed, before we left on vacation. :)



This gorgeous color is called, "Club Prive." This incredibly creamy, aqua color. Immediately, I was in LOVE!!! When we got back, I realized I'd forgotten Turks & Caicos at home. Good thing I picked this baby up!

2 things you should know. Maybe 3. This color is almost exactly the same as Essie's Turks & Caicos. But it only cost $5! It's very similar to China Glaze's For Audrey. Except For Audrey is a bit more blue. Unless you're like me, you probably wouldn't notice this. Oh, and the consistency of the polish, is AMAZING!!!

So we've been on the water, and the beach, for days now! My nails have been painted since last Friday. No base coat. No top coat. This polish is amazing!!! It might just be my new Summertime favorite! :) I can't wait to get back, to try my other 3 colors!!! ♥

Wedding Day 'Do

Today, my friends are getting married. We're all so excited! I'm still missing this guy. And all of us are missing Sancho. Who couldn't make it to the wedding. And Jose, who is out fighting the fire. Man, 3 very funny guys! And they're all MIA.

But we're trying to not let that bother us. And I'm taking my "Maid of Honor" duties seriously. As always!!! That's why we have another 4AM post. Why? Because I have to head out, and pick up some breakfast, the bouquets, and make sure we have everything we need. Lots to do. Especially this early, in the morning. And ya, I hit the "Snooze" button more than once. Before deciding, I just better get up...

I'm totally off topic now. But I wanted to show you our "Hair Inspiration" for the day. Mrs. Manders will be doing our hair and makeup. Yay!!! And Louisa picked out this cute updo...



Nice hairstyle. Especially for an outdoor, Summer wedding. In the desert! We also have these cute little headbands. And the colors of the wedding, are nice and fun! Totally reminds me of Summer. Tangerine and Lime. Oh. My. Goodness! I also hear, the wedding cake tastes AMAZING!!! Can't wait!!!

I better get moving. I'm really excited!!! Weddings just do that to you. And honesty, there has been so much going on. I'm just ready to dance the night away. How many hours...until the dance begins? Because Lola, is ready to "Bust a Move!" Have a Happy Saturday!!! ♥

Finally!!!

Let me tell you a little secret. I have the most annoying hair, known to man! It's not curly, not straight, not pretty. Just frizzy. And puffy. It has a mind of it's own. And honestly, I call my hair..."The Chia Pet."

I'm not blessed. You see, I have 3 older sisters. 2 are my Dad's daughters, 1 is my Mom's daughter. They all have this glorious curly hair! The kind that is insanely kinky, curly, and gorgeous. Mine...looks like I've stuck my finger in the socket. Oh ya, I did that once. When I was a baby! Did that mess with my hair? I don't know. But it is so annoying!

In high school, almost every girl that I cheered with, wanted to "straighten" my hair. Well, I avoided them at all cost! My best friend, became the clip barrette. And the scrunchy...when I cheered. Sponge rollers, and eventually the hot rollers, were my best friends.

But right before I started college, I found the good 'ol hair straighteners. I bought a cheap-o pair at Target. I don't even remember the brand. But I spent $15. They worked OK. But with my thick and frizzy hair, I was far from perfectly straight hair.

Months later, I found CHI. Oh my goodness! My life changed. My hair, for the first time ever, could be stick straight. It introduced me, to new hairstyles. Easy, breezy days. Simple life. If I just had those bad boys with me. :)

Heck if I remember the brand of the 3rd pair I got. I can't remember. But these 2 pair, have been life changing. I know, that sounds crazy. Being that it's just hair. But honestly, it's the truth. That pair of CHI, are worth every penny! Dry hair, from beginning to end, could be straight in under 5 minutes. No lie! Pin straight, in 5 minutes.

Then, last summer they died. OK, I'd had them for almost 10 years. But my babies were no more! I took to that other pair. The ones I can't remember the brand name. And well, they got me through 3 and a half more hairstyles. Yes, I said a half! In the middle of doing my hair, there was no more heat...

