Tag Archives: nail polish

Warm and fozzie

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Growing up, I’m not exactly sure if I had an absolute fave cartoon character.

I mean sure, I loved all of the Disney princesses. Of course — I liked Jasmine and Belle the best, because they are brunettes. Apparently discrimination starts young.

But I did love The Muppets. Last night I was felt like I was 4 years old watching cartoons in my moms bedroom again after painting my nails with OPI’s new “Warm and Fozzie” from the 2011 Muppets collection.

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Wacka wacka. It’s cute right? I have Brynne to thank for literally dropping it off at my doorstep. What’s that saying? Friends that obsess over nail polish together, stay together. Yeah, something like that.

Another fun story: When I was left alone in my moms room at age 4, I decided to cut off all of my hair. I’m talking different lengths, all over. A trim here, a slice there, and my once Shirley Temple ringlets were finito. I then walked down the stairs, my mom shrieked a shriek I’ll never forget, we went to the hairdresser for an “emergency appointment,” where we both cried a little, and then she proceeded to call my kindergarten teacher to tell her not to let the other kids make fun of me because I looked slightly like a boy.

If that’s not love, I don’t know what is. Happy Hump Day!

Fave childhood cartoon characters? Go.

Seeing red (ish orange)

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Last weekend, momma and I went for pedicures. I picked out this hot pink Essie with red notes. As we stood at the stacks of polish, I asked her if she though it looked too red, to which she answered no. What they hey, I went for it.

Needless to say, after it dried and my toesies were pedicured to perfection (Thanks mom!) it looks pretty red. Is it my favorite? No. But I will say it’s a flirty change of pace. No harm, no foul.

Which brings me to last night. I was sitting on the couch watching America’s Got Talent and felt like trying to make my previously Lapis in Luxury fingers match to my toes. So I tried something I’ve never done before. I layered.

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The compadres: Essie’s Turning Heads Red and Milani’s Awesome Orange. To be honest, I think the orange color was a sporadic component to a Halloween costume a year or two ago. Another tidbit: Milani also makes a compact foundation that I swear by. I buy it a few shades darker than my skin tone, and use it as bronzer. I love it mostly because it’s less than $10 and lasts for hours, but also because (since it’s technically a powder foundation) it doesn’t have sparkles. No Snooki orange status for this lady.

… Right, back to the polish:

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I don’t know how this worked out so well, but one coat of Essie, two coats of Milani, and coat of Seche Vite later, I had a perfectly matching mani/ pedi. Success!

In other good news: I successfully ran two miles (More specifically one mile, followed by 20 minutes on an arch trainer, and then a Crossfit circuit with four quarter mile runs) this morning. I need to keep reminding myself to take it slow. In some ways, I feel like I’m back at the beginning, when I first started. I remember when two miles felt like a miraculous accomplishment. Heck, I remember when I couldn’t even run one mile in under 11 minutes.

What doesn’t make me smile: The minor pain in my left ankle area as I sit here on the train writing this. But it’s a progressive, good pain. I’m sure it’ll get better after I cozy up with an ice pack or two once I get to the office.

What does make me smile: This whole idea of layering. It’s sort of like adding new colors to your collection without spending $5.99 a bottle. Also, this women next to me who is sleep-deprived, most definitely in need of a nap, and complaining to her seat mate while evil eyeing up ahead as the girls two rows up are laughing and gossiping at a super high volume. They clearly don’t know the rules of the train.

Do you ever layer colors? Any good color combo suggestions to share?

All lacquered up

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You know why I love Sunday nights? Because 80 percent of the time, they involve me A. Watching Real Housewives of OC and B. Doing my nails. Last night, I was torn between Essie’s Turquoise & Caicos and something a tad bit more … difficult.

Enter Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects nail polish strips:

Brynne got me into trying these. They’re essential nail stickers that last for more than a week and come in a ton of different patterns. They’re a little pricey, $9, but if they last for up to two weeks, like I’ve heard, then it could be worth it.

I went with Laced Up.

