Weekly Manicure

Hard to see... but there's plaid there. A really light, really fine plaid. I bought stamping plates which are the BEST THING EVER. Okay, maybe not ever, but they're pretty freakin' awesome.

I'm not playing today. I'm a zombie. Super fun weekend. But I didn't get enough sleep to function. So... yeah. You can hear about it if you show tomorrow.

American Idol - Top 13

Gotta start with... Jennifer shouldn't wear an unflattering white onesie-pantsuit-thing. Not her best look.

So hello there! The girls are singing Whitney Houston tonight, the guys are singing Stevie Wonder. I have a feeling Jessica will pull off Whitney best. When everyone was introduced I totally gave a little squeak for Phillip. He just makes me sigh. In such a happy way.

So tonight is a bit different. They're going to reveal the lowest guy and the lowest girl tomorrow night... then the judges will pick who goes home. Ooooh... aaaah. The suspense!

So let's start...

Joshua is singing "I Wish." I liked him. His hopping was a little distracting at times, but he was on. Randy loved him. Jennifer wanted to punch him again... not really, she giggled about it. Steven said he keeps getting better and better.

Elise came next with "Greatest Love of All." Well, she wanted to anyway. Jimmy convinced her to change to "I'm Your Baby Tonight." I like it. Not sure I love it. She's been better, that's for sure. She definitely nailed the end though. That kinda sold me right there. Eric popped up with a comment about her being good. Jennifer said it wasn't her best. Steven didn't think the song was right for her particular voice. Randy pretty much echoed the other two.

ASIDE: What in the name of God is on Randy's jacket?? Honestly. Oh! And the fur collar! Oh Randy... can I call Stacy and Clinton on you?

Jermaine chose "Knocks Me Off My Feet." He's good. And I get that his deep voice is unusual and intriguing. But he's boring to me. I need to you get my attention. Steven said the song "fit him like an Armani suit." Love the analogy. Jennifer liked him, but wants him to "connect" more. Randy didn't love all of it, but he still likes him.

Erika is singing "I Believe in You and Me." I enjoy her. Very much. And I have to say she's lookin' good tonight. We only had good things to say in my house. I liked her a lot. Randy loved her. Jennifer got her "goosies." Steven loved her.

Colton is doing "Lately." Oh Colton... with your skinny legs and crazy hair. You're adorable. I am thoroughly enjoying him. Hubby said he sounds mumbly. OH final note killed me. Let me pick myself up off the floor... Steven told him he was outstanding. Jennifer thought he was great. Randy got booed for a minute because he didn't swoon over him. Then he said he was flawless by the end.

Shannon, or as I may start calling her, Ginormica (I mean that in the nicest way possible), picked "I Have Nothing." I like this song. I really want to find her perfect, but she's not. Eric and I are discussing the few rough patches we've heard. OUCH. There was particularly bad one. A for effort, but poor baby didn't kill it. Jennifer told her she needed to relax more because she knows she can do it. Steven blamed her nerves. Randy reiterated what the others said.

ASIDE: I just noticed Steven's mic has a scarf tied around it. Winning. Love that man. Also, I'm dying laughing at how short Ryan is next to Shannon. The jokes are flying over here.

Deandre is still adorable and he's singing "Master Blaster." I don't know this at all. But Deandre is rockin' out and enjoying himself on stage. Which I love. Eric said he reminds him of a mix between Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley. I liked him A LOT. Good performance. Steven loved him. Jennifer gushed. Randy loved that he showed another side of himself tonight.

Skylar picked "Where Do Broken Hearts Go?" Eric just watched her practice session and said she can't be an American Idol because she's not hot enough. These are the realtime conversations in my house. This song got decidedly country with her voice. There's even some steel guitar in there. She sounds good and all. But hubby just said she's no Carrie Underwood. I agree. Jennifer said it wasn't all perfect, but she liked it. Steven liked it. Randy agreed with the others that she was stronger by the end.

Heejun is HILARIOUS. I lurve him. He's singing "All In Love is Fair." I enjoy him. He's so surprising! I want him to be my best friend. Jennifer told him she loves him. Steven gushed a little. Randy said it wasn't perfect but it was "reeeeally good."

Hollie is singing "All the Man I Need." She made Eric wow. She's so bitty but she's so good! I liked her. Possibly best of the girls so far. Randy said she nailed it. Jennifer gushed. Steven loved it.