Well, I didn't feel like investing another $100 or $300 at the time. So I tried to embrace my crazy hair! I bought all sorts of hair products. Researched them. Asked around. For almost a year now, I've embraced the texture of my hair. A little curly, a little nutty, a little frizzy. Seriously, my hair has a mind of it's own! All it's own!!!

We'd been going good. I took to braids. Various "up dos." A range of products. Silently, I welcomed the days when Manders was in charge of my hair and makeup. When I had to perform. When for a few brief days, my hair could be tamed.

I also did research. And had my little list, narrowed down to 2. The GHD. And Sultra. Pretty decent investments. I'd recently purchased a Sultra hair dryer. And well, I just couldn't make a decision on hair straighteners. No matter how many reviews I read. How many YouTube videos I watched. Or how many people I asked. But it was down to 2...

I never talk about these things. Especially with this guy. What would he think? Until about 2 weeks ago. My Guy finally asked why I've been wearing my hair up so much. I never wear it down anymore. See ladies, guys do notice these things! I told him what had happened. And he gave me that look. Like why in the heck, haven't you bought whatever you need to buy? See, I told you, I rarely shop. And I almost never, use this guy's money, for myself.

On the second day that my friends were here, I got a little surprise. I'm almost 100% positive that Mrs. Manders helped out here. :) I got this precious little package!!!



Life changing I tell you! Life changing. :) I get to now straighten my hair. Whenever in the heck I feel like it! Since I got my set of GHD straighteners, that's been every single day! I know. But really, even I had missed those super straight locks.

If you're on the fence about hair straighteners, I'd say..."Bite the Bullet!" If you have fairly fine hair, not too textured, a pair from Target will do fine. But those of us, with more complicated hair, well save your pennies. These are worth every single one!

Had I not been so stubborn, I would have bought these months ago! Perfectly straight hair, in just minutes. I've also curled my hair with this set. Super quick! And curls that last all day. Believe me, in the heat and humidity that we've been dealing with lately, this is pretty incredible! I just can't believe, that I lasted 11 months, without my "hair best friends!" ♥

Going Red?

Every few years, I get this itching...to make a major change. Do something crazy! You know, throw everything in the air...and see what happens. And I'm just talking about life. Sometimes I'm taking about little things. Like hairstyle. Or hair color.

You see, I've always had long locks. For the last few years...extra long locks. And well...I'm getting a little tired of them. Mostly, I just need a change. It doesn't help that Manders is in town. And every single day, that she does my hair or makeup, I want her to live with us. And every single day, I complain just a tad bit, about the new white hairs that are invading my head! I'm only 29. What's up?

It might be stress. I'm a full time college student. With a full time internship. At a hospital. Pretty stressful. If I do say so myself. On top of that, I've got a boyfriend that travels for work...oh 40+ weeks out of the year. I'm trying to make 4 houses...into homes for us. Oh, and I have a sick parent. I'm a little stressed out. But I do believe, my white hair is genetic. You see, my paternal grandma had snow white hair! As did most of her daughters...my aunts. I just think, I'll be snow white too...in a handful of years.

So I took to my friend. The professional. And we started shooting around some ideas. Like a new hairstyle. Take about 10 inches off. Add some sassy-ness back in! As soon as we're done with these gigs. And maybe, a new color. Like say...RED?!?!?! I know. But the truth is, my Dad was a natural red head. And although I was born with jet black hair, over the years it has lightened. Naturally. Every single summer! I know have dark brown hair, with tons of red in it. So why not jump off the cliff?



This is actually, just a few shades redder than my natural color. Not much. And I'm also ghostly white. I'm not sure what happened to my Chicana genes...



Ya, I'm not convinced with this color. But I do have a cousin, and niece with this shade of red. To me, it's a bit too "on the orange side of things." Although Manders says, it will work well with my complexion. I'm just not feeling it...



