Hi everyone!
Things are getting catty today as I’m blogging over at Papery & Cakery to go over one of my favorite iconic looks, the cat eye. Me-ow!
Xo,
Leah
Humpday Helper: Drying Drops
Love doing your nails but hate waiting for what seems lightyears for them to dry? Well today’s Humpday Helper is handy dandy drying drops! I was introduced to these bad boys by my manicurists who uses the OPI Drip Dry Drying Drops (say that 5 times fast!) on me. I still wait at the salon for a couple of minutes and then act as if I’m Edward Scissorhands for another 10 minutes (hopefully you have a nice visual there of me looking like an idiot), but I’m probably way more cautious than I need to be because these drops truly do reduce the drying time needed after freshly painted nails.
Just paint your paws as usual: base coat, two coats of desired polish, top coat (currently loving my Nails Inc Kensinton Caivar, both Base and Top Coats, fyi). Then just wait about a minute and then apply a drop on each nail. Your nails will be dry to the touch in 60 seconds; thoroughly dry in 5 minutes or less! Magical!
You can also try the Nicole by OPI Drying Drops, Essie Quick-E Drying Drops, Sephora by OPI Drying Drops, Nail Tek 10 Speed Polish Drying Drops, and more!
Stay dry!
Xo,
Leah
Now That’s What I Call…O.M.G!
So last night I plopped myself on the couch with my laptop to blog away, but got sidetracked when a group text message started with my four best friends since elementary school – or what we call a modern day chat room. I found myself lol-ing (sorry, back in high school jargon) while I texted and was at a loss for a blog topic. But then, something magical happened. I heard the most ridic tv commercial ever. It was for Now That’s What I Call Music! 44. That’s right, FORTY FOUR!!
A couple questions came to mind…
a.) When did I get this old?! I legit can remember purchasing the first ever Now That’s What I Call Music, which is probably being appraised on Antiques Roadshow while we speak. It was released in 1998 (aka 7th grade for us) and it was pure genius. The music gods at Now hand picked all of our fav tracks onto a CD Rom that I can play in my stereo as opposed to making mixed tapes from the radio. We were in music heaven. I remember my specific faves from the legendary album were As Long As You Love Me by BSB, All My Life by K-Ci and JoJo, Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger, If You Could Only See by Tonic, and I definitely was forced to listen to Barbie Girl by Aqua per my BFF Pam. Clearly classic songs and legendary artists. {For the younger readers out there, if you don’t know the songs I’m referencing start educating yourself pronto.}
b.) Why are these still in production?? They were originally created prior to CD burners becoming mainstream hence why it made sense for some music suit to decide what songs the public would want to listen to. I figured these went out of production once Napster came out, not to mention now that you can make up your own playlist via iTunes. Lastly, it’s rare that anyone’s even buying CDs anymore! (Still trying to figure out how T Swift managed to sell so many copies of her audio diary last month…)
c.) Can somebody please buy this for someone as a holiday gift, or even better a work Secret Santa?? Am I the only one that thinks that would be a-ma-zing?
Ok, sorry for the rant…TTYL!
Xo,
Leah
Cosmetic Case of the [Cyber] Mondays!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday and weekend! Just in case you’re not all retailed out, I wanted to let you know of the ULTAmate Cyber Monday Beauty and Cosmetic Sale!
For just today only, ULTA is having some amazing deals online. Some of which include:
30% off all TIGI Hair Products (I’m really excited about that, seeing as I looove the Catwalk line as I explained in a recent post)
Buy 2 Get 1 Free Butter London Nail Polish
$79.95 Ultra CHI Hairdryers and Flat Irons
Check out all of the other amazing deals here.
Plus with any $35 online purchase, choose from three different types of beauty bags filled with 15 free samples!
Free shipping over $25 with code HOLIDAY2012 and $10 off any $50 purchase using code 85224 or $20 off any $100 purchase using code 85118.
Hopefully Cyber Monday helps the day go by a little quicker!
Xo,
Leah
Fashion [Black] Friday!
It’s here! We all get to walk off our calories from last night during the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday! I’m off to the mall doing more low-key shopping, but still trying to snag some amazing deals! Besides mapping out the deals you plan on getting, you should also plan a sufficient outfit to help survive the madness.
