Riding the Merry-Go-Round

That's what I've been doing the last week or so...riding the merry-go-round of life. The hair show in Dallas was fun and interesting. Hair styles are still about the same...lots of straight, fringy hair. Lots of bold hair color and accent colors in jewel tones. It seems like the primary purpose of these shows is to sell and introduce new products rather than showing anything useful as far as hair cutting and styling. The 'platform artists' are interesting to watch, but there are only so many ways to cut hair, and I think I've seen them all. However, I still like to see the 'show' and hopefully pick up some new techniques. I think my clients like to know that I am interested in keeping up with the currents trends. It does motivate me to try new things and be more progressive and creative 'behind the chair'.

The show was held at the Gaylord Texan Hotel http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordtexan/. Check it out...it is awesome! I want to go back, just to stay at the resort and spa.

I had an extremely busy week in The World of Hair, but I had to race home Tuesday night to see the final showdown between Taylor and Kat on American Idol. I voted for Taylor! Then, I got home on Wednesday night at 8:45, just in time to see the results. When Ryan announced that Taylor won, I jumped up and let out the 'Taylor Howl' Woooooo! Scared poor little Elvis to death! He jumped back and looked at me like I had lost my mind. Now, we'll have to wait and see if Taylor can live up to the title. I think he has a good shot at it. He's cute, has personality and a unique voice. I'll buy his first CD. Go Taylor!

I got off work early on Friday so I could get on the road to College Station. One of my clients was getting married in Aggieland. Both she and her fiance just graduated from A&M and wanted to be married at their church in Bryan, Tx. I stayed at the Hilton Hotel, along with the other out of town guests. The room was very nice and elegant. I loved the cushy down comforters, fluffy pillows and thick, plush towels. After checking into my room, I went to the local mall and did a little shopping, then got a pedicure. I then stopped at a deli and had a Greek chicken salad before returning to my room and nestling into my comfy, soft bed. I had to get up early Saturday morning and go to the bride's home and do her and her attendants hair. After the girls were all done, I went back to my room and got myself ready to go to the two o'clock ceremony. The reception was held at 'The Kyle House', an old Victorian home turned 'event venue'. The wedding ceremony itself was beautiful and inspiring. These are two young people who are dedicated to each other and to the Lord. May God bless them abundantly and keep them in His care as they begin their life together. Her mom is also a dear, sweet friend whom I treasure greatly, as is her sweet little sister.
It was an honor to be able to share in their special day.

So, here it is Memorial Day week-end...a time to remember all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation and for those veterans who survived and came home to enjoy this great land we call America

Thanks Veterans!

Enjoy your time off, ya'll!

Random Acts of Living

I had a busy few days in The World of Hair after the Spring Tea last week, so I just came home and crashed every night after work. I did watch American Idol last Wednesday when Chris got the boot. Talk about a shock!

I had the most fun Mother's Day weekend. Since both of my kids live out of town, my sister's daughter had to work and our Mom is in heaven we decided to hang out together, doing what we love to do, which is shop and eat. After working a few hours Saturday morning I went to sis's house and we headed to the mall. We had lunch at Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant, then shopped till we dropped. I found a tiered print skirt and top at Foley's. Sis found an orange tailored jacket. As we made our way through the cosmetics department, it was crawling with prom girls having their make-up done. There were perfume reps all over the place giving out samples, gift baskets were lined up on the counters, all ready to be purchased and presented to some lucky mother. We were just passing through, so we made a bee-line for the exit into the mall. Dillard's was our next stop. We found Liz Claiborne earrings on sale and each bought a pair. It was time for a break, so went stopped at Starbuck's and had coffee and chocolate pound cake. From our table by the window, we had a perfect vantage point for people watching. After a stop into Kirkland's where I found a mirror and sis found a metal 'thingy' for the wall, we decided we had had enough retail therapy for one day and went back to her house where we both crashed and snoozed for a while.

Guess what we did Sunday? The same thing, only we went to Pappa's Seafood and had fried shrimp and oysters. They gave all the mom's a Pappa's coffee mug. We then went to the Woodland's to check out the Market Place, a new outdoor shopping venue. It was OK, but very 'high dollar'. The weather was getting stormy, so we decided to try and make it to Stein Mart before the bottom fell out. The sky to the north was black and lightening was flashing like crazy. I raced down the feeder road and into the parking lot, just barely parking the car before the first raindrops began to fall. With umbrellas in hand, we ran for the door. Outside the sky turned black and the wind began to blow as torrents of rain came down. The lights flashed a few times, but we never lost power, so we just kept on shopping. I found a white shirt with silver buttons and a pair of denim crop pants and sis bought an 'undergarment'. By the time we finished, the storm had blown over. Neither rain, nor wind nor flashing lightening could keep us from our appointed rounds to our favorite retail therapy places. What an adventure and a most memorable Mother's day my Sis and I had!

