Crochet Inspiration #18: Dragonfly Blanket

There is an endless flow of babies...in our family. And among my friends. There is no need, for me to have any. My family does a GREAT job, of multiplying. My friends, have the cutest kiddos. And with all these babies, comes lots and lots of Baby Showers. And presents. And new things to create.

And sometimes, you just get bored, with the same old patterns. So lots of times, when I'm pulling up patient records...I'm also browsing Pinterest for some inspiration. Or a new pattern to try out.

 

Recently, I found this blanket. And fell in love, with the design! The link, takes you to the blog, of the crocheter. Not the pattern. After some digging, I found that pattern. I may or may not...have already started one of these blankets...

And while I was digging around this blog, I might have come across this little guy. And it was love at first sight! The designer of this guy, can be found here.

 

Although this little fellow, is labeled a misfit, I like him. He's just quirky. And would make a perfect gift, for my owl loving Momma. Or a new baby girl, who is on her way.

So many fun things! The Dragonfly Blanket, might just be a new favorite of mine. Like I said. I might have started one...or already finished three! Right at this moment, I am starting another. And will probably have it at my side, all day long!

You see, my pups are going to be at the vet today. It's time to get them spayed. And I will be a total wreck! So I might get another one of these cute blankets, finished. What else, can a Puppy Momma do? ❤

Music Monday #18: Thy Will

I heard this song, a week or two ago. And it just made me think. I sat at the top of the hill, early in the morning. Watching the sunrise. And just listened. There was something about this song, that just called to me. The music. The lyrics. Hillary's voice.

The last few years, have been something else. At times, just unbearable. And at other times, I've felt so raw. So exposed. This song, just reminds me...of how vulnerable we can be. And how we can carry all of this with us.

But through it all, no matter what...we MUST trust in God. He will carry us, through it all. The pain, the hurt, the loneliness. I know, the tough days, are not all behind me. But there are some truly AMAZING days, in front of me. And I need to remember, to trust in God.


As hard as life can be, we can't lose our faith. Our paths, are difficult at times. And at times, I HATE so much about life. But life, is truly a miracle. Because of our Lord. And his love for us.

I pray every single day. For my family. And my friends. For myself. Lately, it's been a lot for myself. And my struggles. I get on my knees, and pray. That I can hear, see, and feel God's plans for me. That he has a plan for me. Maybe it will include a husband, children, and love. Maybe it includes more pain and hurt.

Whatever it is, he will walk along side me. And when it becomes too much to bare, he will carry me. I know this, first hand. Because I know, it was God that has gotten me through the last 6 years. On the toughest days, I turned to God. And asked for his help, his love, and his compassion. For myself. My Dad. My family. My friends. And my enemies.

I am so amazed by God and his love for me. We are so very blessed. Even on the worst of days, we have the most amazing love...that we could ever ask for! God will guide us. And help us, through the darkest of days. I know this. And this song, is just a reminder, of all the love...that God has for us. ❤

Sassy Saturday #18: What I'm Reaching For

Lately I've been in  bit of a slump. I'm trying, to work it out. But I keep reaching for the same things. Because honestly, if it requires more than a hairclip to do my hair, it's not happening. Makeup, is at a minimum. Three products, are the max, on most days. I'm just not that into makeup...right at this second.

 



And where I might lack in caring about makeup...sunscreen and moisturizer are never a place I skip. This is my daily pal. We have been BFFs, for years. I've tried others, but this is ALWAYS, where I come back to. I LOVE you Healthy Defense!

 

Along those same terms, Nivea's Berry Swirl is my BFF. I like the little hint of flavor. The texture is amazing. Ladies, I had chronically dry lips. Like I had the bad habit, of peeling the dry skin, off of my lips. It all changed, when I found this gal. And as you can see, she is well loved!

Along the "lip lines," I'm still reaching for Covergirl's Lip Perfections. I have so many colors! I like the light feel, that they have. And the color is nice. Especially, when you are not wanting too much color. But they are buildable. So it's all up to you!

And if we're going to stay in the lip family, we have to talk about Wet n Wild's lipsticks. These Megalast Lip Colors, were a total "boredom buy." I was at Walgreen's one day. Looking at nail polish. When I heard the "Makeup Girl" talking about these. And they were on sale, for $1.

