My Hand Update

Hey everyone, just so you know, if you try to email or text me...don't be looking for an answer too quickly lol having problems with carpal tunnel and need to rest my right hand. Just thought I would give you a heads up. :(

Vintage Tag!

~*~*~21 vintage lifestyle questions and answers~*~*~

 

Howdy!

  Decided that I would do this vintage tag along with Jessica from Chronically Vintage, it sounded like a lot of fun so I couldn't wait to do it! Thank you Jessica for reposting this from Stephanie of The Girl With The Star Spangled Heart  blog for starting this tag!

1. Who are your style icons? Hmmm....probably my mother, grandmothers, etc. I really love the fact that they are/were real life cowgirls/country girls. Plus their style is pretty darn cute ;)

2. What is your favourite way to get inspired? I look through old family photos, search online, and I love to read old magazines and catalogs. Sometimes I just day dream and my inspiration comes from those thoughts.

3. What's your most-used hair tool? Haha this one is funny, my hair is sooo curly! I don't brush it, I don't comb it, I don't straighten it, I don't "have" to curl it, I don't even use hair spray or cream. I just shower, comb, air dry, and *POOF*! It's a curly and wild mess! And I love it, no need to tame the wild country girl mane!

4. What's your favourite hair tool? When I do need my hair pulled back a bit I love to use bobby pins and combs. Especially if the combs have flowers, rhinestones etc. on them.

5. Updo, down, or half-and-half? Usually down, sometimes half and half. I have started experimenting with buns for the civil war re-enactment I do, and I love that as well.

6. Is vintage something you do every day, on weekends, or for special occasions? You will find me in vintage at church fairly often, usually vintage or repro...or just vintage inspired. I wish that I was that brave to wear vintage all of the time! I am trying so so very hard though! Eventually my dear readers, I will wear vintage and repro all of the time.

7. What's your favourite blush and lipstick? I have to say that I do have quite a bit of natural coloring so honestly I don't wear much. Pinching my cheeks and applying a little lip gloss usually does it for me. But if I am going a little further to doll up I will use a coral or red lipstick and then dab a little on my cheeks and rub it in. My mother has been doing that since she started wearing makeup, and my grandmother has been doing it since she started wearing makeup in the early 1950's.

8. Dress, skirt, or pants? Heels or flats? Oh definately a skirt! I love skirts! And with boots its a perfect combination ;) if I'm not wearing boots then heels are my choice for sure.

9. Off-the-rack or homemade? I usually wear off the rack...not by choice though. I would love to make my own cltothes or have the availability of a dressmaker to make them for me. I do own some handmade pieces that I have thrifted though. And the quality seems to be so much better than the off the rack type.

10. Do you swing dance? Yes! Mainly country/western swing though. In high school I did some of your typical swing dancing, but the country/western style is what really caught my eye. But I enjoy either one, what appeals to me about both is the idea that you can improvise and create your own steps! 

11. Extreme vintage or subtle touches? I simply adore extreme vintage! But as I said previously, I just can't call myself to do it as of yet. It's hard to know what people will think of you. As a fairly sensitive but also willful child I always found myself battling inside (as I still do) as to who I was and how I feel about certain things in the public eye. My willful and stubborn side says that I simply don't care what others think, I enjoy vintage so why not wear it? But at the same time my more sensitive and somewhat shy side does not care for the odd looks that I attract from strangers, and just wishes that everyone was able to embrace it. Some days one side wins, and some days the other side wins. And most often both sides meld into one creating a comfortable mixture of both vintage and modern, and the result being something that I feel others can handle.

12. Favourite perfume? I love anything tropical. Mainly vanilla, coconut, etc. I do love lilac and rose a lot though! As far as perfume goes I have to say that I wear the Annie Oakley line the most. It has somewhat of a vintage cowgirl vibe to it.

13. Favourite skincare product? I don't know if this will surprise you or not, but just like the makeup I don't do much to my skin. I have had all kinds of acne problems in the past 10 years or so. But now my face is clearing up. I attribute that greatly to the Texas climate. Right now if I do need something to cleanse my face I use white sugar mixed with honey as a scrub, rinse with cold water. And then for a moisturizer, if I need it (I have very oily sensitive skin), I use Burt's Bees Honey and Milk lotion. It smells amazing and it makes my skin glow! I wash my face at night and apply the lotion before I head to bed.

14. What does your family think of your style? They are very supportive, they tend to even help me shop for my little country/vintage accessories and clothes. Every once in a while they look at me side ways wondering what I'm thinking. But usually I get positive feed back.

