Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope everyone has great plans for this evening.  Writing this post I got to thinking who is St. Valentine and why is it today that we celebrate a day that also marks a day in American history where a literal massacre occurred under the command of Al Capone in Chicago.  I didn’t think there was much we could do about the massacre happening that day since it was planned that way by Capone but I was curious to find out who St. Valentine was.  So, I did a little research and found that there are many St. Valentines so the Roman Catholic Church just designated this day to celebrate all of them.  They picked this day because the first St. Valentine died in Rome in the Middle Ages.  So, they talk about some other ones but there was one who secretly married couples so husbands would not have to go to war.  There were many not a lot of them had anything to do with love and romance.  So, it must be true this is a holiday created by the floral, chocolate and greeting card industries.  Anyway, it comes around every year and I think we as women put a lot more stock into it than men.  Oh, I just think of all the catastrophes and candy coated stories I have heard of through the years from girlfriends and some guys.  But I think for us who are in fashion it is kind of of a time where it starts to be okay to pull out those fuchsia dresses and start making that transition into spring.  So, I have two different manicures.  I know which one I am going to wear but you guess. 

 

Here is the first one.  I kind of call this the sophisticated lady.  I used Pseudo Silk Kimono and Red Boxer Shorts from Deborah Lippmann.  Both are that soft matte finish which is really pretty but in white really streaky.  I had to use three coats of the white.    You can really dress this up with some rhinestones but I like it plain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next one is the cool chick manicure.  I do like it because it is kind of a yin yang creation.   I don’t know if Christy from KB Shimmer was thinking about this when she created it but it has pink hearts and black ones.   I feel the black ones represent lost love.  Sometimes I think we need to remember our lost loves.  I don’t know if any of you have loves that have died but I have and that is who I think about.  The pink ones representing todays love because without the lost loves in our lives we would not have todays loves.  Getting mushy.  Ok, manicure.  U Rock My Heart Glitter polish from KB Shimmer and OPI’s Emotions (total coincidence but makes this manicure even more emotional) on accent and thumb. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So can you guess which one I wore.  That’s right the second one.  It just brought out so much emotion.  You can purchase KB Shimmer Polish at their website.  I think this one might be around for a while but never know.  So, if you want a bottle check out their website.

 

Ciao,

Patty

Health Info For Women

Some who read the blog somewhat regularly know I share quite a bit of things regarding health issues.  I was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but due to a medication I cannot stop taking I cannot take most of the medications prescribed for it.  I can take a medication called Lyrica but have taken it before and I gained 25 lbs.  Won't take it again.  Then I got diagnosed with hip bursitis and have finally gotten some relief from steroid injections.  The right side hurt really bad and after about five days a new problem reared it's little head.  A pain in the butt.  Literally.  It is a shooting pain that starts at the top of the gluteus muscle that muscle on top of your butt and runs down the leg.  Imagine a rubber band being stretched to capacity.  That is what it feels like.  So what is going on is that the muscle that protects the sciatic nerve is pinching it.  The muscle is called the Piriformis muscle.  I've had problems before and have just opted to go for another steroid shot.  This one is going to really hurt but when I think of the relief I might get.  It is worth it.  Why am I sharing this?  I am sharing because it is a condition that strikes women more than men and if you feel something isn't right make the time to see your doctor.  I have had this going on for years off and on.  The thing is it affects women who smoke more often.  I quit smoking eight years ago and haven't had major problems till now.  I made so many excuses when I was younger all things that and now that I am older they are pretty serious.  I had great insurance but I made excuses.  Don't do it.  It is just better to see a doctor than diagnose yourself and with the internet we tend to use it as our doctor.  Just remember it is a resource not the cure.  Wish me luck on Wednesday because they are going to need a really long needle to get to where they are going.

Ciao,
Patty 

Girly Bits

A couple of posts ago I said I would write a review on  Girly Bits Dick in a Box.  So, here it is.  I also said I was going to revamp my blog a little with more nail art and recycles.  I have so many pictures that I forgot this is one of the first recycles.  So, I am excited to show you this because it is something I do all the time I just don’t always photograph both.  I haven’t been painting my nails as often due mainly to a really bad sleep cycle that I am going to need to go see a sleep specialist for.  So, I have relied more on recycles.