Monday I had my regular eye check-up and decided to try contacts again. I got the bi-focal progressive disposable lenses. At first they felt weird in my eyes, but I'm getting used to them. It is so nice not to have to bother with glasses. I mainly need them for working and close up, so I was constantly taking them on and off. Now, I'm free!

Ok, I watched Americal Idol last night. I'm afraid Elliot is going to be the next to go, but I hope it's Kat. Taylor was pretty hot, so he will be safe. The phone lines were overloaded, but I kept on until trying I got through. We'll see, later this evening what the results are.

I have a long 12 hour day tomorrow and a busy day Friday because I'm taking off Saturday to go to a Hair Show in Dallas with a friend of mine. We will be back late Monday, so I won't be posting for a few days. I'm sure I'll have a few good stories to tell when I return. When a bunch of hairdressers converge upon a city, there is bound to be something exciting happening. Of course, we do go to learn new things and see new products, but there is definately a 'party' atmosphere wherever we go. Woo Hoo!

My nails are done, my hair is colored and highlighted, I have some new duds, I have new contacts......

I'm ready to go to the Hair Show, ya'll

My Table

I made chair back covers to match the tablecloth. The ornament was made from gold metal medallions from an old belt. I glued two medallions together for the base then added beaded fringe along the bottom, glued a small mosaic medallion in the center and added a small jewel. I glued on a bar pin back to attach it to the fabric. I love it when I come up with a clever idea like this!
My friend and I designed and created this 'desert oasis' for the Spring Tea. We used a metal canopy frame and covered it with fabric. The striped tent front and other props were borrowed from the music department. The stage was covered with yards of gauze to get the illusion of sand.
Here is my table. This picture doesn't show all the fine details. There were smaller jewel boxes filled with jewelry and brightly colored glass stones placed between the red votive candles. The large hammered metal tray was filled with more jewelry and stones, along with a glass mosaic candle holder. Airy asparagus fern was nestled underneath the tray. The shimmering gold and green organza table squares were scattered with more glass stones and faux jewels, adding an extra sparkle. Copper gold glass chargers were enhanced by red and copper beaded napkin rings holding creamy sateen napkins. Candle light danced off the stones and jewelry, creating a casually elegant ambiance. We dined on a delectable array of salads, consisting of pasta with grilled chicken, tossed garden and fresh fruit. For dessert, we had our choice of chocolate or carrot cake. Yours truly chose the chocolate, of course!

These events take a lot of planning and work, but it is so rewarding to see the ladies come and enjoy an inspiring evening in a beautiful setting. It brings me joy to share my talents in this way, surrounded with friends, who delight in joining me at my table for an evening of fun, food and fellowship.

A good time was had by all, ya'll!

Tea Time

I am hosting a table at the annual Spring Tea at church is next Tuesday evening and I have been in decorating mode for the last several weeks. Being a table hostess is nothing new to me. I enjoy coming up with a theme, color scheme and then co-ordinating all the various elements that make a beautiful tablescape. In fact, I have ladies clamoring to sit at my table because of my unique, elegant settings. The theme for my table this year is 'Precious Jewels', done in jewel tones, of course. For the centerpiece I am using a metal tray on a pedestal, on which I have placed a gold box filled with jewelry, colorful glass stones and loose faux jewels. Greenery will be incorporated under the tray, along with red glass votive cups and a collection of smaller jewel boxes filled with more glass stones and jewels. I found some beautiful beaded napkin rings in shades of red and copper at Target. They will look stunning with my copper glass chargers and beige sateen napkins. I have been busy sewing moss green table cloths and chair back covers. The over-all look will be sort of 'Old World', but elegant. It is customary to give each lady a small gift. I bought tiny gold drawstring bags and filled each one with a red heart shaped stone and some colorful faux jewels. I'll make a place card to co-ordinate with the bag of jewels.
Doesn't it sound lovely?

Work is picking back up since every one has recovered from income tax time. I'm booked solid for the next three days. I have two prom up-do's this Saturday.
What fun!!

My work and decorating projects keep me sane, in spite of the 'domestic issues'. I am determined to 'have a life', no matter what 'the man' does. I am still keeping my distance.....I ain't going near that fire any more!

It is what it is, ya'll