Hall Pass October

September’s Hall Pass is just a no brainer.  This just an all around good guy.  While he usually plays a crass male chauvinist but when he played the bi-polar Pat in Silver Playbook Linings.  He became one of my favorite actors.  I am talking about the hilarious Bradley Cooper.  He is just so cute and has this boyish charm.  He is also scandal free and that can be pretty hard for an actor in Hollywood.  He has dated some pretty famous women but why those relationships did not work is pretty much unknown.  He seems like the kind of guy that would have me laughing during dinner but yet could be really romantic in the boudoir.  Then there are the eyes.  Those hypnotic blue eyes

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This is just the epitome of a total cutie pie.  You got to admit if you had the chance……….

Ciao,

Patty

Twenty Pounds of Middle

Now, I have no idea what twenty pounds of middle means but to me right now it means a really nice glitter topper.  This is a really great glitter topper from Whimsical Ideas by Pam.  The thing I love about this polish is that you can wear it matte or shiny and it literally goes with every color.  It can even be transformed if you want to wear it on a holographic polish you can top with a polish like Cult Nails Mayhem and it will pick up a holographic look.    You could even change the color if you used one of those new OPI translucent.  I love this glitter topper.  I have worn it several times with people always asking, ”Where did you get that polish.  I have never seen anything like that before.”  I always love to give information to people where I get my indies.  I feel like a walking advertisement.  There are several shapes in this glitter including little hearts.  The only thing I don’t see this glitter being to great for might be a jelly sandwich.  But I don’t know I haven’t tried so I am not going to totally ruling it out until I try it and as soon as I find it works.  You, readers will be the first to know.   So, for this mani I used just a regular black but then used an OPI Solitaire on my accent finger.  There was no recycling this manicure so it just came off after four days.  But it sure was pretty.

Hope you like this one.  Let me know.

Ciao,

Patty

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Press Release. Cirque Burlesque Collection.

• Introducing The Burlesque Collection

INTRODUCING THE BURLESQUE COLLECTION

Posted by Annie Pham on September 10, 2014

New York, NY (September 2014) - From musicians to magicians, Cirque Colors drew inspiration from vaudeville shows of the early 20th century to create a 4-piece fall collection called Burlesque. These sultry holographic shades embody the lush and dramatic stripteases that put such acts like the British Blondes and Gypsy Rose Lee on the map.Josephine, a dark forest green, pays homage to Josephine Baker (the original twerker) and her famous banana dance. While the navy blue hue of Trocadero represents a night out on the town at the historic Philadelphia theater.

Boudoir A vampy burgundy with a rainbow holographic finish	Harlow An antique gold with a rainbow holographic finish
Josephine A blackened green with a rainbow holographic finish	Trocadero A navy blue with a rainbow holographic finish

The Burlesque Collection will be available online at CirqueColors.com on September 25, 2014 for $13 each. Refer to theStockists page for participating retailers.

About
Cirque Colors™ is line of hand-blended nail lacquers based in New York. The name Cirque, meaning ring or circle, represents the color wheel and the endless color possibilities in the continuum. Founder/Creative Director, Annie Pham, sought to develop colors that transcend those of conventional brands by experimenting with unique pigments and raw materials. All nail lacquers are 3-free, which means they do not contain toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate (DBP). They are also scented with a blend essential oils that leave a light floral aroma after the polish dries. Made in the USA. For more information, please email info@cirquecolors.com.

What a Show Off

Yes, I have to say I felt like a Show Off when I wore this polish.  Only because this is Show Off from Colors by Llarowe.  It was a polish I had searched for for quite a while.  It is a strong duochrome but it is like a burnt orange shifting to gold.  There is no brown in it.  I have seen many shifters like this but this definitely based in an orange with the gold shift.  It is  just so pretty I did not recycle.  Some polishes are like that for me.  So pretty that to stamp or do anything other than just wear the polish alone would be off.   Some polishes are very stand alone and to do anything to them just doesn’t make them look better they just look weird.  This is one of those so I did not mess with it. 

