tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6038063919448061642024-03-06T02:11:20.123-05:00embellished nailsEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-61471390829033778412015-01-24T22:27:00.002-05:002015-01-24T22:27:15.304-05:00exciting news.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi everybody! I know I've been away from the blogging world for quite some time, but I have some exciting news to share. I recently began going to school to get my <b>nail technician </b>license, and I have already found a job at an awesome local salon. I've decided to bring my blog back from the dead in an effort to continue to grow in the industry. I have been posting my nail work on my Instagram (<i>@c4rped1em</i>) but I wanted to return to the blog so I would have an outlet that was exclusively <b>nails-only</b>. I am committed to doing my best to keep this blog up & running with various nail looks, things I'm working on in school, and anything else that might pertain to this exciting little world that I have been in love with for so long! </div>
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I am so grateful that I am going to be able to make something I am so passionate about my daily career. Having a career is so different from working, and I have been merely "<i>working</i>" for far too long. It's time to put myself first and allow myself to do something I have wanted to do for so long. For those of you that know me personally, my overall plan is to continue in school to obtain my Masters of Arts in Teaching so I will be able to simultaneously teach elementary school while I pursue a career in nail artistry. I am <i style="font-weight: bold;">so </i>excited for these new chapters in my life. </div>
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I'd like to show you my first attempts at nail tips & wraps, two services that I previously had no knowledge of performing. I will admit that I did get quite frustrated when I first attempted tips. Adhering tips on to your own nails is <i>hard</i>, or at least was at first. All things considered, I was pretty content with how mine came out: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5qVCfei9dq2EdL0Xe3xSkczakPD69qJsBfKhvC4-Iwvfo4Hw1wI4NoiNAk0kJjnll66efFj3oyyQKI9oxXqbzMuJCQhpqZK5PjRhfvWviqDPDg9SdA1GKoZlTmDZI1mfs_29hNdBTmo/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5qVCfei9dq2EdL0Xe3xSkczakPD69qJsBfKhvC4-Iwvfo4Hw1wI4NoiNAk0kJjnll66efFj3oyyQKI9oxXqbzMuJCQhpqZK5PjRhfvWviqDPDg9SdA1GKoZlTmDZI1mfs_29hNdBTmo/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I couldn't believe how (relatively) natural the tips looked on my nails. The next day, we worked with OPI MicroWrap. I was intent on putting a wrap on each of my nails. The more practice the better, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rY6yH9VvffYNSdOnA0EQrEzCg-zfhSbdl76qEqV4xEw74G6aGKJG0k37TTb2fx4qie9Z8kalynvWo-TkDmeaJexNC1bxo7-UUcnjQSRi2B4eFqQ7DRXubJoVJxitR4SJEcCI6Au6So8/s1600/unnamed+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rY6yH9VvffYNSdOnA0EQrEzCg-zfhSbdl76qEqV4xEw74G6aGKJG0k37TTb2fx4qie9Z8kalynvWo-TkDmeaJexNC1bxo7-UUcnjQSRi2B4eFqQ7DRXubJoVJxitR4SJEcCI6Au6So8/s1600/unnamed+(1).jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was <i>really </i>feeling these. I planned on painting them when I got home, but things got super busy & I was unable to find the time to do so. I eventually hated how they felt on, and ended up soaking them in acetone. Now I'm rocking <i>really </i>short natural nails. I regret putting tips on all of my nails, but we're back on the road to strengthening my natural nails so all is good.</div>
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Please take a look through my blog and keep an eye out for new posts. I'm excited to be back in the wonderful blogging community. I hope everybody enjoys the rest of their weekend.</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-11249030337263884842013-11-24T13:29:00.000-05:002013-11-24T13:32:07.417-05:00french manicure gradientHELLO all! Earlier today, I had a random strong urge to blog. It's been months and months since I last posted, so I hope that you all haven't forgotten about me. It's been a busy year, probably my busiest yet, but it's indeed been a great one. I've still been painting my nails regularly and posting them on Instagram (<b>@c4rped1em</b>; I'm obsessed), but I just haven't had that extra bit of time to post them on here. In order to get back into the swing of things, I'm going to back-post and post all of the manicures I've done over the past few months. I'll also post some new ones, of course.<br />
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I'm excited to check out all of your blogs and see how everyone is doing! As for today's post, I'll be showing you a manicure I did last week that I absolutely loved.<br />
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It's called a <b>French manicure gradient</b>, and I got the idea from <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2012/09/31dc2012-day-10-gradient-nails.html" target="_blank">Sarah at Chalkboard Nails</a>. I've been wanting to try this for a while, but for some reason I thought it would be really difficult. Of course it turned out to be pretty easy! It's just a simple gradient. Take a look:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqobmrwSQlJA4Y95yO50f7K3kgGkeq6LI_B2L9xXPDQPuN7it6LuTfyZOFKuZ3S_rDG-2qlyeeCtJjvkeZDLoz-qkLl2ObXgdH9l8h4786cqgzdD9MnkDCAz1wTqOSep-bTWm7eFD7co/s1600/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqobmrwSQlJA4Y95yO50f7K3kgGkeq6LI_B2L9xXPDQPuN7it6LuTfyZOFKuZ3S_rDG-2qlyeeCtJjvkeZDLoz-qkLl2ObXgdH9l8h4786cqgzdD9MnkDCAz1wTqOSep-bTWm7eFD7co/s640/IMG_3695.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For this manicure, I used my favorite white, <b>OPI </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Alpine Snow</i>. The pink is <b>Essie </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Better Together</i>, another favorite of mine. I debated which pink/nude to use for a good ten minutes, but I ended up choosing this gorgeous Essie and I'm glad I did. </div>
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How can you get this look? Easy! First, paint on two or three coats of your sheer pink or nude. I used three coats. Then, paint on one coat of your fast-dry top coat of choice. For me, it's <b>Poshé</b>, which is GREAT if you haven't tried it. <i>(</i>Think <b>Seche Vite</b> but even better: you can use up pretty much the entire bottle without the lacquer getting thick and goopy! It also makes my polish last substantially longer than most other base coats.<i>)</i> Next, grab a triangular makeup sponge (one of <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/LATEX-TRIANGULAR-JUMBO-WEDGES-MAKEUP-FOUNDATION-SPONGES-PACK-OF-5-NEW-/400415231270?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3a9b8d26" target="_blank">these</a>) and a piece of paper or aluminum foil to act as a surface to put the polish on. Swipe on some white next to your choice of a pink or nude polish, about as thick as your nail or so. Push the makeup sponge on top of the polish, then carefully sponge the polish on to your nail, one by one. How much white you choose to use is up to you, and depends on how long your nails are. I did each nail twice to make the white stand out more. Once the polish dries, swipe on another coat of top coat and clean around your edges if necessary. </div>
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Have you tried this look before? I think it's an awesome take on a classic and always chic look.</div>
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<i>If you're looking for some new polish, check out my <a href="http://embellishednails.blogspot.com/p/blog-sale.html" target="_blank">blog sale</a>! </i></div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-53351369719517043852013-01-27T21:37:00.001-05:002013-01-27T21:37:35.152-05:00the first day of the rest of my life.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well hello there! It's officially almost my first day of student teaching. I'm <i>so</i> nervous, but excited at the same time. After reading over the syllabus for the practicum course I'm about to begin, I've realized I probably won't have much free time this semester. Painting my nails is a relaxation technique so that will probably still happen from time to time, but actually getting regular posts up here probably won't happen, so I'm bracing myself for a mini-hiatus (or, at least much less regular posting).</div>
