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

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

Urban Decay's 15th Anniversary

Do you see all of these beautiful colors? Yes, I'm in LOVE! First of all, can you believe that Urban Decay has been around for 15 years? I can't! I was a wee one, when they first came out. All of 13 years old. I became an "Urban Decay Addict," during my high school years. Thanks in part to, my days of being a cheerleader. There was one particular blue eyeshadow, that was a must have. Anytime that we performed, we had to wear that color. And so began a love affair for me. One that's lasted 15 years. :)



This is the Anniversary Palette. A little pricey at $55. But well worth it! It breaks down to under $4 an eyeshadow. It's a bit pricey, compared with UD's other Special Edition palettes. But like I said, it's well worth it. The shadows are amazing! They blend like butter. And I'm a big fan of the neutrals. But it's also nice to see a few fun colors. Honestly, there's something for everyone, in this palette.

If you're interested, I'd suggests searching locally. Everywhere online, that I've found, seems to sell out almost immediately. I'm telling you, this palette is well worth it! A little hard to find. A little pricey. But well worth it. Did you notice the packaging? Oh, it's a dream. With a nice big mirror. I'm not sure, what else you could ask for. It's pretty amazing!

XOXO

♥D

Pirates of the Caribbean

I'm in heaven. Pure bliss! And it's not all about our vacation. Yes, our vacation is AMAZING! But these little babies, well they have rocked my world this week!



So I'm a HUGE fan of OPI nail polish. Yup! But there is something special about these colors. The Pirates of the Caribbean Collection. A little piece of heaven. Yes, they are! My favorite is the light pink color. Third from the left. It's called, Steady As She Rose. And it's the perfect shade of pink, with a slight grey tone. Yes, it's heaven!

The larger set is a little pricey. Around $45. But the Mini Set, is a lot more economical. Just under $15. I'd definitely recommend this collection to anyone. It's not too crazy. The colors are gorgeous for summer time. But can easily transition into any season. You just can't go wrong with this buy!

XOXO

♥D

Ruby Woo,Who?

I'm a big fan of red lips. Maybe it's the Latina in me. But I enjoy a nice, red lip. But sometimes, they're a little tough to pull off. Mostly, because it's tough to find, a good red lipstick. I've found, more times than not, a good red lipstick is matte. In steps, MAC's Ruby Woo.



It's just perfect! Makes your teeth look white. Doesn't make your mouth look like a "hot mess." If you've ever tried a "bold lip," you know what I mean. This is a nice color. A good lipstick. The key is, matte. Remember that. Any other kind of finish, usually means, lipstick all over your teeth. And bleeding out. So I'd say, stick to Ruby Woo. You can't go wrong with this color!

XOXO

♥D

Rain Boots

For a while now, I've been eyeing Rain Boots. I know. It doesn't sound that interesting. But to me, it is. I've been wanting a pair. So that when I work in the yard, I don't get all dirty. And ruin yet another pair of shoes, and pants. So I've been searching. Then I found these beauties...



Yes, I couldn't pass them up! They're pink. And have polka dots! The best thing is, they're from Target. That means, super affordable. Oh, how I LOVE Target! Yes, I'm in heaven. I've watered all our plants twice a day, for a few days now, just so I could have an excuse to wear my new pretties. :)

XOXO

♥D

Not Ready at All!

At some point in my life, I need to learn how to say "NO!" I still haven't learned. That is probably why I am completely stressed out right now. D and I always have schedules that usually hold 48 hours worth of work, and we are supposed to do it in 12 hours. Can you imagine that we each have a schedule like that? But that never seems like enough for myself.

My close friends are getting married on Saturday. So I am heading home. These are friends that I was super close to a few years ago. I am a musician, and there was a group of us that worked pretty much Thursday afternoon through late Sunday night. Each and every week, plus rehearsals and teaching some local kids. We spent so much time together, usually seeing each other every day. And most importantly, we are like family. A group of young adults, on their own, who are like a family. Most of us were in college at the time. Just trying to survive. And really depending on each othere. But the guys were like my big brothers. The kind of guys that I could completely depend on.

When my friends asked me to be in the wedding, I was so thrilled! They have been dating over 10 years. And were engaged about a year and a half ago. I am very excited. I get to see so many of my friends. It has been a while. Most of them have moved away to pursue a career in music. That alone is exciting. And like a crazy person, I have to work until Thursday morning. Then I am leaving in the afternoon.

When I get back home, I still have a HUGE list of things to do. I have to pick up my dress and shoes. And I am hoping the dress shop will still be open when I get into town. If not, I am in so much trouble! Because on Friday, before the rehearsal and all of that, I am hosting a bridal luncheon/bridal shower/get-together/bridal tea/pre-wedding spa day. Yeah, I kinda wonder why I agreed. Not that I don't love my friend, but because I have no time to prepare for it!

I am working all week. And honestly, I have to wait until I get there to shop. I have my list ready. And I have made a bunch of calls to order things or put them on hold for me. But it still has me stressed out! I have a whole vision of what I want this day to be like, but I don't know if I have the time to get it done. And because my house is an hour away from the wedding location and the dress shop, things have to go exactly as planned. I need to pick up my dress and shoes on Thursday because I won't have any time to on Friday. And I have to keep everyone on track on Friday. Because we can't be late to the rehearsal.

So I am keeping my fingers crossed. My list is by my side and all the calls have been made. I am just anxious to be going home. And anxious to see all of my friends. I just hope I have enough time to get everything done and still enjoy the wedding. For now, I need to get back to figuring out the details of my plan.