Jeremy chose "Ribbon in the Sky." I'm sitting here talkin' him up to Eric. I liked him. He's good. Steven enjoyed him. Jennifer said it was beautiful. Randy thought it wasn't his best. I kinda agree, but I still liked him.

Jessica could have won me a bet if I had put money on her. She's going with "I Will Always Love You." I so knew she was going to. Sorry for the language but HOLY SHIT. Jennifer was crying. Our house was silent which DOES NOT HAPPEN. I got goosebumps. The judges do not even matter right now. They loved her, blah, blah...

ASIDE: I love how Eric is SO into this now that he lives here. I'm loving this. I have him watching so many shows.

Phillip Phillips!!!! AAAUGHHHH!!!! Die and come back to life and die again from love. He's singing "Superstitious" which is probably my favorite Stevie Wonder song. I feel like he sounds like Dave Matthews would sound if he covered this song. I just love this boy to pieces. Jennifer was making some serious bedroom eyes at him. The judges loved him, as they should. Give this boy a contract now and let me have concert tickets. My friend Kristie and I are starting a fan club. I am in lurrrrve!

Alright, my tops are obviously Phillip and Jessica. Hubby likes Phillip and Jessica. Eric likes Hollie and Jessica. My bottom two are Shannon and Elise (I like them, but they were weak). Hubby isn't playing. Eric said Deandre and Shannon.

Soooo tomorrow. We'll get a bottom two. I'm voting. And I'll report back tomorrow to see who goes home.

Weekly Manicure

Keepin' it simple this week. Grey with a bunch of criss crossy stripes. Wasn't feeling too inspired by anything in particular.

Four weeks to spring break. Not that I'm counting. I have plenty to do before then. Theme night at church this week. Conferences next week. Hubby's birthday. Baking for a wedding. I will be so ready for break when it gets here!

American Idol - Official Top 13

Why is Jennifer wearing a sparkly paper sack tonight? Um...

So I'll be honest and confess that I just went ahead and read the spoilers to find out who's staying before I even watched. Results always feel like they take too long. And I was in a mood so I just decided, "Go for it!"

I'm so happy I have friends at work who watch this. It makes it so fun!

So let's do this. America voted in ten finalists. From those the judges will pick three more "wild cards."

Guys are up first. I have to throw out the best comment in a write up I read this week. Chase looks like Robert Pattinson and Brenden Fraser had a baby. I just paused so hubby could look. Go find a pic. For reals. You won't be able to unsee it.

Hey, um... why did we have to bring in Jimmy already? I can't stand that guy! Although he did say he would sign Phillip RIGHT NOW. And I love that.

I'm not even nervous because I know who's going through. I am gloating though. And squealing in anticipation. I do still feel bad for Jeremy. He's so good. Aaaand IT'S PHILLIIIIIPPPPP!!!! Pink sparkly hearts everywhere!!!!

Girls up... no sympathy for Brielle here. Not a fan. And poor Hallie looks so giant next to tiny Jessica and Hollie. Happy that the two of them made it.

Commercial. Candy break. Texting with my friend Kristie (hey girrrl!!! Shout out! haha)

Boys again. I loathe Jimmy more for disliking Heejun. You leave my boy alone! AHAHAHA!!! Heejun busted him by answering Ryan's question about Jimmy with... "Who's that?" I died. And applauded. So going through... Joshua and Heejun! Yay-yuh!!! I really wasn't sure Heejun would make it, but I'm glad he did. He is so far from boring. Also, pretty sure he and my Phil have a bromance going on.

Girls' turn. Shannon is such a giant. A pretty giant, but a giant. Baylie's dress is fab. I want it. But I guess I should get to the important stuff. Shannon and Skylar are through. Let's be honest here, I want Skylar to leave. She bugs. Just sayin'.

Boys again. Jimmy being obnoxious again. I think people hate Jimmy so anyone he hates they'll love. I think this particular group was pretty messed up. Why call up three guys that aren't even in the top 10? Ouch.

Ladies... and Elise is through. I liked her, but I'm a little irritated she's been sitting through this whole episode looking depressed. At least fake positivity.

Lots of screams for Colton... I approve. ;) Deandre's hair also stole the show right now. And Colton is through. More hearts and unicorns. lol And then the last spot goes to Jermaine. Which honestly surprised me because I thought Eben would have the Bieber factor going for him.

