Tuesday, September 3, 2013

August Favorites

August was a really slow month for me, mainly due to my husband’s surgery.  I think I did manage to get a few posts out that were kind of my favorites.  I know I have a huge August Haul.  So there are some of my favorites.
 
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I wore this when I went to dinner with my daughter who was visiting and two of my girlfriends.  I just could not stop looking at the the sparkle of this glitter toppper from North Star Nails.
 
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This is from Girly Bits Jini Loves Indie.  I just love the different shapes and all the glitters of this topper.
 
 
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This is Turbulance with top coat.  I love the way it look with with the topcoat and although not caught on camera it is just gorgeous.
 
 
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This was from a MIsh Mash Challenge.  The Challenge was Metallic.
 
 
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This is a new polish from KB Shimmer’s Fall Collection called Teal another Tail.  It is a beautiful teal with a pink duochrome.
 
 
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This was was one of the challenges of the Mish Mash challenge in doing a nail art technique you had never done.  I said I did not every really like newspaper nails but somehow this challenge changed my mind.
 
There were so many great polishes this month it was harder than usual to pick.  All the indies were great also.  So for September I have a huge haul so there are a lot of new things to see.
 
Ciao for now,
Patty
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Transitions

With the summer months coming to an end it seems like we are looking forward to wearing our new Fall polishes but some are just really not summer and too fall to wear right now.  So, some of the polishes you can look towards are neutrals.  Something like this one from Julep.  This one is called Allison from Julep.  It is described as an almond crème.  The formula is great and if you want you can stamp it with anything or just wear it alone because it really looks nice.  It does look a lot like Cuppa from butter London but this has more of a yellow tint.  So, this is a great polish to take you from summer to fall.  I don’t know about you all but for me it seems that summer really just flew by. 
 
 
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You can find this polish on the Julep website.
Ciao for now,
Patty

Monday, September 2, 2013

For All Bloggers

I have created a blogger support group it is closed and secret.

Our Mission Statement is a place to go where you can vent and not worry about anything you say. We are here for support.

Life can be difficult and sometimes we do tend to stress out about our blogs and sometimes don't have anyone to turn to. So this will help. This group is to help other bloggers with, questions. I don't have all the answers but maybe someone else does. This is also a place where we are here to help each other with guest posts when someone just needs a break but remember it is just as important for you to help others. Also, younger bloggers can look up to senior bloggers and get critiques of their blogs. You might find someone who has been very successful in a short amount of time and have them look at your blog and give a critique but also remember to be kind on both ends. If you are asking for the critique or give it do it in a kind manner. Also, I made this group secret that way you can feel free to say things and not be worried about anyone who is not part of the group read what you have to say. Picture posting is ok but only for the purpose of feedback. That's where we will start and if something needs to change we can discuss it as a group. This is not my group it belongs to everyone in the group.  It would be great to have around 50 -75 members rather than 300 but we will see what happen.

Senior bloggers are highly encouraged to join.


Ciao Bella's,
Patty

Friday, August 30, 2013

Mish Mash Challenge Week 5 Music

When I think about Rock and Roll Royalty the two bands that immediately think of the Rolling Stones and the Beatles but they are from across the pond and do we think of them as royalty simply because they come from a country where there is a monarchy.  Well, I want to say that Aerosmith is royalty also but somehow it doesn’t seem right because they do not come from a monarchy but they have been around for a long time, almost as long as the Rolling Stones and are still creating music.  So, they are America’s royalty so there are so many great songs they have released that it was hard to pick one but the one I picked was one of my favorites.  Pink.  I don’t know if it is real popular but I sure like it. 
So, I did a pink manicure using stamps that would I think would represent the song and the band.  So here is my mani rendition of Pink.
 
