Violin Huapango

In case you didn't already now, I'm a Mariachi player and singer. I've been doing it for years. Maybe 15? I don't really remember. But it's been a long while.

Since I got sick, and I moved, I haven't been doing it as much. And to be honest, I really miss it. I miss songs like this. It's more about the culture. And what the music means to you. About sharing it with people. And really making people happy with the music.

I ran across this video today, and it's ignited the fire again. I really want to play some more. Or maybe just do some singing. But I miss it. Out of all the various kinds of performing that I've done, this is the one that I miss the most. I had the most fun as a Mariachi. I met some of the most incredible people that you will ever meet. And honestly, it changed my life for the better.

So I'm going to enjoy listening to this song a few times. And hopefully, while I'm home, I'll get to see a live Mariachi. This music makes my toes curl. That's how much I love it! ♥

Sing Sweet Nightingale

You'd be so surprised at how many messages I get about my blog name, my e-mail address, and my twitter name. Why Nightingale? Because that's the nickname that My Guy gave me when we met.

You see, we met when I was performing a gig in Las Vegas. And he said something about my voice. Being soothing, smooth, and beautiful. I think he was trying to use some sort of pick up line or something. :) But somehow, that turned into Nightingale.

It's not much more exciting than that. One of his really good friends always refers to "Nightingale" when they tease My Guy. Because they all work together. And we've decided to keep our relationship on the DL. Just because of the public nature of his job. It's hilarious. Maybe one day, more people will get to hear the story.

Now My Guy says that he lives with a Nightingale. Because I'm always singing. Always! It's a little hilarious. But that's what I do. So there you go...I'm My Guy's Sweet Nightingale...and I like to sing. ♥

Feliz Cumpleanos Enzo

Today happens to be a very big and important day! My best friend's 30th Birthday! Happy Birthday Enzo! I wish I could be there to help you celebrate!

We've been friends since my birth! No lie. We've been the best of friends. We've dated. We've grown up. And when I needed him the most, he's always been here for me. I say, had it not been for Enzo, I wouldn't be here today. He really did save my life.

There are so many great memories that we share. But I know, no matter where we live, what we're doing in life, or who we're doing it with, we'll always have each other. That's pretty incredible.

So on this great day, Enzo, I hope all of your dreams come true. Enjoy the Ranch! And Mr. I'll see you this weekend. You know, I have to make you a birthday cake! ♥

Urban Rain Giveaway

My Cakies is hosting a giveaway. For a $25 gift certificate to Urban Rain. They have some adorable pieces! My favorites happen to be the Elaine Faye Bobbies. There's just something cute about them. And oh so perfect for Fall! The giveaway ends on Thursday morning, so hurry up and enter. Could you just imagine the great things you can get from Urban Rain? ♥

Friends...

I've been in a bit of a horrible place lately. With a certain friend. It seems like I'm the only one that reaches out and tries. A bit troubling in a friendship. Don't you think?

I call her. I e-mail. I plan out get togethers. I buy her gifts for Christmas or her birthday. I always remember to call her on her birthday. But her, I don't hear from her. Unless she wants to meet for lunch. But if she knows I'm not going to be around, I don't hear from her. It makes me mad. And sad.

But the one thing that really bothers me, is I've seen her steal. Not once, not even twice. But multiple times. I didn't know what to do. And I didn't know what to say. Because it was stupid stuff that she took. And how do you say anything?

The first time, it was Burt's Bees hand salve. The second time, it was Rose hand salve. Then it was pens at Staples. Pens at Target. Then lipgloss at Walgreen's. So I avoided her. It didn't all happen at once. But over time. Maybe 4 years or so. My final straw was when she stole from me! OK, it wasn't a million dollars or anything. But some lipglosses from my purse. I don't think she figured that I'd notice. But I did. And I think that was low. In fact, if she would have even said that she liked them, I would have probably gave them to her.

So her I am. I've avoided her. I've not seen her in well over 6 months. But I'm not sure if I should actually bring this up. Or just stop talking. Because in the last few days, she's called and e-mailed. I haven't responded to either.