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I'll also be updating the blog sale soon; I have a LOT of polish just sitting around that I need to get rid of. I need the money and I also need the space in my room. ;P</div>
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I'll be checking in on here from time to time, because there's no way I could completely go without blogging. I'm just hoping my student teaching practicum goes smoother than I'm expecting.</div>
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Here's the last manicure I wore... that is what I'll leave you with!</div>
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The pink is <i>Essie <b>I Need A Vacation</b></i> (yup.) and the purple is <i>Essie <b>Love & Acceptance</b></i>. I am digging the rhinestones in this pattern. So cute! Simple styles are my fave.. and this is so simple and chic. </div>
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I wish you all a happy Monday and a great week overall. Maybe I'll get a post up this week, maybe I wont! We shall see. </div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-34342969291593243012013-01-21T20:44:00.002-05:002013-01-21T20:44:43.256-05:00french mani monday<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello! Ah Monday is almost over... today was actually not so bad of a day. Work flew by and I seemed to have a productive day. I have no complaints overall. For some reason, I struggle to produce blog posts when I'm home... not sure why, but I need to overcome that! I've been doing my nails regularly, I just have no motivation to blog.</div>
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Yesterday I needed a palate cleanser, so I went with a French manicure. I <i>loooove</i> French manicures- I really should do them more often. It just annoyed me how fast they chipped. I was doing a lot of work with my hands today, so it's my own doing, but still very annoying. Here they are:</div>
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I freehanded the French tips, which I'm pretty darn proud of. I have no artistic ability whatsoever but these could probably fool you into thinking I do. ;D This is <i>OPI <b>Alpine Snow</b></i> on the tips and a coat of the soft <i>Essie <b>Cloud Nine</b></i>. I then topped it with a new top coat of mine, <i>Cult Nails <b>Wicked Fast</b></i>. It really did dry really fast, and I noticed that it seems to be much thinner than my faithful Seche. </div>
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What do you think? </div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-39665727798202257372013-01-17T17:00:00.000-05:002013-01-17T17:00:02.392-05:00liquid sands: the impossible<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today I'm going to show you all one of the new <i>OPI Liquid Sand</i> polishes. I picked up <b>The Impossible</b> and one other, and I'm going to show you The Impossible today. I'm not entirely crazy about the finish of these polishes, but being the collector I am, I had to get a few of them for my collection. They stand out because they're so different, but the bumpy finish just makes me feel like my manicure is only half done.</div>
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Here is two coats of <b><i>The Impossible</i></b>:</div>
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The good part about these polishes is that, like other OPI, they dry really fast. This polish has a bunch of glitter stars in it which I had such a hard time getting out- I was only able to get one on my nails! I'd love to try and see what this polish looks like with a top coat, but that sort of ruins the whole "Liquid Sand" aspect of it. </div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-12719396765466744362013-01-16T19:11:00.001-05:002013-01-16T19:11:43.117-05:00new year's eve nails<div style="text-align: justify;">
Good evening, everyone! Almost done with my little vacation, but I'm feeling well rested and relaxed. I'm not</div>
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necessarily ready to go back to work tomorrow, but I'm feeling a lot better than I was last week at this time. At the moment, my nails are soaking with some amazing Lemony Flutter cuticle cream by one of my favorite companies, <a href="http://www.lush.com/" target="_blank">Lush</a>.</div>
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Lush is pretty exclusive here- it's only available at a few places in my state. If you haven't found your perfect cuticle moisturizer yet, you <i>have </i>to try this one. It's <b>$17 </b>for the container, but it's a good size and lasts forever. I got mine over a month ago and have been using it regularly and you can barely tell I've used it. It's not overly greasy and it smells great.</div>
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Tonight I'm going to show y'all the manicure I wore for New Year's Eve. New Year's Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year, and I was lucky enough to spend it with my boyfriend. We spent the night at a hole in the wall dive bar, and while I complained a lot of the night, looking back it was okay. </div>
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This is two coats of <i>OPI <b>Black Onyx</b></i> with a glitter gradient (I'm obsessed!) of <i>China Glaze <b>Polarized</b></i>. The star is a little rhinestone I got from a Secret Santa Swap. It's from a huge set from the brand that makes Cheeky stamping plates. I love these little things, they're so cute! They shockingly stay on for about a week and they look good the whole time, too. </div>
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I loved this manicure- I wore it for over a week with minor tip wear.</div>
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What do you think? What did you wear for your NYE?</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-44443799793888350152013-01-15T12:32:00.004-05:002013-01-15T12:32:59.834-05:00pink glitter gradient<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello ladies! Happy Tuesday! I could seriously get used to not working and lounging around all day! Well, that's probably a lie... I know I'll be mad when payday comes around. Ah well- it's worth it, if only for a few days. I will, however, say that it's so nice to have time to do my nails! I even got to give myself a pedicure yesterday! Wahoo. Loving this. </div>
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I got a few free Essies from work the other day. There was a pile of them that were all separated and not suitable to be sold, so my boss let us take some home. One of them was <i>Essie <b>Lion Around</b></i>, an absolutely amazing pink shimmer polish:</div>
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It's pale enough to look really delicate, but opaque enough to be a two-coater. I love this polish! It didn't stand out when I first grabbed it, but I love it. The formula was amazing and it's the perfect amount of pink and shimmer to be absolutely stunning.</div>
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The reason I chose this polish is because I realized it looked like it'd be a perfect match with one of the new Mariah Carey OPIs... <i>OPI <b>Pink Yet Lavender</b></i>. This was my favorite from the collection:</div>
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I decided to do a glitter gradient with it, and I'm glad I did because I really like this look. It'll probably be super annoying to get off, but definitely worth it. <b><i>Pink Yet Lavender</i></b> reminds me of <b><i>Pirouhette My Whistle</i></b> from the NYC Ballet Collection that OPI put out last spring. It's sort of a pink version of that glitter. </div>
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What do you think? Which of the Mariah Carey polishes did you pick? I got a few of the liquid sands... not too thrilled with them, more so bought them just to have as a part of my collection. Keep an eye out for them on the blog- should be posting them soon!</div>
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Have a great day, everyone!</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-75193205135958917392013-01-14T11:51:00.001-05:002013-01-14T11:52:05.790-05:00how i know i'm on vacation?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dreaming about nails. <strong>Cray cray</strong>. I had a dream last night that my college asked me to create and teach a nail design course. Hell yeah. Could you imagine? That would be totally awesome. My dreams are typically scary work dreams... even though I go home to sleep at night, I feel like my mind never actually leaves the office.</div>