This is actually perfection to me! I've got dark eyebrows like this. But a lot thicker. But honestly, I LOVE this color and style!!! Just red enough...but not too crazy. Or unnatural.



Oh, yes! I'm in LOVE with this darker color. Kate Walsh pulls it off so well! I like the hint of red. With the mystery of the dark color. :)



Let's not forget Debra Messing's gorgeous locks! LOVE the richness of this color. With the dimensions. Highlights and low lights. This color is gorgeous!

So I'm off to talk to Manders. And make some sort of decision. We probably won't do it right now. Since I'm performing, the entire time she is out here. But in just a few weeks, I'll be making weekly trips back home. For weddings, baptisms, and Father's Day. That's when, I am sure to take the plunge.

What do you think I should go with? I don't worry about maintenance. Believe me. I'll keep up with that. I'm just curious, what people think I should do. Just remember, I have pale skin, dark and thick eyebrows, and brown eyes. Hmm, which way should I go? ♥

Hair Ideas...

For a long while now, I've wanted to cut my hair. Do something with it. Get an actual "style" going on. Part of that, is I'm looking for some change. For a little fun. Something different. More "grown up." You know what I mean?

Most of the time, Manders cuts and styles my hair. But now that we're a few thousand miles apart, it less and less often. We're usually trying to get my hair cut, right before a show. When it needs to be long enough, for the hairstyles, that I need for the shows. Which is not what I want for my "every day hair."

Then when we're not around each other, I just go with this guy. When he gets his hair cut, so do I. At this cute little barber shop. Definitely not a place, to go for a new style. Just a trim.

To be honest, I've got some rather annoying hair. "Chia pet hair." I've never really liked it. But in the last few years, I've grown to embrace my hair. My dark brown hair, that has tons of natural red highlights. The crazy hair, that just can't air dry. The same hair, that begs for a hair straightener. Something that I still haven't replaced...almost a year after mine went to hair straightener heaven!

Most days, I'm simple. A little hair product, a hair clip or 2, and I'm done. With those curly waves. That by the end of the day, end up, in a loose bun. On top of my head.

So I've been doing a little research. Hoping that when the gigs are all said and done, later this month, Manders can do something with my hair. Anything! I don't want to wear it in a bun, all summer long. And our next big round of gigs, isn't until late summer. My hair will grow back by then.

I've searched and searched, for some ideas. But the ones I'm leaning toward most, are here. What do you think?



I can go for it. And cut off all my hair like Jennifer Aniston. What a fresh feel for summer. :)



Or maybe just some texture like Kate Moss. Add some fringe. A little choppy layers. Something a little less formal. A lot more fun!



I could stick with longer locks. Just learn to really style them. With this style, I'd still have to cut off about half of my hair. Darn, why did I let it get so long? I've just been lazy about my hair...

Personally, I've never really had short hair. The texture of my hair, just would create a HUGE mess!!! Weeks before I graduated, I cut my hair. Shoulder length. Loved it! Then it grew back. So quickly! And I didn't bother much with it. The first summer that I lived in the desert, I cut it just above my shoulders. Loved it! Managed to keep it that short, until the Fall. When school started again.

But now, I'm itching for a change. Who knows, maybe I'll venture even further. And change the color. I just want something new. Fun. And a little more, well "put together." I'm telling you, living in the South, makes you realize these important things. Like having a real "personal style." And I so badly need one! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 5

This week is exciting! We're beginning Week 5, of our Crochet Along. And at the end of this week, we'll be done with the basic pattern. The only thing left, will be the edging!