15. Favourite accessory? Hmmm.....do my boots count? I wear them all the time! Usually you will see me with a belt on, boots, turquoise jewelry, and my claudagh ring...and that's with almost anything that I wear!

16. Do you find the vintage community welcoming or snobby? Oh my they have been amazingly sweet and welcoming!

17. What drew you to vintage style? I've always loved it, I just never knew until a few years ago that you really could dress like that everyday...I mean, why not?!

18. Favourite places to shop vintage? I love estate sales and thrift stores. There is the occasional garage sale as well.

19. What vintage eras are your favourite? Oh that's a tough one! I guess I will have to name a few. The 1800's, 1900's, I LOVE the Victorian era, 1930's, 1940's, and the 1950's.

20. Most glamorous film stars? Dale Evans, Dorothy Lamour, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbera Stanwyck, Doris Day, Lucille Ball, etc. Too many to name!

21. Favourite vintage object that you own? Oh my, another toughy. I have a 1950's circle skirt dress that's handmade, and has a brown flower print on it. I will have to post a photo when I can! My camera is being a little screwy...and I just don't have a tri-pod or a willing photographer nearby.

Well, I had a good time with that! Hope that ya'll with pass this vintage tag along as well!

Adios!
Jessie Lou

Guest Writer #2-Elvira: Introduction

Hey ya'll!

 The next Guest Writer for The Vintage Cowgirl is none other than my own country lovin', gun totin, cowboy and cowgirl raisin' mama! ;) Not to mention all of the other cool things she does!



Mom with one of my lemon trees.



Mom with my grandmother, grandfather, and some friends on her horse Tiny.

Another pic of Elvira with her horse Tiny. She will be writing about that experience at a future date!

 

Mom at 8 years old with some chicks that she won at a costume contest for Halloween, she was Cleopatra.

Mom with Spider



Mom with Spider and a neighbor dog. Spider's resume included but was not limited to these accomplishments: she could jump on a chair and put her paws on the back of the chair and pray. She could jump over several chairs....like five lined up in a row, she would jump the first, then the second, then the third, etc. She was taught to pray before meals. She pulled kids in a wagon. She would stand on her hind legs and beg. She would sit, lay down and roll over. She could also  roll trash cans. Mom talked to Frank Inn ("Benji the dogs" owner and trainer) about how to train dogs.

 

 

Mom and Dad! Aka: Elvira and Kelly

 

Bloom Where God Plants You!!

   So, you live in the city? On a postage stamp piece of property? But, you love the idea of wiggling your toes in dirt, working with plants and romping with animals? Do you fancy yourself breaking away from all of the hum drum city lights, horns, traffic, fast food, gang attitude, disparaging news and feeling cooped up in your house of four walls? Then, break away to who you really want to be! Yes, “someday” you may want to live in the country, own land, grow your own food and have your own horses. But, until then, work towards your goal & bloom where God planted you.

   My story…born in a little country town (at the time) in North San Diego County…parents moved to L.A. I lived there in the big city when I was little, but every weekend or so, we would take a drive to the country…back down to near where I was born & enjoy it. We moved down to a little town called Bonsall for about a yr. Then, due to job & finances, moved back to L.A. This happened when I was just 8yrs old & I told my Mom, “If you can’t find me one day, I’ll be walking until I get to the country again. You will find me sitting in a field somewhere…most likely where there are some horses.” Mind you, that was me at 8! We eventually moved back down to North San Diego County, where I graduated from High School & went to college. My Dad was a business man, but many of my friends lived on ranches…that’s where you’d find me. Although, many things worked in my life to have me end up working as a Sound Engineer and being in many facets of the business world.

   I met & married my hubby of now 32yrs and HE was a country boy…straight from Colorado with family who had a decidedly southern flair, being that his folks came from southern states. He was the answer to my prayers in many ways. We didn’t have a lot of money, so I wasn’t able to go full scale, but I began to be able to do those things I loved…living a country life. The simple life. They say it’s simple, but it’s not easy, it’s hard work, but relaxing and enjoyable work. My dear cousin coined it very well, “He facilitates all you ever wanted to do & to be”. Truer words were never spoken!

