Hectic Life

How far behind on life am I? Well, that is the last episode of General Hospital that I watched. Um, that's over 3 months ago! People, this was a show that I never missed! Ever! OK, I would catch up on a week's worth of episodes, once a week. Yes, I'd watch all 5 episodes in one day.

But as you can see, it's been a while. I've been so busy! And I haven't even been on schedule at the hospital since July! If I'm this behind in life now, what's going to happen between now and Christmas?

And my family wonders why I'm still single. What man wants to compete with my hectic school and work schedule? ♥Besitos

Made Me Laugh!

For all sorts of reasons, this video makes me laugh. My best friend was looking up something on YouTube yesterday. And she got this. Low and behold, my guerita best friend watched it! Personally, I think that she is missing home a lot...

Anyway, this just makes me laugh. I know some of the guys in this group. How did she just find this video? I dance somewhat like this when I perform. Albeit, we don't "try" so hard. And we have learned more complicated steps. But that's what we do. By the way, Albert is the better dancer in this video. Do you think they could use a 3rd dancer? :)

But this video just made me smile. It reminded me of home. It reminded me of Mariachi, dancing, and performing. Things that I really miss. I feel like my life is missing a lot at the moment. But mostly, I'm missing all the "Cultura."

I guess what I'm getting at is, that I want to get back involved, full time, in Mariachi again. Or maybe take the leap, and start Ballet Folklorico. Either way, I need to find some live Mariachis to watch. And soon! ♥Besitos

Quick Easy Updo Hairstyle

Today is my best friend's Baby Shower. There is still so much to do! I'm glad that I'm co-hosting it with lots of friends! But, I need to get ready. And since D bought us all a new dress, that's one less thing I have to worry about. Now, my biggest worry is my hair...

Um, the east coast isn't so kind to hair like mine. It's a wreck! I'm not sure what I can do to tame it. And instead of trying to tame it, I'm thinking I'll go "all natural." But I don't want to scare anyone. So I'm going to try this hairstyle when my hair dries. It looks nice. ♥Besitos

Ballet Folklorico

For years and years, I wanted to be in Ballet Folklorico. My parents would never put me in it. I'm talking, I was like 3 years old, and I wanted to dance. They thought I was too shy.

I also wanted to play the violin. Another thing they wouldn't let me do. But when I was going to start 6th grade, my uncle helped me get into orchestra. That was when my love of performing started.

But I've never forgot about dancing. I wanted to do it. I cheered and danced in high school. I began dancing and sing when I moved out at 18. And well, I even found a way to incorporate come of that into my Mariachi performing. :)

But Mariachi stuff is getting harder and harder to come by. I usually only perform for big holidays and big concerts. I'm not in a local Mariachi. Mostly because my schedule. I can't lie, back home, I couldn't get into a group if my life depended on it. It really sucks! But I do fill in whenever they need me. I take whatever gig I can get.

Ballet Folklorico keeps grabbing my attention. It's still part of my culture, just like Mariachi. But where would I go for classes? I'm still not too connected in this town. But this is something that I'd enjoy doing. I mean, just watch these videos. You can't tell me that it doesn't look fun.



Do you see that? Well, I do some of that dancing already in Mariachi. I learned from some dancers years ago! And in the group I was once in, back home, me and a friend would dance like this. Puro Jarocho!



This is just a beautiful dance. Just look at the way they dance. How can you not fall in love with Ballet Folklorico.



This is one of the beautiful and fun dances that I just love. Another one that I learned with a friend. :)



And who doesn't like a good Polka? I mean come on! I was born dancing these no lie! My grandma had me dancing polkas when I learned how to walk. I still love to dance them.



This just makes me smile. Come on! you have to admit it. What I would give to dance a Polka right now!



One of my favorite songs to play. And just love to watch the dancers dance to this song! It's just beautiful.



La Bruja is another one of my favorite songs. I don't know why. It just is. And this dance, absolutely beautiful!

I'm telling you, I really want to start learning Ballet Folklorico. And I don't mean how my friend and I learned. It was backstage before a show. I want to really study this type of dance. Maybe I'll do it at the Mariachi Conference this year. Or maybe I'll actually find a studio to start studying at. ♥Besitos

Autumn Leaves Makeup Tutorial

I'm really loving this makeup! No lie. I think this would be a great look to try. And who knows, it might become my "go-to makeup" for the next few weeks. I just get inspired by Carah. We have similar coloring. So when something looks nice on her, I like to try it out. What do you think of this look? ♥Besitos

Love this Makeup!