Our goal for this week is, rows 67-87. The same "Bunny Block," as Week 3. This is really exciting! Now I'm anxious, to finish up my blankets. :)



I have to confess, I'm a little behind this week. Work has been extra crazy. So today, I'll be taking a lot of time to crochet. :) My goal for the day, is rows 50-67. See, I told you, I fell behind. But I'm sure, that this week, will be much better! How are your blankets going? ♥

Hair Inspiration

I can't lie here. I've been in a bit of a "Hair Funk" lately. Either, I straighten my hair, and wear it down. Maybe throw it in a messy ponytail at work. Or I wear it, totally natural at home. All crazy curly, with a touch of product, to hold the curl. If I wear my hair this way, I generally, clip it up.

Honestly, I wish that Manders was around. All the time! To do my hair. She always has some amazing hairstyle. Something simple, but with tons of impact! Oh, if I just had her skills. Then maybe, I'd do things like this...



Yes, I've been inspired! I want to wear braids. Back in high school, I adored braids! Wore french braids, instead of ponytails. When I was a cheerleader. Not the usual kind. But 2 braids, that lead into one. Oh, I miss my braids! The top middle picture, is my inspiration. For tomorrow. When I hangout with My Bestie. Then we meet My Guy, and this guy, for dinner. Yes, I might just put a little effort, into my mile long hair! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 4

Happy Sunday! I think this Crochet Along, is a success! I've had so many positive e-mails this week. Which makes me smile! :) That's the whole reason, that Manders and I wanted to do this. To reach out to fellow crocheters. And create something beautiful, in the process.

This week, we're working on our third, "Bunny Block." Rows 46-66. Pretty much, it's exactly what we did, during Week 2. I'm really excited, to see how big our blankets are going to get. I can tell, this is going to be a good week!



This week, I fell a little behind. I was performing, early in the week. And late in the week, I was doing some last minute things, for my friend's Baby Shower. But I managed to get to row 45. I'm really excited, to have 2 "Bunny Blocks" done. But now, I kinda of wonder, how would the blanket look, if every other bunny, faced the opposite direction? Maybe I'll try that, on the next one! For now, I'm going to tackle rows 46-66! Have a GREAT week! ♥

Like a Playground

That is what Sin City is like. A "Playground" for adults. Don't you think? We were in Sin City, for almost a week. The LBs and I performed. The BBs and I performed. Manders and I, got a lot of time, to catch up. I enjoyed my time with Cole, and her little fashionista! My Bestie, was dealing with some stuff. But I'm positive, that this trip helped her. To move forward. And my favorite time, was spent, with all my Goddaughters!



I always think, it's so strange. We go to Sin City to work. We perform. Put on BIG shows. We mingle with VIPs. Get paid to gamble. This guy, has to work. All weekend! Literally, all we do, is WORK!

But so many people, go to Sin City, to have fun. To play. To somewhat become "kids" again. A far cry, from our reasons. But we're all there, to entertain, have fun, and enjoy the city!

Sunday night, we celebrated this guy. Really "Lit Up the Town!" I think, for most of us, it's been crazy. We've been so busy. And stressed out. Life has been so emotional. The burdens were getting so tough. But this celebration, just helped calm everything. Even for, just one night!

I know that sounds weird. But it's the truth. And I'm glad, that I have the group of friends, that I have. I'm so happy, for the job I have. And for this guy. There was once a time, when all I thought about, was work and school. Life wasn't really "Worth Living," at that time.

I'm learning, that sometimes, you just need to enjoy yourself. To "Live in the Moment." Enjoy your blessings. I mean, seriously, how many people get paid to travel? And perform? Hangout with friends? Not many. And I need to be grateful for that. "Live in the Moment."

This was a fast trip. Almost completely, scheduled with work. But we did enjoy ourselves. In fact, this guy and I, want to come back. You know, when we're not working. And really enjoy the "City of Sin!" The way it was meant to be enjoyed. Now we just need to schedule that in! :) Oh, can you tell...we work too much! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 3

Welcome Back Crochet Along friends! How are your blankets going? I'm moving along well. Still experimenting a little. With my smaller blanket. But all is well. This week's goal, is rows 25-45. That's one more "Bunny Block!" :) This set of bunnies, will be running in the opposite direction.



