Mint!

Emerald may be the color of the year, but mint is emerald's baby sister and she is everywhere! I love it!

1. Honeycomb knit crew sweater - $25.00
2. Small square stud earring - $38.00
3. Essential short-sleeve u-neck tee - $15.00
4. Classic leather ballet flat - $125.00
5. Legacy hobo - $298.00
6. Enamel bangle - $22.00
7. Double v-neck button sleeve tee - $24.90
8. Essie mint candy apple - $4.79
9. Tulips-and-dots gauze scarf - $12.94
10. Rockstar pop-color cords - $12.97
11. Clean leather belt - $24.95

We had a really relaxing weekend here! We had freezing rain all day on Sunday so we ran out to the store before it hit to stock up on food and redbox! We watched Pitch Perfect and Dark Knight Rises! I really enjoyed both! Hope you had a great weekend!

3 Holiday Outfits

The holidays are upon us (Happy Hanukkah!) and Christmas is right around the corner, which means it's time to plan the perfect holiday party outfit!

To me, nothing says the holidays like lace, sequins and shiny fabrics! Today I've styled three outfits, perfect for that holiday get together - or just a fancy night in with the family! Who says you can't wear sequins and play a mean round of Catch Phrase? :)

earrings, nail polish, ring, dress, clutch, shoes

skirt, necklace, clutch, top, shoes, earrings

earrings, stockings, clutch, bracelet 1 & 2, shoes, dress

Hope your holiday season is off to a great start!

2013 Color of the Year: Emerald

A few days ago, Pantone announced the 2013 color of the year: Emerald! Not only is this a beautiful color, more universally flattering than 2012's Tangerine Tango, but it's my birth stone!! I'm pumped. Here's to emerald!

1. Emerald Cushion Cut Studs - $40 - 25% off today only with code HOLIDAY25

2. OPI Jade is the New Black - $5.35

3. Suzanne Cocktail Ring - $39

4. Driving Moccasins - $49.95

5. Cashmere Tippi Sweater - $168

6. Perfect Shirt Mini-Gingham - $49.99

7. Packable Tour - $135

8. Emerald Pashmina - $54

9. Legacy Leather Penny Shoulder Purse - $198

10. Always Skinny Cords - $69.95

Gifts under $25

Happy December! We started decorating for the holidays last week and today during half time of the football game (Roll Tide!) we are going to decorate our tree! It's officially Christmas time!!

Here are a few things I'm loving that would make perfect stocking stuffers or small gift for a friend. All are under $25!

1. Bliss Hand Cream - $18.00 

2. Gold Polka Dot PJs - $24.99

3. Black and Crystal Bangle - $20.00

4. Orly Luxe Nail Polish - $5.38 - Recently picked this up - it's a great gold!

5. OPI Skyfall Nail Polish - $8.00

6. Slipper Socks - $15.00 - an updated version on my favorite!

7. Minted Rose Lip Balm - $7.00 - This has been on my wish list for awhile!!

8. Personalized Chevron Note Cards - $10.00

9. Tartan Scarf - $14.99 - What a great price for such a classic piece!

Fall Nail Polish

If you follow me on Pinterest you know I'm all about the nail polish!! Last year on the blog I highlighted some of my favorite OPI fall nail polishes. Here are some new favorites!

Top: Essie Wicked, Dior Shadow, Essie Mochachino

Bottom: L'Oreal Owl's Night, OPI Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine!, Essie Bobbing for Baubles

My work environment isn't very conservative so I can get away with wearing darker colors and not feel out of place! Awesome! 

I bought Wicked, Mochachino and Nein! Nein! Nein! recently and love them all. The last time I applied the Mochachino however it did weird application things that I wasn't very happy about. I think Wicked is such a great red for fall - some reds to me are too cheery and Christmasy (which is perfect come late November but not what I want right now)! Love this red. I haven't been able to find Ow's Night but I think it is so unique! Bobbing for Baubles will likely be my next purchase! Thank goodness for Ulta and their coupons! :)

What nail polish have you been loving this fall?

Flakies Nail Polish

I'm not sure where I have been, but I just learned about "flakies" nail polish last week!! I haven't purchased any nail polish with flakies/ flecks yet but let's be honest, it's just a matter of time!!!

