1. I finally tried CND Shellac polish. It is wonderful. It has been on my nails for a week and a half now, and there's not a single chip!
Unfortunately, you can't buy the polish and apply it yourself. You have to get the polish applied at a salon. There's a funky UV light they use to cure the layers. If you go to the CND website you can find a local salon that has Shellac polish.
The polish is perfect for the holidays. Your nails will look great through all your holiday parties, and you'll save time on having to apply and reapply polish every few days.
2. On my last trip to New Hampshire my wonderful girlfriends shared with me a yummy new drink-pumpkin beer with a shot of vanilla vodka. The drink is delicious. They call it the "pumpkin pie".
Leave it to New Hampshire to come up with a way to increase the alcoholic content of a drink. ;)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
It's the Holiday Season.
It was brought to my attention yesterday that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. I was fairly certain I still had a month to get ready for our guests coming into town. I was wrong.
So now I have to plan menus, buy all this food, and prepare to plant myself in the kitchen for five days while family is in town. Yayy!!!! :|
Having a few drinks to take the edge off will be necessary, of course. I could easily do Bailey's in my coffee in the morning and wine with meals all week, but having the same drinks could draw attention to my coping strategy. I don't plan to get drunk. Two glasses of wine with a meal is of course absolutely fine. I still think it would be prudent to be a little less obvious though.
My solution: Divert their attention away from the alcohol.
You know how parents get their children to do chores by diverting their attention away from the fact they are doing work by making the chore a game? I plan to make this trick work for me this Thanksgiving.
People love visiting the city and trying new stuff, "city" stuff. Why not try new drinks? A friend recently told me about a new cocktail that sounds yummy. So we'll try that. I can also make mulled wine, which will be different since it's not something you have everyday. Then for a few nights we'll just have vino from the bottle and maybe some good old fashion beer with pizza. No one will ever even notice that we're drinking our way through the holiday. They'll just be thinking about all the new experiences they've had and how creative their charming and witty host is.
Problem solved. CHEERS!!!!
So now I have to plan menus, buy all this food, and prepare to plant myself in the kitchen for five days while family is in town. Yayy!!!! :|
Having a few drinks to take the edge off will be necessary, of course. I could easily do Bailey's in my coffee in the morning and wine with meals all week, but having the same drinks could draw attention to my coping strategy. I don't plan to get drunk. Two glasses of wine with a meal is of course absolutely fine. I still think it would be prudent to be a little less obvious though.
My solution: Divert their attention away from the alcohol.
You know how parents get their children to do chores by diverting their attention away from the fact they are doing work by making the chore a game? I plan to make this trick work for me this Thanksgiving.
People love visiting the city and trying new stuff, "city" stuff. Why not try new drinks? A friend recently told me about a new cocktail that sounds yummy. So we'll try that. I can also make mulled wine, which will be different since it's not something you have everyday. Then for a few nights we'll just have vino from the bottle and maybe some good old fashion beer with pizza. No one will ever even notice that we're drinking our way through the holiday. They'll just be thinking about all the new experiences they've had and how creative their charming and witty host is.
Problem solved. CHEERS!!!!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
I've Got a Problem
So at my last haircut, my dear stylist sits me down and asks the usual question, what are we doing with your hair today?
I tell her, I love the layers she does, BUT I don't want the top layer all that short. That really she doesn't have to touch it, because I like the length it is now.
One hour later.
My hair looks good and feels good, but wait, no, she cut a really short layer again!
Now I'm sort of pissed. When I try to pull my hair back, I get this top chunk of hair that is just too short and won't stay in a hair tie.
I figure it's going to take another eight weeks to grow this misfit piece of hair out. That's eight weeks too long. So in an effort to make my hair grow faster I decided to take pre-natal vitamins. I had some in my nightstand from our two failed pregnancies. I remembered how long my nails and hair got when I took them. So what the heck, it can't hurt to give them a try!
I tell her, I love the layers she does, BUT I don't want the top layer all that short. That really she doesn't have to touch it, because I like the length it is now.