So I went and picked up 5. Because, what was there to lose? Honestly, I couldn't narrow down the colors. When I went to pay, the cashier gave me some coupons. $1 off Wet n Wild lip products. So they were free! :)

And they have been a favorite of mine, ever since. Not because they were free. Although, that made me smile. But because of their staying power. The darker colors, are AMAZING! No smudging. They last. And they are not drying.

My favorite color, happens to be Wine Room. I was joking with Manders, that when I wear it, I feel like I have Selena lips. But honestly, the color is gorgeous. And looks good, on many different skin tones. I probably wear Wine Room, 5 days a week. It's easy. And fast. And so affordable!

And along with a good lip color, there have to be nice eyelashes. Most days, I only wear 3 products. Moisturizer, lip color, and mascara. I've tried so many different types of mascara. High end, to drugstore. And Covergirl's Lashblast...is still my favorite. The orange tube. Waterproof. Blackest black. Nothing else will do. Oh, and ladies don't forget to curl your eyelashes! It makes a world of difference.

 

One of my favorite Christmas presents this year, would have to be this body cream. Well, not this tube. I've been through about 8 of them, since Christmas. Because I lather my body, from head to toe, in this beauty!

My Goddaughter bought it for me. Because she knows I like strawberries. And well, I LOVE this scent! And the way it makes my skin feel. Oh, I LOVE it so much! I have a tube in my desk at work, in my car, and about 10 at home. Honestly, where has this been, all of my life?

 

Lastly, Essie's Minimalist. I adore this light color. I've been wearing this, for months now! I try other colors. And other brands. But there is something about this color, that keeps drawing me back in. I recently bought a new bottle. Rarely do I go through an entire bottle, of nail polish. But this beauty, is a regular for me!

There you go. What I've been reaching for lately. Maybe, as the weather warms up, I'll be reaching for more products. And trying to get some use, out of all my eyeshadows and blushes. But who knows. I'm a pretty bad creature of habit. Let me know, what you've been reaching for too. ❤

Thankful Thursday #6: Church Family

There are days. And there are times, when we feel so alone. On an island. So far away. No one seems to relate to you. To understand, what you are going through. Nobody, really wants to know.

Then you go somewhere, you have gone for years. And you see these people, that you see weekly. All of a sudden, they become your "comfort zone." That place you fall, when you just can't go, any further. Our Church Family has become just that...

They are more than just the people we see weekly. The ones we pray with. And give peace to. The people we wave to. And smile at. They watch us every single week. The struggles we've carried. The pain on our face. And the sorrow, in our eyes.

We've ALWAYS gone to church. We've known certain people. Really well. For years and years. And others, we would just see at church. Wave at them. Smile. Give peace to. But we never knew their names. Never really talked to them. We knew very little about them.

And they were there, for my Mom and I, when no one else was. It was a struggle. The first time we went to church, after my Dad's passing. It had been just over 36 hours. Nothing felt right. Life was a blur. And all we did was cry...

Everything reminded us, of my Dad. And complete strangers, came and sat next to us. Held us. Let us cry. Comforted us. Prayed for us...

Before we knew it, people were taking us under their wings. Protecting us, as best as they could. They were living out God's words. The things we heard every week, in church. Now, they were living it.

And it has honestly, been such a comfort, every single week...to go to church. There are still tears. There is still a feeling of loss. And of heartache. But we are surrounded by the most AMAZING people!

We now see, lots of these people, during the week. Out in the community. Or they come by the house. On the bad days, they are comforting. Or like our deacon, try and make us smile. They have brought us food. Offered to help with yard work. And mostly, prayed for us.

It's funny. Really it is. Growing up, I always thought, going to church made our family stronger. It made us closer. It helped our love, flourish. But in reality, we were making our church stronger. Our faith made us strong. But our family, has made our church, such a strong and beautiful place.

You see, a church, is just a building. It's a place people go to worship. But when people are not there, it's just a building. It's the families, that go there, that make it strong. It's all the time, love, and prayer, that people put in, that make it such a strong place.