Thanks to the wonderful blogs The Polish Aholic & Steffels I am no longer in the dark on this fun nail polish trend and can share it with you!

Is this not the neatest thing ever?? Click on the above links for specific details on what these ladies used!

If you're interested in creating this look check out Zoya's Fleck Effect collection, Hits Flake Nail Polish, or if you have a Sally Beauty supply near you, look for Finger Paints Special Effects!

Currently Loving & Wanting

Hello!! I have a 4 day weekend and I couldn't be happier! I've been working extra hours so I was able to flex off on Friday! I've been so exhausted I seriously have been going to bed between 8-9:00 at night! Pathetic!

This weekend has been great and lazy! We saw The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo on Friday! After reading all 3 books I was super eager to see the movie! I honestly think if I hadn't read the book I would have been confused! Did you see the movie? What were your thoughts? 

I've been meaning to share a few things I'm loving and wanting right now! Hope you're having a great weekend!

1. Sugar Passion Lip Treatment

2. Mossimo Wide Neck Sweatshirt

3. Chandelier Earrings- currently sold out online in the US

4. Tree Jewelry Stand

5. Monsoon Striped Bangles

6. OPI Serving Up Sparkle

7. OPI Senorita Rose-Alita

Winter Shimmer

Happy belated Thanksgiving!!

It has been such a great long weekend - despite being sick and getting my husband sick. I think we're on the mend and are going to put up a few Christmas decorations - maybe even the tree if we get real inspired. DayQuil will make you do crazy things!

This winter it's hard to resist the sparkle! Shimmer! Metallic! Yum!

1. Pink pearlized bangle set - $29.50
2. Sequin front tank - $39.90
3. Knit opera gloves - $29.50
4. Metallic drape front shell - $54.50
5. Large pave stud earrings - $29.50
6. OPI I only drink champagne - $4.40
7. Chelsea metallic cardigan - $15.00

What's on the top of your wish list?

Time Management and My Fall Wishlist!

 I'm back!  I have not forgotten SWC!  Thank for picking up my slack, Tina :)  My workload has tripled and I have been working from home trying to catch up on documentation.  A co-worker told me to stop immediately because it will start to take over my life, hence no blogging.  Is anyone else guilty of chronically working at home?  I thought I had set good boundaries, but I guess I am still working on it. We had staff development on Thursday and were discussing ways to help with time management.  One co-worker shared this amazing idea called "Power Hour."  It is when you take an hour out of your day and finish everything you need to.  You do this by shutting your door, getting out of your email, putting your phone on do not disturb and putting your cell on silent.  I may put a sign on my door as well.  Is this not the most brilliant idea?!  Do y'all do this?  Am I the last one to know about this little nugget of joy?  I was off on Friday and am starting tomorrow.  Things tend to come up in this type of work, but I feel like I can accomplish this goal.  I think this is a tip that can work with any profession.  Try it out and let me know what you think!

So this is my first weekend of being work-free and it feels great.  I have been back playing on pinterest and awaiting the arrival of fall.  Many of the blogs I regularly ready have created fall wish lists and I thought I would follow.  Some are more practical than others, it's a wish list, right!? Here it is:

1.Monogram necklace- This necklace (to me) is the new version of the "Carrie" necklace that SJP wore during SATC.  Also I'm a lover of a monogram.  When I pinned it in pinterest I labeled it "Always need another monogram."

2. Lace top-  It will be a nice fall addition to the wardrobe. 

3. Gingham button-up shirt-  I love the way it can be layered.

4. Red Pants- Ask anyone- I have been hunting for them for months.  I can't find any that fit or are somewhat casual, oh and that don't break the bank.  I can also wear them to Alabama Football games!  

5. Women's Angelfish Slip-On Boat Shoe in Leopard- I have loved these since they came out last year.  I have a secret love of Leopard print.  My phone cover is purple leopard print, which says it all.  I will probably ask the husband for these during holiday time :)

6. Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Curling Wand- Target had this on sale for $21.99 last week and I indulged yesterday, before the sale was over.  I wasn't going to, but it got awesome reviews on amazon.  I'm going to practice on myself today so I can wear my hair wavy to work tomorrow. Pics to come when I can perfect the curls!