I bought this polish at Llarowe for $12.00.    Don’t forget though that Llarowe does have a rewards program in which you get cash towards any future purchases.  I was so happy to make VIP Rouge at Sephora now I get free shipping for everything no matter how much I spend.  So, you are always getting rewarded for every purchase you make at Llarowe.

Ciao Bella,

Patty

A Medical Update.

I knew it but no one believed me.  Some of you know I had a pretty serious back sugery in May.  I know I have never had edema.  I walked into the surgical center and I woke up with two complaints one was PAIN the other was what the hell is going on with my feet.  I told them it felt like I was walking on water balloons.  No one paid attention to me two weeks later I still had the condition and I still had the water balloon sensation.  After four weeks I would feel as if my feet had pebbles plus after walking a while I would also get the sensation of rubber bands around my toes.  I told my doctor I knew he messed something up and just wanted him to just fix it.  He said the edema had nothing to do with surgery and to go see my normal doctor.  She gave me Lasix and the next day my right foot is better but not the right.  Now to make this short.  After countless vascular and nerve studies.  It turns out my doctor botched my surgery and I think I am going to need to go through the worst experience in my life.
So, how do you pick a doctor.  I would say first ask friends.  If you see a doctor make sure you ask what type of pain medication you are going to get after your surgery.  If you don't feel comfortable, please don't feel tied down to a doctor.  If you call your insurance and tell them you do not feel comfortable with the doctor and then call the doctor's office manager they will more than likely get you back any deposits you have paid.  You just have to talk to the office manager.  They might not be able to return all your money but they can probably like I said return deposits.  I was not comfortable when I met the surgeon, especially after he screamed at me when I asked a question.  I should have walked out I had just read in Texas Monthly they were Top docs in Neurology, but I don't know if they paid for that.  If I would have just checked the reviews on their Facebook page, that would have told me a lot.  So, if you are not happy with your doctor before surgery it is highly unlikely you will be happy afterwards.  Don't be bullied.  They work for you.  I hope this helps anyone who is struggling with a doctor.  Again if you have any private questions you ever want to ask regarding posts like this one please feel free to contact me.  I am not saying I have all the answers but having been a social worker for so long, I might at least be able to lead you in the right direction.

Ciao,
Patty

Oh, yes, and because my health is in such a delicate situation.  My new doctors said "No , way will we approve a trip to Vegas."  So, I will not be seeing my beloved Alejandro Fernandez in concert.  I may never get a chance again since he doesn't tour much in the US.  If I would have just walked out when this doctor screamed at me maybe I would be going to Las Vegas on Sunday instead getting ready for yet another MRI and guess who is paying financially for all this?  ME

Battle of the brushes ---- Sigma vs. Mac

I have been wanting to do this post for several months but I am a little fearful.  There are some big bloggers that totally have lines within Sigma and would bash this post.  Luckily, I am a small and independent blogger and can say whatever the you know what I want.  I guess that's the great thing about being an independent.  All I can say is yes Sigma brushes are good but Mac are better.  I know there is a big price difference and I was sucked into buying less expensive brushes based on these great reviews look who is doing these reviews.  There is a big difference between the two and you might not notice if you have perfect skin.  Sigma brushes do not get clean even with the best brush cleanser, Mac brush cleaner.  No one will deny the magical power of Mac brush cleaner.  It doesn't matter if you have perfect skin or not.  I don't want a dirty brushes on my skin.  The eye brushes are pretty good at getting clean and application is just ok.  I can tell the difference from a Mac brush and a Sigma.  I don't know what possessed me to buy the Sigma F86 a tapered brush and F80 the flat kabuki.  I guess I started watching a little too much YouTube.  To get these two brushes clean you really need a lot of Dawn soap plus something a little abrasive.   Sigma actually sells a glove that they recommend you buy to clean your brushes.  What is that?  A sign.  Oh, an it is not cheap it costs like $30.00?  That should be a red flag another bad thing about Sigma is that their shipping charges are outrageous and there is no break for buying more.  Mac has free shipping everyday as does Nordstrom.  To me I am sorry I went the cheap route.  I am slowly buying a brush here and there.  I gotta admit though, sometimes clean hands are the best thing for putting on makeup.