So now six contestants get a chance for wild card. Basically, sing for your life. The judges chose...

• Jen Hirsh - She chose "Oh Darlin'" which I LOVE. Great song. She started a little tame and had me worried, but then she went for it and I enjoyed myself. 
• Jeremy Rosado - I couldn't hear what he said he was singing. LOOK AT JENNIFER LOOK AT HIM. She wants to squeeze him. So do I. The kid has a voice and I love him. And he cried!!! Werk it Jeremy! America loves you right now. Myself and my BFF Jennifer included.
• Brielle Von Hugel - Attacking Ryan with your overzealous hug is probably not the way to go. She sounds pretty good, but then the camera went to Phil and I pretty much blocked out everything else and saw hearts and rainbows and puppies. I also wish they would quit showing momager. I might like Brielle more without her in the camera every other minute. Ouch... the judges are pretty brutal.
• Deandre Brackensick - My friend and I were discussing how he is just a swoon-worthy young man. And I confessed that I feel too old and inappropriate and cougar-ish for loving these young boys. BUT HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE HIM? Boy has some serious hairography! Plus that voice... he's a yes. Please.
• Erika Van Pelt - She picked Lady Gaga which is usually enough to turn me off... but she's good. I totally forgive her. She's totally real and passionate and I truly enjoy her.
• Reed Grimm - He's so weird. In a fun way. Hey Reed, can you come sing at my next party??? He wears me out just watching him all over that stage.

So moment of truth... the three wild cards are... Erika, Jeremy (who promptly dropped to his knees and made me and my girl Jennifer tear up), and Deandre.

So our top 13 is:

1. Phillip Phillips
2. Jessica Sanchez
3. Hollie Cavanaugh
4. Joshua Ledet
5. Heejun Han
6. Shannon Magrane
7. Skylar Laine
8. Elise Testone
9. Colton Dixon
10. Jermaine Jones
11. Erika Van Pelt
12. Jeremy Rosado
13. Deandre Brackensick

A'ight. Off to gush about Phil. Thank goodness I have a husband who lets me gush and be a nerd. :) Next week they're doing a tribute to Whitney. Shall we place bets on who's singing the song from The Bodyguard?

American Idol - Top Girls

So after the guys tore it up last night, I almost don't even want to watch the girls. Especially when I'm getting texts from my friend at work that the girls are stinkin' it up. Guess we'll have to see. A chick hasn't won in five seasons. I don't see this being their season...

Chelsea Sorrell - "Cowboy Casanova" - I don't remember her. Hubby doesn't either. Meh. Some notes are working but I definitely hear a couple falling flat. I could pull a Jennifer and say, "At least she looks cute!" haha I dig anything with sequins. Randy is already questioning her song choice. Jennifer said she was a little nasally. THAT'S what I couldn't put my finger on. I stand by my "meh."

Erika Van Pelt - "What About Love" - I DO remember her. I liked her audition and I liked her in Hollywood. She sang a song by Pink. Good stuff. Couple notes that made me scrunch my face. And her jacket with the awful shoulder pads is causing me physical pain... but overall I like her. She has power behind her voice. The judges love her.

Again... Ryan is so tiny! Like he's part fairy or something... I feel like I forget this every year and by halfway through the season I'm over it again.

Jen Hirsh - "One and Only" - I feel like Adele might be the latest artist to sing something that amateurs shouldn't take a shot at. I don't think I've heard anyone nail anything by her. Still, she does a pretty good job. I like her. Better than the first girl. The judges like her.

Ugh. So tired of the word "swag." First of all, what the heck is it supposed to mean? Second, do we have to say it SO MUCH? Thanks Randy, for reminding me how I don't enjoy that word.

Brielle Von Hugel - "Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay" - I have to get this out of the way... I can't stand her momager. Yeah, I called her that. She's nuts. I'm hearing good things and bad things in this song. I like her more than I dislike her I guess. Although wardrobe obviously isn't a fan since they put her in a dress that makes her look a little sausage-y. Highlight of her turn? Steven Tyler singing a couple notes afterward. Love him.

Hallie Day - "Feeling Good" - One of my favoritest songs ever. Someone does it every year. I usually prefer when it's a hottie, but oh well. I loved her beginning, but once she started wandering the stage she lost me a little. I wanted to love her. The judges liked her well enough. And I hope she stays because I think she could be good.