7.  The Louis Vuitton Speedy 30-  I assume I will not get this anytime soon!  My grandmother had a Louis exactly like this when I was growing up and I just see this purse as a classic and timeless piece.  Sadly my grandmother's Louis has disappeared :(  I should put this on my long-term wish list!

8.  OPI- You Don't Know Jacques- I have lusted over this interesting neutral polish for a whole year.  Why?  My local Ulta runs out within 3 days of getting the shipment.  I was so wanting this polish that I was going to buy it on Amazon.  I decided to give Ulta one more chance and low and behold there was one left!  Yay, I crossed 2 off my list!

What's on your fall wish list??

OPI Junkie

I'm kind of an OPI junkie. I know it's expensive, but I love it! A while ago at a girls night in (watching movies and painting nails, of course!) I was actually surprised by how many dark colors I own! Fall nail polish is just so much fun! Here are a few of my go to favorites I can't wait to enjoy!

You Don't Know Jacques, My Private Jet, I'm Fondue of You, Russian Navy, Yes I Can Can

Of course I have my eye on a few new colors - most from the Touring America collection:

Passion, Get in the Expresso Lane, I Brake for Manicures, Honk if you Love OPI, Road House Blues

I know, I know, lots of similar colors.. I'll probably just stick to Passion (just picked it up for the wedding!) and Road House Blues, since it really is different than anything else I have! Maybe Expresso Lane too.. If you time it right you can get buy 2 get 1 free OPI @ Ulta! It just makes sense! 

What are your favorite fall polishes?

Urge to Shop: Accessories

Great accessories for Fall!

1. Delicate Demeanor Necklace - $24.00
2. Chandelier Earrings - $18.00
3. Plaid Infinity Scarf - $16.99
4. Urban Expressions Flap Clutch - $34.95
5. 3 Pack Belts - $12.95
6. Steve Madden 'Koool' Flat - $69.95
7. Honk If You Love OPI - $5.95

Nail polish success!

You don't know this, but I've been on the hunt for OPI's Rally Pretty Pink ever since this post. I went to two different Ulta stores and no love. I was this close to buying it online! Seriously.

Yesterday, however I FOUND IT at Kroger!!! For whatever reason (clearly they didn't ask my opinion on this) the color comes packaged with red shatter. I just don't see these together.

Anyway, being the mad woman, I got it anyway - I mean maybe I'll use the red shatter.. sometime. Kroger also had the full Miss Universe collection that Claire posted about here. I was struck by how similar Rally Pretty Pink and It's My Year were! I hesitated and almost went with It's My Year, but resisted! 

Naturally, I came home and looked online to see if I made the right decision. Did you know people have blogs solely devoted to nail polish? It's true!! (And I would highly recommend google imaging a nail polish color before purchasing so you can see it in real life - well, on someones nail instead of in the bottle!) 

I found a comparison of these two colors (here) and I'm glad I went with my mad woman gut and got Rally Pretty Pink!

As you can see, Rally Pretty Pink (RPP) is more of a pinkish gold and It's My Year (IMY) has more purple hues! Both very pretty!

Have you bought any new nail polish recently??

White Out

How was your Saturday? What did you do?

Mom and I had a much needed date day! We ran some errands, went to her studio to look at the Fall line (where I fell in love with this oversized scarf!!!) and she treated to a pedicure! Fabulous. Thanks Mom! xoxo! Oh, we also watched Parent Trap on TV! ..You know, the one where Lindsay Lohan is still cute and not a train wreck? Yeah that one! Great flick! ;)

The details - top: Express, jeans: Gap, shoes: TJ Maxx find - Steve Madden (similar), Cat: Amelia! haha.

Copycat alert. I had some fun painting my nails while watching Just Go With It the other night (it was a pretty cute movie!). Inspired by Copying the lovely Emily over at Cupcakes and Cashmere I gave the accent nail trend a try! I finally got to use my Essie Mint Candy Apple and paired it with Ulta Sequins. I like this combination because it's more subtle for work! I was trying to show my husband my new nails over Skype, and I must admit he was a little confused! Oh well, it's fun for a little bit, and I love the Essie color! I already have visions of a deep winter red nail with gold accents for the holidays!