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While the boyfriend still sleeps, I get to procrastinate being any sort of productive by blogging. Two posts in a row is a new record for me. Heh heh. At least for this year. </div>
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When student teaching starts, I plan to still work anywhere from 30-50 hours a week, depending on how many hours I get at my second job. With that being said, I'm going to be even busier than I was the past few semesters- which I admit, I didn't think was possible! The past few days I woke up at 6am to go to the gym before work. I think that as long as I have really good discipline, I can get everything that I want to get done done. Here's hoping for the best. </div>
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Today, we're going to the <strong>Cheesecake Factory</strong> for a midday lunch/dinner and to walk around these shops that (I think) are right near the restaurant. I need to go to Sephora. I've started wearing makeup again and my tinted moisturizer is <em>embarrassingly </em>old. Once I get my new stuff, I may do a review of the makeup that I use. I am <strong>obsessed</strong>. </div>
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Anyway, today I'm showing you a manicure I wore last week. See, even though I don't *actively* post, I do try to paint my nails! I'm even gonna paint them today! ;D I rebelled and wore bright pink even though it's winter. I mean, I usually don't care about that type of thing, but winter kills my mood and makes me typically wear dark shades.<br />
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I feel like I've been using a lot of <strong>essie </strong>polishes lately. This is <em>Essie <strong>Peach Daiquiri</strong></em> (the name is delicious enough) with an accent of <em>Essie <strong>Beyond Cozy</strong></em>. I absolutely ADORE Beyond Cozy. I think it's gorgeous. I literally feel like I'm wearing the most beautiful diamond ring when I have this on my accent finger. I get so many compliments on manis like this. They're simple, but easily noticable. </div>
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This mani lasted almost a week with some minor chips. The formula on both polishes were outstanding, but I had some SLIGHT visible nail line (<em>VNL</em>) with Peach Daiquiri. I could've stood to do one more coat, but I didn't entirely feel like it.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-40695823942341529692013-01-13T09:25:00.001-05:002013-01-13T09:25:29.029-05:00blue abstract gradient<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi ladies, <b>happy SUNDAY</b>! I am beginning a little mini vacation from the horrible stresses of work. I'm super excited. I took four days off to go up to the bf's lake house to simply relax, unwind, and spend some time together. It couldn't possibly be any more needed than it is right now. </div>
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I start my student teaching in 15 days, and I need some relaxation before that. I'm excited to start but at the same time I'm also a bit nervous. It'll certainly be exciting to break into my field of study more. I love kids, and I'm so passionate about education. </div>
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Anyway, as I try to add some nail art to my schedule, I decided to do a blue gradient. I recently got new glasses that have a blue ombre side- I guess you could say I was inspired by that. </div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/442FEE62-8F59-42D5-9D00-0D1022E173E4-4351-000004DF255FB91E-1.jpg" width="601" /> </div>
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I used two coats of <i>Essie <b>Lilacism</b> </i>for my base then sponged on more <i><b>Lilacism</b></i> and <i>Essie <b>Butler Please</b></i>. These colors are so fun together! I was worried that Lilacism would be too purple-toned but this worked out nicely. The formula on Butler Please is amazing, and the formula for Lilacism is typical of a really light polish. I did my best to not have any evident bare spots, and the sponging on of the gradient definitely helps with this. I sponged on two times, not just once.</div>
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This type of manicure is one that people really do notice. I had a bunch of people who don't usually notice my nails stop and point them out. </div>
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What do you think?</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-28771508418253931562012-12-30T20:27:00.000-05:002012-12-30T20:27:57.856-05:00making a comeback.<div style="text-align: justify;">
HELLO! I've taken an unintentional almost month-long hiatus, but I'm back now (I hope). If at least just a weekly post, that's certainly better than nothing. I guess like many others (at least I think) the upcoming new year has me thinking about <b>resolutions</b> and bad habits I've acquired this year. Read: my constant lack of blogging and my horribly inconsistent healthy eating and gym visits. Those are really the only two things I'd like to change. I'm quite happy with everything else... </div>
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I'm dating someone <i>amazing </i>who I love very much... I can't remember the last time I was able to say that, but I am so grateful for him. Work is good, which thus means money is good... which will hopefully also mean my savings account gets to see some of that. I'm also starting my student teaching the end of January which I'm so very <b>excited</b>/extremely <i>nervous</i> for. </div>
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I'm hoping to get back to posting here regularly because I have so many exciting things going on that I need to share with the world! <i>:) </i>For now let me share some of my recent manicures that haven't been featured in blogland yet. </div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/1108B040-5F7A-4F33-BFC8-A162A32BDE37-1656-000001916D838AFB-1.jpg" /> </div>
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I wore this on Christmas. <span style="background-color: red; color: white;">C</span>a<span style="background-color: red; color: white;">n</span>d<span style="background-color: red; color: white;">y</span> c<span style="background-color: red; color: white;">a</span>n<span style="background-color: red; color: white;">e</span>s! </div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/4C0C6032-3752-45B4-9861-5318CA4C3B33-1656-000001919FC26E46-1.jpg" width="602" /> </div>
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This one I wore to my family Christmas party. Not crazy about the colors but I was in love with this rhinestone tree! </div>
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<img height="619" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/47D58125-3649-461A-8987-34B710ED23A6-1656-00000191C52197FD-1.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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This was my first encounter with rhinestones, and as you can tell from all of these manis I am OBSESSED ! </div>
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My nails have been pathetically naked for about five days now, but I'm about to dazzle them up for New Years Eve, my FAVORITE HOLIDAY! I still don't know what the boy and I are doing but I'm super excited! This'll be my first NYE as a 21 year old ;D </div>
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Now time to go do my nails and get myself ready for bed. I have an early wakeup for work tomorrow. Have a great (& safe) New Years, everybody! </div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-8145645567129269712012-12-11T00:10:00.003-05:002012-12-11T00:10:54.872-05:00haaaaappy monday.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ladies! Hi! I hope you all haven't forgotten about me! Life is super duper crazy as of now, which is of course why I haven't been blogging. I've been working a bunch, studying a little bit, and trying to sleep as much as possible. As great as working this much is, I've been playing the "<i>make a lot of money, so assume I can spend a lot</i>" game. Oy. </div>
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I have some goals for the new year. Not necessarily <i>New Years Resolutions</i>... those always fail me. More so, some new.... <b>turnover goals</b>:</div>
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- get my ass back to the gym</div>
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- blog regularly again</div>
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- save lots of money</div>
