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.

Working Day

It's a working day for me. A tough one. The next few weeks are going to be tough. But I'm ready. I'm ready for this uphill battle. Actually, I'm looking forward to it. If you know anything about me, my work, or my life, you'll understand why I'm posting this video.



As I get ready for work, I'm thinking about this. A night of fun. Getting work done. Being productive. Yes, I'm looking forward to tonight. D

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

Feeling Bad

♥D had all these plans. She was going home, to enjoy life a little. Reconnect with some old friends, spend time with family. Then some things were thrown at her. An unexpected, but welcomed audition. Lead to a few more. I'm pretty sure she'll get the job. Which will have her working well into next week.

Her friend. She still hasn't met up with her. Now we have Hurricane Irene to deal with. And a few things on our home front. Life as an adult sucks. I feel bad for ♥D. She had looked forward to this, for a while now. It's just not working out.

She cried on the phone this morning. Because there is a slim chance, we'll get see each other, until next week. And besides my team, she has to been the one person, that was looking most forward to this weekend. But there's not much we can do. Life is just life.

Dang, I hate when ♥D is not happy. She's been battling her health again. One good thing is all we're asking for. We're also worried about the house. And this lady's house. My family. This storm is hitting pretty close.

On top of all of this, ♥D has been dealing with a crap load of family issues. I was never a religious person before. But with ♥D, I've learned to turn to God. To let him have my burdens. I really do hope, for ♥D's sake, that life eases up. We could all use a break. 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

Redheads

I'm a redhead. Naturally. All of my adult life,I've sported the ginger hair. My childhood days, were filled with blond hair. But as an adult, the red hair just appeared. And stayed. These days, there are a few grey hairs in the mix. But thanks to the red color, you can't easily see them.

Earlier this week, I came across this article. I read it. Laughed. Went on with my life. It was funny. At least I thought so. But I didn't grow up as a redhead. Did that make my life easier? I was a boy, not a girl. Did that make a difference? I'm not sure. But the "trauma" that the writer is trying to perceive, I don't get it. Why blame red hair for so many problems?



With all of that said, I can't understand this article. Is being a redhead that horrible? I think not. It's interesting. There are some good jokes out there. They stereotypical stuff about redheads, I personally know, some are true. I know this. For example, I'm left handed. But traumatizing?I don't think so. As someone who is in the public eye, I've never had to deal with crap, related to my hair color.

This article, I'm not buying it. I had an interesting childhood. Struggled to be in the "cool" group. Which I was never a part of. At least until I was an adult. And my career got moving. But it had nothing to do with my hair color. It was other things.

What do you think? Am I nuts? Am I not getting something? Do I see things differently, because I didn't grow up as a redhead? What I do know is this, life as a redhead, is fun. Interesting. Full of good things. Why not embrace your natural hair color. Whatever it is. We all go through crap in our lives, so why blame it on our hair color. I just don't get that. 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

No Rest for the Wicked

Mondays are traditionally, our days off. ♥D and I decided a long time ago, that we needed one day off, together, a week. Mondays just fit the bill. Until this week.

I was bugged about my afternoon adventures today. Not because of what I have to do. That's actually gonna be pretty cool. But it's Monday. It's like asking a normal person, to go into work on a Sunday. You know what I mean? Damn, but I figured that the 1st half of my day, wouldn't be bothered. I could live with working the evening/night. It didn't sound too bad. That didn't work out. Much in thanks, to yesterday's rain.

With yesterday wasted, literally waiting out the rain, all work got moved to today. We're on a time crunch. Everyone is miserable. I've got a good team today. No one wants to work. Right now, we're mid flight. I'm the one trying to "cheer" everyone on. Isn't that hilarious?

Meanwhile, ♥D has gone back, to her home, in the SW. She went to throw a Baby Shower. And is staying until next week. Her family is having a Reunion next weekend. Since she doesn't see much of her family, we agreed, this would be the best time for her to be home.

How is she spending her week? It was supposed to be low key. Baby Shower yesterday. Helping her friend, get ready, for her baby all week. Taking it easy. Being a little lazy. And seeing friends. She needs a break. This was the best opportunity for her. I was happy. Even planning a trip out there midweek. Just to hang out for a day or so.

Plans hit the ceiling. Damn, we have no luck. Miss ♥D has been having issues with her home. For a while now. But since she lives with me 95% of the time, we really haven't pushed to fix a lot of these things. But the plumbing in her master bath, it's shot. And she woke up to a horrible surprise this AM. All this after an eventful evening.

Instead of kicking back all week. ♥D is now dealing with plumbing and construction issues. Not exactly as planned. But what can you do? It's life. My PR guy also jacked up, looks like I probably won't be west bound anytime soon. Pisses me off. Of all times, I know ♥D needs me right now. It's a damn good thing, that she is a strong woman.

A usually quiet day, in our neck of the woods, has become a headache. On all sides. Add in some unusual family drama, on both fronts, and I'm pretty sure that the lady and I, are both ready to hideout. It's just been that kind of day. Leading into that kind of a week. I've never looked forward to work, as much as I do right now. Because the sooner I dig into that, the closer I will be to next Monday. Our day off. Which, we're taking off. D