The Nail Files – Week 3

I’m a little late to the party on this one, but glad to be playing along! Nail polish is one of my favorite things and it’s always fun to share what shades I’m loving and to also see what everyone else is wearing.

Tara and Vicki are hosting this. Please visit their blogs and join in on the fun!



We’re expecting snow and it’s been freezing, so I decided to brighten my mood with a light polish. This shade is called Crinoline and comes from the Tracy Reese Fall 2011 Collection for the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure line.


Crinoline

It’s a creamy, opaque whitish pink that covers well with two coats. The first one is a bit streaky, but everything smoothes out with the 2nd. I have to say that I really love this color. It reminds me of a bit of Mod About You from OPI, but it’s lighter. Colors like this always look classy and fit just about any occasion.

As a base, I used Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails and for a top coat, I used INM – Out The Door Super Fast Drying Top Coat. This is my first time using the INM and I have to say that I’m impressed. My nails didn’t dry quite as fast as they do with Seche Vite, but INM doesn’t have the horrible smell and dangerous chemicals that Seche Vite has. They’re just as shiny as when I use Seche Vite and the extra minute or two of drying time was not a problem.


Base, Polish and Top Coat

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Thanksgiving recap & blog swap reveal!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Mine was great. I got to spend time with Geof, my family and even did some Christmas shopping.

Wednesday, Geof and I went out on a date night to see Breaking Dawn and then went to dinner at a newish Mexican place called Dos Gringos. It was perfection!


Ready for date night!


Movie + Mexican = Perfection

Thanksgiving was spent at my aunt & uncle’s with the family and Friday we did some Black Friday shopping in Delaware. We scored some great deals! The rest of the weekend consisted of skating, relaxing, more shopping and a little work.


Thanksgiving at my aunt & uncle's

To keep with the theme of the Plenty To Be THANKful For Challenge, here is Day 9: I’m THANKful For Thanksgiving! (Post a picture of your table… if you have time!)


3 large tables for Thanksgiving this year

Day 10 I’m THANKful for Black Friday and Leftovers!


Doing Black Friday shopping in Delaware was definitely something to be THANKful for since we not only got some things on sale, we didn’t have to pay sales tax!

Last but not least is the Plenty To Be THANKful For Blog Swap Reveal!


Look how pretty she wrapped everything!


Love all my new swap goodies!

I was partnered with Stephanie from Life’s Lyrics and to say she spoiled me would be an understatement. She sensed my love for nail polish right away and even got me a shade that was on my Christmas wish list (Rainbow Connection from OPI). She also sent me some other beauty goodies and a gorgeous Christmas ornament along with a gift card for Starbucks!

We connected right away and it turns out, we have a ton in common from our favorite color to our taste in music. That’s why I love swaps, because it’s always nice to meet other great bloggers. Please pay her blog a visit. She’s wonderful!



Thank you to all the ladies that took the time to organize this challenge and swap. Putting the posts together has been a blast and also given me the opportunity to reflect on the things that I’m most thankful for this season. I’ve also “met” some really nice ladies. I’m thankful for you all!

I'm THANKful for the Blogoverse!

It’s Day 4 of the Plenty To Be Thankful For Blog Challenge & Swap



Today’s topic is the Blogoverse:

The blogoverse is something I’m very THANKful for. I never imagined that so many wonderful women, most of whom I’ve never met in real life could be such a big part of my life. I’m sincere when I say that this is an amazing community and I’m lucky to have made some real friendships because of it.

Besides all the great people are the wonderful ideas and inspiration. I’ve cooked meals based on your recommendations, made crafts from some of the pretty things I’ve seen you create and been motivated to do many things like put together nice outfits, try new things, workout (need to get back to that) and decorate. The list goes on and on.

I try not to get too negative on the blog and keep things pretty upbeat, because I’ve always said this is my happy place. With that said, my life is far from perfect, but I know that the blogoverse will always be here to bring a little sun on a rainy day. For that, I'm thankful, grateful and honored to be part of it.

I'll leave you with this text from by blog friend Gwen:



It really made me giggle. Her daughter is the cutest and the fact that she knows who I am cracks me up!

I'm THANKful for My Hometown!

It’s Day 3 of the Plenty To Be Thankful For Blog Challenge & Swap.


Today’s topic is My Hometown!

I’ve lived in my hometown, just outside of Philadelphia for most of my life. Living in this area, there is plenty to be THANKful for like…

Sporting and Entertainment Venues

Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and the Wells Fargo Center are so easy to get to for games and concerts. Citizens Bank Park is also a beautiful ballpark and pretty amazing to watch a game in.

Airport

This may sound silly, but it’s very nice living so close to an International Airport

Culture

Philadelphia is such a historic city. Sometimes I take for granted how many opportunities are right in my backyard. I need to start being more of a tourist in my own city

NJ & DE

I can get to either of these states in a jiffy. It’s a nice convenience when looking for a change of scenery. It’s also easy to get to NY & MD if I want (another thing I need to take advantage of).