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Okay, so it's not a WHOLE lot... but I miss the gym, this blog, and having lots of money in savings. I need to get to it. I'm currently procrastinating doing some homework by writing this post... oops. Also gotta stop that, too. However, classes are almost over THEN student teaching in January and THEN I am out of community college for good and on to bigger and better things at the four year!</div>
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I finally had time to do my nails last night! I chose a light pink with some stamping. </div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/A077547B-134B-407F-9645-37F2A7B18346-4359-000002E1929CA75F-1.jpg" width="628" /> </div>
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And I'll leave you with that! Have a great night, all! :) </div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-66820153078602370122012-11-28T23:09:00.000-05:002012-11-28T23:09:07.389-05:00while i was gone...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b></b>Holy moly, where did the past few weeks go?! I've been working about 50-60 hours a week plus school and babysitting/tutoring... along with <i>trying</i> to maintain a social life. I've been doing an ok job of all of this, but the blog just inevitably got put on the back burner for a while. Working 12 hour days and trying to find time to paint my nails is one of the <i>hardest </i>things I've ever tried to do. I miss it, but sometimes other things take precedence. </div>
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While I was gone (<i>brace yourself for <b>lots</b> of pictures!</i>)...</div>
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<b>I turned 21. </b><br />
WAHOO! I am now a fully legal adult. <i>Scary</i>. At least I can be on my parents' insurance for another 5 years. <b>PHEW</b>. Here are some pictures (in chronological order) from my special day:</div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/CAA63C5B-916D-4EB7-AD71-DFA68DE715EE-2445-0000022FFF8A516B-1.jpg" width="455" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My amazing boyfriend hand-delivered flowers to my work.<!--3--></span></i></div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/27AD59EC-BCB1-4C84-811E-A3B4905E76FF-2445-000002301874FF5E-1.jpg" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">A happy, lucky girl :D </span></i></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/F5AC8CD8-300F-4114-B281-4A3E4D4B13F0-2445-0000022FF18F6D27-1.jpg" width="392" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pre-dinner at The Cheesecake Factory with my best friends and family</span></i></div>
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<img height="357" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/D2B95556-D5A6-4CBF-84AB-41DC50DB1195-2445-0000022FE325C85C-1.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Nom nom nom nom cheesecake!</span></i></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/D03C5EEE-2308-4BBA-8524-5BFCB57DD2F6-2445-000002300B27D076-1.jpg" width="491" /><br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Heh heh. First shot of the night- bacardi 151!</span></i></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/197215_10151247224991506_1956997415_n-1.jpg" width="529" /> <br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The boyf & I: he came to Diva's Drag Wars with my friends and I. He must really like me. ;D </span></i></div>
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I had a great birthday with my friends & fam but it was shortlived and I was back to work the next day. Moving on to other big developments in conjunction with my big day... </div>
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<b>Sharing a (legal) beer with my mom:<br /></b></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/C0CB2D26-7238-41BA-8DBE-31FF3D0CAD1C-2445-00000230AD61D849-1.jpg" width="426" /> </div>
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This was excellent. We saw Scotty McCreery just a town over from where we live and even though the beer at the venue was <i>7 bucks</i> a pop, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy my first legal beer. </div>
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<b>I met the boyf's parents... and I started wearing makeup again!</b></div>
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This is a big one! I ended up spending Thanksgiving with him and his family: my first Thanksgiving EVER away from my mom and dad! I was <i>so </i>nervous to meet his parents, but it all went really well. We all got along well and I think I made a good first impression.<b> </b>Out of sheer nerves, I broke out all of my <i>benefit </i>makeup and decided to give it a shot. I haven't work makeup in a long time but I think I'm getting back into it! Perhaps some <b>FOTD</b> posts in the future...? </div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/D4312269-5467-4362-BA2C-943754002A7F-2445-000002307822AD3D-1.jpg" /> </div>
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Even though the past two weeks have been insane, it's been a fun ride. I'm reallyreallyreally stressed but I'm surviving. I haven't gotten to paint my nails much, but I've done a few manicures. I'll show you those over the next week. For today, my birthday manicure!<br />
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/CD6CDB3A-739D-463F-A7B3-31B4A9C31A3E-2445-00000230CE68CC62-1.jpg" width="538" /></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/056E3068-2222-44A8-9A14-627FF8F70BB0-2445-000002384B6F3B51-1.jpg" width="496" /> </div>
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I used two coats of <i>Urban Outfitters <b>Hangover</b></i> and a glitter gradient on top using <i>Deborah Lippmann <b>Happy Birthday</b></i>. I thought that these shades were appropriate. ;-) </div>
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WHAT DO YOU THINK?! I'm glad to be back- it feels good to type up a post! :)) </div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-60469243708623312562012-11-12T22:57:00.001-05:002012-11-12T22:57:41.309-05:00weekend recap- mani & all<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello hello! Back from my amazing weekend away and thus back to reality. I usually work the entire weekend, so I never have anything to "recap" on Mondays... however, I'm taking advantage of this whole having a weekend off thing, so I'm going to recap!</div>
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I worked during the day on Saturday, but I had the night off so the bf and I left for his lake house early Saturday evening. We went bowling and hung out with his friends Saturday night. Long story short, I'm a <b>horrible </b>bowler. The last two times I bowled strikes, however. Not sure how that happened because I completely bombed the rest of the game. Sunday morning we got to sleep in, which was <i>glorious</i>. B insisted on having the wood stove going before I got up so I laid in bed which he started the fire. Let me tell you, a lake house in the middle of the woods with a wood stove and a guy as amazing as B is this girl's dream come true. <br />
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After moseying around the house being lazy for a few hours on Sunday, we went into town and had lunch at this cool place called the <a href="http://www.gypsyjoyntcafe.net/" target="_blank">Gypsy Joynt</a>. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was awesome, too. Then we Redboxed a movie and got some dinner food (read: Spongebob mac & cheese, popcorn and some Goldfish) and headed back to the house. It was <i>sooooo</i> nice to relax. The lake house has a sauna that we got to use Sunday night which was the cherry on top of a perfect weekend.<br />
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Getting back to work this morning downright sucked, but it was nice to get away if only for a day and a half. The mani I'm showing you today was done on Friday night. I'm actually still wearing it now, with minor chip wear. <br />
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/E81DAF04-C980-4D0E-9A70-1D048E668081-1926-000001195DCEAEDC-1.jpg" width="635" /> </div>
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This is two coats of <i>Essie <b>Sew Psyched</b> </i>with <i>Essie <b>Beyond Cozy</b></i> accents. I used a pointed q-tip to create the polka dots on my pointer finger, and scotch tape to create the solid, straight lines on my other nails. </div>