One hour later.
My hair looks good and feels good, but wait, no, she cut a really short layer again!
Now I'm sort of pissed. When I try to pull my hair back, I get this top chunk of hair that is just too short and won't stay in a hair tie.
I figure it's going to take another eight weeks to grow this misfit piece of hair out. That's eight weeks too long. So in an effort to make my hair grow faster I decided to take pre-natal vitamins. I had some in my nightstand from our two failed pregnancies. I remembered how long my nails and hair got when I took them. So what the heck, it can't hurt to give them a try!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A Challenge
Yesterday, I got a little wild. Instead of wearing my hair down or in a ponytail (I know, bor-ing), I wore my hair braided and tied back. Let me tell you, it caused quite a stir. Not quite Page Six worthy, but nevertheless, my effort was noticed.
I braided my hair in two reserve french braids. Then took the bottom of braids and wrapped them into a low bun.
So tomorrow morning, I challenge you to wear your hair differently. It doesn't have to be anything complicated. You could wear a headband or part your hair differently, but you have to try something different.
Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite!
I braided my hair in two reserve french braids. Then took the bottom of braids and wrapped them into a low bun.
So tomorrow morning, I challenge you to wear your hair differently. It doesn't have to be anything complicated. You could wear a headband or part your hair differently, but you have to try something different.
Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Shopping for a Good Cause
School is in session, and that means the campaigns to raise money for cheerleading, the travel soccer team, and the school library are in full swing.
A friend just posted on Facebook that his son is selling popcorn for his Boy Scout troop. Did you know you can now purchase the FAMOUS Boy Scout microwave popcorn online? Amazing! So now I can support the Boy Scout troop in Hopkinton, New Hampshire right here in DC.
Girl Scout cookies are the obvious favorite. We buy about two cases. Yes, it is a little much. They make great gifts though, and they freeze well. And if we're ever invited over for an impromptu gathering at a friend's house, we'll grab a bottle of red wine and a box of cookies. The cookies are fun and unexpected. I don't know anyone who doesn't crack a smile when presented a box of Thin Mints.
So when you're thinking about what to put in gift baskets for Christmas or a hostess gift, look no further than your best friend's eight year old son or daughter.
And to all those parents trying to figure out just who to hit-up for yet another fundraiser, go to your friends without kids! Yes, those of us without kids are often overlooked. I'm speaking for myself (and Craig), but we enjoy your children and love helping out a good cause!
A friend just posted on Facebook that his son is selling popcorn for his Boy Scout troop. Did you know you can now purchase the FAMOUS Boy Scout microwave popcorn online? Amazing! So now I can support the Boy Scout troop in Hopkinton, New Hampshire right here in DC.
Girl Scout cookies are the obvious favorite. We buy about two cases. Yes, it is a little much. They make great gifts though, and they freeze well. And if we're ever invited over for an impromptu gathering at a friend's house, we'll grab a bottle of red wine and a box of cookies. The cookies are fun and unexpected. I don't know anyone who doesn't crack a smile when presented a box of Thin Mints.
So when you're thinking about what to put in gift baskets for Christmas or a hostess gift, look no further than your best friend's eight year old son or daughter.
And to all those parents trying to figure out just who to hit-up for yet another fundraiser, go to your friends without kids! Yes, those of us without kids are often overlooked. I'm speaking for myself (and Craig), but we enjoy your children and love helping out a good cause!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Welcome to Hamilton House
This week on Gossip Girl, S and B continued to climb up the social ladder by joining the ranks of the uber exclusive Hamilton House. Of course, the ceremonial "key" to Hamilton House was purchased at the most fabulous hardware store on 5th Avenue-Tiffany & Co.I have coveted the Tiffany keys for some time now. I think they'd be the perfect addition to so many outfits; and with so many different choices, you're sure to find a key that fits your personal style.
The Hamilton House key (Fleur de lis key) is available in store and online for $225.