I happen to really like Trina's makeup. Especially her eye makeup. It always looks amazing! Not overly done. Or cheap looking. Just classy and well put together. And she doesn't use terribly expensive makeup. Or makeup brushes. But this is love! Seriously it is.

And it's so easy. I love that! Cheap, cheerful, and easy. What more can you ask for? It's just beautiful! OK so maybe half of the look has to do with her eye color. But for this brown eyed babe, I think I can also make this work for me too. :) ♥Besitos

More Aggressive?

At about 8:30 of this video, Debbie explains that you need to be more aggressive. That women need to be aggressive when looking for men to date. And in relationships. Um, that's not me. And I just don't know what to say...

You see, I'm more of an "Old Fashioned" gal when it comes to dating. I have a feeling, I'm light years behind. In so many ways. For example, my classmates in high school voted me "Most Likely to be Married First." Yes, you read that right. And now, I'm one of the only single people left from my class. How funny is that??? But honestly, before now, I just wasn't ready for all of that.

Anyways, do guys really want an aggressive girl? Would they rather a woman go up to them and ask them out? Or do they feel weird about that? You see, where I live, and where I'm from, it's all about Macho men. Hispanic men...who want to wear the pants. So to speak. So what would happen?

I guess I'm just confused. Maybe I should be more aggressive. Talk to a few of those men who I'm interested in. Ask them out to dinner. Heck, I'd even pay for the date. I'm cool with that. My question is...would guys be OK with that? I'm just not sure...

So what do you think about Debbie's advice? Would you take it? To the single ladies...do you ever make the first move? Or do you feel like you need to be a little "Old Fashion" and let the guy make the moves. I'm just wondering... ♥Besitos

Polkas

I was thinking about this today. My grandma taught me how to dance a polka when I was small. Like 3 or 4 years old. It was her thing. Her dance. Something that at every single party, she and my uncle would dance. The faster, the better. In her book anyway.

Me, I've had 1 good polka partner in my life. Zo, my best friend. He cracks me up! But he is such a good dancer. I think we just grew up around it. Going to fiestas, parties, etc. That's why we were good at it. But other people, wow! It's like they've never danced a day in their lives! They can't figure out the rhythm. Or the steps.

So I have a question. Was it just in my family, that we were taught how to dance as young kids? I mean they didn't teach us step by step. We just learned. Picked it up on our own. You know, it came naturally. Which I think, most Latinos would agree. it just happens.

One day, I was just dancing a cumbia. No one taught me. I just knew. My hips, my feet, every part of me just knew what to do. And now, I dance all the time. To a HUGE variety of music. It was natural. Something that we were taught. But also something that came from inside. I'm yet to meet a Latino that doesn't know how to dance. ♥Besitos

Contigo

What a beautiful song! I heard it on the radio this morning. And it just made me smile. Seems very fitting for today. Since I'm hosting a Lingerie Party for a good friend. She is getting married in just about a month.

It kind of makes me wonder about my own future. And if I will ever find someone to share my life with. It's weird. I never thought about this, until the last few months. It's like now, I'm ready in my life. Ready for the next adventure. But I'm a patient person. And when God decides that I'm really ready, well, I'll be here. :)

Hopefully, one day, I'll have an amazing hombrecito to share this song with. And my life with. Until then, I'm going to enjoy the milestones in my friends' lives. Happy Saturday! ♥Besitos

Edie Sedgwick Inspired Makeup

I happen to be a fan of Edie Sedgwick. And I really like this makeup. It's definitely not your everyday kind of look. But I think it would be fun to wear for a performance.

I think it's mostly because I love Old Hollywood. There is something about it. The glamour, the history, the character. But this is a nice, fun, and interesting look. Now to just find an event to wear it to... ♥Besitos

Mi Cucu

Mi Cucu...or how I came to know it as a small girl..."Don't Mess with My Tutu." I don't even know who the recording was by. All I can remember is, a man sang the song. And I swear to you, it was a country western song. But it was mine song, because my grandma said so. I know. Weird choice for a 3 year old. But there you go.