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The formula on <i><b>SS</b></i> was great and the color is awesome. Slight shimmer, green, grey-ish? Perfection. The <b><i>BC </i></b>spiced it up a LOT and the two colors looked great together. Formula on both gets an <b>A+</b>. I love Essie, and I always forget how much I love it until I use it again. Essie wears very well on my nails. Not much tipwear and barely any chipping after 3-4 days is awesome in my book, and hard to come across for me with my busy lifestyle. </div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/24FA3DB9-1AF5-46E9-85C1-4FB34AA51A91-1926-0000011951B43A96-1.jpg" /> </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I am <b>obsessed</b> with rings- here's another I got that I had to show you all. I just bought earrings at Express that match this almost identically. </span></i> </div>
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And I'll leave you with this beautiful picture I took on the lake while I was away this weekend. This was about an hour before sunset. Ah, how I long to go back...</div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/55E08E37-C1FF-40CC-B75C-32CE8D2CEA0A-1926-000001198CFA3E75-1.jpg" width="628" /> </div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-89170213430111587862012-11-09T23:17:00.002-05:002012-11-09T23:20:27.041-05:00begin again<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tonight I'm going to show you all one of my new favorite <b style="color: red;">reds</b>. Of course, all I can think of when I think of red is Taylor Swift... merh. I used to be a huge fan, but as she's gotten popular and gravitated more towards pop instead of country, I've just started to like her less. I <b>do</b> absolutely <i>love</i> one song off of her new album, however. <u><b>Begin Again</b></u> is a great song. It's catchy and makes me smile and just feel generally hopeful.<br />
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I'm going to be away for the weekend, so this will be my last post until Monday or Tuesday (but hopefully Monday). I get to get away with the bf which is SOOOOO exciting. Can't wait to be a few hours away with no cell reception sitting by a fireplace! </div>
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Back on topic... today's red is from none other than OPI's Germany Collection. </div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/5A9A846D-F38B-43EC-B30C-8605E4985D48-422-00000033A86AE359-1.jpg" width="544" /></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/A9C39E67-A97E-4E40-A097-A557DE946AA9-422-000000339E01F846-1.jpg" width="596" /> </div>
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This is two coats of <i>OPI <b>Danke-Shiny Red</b></i>. I got this done as a pedicure a few months ago and I loved it. Something about red pedicures... I'm actually wearing my first <u>not</u> red pedicure for the first time since July. I mixed it up with pink tonight. :o) Instead of showing you <i>Danke </i>on my toes I figured I'd spare you and swatch it on my nails instead! </div>
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Pictured is two coats with no top coat. This polish dried so quickly, and application is just perfect. It's my ideal. You know when you put the first coat on of an absolutely great polish? How it just glides on? Yep, that's how this one was. </div>
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I had to include my new ring in one of the pictures, too. I think it looks killer with hot red nails. </div>
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What do you think?</div>
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<a href="http://www.fabulousbutevil.com/" target="_blank"><img height="320" src="https://sites.google.com/site/myvickiliciouslife/files/thenailfiles.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-6906463838955354822012-11-08T11:57:00.000-05:002012-11-09T23:20:44.750-05:00november 8 for no h8<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">Bullying is not funny. It is not cool. It is not right. And more importantly, it is not okay. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">Most of us are, thankfully, residents of countries that support
tolerance and many of our families have settled in these places simply
for that reason. Generations later, it is our responsibility to
perpetuate that message of tolerance across our new social platforms,
including the internet.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">As members of the nail polish blogging
community, we all share a love of beauty, color, and lacquer. Other
than that, we are remarkably different: from our race to our religion to
our hair color...even to our polish application techniques. To
marginalize anyone because of those differences is completely
unacceptable and today I take a stand against that. I refuse to allow
other people's view of "normal" dictate how I behave, believe, and blog.</span></i></div>
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<i>In solidarity with a multitude of bloggers linked below, my
purple manicure represents my proud commitment to the No H8 movement.
Today, November 8, I dedicate my post to ending bullying of any kind and
to encouraging diversity and imperfection among our colorful community.</i></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8-VXegwPtO7_GLTzxVR4z9IjIl3wzdAyHapR_5QZv_Xvu9INDpIzWNoEJgMxAbHpuIXtFcYKBI-roKDNJb7I4vTkNW9gwbA8p4L5dgQ47stbD4ILRwUFijEVfkek92DOUlw1lpdtQg9X/s270/eradicatehatebutton_light.png" /> </div>
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In honor of the <b>No H8 Movement</b>, I am wearing purple to show my support. As a future teacher, this cause is close to my heart. I want to be an advocate for all children, especially children who are feeling down on themselves. Bullying is <u>never</u> acceptable. </div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/5448E2F2-1511-44A7-9879-EA68CC6B73F3-2746-000001D80114008D-1.jpg" /></div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/4ED10AE4-1202-4F21-8AA2-77077C3106FE-2746-000001D7F6C12297-1.jpg" /><br />
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Shown is two coats of <i>Sephora by OPI <b>Just A Little Dangerous</b></i> topped with one coat of <i>Cult Nails <b>Seduction</b></i>.</div>
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Do what you can to show your support, even if it's as simple as painting your nails. We can stand together against bullying! </div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-63003762038471789912012-11-07T15:35:00.000-05:002012-11-07T15:35:12.928-05:00snow, snow, snow...<div style="text-align: justify;">
We're experiencing the first snow fall of the year here in Massachusetts.. and I am not all that thrilled about it! I hate the cold weather, and seeing snow makes it completely evident that the warm weather is over for a while. It's just so cold and bitter out, makes me want to do nothing but stay in bed and sleep. Here was my view when I got out of work today...</div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/81EF8C35-8FE1-43A6-8BDA-1337C56FE560-1435-0000009F1989819C-1.jpg" width="530" /> </div>
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Okay, not <i>that</i> bad... but still. Yuck. </div>
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Argh. Last night in anticipation for this snow, I decided to do a weather-appropriate manicure. I pulled out my snowflake stamping plates and got to work: </div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/43B11E3A-5F0B-43B0-9C7D-32AEA82273C5-1435-0000009F02290216-1.jpg" /> </div>
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I used two coats of <i>OPI <b>Russian Navy</b></i> for my base, a classic in my book. This was one of my first polishes, and I still love it so much. Application is very easy because the formula is great. The color is so opaque and rich that it's almost dreamy. </div>
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To stamp, I used <i>Color Club <b>What A Drag</b></i>. On my ring finger, I stamped with <u>bm 319</u>. My thumb is <u>bm 14</u>, and the rest of my nails are <u>bm 323</u>. <i>What A Drag</i> is a great stamping polish. I really like how it looks over <b>RN</b>. I also like the look of different snowflake stamps in one mani, it mimics how all snowflakes are different in real life. <b><i>:)</i></b></div>
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What do you think?<b><i> </i></b> </div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-51215391067654000102012-11-06T10:30:00.000-05:002012-11-06T10:30:02.599-05:00peacock print<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hi all! Happy Tuesday! I'm actually writing this Monday night and scheduling it for Tuesday so I can get this out of the way and study for a Spanish exam that I have tomorrow (well, technically today at this point). There are a bunch of different verb tenses on this test and I want to make sure I'm ready for it!</div>