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OPI Press Release......Peanuts Limited Edition Collection

I know I said I would not likely but buy much OPI in the future but this is limited edition.  Very interesting.  I saw swatches on the Facebook page.  I think this is a winning collection.  It is not that I don't like OPI.  Their polishes are great it is just that when you have over 1000 bottles of polish.  You don't want to but dupes and that is where I am with OPI.  It needs to be special and I have a feeling about these ones.

OPI Peanuts Limited Edition Collection (Halloween 2014)

August 20, 2014

Peanuts by OPI brings to life Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip characters for Halloween 2014. Inspired by “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the four new limited edition nail lacquer shades include seasonal yellow and black crèmes, as well as two black-based glitter hues.

“‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ is a classic, beloved film,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Brand Ambassador.  “Peanuts by OPI celebrates the fun, youthful nature of Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and Snoopy with four limited edition nail lacquer shades designed to capture the spirit of Halloween. With two crème and two glitter options, you can switch between a cheery yellow or chic black look, or try adding a layer of glitter for a unique finish.”

Peanuts by OPI includes the following shades:

• Good Grief!: The sunny yellow of Charlie Brown’s favorite t-shirt.
• Where’s My Blanket???: Linus awaits the Great Pumpkin in this orange and black glitter.
• WHO ARE YOU CALLING BOSSY?!?: This stormy black is no match for Lucy’s raven hair.
• To Be or Not To Beagle: Snoopy’s happy-dance of colors in a joyful glitter.

Each of the four shades is also available in the Little Peanuts mini pack, which is sold with ten nail decals ranging from popular Peanuts phrases like “Good Grief!” and “Pow!” to sketches of Snoopy and the signature squiggle of Charlie Brown’s shirt.

“These stickers offer a playful, kitschy way to add instant art to nails,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “My favorite decal pays tribute to Snoopy’s many kisses – ‘Smak!’”

Peanuts nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Peanuts by OPI andLittle Peanuts mini pack will be available beginning September 2014 at Professional Salons, including Chatters, Planet Beauty and ULTA. Peanuts nail lacquers will retail for $9.50 ($11.50 CAN) each; Little Peanuts mini pack will retail for $13.95 ($17.50 CAN).

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter and Instagram @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan! For more information on Peanuts, follow @snoopy on Twitter, @snoopygrams on Instagram, and like the characters at www.facebook.com/snoopy.

ABOUT OPI

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.

ABOUT PEANUTS

• The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments, Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

KISS Stamping

You may ask yourself what is a KISS stamping.  Well, it is a nice way of saying Keep It Simple Stupid.  So, saying kiss just makes it sound so much.   Sometimes we can turn stamping into a nightmare. I know I do because I don’t want the same stamping on each nail and yes you can go ahead and do a glitter accent nail but that gets boring sometimes. I used only two plates in which the images all went together and if you have seen the Pueen plates that are covered with designs I believe you will be seeing more of these stampings.  So,  I started with Colors by Llarowe unzipped.  I wore it for a couple of days and then did the stamping.

Now stamping with Pueen 26 an 39.

I used Konad purple and blue polish.  When stamping I have found that Konad is the best.  I did wear this manicure for another four days.   So, this was a very successful stamping and manicure for me and you can do the same.  I used to paint my nails everyday but right now I just find myself so tired it is a little harder.  So, give this a try sometime when you just have that busy week and want to change your polish.  Stamping takes minutes and the more you do it the easier clean up is.  If you want to see a You Tuber who is really good at going step by step on stamping tune into my favorite Youtuber soguesswhat11.