I would go around my grandparents' house singing and dancing to this song. For hours...even days! I was a bit of a dorky kid. But this was my song. I'm pretty sure that the recording that they had was by a country singer. But don't quote me on that.

Then I got older. And I became a musician. And my good friend and fellow musician so, he had a wise idea. I should sing this song in spanish. Hello! We were already jamming to "Who Let the Dogs Out." So there you go. My song came to life again. Can you tell we had A LOT of fun at work?

Funny how those things happen. Then I became known for this song! It was so weird. And in every Mariachi I've ever played in, I've had to sing this song. And then it crossed over, to the other genres of music that I perform. I think my dancing skills also add to the fun of this song. :)

The crazy thing is, I still like going to my grandparents house and listening to the 8-track recording. Yes, I told you it was old! The label has fallen off. And I have no idea who recorded it. But it brings back so many memories.

I don't know why I woke up thinking about this song. But I did. Go figure! But I found this video and had it playing as I got ready this morning. A bit weird. But I enjoyed it. It's definitely a fun song to dance to. Too bad I'm here alone. With no dance partner...AGAIN!

Now, I need to go get ready for my niece's birthday party. Yes, it's at a weird time...11AM. And I still need to wrap her presents. And sign her card. Oh, and drive the hour to my brother's house. Happy Saturday! ♥Besitos

Tantita Pena

Funny how I seen him today. And all I could think about was his lips. And 1:45 of this video. Doesn't help that he has grown out his hair, is a musician, and has a voice to die for! I wanted to talk to him. But oh ya, I got soaked by the kind firemen of "The City Different."

Oh ya, and that fireman, why do I always see him when I come here? It's just strange. Yes, he asked me out when I was younger. But I was 16 and he was 21. A little illegal in our state. I could have imagined what my Dad would have done.

But back to the man...he looked amazing. I wanted to talk to him. Then the light bulb went off in my head. Um, hello! He plays the guitar. I'm sure he would enjoy this gig. And the money. Too bad my white shirt was drenched. And you could see through it! My bra was clearly visible. And I was running to my car. He would be perfect for this gig. Then maybe just maybe, I'd finally get to talk to him...

But it didn't happen. When I got to my car, Zo called me. And I told him about the entire situation. He told me that I should have just went to talk to him. Maybe he would have just taken the job. hahaha Zo is a funny one! If it had been Zo, he would have taken the job. :P

But seriously, I know at one time I had a phone number for him. Other than that one, to the apartment, where he no longer lives. Oh ya. I could make a quick call to an old teacher. I know he has the number. But then...what do I say?

Now I'm at my parent's house. Calling every musician I know. But he's on my mind. And this video. Why do I make life so complicated for myself? ♥Besitos

As Requested...

I do believe that my boss might have had a serious crush on Selena. Did you watch this video? Well, if you've ever seen pictures of Selena, a concert, or a music video...you know that she liked to wear bustiers. Or like my other boss referred to them...sparkly bras.

My boss has requested that I wear one, for our gigs in October/November. Hmmm...

I'm just not sure I can pull it off. I do like lots of the outfits that Selena wore. But seriously, she just had that flare. Something that I'm lacking. So only time will tell. I'm just grateful that I've been working out so much lately. I probably should lay off of eating at Barela's though. Because if I have to wear a little outfit like that, I want to be in good shape. At least, with all the working out, I won't be so self conscience of my body. ♥Besitos

Italian Wedding Soup

I must be feeling better. Because when I seen this video, I suddenly felt like cooking.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I'm part Italian. And yum, this looks delicious. Something that we'd eat. I'm a HUGE fan of Italian Wedding Soup! And as much as I love to cook, I've never tried to make this.

That is going to end very soon. Because I'm going to go grocery shopping. And I want to make this. OK, maybe not this ginormous amount. But enough for me to eat. Because I seriously want some of this yummy soup! ♥Besitos

Violin Huapango

This is not just one of my favorite songs, but one of my favorite Mariachis. Rafael, he happens to now live in my hometown. I've had the pleasure of seeing him play and sing many times. He's so talented. And a really nice guy.