Have you tried the accent nail trend? Do you love it or hate it?

P.S. Have you entered the giveaway?? It ends Tuesday at midnight! Remember, you must be a follower of SWC with google friend connect AND leave a comment on the post saying why you want to win the bracelet! Good luck!

Urge to Shop

Do y'all ever wake up and have this feeling that you just have to go shopping? For me it kind of builds up and this morning it was like I WANT, I WANT, I WANT! To tame the beast I'm sharing with you! We'll see if this will control my shopping urge!

My random assortment of items I'd go out and buy right now if I had money...and the mall was open!

1. H&M Camel Blazer - $59.95

2. Gap Wide Leg Trouser - $52.46 on sale!

3. Express Scoop-Neck Dolman Tee - $19.90 on sale!

4. Express Leopard Skinny Belt - $24.90

5. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes - $4.97*

6. Mustard Cord Toms - $54

7. Chanel Peridot - $28.99 - the newest color for fall according to InStyle!

8. OPI Rally Pretty Pink - $7.68 - discovered this beauty here.

9. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover - $6.39*

*I haven't used these products before, but would love to give them a try! Have you tried these? My current eye makeup remover is Mary Kay, and I love it, but it's just not as easy to pick up as going to CVS! I'm sure I'll impulse-buy these next time I'm at the store!

Can you tell I'm itching for fall? The temps have been so, so hot here in the Midwest as I know they have been everywhere! Just thankful we aren't seeing 130 degrees like my honey. Poor guy!!

What's on your shopping wish list??

World Peace

In August, OPI is releasing their Miss. Universe themed nail polish.  And in a profession that is less than glamorous, this nail polish can make you feel like royalty :)

The names of these polishes are the best (from left to right):  Crown Me Already!, Swimsuit...Nailed It!, It's MY Year., and Congeniality is My Middle Name. 

I'm not a pageant fanatic, but I do like looking at the dresses and rooting for my state!  It's fun and mindless and I'm usually in need of that in the evening.

I'm kind of in love with these....and world peace <3

Makeup time!

I can be pretty snobby when it comes to my beauty products, as my husband will attest. Granted we're just babies in the marriage department (a little over a year!) but he has told me more than once if he added up all the money I spent on beauty products in a year he could buy something pretty cool with that money (whatever babe!). Well folks, not that I'm officially turning over a new leaf, but I have some good drug store beauty products to share with you!! And when they're good, and less expensive.. why not?

This past winter I received what I feel is my holy grail of eye shadow: Urban Decay's Naked palette.

Its price tag is around $48 for 12 eye shadows. Insane, right? Well it's wonderful, and Santa brought it to me, so no feelings of guilt here! :) Here's the problem, I'm especially in love with one of the colors "sin" (the second from the left) and to buy it individually it's $17!

Determined to find a look for less I went to the drug store and picked up an eye shadow that does a pretty good job in matching color - Loreal 101 Satin Tutu. While unfortunately I notice a slight difference in its staying power (turns out sometimes you do get what you pay for) and concentration (I  have to apply multiple coats for the same effect) the color is surprisingly similar and at a much more affordable price point! Try this color on the lid paired with a lighter color on the brow bone, or all over for an easy, effortless summer shimmer!

My second find is a lip balm/ gloss. I can't remember where I first heard of Covergirl's NatureLuxe gloss balm (perhaps a magazine?) but it's yummy! It's nice and light, but has enough pigment to matter. I'm really bad about reapplying lipstick, so I need something that will fade subtly over the day and not leave weird stains. The color I have is 230 coral, which is a nice way to jazz up my lip color! An added bonus, this balm has SPF 15 and is incredibly moisturizing!

Last but not least - a nail polish. I learned of this color over at Kendi Everyday in this post (if you're not familiar with Kendi's blog - go check it out right now! So jealous of fashion bloggers with photographer husbands!). The color is Revlon's Top Speed 405 Peachy. I think it's a great light peach color that is hard to resist! Right now I love a soft color on fingernails and a more bold color on toenails! This does just that. I'm surprisingly impressed with how speedy it dried as well! Good job Revlon!

