Let's Pleat

What do you think of pleats? I'm not talking about "Grandma's Pleats." The weird looking bunches, in elastic pants. Oh no! I'm talking about stylish pleats. I'm seeing them everywhere this year. In so many different pieces. Everything from dresses to shoes. I'm falling in love!



There are definitely 4 pieces, in this picture, that I'm loving. I've actually got a little "Wish List" going. I've been looking on Etsy, in stores, and online. Now I just need some money. Because a few of these pieces, oh, I'm just drooling over them!

XOXO

♥D

Sunday Stealing...The August 20 Question Meme

So after a crazy week, one I'd kinda like to forget, it's Sunday! And the man I love, oh ya, he's making me breakfast. What you ask? Waffles. Yum! And I'm not talking homemade. But it's all good. I'm just happy to be here with him. Safe and healthy. We have so much to be grateful for. And I'm so excited to just relax for a moment. Here are my Sunday Stealing. Happy Sunday!

XOXO

♥D

1. What's for breakfast? D is making waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. Yum! And some bacon. :)

2. Do you read a newspaper daily? Every single day!

3. What do you do when you can't sleep? Usually read. Or do some crafting. I also like to write.

4. Say a word that sums up your mood. Fulfilled.

5. Do you remember your dreams? All the time. I always write about them, the second I wake up. I have a lot of very vivid and life-like dreams.

6. Name something from your dream last night. Dinner with my parents. A crazy neighbor. And a funeral.

7. Name a food that describes you. Pineapple. Rough on the outside. Completely sweet on the inside.

8. Today you are wearing: I'm still in my PJs. Later, I'll have my performance costumes on. I'd totally perform some sweats. :)

9. What's in your pockets? Nothing. I'm still in my PJs. I have pockets, but nothing in them.

10. Did you sing in the shower today? I'm sure I will. I sing every single day! No lie.

11. What's the last song you heard? "Por Mujeres Como Tu," love it!

12. Looking forward to the holidays? Yes, I'm all about the holidays. Especially since last year, we didn't really celebrate. I'm really looking forward to making up for that!

13. Where do you want to be this instant? Home. Asleep in our bed. With no worries.

14. What's for lunch? I have no clue! We still haven't had breakfast. But it will probably be small, I'm performing today.

15. What's something you would like to do soon? Sleep some more. Visit with a friend. We've been trying to, for so long! Instead, I'm going to be working. But it's really not that bad.

16. Reading anything now? What is it? I was reading the newspaper. I'm also reading a magazine. And the book "Something Borrowed."

17. What's for dinner? I have no clue. Something at our gig. I'm sure it will be amazing!

18. A favorite part of the day is: Just hanging out in bed with D. :)

19. Are you happy? Yes, very much so!

20. Guess how many people will do Sunday Stealing this weekend? 40. Maybe 45. It's usually about that number.

Love It!

This makeup look, just makes me so happy! I'm not sure what it is, but I just LOVE it! And after taking some inspiration, I've decided to recreate it today. I'm not doing anything too special. Just hanging out. But I'm one of those people, who believes in getting ready. Even on those lazy days. When you stay home, hanging out in sweats, watching your favorite movies. Yes, a lady should always put a little effort into her appearance.

XOXO

♥D

Muppet Nail Polish

Generally, I'm not into the sparkle nail polish. But with this last round of "sickies," well, I'm looking for something to cheer me up. That happened one night, when one of my Goddaughters, walked in with blue sparkles. And wanted me to paint her nails. Then my toesies, were sporting the same fun, sparkly nail polish.



Enter OPI's new collection. Based off the Muppets. The top 6 polishes speak more to me. But those bottom 6, well, I'm seriously falling for them. I could have so much fun. Sparkles on my toesies. So much fun! Yes, these bad boys are on my Wish List.

XOXO

♥D

With All This Rain...