I mean, I don't want people like this in my life. But what so I do? Do I say something? Do I ask her about it? Or do I just stop responding to her? ♥

Apron and DVD Giveaway

Megan has out done herself again! Do you remember her birthday giveaways? I blogged about them a while back. Well now, Megan is giving away an apron and a DVD!

Where does she get all these cute kitchen towels that she uses for her aprons? They're adorable!



Look at how cute all these aprons look! I just love the way aprons look hung on the clothesline. :)



This is my favorite one. I just love all the veggies. And of course, the red! So very cute.



This pineapple apron is also so cute! It's just a little spunky and fun. :)

I'm telling you, Megan is super talented! Have you seen her crochet blog, Crochet Every Day? If you are a crocheter, you definitely need to go take a look. And even if you're not, I would still go look at her blog! It's just that cute. And your probably wondering, which items I wish I could win. Well that would be the red veggie apron, or a season of Grey's Anatomy. Hello! My favorite show! So hurry up and go enter her contest! ♥

Month of Giveaways

I just wanted to let everyone know that 2 Moms Talk is hosting a month of giveaways. I figured all of my friends would want to enter for their chance to win a cute tutu! But there are going to be all sorts of giveaways. So head over to 2 Moms Talk and join the fun! ♥

Flamenco

Being part Spanish, as in from Spain, I've always been drawn to Flamenco music. I love the style. There is something free and fresh about it. Like it's coming from the soul. And to be able to watch live Flamenco music and dance, there is nothing like it in the entire world! Nothing!

I'm still feeling under the weather, so I decided to stay in bed today. Oh ya. We didn't go home either. Because it was just too much, for me to handle, at the moment. So I'm in bed. Watching various YouTube videos on Flamenco. Personally, this is one of my favorites. :)

At one time, I really wanted to take Flamenco lessons. I love this style of dance. And when I met a friend in college, who played the guitar, I almost signed up. He was so good at playing Flamenco style music. I sorta regret that now. Because there is definitely no place around here to learn Flamenco. But I still enjoy watching and listening to it so much! ♥

Oh Sunday!

It's Sunday. My Guy is working. Busy as heck! He was not too happy about the early wake up call. But at least I got to make him breakfast. :) And I'm still feeling like crap. I know. I shouldn't. But it's part of life. Part of life with the "Big C." Ugh! Yes, I'm still in my pjs, in bed...

My Guy and I decided to head home this week. Yes, to my home. On the other side of the country. For a lot of reasons. One, we're meeting with the architect. Have I mentioned that we bought property? In the little town near where I own a house. And were building a house. It just seems like too much to me. But I understand the reasons behind it.

My Guy likes to have a place, to escape to, when he's not working. Even though in the town where I live, no one ever recognizes him. But I get it. My house is in the middle of town. In a neighborhood. My yard connects with 5 other yards. Not much privacy. So I can understand.

Speaking of my house, we're thinking about selling it. So we're going to go through my stuff. It's time to start making decisions on what I want and what I don't. It's crazy! I've been living with My Guy, well pretty much, for over 2 years now. And I have a house full of stuff that I don't use. Time to really go through my house.

No, my house has not been empty all this time. I've had friends who have lived there. And from time to time, My Guy and I go for a few days at a time. But it's really time to get rid of things I don't use or want. I want someone to love my things. To really enjoy some of the things I have. So that is what we're going to be doing this week. At least for 3 days.

Then My Guy is heading back to work. And I'm heading home to visit my parents. It's way over due! And hopefully I'll get to see some friends. And my goddaughter. It's been forever! I feel like such a bad Nina. But that's my week in a nutshell. What are your plans for the week? ♥

Dutch Braid

Are you going to laugh when I tell you something? I've been wearing my hair in braids all summer! Well, it's 1 of the 2 hairstyles that I've been stuck on. Because My Guy and I have been traveling all the time. To places that are incredibly hot. And I'm convinced, I need to cut my hair already. At least a good 10 inches. I'm craving some short hair. :) Seriously, long hair and heat do not mix!



Yes, I've been wearing braids. Braids with my hair down. And braids with my hair up. Curling my hair? Forget about it! It's too long. And the weather is too hot. I've just been about braids. My naturally curly hair with some little braids in a crazy updo. Or a braided headband with straightened hair, worn down.