City/Country Balance



There’s a nice contrast between the city and suburbs. If you’re looking for trendy restaurants, unique stores and eclectic bars – you have the city. If you’re looking small vineyards, mom and pop shops and the great outdoors – there’s the county.

I’m baaaaack!

That’s right everyone. My unofficial blog hiatus is over and I’m glad to be blogging again. Leaving wasn’t planned and there were many times I wanted to come back, but just didn’t have it in me. Between work and life, I lost my mojo. The creative juices weren’t flowing and I didn’t want to just blog for the sake of blogging. For those that are reading this, I sincerely thank you for not deserting me and I hope you’ll continue to stay along for the ride.

Here are some of the highlights and interesting tidbits of the last 2 ½ months!

Chad & Amy (our friends from BCE 1 & BCE 2) came out to visit us and we took them down to the Jersey Shore. Our other friends Tracy and Stephanie came later on in the weekend the whole gang got to sightsee in Philadelphia. We did everything from Reading Terminal Market to the “Rocky Steps” at the Art Museum.


Survived my first and hopefully last Earthquake

Spent as much time as possible at the pool


Read…a lot. I’ve definitely discovered a new hobby (this book was also really good btw).


Made it through Hurricane Irene

Chester Count Restaurant Festival


Lots of dinner and movie dates!


That’s about it. We also just get back from Chicago over the weekend and I cannot wait to share all of our adventures from while we were there!

Man Candy Monday – Alexander Skarsgård

My weekend consisted mainly of work, work and more work. Instead of boring you with a lame recap, I thought I’d play along with Leeann for Man Candy Monday. Looking at gorgeous men is the perfect way to start the week if you ask me.

This week is inspired by the latest cover of GQ. I was checking out some mags when I saw one of my favorite Hollywood hunks gracing the cover, Alexander Skarsgård.


via


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Birth Name:
Alexander Johan Hjalmar Skarsgård

Date of Birth:
August 25, 1976

From:
Stockholm, Sweden

Known For:
Acting. Best known for his role as vampire Eric Northman on True Blood

Relationship Status:
Dating Kate Bosworth

Are you with me on this one ladies?

NuMe Giveaway Winner!!

Thank you to everyone that entered the NuMe Giveaway. NuMe used Random.org to draw the winner and there were a total of 69 entries:

Min: 1
Max: 69
Result: 5

The winner is...

mrs.mfc

Congrats!! Please email me your info.

This week has been insanely busy and I hoped to get back to blogging on a regular basis. That's not going to happen and I will catch you next week.

Happy {almost} Friday and enjoy your weekend!

If You Seek Amy

I’m delighted to announce that my sweet and incredibly awesome friend Amy has started a blog called Notes From Anywhere But Here. You’ve definitely heard about her before. Geof and I met Amy and her husband, Chad last year on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever and have stayed in touch ever since. We also got to cruise together again this year. She’s my Midwest Sister from another Mister and I promise that she will keep you entertained.

Please head on over and say "Hello". You won’t regret it!

Today is also the last day to enter my NuMe giveaway. It will close at midnight.

Cherry on Top!

Blog awards can get a little out of control, but every now and then a special one comes along and this falls into that category.

The lovely Leeann at Join the Gossip presented me the Cherry on Top blog award. I urge you all to run over to her blog and say “hello”. She is one of my favorite chicks and I’m not just saying that. We’ve formed a real friendship over the last year and for that, I’m thankful.

List 3 Things You Love About Yourself:
1) I love easily and I’m forgiving. This is something I love about myself because I’m a genuinely nice person. Sometimes this can also be seen as a fault depending on the situation.
2) That I’m good at figure skating and still love doing it even after 20 years. I started when I was 12.
3) Passion. When I like something, I really like it. I think that stirs up an excitement that should always be inside of you.

Post A Picture You Love:



There is nothing in this world like a Hawaiian sunset. This photo is from our last night in Hawaii and it was honestly the best vacation I’ve ever been on. From time spent with Geof, to all our adventures and splashing around in the warm Hawaiian waters. We have so many wonderful memories that I’ll never forget.

Pass on to 5 other blogs that you just adore!
Handbag Obsessed
Love, Lipstick, and Pearls
A Suitcase and Stilettos
Like A Box Of Chocolates
Fashion Meets Food

California Dreamin’

The best thing about blogging is the relationships formed from it. Leeann at Join The Gossip is someone I originally connected with over our taste in music and have grown close to ever since. Though we live on opposite coasts, I consider her my friend and know the day will come that we’re actually able to meet in person. Her blog is one of my favorites and she is truly an awesome person.

This brings me to a swap we decided to do. Since we’ve never been to each others hometowns, we decided to bring a little of that to each other and did a city swap. It was so fun shopping my own city to get a package together for her and receiving fun souvenirs in return from L.A.