XOXO

♥D

Be Our Guest

Not everything got done this week. Apparently, they did not get all of our stuff here. But that was OK. Until this morning. When both D and I had to rinse the shampoo and body wash bottles to shower. Then I used the last of my deodorant. D got the last drop of toothpaste. And we ran out of food staples. So, I thought I would make the 20 minute trip out to Target for some supplies. Things to hold us over until Monday. Because for whatever reason, everything ran out this morning.

I was actually really excited about my adventure to Target for my shopping. I am a big fan of Target! You can ask all of my friends and family, and they will tell you how much I LOVE to shop at Target. I actually worked there a few years ago. But the stores are always so clean and stocked full. The employees are usually friendly and excited to help. Usually! Until today, when I needed some help. I couldn't find anyone to ask for help on the floor. So I walked to their "Guest Service" counter and the girl was both annoyed and unfriendly. So was the GSTL.

I was actually shocked. And after waiting for 30 minutes, I said forget about it. I just picked up a few things that we really needed. And headed for the checkout line. It wasn't so bad. The line was short. But I was pretty disappointed in my adventure. And had to make another stop at another store. I will not stop going to Target just because of this one day. But I will second guess my instinct to just stop by. I left Target on a "not so good foot" but I thought it was just because of the management. Apparently, it is more widespread than that.

After many, many bad experiences at Wal-Mart, I have stopped shopping there. I go once in a while when I can't find something that I really need. But I try to avoid Wal-Mart. I personally don't have tons and tons of money, but I am willing to spend a few cents more for my basics...if I get a good shopping experience. I sincerely hope that Target is headed back in that direction. Because I might just have to find some other place to shop. Hey Target Chiefs...get it together. Because I was not the only unpleased "guest." And I know how much you value your "Guests." When I worked at Target, I would always think about that song "Be Our Guest," because the service was just that good. I hope it returns.

XOXO

♥D

Girl Time

I spent a couple of hours with D's sister and nieces yesterday. It was so much fun! We ended up doing some really fun things. And it was like medicine for my soul. I am not joking!

First we went to this fun Antique/Thrift shop. We were actually on our way to go get ice cream. And I saw this cute little store front. I am a sucker when it comes to places like this. So I pulled up to the store. It was off of one of the smaller highways around here. Almost out of sight. And once inside, it was like a treasure box of things from our past!

The girls picked up some old Barbies, dolls, and cases for them. They were so thrilled about them! D's sister found a fun chair. It was so her! Cushy and soft. I found so much! I almost felt guilty about everything that I bought. ALMOST! I got 5 hats (from the 40s/50s), a 50s luggage set (train case, hat box, and suitcase), a handbag, a set of 50s turquoise mixing bowls (5 in the set) and 10 broaches. Yes, 10 broaches! I know. It seems like a lot. And it was A LOT! But I just couldn't help myself. To top it off, as I was paying for everything, we saw a stack of paper dolls and cookbooks. We couldn't resist and ended up taking all of them as well! In total, we only spent $71.35. That is including the chair! I almost felt like we were stealing all of these beautiful treasures!

Our fun didn't end there. No way! We headed to the ice cream shop. The girls got sundaes that were much bigger than themselves! Shh...don't tell their mom. She was at work! :O) D's sister settled for a chocolate milk shake. Let me tell you...it all looked so good. But I thought I shouldn't push it. And I settled for a popsicle. Not too bad.

We ended our adventures with a stop at the salon. Why? Because no Girls' Day is complete without some nail polish. The girls were just too excited to get their nails polished. They both picked the brightest pink at the salon. D's sister had the full manicure/pedicure special. Gorgeous French tips on her fingers and fun chunky pink glitter on her toes. I stuck with just polish...red on my toes and almost nude on my fingers.

It was a GREAT day! Something that I really needed. Actually, this could be one of my favorite days ever. Because it was about fun and family. I really do feel like I am part of D's family. They love me like I am their own daughter, granddaughter, sister, and auntie. Our day was not about how much money we spent, but about how much love we shared!

XOXO

♥D

Going on a Vacay

We are going on vacation today! Woohoo!!! OK, we will be gone roughly a week and a half. All I can tell you is that we are going somewhere tropical. Yes, nice and warm. Lots of sun, clear water, and sand. I can already feel my feet in the sand...and we are only on the plane. :O)

We are going to enjoy the sun and the sea...

A few tropical sunsets...

Maybe even playing in the sand...

Oh yeah! We enjoyed a good breakfast with V and her fiance this morning. It was nice to just remember the good times at college. V, E, and myself were interns at the same hospital, in the town we went to college at. We were pretty hilarious! The song Unwritten was like our "Theme Song." It really did fit us at the time. V left for Dallas about 6 months after we initially started our internships. She graduated and had bigger dreams. That and she is originally from Texas.

E and I probably worked together another year. Then she graduated and got married. I was her maid of honor. They had a cool 50s type of wedding. 50s cars included! Then they moved to Florida. Her and her husband were in grad school there. They are actually thinking about moving back to our small college town. They miss it. And now E has a Master's Degree in Nutrition and her RD. Her husband has a PhD.

I think D loved hearing about the silly things we did back then. I am the youngest of the three of us, and definitely got picked on more. D liked hearing about the crazy things I used to get into at work. Especially the story of me breaking my finger when I worked at Hooter's. :O) It was a long time ago, I needed a job, and in a small town...you can't be picky!

And before I could leave town, I had to stop at this adorable stationary shop. I bought a bunch of notecards, pens, and stationary. All of which I didn't need. But it definitely brightened my day! I gotta go people...we are going on vacay!

XOXO

♥D