I'm glad that My Guy is OK with my low maintenance style this summer. If you would have asked me a few years ago, I would have told you, he had to be in a relationship with a high maintenance type of woman. You know the type. Highlighted hair, fake and bake tan, and fake nails. That was before I knew him. Before we began dating. Now I know, he likes his women all natural! :)

Talking about My Guy, he's working right now. I'm still not feeling 100%. But I'm getting there. I'm just hanging out in the coach today. I've got a bunch of movies and crochet to keep me occupied until he gets back. Exciting Saturday, huh? What are your plans for the day? ♥

Cloud Soft Cover-Up

I'm just in love with this baby blanket! It's a free pattern from Crochet Soiree. I immediately downloaded it. And then I printed it! Yes, I'm that excited about this pattern.

And I'm hoping I have some yarn at home. Because I want to start this right away. For my bestie's little girl. I think it would be beautiful in lavender. Or even pink. Maybe I could make 3, because I really like this white one too! ♥

Busy Day

I haven't been feeling good since Tuesday night. I kind of have an idea what's up. But I'm trying to be positive.

We got up early this morning. And My Guy and I went to my doctor's appointment. Which was crappy and long. I felt horrible. And it was freezing in there! What is up with the insanely cold rooms? It was such a long morning. At least to me. But I'm grateful that My Guy got to be there with me. My results...I'll get those next week. Over the phone. :(

My Guy, he had to work too. And we were traveling. I was still feeling like crap. So he flew to his work thing. And I flew here. I'm just happy that it's not raining. I feel like I'm in the middle of nowhere. Oh ya, I am. But it's OK. My Guy will be back soon.

And what am I doing? Laying in bed. Trying to feel better. Do you ever do that? Try to will yourself to feel better? I do that a lot! But it doesn't seem to be working this time around. Which could be a really bad thing. So I'm praying. Literally praying to God. I just can't get sick again... ♥

Most Loved Recipe Collection

I recently came across these cookbooks. There are 12 in the series. Did you know that I collect cookbooks? Well, I do. And I LOVE them! All of them.

I go to thrift stores, antiques stores, bookstores, etc. in search of cookbooks. I've spent anywhere from $0.05-$30.00 on a cookbook. I have a nice size collection. And I cook recipes from all of them!

This seems like a decent deal. I'm not so sure about the "bonuses." Being that I have a HUGE bookshelves just for my cookbooks. And 12. I could use 12 more. Now to justify the cost of these beauties. ♥

Baby and Bridal Shower Ideas

I have to plan a bridal shower and a baby shower. In the next few weeks. And I could really use some ideas. I'm all out. I think I've been in charge of too many of these things. And I don't want these 2 parties to just be like all the rest. I could really use your help!

If you have any ideas or suggestions, please leave them below. Or e-mail me. If you have a blog or a website with ideas, please, please, please tell me! I really do need some ideas. About games, decorations, and food. Really, about it all! I really need some inspiration. ♥

Sunshine

Everything about Steve Azar's new song, reminds me of My Guy and I. In fact, this morning, I woke up to him singing this very song. Ever so quietly, as he watched me sleep. :)

You can say it's cheesy. But it's the perfect song. Everything about it, speaks about the 2 of us. How has it taken me this long to find a man like him? On my worst days, just seeing him and being near him, makes me feel better.

It's funny, we haven't done a thing today. We got up at nearly noon. And we've just hung out with our fur babies. But it's been the best day we've had, in such a long time. Just snuggling and talking.

Mondays are our days off. In this busy schedule, it's nice to have one day, when we can lock the world out. And just enjoy each other. That's just what we did. Even if the delivery guy thought we were nuts. At 6PM, when our food got here, we were still in our pjs. I'm telling you, we completely took advantage of our day off.

My Guy is my sunshine. My days begin and end with him. When we're together, I feel giddy. Like a 15 year old girl. And I feel complete. Even with no makeup on, and wacky hair. He makes me feel beautiful.

This is what love is. Past the famous names, millions of dollars, and all the glamour in his life. Our life is about the "real" people behind the names. About the quiet moments shared. Our breathing synced up. And enjoying each other's company. ♥

Lo Mein

I've seriously been craving some good Lo Mein. Who doesn't like these noodles? They're like love! The one's from Panda Express are seriously like a piece of heaven.