So, here is Girly Bits Dick in a Box.  Ok, just the name is enough to catch your eye.  Why the name?  Well according to the description it is based on Saturday Night Live.  It was also the most popular polish of the company for 2013 and I agree.  I loved this polish.  The holo that looks like a greenish-grey.  It is just gorgeous.  I got mine at Llarowe but if you are in Canada you can get it right from their website.  I had to wait for this one because it was so popular so if you like it put yourself on some type of waiting list.  That is how I got mine.  There were no problems with this formula.  It was perfect in one coat but of course I used two and a topcoat of seche vite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Recycle

For the recycle I used a Winstonia stamping plate (I don’t know what plate but I know it is from the Wintonia 2nd generation collection.  It really doesn’t matter because you can use abstract image you want)  I stamped with Konad Black and used Sephora Explosives on the middle finger and thumb.  Then I wore this a couple of days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was a good recycle because of the length of time I was actually able to wear it.  I love painting my nails but right now with so many health problems I do find myself relying more on recycles.

 

Ciao,

Patty

Infinity Pro Curl Secret: The Low Down Truth

I recently purchased the Infinity Pro Curl Secret and the bottom line is that it is a wonderful product and I love it.  Little story.  When I was four years old I had thin hair just be low my shoulder.  My cousin and I were to be flower girls at my aunt's wedding.  My cousin had long easy to curl hair.  Me, I was born bald did get hair till I was around two.  Make a long story short she came out with beautiful ringlet curls while my aunts yanked and pulled my hair trying to make something out of it.  That incident was immortalized by a 12X18 portrait of my cousin in my grandmother's living room in her flower girl dress and all that hair.  The point of this story is that I  too can get ringlet curls easily now.  And my cousin can spend an hour getting hers where mine only takes 15 minutes.  Ha ha!  Christy!  I always felt so inferior seeing that picture which later in life was replaced with her in her wedding gown but we were no longer children and I really felt bad when she said she wished she had hair like mine.  I remember her actually ironing her hair with an iron to get straight hair.  I know straightening iron but we are talking 1990.   I don’t know who invented the straightening iron but you have to admit it is a great tool.  I use even with straight hair just for the shine it gives.  They are great. 

Now, this product is definitely not for everyone.  I feel it is specifically for people with thin hair.  I tired it on my niece who has long beautiful straight hair but the circumference of her pony tail is probably 2 1/2".  Mine is about an inch which is thin.  So, it took almost an hour to do all her hair.  She was really frustrated but it proved my point that this product works best on thin hair.  Some might say this is not fair.  But not every beauty product can be sold to the masses. Like I have tiny eyelashes and if I want long lashes I do need falsies.  If you have ever seen TiffanyD of YouTube fame, you notice she has the longest lashes and doesn’t need anything more than mascara and her eyes just pop.  There are all types of makeup even from the same line, why?  Because some of us have oily skin, some combination, dry, some acne prone etc…So not all beauty products are for everyone and this just happens to be one of those.  Now I have heard of one called Baby Bliss which is sold at Sally’s and is the industrial version of this.  I thought this was pretty high tech but this Baby Bliss can actually curl your hair in different directions, which apparently is appealing to some.  To me,  I am just happy to get a curl.  It does last all day with hair spray and stays till the next day which is nice because then you can do a high flirty ponytail or a messy side braid.  

 

Here is the box and the apparatus.  It is not heavy which I really like.  It does have three settings a 12 second setting, an 10 and 8 and all those settings can be high or low.  It doesn’t make sense to me  I just usually use 10 high.

 

I just finished drying my hair.  I usually let it air dry for about 30 minutes and then two minutes with the hair dryer and it is done.  I did not use any type of product on my hair other that just a wash and condition.  I have never been one to use anything else.  Dressing up usually means I will use some type of hair decoration because my hair did not hold a curl and if it did I would have to spend at least an hour doing it and then it was overdone.  So,  I always have stuck to adorning my hair for dressy situations.

 

 

This is a 10 second high curl.  I don’t think I would ever wear my hair this curly unless it was much longer.  I am going to let it grow only two more inches and that is it.  My hair used to be about three inches above my butt.  My husband wants it longer but it is just too hard to color and style.  So the compromise was two inches.  I loved my bob and at the time I had it it was necessary but I know I won’t be able to have long hair in some years so I want to have it as long as I can.

 

 

This was the look I wanted a tussled wave.  This is my second time I used the curler and I did start in the back.  I always tackle the hardest things first so at the end I only have easy things to do and I know I will finish.  It could look a little neater but this is just a demo.

 

This is a tighter curl.  What I do when I curl and my curls are too tight,  I just steam up the bathroom and get out before it takes all my hair down then I quickly spray.  I still like Sebastian Shaper.  I know there might be newer products on the market that work better but I have used it for years.  I have a bottle that is around five years old.  That is how often I use hair spray. 

These are somewhat looser but still a curl I could never achieve with a curling iron. This was the curl I wore the day I used it.

Here are some more.

 

 

Here are some pretty tight ones.  I did run my fingers through it.  I really did not plan on using this picture but I think you can kind of tell that these curls are tighter.