And somehow, all that work we put into the church...for all those years, is coming back to us. In terms of, people who love and care about us. If we miss a day at church, they are concerned. They come and look for us. If they notice, something is wrong, they try to make it right. They are always looking out for us.

And honestly, through this entire journey, it's been our church family...that has held us together. During my Dad's illness, they prayed for us. Our priest would visit us regularly. When we'd go to church, they'd help us. Hold the door open. Get my Dad into church. Give a reassuring hug.

Over the last few months, it's been about care, comfort, and compassion. Something that our own family, has not shown us. Just goes to show, how close we really are. To these people, that we sit and pray with, every Sunday.

During the last 10 months, we've become more involved in church. We've gone on pilgrimages. Donated more time, to church. Become more involved. Supported the various groups. And in return, have become closer to these people. And to God.

It's not always easy. Life is hard. Losing loved ones, is almost impossible, to deal with. But God provides us, with exactly, what we need. Exactly, when we need it.

There are still familiar faces, with no names attached to them. But there are so many supportive hugs. Nice conversations. And so much prayer, that little things like names, don't matter. I truly, Thank God, for our Church Family! ❤

Tasty Tuesday #6: Overnight Caramel Pecan Rolls

I've shared with you, many times, how my grandma was such an amazing cook! She was a cook manager, for almost her entire career. Starting in the 1950s. Nothing she ever cooked, was bad. Ever! It was all homemade. Made from scratch. So yummy!

Probably the thing my family misses the most, is her bread. Any kind, you could ever think of! Tortillas, corn tortillas, loaves of bread, hamburger buns, hotdog buns, clover rolls, dinner rolls, turnovers, and cinnamon rolls. My mouth is watering, just thinking about it.

When I left for college, I baked. That was pretty much it! I didn't really cook. But I could crank out, 2 dozen tortillas, in no time. I could make stacks of corn tortillas, like my life depended on it. Bread, cakes, cookies, bars, brownies, cinnamon rolls...they were my specialty. All because of this amazing lady...all 4 feet of her! She had me baking, at age 2!

I was smart enough, to ask my grandma, for her recipe. At my graduation party, she wrote it down. On a napkin. And I slipped it into my card  box. You see, my grandma used the same recipe, for everything! You just needed to know, how to work the dough, cut it, and form it...to make all these different treats.

From time to time, I take out that napkin, and make a batch of cinnamon rolls. They are so yummy! A little time consuming, but so delicious! And all cinnamon rolls, take a bit of time. Well, usually...

This week's Recipe of the Week, from Gooseberry Patch, is going  challenge me. OK, it's not from scratch. But it was still delicious!

Overnight Caramel Pecan Rolls Ingredients:

2-3.4-oz. pkgs. instant butterscotch pudding mix 1 c. brown sugar, packed 1 c. chopped pecans 1/2 c. chilled butter 36 frozen rolls, divided       Directions: Combine dry pudding mixes, brown sugar and pecans in a bowl. Cut in butter; set aside. Arrange half the frozen rolls in a lightly greased Bundt® pan. Sprinkle half the pudding mixture over top. Repeat layering with remaining rolls and pudding mixture. Cover loosely; refrigerate overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Invert onto a serving plate. Serves 10 to 12.

Sunday, my Mom and I sold at our church's Craft Fair. We've been doing it for years now. And the people at church have been so supportive of us! Especially the ladies in charge of the Craft Fair. And the guys, that help us setup. So I baked a batch of these Pecan Rolls. And you know what, they were delish!

I prepped them Saturday night. After my Mom and I had baked. And went to a birthday party. It was around 11PM. And on Sunday morning, I put them to bake, while I took a shower. The entire house, smelled so good! Our dogs kept going by the oven, trying to figure out what was cooking.

And they were a hit! Every last piece, was gobbled up, in about 5 minutes. Seriously! My Mom and I hadn't even set up our tables. And every last crumb, was gone! They were definitely a hit. And I'm going to have to make them again. Especially, since my Mom and I, didn't even get a bite.