And we're here. There are so many people are around here today. My Guy is getting ready to go work. And I'm craving these noodles. Too bad I can't call and order some. I wish I could make them. But we don't have any noodles. Unless I use spaghetti. Something tells me that they wouldn't be so yummy.

So I'm going to have to wait until My Guy gets off of work. Then hopefully, on the way home we can stop for some yummy food. Beef and broccoli and some orange chicken sound good too! Yes, this Sunday, I'm craving some yummy, yummy food! What are you doing? ♥

Consuming Passions

I'm not going to lie. My Saturday is a little boring this week. My Guy is working all day. And I want a new book to read. I just found this one on the Barnes and Noble website. It sounds like a good book. I've read other books by Michael Lee West. And I've really enjoyed them. So this is pretty much a no brainer. :)

Do you read? Do you have any suggestions for a good book? I've been looking for good books all summer. I just love to read! I'm pretty hilarious. I read at least 2 books a week. So I can always use a good recommendation. ♥

Fruit Pizza

Doesn't this look yummy? I think so! It's a fruit pizza. And one of my favorite things to make. I found a recipe on All Recipes. That's where I got this picture too. But it looks so yummy! And I want to make one tonight.

Me? I just wing it. I actually baked a pizza crust a little while ago. And after dinner, I'll put the whole thing together. I'm thinking it would be a great dessert tonight. And what am I going to put on top? Berries, kiwi, peaches, plums, and some grapes. I just mix up some cream cheese, a little sugar, and whipped cream. Really yummy!

I'm going to include the recipe I found. So you can follow it. But I definitely think you should try it out. Because it is delicious! Especially when you have fruit that is a little overripe and sweet. Happy Summer! ♥



Ingredients

1 (18 ounce) package refrigerated sugar cookie dough
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

1/2 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon orange zest


Directions

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slice cookie dough and arrange on greased pizza pan, overlapping edges. Press dough flat into pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool.

2.In a large bowl, soften cream cheese, then fold in the whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust. You can chill for a while at this point, or continue by arranging the fruit.

3.Begin with strawberries, sliced in half. Arrange in a circle around the outside edge. Continue with fruit of your choice, working towards the middle. If bananas are used, dip them in lemon juice so they don't darken. Then make a sauce to spoon over fruit.

4.In a saucepan, combine sugar, salt, corn starch, orange juice, lemon juice and water. Cook and stir over medium heat. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 or 2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat, and add grated orange rind. Allow to cool, but not set up. Spoon over fruit. Chill for two hours, then cut into wedges and serve.

Cuddle Me

We're headed home. Well, at least to where My Guy is working this weekend. It's going to be a HOT weekend. And I just hope we can adjust to life at home. Or at work for My Guy. I still feel like I'm on vacation. :)



I have this book in my hands right now. And I'm making something for my bestie's baby girl. Can you guess which of the 3 sets I'm making? I know you can only see 2, but believe me, there are 3. The 3rd one is the cutest! And I'm not going to post it. I have to keep it a secret. :)

Anyway, that is what I'm doing on the airplane. Working on a beautiful gift for my Goddaughter. I can't believe she is almost here! Well, not almost. But in 2 1/2 months. I can't wait to meet this beautiful little angel. ♥

Knife Guy

That my friends, is our knife guy. He sits on our kitchen counter. My Guy insisted on buying one. That was after he seen my pink one. The one my friends bought me as a joke. I talked about our Knife Guy here. And I got so many e-mails asking me about him.

Well, we're still in a tropical paradise. So I couldn't take a picture of our guy. So I searched online for one. I'm thinking that the Orange Guy is no longer available. Because it took me 90 minutes to find this crappy picture. Nowhere could I find our orange guy. The pink one, red one, even the blue one...yes. But not the orange one.

My Guy choice this little fellow, because he likes orange. And this is probably the only thing he picked out for our entire kitchen. THE ONLY THING!!! But I love it. It reminds me of home. Except mine is a lot cuter. Because mine is pink. :) I have no clue how much it cost. I'm sorry. And I seem to have a tough time locating them. But just google "Knife Guy," and you should be able to find one. ♥

My New Love

This is love! I may have found a mascara that takes the place of Covergirl's Lashblast. I'm talking about Maybelline's Falsies. Of course, I have the waterproof. That's just life. I like me some waterproof mascara.