The box came with easy-to-read instructions, the nail “stickers,” a nail file and cuticle “pusher.” Question of the day: Is there a proper name for the cuticle “pusher”? All you have to do is peel off the protective clear coating, de-tatch the sticker from the base and then press. After you get the sticker on there, you press the excess to mold to the top shape of your nail. Then, file the top off and surprisingly, the excess just tears off and leaves an evenly “painted” look. Although the directions say nothing about a top coat, I lacquered on a good layer of Seche Vite, just for good measure.

Trust me, these are worth a try (at least) if you’re looking for a little something special on your finngaass. Not to mention, since I have such a busy week ahead of me — I’m really hoping these last through the weekend!

I’ll be sure to report back to you, my loyal readers, if they stick-put. OK … It’s too early to attempt humor. I’m sorry.

Have you ever tried Sally Hansen’s Nail Effects? What’s your favorite pattern?

Sometimes, I Obsess …

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With my grandparents flying in tonight, my boyfriend returning home from Afghanistan tomorrow (!!!) and Thanksgiving on the way — I’ve been in a bit of a shopping frenzy. I’m a true bargainista — and lately when I’m buying, it’s not just because I want it. It’s because I’m obsessed.

This week’s necessary finds:

You know how you just have to have the perfect little black dress? Well, meet my perfect little black sweater. For $14.95 from H&M, this was a no-brainier.

… I’m not sure which is worse, my nail polish addiction or my scarf buying habit. But when you can buy two for $8 on the streets of NYC, I just cannot resist. The purple and red are my newest investments. I’m thinking a blue and forest green are next on my list.

You need this candle. Put on your shoes, go to your car, travel to your nearest Yankee Candle and buy it now. I’ve been a Macintosh fan for a long time now. This scent is like Macintosh on steroids, and totally seasonal. This week the store’s having a 2 for $20 sale, so I suggest you stop in.

Note my newest nail polish cave, Essie’s “Hot Coco” from their winter line ($5.95 at my local beauty supply store).

This black gem from Old Navy (Women’s Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat, $79.50) is my favorite purchase of the last month. I managed to get into the store during their 50 percent off outerwear sale, and snatched up this beauty for $39.50. It’s flattering and I obsess over the neckline and length.

What are your favorite purchases from the last month? Are you a bargain hunter, designer diva or both?


“Anything worth having is worth waiting for” [Roberta Gayle]

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Tonight my mom is headed to the casino.

… And I’m home carbo-loading for my 9 miler tomorrow.

My carb-fest involved this week’s Food Friday pick: Trader Joe’s Satay Peanut sauce.

First things first, thanks to Momma for this great find. I decided to go the Thai route, and combine this flavorful 30 calorie/ tablespoon delight with some sautéed eggplant, tofu and extra-thin spaghetti.

Please note my latest obsession: I’m Suzi & I’m A Chocoholic by OPI. Feel free to overlook the minor errors I may have made while paintin’ my digits. What I will say: there is something about a new nail polish that always makes an iffy day better. There’s something even better about buying that polish after a Say Anything jam session in my car while sippin’ on a Dunkin’ Donuts medium iced coffee.

… but back to dinner:

I remember some of the first things I made when I started gettin’ my Martha Stewart on a few months ago. I ate this tonight and was actually proud of how good it was. I’m not sure if it was my cooking skills, or the sheer yumminess of the sauce – but I’ll take the credit here.

This week has had some other delicious additions:

Buffalo chicken “panini” made grilled cheese style – with a Stop & Shop buffalo chicken breast, a slice of light Land o’ Lakes American cheese, lettuce and a side of light rance and buffalo sauce. I was craving a Roly Poly the other day, and made this luscious lunch instead!

Mini bow-tie pasta, grilled shrimp and asparagus with a light olive oil drizzle and parmesan cheese. Oh, and of course – some Snap Dragon white wine to top it off. What can I say, with all the running I’ve been doing, carbs have been kind of a necessity. And let me tell you, I really do notice the added energy boost around mile five, and it feels great.

Ahhh! I just realized I’m running a bit late and need to clean up the kitchen before heading out for a cup ‘o joe. Until tomorrow night!

Do you have any foods you swear by during race season? Have you ever cooked with peanut sauce?