I love the Vintage Oval key. This key is bit shorter than the key
worn by S and B, a quarter inch shorter to be exact. So be sure to check out the length of each individual key. The shortest key is 1 inch and the longest is 2.5 inches. The keys are made in several different metals including: white gold, yellow gold, silver, and platinum. And for a little sparkle, you can choose from keys adorned with diamonds and gemstones. Don't have a Tiffany & Co. store in your neighborhood? Shop the store online and enjoy free shipping for any orders over $300.
*Keys are best paired with a martini and your bestie. ;)
Monday, September 27, 2010
A Transitional Piece
The weather is getting cooler, and out from your closet come your trusty pea coat and fleece. STOP!
Why do we do this to ourselves every, single, fall? We start wearing jackets just as soon as the temperature drops below 50, and by January we're bored and irritated with our cold weather garb. What we need are some great transitional pieces we can get excited about.
One great transitional (or transforming!) piece I am loving for fall is the faux fur vest. Vests can instantly change the look of an outfit and keep you warm on those brisk fall days. And faux fur is the latest and greatest trend! I am seeing fur vests, jackets, and even fur in boots and booties. Normally I wouldn't do "fake", but there's just no way I could wear rabbit or fox pelt. It gives me the creeps just thinking about it.
Here are some options:
From Juicy Couture, this shorter version sweetens the deal with a pretty bow. I would wear this with a white button down and jeans or a long sleeve dress and OTK boots. ($228, available at Piperlime.com)
On Zappo
s.com you can find several different versions of the faux fur vest, just type in "faux fur" in the search field. I love this Michael Kors vest in Tipped Fox. (Don't tell my husband, but I have this vest in my closet!)
The picture online does not do this vest justice. The coloring is really pretty and the lining is gorgeous. It's a little more casual than the Juicy Couture vest, which makes it more versatile. So you'll look super chic headed into the office, and turn heads while
picking out the perfect pumpkin at the local orchard. ($13o, available at Zappos.com)
Maybe you want to try the trend, but you don't feel like shelling out a lot of cash. Then this cropped version by Old Navy is for you.
Wear it with a loose fitting blouse (I really like the one pictured) and skinny jeans or leggings for date night, or wear it over a super cool tee tucked into wide leg jeans with a funky belt and platform clogs and you'll be way too-cool-for-school. ($29.50, available at Old Navy and Old Navy.com)
Why do we do this to ourselves every, single, fall? We start wearing jackets just as soon as the temperature drops below 50, and by January we're bored and irritated with our cold weather garb. What we need are some great transitional pieces we can get excited about.
One great transitional (or transforming!) piece I am loving for fall is the faux fur vest. Vests can instantly change the look of an outfit and keep you warm on those brisk fall days. And faux fur is the latest and greatest trend! I am seeing fur vests, jackets, and even fur in boots and booties. Normally I wouldn't do "fake", but there's just no way I could wear rabbit or fox pelt. It gives me the creeps just thinking about it.
Here are some options:
From Juicy Couture, this shorter version sweetens the deal with a pretty bow. I would wear this with a white button down and jeans or a long sleeve dress and OTK boots. ($228, available at Piperlime.com)
On Zappo
s.com you can find several different versions of the faux fur vest, just type in "faux fur" in the search field. I love this Michael Kors vest in Tipped Fox. (Don't tell my husband, but I have this vest in my closet!)The picture online does not do this vest justice. The coloring is really pretty and the lining is gorgeous. It's a little more casual than the Juicy Couture vest, which makes it more versatile. So you'll look super chic headed into the office, and turn heads while
picking out the perfect pumpkin at the local orchard. ($13o, available at Zappos.com)Maybe you want to try the trend, but you don't feel like shelling out a lot of cash. Then this cropped version by Old Navy is for you.
Wear it with a loose fitting blouse (I really like the one pictured) and skinny jeans or leggings for date night, or wear it over a super cool tee tucked into wide leg jeans with a funky belt and platform clogs and you'll be way too-cool-for-school. ($29.50, available at Old Navy and Old Navy.com)
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