 

So, that is my review.  Some people hate it some love it.  I will say one thing it is pretty hearty.  I dropped mine in the toilet and quickly got it out and thought for sure it would not work because of the turning barrel.  The first time I used it after that I could her the sound of some water so.  I just gave it some more time and dried it with my hair dryer and it has been working just fine.  I just don’t use it in the bathroom.   I hope this helps if you have been thinking about buying one of these.  I got mine at Ulta for $79.99.  It retails for $99.99 but I used a 20% off coupon.  They are sold at other places such as Wal-Mart, Target, and I think Sally’s but I have never seen them on sale at Wal-Mart or Target.   So, wait for that 20% off at Ulta.  I think they have a coupon out right now.  I hope this helps and if you have any questions leave them in the comments or email me directly.

 

Ciao,

Patty

Another Three Design Manicure

I know I did just do one of these but I really like them and I have been seeing a lot of these types of manicures on celebrities and even some newscasters so I think it is going to be a big trend this spring and summer and them with textures coming into play the possibilities are endless.  I do have one I am going to post one with a texture this week.  It is just fun to have three designs that are really cool on your nails.  For this manicure I used just a regular black polish.  I know it was butter London’s Union Jack because somehow I got it for something and wanted to try it out.  I had ordered Scoundrel and somehow ended up with two and as much as I love butter London they do have a tendency to chip at the tips.  My therapist had been asked me about them so I told her I think they chip but that I had found a topcoat to use so it wouldn’t which one from a Zoya sister company Qtica that works really well to keep BL from chipping so I had an extra bottle and she said it made the world of difference.  For Xmas I gave her a Zoya dream box but with a Whimsical polish and two Zoya’s and she just loved it.  I love to give people indies.  So, what I used to stamp on this one was Girly Bits Dick in a Box.  (I will have a review on it within the next two posts)  It was great for stamping and the glitter bomb is from White Owl Lacquers called Mooney.  I don’t know if it is still available but there really are so many dupes of this polish.  I used Bundle Monster’s new stamping plates, which have some really cool designs, the plate number was BM423 and that was it.  It was easy and fast and if you want to create looks like this polka dots and lines are always perfect to put in and then most plates you will find at least two images that kind of go together and everyone has glitter toppers so if you think “oh, I can’t do that”  you can and you will have people think how creative you are when really the plate does a lot of the work for you.  So, get out of your comfort zone and give one of these a try you don’t even need stamping plates as long as you can do polka  dots you can come up with something.  Have fun.  Isn’t that what it is all about?

Ciao,

Patty

Who Is Your Favorite Princess?

What is it with Princesses?  Little girls all want to be princesses and I don’t know many little girls who are not referred to as Princess in their family.  Some of us are obsessed with monarchies.  People were mesmerized by the wedding of Princess Diana to the frog of a Prince, Prince Charles.  The same happened when Prince William married Kate.  I am saddened to hear that Prince Henry might get married.  He so much fun.  I want to party with him.  When I was growing up the monarchy of the gossip was that of Monaco.  Princess Grace and her children mainly Stephanie and Caroline.  Now, they have pretty much just faded out of popularity or was it that Princess Diana came into the picture and we were all mesmerized by her?  Either way so many of us think what the life of a Princess is like.  I was thinking the other day we are all princesses even Queens.  Now, I know that not everyone had this type of childhood and I let me say in advance that I know how you feel that is why  I became a social worker to help children and families.   The reason I say we are all princesses is because we grew up in a home (the kingdom) and it was ruled by a King (our father) and a Queen (our mother).  So, doesn’t that make me a princess?  Some of us might have been like Cinderella having so many chores but she still got her prince.  Snow White married into her princess position because she really was a peasant living in the woods of her kingdom and boy did she come with luggage 7 little men.  Ariel was already a princess and was bound to have to marry into royalty and she did.  Mulan was a princess, more of a modern day princess.  She joined the armed forces and fought for her country.  Then their was Belle the intellectual who overlooked the ugly prince but her love turned him into a handsome prince.  My favorite princess is Sleeping Beauty.  Hiding out in the woods with three fairy godmothers but it was her fate to touch that needle and sleep for years only to be awaken by the kiss of a handsome prince.  I know there have been other Disney princesses but Mulan was as far as I went.  I think we all personally relate to one of them and that is why we favor one over the other.  So, when you are feeling down remember you are a beautiful princess.   No one can take that away from you. 

I just had to tell that little story because sometimes I do feel down and while it is fantasy it just makes me feel better and makes me laugh. 

