Sunday, July 28, 2013

Dior Birds of Paradise. Samba

This season Dior has managed to put out two of the most popular colors of the season.  A metallic teal and a crème mint.  Both came in a box and are half the size of a large bottle of Dior polish.  Which in a way I think I like because truthfully the only bottles of polish I ever really finished have been OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls and Black Onyx and Chanel's Black Satin.  Little bottles ensure full use.  Neither one of these polishes have names I just call them one and two.  The metallic polish really surprised me with it's smooth application.  I wondered if it was a dupe for Chanel's Azure but you can clearly tell that they are different and not dupes.
 
 
Chanel on the right.  Dior on the Left.  They look like dupes in this picture but they definitely are not.  The Dior is much greener.
 
 
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As far as the creme color goes it went on like cream cheese frosting on a red velvet cake ( craving chocolate).  The color is just gorgeous as it is the "color" of the season.  I have no complaints.

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Ciao Bellas,
Patty

Thursday, July 25, 2013

I Have Been Cheating

Yes, I have been cheating on my beloved Lemony Flutter.  I kept seeing everyone's beautiful nails and noticed how everyone's cuticles were just so pretty.  So, I tried many things that actually were doing more harm than good.  I tried a cuticle pumice stone.  That was the worst.  My nails started breaking.  I started using Sally Hansen's Cuticle remover, the one in the blue bottle and it seemed like I had more problems.  I just did not go as far as cutting.  But my cuticles looked like crap.  So, I just stopped and literally slept with Neosporin in on my cuticles and band aids.  I had to do something.  So, I heard that Blue Cross and Blue Shield Cuticle remover was pretty good, so I tried it and instead of using anything to scrape the cuticles off, I just got a nail brush and bought this soap called sand stone from Lush. 
Now, my cuticles started to heal so, I started using the Dior cuticle crème and did notice changes in a week's time.  The problem with this crème is that if you don't use it for a day or two your cuticles start to react by peeling, at least that is what happened to me.  It is a great product but it is expensive, $24.00 for a little jar 10 grams but you only need a little bit every night.  I still use either Lush's Helping Hands or Handy Guguru. 

 
 
I first felt so guilty but when I did notice a difference.  I wanted to see if I would get the same results with Lemony Flutter the results were close except for me it took longer to get them in the condition they were in with Lemony Flutter but their is one advantage to Lemony Flutter, it seems like you can miss a day and you are not at square one.  Lemony Flutter costs about $18.00 but you get 45 grams.
 
 
I do tend to use a little more Lemony Flutter than the Dior because the Dior is just loaded with emollients.  Lemony Flutter just has a very different consistency.  The Dior turns almost to an oil consistency once you put it on and you need just a tiny amount.  It does not have any odor like Lemony Flutter, which a lot of people complain about.  Personally, I love the smell. 
 
So, what am I using right now the Dior but I still keep my Lemony Flutter which I use once during the day.  I just can't stop Lemony Flutter.   I think even though the Dior is so good I will never give up Lemony Flutter.  I have just always been Lemony Flutter's Cheerleader, I had to confess that there are other cuticle crème's that work just as well even a little better.  So, that is all I have to say about that.  You can look up reviews on the Dior Crème and probably won't find a bad one although most people do complain about the price.
 
Ciao for now,
Patty
 
 

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Bootie Babe is Back!

the long awaited return of the cute little bottles with the bootie shape is finally here.  I know I have waited a long time for this and when they became available to be honest I was a little disappointed because of price but more importantly a $5.00 shipping charge,  For the rest of the summer the polish is 33% off but you still have to pay shipping charges but the 33% off does defray the shipping.  They have several colors now, neutrals and even some holos.  This one in particular is a holo.  It is called Butt and Brickle.  There is a darker one called one that resembles this one but I went lighter.  The application was really smooth, fast to dry but did need three coats because of it’s color.  I got one other one a white holo and a lavender.  I haven’t swatched those yet but will do it as soon as I can so you can see them.   Meantime, you can buy Bootie Babe on their Facebook website.   Each bottle is $8.00 plus they are having a great giveaway. 
 
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Besides the bottle being so cute I have to admit that this is a seriously sound polish buy.  With the darker colors on the older version there was a little staining but they wear well and are easy to use so don’t let the bottle fool you this is a really good product that just happens to come in a cute bottle.  So, check them out if you haven’t.
Ciao bellas,
Patty

A Reward For Myself

If you have noticed I have not been posting as often as usual.  The problem, my husband’s Achilles heel injury.  If you have ever taken care of a sick spouse, boyfriend or and man I think you might know why I needed a reward.  Last Thursday was the surgery and I am just not used to this.  So, I had a gift certificate from Macy’s and when I saw that Chanel had released their autumn/fall polishes this was my favorite it is called Alchimie.  I would describe this color as a shiny olive, it is like you would take a raw olive and then put a coat of Seche Vite over it.  It is really pretty and so neutral.  I put it against some clothes and it pretty much went with everything I had even some reds.  The formula is much like the other Chanel’s I have reviewed first coat a little streaky but the second coat completely took care of the streaks and it looked perfect.  This is two coats with one coat of top coat.   I am back to Seche Vite.  It is just easier to come by than the Nubar top coat.  This polish did not go unnoticed when I wore it out.  I did get several what color is that questions.  Although, when I did say it was from Chanel I got a little of a sad look but said sometimes you just need to treat yourself.
 
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It is good to treat yourself but when I do treat myself it is usually after doing something unusually nice for someone or knowing that I am going to so yeah, do it for yourself and play it forward.
 