Don't worry if you didn't make it to row 24. Remember, we're not on a time crunch. We're just working on this, together. This is supposed to be something fun. Not stressful! Just keep that in mind. :)

I got a few e-mails this week. All having to do with the same "issue." The gauge, is just a little off. The chains are a little loose. And the double crochets, are too tight. So when you're looking at your work, it looks a little "messy."

I've worked on other filet blankets before. And I've worked on filet crochet...with thread. Your work, just doesn't look "neat." That is, your chains look too loose. And your double crochets, tootight. The double crochets "pull" at the chains. And the chains just look really loose. It has to do with the tension of your work. You just need to work on, making all your stitches similar, in tension. Don't stress. With yarn, especially a thicker yarn, it'd not as noticeable.

And remember, if you have a question, or concern, please leave Manders or I, a comment. Or send us an e-mail. That's what we're here for! At the end of this week, we're pretty much, halfway done with our blankets! Now that is exciting!!! ♥

Crochet Along: Some Tips

On Sunday, I had mentioned that I was starting a second blanket. I started it. Stopped, and looked. I was using 4 ply yarn, and a size H hook. But it seemed small. I found myself at a stop. I wanted a slightly larger blanket. One that I could cuddle up under. So I took it apart, and added another bunny block across. This means that you must start with a chain 185. The adjustment will give 5 blocks across. And I'm thinking my finished blanket is going to be 5X6.

Manders also mentioned that she was making a baby blanket. And she didn't like the original size of the pattern. She called me. And I gave her these new adjustments. She's using baby weight yarn, and a size G hook. And according to Manders, this makes for a blanket, that is "crib" size.



But that also got time thinking. I wanted to make a baby blanket. One to add to a growing collection. That I'm donating, to the NICU, where I work. I knew that the original was slightly, too large. Because those babies are itty bitty!

So I started playing with the pattern. I thought. 2 blocks, with more double crochets in between. Making a larger border. But I didn't like it. So I decided to go with, 3 blocks across. You start with a chain 113. Then continue with the pattern. I haven't decided yet, if I'm going to make it 3X3, or 3X4. We'll just have to wait and see. In case you were wondering, I'm using Baby Bernat Sport Yarn, in white. And a G hook.

I told you, that we are here to help out! I just wanted to share a few adjustments, in case you were interested. A few of you were. Because I received, about 10 e-mails, on Monday. I hope this helps. Personally, I think that the odd number of bunnies, is more pleasing to the eye. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Hopefully, this helps with your goal this week. See you Sunday! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 2

Welcome Back! It's Week 2 of our Crochet Along. And this week, we begin our projects. That means, we're crocheting! But first, how did your shopping go? Did you find everything you need? Were you like me? Sitting in the middle of the yarn aisle, trying to decide, which yarn you wanted. That was really me!

For Week 2, our goal is to begin our blankets. And work to row 24. That will complete the first block. Or what we're going to refer to as, a "Bunny Block." Which means, by Saturday, we should, have some cute bunnies to admire!



For me, I have to admit something. I started crocheting my blanket already! I started last week. Because I didn't have another project to work on. And we were on the road. I'm making a baby blanket, in a soft yellow color. Last Monday, I almost finished the first "Bunny Block." I know!

But don't fear. I'm starting a second one. In a pretty yellow, 4 ply yarn. I have no clue what the color is! Because the label, is not on, this skein of yarn. But it's more of a muted color. I was tempted to buy Red Heart's Bright Yellow. It's so pretty! But I'm making this for our living room. And the more muted color, goes better with our decor.

I know that Manders started her blanket as well. But only got 3 or 4 rows done. She was trying to work ahead. Just a bit. Because she is in the middle, of planning 2 birthday parties. And didn't want to fall behind. I told you, the Crochet Along, is just about an outline. More of a support system.

