Friday Beauty - No Dry Time Nails

I love to do my nails. I love getting manicures and I really enjoy doing them myself as well. I've loved experimenting with nail art, but it hasn't been too extensive in design. But the thing about doing your nails is that you have to wait for them to dry. And I mean wait. Like a couple of hours and who has time for that?!? If and when I actually do my nails, I paint them at night after everyone has gone to bed. I'll paint them, work on the blog, watch a little TV, and then I'm off to bed. Usually by then they're dry. 

Then there was the invention of the gel polish. I love getting a gel manicure! It lasts for about two weeks, is instantly dry, and you can be as rough as you need to be without a worry of chipping the polish. The down side to the gel mani is that you have to go back into the salon to get it removed. Sure, you can do it at home, but the process is long and it really dries out your cuticles. And, if you're like me, you usually just peel it off which is horrible for your actual nail bed. Oh, and you have to pay roughly $25 a visit for application. Mani's aren't cheap!

The best solution of all was the creation of the nail polish strips! They are an absolute dream come true! I've been using them for a couple of years and I've tried most the brands on the market. I love Sally Hansen's Nail Effects. They are really easy to apply, come in various colors and nail art creations, and the obvious no dry time is the ultimate reason to love! The little box comes with everything you need. The nail strips, cuticle pusher, and instructions for application. I love an all-in-one beauty buy! The Maybelline nail strips work pretty much the same way, however you file off the excess instead of peel like the Sally Hansen version. It doesn't come with anything but the strips and instructions.

 

Then Jamberry entered my life. Jamberry are Nail Wraps that are made of high-quality vinyl. They are long lasting and they are applied with heat and pressure--no chemicals, no odors, no smudging, no dry-time! The wraps can last one to two weeks on fingers, and up to six weeks on toes! They are latex-free, cruelty-free (never tested on animals) non-toxic, and gentle on your nails! For anyone who is leery of harsh chemicals around children, this is the product of you.

I started using Jamberry after my aunt held a Facebook party about a month ago. I love the catalog of nail wraps, which is quite impressive! And the online parties are so much fun. There are daily games, prizes to win, and a huge door prize at the end of the party which my mom won during Mandy's party! The application is a little more difficult than the previously mentioned products, but there are tons of YouTube instructional videos to assist you. Because they are heat activated, you need a hair dryer, but Jamberry does offer a cute little heater for purchase. You also need a cuticle pusher, manicure scissors to cut off the excess, and a nail file to file off the ends. I haven't quite gotten the knack of applying them, but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I still highly recommend them because they do live up to their guaranteed longevity. Honestly, this is the way to go in the world of manicures.

Have you tried any of these nail wraps/strip products? If so, which ones? Any not listed? Tell us about them. Which is your absolute favorite? 

Happy Friday, Beauties!

Trends Thursday: The Denim Pencil Skirt

The 80s are back in the form of a denim pencil skirt. Why is it that I never hold on to the good stuff? In today's Trends Thursday, we are going back in time! Well, not really back in time, but more like looking forward to spring and the timeless denim pencil skirt. I am hooked on these!

1/2/3/4

Back in the day, I would have paired my denim skirt with a paisley button down from Espirit, Eastland's that weren't tied but knotted, and socks that complimented the colors in the shirt. Oh wait, I did wear that look! I remember it well. It was eighth grade. My button down had khaki and red tiny paisley's and I would pair it with a khaki midi skirt and matching khaki jacket all from Espirit. All over-sized of course because everything was baggy in the 80s. Ah, memories.

As they say, everything old is new again. I just wish I had held on to some of the old stuff. It would save me money in the trends department! If you were a member of the 80s club, did you own a denim pencil skirt? And if the answer is yes, what did you pair it with? What would you pair the current trend with today? I'm going to have to mull that one over!

Happy Thursday, Trendsetters! 

Wednesday Wants - My Spring Picks

Because it's spring, because I'm dying to shop, and because it's Wednesday, I am starting a new segment called Wednesday Wants. I'm always on the hunt for something new, especially when a season changes, but spring always inspires me. The new buds on the trees, the birds chirping outside our windows, and wearing something in springy colors just makes me happy! I have compiled some of my major wants for spring and I'm currently making room in my closet for a few. Check them out below!