These rolls, would be perfect for a brunch too! I think on a pretty platter, they would look amazing! Because they turnout in one big, beautiful piece! The caramel is so yummy looking! And honestly, they are super easy to put together. ❤

Crochet Inspiration #6: Crochet for Dogs

I'm not going to lie here, this entire post, was inspired by a customer. And my dogs. You see, we crochet all the time! ALL. THE. TIME!!! And a few times a year, our church has a Craft Fair. We have been selling at them, for a few years now.

We have some steady customers. They'll call us from time to time, to make various things. Baby blankets, dolls, gifts. And we'll meet them at church, with whatever they've ordered. Sometimes, they'll text me a picture of something, that they want made. Or they'll bring my Mom a doily, that their grandma made. Years ago. And my Mom will figure it out. That sort of thing.

Well, for a couple of years, a few ladies have asked for dog sweaters. I couldn't even wrap my mind around it. Honestly, I didn't put much thought into it. And they never really pushed too hard. Just asked if I'd ever made on before. Would I ever consider making one. That sort of thing.

And honestly, I didn't. Until I got my puppy. And she didn't fit into any sweaters. Then I couldn't find any sweaters, that didn't scream Christmas, all over them! So one night, I did a Google search. Somehow, my Pinterest account was suspended. I don't know why. And the people I've been e-mailing, have been rather weird about it. So off to Google I went.

I found a couple of pictures. No real pattern, but even if I would have found a pattern, my sweet girl was so small, I don't think they would have worked. So I created my own sweater. And my puppy loved it! My Mom LOVED it even more! And over the next 2 days, her dog got one too!

One day, I took our dogs to the park, in these sweaters. And one of these ladies, from church, saw them. So she took it upon herself, to find me some inspiration. She collected a few pictures, and on Sunday, she put in her order! Now, let's take a look, at some of these cute creations!

She really liked this sweater. In fact, this sweet lady, just might have brought me some buttons too. Little dog bone and paw buttons. It doesn't look too difficult. So this might be, the starting point for me.

This sweater has a bit more, detail to it. In terms of stitches. But I think it is also, completely doable. I want to make this so bad! Maybe my puppy, will be my test model. :)

This sweater/dress completely cracked me up! But this is one of the outfits, that the sweet lady requested! First. As in, can I have it done by Sunday? I'm working on it!

Shut up! I know! This would be outfit number two, that must be done, by Sunday. Honestly not too bad! Looks like a basic sweater. Made with single crochet. A little color change. And a cute bow. This should be fun!

And a hat! I have never considered this. Ever! Years ago, we had rescued an older poodle. Male poodle. My Mom was always dressing him up. He wore hats...but it was generally for some Halloween costume. Nothing like this.

My pups now, would never consider it! I can barely keep a bow, on my puppy. My Mom's dog, HATES anything in her fur. So a hat? I'm really wondering if this lady's dogs will wear them. I have to figure out the ear thing. But I think it is completely doable!

She also requested a few paws and bones, on the sweaters. How cute! That should be easy to do. I'm thinking these can go on the first two sweaters. The other two, have quite a bit going on, already.

And she wants two of these dog mats. Actually, just a few weeks ago, I was setting my Mom up on Pinterest. And one of the first things that showed up in her feed, was a similar picture. The only difference was, the one on Pinterest had a dog paw on one side. Our dogs, actually need one of these. You'd be shocked, by how many times a day, the water bowl goes flying across the floor...

And because I make baby blankets, she's requested a puppy blanket. This looks like a pretty easy blanket. I think the toughest part, will be making the appliques.

Lastly, she wants some dog bones. Her dogs must be spoiled. But who am I to talk? I'm sure I can find a pattern, somewhere, for these bones!

Lots of cute ideas. Lots of things, I'd never think of. Lots of ideas, for my pups. Honestly, this lady stood and talked to me, for about an hour. I can only imagine, she is searching for more ideas. As I type this. But that's OK. Just to see her smile, would totally be worth it!

On another note, the lady that sells all the cute dog clothes at the Craft Fair, has asked us to make some sweaters too. She sells her stuff, in a local dog grooming place. And lots of people have been asking for sweaters. This might turn into some sort of side business. I guess I should get to work! ❤

Music Monday #6: Humble and Kind

Do you ever hear a song, and it just stops you? Dead in your tracks. Gives you chills. You think, they were reading my mind. Hey, this song feels so familiar. Yet, you know, you've never heard it before.