Ciao Bella,

Patty

KB Shimmer Press Release Fall 2014

From left to right the colors are: A Raisin to Live, Leap of Faith, Rust No One, kiss and Spell, Up an Cunning, Stonewashed, Flannel Surfing,  Hugs and Wishes, How You Dune?

I caught this picture of the new line of KB Shimmer nail polish for the Fall.   There will be one re-release.  The color Jack will be available for sale.  So, there will be three creme shades, three creallies, one glitter topper and two holos.  These will be available for purchase on 9/15/14.  So, save your money for unnecessary purchases and invest in some good polish.  Sorry no swatches.  I am not sure I will be getting any samples since I let everyone know I was quitting my blog but now that I am back I have to show numbers.  Also, to be honest I don't have 1000 followers after almost three
 years of blogging, so if you have visited this site more than two times seriously think of subscribing.  It does feel defeating sometimes but my blog will be here next year and the one after that.   So, the cremes will be 7.50 and the others will be 8.75.  I will be purchasing.  Flannel surfing, Rust No One, Stonewash, and Kiss and Spell.  Yes, that is about half the line but I  have always loved KB Shimmer and will probably be a lifetime customer.  So, what are your picks I am curious to find out.  I will be
looking for other bloggers who did not buy the colors I bought to perhaps do a joint post so we could show the line together.  If you are interested please email me at plgreen16@yahoo.com.

Ciao Bella,

Patty

Hall Pass of the Month

I have chosen this month’s hall pass.  Although numerous people asked to have Channing Tatum as Hall Pass of the Month, I actually got very few readers on this post.  So, it has been good when I chose the hall pass.  During the month of December YOU will be able to choose the Hall Pass of the Year.   I am really excited about to see who you will choose.

 

So, since I am going to Vegas to see this man, I have chose him as the hall pass of the month.  He is well known in the Spanish community and worldwide.  Yes, I am talking about Alejandro Fernandez.  He is the son of the famous Vicente Fernandez who most of our parents know and love.  Thank goodness he was able to reproduce this gorgeous man.  His new album is a mix of some jazzy tones to it.  There is a duet with Christina Aguilera and Rod Stewart and just beautiful songs of love.   He has the voice of a strong, romantic man.  He is 45 years old divorced with four children which means he is a family man.  Yes, I know there have been rumors that he is gay but that is all they are.  What star hasn’t been accused of being gay at least once during their career?  But this man is definitely not gay.  He is absolutely gorgeous.  I cannot wait to see him in Vegas but I will just have to wait so I can share my whole trip.  I am thinking of a Vegas post before I leave.   I am so excited about this I just hope my doctors don’t put an immediate halt to it.

 

 

 

 

 

I totally love this picture

 

So, do you agree, with this month’s hall pass.

 

Ciao Bella,

Patty

 

 

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Beauty Blog Coalition

I have been a member of the Beauty Blog Coalition for two years now and the administrator might have slacked off.  I don’t know what happened but we all received a nice note reminding us that part of the membership requirements were to have the logo posted on our blog and  the other thing is that we have to do at least two posts a week unless we notify the administrator as a reason for not having two posts.  So, I would like to keep my membership so expect to see at least two posts a week from me from now on and posts like this or giveaway posts do not count they have to be beauty related posts.

Just wanted to let you know.  If you have been a blogger for over a year you are eligible for membership.  Just go to Facebook and ask to join the group they will let you know if you can join or not.

