REVIEW: Sally Hansen Salon Effects

#250 Bling It On....

When it comes to painting my nails I leave it to the professionals.
I wasn't even going to bother to try these because I am so hopeless in this area but I decided to give it a try just for kicks!

I was doing a haul in Walmart and browsing in the Beauty section when I came across "Bling It On". Sparkly and pink? HECK YAH! Count me in. ;)

The one I originally wanted was the Zebra Print strips in "Wild Child" but they ran out. The next best one was this one "Bling It On" and to be honest this was probably the best option for my first try with the nail strips.

I really ended up liking this product and was pretty impressed. For a nail dummy like myself these were simple, easy and the end result was very professional looking.

I didn't have to wait to have my nails dry (except for the top coat which I voluntarily applied) and the application was effortless. I thought it was going to be a pain and they weren't going to stick but they went right on.

PROS:

- They have a good variety of designs & colors

- They are cheaper than Minx

- They are easy to apply yourself

- No dry time (Unless you opt for a Top Coat)

- The instructions that came with them are easy to follow

- Good for people who aren't great at doing nails

- They last a long time and are durable

- If you have short nails you can get 2 uses

(by cutting them in half)

CONS:

- They are pricey compared to a bottle of polish

- The sizing of the strips is a little weird

- They take awhile to apply. Set some time aside

- You have to get past the learning curve

- You probably should put on a Top Coat

Overall I was very happy with my $8 purchase from Walmart. I definitely want to try them again. This might be a regular occurrence. It's definitely cheaper than splurging on a Mani or Minx.

SIDE NOTE:

I also was able to get a "Pedicure" out of one box. I technically got a Mani/Pedi.

I was curious so I tried...

Not bad at all but please excuse my sock imprint!

Foot looks all bumpy on the right side doesn't it?

Have you tried any of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects yet?
If so let me know what you think!

A Small Tribute to my Aunt

To die completely, a person must not only forget but be forgotten, and he who is not forgotten is not dead. -Samuel Butler

My Godmother, my protector, my friend and of course my Aunt.

If I could think of just one word to describe her I would say; kind. The type of person to lend a hand when times were tough or to simply lend an ear when you just needed to talk.
The last couple of years was hard. It felt like a little piece of me was taken away the day that she packed up and moved to Tennessee. A big transition for everyone and not an easy one at that. At first I did not understand why she wanted to leave. Over time I have come to terms with it. I now understand that she felt this was her calling and something she had to do. In her heart she believed that God put her there for a reason and it was in her best interest. Times were tough for her, expenses were high and Tennessee was a perfect fit.

I remember her weekend visits when I was growing up. I used to wait in anticipation to spend the day with my Aunt and my cousins. Me being an only child this was the highlight of my week. Sometimes her and my cousins would sleepover and this was especially fun for me. It was nice to have a full house on the weekends. Great quality family time. Even to this day I still miss those cherished visits with her. I miss the childhood stories of her and her sisters she would share. I miss the "boo boo" rides, watching her knit and listening to her poems. I miss the jokes, the laughs and of course I miss her loving smile.

Sometimes looking back I don't know how she dealt with me! I was difficult to say the least. Your everyday rebellious teen and of course the bratty only child. She had the patience of a a saint and honestly don't know how she kept her cool sometimes. I had the audacity to continue to test the waters. Pushing the limits to see how far I could bend them. Rarely did I get to that point where I did push the limit too for but thankfully the few times that I did she lovingly steered me back to the right direction. I thank her for doing her part and helping me become the woman that I am today.

I remember the first time I heard about her Breast Cancer. I knew all about this horrible disease but I did not think in a million years it would take away someone that I loved and held so close to my heart. Even though I do not completely understand the route she took to help her try to beat this ailment I know that in her heart this was the right way for her. Through out the entire battle she remained dedicated to her faith, and in very high hopes that all would work itself out. I know without a doubt in my mind that she now is with her creator and finally at peace.

When I was by her side in Tennessee during in April of 2010 I made my peace with the situation. Most importantly I made it very well known that I loved her. We never know how much time we will have with our loved ones. Sometimes you just have to swallow your pride and open up. Family is not about always agreeing. It's about working through the bad times together and coming back out stronger and closer than before you began.

All I wanted is for her to be happy and not to suffer or to be in pain. Although she is not here on earth she will always be in my heart. She is in a much better place and she is at peace. Missed and loved but never forgotten.

I love you Aunt Donna.

DONNA STAR LEWIS: 1959 - 2011

Everything I Needed To Learn I Learned in...

Everything I needed to learn, I learned in Kindergarten and of course on Youtube and Cosmopolitan! :)

Snow days can really spoil your weekend. You have plans, you get excited, lay out your outfit and then, BAM! The snow hits hard and no one is going anywhere. Everyone is staying put in their homes snowed in. No one wants to drive in that!

On a snowy night when all my plans are bombarded with STUPID SNOW I surf the web. I skim through magazines and look for something new to learn. Mostly I find tutorials online. Sometimes articles from Cosmo and sometimes I just make stuff up as I go along. It's not like i'm going anywhere right? Why not teach myself something useful? haha

Accomplishment #1:
I learned how to tie a tie. Maybe if I want to start a new trend with my fancy black and white skinny tie (pictured here) I could totally be prepared to pull it off!

Accomplishment #2 & #3:
I conquered liquid eyeliner! My co-worker has been trying to teach me for months now. I have a very unsteady hand so this new found talent is exciting for me. I love the way  my eyes pop when I have a little eyeliner on. I also put on falsies and they didn't come out too bad either. Given it was late at night and they weren't perfect nor did I honestly make much of an effort but they came out pretty nice!