This week should be fun. And interesting. I want to get both of my blankets, to row 24. By Saturday! I'm positive that I can have it done. I'm really interested in seeing, what the size difference is going to be. Should be interesting.

Don't forget, if you have any problems or questions, please contact us. Or leave a comment. Maybe someone else is struggling too. We're a supportive group. Ready to help, wherever we can! Happy Crocheting! ♥

Crochet Along: Week 1

Welcome to Week 1 of our Crochet Along! Manders and I, are super excited about this! We received just under 30 e-mails. Definitely made us smile! And we're looking forward to the next 6 weeks, of crochet time! If you are still interested, you can still contact us. Leave us a comment, on either of our blogs, or e-mails. :)

Week 1 is super easy! And hopefully a lot of fun! All you have to do is, print off the pattern. And do a little shopping. My favorite part! You are going to need 35 oz of 4 ply yarn. And a size H crochet hook.

Right now, I'm sort of having a mini issue. Do I make this for Easter? And use the 4 ply yarn. Or do I make this for a baby? Using "baby weight" yarn? And the colors. Oh the colors! Can you tell what I spend most of my projects doing? Trying to make decisions about yarn. I'm leaning towards a bright yellow. In a "Baby Yarn." But it will all depend on, what I can find at the stores.



I was thinking about this step. And I have a little note for you. I make a similar blanket. All the time! For baby girls. The filet pattern is of hearts. And I use baby weight yarn. With a size G hook. If you are considering this route, I would buy a large ball of yarn. I usually use Lion Brand Baby, or Bernat Baby Sport. One large skein, is more than enough!

What are your ideas? I think a bright yellow, 4 ply yarn, would also be nice. Something bright and fun. Potentially for a toddler. Or a more muted color, for an Easter throw. I've also seen a pretty lavender color, that I'm sorta in love with! Oh the decisions. ♥

Crochet Along: Filet Crochet Bunny Blanket

Hi there! I've got some exciting news for you! Manders and I, decided to host another Crochet Along. We had wanted to do one, last summer. But time just got away from us. Then we planned one in the fall. But I don't know why, we never actually hosted it. We even had a pattern picked out!

But never fear, we've picked out something fun! After much thought, and hunting on just about every crochet website, we picked Red Heart's Filet Crochet Bunny Blanket.The main reason we picked this pattern, is it's a "user friendly" pattern. Meaning that a new crocheter can follow it. But it's interesting enough, that a more advanced crocheter, will also enjoy it!



Another thing, that grabbed my attention is, this blanket can be used for a variety of reasons. Wouldn't this look amazing, as a baby gift? It's gender neutral. Perfect for your next Baby Shower! And if you are anything like me, you have quite a few coming up!

But I can also see this same blanket, as a nice throw for Easter. You know how the weather is right now. Warm one minute, cold the next. So this would be a nice addition, to your Family Room. Something to cover you, while you watch your favorite show.

If I've convinced you, please sign up! Either leave me a comment on this post, or go visit Manders. :) You can also e-mail me at SweetNightingaleSing (at) gmail (dot) com. Or send Manders an e-mail at MandersinLove (at) yahoo (dot) com.

We'd LOVE to hear from you! We'd also like a little feedback. Do you like our pattern selections? Would you like us to host a Crochet Along, with a certain pattern? Or at a certain time? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

And don't feel like we're forcing you along. We are hosting this Crochet Along, just to encourage our fellow crocheters. I know, from personal experience, sometimes I just get bored with a project. Or frustrated. This Crochet Along, is designed with the idea, that we are here to encourage and help each other out.

Manders and I sat down the other night, and worked out our entire plan. Every Sunday, we will post our goal for the week. In that post, feel free to comment. If you are struggling with something, or have some information you want to share, we'd love to hear about it.

And with our plan, we should be done the first week in April. Of course, you could also work, ahead of our pace. I hope that a few of you, are interested. Because Crochet Alongs, are a lot of fun to be a part of! I hope to hear from you soon! ♥