   The word from me this week is all about “Blooming Where God Plants You”. This means if you love to garden but you are in an apartment, saving for a house with a yard…plant container gardens. Or, instead of just cooking, learn to can your own food or learn about dry storage. If you can’t have chickens in your yard, see if you can raise rabbits. Basically, start out learning what you can & becoming just as COUNTRY as your surroundings will allow. Before we had land to have horses on, we went to Poway Stables & rode. We went out to a shooting range in the back country & target practiced. When I was working & didn’t have time for a garden, I had an orchard. When I couldn’t do much of anything else, I learned how to can, cold pack & cook everything from scratch. There are many ways to get that “country” feel into your life. Country crafts are awesome as well, whatever works for you, to help you to feel down home & country…do just that. Meanwhile, as you progress, you can work yourself into all sorts of things. If you are able to get up a good sized backyard and have just a tad bit of zoning freedom (say allowed a chicken or two) then, start with that.

   You may not have 1,000 acres for a ranch, but who says you can’t start one on 5 acres? Really…is there a rule? No…it’s where ever God places you & whatever He places in your heart. How much imagination do you have? How country do you want to be? What is God speaking to you as to how to do this? He gives you what you need for that particular time in your life. In the words of Easton Corbin…ROLL WITH IT!!


God Bless & meet y’all where the horses bend the grass!
Elvira
　

Just for kicks ;)

Hey ya'll! Just wanted to post some things that I saw...oh and I was playing around with my webcam the other day. The pics I took aren't very good quality, but it was fun anyway!



My bangs are rolled and curled under for this. Got to love pincurls, winged eyeliner, and red lipstick! Oh and don't forget the bandanna!

Told you the quality was awful.

Just bein silly.

Everything looks better in black and white.

Can you say Rockabilly?! :)

 



Happy Valentines Day!

Ranch House Happenings

  Good morning ya'll! I'm sitting here writing this while one of my brothers cooks a late breakfast/early lunch. I guess you could call it the rancher's brunch lol, meaning we didn't have time to eat breakfast earlier this morning and we might not have time to eat lunch, we had a short break in work so we took the opportunity! He's making Cowboy Scramble, he's throwin everything in that he can find. :) Scrambled eggs, potatoes, pinto beans, and tomatoes...everything with seasoning of course. We are all good cooks in our own right here at the Bates Bunkhouse, so this should be good eatin!

  Ok, so the reason for our eating late. The chicks came into the post office yesterday, we had to fore go our classes so that we could pick them up. They need to be kept in a warm container between 90-95 degrees for the first few days after they are born, and day old chicks just won't survive in a little box in the post office for very long. Things went fairly smoothly yesterday, except needing another heat lamp to keep them warm, which simply meant another trip to the hardware store. But this morning we had to make a run to Tractor Supply, the temp had gone down into the 40's so the temp in the chick bin was down to 75 degrees! The poor babies were huddled together trying to stay warm. Now that we have them all settled again inside the house with a smaller chick bin and two heat lamps we are able to munch on something. But who knows what the rest of the day will bring, will try to keep all of ya'll updated. I love the spontaneity of living out in the country! It's always something new, and life is such a surprise. Take care amigos!

Adios!
Jessie Lou

Lovin You Is Fun Valentines Day Fashion

           <3 Lovin'You Is Fun <3

 

 

(I don't own this photo.)

 

 

 

Howdy ladies! Got any plans for Valentines Day yet? I think I'm going to play it by ear, being single myself I think I might just go and spend it with my horses. My gelding's name is Cowboy, so I guess that's a pretty legit way to spend Valentines Day, with my "Cowboy" haha! Shhh...don't tell anyone that they are horses ;)

 

 

(I don't own this photo)

 

 

 

 

So, tell me seriously, do any of ya'll have a cute cowboy, farm boy, or just plain ol' country boy that has captured your heart? Recently, or have ya'll been together or married for a long time? No matter if he is country or a horse (which is my story ;), or if you are spending the day by yourself, here are some fashion ideas that I had.....

 

 

 

 

Is it just me or does Marikka Nakk just scream romantic? I love the Spanish/Western flavor that her line has, some of the tops and skirts show just a little too much for my taste, but I love the lines and flow of everything. I could definitely wear some of the skirts with no problem!

 

 

I could go for these boots anytime (except for the fact that they are pink...I don't really wear pink lol)...but it just makes sense to wear these on Valentines Day! Look at the hearts! <3 Got to love Tony Lama!

 

 

 

This would be a good choice for me whether I'm outside with the horses (sure would hate to get it dirty though, wouldn't like to use a brand new shirt! lol), going to a movie, having friends over, etc. You can find this at Baskins.

 

 

Ooohhh or this dress from Ranch Style!!!!

 

 

 

Well, that's all for me right now darlin's! I hope that your Valentine's Day is a special one!

 

Lot's of love,

 

Jessie Lou

 

 

 

 

 

 

"As long as there's stars over Texas, darlin' I'll hang the moon for you...."