One of the things, that I miss the most, with living on the East Coast, are the big rainstorms. Here in the Southwest, for almost 2 months, we get those late afternoon storms. The ones that instantly cool the summer heat. And add life to the desert. The storms that I grew to LOVE with all of my heart.



Yes, I'm a fan of all those late afternoon, and evening rains. I almost die with excitement, over rainy nights. And with all of these rains, another love of mine, pokes it's head out. Rain boots! Yes, I'm a big fan of the rain boots. Something about today, makes me want to run outside in my rain boots. Just 'cause I can. And because it just rained!

XOXO

♥D

Oh the Memories!

I must really like this topic. Because this is the 3rd time I type this up! Yes, thanks Blogger. For always making life a little tougher. But I'm not giving in. I'm fighting back! :)

Earlier this week, my friend and I start this 2 hour long convo. What about? All about Kool Aid! Yes, that sugary drink, that we all enjoyed as kids. :) In my family, it was all about the lime flavored Kool Aid. But I favored the more exotic flavors like black cherry, strawberry banana, and tropical punch. Yes, we were a Kool Aid family!

And this silly convo, lead to my friend and I, heading out to buy Kool Aid. Did I mention the ridiculous rainstorm? And how the streets were flooded. But we still went. And we returned with a HUGE supply of Kool Aid! It was delish! And even my friend's wife, she enjoyed the yummy sugary drink with us. We finished off 2 pitchers before dinner. :)



Do you remember these bad boys? Oh ya! My mom used to collect "Kool Aid points." She had a special jar,were she would put them. And we had 2 or 3 sets of these pitchers and cups. I might have also had a t-shirt, or 3! Yes, my mom still has some fun Kool Aid memorabilia. Too bad the Kool Aid company was sold to Kraft. A few years ago, all of these fun things, well, they went bye-bye!

I have so many fun memories that involved Kool Aid. Big Mason Jars filled to the top, on a hot summer day. Those ridiculous red 'stashes you'd get, after say, 2 glasses of Kool Aid. Making Kool Aid pops with my friends. All of these things, just make me smile!

But I do have a secret to share. When I was in 2nd or 3rd grade, it was the cool thing, to bring powdered Kool Aid to school. The pre-sweetened kind. We'd fill up a baggie, and sneak it to school. Yes, our entire grade! And at recess, we'd eat it. :) All you had to do, was cut a small hole in the corner of the bag. And suck. I probably ate 10 lbs of Kool Aid, that school year!

It's funny how one thing, brings back so many memories. I can still see the big cans (that my parents would buy at COSTCO) under our kitchen counters. In our house, we'd have Kool Aid 3 or 4 times a week. And honestly, since moving out of the house, I haven't really had Kool Aid. Like in years! So on this day, it was so nice, to enjoy a large glass, of my favorite sugary drink. :)

XOXO

♥D

Sunday Stealing...The Heaven Eleven Meme

Happy Sunday! I'm a little late this week. We had our annual Family Reunion today. And I was having so much fun with my family. Unfortunately, I missed the last one. So I was thrilled to be home today! It's always nice to see family. Especially, the ones that you rarely see. Like my sweet cousins. And of course, there is nothing better, than running around with my nieces and nephews. So a little late, here are this week's Sunday Stealing.

XOXO

♥D

1. If you could live in any other time period, which would you pick? Anytime between the 1920s and 1970s. :)

2. What is your favorite topic to write on your blog other than a meme? I like to talk about beauty stuff. Just because, in "real life," there are not many people, to chat with about it. You know what I mean?

3. What are some traits that you admire in a lover? Top 5: Respect, vulnerability, honesty, patients, and understanding.

4. Could you adjust to life in another country? Yes, I could. I've always wanted to move to another country. Somewhere that has ties to our families' history.

5. If you could study anything, what would it be? Music. I'd love to study that again. Or interior design. 2 of my passions in life. Yes, they are!

6. What is your favorite possession that cost less than $15? Honestly? That's a tough one. But I'd have to say, an angel that my auntie gave me.