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I'm pretty excited about the manicure I'm showing you today! It's something that's not necessarily complicated, but it looks great and really professional, at least if I say so myself. </div>
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The print I decided to recreate was peacock feathers. I originally wanted to do a full peacock on my thumb and peacock print on the rest of my nails but that was a bust. I was happy that I decided against this, and I went with peacock print on all five of my nails:</div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/DF76B0B2-4770-4604-BB71-1B9490057BDC-5756-000003F23116B761-1.jpg" width="568" /></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/AAA2EB11-065A-4913-9C78-557342A1C831-5756-000003F241843843-1.jpg" width="545" /></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/CBFBC9CA-7015-4B8C-BACF-12952BAE4037-5756-000003F220BBBDC5-1.jpg" width="594" /> </div>
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The base color I used on my thumb is <i>Zoya <b>Ivanka</b></i>. I used <i>Zoya <b>Charla</b></i> on the rest of my nails. My ring finger has Charla topped with Ivanka on the top diagonal half. These two polishes are a match made in heaven. They go together so nicely. I stamped with <i>Color Club <b>What A Drag</b></i>, a really great & inexpensive stamping polish. The plate I used is <b>bundle monster 212</b>. </div>
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What do you think? Is this a look you'd try?</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-52529927733467817582012-11-05T10:00:00.000-05:002012-11-05T10:01:59.490-05:00nude paisley<div style="text-align: justify;">
No, the title is <b>not </b>referring to <i>Brad Paisley</i>... how I wish it were! He's hilarious, sexy, and has a wonderful voice. Mmmmmm. He always comes to mind whenever I see paisley print. The paisley that I'm referring to comes from <b>bundle monster</b>'s third collection of nail stamping plates (<i>the plate I'm referencing here is #315</i>)! If you ask me, this is a genius idea. Who doesn't love paisley?! You can do so much with it. I always like the look of black images over a nude or tan creme, and that's what I decided to go with for this manicure. </div>
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At first, I started out with two coats of <i>OPI <b>Don't Pretzel My Buttons</b></i>. I wanted to think of some clever, unique accent nail... but I failed. I originally went with this look:</div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/DB4D4BFC-7BC7-43FD-9E03-C646C30C6BEA-6375-000003F7B0F2F363-1.jpg" width="595" /> </div>
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Then, I fell in love with how the paisley stamp looked and I wanted to add more. I didn't like how this looked with only two nails stamped. Thus, I added more stamping and an accent of <i>Cult Nails <b>Happy Ending</b></i>, from the Fairytale Collection that was released this summer. This was <u>hands down</u> my favorite Cultie collection to date. </div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/AFF0A3D8-7A2B-4922-8EEE-9D7A781271F0-6375-000003F7BD025A36-1.jpg" width="531" /> </div>
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I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this combination. I love the paisley, but I don't like how dark the black is in comparison to the glass shard-looking multicolored glitter. It's something different, for sure. Overall, I seriously <b>LOVE</b> Don't Pretzel My Buttons. It's my ideal nude polish, for real. I'll probably wear it a million more times. My only problem with this shade is that I hate my application of it. I usually suck and mess it up by making it too splotchy or by accidentally flooding my cuticles. Oy.</div>
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What do you think? Are you a fan of paisley? What about nude polish? </div>
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With that, I'm out. Have a great weekend everybody! Tonight I have my first Saturday night off since my vacation in July! <b>WOOO</b>!</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-53964028627820016282012-11-04T10:00:00.000-05:002012-11-04T10:00:03.911-05:00james bond chevron<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I'll be honest... I wasn't completely sold on the new OPI collection... in fact, I wasn't impressed with much of any of the shades. I didn't plan on buying any of the colors. I thought they looked gorgeous in the bottle, but not as gorgeous on the actual nail. Well, needless to say I caved and bought two of the colors from the <b><i>007 </i></b>collection, OPI's <u>Holiday 2012</u> collection. I picked up <b><i>Goldeneye</i></b> and <b><i>The Living Daylights</i></b>, planning to use them together in a manicure. Well, that's what I have to show you today! </div>
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I'm not totally in love with what I came up with, but I'll show you guys anyway. I was in the mood to break out my chevron stamp and do a cute manicure with it. My new James Bond polishes were staring at me, begging to be used (ok, that <i>might</i> be a stretch). I decided to use them as my base for my chevron:</div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/2AD1B5EB-F208-4EE9-A2AA-D50E68B359EC-1803-000001838DA00F86-1.jpg" /> </div>
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First, I painted three coats of <i>OPI <b>Goldeneye</b></i>. This is shown above without any top coat. It's so gorgeous and blingy on its own!</div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/0F70AC45-8DE4-4E84-8E80-E4F5B9AFE00D-1803-0000018398A009C1-1.jpg" /> </div>
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Then, as shown above, I added a thick, generous coat of <i>OPI <b>The Living Daylights</b></i> on to my accent finger. Then, I top-coated each nail with some <i>Seche Vite</i>, my go-to top coat for stamping. </div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/41869E34-BF9A-4D07-A89E-8E6AAEC4B188-1803-000001836103F3E3-1.jpg" width="514" /> </div>
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Last but not least I stamped with <i>Fingerpaints <b>Black Expressionism </b></i>and bundle monster <i>#201</i>. This plate always stamps really clean and it fits my entire nail pretty well. </div>
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I personally think this is too busy. I sort of wish I didn't add the chevron. I think <b>Goldeneye</b> would look stunning on its own, which is impressive to say the least. Next time I wear it I'll probably leave it alone and wear it as a full manicure. I've never stamped over a glitter, and I don't care much for it here. Meh. </div>
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<br />What do you think? Did you pick up Goldeneye? </div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-29154275194745422922012-11-02T11:05:00.002-04:002012-11-02T12:39:35.369-04:00belated halloween post<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey everyone, <strong>tgif</strong>! Today I'll be showing you the nails I wore for Halloween (and still have on...). I'm <em>dying</em> to paint my nails, it feels like it's been forever since I last painted them. I got some Sally Hansen Nail Strips at Ocean State Job Lot for half price in February. They were leftover Halloween strips from last year. For only <strong>$3</strong>, I couldn't help but pick them up. I saved them in my bathroom cabinet for this Halloween, just hoping I wouldn't forget about them. I'm happy to report that I didn't. Here they are: <br />
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I'm sure you saw these around a lot last year around this time. This was a pretty popular style. I got a lot of compliments on them- it's an easy way to have a <em>fabulous</em> manicure. These ones are called <strong>Ghoulie Girl </strong>(topped with a coat of Seche Vite). I'm sure they're almost impossible to find in stores now, simply because Sally Hansen comes out with a new collection of manicure/pedicure strips pretty much every season.</div>