Side note: I swear it's like people are getting cash just for saying Adele's name lately. I feel like she's been mentioned SO MUCH already this season. I could probably turn it into a drinking game. Hmmmm...

Skylar Laine - "Stay With Me" - Sorry but my first reaction was, "What on earth is she wearing?" It's like something from the set of Dancing With the Stars. Hmmm... when I look past the outfit she sounds pretty good. A little too bouncy. Hubby think she sounds too "generic country." And now she's spazzing. Wow... this is more interesting than I thought it would be. The judges loved her.

Oh yeah, Randy is an attention whore. "Look at me! I'm relevant! I recorded that song!"

Baylie Brown - "Amazed" - Totally saw this song done live. Just had to say that. :) And... sads. It's no bueno. Hubby and I looked at each other and shook our heads. Poor thing. At least she looks pretty! haha I'll be surprised if she stays tomorrow night. Poor thing. I should also mention that Steven AND Jennifer told her how pretty she was. Death sentence...

Hollie Cavanagh - "Reflection" - She had me unsure at the beginning, but then she busted out the chorus and I kinda like her. Had to laugh at hubby right now who suddenly blurted, "That's from Mulan!" He was a little proud of himself for figuring that out. I'll give her one of the three best of the night. So far. The judges loved her.

Haley Johnsen - "Sweet Dreams" - First, I want her hair. Second, I don't want her dress. Third, odd song choice. For reals yo. Sorry. My inner Randy was coming out. I would love to love her for being brave and choosing an unusual song. But I don't. She had some good notes, but it was... weird. Jennifer was sunshiney and tried to figure out nice things to say.

Shannon Magrane - "Light Your World" - Did I get that title right? Whatevs. She sounded good. Definitely one of the best so far. It's crazy how good she is at sixteen. The judges gushed.

Jessica Sanchez - "Love You, I Do" - I don't know if I like the song itself. But she sounds good. Like, probably best of the night. Must be, judges stood up for her and Randy couldn't stop saying "yo." Which apparently means a good thing. We need a dictionary for Randy-speak. Anyway, she was good. End of story.

P.S. Jennifer said swag and made me cringe. I've got a new game in the works for this season. Mentions of Adele, mentions of swag...

Elise Testone - "One and Only" - Hubby got a confused look and I had to go double check my notes when Ryan gave the name of the song. Yup. Two girls singing the same song. And sorry Jen, but Elise KILLED IT. I like her a ton better. The judges seemed to like her better too. She has to make it through. Because if she doesn't get voted in,she'll get picked by a judge.

Alright... who's sticking around? Last night it was hard for me to pick the guys. Tonight feels a little easier. I'm not going to call these actual predictions. I'll just say that I'm hoping for them to stick around. I'm not voting tonight. But I did vote for Phil last night. A lot. I won't reveal the actual number.

1. Elise
2. Erika
3. Hallie
4. Hollie
5. Shannon
6. Jessica

We'll have to see tomorrow. I'm not cheering for any of the girls like I am the boys. I will definitely be crushed without my Phil.

American Idol - Top Guys

I like how they pretended it was a shocker that we got another guy. I also like that I see Jennifer Lopez and think to myself, "Oh I totally saw her in person at Disneyland." And yes, she is that pretty in person. And according to my husband, yes, her booty is that big.

I'm just glad we're finally to the real competition. I won't vote yet. I always save that for at least the third or fourth week. But I am pulling for Phil and Colton. No secret there. Sooooo... this week the finalists chose any song they wanted. Could be interesting.

Reed Grimm - "Moves Like Jagger" - I kinda enjoy him. He's kind of weird. In a good way. All you have to do is look at my family to know I'm used to weirdness. I wasn't thrilled with the song choice, it was good though. Tangent: WOW Randy's shirt is obnoxious! Judges agreed his jazzy take was a good start to the night.

Adam Brock - "Think" - I had to laugh at him being told there's a large black woman trapped inside him. He definitely has some diva actions when he's singing. He's good. Good song choice for him. Hubby and I are both thinking that he may not get far though. I don't know if he's marketable to the audience that's left, even if he is good. The judges liked him though. A lot.