 
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I had to use the big lip ring.  We are talking Steven Tyler
 
 
What is your favorite Aerosmith Song?
Let’s see what the other girls came up with
 
Ciao Bellas,
Patty

I'd love to hear from you, reading all your lovely comments makes me so happy! I don't get chance to reply to them all but I do read every one =)

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Butter London Part 3 Smokey Look Tips

Press Sample

So, I am finally at the end of showing these new and colorful products from butter London. 
This basically what I did using only the products for color sent to me.
1.  I used Lancôme's Le Base primer and Clinique Stay Matte Makeup.  Le Base is like the softest thing I have ever put on my face. 
2.  Started with the eyes.   I used Urban Decay Eye shadow Primer.  Then I used the butter London eye shadow in Pistol Pink lightly all over my eye so it would create a highlight on my below my brow. 
3.  This is the hard part because although the butter London liner is really pigmented in about 30 it dries and becomes water-proof, so you got to work a little fast.  I started with the eyeliner Pistol pink and placed it on the inside of my eye going only half way then quickly got an eye shadow brush to spread any open spots. 
4.  Now, the black eyeliner I spread in the crease as fast as I could and spread it didn’t lay smooth but that was ok because the next thing I did was mix some Le Base on my hand and put some eyeliner on the top of my hand.  I mixed it to make a crème mixture and put it on.  If it tugs on your eyes stop it is not worth it to hurt your eyes.  I used plenty of my Le Base so it was soft when I put it on.  Then I was pretty much ready.  I lined the top of my eye with the black eyeliner and then drew another line of the pink over that.  I was able to lightly spread.  On my waterline I put the black and then underneath that I used the Pistol Pink.
5.  I started to put on some false eyelashes but again gave it up because it just didn’t look right, so I went natural.  I used the pink on my top lashes and then black on the tips.  You might want to use a separate mascara brush for the tips you can use a disposable one or just use the brush in the black mascara.  I just recommend cleaning the brush afterwards with a brush cleaner if you see that it got pink or whatever color you might use before putting it back into the container.  You’ll want to do this just so you don’t mess up your black product.
6.  Then it was on to blush which like I said in part 2 goes on really well and gives a soft glow.
7.  I used the Lip Balm Toasted Marshmallow and Lippy in Tripple.

That is it.  I want to say that this has really been a task.  I am in no way a make-up artist just a 49 year old mother who loves cosmetics and has been playing with them for a while.  Taking these pictures was totally out of my comfort zone but I feel more confident now that I have done this.  I hope you got some good information regarding the products.  I hope you try one of them and my vote is definitely the mascara.  If you are not into the colors you can use just the black or brown  but it is a really good mascara and I don’t say say that lightly.  If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me. 
Also from now until September 30th you can receive 15% off any order at www.butterlondon.com using promo code ROCKON.  Also to see more looks or show off yours at  #bLrock. 

Ciao for now,
Patty


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Smokey Eye Look

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Front (the black looks purple but that just happens because of the pink eyeshadow.  You can make it darker just by adding more black. You can also see the pink mascara with the black tips.)

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Side view(Here you can really see the pink mascara and a little of the black tips.

These products were provided to me by butter London for my honest review

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

I Told You, You Would See This Again

Press Sample
A couple of weeks ago I showed a polish from Northern Star called Sunburst.  Well here it is again.  This manicure looked beautiful.  I kept staring it all day long.  I went to brunch with some friends and they too noticed how pretty this holographic glitter top looked. I did a pink and orange gradient.  It doesn’t matter what colors you use just as long as it is a hot pink and an orange.  

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Last week, I put it on white and it was beautiful.  It looked angelic.  It even felt angelic.  My mood was actually overly nice.  I am usually nice but you know those sappy girls from those romantic comedies that we just kind of find unbelievable?  That is how this manicure made me feel.  I even wore all white.  It just did something to me.   So, now I know when I have to go see someone I particularly don’t like I will wear this manicure.  Although I don’t surround myself with people I don’t like, there are times that we all have to do something we don’t like.  I know I have to go get my license sticker at the sheriff’s department and I really dislike cops, sheriffs and constables.  I will need to wear it that day. 

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Again sorry about the mix-up on the days.  I totally plan to have the Butter London post done tomorrow.  I hope you like these two looks and if you do check out Northern Star at Etsy.  The owner is super sweet and also gives you this wonderful cuticle oil for free with every order.  I love the one she sent me.  So, just check it out.