Accomplishment #4
I know how to Flat Iron my hair now!!! My new Bangs a.k.a Fringe are the inspiration for my new skill. I love the way my hair looks straight and with the bangs but I wanted to see what it looked like curly. I have been trying to get this skill down for a little while now but never had time to experiment with it. Now I am a pro!


BEFORE:

AFTER:

So there you have it. I learned some new and useful things. Maybe now I can start applying them in my everyday life. And let me leave you with this....

Pablo Fransisco Is My Future Baby Daddy!

If you know funny, you know Pablo Fransisco! As soon as he hits the stage he hits it's almost an immediate roar of laughter that fills the room. This dude is INSANE! He is full of energy from beginning to end and when it comes to impersonations he's always on point. He takes everyday circumstances and turns it into the funniest thing you've ever heard! I have been fascinated with this guy since the first time I heard him do his act!

I have seen Pablo at the Gotham Comedy Club in NYC three times over the past couple of years. Every time he has brand new material without stretching too far away from his style. I love that he does his shows in small comedy clubs and meets and greets with his fans. Not everyone does this. Let's take Dane Cook for instance. He let the "Celebrity Status" go straight to his head. Funny dude, but it's just not "personal" with his audience anymore. I have known of Pablo and Dane for about the same time and although i'm not to keen on Dane anymore, I still LOVE Pablo. He just has more staying power because of his down to earth attitude!

Want to see some of his stuff? Check him out below....

Winn Claybaugh Truly Inspires

Lisa G. (Future Professional) and I with Winn Claybaugh

If anyone who is familiar with "Paul Mitchell the School" you know who Winn Claybaugh is. Winn Claybaugh is the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and “one of the best motivational speakers in the country,” according to CNN’s Larry King, who wrote the foreword for the book. A business owner for over 27 years with over 12,000 people in his organization, Winn is the founder and co-owner of hair care giant Paul Mitchell’s school division, with more than 95 locations throughout the United States. The young company was ranked three years in a row (2006–2008) in the top 10 of Franchise Times magazine’s Fast 55, a ranking of the fastest growing young franchises, and named Best in Category and #1 in the Top 50 midsize franchises by Franchise Business Review (2010).

I had the chance to not only meet Winn today but I also had the chance to hear him speak. I work at PMTS in my hometown in Connecticut and have loved it since day one. It's a wonderful company to work for and I am honored to be part of the staff.

After today I love my job even more now. Now that I have seen with my own eyes, and heard with my own ears the positivity of the people behind PMTS it's hard not to be excited about working for Paul Mitchell. Winn was a genuine, warm, sincere person who really wants their Future Professionals to succeed. Even though I haven't "been in" the beauty industry that long I have a better appreciation for it now.

Today Winn's speech wasn't only solely based on the beauty industry (after all he never went to Cosmetology School or College even). He made his speech a heartfelt message of staying positive, being a "Visionary" and playing a part in your own life to achieve your goals. He made me want to go out an conquer the world! He reminded us today that it's easy to be a "Fence Sitter" or a "Resister" but it's a beautiful thing to go forth, be selfish (in a good way) and succeed in accomplishing your dreams.

Winn got me thinking about my financial situation, my relationship situation (or lack there of) and even my family situation. Such a great speech today!!! I even learned a couple things about myself I never knew existed. This is the day to let all my resentment go and be accountable for my future. Love and accept others for exactly who they are and you can truly let go. Holding on to that makes you bitter. Like Winn says, "Bitter or Better?". Which one are you going to be today?

Oh and of course with this being a fashion driven blog please notice how 'PROFESH' I am looking! I look pretty snazzy if I do say so myself. Let me just quickly give you guys a run down of the outfit...

SKIRT: Faith 21 $9.80
TANK: Target $9
BLAZER: Torrid $54
TIGHTS: Target $7
FLATS: Annie Sez $20
BELT: Fashion To Figure $12
EARRINGS: Tag Sale $1

Let me leave you lovelies with a sample of Winn's inspiration. Look him up yourself, guaranteed to be inspired!

My Crystal Renn Painting - A Dedication To Donna

My Aunt Donna was diagnosed with Breast Cancer about 2 years ago. Due to religious beliefs she decided to go the Holistic route for treatment. Sadly after a long battle she is losing her fight with this disease. It's been a long road for her and the family but she is resting comfortably surrounded by family and friends. We don't know how much longer she has but the prognosis is bad and the Doctor doesn't give her a lot of time.

I recently went down to Tennessee to visit my Aunt. She requested to see the family to spend some quality time before passing on. Luckily she has come to terms with her results and she is at peace with the situation. No body is every 100% ready to be taken from this Earth however with the comfort of her family and her strong belief in God, and his word ... somehow, someway she is ok with everything. She is a strong woman and I truly look up to her.

I started this painting late last year for her. This painting is of Plus Size Model Crystal Renn. This particular picture is from 'The Breast Cancer Research Foundation' advertisement that has been recently printed in a lot of popular Women's magazines. This painting really spoke to me. My favorite model is Crystal Renn and my Aunt has Breast Cancer. I dedicated the painting to her and she now has it hanging beside her bed to look up at everyday.

I thought I'd share this with everyone since I am very proud of this piece. Not only am I proud of this painting but it has a lot of meaning behind it as well. The following slideshow is a "timeline" from sketch to the final product.

Hope you all love it as much as I do.

OOTD: 90's Floral Print Flashback

NEW: Just Gimme The Light!

Just wanted to share this with you guys really quick. Did my hair today. I wanted to dye my hair lighter for the  warmer weather coming up. What do you guys think? Like the new color? Like it better the old way? Which do YOU prefer. Would love the feedback! Take it away people. Leave those comments!

OOTD: Stunningly Studs

OOTD: Tan Leather Jacket