I felt that way, just this past week. I heard "Humble and Kind." For the first time. On my way to see a patient. I literally had to pull over, onto the side of the road. It hit me that hard! And I just sat there, and listened. Silently, the tears fell. And I had goosebumps, everywhere!

This song, reminded me, of all those lessons I was taught as a child. The values that my family, was instilling, in me. The words reminded me, of my Daddy. Of a chapter of struggle. These simple words, reminded me of the struggles, that I'm currently carrying. It reminded me, that no matter what I'm facing, there is always a humbling moment.


"Don't hold a grudge or a chip, and here's why. Bitterness keeps you from flyin'." Words I need to remember. I need to write them down, and keep them close. Hard times, many times, makes people hard. And I don't want to be, that kind of person. I don't want to be bitter in life. I want to soar. I want to make the world, a better place.

Just sit and listen to these words. Or read over the lyrics. It really is a beautiful song. I enjoy country music, for this reason. There is such meaning, behind the music. And Tim McGraw, is just one of those artists, that gives even more to his music. His music, has inspired me, so many times.

"Be humble and kind." Words spoken, from my Daddy, many times. More than I could count. It was his way of life. Never forgetting where he came from. Or the people that helped him get there. Never holding a grudge. Or harming others. Always knowing, there was good to be done, in this world. ❤

Sassy Saturday #6: Afforable Makeup Brushes

I get a lot of questions about makeup. Back in the day, I used to make YouTube videos. Lots of things happened, that made me stop. But it was a fun way, to interact with people. To talk about things, that I enjoy. And to share products, that I really like.

Some of the ladies, that used to watch my videos, now read my blog. And I still get tons of questions. And I welcome them. You can ALWAYS send me an e-mail at SweetNightingaleSing@gmail.com. I'm no expert. I don't get paid to do this. It's just honest. And real.

With that said, lately, I've gotten plenty of e-mails...about makeup brushes. I will be the very first one, to tell you, good tools...make for good makeup! Honestly! I've been blessed, to have worked with various makeup artists. My friend, being one. But others as well. They all say the same thing!

And I've been blessed, to have a large variety of tools. Everything from an ELF $1 brush, to a $200 brush. Yeah, they are out there. But the most expensive brushes, aren't always the best. And the least expensive brushes, aren't always the worst.

I guess, I could go through all these brushes. All the brands. Which I love. Which I hate. Which I reach for daily. But instead, I'm going to say this. If you are on a poor girl's budget, don't be ashamed. Been there, done that! Actually, right now, Wal-Mart sells a nice line of makeup brushes. They are not terribly expensive. And over a couple of paychecks, you can have everything you might need.

Also, don't be ashamed to try different brands out. My favorite eyebrow brush, happened to come in a Christmas makeup set. The kind you buy at Walgreen's, for $5. There also happens to be, a nice line of brushes sold at Target. I'm sure you've all heard of them before. I have brushes from this line, that are nearly 12 years old! And my favorite face powder brush, is one of those. I think I paid $6 for it.

But with all of that being said, a nice middle ground is Sigma. I first heard about them, on YouTube. I didn't wait for them to contact me. I ordered a set. And kept ordering. The more products came out, the more brushes I bought. I tried everything. And I've purchased so many gifts from them!

So if you are just starting out in makeup. Or maybe you've never had proper tools. Maybe you are looking for a gift. You need to turn to Sigma. I bought my Mom a set, just a couple of years ago. My Mom is not really into makeup. Uses her fingers, for most applications. Or the little brushes, that I want to through away. You know, the type that come in drugstore makeup. So this was definitely an upgrade, for her.

I've also, very recently purchased a set for my niece. She's not new to makeup. But all 21 years of her, is on a tight budget. And I wanted to give her something nice. Something I know she would love. And something that she would make good use out of.

Here are a few sets, that I think would be a good buy. Either I'm picking them, for "value." In terms of, getting a good set, for a decent price. Or in terms of tools, to help you navigate through makeup application. Sometimes, when you think you are horrible at applying makeup, it's really just the tools you are using...