Deandre Brackensick - "Reasons" - This song is a bit older than him isn't it? I don't think I like it. Greenlee is putting her head further into the blanket she's sharing with me so I don't think she's impressed. :) I wanted to like him a lot more than I did. I wish he would have picked a different song. He's adorable though and I think he'll stay. The judges are enamored.

Colton Dixon - "Decode" - Let me get this out of the way... *sigh* I do lurve him. It didn't look like Jennifer was feeling it right now... oh well. He'll make it through strictly on cuteness for a bit if nothing else. The judges liked him plenty. So apparently I can't read faces...

Jeremy Rosado - "Gravity" - Love him. Love this song. Love love love it. Such a good choice for him. Goosebumps. Jennifer looks like she wants to cry and I am right there with her. YES. YES. YES. Favorite so far. Steven even called it "as beautiful as beautiful gets." Jennifer gushed. Randy decided to sound stupid even though he could have kept it simple and told the kid how great he was.

Aaron Marcellus - "Never Can Say Good-bye" - Me gusta. I don't love him. But I definitely like. Judges are in love. Standing o.

Chase Likens - "Storm Warning" - Don't know this song. He's totally comfortable with it. It fits him, that's for sure. It's good, but I don't know if it's outstanding. The judges liked him anyway. Tangent: he makes Ryan look so TINY! haha

Creighton Fraker - "True Colors" - Good choice for him. He's good. Especially when he really gets going. The judges enjoyed him, but I have a feeling he may be too "unique" for the majority of the voters.

Phil Phillips - "In The Air Tonight" - HE HAS ME WANTING TO VOTE STARTING NOW. I would easily compare him to Dave Matthews. Agh. No words. Only gushing over here. I would buy his album right now. Call me a fangirl. Jennifer gushed while he got that "aw shucks" look. Randy already got booed for not gushing. And he just compared him to Dave. LOVELOVELOVE. I really might have to vote on the first night for the first time ever.

Eben Franckewitz - "Set Fire to the Rain" - No. Brother-in-law just said it sounds like karaoke (he has now joined us). It's flat. Not exciting. I almost feel bad for the kid, because wasn't he better than this before we go to this point? The judges were too nice. He'll stick around because he has that flippy little Justin Beaver look.

Heejun Han  - "Angels" - Meh. He sounds good. I was more amused with his pre-song video. He makes me laugh with his awkwardness. I wanted to like him more. Jennifer nailed it when she said that the song didn't show off all his vocal skills.

Joshua Ledet - "You Pulled Me Through" - I hate when I don't really know the songs. In this case I don't need to know the song to know that he's killin' it. He just GOOD. I've enjoyed him and I continue to. If he doesn't stick around that'll just be wrong. Standing o from the judges. And they gushed. Because he was so good Jennifer wanted to punch him. She really said that. We all laughed.

*Mystery Surprise Comeback of Mystery*
Jermaine Jones. Not surprised. Kind of amusing watching him next to Ryan. So teeny tiny. I'd probably look like a cow next to Ryan.

So Jermaine sings... "Dance With My Father" - Good. Not exciting. It doesn't make me want to jump up and vote. Randy is praising how different and unique he is... but it might not grab the typical voters.

Okay... so we're losing SIX guys this week. And I cannot even begin to predict. So instead, let's just post the seven that I want to stay the most.

1. Phillip - DUH
2. Jeremy - kid gave me goosebumps
3. Colton
4. Reed
5. Deandre
6. Joshua
7. Aaron

It was tough to pick. Seriously. As long as Phillip and Jeremy make it I can survive. Tomorrow night is girls. If I can convince the laptop to keep working I'll keep up the blogging.

Vote for Phillip! 5709 Gotta get on that...

Mama Bear

You don't have to be a mom to have a mama bear moment. I've been feeling fierce lately and after spending too much time online last night I decided to have some fun with one of my favorite internet memes...

If you don't get it... I'm sorry. I know hubby will get it and laugh. To start, one that I found that made me REALLY laugh. Hopefully y'all understand my love of GSP.

 And here's the one that fierce mama bear/big sister Typhoid made...

I'm picky about the girls that hang around my little brother. Pretty much no one is good enough. Just sayin'... I'm sure you big sisters out there understand.

Sorry for the crap quality. My computer wanted to be a jerk so I went ahead and grabbed the pics with my phone for the blog. Good stuff. And it makes me smile. And hopefully you get it and smile too.