Ciao bellas,
Patty

Oy Ve

Hello,
All I can say is Oy ve,  I thought today was Sunday.  I started getting my stuff ready to fix my smoky Butter London face only to realize it was Monday and not Sunday.  Every Monday I go to my DBSA meeting.  Just a little note on that.  A blogger was on Facebook yesterday admitting that her therapist had recommended she see a psychiatrist for depression.  I commented that that was great that she was taking that step.  I know many bloggers suffer from some type of depression and it is ok.  If you are taking your medication, getting therapy plus going to DBSA.  I had suffered for many years and was ok but something was missing it was when I started DBSA that my depression changed I have become really good friends with three of the girls.  Last week I had the newest member of our group over to my home and did her nails.  Today she still had her nails done and she was so happy and it gave me such a sense of joy to see that just painting her nails made her happy.  She said several people had noticed and said she looked nice.  It was so much fun.  I am looking forward to having the other two girls over to do their nails.  My therapist even told me I should do some volunteer work.  I really thought that I really enjoyed working with the elderly and decided I might see about doing some volunteer work by going in twice a month to do nails.  I really feel good tonight about this one manicure.  She picked the color it was  Hits Mari Moon and then a pink flower that went in ascending then descending order.  That is what was she wanted. 
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Close-Up
I wanted to say to all the bloggers you know or anyone you know pass the word.  DBSA(Depression, Bi-polar, Support, and Alliance) is such a great place I recommend them to anyone.  To find out where they have meetings go to DBSA.org for meetings in your area.
Tomorrow, I will have the Butter London smoky look and tutorial.  So, sorry, my depression does throw me off a bit but things are getting way better.
Ciao Bellas

Monday, August 26, 2013

Butter London Part 2 ( The Products)

 
Press Sample
 
Here are the products that were in the Butter London Box I received.  
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Tinted Lipbalm in Tinted Lip Balm
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This is a lip balm called in Toasted Marshmallow
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Lippy Lip gloss
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Pistol Pink Eyeliner
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Union Jack Eyeliner
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Eyeshadow in Pistol Pink



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Crème blush in Naughty Biscuit
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Mascara in Union Jack
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Mascara in Pistol Pink

 
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Pistol Pink Nail Polish
The Products:
The Lip balm:  I personally liked the color but did not think it went well with the colors given to me.  The balm did not last as long as most lipsticks so if I was to buy one I would definitely buy a different color because I think the staying power would be longer.  It does go on semi-matte so that is why I think it would last longer in a darker color for me.
The Lippy:  I won Queen Vic in a giveaway and I love it.  It is a darker color and it tastes wonderful.  This Lippy is very light and was gone for me in half an hour and it doesn’t have that wonderful buttery taste.  I definitely like the old formula’s staying power and taste much better than this one.
The Eyeliners:  These eyeliners are so pigmented I love them.  The only thing is that they are water-proof which is fine if you don’t make a mistake putting it on or want to smudge but I came up with a way to make it a little better but that will come in the next post where I will actually show you two looks I came up with Yikes. (I am not photogenic).  One way to smudge the eyeliner is using the eye shadow to moisturize it a little but it does take away the color.   In the looks that I created I tried to use only the products sent to me.  So, I do want to say the eyeliners are workable.
The next is the Eye shadow.  I rarely use crème eye shadow but what I did find was that it did have staying power.  It felt like a mousse.  I spread it on with my finger.  I did use a Urban Decay’s eye shadow primer which is one of the best but the eye shadow is nice.
The crème blush.  I haven’t used crème blush in over ten years but I do like them.  This one spread really easily and it just gave a nice glow.
The mascaras.  Ok, I was going to use false eye lashes because I have pretty short lashes but no need to.   These are probably the best mascaras I have ever used and I have used them all.  Lancôme, Dior, MAC, Clinique and tons of drug star brands but these are great!  If you get anything from this line get one of the mascaras.  They retail for $20.00 which is in a good price range.  I went wild over the pink.  I have tried colored mascaras and have to use a primer just to get a little color.  Not with these they are so pigmented two coats and you are good to go.  I did already go and buy the blue but I really want the purple.  I wasn’t sure I would like the pink but I love it.  So, this is the last week that Ulta is having a sale.   Buy $25.00 of butter London and you get a free bottle of Chaucer.  This is where I bought the blue but honestly I am dying for the purple.  I  think this will be my staple mascara from now on. 
 