Here is what I got:
Pretty postcard of the L.A. skyline with a nice note on the back
Hollywood magnet
Hollywood mints called “Hollywood Hottie Cinnamints”
Hollywood star keychain
California book that has the cities and sights that are a must-see. There are some beautiful photos in it and I look forward to reading the whole thing.
Hollywood mug that’s super cute. I’ll be enjoying many large cups of coffee out of it!
Mix CD that was so creative. It’s easy to forget how many songs are about California until you see them all together. This will be a perfect driving mix!

Track listing:
1. Just A Girl – No Doubt
2. The River – Good Charlotte
3. California Gurls – Katy Perry
4. Party in the USA – Miley Cyrus
5. California – Phantom Planet (this song reminds me of The O.C…loved that show!)
6. All I Wanna Do – Sheryl Crow
7. Hotel California – The Eagles
8. Corona & Lime – Shwayze
9. Free Falling – John Mayer
10. Wake Up – Hillary Duff
11. California Love – 2Pac & Dr. Dre
12. Going Back To Cali – Biggie
13. Beverly Hills – Weezer
14. California Dreamin’ – The Mamas and The Papas
15. Santa Monica – Everclear
16. Californicaton – Red Hot Chili Peppers
17. Hollywood Nights – Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
18. Walking in L.A. – Missing Persons
19. California Sun – The Ramones

Thank you, Leeann! This was so much fun. If you want to see what I sent, click here.

Super sweet!

Steph over at Thoughts From Cali gifted me with the Irresistibly Sweet Award. Being that it’s the month of love, I find this award to be perfect. Thanks Steph for thinking of me!

The rules are that I list 5 sinful indulgences. This is an easy one.

1. Manicures and pedicures. Getting pampered at the nail salon is so relaxing and a definite indulgence. I walk out feeling like a million bucks.



2. A trip to Starbucks. I don’t go often, but when I do, it’s a treat. My beverage of choice is a skinny cinnamon dolce latte.



3. Reality TV. Shows like The Bachelor, Jersey Shore and Real Housewives top the list.

4. Cupcakes. In moderation of course!



5. Lipgloss. A swipe of the perfect pink gloss and I’m ready to go.



I’m going to pass this along to 3 more Irresistibly Sweet Bloggers:

Leeann @ Join The Gossip
Gwen @ Handbag Obsessed
Meghan @ The Perfect Compilation Tape

Happy Friday!

XOXO Valentine's Day craft idea

I’ve admired Jen and her blog, Tatertots & Jello for a long time. How she balances being a mom and an amazing crafter boggles my mind. She posted this adorable idea for Valentine’s Day last year and I knew I had to try it.



What you’ll need:
4 frames (I got mine at Dollar Tree)
2 Sheets of scrapbook paper
Floral marbles
E-6000 Glue (found at Michael’s)
Ruler



Directions:

Cut paper down to size to fit the frames (in my case, 4x6)

Found a cup the right size to trace my O’s and then found the middle of the paper and used a ruler to make my X’s.



Take the E-6000 Glue and put it on the X’s and O’s that you made. Immediately begin adding the marbles to the glue one by one until it’s all filled up. Leave it out overnight to dry.



Add completed X’s and O’s to the frames. The glass that comes with the frames I put behind the paper with the marbles on it. That way, it keeps everything together to use for other projects or for framing photos after Valentine’s Day.



Enjoy!

Cheer for my Pom Pom Necklace {and tutorial}

I’ve admired many crafts and beautiful creations since I started blogging and always watched from afar thinking, I could never do that. This year I made a promise to myself to make at least 3 crafts and I surprised myself by making two in one weekend. Wow!

I saw this last week on Little Miss Momma’s blog and decided I was going to make it. Her instructions were so simple even for a newbie like me. This necklace completely reminds me of something I’d pay mucho dinero for at Anthropologie and I made it for about $10!



What you’ll need:
Cotton fabric remnant
1 Square Foot Felt
Chain/necklace
Glue gunFabric scissors



Directions:
Cut out 5 – 1 inch felt circles



Cut out bunches of fabric circles the same size as the felt circle. I used one of the 5 felt circles as a template and folded the fabric so that by cutting one circle, it would make 8 circles at time. This was a huge time savings.



Once you have your fabric circles, you’re ready to make the pom poms. Take one fabric circle at a time and scrunch it. The technique I used was grabbing it in the middle and making a cone shape so that each circle had a point. I used the hot glue gun to put a dot of glue on each point of the circle and then affixed it to the felt circle by pushing down and starting in the middle. Keep doing this until you like the overall shape and fluffiness of the circle and continue until you have all 5 felt circles completed.





Place pom poms on top of the remaining felt in the shape that you want your necklace in.
Glue down each pom pom with the exception of the top two and then glue the ends of the chain down to the remaining pom poms and then glue those down to the felt along with the others.





All pom poms will be attached to the felt at this point. Finally, trim the felt around the pom poms until you’re left with your beautiful necklace!



Let me know if you try this!