Ciao for now,

Patty

A Polish That Could Actually Make You Happy

I never knew a polish could actually make me so happy and lucky to have it.  It made me feel pretty all day long.  Everyone who saw me that day noticed this polish and loved it.  I felt so lucky to have this polish.  It was just so pretty I loved it.   I can’t say enough of how beautiful this polish is.  Yes, it was a little expensive but so worth it.  I could tell I will be lending this to my sister or one of my neice’s soon and you know what it makes me so happy to share these polishes with them.  This polish is from Crows Toes and I have to say they have put out some great polishes.  Great enough to make them one of my favorite brands.  So, the name of the polish is Nidavellir.  As you can tell it is a strong duochrome.  I bought this from Llarowe for $13.00.  I know that sounds like a lot but the great thing about Llarowe is they have a rewards system.  For every $1.00 you spend you get a percentage back.   So, it I very worth it to shop there.  Just like Ulta recently changes their rewards system also to cash for money spent.  On that note I am really sad to say that Ninja Polish has gone out of business.  I feel really bad because I did used to buy a lot of polish from them but once Llarowe put out their rewards system.  I found myself almost exclusively shopping from Llarowe.  Ninja did put a reward system into place but all too often they were sold out of many things I wanted.  So, I had about seven dollars in rewards when I bought this polish so it only cost eight and then shipping and I was only too wiling to pay.  All I can say about this polish is that you won’t be sorry spending the money on it and if you really just love duochromes you have to have this as a part of your collection.  I am so happy with it, it’s like I want everyone to have it.  Hmm, come to think of it I do have a blogiversary coming up.  I might definitely buy a bottle for that and maybe another because I just love  wearing it.

That is all for now.

Ciao, Bella,

Patty

Crows Toes Lil Ms. Cyanide

This is another one of the the duochromes from Crows Toes.  The only thing is that it doesn’t overtly act as a duochrome.  You really need to look for it but it is just so pretty.

This is the best description Miss Cyanide is a light to medium violet purple shimmer polish with a color-shifting shimmer that goes from lavender to green to yellow gold as per  Llarowe’s description which is head on.    I am totally loving Crows Toes this year.  I just placed an order for one and a white holo, which I have been wanting forever to buy.  I broke down.  There is similar one called Ms. Sunshine that is equally pretty but does not have the color shifting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you like this.  I am working on a really innovative project that I cannot wait to share with you.  I’ll be working on it Sunday and hopefully be able to post by Tuesday.

Ciao Bella,

Patty

Deborah Lippmann

With the holidays coming you might be looking for something special to wear for your family gathering or office party.  Here are two options.  Now I know they are from last year but if you are savvy and can search the web you can probably get them at a reduced rate and that is always a plus.  I can’t believe I had not posted these sooner.  I looked at my new folder where I have saved pictures and there are a lot.  I am not going to post anything that you can’t get and try to focus on posting nail art.  I just really need to get my own computer because if you have an IPad you might relate with the fact that it is so difficult to do posts there.  In Facebook you can’t go into documents so my husband has the only laptop.  I did not think I would need one two years ago when we bought both but let me tell you.  I need my own.  Hopefully by November, I will get my own.  Tomorrow is our anniversary but also the end of my favorite novella.  Lo Que La Vida Me Robo, I don’t know what I am going to do without my daily fix of my Sebastian Ruili.  (Refer to February’s Hall Pass). Thank God for Hulu because I can just start watching all over again. 

 

So, to these polishes.  They are a great combo because of their versatility.  You can wear just the gold.   You can top the gold with the gold glitter or use black as a base and use the glitter on top.  Buying these were just a no brainer for me because I love Deborah Lippman and it had been a while since she put out something I really liked.

 

 

First is Fake It Till You Make It.  It is a fine glitter with a little texture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is Glitter and Be Gay.  I just put this glitter on top of the gold I was wearing and as you can see it is a great combination.  Totally party worthy.  One of the great things about Deborah Lippman polish is the smooth application of her glitter polishes.  You don’t have to go fishing around for polish or get on that is just overly packed.  So application is great and dry time very fast. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe I got these from Nordstrom but if you on eBay you can probably pick them up for about maybe $12.00 a bottle.  That is pretty good.  I know I picked one up for  $12.00 last month so you just have to check around if like and want to purchase and find a price you are comfortable with.

Ciao Bella,

Patty