The Best of Sigma Brush Set, includes 7 brushes. For $92. I think a good value, with a variety of brushes. For someone just starting out in makeup. This set includes a smudge brushes, a domed utility, diffused crease, firm shader, soft blend concealer, precision flat angled, and a flat Kabuki brush. In my opinion, you are only missing a good face brush.

The Essential Kit, is another good value. For $160, you get 12 brushes. You get 7 eye brushes...eye liner, pencil brush, tapered blending, eye shading, large shader, small angle, and medium angled shading. You also get 5 face brushes...large powder, large angled contour, duo fibre, foundation and concealer brushes. This would be my first choice, if I was purchasing brushes for the first time.

Actually, this might be my first choice. Hello! I LOVE purple. I know, it's just purple handles. But what can I say? This is the Make Me Crazy Essential Set. Essentially, it's the previous set. Just in a different color. Sigma also offers it in pink, and blue. The pink set is what I got my niece.

Better yet, Sigma is currently having a sale. This set is usually sold for $180. But right now, It's $125.30. Honestly, I might just buy this, and save it. For traveling. To keep at work. Just to have as an extra. This is the set for me!

The Premium Brush Set, is a bit more, of an investment. It's the kind of set, you might buy as a splurge. Maybe a tax refund, kind of present. You get 15 brushes, for $219. A GREAT deal if you ask me. It's the one, I turn to most often.

With this set, you get a free brush case. You also qualify for free shipping. And if you sign up for e-mails, can get 10% off your purchase. Yes, a GREAT deal, if you ask me!

This my friends, would be the largest set of brushes, that Sigma offers. The Complete Set. Available in chrome and copper. For $411. That's $411, for 29 brushes. Yes, I said 29! It comes out to, just around $14 a brush. Now that's a deal!

Again, all the savings from above, apply. Free shipping. 10% off, if you sign up for e-mails. It really is a good deal! And you get a case, to carry your brushes.

Like I've said, these are all investment pieces. If you go to a place like Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreen's...small brush kits start at $20. If you go to MAC, most brushes are $20 and higher. That's for a single brush! I know, I have plenty of them.

But sometimes, we need to invest in ourselves. Maybe you get a larger than normal tax return. Or some unexpected birthday money. Maybe you win a couple of dollars, playing the lottery. Whatever it is, I would try and get a set of these brushes.

Honestly, good makeup brushes, have changed my life. Do I still use brushes from the drugstore, or even MAC? Yes, but time and time again, these are the makeup brushes I'm reaching for. For me, my first purchase, came from money I had saved. I was saving to redecorate my bedroom. Makeup brushes seemed more important at the time. :) And that was a few years ago. Daily spot cleaning, and weekly deep cleaning...they are still like new! ❤

Fabulous Friday #6: Time for a Cut

I've just been feeling it. In my bones. It's time for a haircut. Not just a little trim. But a real cut. I've ALWAYS had long hair. ALWAYS!

The first time, I really chopped my hair off, I was in high school. A senior. Right about to leave for Florida. I thought, this is the chance. I was going to be in Florida, for something like 10 days. Then I was going to come back home, late in the evening. Early the next morning, I was headed to my state capital. For another 5 days.

This was my chance. And I chopped off my hair! It went from "past my bottom," to "just above my shoulders." I LOVED it! Even if one of my best friends, told me a looked like a mom. I didn't care! And I also managed to hide it from my parents. By the time I returned from my travels, it was halfway down my back! That's the thing, my hair grows fast. And has a fascination, with this same length. Right around the small of my back.

So I let me hair grow. From May, until October. When I was away at college, I went to one of those places in a strip mall. I paid $6, with my college ID. And I chopped it off again! This time, to just under my ears.

I LOVED it! I could get ready in minutes. When you are in college, that is a HUGE plus! So there I was, in LOVE with short hair. I think I let it grow out slightly, before the holidays. But in the Spring it returned. Just above the shoulders. And I managed to maintain a shorter hairstyle, until the following Summer.

I have sadly, been in a rut, for years now. At least, when I was actively performing, I would get a good haircut, every couple of months. But here, is were I get honest. It's been 27 months, since I last cut my hair. And that was just a trim!

