Monday, February 6, 2012

Nail Art with China Glaze Electropop Colors!

I know you're seeing swatch shots of the China Glaze Electropop polishes everywhere, so I thought I'd do something a bit different. These aren't the best photos (it's been so rainy here lately!), but this gives you an idea of some of the fun nail art you could do with these polishes!


I used Aquadelic, Sunshine Pop, and Dance Baby for these designs, plus a shimmery black for contrast. These polishes are surprisingly opaque except for Sunshine Pop, which is a pretty typical yellow in that it's streaky and somewhat of a pain to use. Still, it's very pretty and just a touch shimmery. Dance Baby is a cool-toned bubblegum pink. It reminds me of the Bazooka bubble gum that came with the cartoon in the wrapper. Aquadelic is an absolutely gorgeous Tiffany blue, vibrant and opaque.

Also? Boy am I out of practice! I've been too sick to do much nail art, and I can REALLY tell. I'm hoping I get back to somewhat skilled soon, because it's really frustrating to not even be able to use a dotting tool well!

Stay tuned- I've got Valentine's Day manicure designs coming up next!

Polishes were provided by the manufacturer for consideration.
See my disclosure statement for more information.

Dr.'s Remedy Valentine's Delight

Dr.'s Remedy Valentine's Delight
Reds to Rock Your World

 

Romance rising: that's what February 14th is all about, indeed. This Valentine's Day, we dare you to take the shade of love to a whole new level, compliments of Dr.'s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish. How to choose the hue de you? The sky's the limit (in terms of red); just reach for one of these red-hot tints to entice and ignite your inner flame. Your tips and toes will thank you, no doubt.



This Valentine's Day Delight collection of Dr.'s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish red shades includes:



REVIVE Ruby Red: A shimmer-infused, Wizard of Oz-inspired shade of crimson

RESOLUTION Red Glitter: A red-meets-copper spin that's sequin-look-alike laden with high-shine and sparkle


RESCUE Red: A classic fire engine red

Dr.'s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish is available for $17 online at www.remedynails.com.



Dr.'s REMEDY is a line of doctor-inspired cosmetics that is dedicated to using clean, hypoallergenic ingredients. The brain-child of two New York-based podiatrists, Dr. Adam Cirlincione and Dr. William Spielfogel, Dr.'s REMEDY proves quintessentially-perfect for any person looking to better the condition of her skin and nails. Dr.'s REMEDY is sold exclusively at www.remedynails.com or by calling 877-323-NAIL.
Press release provided by Dr.'s Remedy.
See my disclosure statement for more information.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Boots and Cats!

I'm absolutely dying over this video. It's SO GOOD!

... and weird. But good! I don't even know what to say about it, other than... well... watch it!



Leather cat bee.
See my disclosure statement for more information.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Isabel's Rose- amazing lampwork beads & jewelry




Sometimes you see an add and click, expecting to take a quick glance and go on about your business. Other times, you find yourself fascinated, clicking and clicking, looking for hours, drooling and adding to your wishlist. The other night was definitely one of those nights.

Enter Isabel's Rose, by Lori Flanders. I spotted a tiny ad at the bottom of a webcomic I read, and was drawn in... those look like polymer clay bone beads, I thought to myself. I clicked, and was suddenly blown away... these were not clay, but glass- lampwork beads, handmade with rods of glass and a torch, each one a tiny work of art.

I spent hours over the next couple of days, clicking through her various shops and her flickr stream, amazed and awed and absolutely speechless over these tiny jewels. I love the colors, I love the textures, I love the whimsicality... this stuff is absolutely amazing! So, I decided I needed to share some of my favorites with you!






Encrusted lampwork heart, $28 at Etsy


First, look at this amazing sterling-silver encrusted heart necklace. Made of ivory-colored glass, it has sterling silver embedded into it. It's suspended on an oxidized sterling silver ring, and comes on a 20" gunmetal chain.