7. Which color do you wear most often? Black. Or white. I'm pretty boring when it comes to my clothes.

8. What has been your “theme song”, or favorite song this summer? Dang, I don't know. Dirt Road Anthem. I really like that song.

9. What's the most romantic thing that's ever been said to you? I can't say that. But it feels pretty good when D tells me that I'm his world. That I make life worth living for him. :)

10. What would be your dream birthday cake? Anything with strawberries and chocolate ganache.

11. What is the coolest thing you’ve ever done? White water rafting is pretty high on my list. So is performing at a "Sold Out" stadium. Or Nationals...all those things were pretty amazing!

Sophisticated

Recently, I came across Gala Design. It's an Etsy shop. And I'm in love! If you know me personally, you know this about me. I LOVE jewelry. And I'm not talking about just diamonds, and thousand dollar pieces. I'm talking about fun, and affordable pieces. My favorite kind of jewelry.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces. Simple and elegant. Ladylike, yet sophisticated. Perfect for a casual look. Yet, versatile pieces.

These fun earrings just make me smile!

And these earrings, I can imagine wearing them every single day!

How about this beautiful necklace? It's my favorite piece in the shop! Yes, it was love at first sight.

Excuse me, while I go drool over this shop again. I'm dreaming up ways to make a few extra bucks. Just so I can buy a piece, or 10 from this shop!

XOXO

♥D

New Goddaughter

Early Tuesday morning, my new Goddaughter was born. A beautiful baby girl. So healthy. And beautiful! She is just a gem. I was so honored to be in the Delivery Room. To get the chance to Welcome this sweet girl, into the World.

I've spent the last week, completely falling in love. Yes, this little girl has stolen my heart. She's made me totally rethink my life. And everything in it. New life can do that. And that is truly the miracle!

I'm going to spend the next few days, just loving her. And being helpful to the new parents. This is really a time for all of us, to celebrate new life. It's a new beginning for all of us. I'm so glad to be a part of this magical time. Now, it's time for me to go. And cover my new Goddaughter in kisses! :)

XOXO

♥D

A Fun Surprise

Do you see how cute and fun this pillow is? I found this picture on Pinterest. And instantly fell in love! One of those things, that made me save it on my computer. Then I showed it to D. And asked him how he liked it.

Usually, our tastes are slightly different. I like a little more frills, ruffles, and girly touches. D is more of a straight shooter. Likes clean lines. More masculine furniture. A bit more modern. But somewhere along the way, we've married the 2 styles. And our new house, reflects this. And better yet, it works incredibly well for us!

So when D liked this pillow, I got so excited! You see, we have a Sun Room. That is so fun. It's painted a deep gray color, with fluffy white couches, and a ton of green plants. An entire wall, is nothing but windows. I've found the funnest accessories for this room. Everything is hot pink or bright orange. It's a fun place to be. To sit and read. Or enjoy lunch. A place where I can sit and just be.

My plan, is to make some of these pillows. With striped pillows, just like these ones. And hot pink and bright orange flowers. The perfect match to our room. A fun accessory, to our fluffy white couch. And as D put it, "adding some fun, to our already funky room."

I find that it's always tough, to marry the things we love. But it can be done. Maybe the interior design is more masculine, but I can add feminine touches. Or the room is feminine, but done in a color scheme, that is more masculine. Yes, it can be done. And I'm glad that D likes some of my "more fun" ideas. :)

XOXO

♥D

When Love is Tough

I'm still feeling a little sad, and guilty, over leaving D. I know, logically, it's only for a few days. But I see my role, in our relationship, as the "supporter." I'm around to cheer him on, and to be there. To do the things for him, that he needs.

And when I'm not around, I feel insanely guilty! It might sound weird to some. But in our crazy, and very chaotic life, that's just the way it is. Plain and simple. He does so much for me, that I feel like I'm supposed to be there, doing for him as well.