1/2/3/4/5/6(Top/Skirt)/7/8

What are you hoping to add to you closet this spring? These bright colors are calling to me and my closet! Here's hoping they find their way! Definitely time to shop those links above!

The Final Rose

Sweatshirt: Old Navy (similar here under $10); Tank: Target (similar here); Cords: Loft (similar here); 

Sneakers: Target; Shades: Ulta

Last night was the finale of The Bachelor and I met up with my girlfriend for an evening of wine, chocolate, and rocking sweet baby girls to sleep. It was perfection! So what does one wear to the finale viewing? A Heart and Soul sweatshirt! Because you know they love each other heart and soul and that it's totally going to work! Spoiler Alert: I wish Chris and Whitney a lifetime of happiness!

I know I said I wasn't going to wear gray now that I'm all about spring, but I did wear pale pink cords and neutral sneakers! Oh, and pink lips and silver aviators! I am totally rocking spring if you look close. But again, when you're watching the final rose of the season, you have to go into it with all the love!

The Sweatshirt: Before and After

 

 

Sweatshirt: Old Navy (similar here under $10); Tank: Target (similar here); Cords: Loft (similar here); 

Sneakers: Target; Shades: Ulta 

If you watched this installment of The Bachelor, who were you rooting for and did she win? Let's discuss!

 

As always, see something you like? Need it now? Shop the links!

 

Last of Winter

 Sweater: Piperlime (similar here under $50); Jeans: Loft (similar here 40% off); 

Boots: Ivanka Trump (similar here); Handbag: Pour la Victoire (similar here under $50); 

Shades: MbyMJ; Lip Color: MAC Dubonette

This past weekend was the most spring like weekend we've had in, well, since last spring! And we made use of it. I cleaned out the garage for six hours on Friday and most of the day Saturday! To say the least, outfit pics were non-existent! Trust me, you didn't want to see those looks! And yesterday's look was super cute, we spent the day at the zoo, but I spent the day with my guys and didn't think of capturing photos. 

These were taken last week and I'm calling it my "Last of Winter" look! I'm so optimistic that spring has finally sprung that I'm not going to allow myself to look back. Light weight wool may be worn, but in bright or pastel colors only! Gone are the days of black and gray, unless it's in the form of a cute black sundress! But if I'm closing the door on winter, I'm so glad it was in this. One of my favorites!

The Sweater: Before and After

 

 

 

Sweater: Piperlime (similar here under $50); Jeans: Loft (similar here 40% off); 

Boots: Ivanka Trump (similar here); Handbag: Pour la Victoire (similar here under $50); 

Shades: MbyMJ; Lip Color: MAC Dubonette

What pieces are you looking forward to storing for spring? I am definitely ready to pack up heavy sweaters and boots! Booties are a different story. They go with so many more things, like shorts and cute dresses! Let's discuss!

Happy Monday!

As always, see something you like? Need it now? Shop the links!

Saturday Morning Chatter - Go For It

Just the other day, I updated my Facebook status with "Ever feel like your standing still while others are running circles around you?" That's how I've been feeling lately. I have several irons in the fire, tons of feelers out there, and working on projects right and left, but nothing has really taken off. My husband says it's because I don't focus on one thing, but I have the philosophy that if I don't work in several things at a time, how will I ever know what I'm actually good at. Right now, I feel like I'm failing at everything.

There was a time in my life where I felt like I fearless. Willing to try or do just about anything. Now that I'm 41, married, and have a child, I feel like I'm such a coward. I have people who rely on me and I can't possibly do something to jeopardize them or their future. But at the same time, if I don't take that flying leap, I will never be a success for either of them or me. I feel like I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. Standing still while others are running circles around me. I think my life could be a true cliche.