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I'm always surprised at how easy it is to put these on. I was apprehensive the <a href="http://www.emilysnails.com/2012/07/shhhh-my-new-love-affair-with-sally.html" target="_blank">first time I used them</a>, but my fears were distilled because they're so easy! I personally don't think they're worth the price tag of around <strong><em>$10</em></strong>. I can justify a bottle of polish for that price, simply because you can reuse it many times. These strips are only a one-time deal. Maybe for a vacation or wedding/big event they'd be worth it, because I find that they chip far less than regular polish. </div>
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Some tips:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Don't use a base coat: put them on completely clean, dry nails.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Make sure you clean your nails with acetone right before putting the strips on.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Use the mini file that comes with the package: <strong>this file is your friend</strong>! You can use it to buff your nails prior to application, and also to file off extra ends of the nail strips.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">If you find that strips are too big for your nails, use scissors to cut off the extra portion. The strips are very easy to work with in this way. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">As you apply the strips, pull them up towards the tip of your nail so they go on completely flat and evenly on the nail.</span></div>
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What do you think? Have you tried these strips yet? Are they worth the money? <br />
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<a href="http://www.fabulousbutevil.com/" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="https://sites.google.com/site/myvickiliciouslife/files/thenailfiles.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-71162967758557048352012-10-29T04:20:00.002-04:002012-10-29T04:20:36.269-04:00black and orange<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I can't sleep.</b> I don't like using this as a place to air my dirty laundry so I won't go into details as to <i>why</i> I can't sleep, but I <u>can't</u>. And I'm absolutely miserable because of it. I want to scream my head off but I can't. <b><span style="font-size: large;">A. NNOY. ING</span>.</b> I guess the silver lining to this is that there isn't <i>all that much</i> to do at <b>4am</b> so I wound up on my laptop... and on Blogger. I'm usually <i>reaaaally</i> lazy about blogging (at least, as of late) but I legitimately have nothing else to do right now so I figured I'll share my Halloween manicure with you all. </div>
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<i>PS: If anyone happens to be awake at this ridiculous time, too (and wouldn't mind hearing me complain my head off), please feel free to let me know! I could use somebody (Kings of Leon, anybody?)! </i></div>
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Let's get this show on the road. Here is my current mani, and the first EVER Halloween manicure I'm sporting, at least I think. Last year I didn't do any fun Halloween manicures because we got smashed with a storm so early in the season. Actually, hilariously enough, last year around this time I did a <a href="http://www.emilysnails.com/2011/11/snowy-skittle-manicure.html" target="_blank"><b>snowy skittle manicure</b></a>. Ha ha ha, bipolar New England weather, you are so funny! As I'm sure a lot of you ladies are as well, we're bracing for <a href="http://www.wbur.org/2012/10/28/sandy-mass3" target="_blank">Hurricane Sandy</a>. Kinda crazy and a little bit nerve wracking, but I'm excited. I love extreme weather conditions, even though they do pose so many risks. Maybe that's the part that's exciting? Who knows. We'll see what happens tomorrow. As for now...</div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/B88EAF13-0AB2-4C9E-9E0C-5227307DC1DC-1785-000001070B72D1D3-1.jpg" /></div>
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<img height="638" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/B11ABAAA-5026-464A-8A3D-91E1D1E579F9-1785-0000010713ECE8B5-1.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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My base coat is two coats of <i>Fingerpaints <b>Original Orange</b></i>. I stamped with two different bundle monster plates (not sure which ones off the top of my head- google "bundle monster lightning bolts" or "bundle monster pumpkin" if you're dying to know) and <i>Fingerpaints <b>Black Expressionism</b></i>, of which I'm almost out of! When it runs out, I'd like to try <i>Cult Nails <b>Nevermore </b></i>as my go to black stamping polish. </div>
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Original Orange applied very nicely. It suited its purpose as your average orange. I actually put a coat of <i>China Glaze <b>Ghoulish Glow</b></i> over this manicure before I <i>Seche-d</i> it... it smudged the stamping a bit. Boo. I'll have to try and get a picture of the glow in the dark-ness tomorrow (well... technically today -___-). I completely forgot to do that today. </div>
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What do you think? What are you sporting for halloween? </div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-46357106056835418912012-10-28T10:59:00.000-04:002012-10-28T10:59:29.691-04:00pretty edgy and beyond cozyHello, hello! I am back! Sometimes I get so busy and it becomes near impossible to get a post up. My goal for posts is this:<br />
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<b>Sunday/Monday</b> blogazon roundup</div>
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<b>Tuesday</b> off topic tuesday</div>
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<b>Wednesday Thursday Friday</b> nail posts</div>
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<b>Saturday Sunday</b> off, unless I have something to post</div>
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It's seriously my goal to regulate this this week and get things onto a regular schedule. Even though it's Sunday I do have a nail post for you! This is one of my favorite manicures as of late and it's a simple one. I got both of these polishes at my new job. Check it out:</div>
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Shown is two coats of <i>Essie <b>Pretty Edgy</b></i><b> </b>on four of my nails. Three coats of <i>Essie <b>Beyond Cozy</b></i> is on my accent nail. Pretty Edgy is a color I wouldn't normally purchase. With my short nails, I feel like I can pull off <i>anything</i>. I'm finally embracing them. ;D The formula on it is great, and it's the perfect green. I wore this manicure for four days with very limited tipwear and no chips. It's also SO shiny! I topped it with some Seche but it still stands out as being so shiny. Someone actually commented on how shiny it is. </div>
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Beyond Cozy is from the brand new <i>2012 Winter Collection</i>. We just put it out out at work. I wasn't immediately in love with the collection, but after taking a closer look at Beyond Cozy, it seemed awfully reminiscent of one of my faves of 2012, <b>China Glaze's <u>I'm Not Lion</u></b>. I'll have to do a comparison of these two. I'm not a huge gold person but something about this gold glitter just calls to me! I probably wouldn't wear it on its own as a full mani but for accents, it's perfect. Application on this one was great and I probably could've gotten away with 2 coats but 3 just seemed to be better (maybe all in my head...). </div>
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What do you think?</div>
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HAPPY SUNDAY, by the way! I work every Sunday <u>always</u> but I have this Sunday off. Just doing my routine tutoring then heading to SIX FLAGS for Fright Fest! So excited. Hoping the bad weather holds off at least for a while so I can enjoy my day outdoors. </div>
<br />Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-49380788566371110082012-10-25T10:15:00.004-04:002012-10-25T10:15:50.276-04:00itty bitty gargantuan green<div style="text-align: justify;">
My nails are <i>SO </i>tiny. I did some trimming down because I chipped a bunch of nails. My OCD does not allow for multiple different-lengthed nails.. my cuticles are a hot mess and my nails are a hot mess, so I just got fed up and decided to go on a trimming spree. This has made me so self conscious about posting manis but I have great news to share with you so I'm going to post regardless. <br /><br />In short, I started my new job at the beauty supply store on Tuesday. I am absolutely <b><i>in love</i></b> with it. I get a great discount and I <u>love</u> selling the products that I enjoy using. It's the best feeling in the world to be doing something you love. I'm just really happy as of late. :-)<br />
