Barbershop Music

Something very dear to my heart is Barbershop Singing.  I grew up listening to my Grandfather sing with his chorus, "Friends of Harmony" every year for their shows with special quartets and guest singers.  Growing up with this has given me a greater appreciation for music, in all genres.  Not many people go around talking about how great that Barbershop Quartet was, or when the next one is going to be. It's something only those really raised with it know when something is coming up.  Barbershop singers are a dying breed from what they once were. 

After my Grandfather passed, I found that there was a Sweet Adelines group near me, and I joined them.  (Sweet Adelines is Barbershop singing for women!) This was a wonderful choice on my part.  Singing is something I love, and have done since I can remember.  When I was in Elementary School, I remember getting into Select Chorus and County Chorus a year earlier in 3rd Grade, when you had to be in 4th.  And onward I went, singing in school chorus, county chorus, church choir, private lessons, choir all throughout middle and high school.  High School was the height of singing, my sophomore year my school went down to NYC to sing in Lincoln Center! That was quite the event, we got to see STOMP on Broadway, too! College brought me to the Sweet Adelines.  The year I joined, it was before Christmas, so I was learning all the holiday music, and then afterwards, got to learn our Competition music! We went to Competition in Syracuse that year, and for the first time in a long while, our choir placed! We came in second for small choirs! Seeing each choir perform was like learning a little about each of them, their style of music, how they sang, each one's talents.  It was such a fun event! I'm not singing with them now, goodness knows I'm way too busy even to have a day to myself, but I'd love to sing again! (And not just to my steering wheel or shower head!)

To everyone out there, I highly recommend seeing your local groups perform.  It might be "old style" music, but its such a fun show, the harmony the music has gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, and lets you know just how wonderful this style of music really is.

 

 

Below are some of my favorite videos:

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you all like this!

Let me know what you all think!

 

XOXOXO



Confidence (A little Racy!)

Something I've always been into, but never really talked about was the art of Burlesque.  Last year, I had a professional budoir photo shoot at a place near me called Spoil Me Silly.   Looking at the pictures afterwards really had me in awe.  It was like looking at myself in another light, seeing myself as more than just an average person, but also a gorgeous, confident woman. 

Even this picture is without the retouching services they offer, and this isn't even one of the more revealing ones! I've learned that there is a huge need for women to have more confidence in today's world.  This is an absolutely fantastic way to get there! It's in such a comfortable environment, the entire staff is female, and you get pictures of a gorgeous, beautiful you! Even if it's for your eyes only, you have something to be very proud of! No matter your body size, type, or shape, you will feel fabulous and sexy! 

Recently, I've been looking at some vintage things, and came across (for the thousandth time) Dita Von Teese! That is one very confident woman! She is a Professional Burlesque dancer with her own clothing and perfume line who is very down to earth.  She does her own makeup and hair, and seems very personable.  I tried my own hand at "professional makeup application" after a trip to Ulta.  (Where I had to learn what brush goes for what makeup!)

Granted, I could've done more, or dressed up for the part, but I'll get to that maybe tomorrow! Another day off, so maybe I'll dress up! I have a few things I have to do, so maybe after lunchtime! Ulta ladies say practice makes perfect! 

What is everyone else's thoughts on the subject? It's a tad controversial, but a fun topic! It's a wonderful way to gain confidence, have some fun, and be thankful for being a woman!

Who is Dita? Maybe you've seen her before on TV! She's only 40, but still looks as good as ever, and has the confidence of a fabulous woman! 

Some good Dita links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lpdWutBQ6g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dypDm6lxzAo

Also, there's this fun movie out there called Burlesque! A little corny, but has very good dancing and singing in it.  It stars Cher and Christina Aguilera. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdfbUkbYAU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsso6fyvxcE

That's a good start to captivate someone for an entire show! 

Let me know what you all think! 

xoxoxo

Picture Night!

More of a picture mood! Will write more soon, promise!

Hoping to be back real soon! Take care! 

xoxoxo