Have you discovered any beauty products you have to share? Let us know!

Mani, Pedi and Me

I had a couple GLORIOUS days off last week and deemed these days "Claire-Only Days."  I decided that I wanted to relax and pamper myself.  I finally used my mani and pedi groupon, which I had been looking forward to! I was relaxed to the max...ahhhh!  I walked in and was asked if I wanted to upgrade for $5 to a Shellac manicure.  Immediately, I thought of Tina's post about her good experience with her manicure.  I'm only 5 days into my manicure and am loving it so far.  It is possible that Tina and I may have gotten the same color, I guess that's why we are friends with good taste :) 

I feel so revived after my days off.  I realized how much I do for others and sometimes forget myself.  I feel selfish when I focus on my needs.  After going to work this year with a fever and an extreme allergic reaction (puffy face and all) and attempting to work (but being sent home) I've really been thinking about my actions.  It's ok to be "selfish" sometimes.  As a social worker, how can you help others when you can't help yourself?  If I don't take care of myself, I will probably burn out in the next few years.  I love my job and do not want that to happen.  We have our yearly reviews coming up and I will be using this dilemma as something I need to work on next year.  Shouldn't be too hard, right?  I have sick days, I should use them when I'm sick...this is logical thinking, I think I can do it!  We all have our things we are working on to be better people and better social workers, what are you working on?

In other news:

Wyatt Update:
15 weeks
15 lbs
The sweetest puppy that I miss terribly during work, but when I get home his nub is wagging and booty is shakin'!  It makes everything that happened in the day OK!

Shellac: product review

I recently had my first Shellac manicure and wanted to share some thoughts!! I typically prefer to paint my own finger nails to save some money, but was happy to treat myself thanks to a gift card!

Y'all Shellac is a wonderful thing! It's a gel based polish, but more healthy for your nails! It's supposed to last for 2 weeks!!! So far I'm 1 1/2 weeks in and the only thing I notice is nail growth! Seriously, no chippage! :) The nail technician said they could only guarantee 2 weeks if I used cuticle oil every day. I've been pretty consistent, but I think I've missed a day or two..

Essentially, the application is the same as a regular manicure (base coat, color and top coat), however after each application you place your hand in this UV thing to set or "cure" the coat. It sounds scary, but it's really not! Once you're done, it's dry! So you don't even have to worry about smudging - or reaching into your purse for car keys!

I love the color I have right now - it's called tutti fruiti! It's a great for spring/ summer! I get bored with colors easily, but this is one color I would do again and again!

A downside of Shellac is the more limited color selection. Also if I were to regularly do these manicures I may be concerned about the UV exposure.

Here's a brief video from Annie @ Bella Sugar to show you what to expect - including that "UV thing" I was talking about!



Do you Shellac? What has been your experience?

Pastel nails to brighten your day!

Have you recovered from Royal Wedding craziness? I watched a bit as I was getting ready for work and everything seemed just lovely! I'm sure we'll be seeing footage for the next week weeks/ months etc so I'm not really worried about "missing anything".

Speaking of footage... it really was such a crazy up and down week with the tornadoes that devastated the south, and my home for 2 years: Tuscaloosa, AL. I cannot EVEN imagine, and my heart just breaks. Tuscaloosa - you are not forgotten.

Keep them in your prayers, please.

OK back to something lighter. Ulta (you know, the giant makeup store!) has a nail polish promotion going on right now - buy 2 get 1 free until Sunday May 8! I took this opportunity, and my $5 off coupon - thanks to my In Style magazine -and purchased 3 Essie spring colors: Nice is Nice, Mint Candy Apple and Borrowed & Blue for a whopping $11! Sweet! Need a coupon? Click here to print your very own $3.50 off coupon!

Here they are with a pretty pale pink I already had (Fiji).

  

Yesterday before work I quickly painted my nails with the purple - you know, a royal color! 

This is just one coat-  I was in a rush! 

What are your favorite spring shades?

P.S. In case you're interested... apparently Kate Middleton's wedding manicure was a combination of Bourjois So Laque in Rose Lounge and Essie's Allure.