Oh, How I Love Cirque

INTRODUCING THE LIVE IT UP COLLECTION + NAIL CARE & LIMITED EDITIONS

Posted by Annie Pham on October 30, 2014

The holiday season is upon us and what better way to bring on the festivities than matching your nails to the occasion? Whether it's hosting a family potluck or toasting flutes at a swanky soiree, we've created a 5-piece glitter collection that is sure to make a statement this winter (with plenty of nail compliments too). Inspired by holiday celebrations and classic dance hits, we are excited to introduce The Live It Up Collection.

1999 A glitzy glitter overcoat made with soft white and holographic silver glitters $13	One More Time A glitter overcoat made with a bold combination of black, white and gray glitters $13
Let's Dance A rainbow confetti made with colorful metallic-finished glitter $13	Holo-Day Cheer (LE) ** Limited Edition: A festive glitter overcoat made with red, green, gold and silver glitters ** Net proceeds will benefit City Harvest $13
8 Crazy Nights (LE) ** Limited Edition: A festive glitter overcoat made with varying shades of blue and holographic silver glitters ** Net proceeds will benefit City Harvest $13

The Live It Up Collection will be available online at CirqueColors.com on November 13, 2014. Please refer to our Stockists page for participating retailers.

** Until Dec 31, 2014, 20% of net proceeds from the sale of Holo-Day Cheer & 8 Crazy Nights will be donated to City Harvest: A food rescue organization dedicated to helping feed the nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers facing hunger.


It also makes me so happy that they did at least one Chanukah polish.


Ciao,
Patty

Hall Pass of November

It is that time again to select one man that you could entertain without any negative feedback from your significant other.  Well this month feeling kind of blah and with no desire to even think of the sheer pain an an afternoon romp, would cost.   I reached out to a girlfriend who I knew would have somebody in mind.  The list was short.  It was one person.  She explained what she saw in him.  I have always thought he was good looking .  The thing with this man is that he is pretty famous and grew up right in the neck of our hometown.  As a matter of fact two school chums who I went to school with and was good friends with who did a good portion of the music for one of his movies.  Oh, did I mention that Johnny Depp was the star.  One of his best friends is Quentin Tarantino.  Yes, I am talking about Robert Rodriguez.

When she recommended him.  I did think.  Yuck, he was with Rose McGowan but most men have that one really slutty girl they date and are usually quite embarrassed.  When my husband used to say that nail polish is too much.  I would just look at him and say her name.  That ended the conversation.   So, forget about Rose McGowan.  Let's look at this man's attributes.

1.  He finds raw talent.  Look at Salma Hayek.  From Dusk Til Dawn made her a superstar.  The movie wasn't that great but it made Salma a star.  Same for Jessica Alba she had some fame but after Sin City she was a superstar.

2.  He just looks like a really cute regular guy.  We discussed her choice against my two favorites, which are Sebastian Rulli and Alejandro Fernandez.  She said Sebastian was just too pretty and not as rugged as Robert.  Alejandro was just too lanky.  She said Robert had some meat on him.  Yeah ok, I agree.

So, we talked a little more and she said and she convinced me.  Of course under "Girl Code" she called him first so it hands off.

 

 

 

 

 

Decidcated to my dear friend.   Thank you so much for your helps.  Love ya, C.

 

Caio Bella,

Patty

Update and Future of Blog

Hello,
I am just updating on what has been going on and what the future of my blog is.  First I want to say how much I miss doing this blog.  It was such a big part of my life having to slowly give up has been hard.  Some of you may be saying?  Why doesn't she just quit?  Two reasons the first is I am not ready to let go and two I don't feel I have been successful.  I haven't done enough to make the blog successful and for me that is just not okay.  I can do better to get more exposure.  So, what I am going to do is post new collections.  I am going to do a favorites post and instead of Hall Pass I am going to change it to Hunk of the Month.  My girlfriend is helping me for November and I have December's already done.  During the month of December I am going to put up a poll to see who wins for the year.  Now, January, I am going to reach out to someone to actually pick and do the post.  There is a reason for this.
Here comes some bad news, I just found out I am going to need my back surgery redone there are two major places that are giving me problems.  Right now, my pain level will reach a 10 without medication.  They will be putting pins and rods on my back because they will be completely removing a disk.  I will have one procedure that will be done through the back and then get flipped over and have the other procedure done through my abdomen.  It sounds harsh and it will be.  I have a lot of confidence in this surgeon.  I could have one procedure done now and another one in six months.  Sorry, life is too short.  I pretty much bed bound.  I can barely sit and I want my life back.  My doctor let me make the choice about having both procedures done at the same time and that was my choice.  After getting out of the hospital, will be going to a rehab hospital.  This too is my choice. I know if I come home I will be alone and that's not anybody's fault.  My husband needs to keep working and so does everybody else.  This also gives me the full time attention of nursing staff who can call my doctor if my pain gets out of control.  My husband will be there all the time he is not working.  So, that's cool and there will be other people there for me to shoot the shit with.  I just staying positive and hoping to get my life back.
In the meantime, you can follow me on Instagram because I still buy new polish and stamping plates and am taking pictures of my manicures.  Right now I am wearing those gorgeous color from Colors by Llarowe called I'll Be Sea-ing You.  It is gorgeous.  I will be posting two weeks of manicures on Instagram.  I can't guarantee my Pinterest page will be up to date because it is under construction.  I also found some new stamping polish, it's new to me, but I have heard from other bloggers that it the best.  I already purchased some.  The name of the company is Mundo de Unas.  Their icon is in the right column of the blog.  Also, if you have been wanting to score a Nars Audaciuos Lipstick, I just bought 2 from an eBay store called Boxed Beauty.  I got Annabella and Sylvia.  Annabella was $16.99.  Sylvia a limited edition was $22.99.  Both are authentic so that is just a little tidbit I wanted to share.  Plus this month Sephora has 20% off everything November 6 - 12.  Not sure on the end date but to is a great time to purchase items you need or stock up on your must haves.

Caio Bella,
Patty

National depression Week

This one week out of the year October 5-11.  Our country takes the time to I don't know maybe just talk about it but hello why doesn't it get a month now.  I have to admit that I have sunk into a deep depression.  My medication is working but that doesn't mean it magically keeps you from getting depressed.  There are some things I need to do to help myself.  One is getting enough sleep.  Two is tending to myself eating and bathing on regular basis.  Long term illness will certainly bring on depression and I have slid in there.  Medication does not guarantee you won't get depressed.  I mean if you spent everyday for two months now in bed you would get depressed and that is where I am.  I feel hopeless and helpless over my botched back surgery which has left my legs unable to ambulate more than a little around the apt.  Plus I am dealing with extreme back pain.  So, I am going to take a break and take care of myself no one else can do it.  I just have read some blog that never said goodbye.  I don't know if this is good bye.  I am still so addicted to polish I just can't see this as the end so it's just a hiatus.  Like when a TV show has a season finale but you know they will be back.  That is what I am considering this. A hiatus.
Love,
Patty

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

. 

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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