My tips on a good shopping outfit are the following:
Be comfortable!! You don’t have to look frumpy to be comfy and you’ll be lucky you are when the woman who’s wearing her 5 inch heels or wedges wobbles by you thinking she looks hot. I suggest wearing a pair of oh-so trendy loafers or the always great Toms. And if you’re wanting a little glam, go with the uber fun Glitter Toms!
Gap Embroidered Loafers. Gap Patterned Printed Loafers. Toms Classic Canvas Slip-On. Toms Classic Glitter Slip-On.
Take it off! Wear items that are easy to take on and off if you are planning on trying clothes on. I usually avoid button down shirts and stick with leggings as opposed to jeans. If you do opt for jeans, make sure they’re not tight and easy to wear, such as a boyfriend jean.
Forever 21 Ankle Length Leggings. Gap 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Jeans.
Less is more. I usually wear minimal jewelry this way if you do try on clothing whatever you have on won’t they won’t clash. I just got this necklace from Piperlime and I love it!
Layers. Despite the fact that I’m in South Florida and I could technically wear a tank and shorts if I was strictly dressing for the outside temp, I try to dress in layers because I’m always cold inside, especially inside our mall (it’s probably their way of forcing me to purchase a cashmere, but no – I’m one step ahead!). I love getting super soft tees and cardis from Gap and Forever 21.
Forever 21 Basic V-Neck Tee. Forever 21 Melange Open Cardigan. Gap Pieced Dolman Tee. Forever 21 Green Basic Longline Cardigan. Gap Button Cuff Crew Tee. Gap Shiny Dot Tee.
Easy access! As much as I love a satchel, when it comes to a shopping day, I leave them at home and stick with either a cross-body or tote. This allows you to be hands free and not go home with black and blue wrists from your satchel or handbag weighing you down.
Rebecca Minkoff MAC. Kate Spade Flicker Bon Shopper Tote.
And yes, I of course also pair it all with all of my makeup essentials (obvi)!
Enjoy your shopping. Enjoy your weekend. And Go Noles!!
Xo,
Leah
Can’t be hateful, gotta be grateful!
I can’t believe Thanksgiving is here. I can’t believe I just quoted Nicole Westbrook’s It’s Thanksgiving song in my title (keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn’t team up with Rebecca Black for a Black Friday song). Seriously, where did November (or October and September for that matter) go? Time sure has flown while working, blogging, and campaigning in these past couple of months. As busy as we’ve been, I’m loving it all and especially loving Fall (despite our recent warm weather and rain, err). And I’m definitely counting down until the big feast tonight as well as the biggest shopping day of the year tomorrow, yay!.
As I mentioned yesterday, make sure to remind yourself what this holiday is all about. I am certainly thankful for both mine and Jared’s family, my absolutely amazing friends, Fozzie Bear, Jared for believing in me, Sephora (just kidding, maybe), and for all of you taking time out of your busy days to read the nonsense I have to say and supporting me! I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I am!
I’m also beyond excited for the upcoming holidays and all of the amazing food and celebrations that will soon be upon us, including amazing TV and movie specials. We have a tradition to always start off Thanksgiving morning by cooking a big breakfast while watching the parade and The National Dog Show Competition. I also love to squeeze in listening to Adam Sandler’s Thanksgiving Song and watch my sister’s and my favorite Friends episode, the Thanksgiving Episode from Season 6 (the one with the beef trifle and lightning confessions, “It tastes like feet!”). During the month of December I always make sure to watch Elf, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and Love Actually. If there’s time also throw in The Holiday.
Have an amazing day and enjoy yourself, you’ll walk off the calories tomorrow while shopping!
Xo,
Leah
Humpday Helper: Thanksgiving Thankfuls
Seeing as it’s Thanksgiving Day Eve, today’s Humpday Helper is to take a second before the madness starts and remember to truly be thankful for everything and everyone in your life. Before complaining about all of the headaches and drama that the holidays have the potential to bring (let’s be real here), just try to stay positive and remind yourself of how lucky you are, and all of the things to be grateful for.
And let me take this opportunity to tell my family, whom I’m unfortunately unable to spend the holidays with, how much I love them to pieces and that I am grateful to have them in my life, and with that I’m definitely thankful for Skype! I’m also beyond appreciative to have my in-laws close by, and that I love them all as if they were my own.
Xo,
Leah
