Vintage Dreaming...

It's Monday. I'm working. And I'm exhausted. It doesn't help that the doctor, that I'm supposed to be working with today, well...he's running late. So I have nothing to do, but sit here and wait.

So I found an empty computer, and started to entertain myself. Most "normal" people would probably "troll" their favorite stores...like Target, or even Amazon. Me? I read blogs. Then find links to AMAZING Etsy shops...



Just look at these dresses! I would totally wear them for our gigs. Or just because. Add a cute pair of heels for a fun night out. Or a pair of cowboy boots, with the first pink dress. Too adorable!



And these four...I'm speechless. That wedding dress, well it actually makes me want to get married! And that's saying A LOT! But these dresses are way too adorable. Completely out of my budget. But vintage anything, especially clothes, makes me heart melt! Happy Monday! ♥

Much Needed Inspiration

I needed something to make me smile today. I've been having a rough couple of weeks. The last few days haven't been so kind either. So this morning, I decided to watch some YouTube videos.

And as always, Carly never disappoints! Her makeup looks are so amazing! And her voice is so calming. The perfect way to start my day. And now, I'm feeling a little inspired to actually do my makeup. Lately, taking a shower is about all I've wanted to do in terms of getting ready.

Makeup, hair, etc...I'm not really feeling it. Between the rain and the heat, I just don't want to deal with all the problems. My morning routine has been to shower, comb through my hair, and put it into a bun. I manage some moisturizer with SPF, and a simple t-shirt and jean look. You know, when you have no place to go, it's a little depressing.

But Carly, she has given me a shot of inspiration. I feel like putting in the extra time and energy. Besides, I need to head south. I'm on a mission to find my textbooks at the Used Bookstore. I refuse to buy them new. Because I shouldn't even be taking these classes. So I might go without books. But right now I need to go get ready for the day. ♥

MAC's Rodarte Collection

It shouldn't be much of a surprise that I like to watch YouTube videos. I watch cooking, beauty, and music videos. It's something that I quite enjoy doing. The YouTube videos always seem more interesting than TV to me.

But last week, I seen this video. And to be completely honest, it angered me...



It angered me, because Katherine does not seem well educated on the entire subject matter. And she is throwing out accusations about MAC, Rodarte, and the entire Juarez situation. So I commented. And she didn't approve my comments. I figured because I didn't agree with her opinions. And she most certainly didn't want to hear the "other" side of the story.



But then, Nat posted this video late last night. And I felt like she addressed the topic in a more tasteful manner. She didn't try and shove it down your throat. So I sent her a message. Because I felt like I could give her more of my side of the story. The side that frequently is overlooked and not discussed.

Why am I so passionate about this topic? Because I live and work in the Borderland. And I frequently go across the border for college and professional projects. Not to party. But to go and help the people in Juarez. Mostly the kids and the women.

There is so much violence going on. And people just don't care. We hear about it every single day on the news. Mass graves are found. Shootouts are happening. But the news rarely, if ever, leaves this area. On Friday, another mass grave was found. Over 30 bodies. There have been countless shootouts this past month. During one of those shootouts, bullets made their way to the US side of the border. Into a government building. But how many Americans hear about that?

I see myself as someone who is well educated on the topic. One year, we made life sized dolls. Each representing a woman who had been murdered, or was missing. And we put them up on our college campus. To signify the women who were affected by the violence. That was probably the first time people really began to see the violence as a serious issue.

So when I heard that MAC Cosmetics was teaming up with Rodarte, for a collection based on the violence in Juarez, I was happy. I figured the story would finally be told to a wide variety of people. I agree, the PR for the collection was handled poorly. But to sit here and tear down a company because they are trying to bring light to this topic, it's ridiculous!

I see MAC as trying to spread the word about the violence. I've known women and children who have been killed. I watch the news every sing night. And I see what the violence is doing to the Borderland. Not just Juarez. I applaud MAC for trying to bring this topic to light.

I work in the medical field. Many times, my life is endangered to save these women and children. I can't even began to tell you how many times I've been loaded into an ambulance, wearing a helmet and a bullet proof vest, to go pick up someone who is injured. Just a few months ago, 2 Americans were killed. Because they would provide aid to the children of Juarez. The man was a police office in the US. And the lady, she was expecting the couple's 2nd child.

The violence is maddening. But people's ignorance, it tears me apart more. People are always quick to judge. But they forget that there is a story to be told. That people live a life. That not everyone's life is the same. There are young women working in maquillas, making goods that we buy, in very poor conditions. The same age as the countless teenage girls who are on YouTube making videos about the new MAC collections.