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This is the first polish I purchased with my discount at work. I've wanted it ever since I saw it on my friend Olivia's blog <a href="http://livylulu.blogspot.com/2011/07/opi-gargantuan-green-grape.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I never bought this color before because I don't care for how it looks on long nails... I'm embracing my shorties with the advice of some blogger friends:</div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/6B41FF9B-7458-449A-836E-83CC585AB6D3-145-0000000732B72C1D-1.jpg" /></div>
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<img src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/77EC6761-3C73-471B-9119-CE2DCA6FB076-145-000000073EFFEBDB-1.jpg" /> </div>
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I used three coats of <i>OPI <b>Gargantuan Green Grape</b></i>. I looove this color. I had a problem getting my cuticles completely perfect but I got a lot of compliments on this mani. Colors like this always make me nervous because they're often extremely streaky but this one was excellent, per usual from OPI. </div>
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What do you think? </div>
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Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-27148052209598806282012-10-23T11:27:00.002-04:002012-10-23T11:27:39.773-04:00off topic tuesdays: when all else fails, bake. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAbKH4olAnVQMrWc58dAiUTPJBPMHQ5l-rYbkv97c3_muAU7URd3rsmaa5kLtc_XRE5xvJ4gIfeXj8lRJq54kQGz8RC_Ffbpy2m98lJxtbiQrp2D5jO2yOLLmkR0QlS2OC9jmFL-MKAQ/s1600/Rainbow_by_dansch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAbKH4olAnVQMrWc58dAiUTPJBPMHQ5l-rYbkv97c3_muAU7URd3rsmaa5kLtc_XRE5xvJ4gIfeXj8lRJq54kQGz8RC_Ffbpy2m98lJxtbiQrp2D5jO2yOLLmkR0QlS2OC9jmFL-MKAQ/s400/Rainbow_by_dansch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I can't even bring myself to show you my nails right now. They are a <b>hot. freaking. mess.</b> I had three major breaks and they look so ugly. I can't even begin to embrace them like everyone is suggesting. <i>Thank gosh for <u>off topic Tuesdays</u></i>, I guess. </div>
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Today I'd like to talk about a newly discovered passion of mine: <b>baking</b>. I was never a wiz in the kitchen, actually quite the opposite. Growing up, cookies always meant Betty Crocker packages. They're just more convenient, I guess. I didn't really understand the differentiation between <i>"homemade"</i> and <b>out of a package</b>. I recently started experimenting with homemade baking, and I absolutely LOVE it. </div>
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I'm starting out simple. Yesterday, I made <b>butterscotch chocolate chip oatmeal cookies</b> & plain old <i>chocolate chip cookies</i>, an oldie but a goodie. Here they are: </div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/85CFC899-7DE4-4910-8160-B830397C045A-5004-0000035F4E1DAA3D-1.jpg" width="539" /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I fell in love with this heart-shaped cookie <3 font="font"></3></span></i></div>
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<img height="537" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/DC62D62C-2DB1-4BE9-9403-10BA0BE0ABFB-5004-0000035F57A4B679-1.jpg" width="640" /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Butterscotch chocolate chip oatmeal</span></i></div>
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<img height="510" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/04DDF7B2-9C33-494C-8843-828989F47F57-5004-0000035F5D3090C4-1.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Chocolate chip</span></i></div>
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No burnt cookies, no huge recipe failures. I'd say I was successful. I totally underestimated how relaxing and amazing hanging out at home and baking could be. It was the best day I've had in a while. </div>
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I'm yearning to try new recipes. What's your favorite thing to bake?</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-603806391944806164.post-55049910537729640512012-10-19T13:21:00.000-04:002012-10-19T13:21:35.290-04:00autumn leaves <div style="text-align: justify;">
Growing up, fall was <em>always</em> my favorite season. As I've gotten older, I tend to enjoy summer more. No classes, warm weather, more opportunities to travel and vacation... but as a kid, <em>fall what were it was at</em>. I loved the changing leaves, playing outside after school in the crisp weather with my neighbors, going to the <a href="http://www.thebige.com/" target="_blank">Big E</a>, camping... the memories go on and on. </div>
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Today's manicure was inspired by something I saw on <a href="http://www.the-nail-network.com/" target="_blank">The Nail Network</a>. I tried to copy <a href="http://www.the-nail-network.com/2012/10/autumn-leaves-french-manicure.html" target="_blank">this look</a> in its entirety, minus a few color changes. I love everything about her blog; I suggest you check it out! Anyway, I found this manicure by googling "<strong>autumn leaves mani</strong>." I wasn't entirely impressed with some of the others but I loved this particular one. Here it is: <br />
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/9B7F0DC0-BDAC-479B-BECC-7D3F67316280-2701-0000014424EFFF96-1.jpg" width="469" /></div>
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My version didn't come out <em>perfectly</em> but I was happy with the finished product. I first painted on two coats of <em>Essie <strong>A Lot Of Shekels</strong></em> which is my go-to sheer pink/nude French manicure shade. Every time I use it, I fall more and more in love with it. I think it's an older color, because I got it in a clearance bin at a beauty supply store (actually, at the one I'll be working at starting <strong>next week</strong>!). Great clearance bin find. </div>
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I then freehanded some French manicure tips with <em>OPI <strong>Warm & Fozzie</strong></em> (bottle pictured in the picture above). <em>W&F</em> is such a great fall shade! It's got so much depth to it. I swatched <em>W&F </em>on its own <a href="http://www.emilysnails.com/2012/09/opi-warm-fozzie.html" target="_blank">here</a>, if you're curious! ;D The French tips don't have to be completely perfect because you end up stamping over them anyway. I used two coats of <em>W&F</em> to get this look.</div>
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For the leaves, I used image plate <strong>bm04</strong> from bundle monster's first collection. I tried a whole TON of different colors to stamp the leaves but a lot just wouldn't show up well over my base. I ended up with a brown/orange, <em>Love & Beauty <strong>Brick</strong></em>, and a red, <em>OPI <strong>Revved Up & Red-y</strong></em>. <em>Brick</em> is actually a brown but looks more like burnt orange stamped. I wish I could've gotten more colors to work.</div>
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I'm eager to try this look again with different shades or even a different variation (ie butterflies instead of leaves, or snowflakes??). I'll leave you with two pictures I took at Ashley Reservior in the town next to mine in little old Western Massachusetts. </div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/9676212F-DA1F-4B2A-B7F7-A5EDCACB0063-2701-0000014442B0E501-1.jpg" width="483" /><br /><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My foliage mani WITH some foliage! Couldn't pass up this shot. </span></em></div>
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<img height="640" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb350/embellishednails/1B5DC451-D164-4C0A-822A-404BB87B027C-2701-000001447B494418-1.jpg" width="594" /></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This picture was edited on Instagram to show the depth of the foliage. I love this time of year. </span></em></div>
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What do you think of my autumn mani? Do the leaves change color like this where you're from?</div>
Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01458520073032334436noreply@blogger.com5