I'm not joking when I say this, Sunday just broke my heart. All I wanted to do, was crawl back into bed. To be there for the man, that is always there for me. Talk about hard to do. How do you walk away from someone, that loves you that much? That does so much for you. And gives up so much, to just be with you. It was so hard! But of all the things that I've learned, in relationships, sometimes you just have to do things for you.

The look in his eyes, on Sunday morning, made me want to crawl back into bed. To cuddle with him. Right up until he had to go to work. There is nothing like feeling his arms, wrapped rightly around me. Knowing that he loves me so incredibly much. I wanted nothing more, than to crawl back into bed, get into my little "nook," and fall asleep to the beat of his heart.

But like I said, I've been in relationships were I've completely lost myself. Let the other person's life totally dictate mine. And it's tough. It's hard to not do that again. But it's the wrong way to go. So I held my ground. Put on my jacket, and battled the rain. I endured a morning of traveling. And guess what? It wasn't that bad.

I had an amazing time with my friends. We celebrate my Goddaughter. We caught up on each others' lives. We laughed. I enjoyed delish Mexican food again. Oh, how I've missed it! And when all that was done, smiles were permanently glued to our faces, and my heart overflowed with love...we headed to the park. To see my friends perform. It was an amazing concert!

As hard as it is, to be in this relationship, I wouldn't trade anything in the world for it. It's so hard, to be away from all of my family and friends. I miss them so terribly bad! And it's incredibly tough, to be away from everyone and everything, that I love so much. The culture, climate, food, shopping,and life in general. But I LOVE D. And I'm OK with being away from all of this. Just as long as I get to visit from time to time.

And I know, that these little trips are good for D and I as well. It's good that we spend a little time away from one another. It's good that our lives involve other people. And other things. That we have interests away from each other. Yes, it's good for us.

So I'm going to make the best of my week. I'm going indulge in all the yummy food, I'm going to love my Goddaughters even more, I'm going fix my home, visit my family, and enjoy life in the desert. Because sometimes, you just have to do that!

And next week, when I get to see D, I'm going to be over the moon! I'm going to enjoy our homecoming. And all that I've missed. I'm going to hug him a little harder. I'm going to enjoy the smell of his cologne. And the feel of his arms. Yes, I'm going to do all of that, and so much more!

Relationships are not easy. They require a lot of "push and pull," to make them successful. I'm so happy that I'm on this journey with D. A man that truly understands all of this. That loves me. And is willing to sacrifice a little, so that I can be happy too. Yes, this is a very good relationship. And D is an amazing man! I'm so lucky and blessed.

XOXO

♥D

Steady As She Rose

So do you remember, when I told you about OPI's Pirates of the Caribbean Collection? Yes, it's pure love! But this color, Steady As She Rose, it's a total must have! I'm not even joking. I'm not sure what it is, but it's life changing. Yes, a nail polish can be life changing. And this one is just that.



If there is any nail polish, that I'd recommend right now, it would be Steady As She Rose. It's perfect for summer. And I think it will make as a nice transitional color, into Fall and Winter. It's such a nice neutral. Something that any skin tone can pull off. Yes, you need to run out and buy this nail polish!

XOXO

♥D

The Help

Where to begin? I always have a tough time with these things. But let's just dig in. A while back, D's grandma gave me this book. Actually, she's so sweet! She bought a copy, for pretty much every female member of her family. Including D's mom and I. That was really generous of her!

Turns out, she read this book over 2 years ago! And she loved it. LOVED IT! So she was sharing it with all her family members. I was the last to receive the book. Not because she doesn't love me. But she had figured, being the bookworm that I am, that I had already read it. Wrong. And that night, before dinner was settled in our tummies, and dessert was on our plates, I had my very own copy.

I LOVED this book! In fact, I read 2 chapters on the way home. In the dark! D thought I was hilarious. And I stayed up, all night, to finish this book. It as that good. No lie! I as so into this book. So much of it, reminded me of my Auntie. Who I spent so much time with, growing up. And I miss so much, now that she's gone.