I do admit, MAC failed miserably with this collection. They could have donated more money to the various groups that assist in Juarez. Their advertising posters were not well thought out. But the names of the various products, I see nothing wrong with it. Actually, I had printed off some PR stuff that I had come across. And I took it with me one day. The women were really excited about this. They felt like so many people would learn about their stories. And maybe, help would come.

None were offended by the names. We talked about it. Including mothers who had lost their children. But people jumped the gun here. I'm disappointed in the ignorance of people. Their complete inability to go out and do some research for themselves. This was a good thing. And now, so many people have helped to put a black cloud over it. Remember, knowledge is everything. Educate yourself on the topic before speaking out. Know about the topic before making judgements and trying to prosecute people. MAC was looking to do some good for a community that desperately needs it.♥

Happy Friday!

In case you are wondering, my life is not always filled with drama. Sometimes, really good things happen. Like next Saturday, I'm standing in a wedding. For 2 of my best friends. And I'm the "Maid of Honor."

C bought me a gorgeous dress to wear for the rehearsal. Because it's going to be a very dressy event and she's such a sweet person. So I've got this beautiful chocolatey, bronze number to wear. And I was wondering about what to do with my hair and makeup. M is doing all of our hair and makeup, but I was looking for some ideas.

During my break just now, I went to Carly's blog to take a look. I was hoping to find something fun. And Carly did not disappoint! I originally found Carly through her YouTube channel. And I just love the makeup that she does!

Today I found this video! And it is perfect for the rehearsal. I sent it to M and she said it's perfect. We've got our makeup look ready for next Friday. Now to find some hair ideas...

Well, I hope you have a great Friday! And if you're a makeup lover, take a look at this video. You will enjoy it! I promise. Happy Friday! ♥

Lip Conditioning

When I first began performing, I was all on my own. Trying to learn all kinds of tips and tricks. Makeup application and hair seemed to be my enemy. Especially when I was melting under the sun. But over the years, and thanks to my friend/makeup artist M, I've finally started to tackle some of those makeup problems that were HUGE issues for me. Like bold lips...

I always had issues with bold lips. Because my lips were dry. And they'd peel. So much so, that my lips actually hurt. But wearing red lipstick was just as much part of my uniform as the traje itself. And I needed to find some ways to make my lips stop peeling, and my lipstick to stay on.

Of course, I drink plenty of water. All the time! It helps with everything from your skin, to your hair, and obviously, your lips. But even water consumption can only go so far...especially in the desert.



But living in the desert and wearing lipstick daily, well is dries out your lips a lot! No matter what the brand of lipstick it is, YSL, MAC, Wet-n-Wild, Covergirl, Estee Lauder etc. You just have to keep in mind, when you wear a highly pigmented color, it dries out your lips. And as a stage performer and musician, I frequently wear red, dark wine, or bright pinks.

Early on, I used a toothbrush to help with my peeling lips. After I brush my teeth at night, I use this treatment. I bought a child sized, soft toothbrush, and I brush my lips. Make sure both your lips and the toothbrush are wet, and softly brush over both your top and bottom lips. It takes off all the dead skin, and brings the blood to the surface of your lips. I have highly pigmented lips naturally. But after this step, my lips are usually a bright berry color. And smooth as can be.



Sometimes I'll make a paste out of sugar and olive oil (preferably brown sugar) and rub it around my lips. It's like an "At Home" sugar scrub. Rinse it off and pat dry. Then I lather up my lips in Carmex before I go to bed. That's really important! It brings back the moisture to your lips. And leaves them feeling tingly and so soft!



During the day, I moisturize my lips often. Very often! One of my favorite products are Nivea "A Kiss of Shine" lipglosses. Or my trusty Carmex. But never let your lips get dry. That's when they crack and start to peel.



The Aquafina "Fruit Splash" lip balms are also amazing! They're moisturizing without being greasy. And they come in wonderful flavors!



But the key steps start right before makeup application. M (my friend and MUA) will moisturize my face. Then she'll take Carmex and really coat my lips with it. Way more than you will ever use normally! M then takes a Q-tip and gently rubs it over my lips. This takes off any kind of dead skin, roughness, extra products, etc. The blood comes to the skin, and not only are your lips smooth, but they also look plumper.



When M is done with that, I will put on a good layer of Blistex "Deep Renewal" lip balm. I use this during the day to moisturize with as well. But always before lipstick application. It also has an SPF 15. It's a very good product to use during the day.



We always do this before we begin makeup application. That's important. It gives the lips time to absorb all the moisture before adding the drying lipstick. My lipstick application is always the last thing I do as well. Right at the end, M will line my lips in a clear lip liner. Then using a lip brush, she will apply my lipstick.

I hope that helps. I have almost no peeling of my lips anymore. My lipstick has never looked nicer. Using this method, I can easily perform a show without worrying about my lipstick. It stays on for hours! And the overall condition of my lips is amazing! ♥