Anyway, I just love the shape of the brush. I would have never thought. But the shape of the brush helps give a great coat of mascara. The overall formula of the mascara is amazing too! It provides volume and length.

Does it make me look like I have false eyelashes? No. But does it make my eyelashes look amazing? Yes! I have pretty long eyelashes, but I'm always looking for volume. This mascara gives it all. With no smudging. No clumping. Just a great mascara. Fun, inexpensive, and a great beauty find. ♥

Missing Mariachi

I know what you are going to say. How can I miss anything while on vacation? Well, it happens. I have Mariachi music here. But I miss the live music. A good concert. Or just a fun Mariachi playing during a dinner out.



This happens to be one of my all time favorite songs. Pepe is my favorite Mariachi style singer. And I've had the honor of playing and singing with him in the past. Such an honor! My heart still melts when I hear this song. For a lot of reasons. Mainly, because My Guy loves me. And totally went out of his way to plan a special treat for me. :)

So there you go. I miss Mariachi. I miss the live music and the passion. But thanks to YouTube, and Pepe's channel, I still get to listen to the beautiful music! I just can't wait to get to go to another live concert. ♥

Sweetie Pie Bakery Giveaway

Isn't this the cutest little set? It's from Sweetie Pie Bakery. I've been looking at their patterns for months now! I really want to buy some. You know, make a little time to start some Christmas presents. Then I saw a giveaway on Cakies. Immediately, I wanted to enter. I hope I win. There are so many cute things to make. So many for me to make for my Goddaughters. Head over to Cakies and enter this fun giveaway too! ♥

Enjoying the Beach

What have I been up to? Enjoying the sun, sand, and My Guy! You have to love a good vacation. Even if it's coming to an end. How can you not enjoy paradise?



On Wednesday, we head home. Well, not home exactly. More like, to where My Guy is going to be working this weekend. And we're not going to have a weekend off until Thanksgiving. I know! What a long way away! Maybe now you can understand why this vacation was so important to the 2 of us. And why we had to keep it a secret. You know, the location.

I'm truly in love with this place. It's not the 1st time we've been here. This is our secret getaway place. There are gorgeous white, sandy beaches. Crystal clear, blue oceans. And it's so secluded. Seriously, other than people we've called for food and such, we haven't seen a soul while we've been here. This is definitely my version of paradise! See you Wednesday! ♥

He Just Knows...

I have not been having a good couple of days. I know what it is. But there's not much I can do about it. But rest. And I'm not good at that. Being sick is horrible, this is 100 X's worse! A call to a good friend yesterday, well that lifted my spirits. But I've been down. And trying to act cheerful. Because My Guy has to work. And I don't want to burden him. Oh, and the million weddings this summer...

I"m trying to convince myself to be healthy. But well, it's not working. My body is refusing to listen to my mind. So today, I slept. My Guy really knew this morning, that I wasn't feeling well. Because I tried to convince him to stay home. Yes, I wouldn't let him out of bed. Because he makes me feel better. Just being around me. And I needed that today. But, at last, I let the man go to work. Because he has that kind of job. You know, were you can't call in sick. And he must have rushed through what he needed to do. Because he came home really early. So early, I was asleep...

And he let me sleep. While he made calls. And arranged for his grandma to make me some soup. And he went shopping. The man doesn't shop. Not ever! I do all the shopping around here. But he went. And got all my favorite things. And some little surprises for me. And Failure to Launch. Why have I never seen this movie?

By the time I woke up, the yummy food was here. And we had everything I could need or want. It was crazy! But so sweet. :) And My Guy cuddled with me in bed. And we watched Failure to Launch. Which was nice. We laughed. And joked about the movie and real life. It was a nice way to spend our evening.

I'm really glad that I have My Guy. He takes really good care of me. And my friends, they know how tough this has been for me. But having this amazing support, it makes everything so much better! Thank you Blue Eyes! I really do love you! And I appreciate all that you do for me. :) ♥

PS Go watch Failure to Launch! It's such a good movie. Seriously, why haven't I seen it before today?