 
 
Ok, so this is so out of my comfort zone it isn’t even funny. Here is my soft Pastel Look.
      


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The Manicure.
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Pistol Pink with Union Jack Semi Moons.
I have a third post where I did do a smokey look so that will be the final post.
Ciao Bellas,
Patty

Friday, August 23, 2013

Butter London Rock Your Colour Part One of Three.

Press Sample
So, one day I got an e-mail from butter London asking if I wanted to be a Bezzie Mate.  Butter London being one of my favorite polishes, the answer was obvious.  YES!  Later, I got an email and said I had been selected to test new products from butter London and would be receiving a package soon.  I got the package.
 
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Yeah, it’s kind of big.  Oh, boy, I thought.
 
 
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I open it and see this.  Ok???
 
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Ahhh!  This isn’t nail polish.  Well, there was one bottle but the rest was cosmetics.  I could not believe it.  So, here are some pictures of examples on looks you can make with these cosmetics.
 
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The Color of Rainbow Punk
 
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Rebel Chic
 
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Soft Pastel
 
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The Red Look.
 
All beautiful looks.  So, stay tuned for part two to see what package I got.  I have to do it this way or the post would be way to long and I do want to show you looks I came up with and how and give an honest review of these products.
 
These products were sent to me for my honest review

Mish Mash Challenge Week 4

Again, sorry for being late.  I am trying.  Ok, when I saw this challenge.  I thought oh, no.  I started this blog being able to do watermarbling pretty well and stamping  and that is the main thing I wanted to do but I find that that can’t always be the case since sometimes you do just have to show new lines.  My love is nail art and I have done a lot.  So, I went to the place where I think we all go for inspiration.  YouTube.  I saw newspaper nails and realized I had never done them and quite frankly the reason I never did them was because I thought they were kind of stupid.  I don’t read the newspaper at all.  As a matter of fact, I hate the newspaper because on Sunday it is all over the place especially on the bathroom floor and I get stuck picking it up.  So, I kind of despise the newspaper, so why would I want it on my nails.  So, I decided to do newspaper nails since I have never done them.  I do have a stamp that has a newspaper image but I didn’t cheat and did it the right way.  I started with two coats of OPI’s My Vampire is Buff.  Then used the alcohol on my fingers and paper for the transfer and this is what came out.  It isn’t a bad look.   I might do them again but with more of a sepia look to make the newspaper look old and worn maybe even give the edges a burnt look. Now that might be cool.  This was my very first time doing this. 
 
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Let’s take a look at what the other girls did.
Ciao for now bellas,
Patty

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Comments and Posts

Good evening,
It is just time that I have to apologize for my lack of attention to my blog my life is a real train wreck right now.  My husband had surgery on his Achilles tendon and is literally helpless.  It was a painful surgery and I have had to take charge of everything in the house.  Everything.  To top things off he had changed jobs much to my displeasure.  I had begged him not to but he said he was making the right decision.  I knew he was wrong.  He had surgery July 18th.  He got fired from his job July 22nd.  I knew not to trust his boss he is a horrible greedy man and needless to say there has been a lot of arguments and this does not help my depression.  So, I spend a lot of time taking him to interviews because he can't drive.  So, please just stick with me through this difficult time hopefully it will go back to normal soon.  Where I can go back to writing and spending more time on my blog. 

Enter to win KB Shimmer's Complete Line

Here is the link to enter to win.  i think you can only enter once but if you don't enter you have no chance to win.  http://nailitmag.com/giveaway-kbshimmer-fall-2013

Monday, August 19, 2013

My Favorite Indie Polish

Yesterday I did two posts stating that KB Shimmer made my favorite indie polish.  Well, here it is.  I have had this polish for about a year but it is my favorite.  It is the Vegas Bomb.  I love Vegas and I love this polish.  I am kind of saving this for my next trip to Vegas.  I was supposed to go this summer but life happens and we don’t have control.   I will make it to Vegas by the end of the year and wear it everyday. 
 
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Unfortunately this polish is discontinued but it is the bomb because it is packed with glitter.  All colors and all shapes even some bar glitter that is why it is called the bomb.  So, there it is.  I definitely need another ring for this polish. Off to Ebay.
 
Ciao Bellas,
Patty