For the last few months, I've had this itch. Just to go, chop it all off! My friends even sent me a gift certificate, for Christmas. It's still in the Christmas card, at the bottom of my purse. But really, it's time.

You see, I have a love-hate relationship, with my hair. When I was younger, I really did LOVE my hair. It was super thick. I could manage a little wave-like curl. For cheerleading, I could use the sponge rollers...and get "that look." It was love. Then my hair started to thin. It has gotten uncooperative. And well, we are at a "Hate" stage.

My older sisters, have this beautiful curly hair. Spiral curls. Only one of them, maintains her locks. And she has the most gorgeous, bouncy curls. Me? I've got frizzy hair. Poofy hair. Let's say, it reminds me of a Chia Pet, on most days...

There is nothing extra special, about my hair. My Mom has pin straight hair. My Dad had crazy curly locks. And me? I'm not sure what happened. When I was under 13, my hair was long, straight, and dark. Almost black. Over the years, it's gotten lighter in color, crazier in texture, and thinned.

But I can't always hate  my hair. And let's be honest, I do enjoy looking nice. My "go-to" bun, for the OR...has slowly transformed, into a messy "up-do," most days. During the warmer months, I might do a little braid near the front, and up it all goes. But it is time, for a more "Grown Up" style.

Nothing too fancy. If I'm feeling a little more fancy, or have some time on my hands, I might straighten my hair. Maybe put hot rollers on. Perhaps, get a curling iron out. But that's it. And I'm kind of tired of it all. I want something a little more, well styled. Put together. Grown up...

So I've been looking at tons of pictures. Been paying more attention to hairstyles. Asking nurses, what works best with surgical caps. That sort of thing. I might have also asked a couple of colleagues, what they like. Here are a couple of ideas, that I'm liking...

I really do like this haircut. I like the structure of it. The idea, that there is a bit of style. The long bangs. The length. But it seems too comfy. Similar, in many ways, to what I already have...

Again, I like the length. The texture. The idea of many layers. It gives some flair. Has some style. But isn't too crazy. It's also very comfortable. I think I cut my hair like this, when I was in medical school. But sort of, more "dressed up."

Yup, I do like this more "messy" look. A little more "I just rolled out of bed." It doesn't matter if it's not perfect. But it still looks nice. Like I might actually, be making some sort of an effort...

I think the reason I'm drawn to this hairstyle, has more to do with the bangs. I like that idea. I have a pretty large forehead. And probably could use some help. I also like the slightly messy look.

 

I really like this hairstyle. It's messy. Like me. Imperfect. But still looks somewhat "put together." Yup, I like it. My only question is, does it look too much, like the "Rachel?" 

 



This is one of those hairstyles, I've like for a while. Like I cut out a picture, and stuck it in my purse. Maybe I'll go cut my hair. Doesn't look too time consuming. Might actually work, with my natural texture. You know, on the days, when you just add some hair product, and run out the door. This is on my short list...

Everything about this style, is appealing to me. The cut, is something fun. Outside of my comfort zone. The color, I like it! It makes me actually want, to go color my hair. Which I've never done before. And probably should. My skin tone is pretty similar. So I'm thinking, it couldn't be a complete disaster.

And that appeal of short hair. It keeps coming back. But is this too short, for my round face? Will I look ridiculous? I like the idea of short hair. More structure. But will I be able, to maintain this?

This is probably my favorite of all! I LOVE the length! I LOVE the idea of a little bit of bangs and layers. Not to mention, it's not completely structured. It has some movement. And really, who is going to know, if every piece of hair, isn't doing what it's supposed to? This just might be it!

What do you guys think? What should I do? Especially, if you know me in real life. Let me know. Leave me a comment. Send me a message. Please help! I'm ready for some change. My hair, seems like the perfect place to start! ❤

Wishful Wednesday #5: Wellies

Wellies. Rain boots. Rubber boots. Galoshes. Garden boots. Whatever you call them, I LOVE them! Always have. And probably always will! There is something about them, that brings a smile to my face.

I first remember wellies, when I was a small kid. I used to help my grandpa, with his big garden. It was a HUGE task! My grandpa, was in his 80s, lived in the mountains, and insisted on a big garden! So all 6 years of me, would go help him. And he always insisted, we wear our rubber boots.