That was a couple of months ago. And I've read this book, 3 times since! Can you tell that I LOVE it? So when we heard about the movie, we planned a Girl's Day Out. Just to watch this movie. All of the females in the family.

This week, just happened to be when we watched it. And it was so good! Of course, it wasn't as good as the book. But it was still a very good movie. One I'd recommend. After reading the book, naturally. :)

And our day out was just amazing! We started with a yummy breakfast at grandma's house. Everyone pitched in. And we had a real Southern Delight! Then we went out for a little pampering. You know, hair, nails, and makeup. Then some shopping. Followed by a yummy lunch out. The amazing movie. And some dessert. We all headed to our house for a fun BBQ. The guys in the family, well they surprised us all! And they did all the cooking.

Yes, it was a very good day. With an amazing family! Something I'd never give back. I had so much fun. And I'd definitely recommend something like that, for anyone considering this movie. But remember, read the book first. You won't be disappointed!

XOXO

♥D

Country Girl

I really enjoy this song. It puts me in a good mood. Every single time, that I hear this song, I smile. Yes, I do! And since today is going to be a little nuts, I just want to be in a good mood. I hope they play Country Girl, a few times on the radio. Because I need something to keep me going. It's going to be a long day at work, a doctor's appointment, and traveling. Yup, it's going to be a busy one!

XOXO

♥D

S'mores

It's summer. And all I can think of, is s'mores. Yes, to me, they can become a late evening meal. In the heat of the summer. We make all sorts of excuses, to make these bad boys. To light a fire, stick a marshmallow on a stick, and return to our childhoods. Yes, they are heaven!



And tonight, well, we're going to sit by the fire. And enjoy a few of our favorite summer treats. Any excuse to cuddle up by the fire, and enjoy some melted chocolate. Definitely a sign of summer. One that I welcome every summer! :)

XOXO

♥D

Miss Mary

Today, sadly, we lost an amazing friend. Miss Mary. A true sweetheart. Someone very special to us all. After 88 years with, Miss Mary has gone to rest with our Maker. She will be truly missed. Fun times will be remembered. And her amazing soul, will always live on, with her loved ones. Our hearts go out to her family. We will miss you Miss Mary. May you rest in peace.

XOXO

♥D and D

New Girl

I'm getting all excited for Fall. For a ton and a half of reasons. The cooler weather, the possibility to go home for a visit, new babies, the fun traveling, and the TV shows. I'm being serious here! There are some good shows coming. Like New Girl...



Yes, I'm excited to see this new FOX show. It just looks like a funny show! One that is totally relatable. And will have my attention. Something that will take my mind off of real life. And isn't that why we watch TV? To forget about our troubles, even for just a few minutes. So I'm anxiously awaiting the Fall lineup. This is one show that I'll be tuning into. How about you?

XOXO

♥D

Sunday Stealing...The Nasty 31 Meme, Part One

Today is already looking up. The weather has definitely cleared up. D always says, when we travel out here, we should just expect tons of rain. I LOVE the rain! But with D's work, it's not really a good thing. So we're just happy that it's cleared up.

Yesterday, I convinced D that we should do a little shopping. Totally out of the ordinary for me. And for him. But when D was out here in June, and I was back in my hometown, he did some shopping at the Outlet Mall. And he came home with some treasures. So we ventured out yesterday. D a little dressed down, with a baseball hat, to sorta hide who he is. Because, that could have been a disaster! But we ended up having a great time. And scored some great deals. :)

So D is off working. I'm sitting here trying to work on some gifts. The TV is tuned to watch today's events. And I'm debating calling up a good friend. Yes, today is looking up. Oh, and I decided it was time to do the Sunday Stealing. Happy Sunday!