You just have to love the violin duo at the end. A father and a son. Doesn't get much better than that. I LOVE this song. And not just because I'm a violin player. I've always liked this song. But this particular video, with this group, just makes it amazing!

I know many of the current musicians in Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Wonderful musicians. And down to earth. I've had the pleasure in playing with many musicians. In a variety of genres. But there's something about Mariachi musicians, they're always down to earth. No matter how popular they are. It's like family. ♥Besitos

Makeup for Shows

I'm still feeling a bit rough. I managed to make it to church. Then, came home and went to bed. I just hate feeling so sick! But it lead me to YouTube. And to pixi2woo's channel. Where I found this video.

I find that this is a nice dramatic look. Something that mariachi performing requires. Something that I need to learn how to perfect more. I really, really think I look ridiculous with such a bold lip. But who knows, it's probably just my own insecurities. I really want to try this look. Perhaps this week, I'll be feeling better. One can only hope. ♥Besitos

Zumba

I get tons of questions about how I get into shape for my shows. To be 100% honest, it's constant up keep of my body. I cheered in high school. And I was used to working out for 8 hours a day. Hard workouts. Cardio, weight lifting, running, our routines, gymnastics, etc. It was tough. But we did it 7 days a week, for 11 1/2 months a year!

Then when I graduated, I started running. I've run at least 1 mile a day since. But lots of time, I run between 2-5 miles a day. Just depending on the day and weather. I don't run often on the treadmill. I'm not that coordinated. And I like to do a variety of workout DVDs. Mostly dancing.

Also, for my degree program, I have to go to the gym. I have a trainer. And I workout with him at least 5 days a week. For 90-120 minutes a session. Sometimes that can get boring. So I tend to spice it with various classes at the gym.

I like Pilates, yoga, and I've even taken some cardio pole dancing classes. So much fun! But my favorite thing to do is Zumba. I found this video on YouTube. It's a lot easier of a routine than I'm used to. My instructor is a lot like my high school cheerleading coach. And you leave there drenched in sweat.

My 3 biggest tips are to find something you enjoy doing, take your friends, and don't forget about what you're eating. I like to run. And I also like Zumba. About 6 weeks before big shows, I call up the girls, and we all take daily Zumba classes together. Nothing like laughing about the silly routines you're doing. And it makes the time go by so quickly.

But the biggest thing is, watch what you eat. I like to eat. A lot! But before a show, I change my diet a lot. I make myself eat 6-8 small meals a day. I pay extra attention to what I'm eating. And I make sure to limit my salt and sugar.

And you have to be consistent. If you're trying to lose weight, remember you didn't gain it over night. It's going to take a while to lose it. If you're trying to get into better shape, you need to just be consistent with your routines. You can't workout one week, and forget about it the next. Just find something you enjoy, and have fun! ♥Besitos

Esots Celos

I just LOVE this song! It makes me so happy to hear it. It still shocks me that mariachis in my my hometown don't know it. But that's OK. I can hear it on the radio. And recently, I found my CD. It's just a nice song. Something that puts a smile on my face. Every single time I hear it! But this is still one of my favorite songs. What are some of your favorite mariachi songs? ♥Besitos

Heriberto Molina

One of the most talented people, that I've ever had the honor to meet is don Heriberto Molina. "El Maestro." You can read more about him here. But he trained to sing. In a monastery of all places. Later, he learned the violin so that he could play in a mariachi. Not just any mariachi either, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalilitlan.

I've had the honor to train with him. His vocal training is the best out there. And if you ever have the chance, don't pass it up. He has so much knowledge to share. In everything from breathing, wording, performing, stance, and presentation. This is what you call a "God given talent." El Maestro, he just has the talent. It's just there. And he is so willing to share it.

And if you're ever lucky enough to sit down and talk with El Maestro. Don't pass that up! He is so hilarious! And has decades of amazing stories to tell. I'm telling you, he is one of the most talented people I have ever known. And kind, oh so kind. ♥Besitos

Minnie Mouse Nails

i recently seen this video. I just love the look of this manicure! Do I have the time to paint my nails like this? No. Do I even have the time to paint my nails? No. But this is too cute!

Hopefully now that summer is here, and my internship is almost over, I can paint my nails again. I think it's so cute! Especially the polka dots. What's your favorite manicure these days? ♥Besitos