Ciao bellas,
Patty

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

It Matches

 
On Monday I went to a DBSA meeting and wore this shirt I decided to do a manicure that would match exactly to the shirt.  I used Essie Bikini So Teeny, using DRK-A plate and American Apparel 7th and Alameda to stamp the leopard pattern then stamped a flower on my ring and thumb as accents.  I really got a lot of compliments on it.  I think this summer I am going to challenge myself to wear patterns that match my clothes.  I have my spring wardrobe and I am now actively looking for bargains for fall.  I will tell you the one wardrobe item I just am addicted to is the HUE denim leggings.  I think I bought about seven pair all on sale of course but they are just so comfy.  I love them.  I think Nordstrom might have some on sale for like $12.00 you might want to try a pair or perhaps you have if you have maybe you can let the rest of us know what you think about them.  So, have fun with your manis this summer the colors are so pretty.  I am hearing through the grapevine that the color for fall is going to be hunter green.  I can’t wait to continue my shopping for fall.
 
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So, it came out pretty cute.   I hope to do more of these.  Let me know if you like these kinds of posts.  I know I have some pretty exciting one coming up soon. 
 
Ciao bellas,
Patty

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

The Pink One


Today I have a polish that is named exactly for what it is a pink one but when I say pink, I mean pink.  I can see why Pretty Serious Cosmetics named it this.  It kind of grabs your attention.  You think I have see a lot of pink polishes but to use something as basic as The Pink One there might be something special about it.  There is it is a glossy bright pink think neon pink but not a flat a glossy.  It definitely has blue undertones which makes it very strong.  I would also venture to say that it has some yellow.  This polish is not for the trying to give off a shy vibe to anyone.  This polish has to be worn with a strong sense of who you are a daring, happy go lucky lady.  So, if you want to get some attention this is definitely a polish that everyone will notice.  I think it is great and I am really glad to own this one.

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And of course there has to be a seriously wild ring.  The stones on the lips are pink and I actually think the pink from the polish drowned it out.  But I saw this ring on ebay and knew I had to have it because a polish would come around that would be perfect for it and this was it.

So, this bold polish is made by Pretty Serious Cosmetics you can purchase their fabulous nail polish at their website Pretty Serious Cosmetics or at Llarowe.  They end up costing the same at both sites about $10.00 a bottle. 

Ciao Bellas,
Patty

Saturday, July 13, 2013

June Favorites

Well, looking at my Stats June breaks them all in that only published 11 posts.  So, this will probably be a very short list. 


 
 
Northern Star Sunburst.  You will see this again. 
 
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My polish problem was a good post for me to write just so I could see myself the extent of my need to let go and help find these babies another home because they are just sitting on a shelf.  I got so many suggestions and ideas so that is going to help me.  I won't do it today because I do abide because I do keep to the Sabbath.  But tomorrow is back to work.  (did you know you can schedule posts to come out at a later time and date?  I just found out.  That is really cool.)
 
Ciao bellas,
Patty

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Northern Star Enigmatic Doctor S

Today I have another glitter topper from Northern Star Nail Polish.  This beautiful glitter topper is loaded with matte teal and metallic blue, purple, orange, red, gold, and silver glitters  You can wear it or pair with a base color for more depth.  I chose to use a base color.  I used A England’s Sleeping Palace.  It was just the perfect purple because it was not over powering.  This polish was so easy to use compared to some other glitter toppers.  I did use a topcoat of Seche Vite and that gave me a soft even surface.  
The possibilities with this polish are many.  I thought of pairing it with another polish but took the safe route.  I have a jelly light blue polish which would make a great jelly sandwich for this one.  I know before summer is over that is one I will try. Hopefully, no more accidents.  So, this polish can be bought at the Etsy store and if you buy now the owner is having a 15% off sale so if you like any of the ones you have seen now is the time to buy.  I was just on the site and there are some other really nice ones.  So check it out.


                           disclaimer-these products were provided for my 100% honest opinion


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Like I said I can’t wait to use this is a jelly sandwich. 
Ciao for now, bellas
Patty

Monday, July 8, 2013

Saturday Shopping


Well, I never though this would happen but you those big boxes of cotton they sell at Sally’s?  I ran out.  So, I decided to take Goldie since they really like her visits.  I am just shocked that there is no more cotton.  I guess it lasted about a year and I really got my money’s worth but there were other things I wanted to do.  Victoria’s Secret is having a sale on panties 7 for $26.00 and even though I am not incontinent yet.  I don’t like holes in my panties and my husband will literally throw away anything that has even the smallest hole although I did find an old t-shirt that I threw away he saw it and freaked.  It turned out his mother had bought it for him.  We have gotten rid of most of our clothes from past “administrations”  (that is what we choose to call all our ex’s and between the two of us there are a lot, does that mean we were both you know, sluts.  Not me, I didn’t sleep with everyone I dated.  He maybe did.  I seems to have relationships where he seemed to have two week f_ck friends.  Oh, I don’t know.)  Boy, that was off the subject.  Anyway,  I came up with this manicure last night knowing that I was going to do something today and knew what I was going to wear.  So, I came up with this manicure.  First I am going to show you a picture of the shorts.

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I have a lime green shirt I am going to wear with this.  So here is the manicure.
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To get this look, I used Essie’s The More the Merrier, stamped with Konad special polish in white using Cheeky Plate #4 to create the checkerboard pattern.   You can find this checker board pattern on several sets of plate or if you are really good at it you can draw them out.  Doing a lady bug is easy but you have to be extremely ambidextrous and I am not that good.  So, on Pueen Plate #47 there is a lady bug that I stamped on the corner.  I think it came ok.  What do you think?  OH, and feel free to vent about any former administrations if you want.

Ciao bellas,
Patty