My grandpa would put on his overalls, plaid shirt, and rubber boots. He bought me a pair, at K-Mart. They were bright yellow. And I'd put them on, with my little short set. And we'd head out. We'd work on the garden for hours. Praying before we did work. Working hard, until lunchtime. Then we'd sit under a tree, and eat lunch, while listening to Paul Harvey. We did this every single day, during the summer. Afternoons were for relaxing, playing, and feeding the animals.

Then when I went to college, and had my own HUGE yard to manage, I went back to my wellie ways. I went to Target, and bought me a pair. With hearts, all over them! Every single time, I worked in the yard, I wore them. My neighbors thought I was nuts! 110 degrees, yoga pants, and wellies. :)

In October 2014, my Dad might have convinced a nurse to help him. Order me a pair of blue wellies. From his hospital bed. Just because! And I LOVE them! I might have started wearing them, because it sprinkled outside. Then when the snow hit. Now, I just wear them because, well I want to. With jeans. To the grocery store. Yup, I'm that lady.

And I wanted to share my love with you. It doesn't matter your price point. There is something out there for you! Promise! Yes, we probably all dream about the expensive ones. But there are more affordable pairs. That are so fun to wear!

This first pair, is more affordable. $40. From the Gardener's Supply Company. Definitely a gardener's type of wellie. A little fun and funky. Last week, they had the perfect polka dot pair. Sadly, they are now sold out!

Can we stop? For just a moment, and take them all in! Navy. Pink. Polka Dots. Hello lover! These are amazing! The Joules Molly Welly, are $58 at Back Country. They are currently having a sale. And I am really struggling, to not buy these! Seriously, they are sitting in my cart right this minute.

They are a nice classic, navy color. With just enough pink, to make them fun. And interesting. Those polka dots, they have my heart! No questions asked! And the little buckles, give the boots a sense of charm. Grace. And luxury.

These boots, I've seen a variety of styles, that are a close match. At all price points. With a little more pink, a slightly larger buckle, maybe a bow. But these are the ones, that keep calling my name. Again, a Joules product. This time, found at Target. For $75.

Like I said, I saw a variety of similar boots, from $20-200. It just depends on your taste. And where you decide to buy them. But honestly, these stripped boots, would be timeless. And would add just a bit of whimsy, to any outfit! I wouldn't mind getting a pair, for Love Day!

This next pair is also from Target. They are fun and funky. Love those little chickens. Makes me think, of all the time, I spent with my grandparents growing up. Working on the garden, feeding animals, and having fun! This pair is also by Joules, and comes in at $75.

The last pair, is by far, the most expensive. At $150. But is probably the best made pair, of the bunch. Hunter boots. Oh my goodness! Looking at their website, just makes me happy. So many pretty colors! Thundercloud, this lavender color, is my favorite! Maybe I'll win the lottery or something...

These are similar to the ones my Dad bought me. Except mine are dark blue. And, cost a fraction of the price. He got them on some deal, on one of the various "Morning Shows," we used to watch. But they are super comfy! And so warm! They also go, with just about anything in your closet. I may have worn mine, with a Summer Dress, this past Spring. :)

My only suggestion is, find some fun socks. Long socks. Boot socks preferably. But I feel this way, about any pair of boots, that you might throw on. Your feet will stay nice and warm. And dry, in a pair of wellies.

And don't just look at the price. I say this all the time. Shop your local stores. Go where you usually go to shop. I've purchased wellies, at Target. And K-Mart. Both for around $20. I've shopped e-Bay. And found some good quality, brand new wellies, for $15. I've purchased them online, at various stores. With online coupons. For anywhere between $20-200. They are all amazing!

Yes, I might have a wellie problem. It might have taken me, a week, to write this post. I kept getting distracted, by the endless possibilities! But really, they are a fun addition, to any outfit. At anytime of the year. And honestly, at any price point.

Go out. Take a look around. And buy a pair. They're not just for working in the yard. Or rainy days. Heck, pull on a pair of shorts, or your favorite summer dress. And add a little fun, to your outfit! ❤