XOXO

♥D

1. What has been your longest love relationship? My relationship with D. It's been over 3 years. Longest, most consistent relationship for us. :)

2. What was the last gift that you received? A necklace from D. I've been wanting it forever. And he found it saved in my "Favorites" folder, on my computer. :)

3. What do you spend your extra cash on? Usually crafting supplies. Or books. Sometimes food.

4. If you could live anywhere, where would you live? Anywhere with D. No lie! I don't really care where.

5. Who's your cell provider? Verizon

6. What's your favorite mall store? That's tough. But probably Hallmark. Or Forever 21.

7. What's the longest job that you've had? (No parenting does not count!) It depends. I've been a musician since I was 11. But I've worked at the hospital for about 8 years now.

8. If you won the lottery, who'd you call first? A lawyer. With my family, definitely a lawyer. Do you know what I mean?

9. If you won, how would you spend your money after investments? I'd pay off any debts. Invest some money. Then I'd go on a fun vacation. Maybe invite some friends. And definitely do some shopping!

10. When was the last time you went to church (or a religious house)? Just today. I really enjoy going to church. It just makes me feel better.

11. What's the biggest lie that you've heard? Hmmm, that's tough. With my family, you hear a lot of crap. Maybe that my brother is 100% innocent...ya, and I'm God...

12. When you go out with your friends, where do you go? Usually out to eat. Or to the movies. We're pretty low key like that. We just like to hangout. Occasionally, we'll go shopping.

13. When was the last time that you cried? Shut up! That would be Friday. I was an emotional wreck.

14. What food do you hate? Posole, tamales, menudo. I'm not into those really ethnic foods. And my family LOVES them!

15. What do you like best about yourself? I have a big heart. I always try to see the best in people. And I like doing things for other people, way more than for myself.

I LOVE Lucy!

Today is Lucy's 100th Birthday. And if you know anything about me, know this. I LOVE Lucy. Since I was young, I've been the biggest fan. I would always get in the best mood, when I Love Lucy was on. It was and still is, my favorite TV show.

Over the years, I've collected various memorabilia. But honestly, I don't have much. And I definitely don't have any DVDs. I always see them at the store. But find it hard to part with $30-40 for one season. I know. I'm lame. And one day, I will.

But today is all about Lucy. A day to celebrate her life. And all of her amazing work. I've actually found a marathon on TV. And I'll be tuning in, until D gets back from work. Maybe I can even convince some of his buddies to watch with me. They're all coming over for dinner tonight. This could be fun! Happy Birthday Lucy!

XOXO

♥D

Fly Away Home

I'm definitely what one would call a "reader." I LOVE books! Honestly, in a week, I probably read 10+ books. It's insane. But it's true. Every once in a while, you come across a book that you literally can't put down. And that happened this week.

Jennifer Weiner happens to be one of my favorite authors. I literally stumbled upon on of her books, years ago. And it was instant love. Love at first read. :) She is just an author that has fun with her books. A little risky? Maybe. I'd definitely not share my books with say, my Mom. But I would share them with some friends. You know, that kind of author.

I bought Fly Away Home a while back. And somehow, I hadn't read it. It kind of just got put down on a table, then up on a bookshelf, then I forgot about it. Sad, I know. But it happened. And as I was trying to take a nap earlier this week, I kept seeing this book on the bookshelf. Finally, I got up, and started reading.

Instantly, I was hooked. In a good way. I literally couldn't put the book down. It's a good thing, D was at work. Because I literally sat there and read. The entire house could have fallen down. And I wouldn't have known it! I was so into my book, I failed to notice when my dear boyfriend got home, looked around, and left. Only to return an hour later with takeout. :)

But this is definitely a book that I'd recommend reading. I finished it up in a few hours. The story of this family just sucks you in. The hardships, lessons learned, and growing of individuals. Totally relatable. If you're looking for a book that slightly touches on current affairs, but also pulls at your heartstrings, this one is for you! A perfect "Summer Read."

XOXO

♥D