I am so, so in love with this necklace. It looks like there's enough weight there to feel substantial without looking childish. The colors are so intriguing, and I love the cool tones of the chain and the silver contrasting with the warmth of the ivory glass. It looks equally perfect for dressing up jeans and a tee shirt or for wearing with your favorite little black dress.





Necklace photo from the artist's Flickr stream.




Then there's this necklace made of glass branch beads and glass acorns. I absolutely love the lime green on the acorns, and I think this would be stunning paired with a simple top and jeans. There's something utterly fall-like about this piece, making me think of crisp autumn breezes and that utterly blue sky. I love it!









Don't think she only works in earth tones, though. This poison cupcake showcases Lori's whimsical side, using almost-neon colors to create a charming cupcake and crossbones.

Again, this piece is substantial without being too big. Do I even have to tell you how adorable I find this? Bright colors, cupcakes, and gunmetal all make me smile. This could well be a favorite necklace if it lived in my jewelry collection!








Although I could keep pulling photos and posting them to rave about, I'll end with this stunning bracelet. Those beads aren't metal, but instead are made of glass. I'm assuming there's silver leaf on them, but I honestly don't know for sure.

Aren't they gorgeous? They're so chunky and bold, and all so radically different while still looking harmonious together. I also love the patterns of swirls and dots, the sparkle of the silver, and the deep glossiness of the black. This is truly my kind of bracelet!


So, what do you think of these? Is this something you would wear? How would you wear them. Do you have a favorite piece of hers? Leave me a comment and let me know!

P.S. If you buy something from her, note in your order that I sent you there!  :D
Someone take my internet away, I've gone down the rabbit hole!
See my disclosure statement for more information.

Friday, January 20, 2012

A Bit About SOPA

Image courtesy of The Oatmeal. Funny stuff there!
I try to avoid getting too ranty here, but sometimes ya just have to. I'm sure you noticed the internet protesting SOPA/PIPA on January 18. If I could have figured out how to shut down this blog for the day, I might have done it, but I'm not sure I could have done it without screwing something up.

However, this is something I really do believe we need to protest. I've written to my senator, as has my husband. I'm not asking you to take my word for anything, since I'm just some chick on the internet. I am asking you to educate yourself if you aren't familiar with SOPA, and if you agree with me that it's a bad idea, then write your congressperson.

Some links (courtesy of XKCD)
Learn more:
EFF: One-page guide to SOPA
reddit: A technical overview of the SOPA and PIPA bills
DYN: How these bills would break DNS
EFF: Free speech on the web

Act:
Contact information for US elected officials

Piracy is bad. So is SOPA.
See my disclosure statement for more information.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Fun DIY project!

Here's another quick post because I found something adorable I want to share...

I was looking at Studs and Pearls (a fun DIY blog I read sometimes) and found the absolute cutest how-to! Kirsten showed how to use simple things lots of us have around our house to make this rockin' ring! I love it so much... and I'm now looking at all my crafty stash, wondering what I could combine to make pretties!

I don't wear rings, but I can totally see this as a pendant. Simply add a bail and thread onto a chain, or a leather cord. GORGEOUS!! Adding a layer of epoxy resin over the beads would make for a gorgeous glass-like top, as well.

You could also add in glitter... I know, I know, glitter is the herpes of crafting, but I LOVE GLITTER! Glitter makes EVERYTHING more fun!!

... I think it's time for me to go to sleep now. What do you think of this DIY idea? Would you wear it? How would you change it up? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Someone needs to take my internet away... but I won't let them! :D
See my disclosure statement for more information.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

OMG, such good news! Thanks to a whirlwind of circumstances, my son starts college on Tuesday! I'm so proud... although I am NOT old enough to have a child in college! :D

Now we're trying to figure out the scheduling- how we're going to get him back and forth to class... it's rough living in the butt end of nowhere and only having one car! Still, talk about your first world problems!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Go read John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. It's AMAZING!
See my disclosure statement for more information.