Today I have a-England’s Briarwood.  It is exactly what I expect from a polish from a-England.  I looked at a lot of lists and I can’t remember anyone choosing an a-England polish.  They really make great polishes with such a great consistency and long wear.  I remember the first bottle I bought was Dragon and I haven’t even done a post on it.  I have so many of them and love all of them.  I remember when they were only available through their main website and they had a free shipping sale.  That is when I bought my first one.  I do treasure my collection.  The thing I love about a-England is that there is rarely a surprise you know what you are going to get.  They are consistent so you never really have to worry about the quality.  You can purchase a-England polishes at their website if you are in the UK.   Stateside you can get them at Ninja Polish or at Llarowe.  They cost $10.00 on both sites.

Ciao Bella,

Patty

 

 

 

OPI 's Brazil Collection Spring/Summer 2012

I've been a little depressed with the recent OPI Collections.  This one has peaked my interest.  

In the most frigid of temperatures a warm and sunny email has arrived in my mailbox with a sneak-peek at OPI’s Spring/Summer 2014 Brazil Collection.

Carnaval of Color!

OPI Launches Brazil Collection

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For Spring/Summer 2014

Brazil by OPI brings the colors of tropical rainforests and warm sandy beaches to nails and toes for Spring/Summer 2014. This new collection features a palette ranging from bright hues of red, pink, coral, orange and yellow to earthy tones of taupe, sienna, mocha and jungle green. In addition to 12 nail lacquers, the Brazil launch includes a set of four limited edition Beach Sandies Liquid SandTM mini neon nail lacquers in bold purple, pink, turquoise and yellow shades with a textured, matte finish.

“With sun-soaked shores, tropical fruits, and lush flora/fauna, Brazil is such an inspiring locale,” exclaims Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP. “I wanted women around the world to embrace the energy and playfulness for which Brazilian women are known. Through theBrazil collection, with shades drenched in color and charged with shine, women can express themselves, showing off their sexy, mysterious, fun and exciting natures.

“On spring runways, models were seen wearing lots of black and white, with bold accents of orange and yellow and muted elements of taupe and clay,” continues Weiss-Fischmann. “Brazil by OPIprovides vivid hues to add a pop of color to a neutral-toned wardrobe, as well as earthy tones that easily transition from day to night.”

Brazil by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

Next Stop…The Bikini Zone

This amethyst-toned pewter suits me just fine.

Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around

Nobody can stop me from wearing this creamy nude!

Taupe-less Beach

There’s nothing optional about wearing this enticing taupe.

I São Paulo Over There

He was sipping coffee with this mocha-toned beauty.

OPI Scores a Goal!

Make your point in this winning shade of rich chocolate.

AmazON…AmazOFF

I’m making the switch to this deep jungle green.

I Just Can’t Cope-acabana

Nothing lifts your spirits like this sunshine yellow.

Where Did Suzi’s Man-go?

He went to fetch her this delicious mango smoothie.

Toucan Do It If You Try

You have talent to achieve anything in this confident orange.

Kiss Me I’m Brazilian

Plant this warm luscious pink on me!

Live.Love.Carnaval

This vibrant and festive coral is the life of the party.

Red Hot Rio

A ruby red as hot as the most exciting city in Brazil.

Brazil Beach Sandies Liquid Sand mini pack includes the following shades:

Samba-dy Loves Purple

Well, who wouldn’t find this vivid textured violet irresistible?

I’m Brazil Nuts Over You

And I’m crazy for this textured matte pink.

What’s a Little Rain Forest?

I’ve got this textured matte blue and an umbrella for two.

You’re So Flippy Floppy

When I found this bright textured yellow, I just flipped!

Brazil nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWideTM Brush for the ultimate in application. Liquid Sand nail lacquers should always be worn without top coat. Brazil by OPI will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas beginning February 5, 2014. Nail lacquers will retail for $10.95 CAN each at professional salons and spas across the country. Beach Sandies Liquid Sand mini pack will retail for $14.95 CAN. GelColor is an in-salon, professional service only.

Zoya Color the World 2014

Wondering about what colors to get from the Zoya Color the World Promotion.  You might want to consider this one after all the Pantone color is Orchid.  This one has such a soft and feminine feel.   I love this color.  It can be worn with almost any color and look nice and it is Zoya my top nail polish pick.

 

 

 

 

 

Have you taken advantage of the wonderful offer Zoya has right now and seen the great colors coming for spring with a great glitter topper?   If you haven’t this is what Zoya is offering 3 polishes for a flat rate of $12.00.   That is $4.00 a bottle and you can order from anything in the line.  That is a steal.  You can’t even get that deal at Ulta with their coupons.  So, head to Zoya.com and check out this wonderful deal.  The code is COLOR2014.  All this information is on the website.  There are two days left so make sure you place an order.

 

Ciao,

Patty