Then my mom and I had this amazing opportunity to meet Ina Garten. Ina came to Kansas City to talk at the University of Missouri-Kansas City about her self-made brand and entrepreneurial spirit. She talked about how she left her government job in DC because she didn't feel challenged anymore. She and her husband Jeffrey headed to Westhampton Beach, NY to look at a space she had read about to possibly pursue a completely new venture in life. After making a low offer on the space, they returned to DC where she assumed that journey to NY would end. Turns out they accepted her offer and she was the proud owner of her next challenge in life. A challenge that brought nearly 30 years of challenges, personal gratification, and incredible success. 

Ina's life has been one leap of faith after the other. She is a woman who likes to challenge herself and take flying leaps without over-thinking or analyzing every step. Listening to this was like listening to my own voice. I too am a girl who doesn't think before she leaps. I just leap, when I can. I don't analyze every step. I don't plan out my life and tell myself I have to be somewhere at certain age because life gets in the way and totally derails such ideas. But right now, I feel I've lost that spirit that I used to have and I'm trying to re-ignite that spark.

While Ina was speaking, my mom and I would look at each with that knowing look. Ina could have literally been talking to only me. If I were sitting down to coffee with this icon, she could have just simply said, "Andrea, you just need to go for it." And that's what I'm planning to do. I'm tired of just planning. I'm tired of just talking. I'm tired of just typing. I need to just do. And, I need to follow my crazy inner voice and stop listening to the buzz around me. I need to focus on my own career choices that involve working solely for me. To start that business, or businesses, that drive me, excitement me, challenge me, scare me, and move me to be the person I always knew I could be.

I'm currently working up a business plan for something I would never really have thought about doing until I had sleepless night(s) last week. My mom is all in with the idea and I'm literally reaching out to everyone I think might be interested. I've put pen to paper and I like what I'm seeing. I'm excited. I'm motivated. I'm challenged. I'm moved! It's everything I would expect when trying to get a business(es) off the ground and I like it. "If you build it they will come", right? And I owe it all to the amazing spirit of one incredible woman, Ina Garten! 

Friday Beauty - Dry Shampoo

This is going to sound so gross, but I don't wash my hair every day. And, I may or may not wash my hair every couple of days. To be honest, because I have naturally curly hair, the experts say that it's not good for us to actually wash our hair on a daily basis. We have drier hair than most other textures so we need all that oil to keep it healthy. So, if on the fourth day I finally wash my hair, I feel like I'm doing it a favor! I blame the "experts".

So what do I do to combat the oil on the second and third day, dry shampoo! It is the best invention ever!! It really does soak up the existing oil without drying out your hair. And I've found that when I straighten my hair, it's actually fuller after using dry shampoo. They even make dry shampoo specific for curly hair! I get the best of both worlds!!

I've been using dry shampoo for years, I've even converted my mom, and I've tried a ton! Expensive, non-expensive, and name brand, off brand. And I have to say that the non-expensive work just as well as the expensive! Not shocking, huh? So I've compiled my existing brands and sharing them with you.

Blowpro was an item in a gift bag that I had all but forgotten about. When I tried it, a huge clump of powder proceeded to fall out of the bottle. I wasn't expecting that at all! If I were going to simply use powder, I would reach for the Johnson's Baby Powder. The original dry shampoo! Seriously, if you are in a pinch, or don't want to buy any, just use baby powder! Just be careful when using it. Because it's a powder, it will definitely be visible on any dark clothing you're wearing! And if you're a brunette, you have to be super careful because you'll look like George Washington. Blondes are so lucky!

The L'Oreal can was empty so clearly I liked it. Not sure if I thought I could spritz one last blast or what, but lucky for me I had it for the photo. I didn't leave a white residue and worked well. I don't use the TRESemme for curly very often. It's a mousse consistency so you have to watch the amount you use. Start small and add as needed. My favorite so far is the Suave! It's super inexpensive, works really well, adds tons of volume, and smells like grapefruit. It doesn't linger, but it's a nice, light scent for the remainder of the day. And no residue once you've brushed it through your hair. It's a great bang for your buck!

While we're on the topic of not washing your hair, I'm not washing mine again today! That's day two and I'm relying on Suave to get me through! (I didn't need it yesterday since I washed it so late the day before.) We're running late today and I just don't have the time. Thank goodness for dry shampoo!

Happy Friday, Beauties!