New Blog Design and Haul

Surprise!  There is a new blog design!! Although some of the pages are still a work in progress, I have decided to kick off the new design.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. 

In celebration of the new blog design, I did some shopping.  ELF recently hosted their 50% site wide sale.  How could I not order?!  Then Zoya had an awesome promotional sale on their exclusive "Liberty" pixiedust polish. 

Here is what I got from both ELF and Zoya:

From ELF:
2 shine erasers (I swear by these, especially in the summer)
2 eye makeup remover pads
1 studio makeup remover cleansing cloth
1 toe separator
2 mineral lip tints (guava and blush)
1 maximum coverage concealer in porcelain
total order with 50% discount : $8.50

From Zoya
Kym
Edyta
Liberty pixiedust - FREE!
total order: $16.00

I also received a free Schick Quatro razor as part of a giveaway on Facebook. Woohoo for free!

I'm a fan of Zoya polishes because they are long wearing and are free of chemicals found in other polishes.  Plus, they have very unique colors and varieties. 

Kym - a burn red, cranberry burgundy.  This color is beautiful for the fall.
Liberty - is a textured polish that feels like smooth sugar on your fingernail.  It is a beautiful blue opaque glitter polish.
Edyta - is a unique black, green and gold shimmery opaque polish.  Out of the 3 that I ordered, Edyta is my favorite.

What are your recent beauty purchases?

Atalaya

I recently drove down to South Carolina for some beach fun.  While enjoying the splendors of Myrtle Beach, I decided to explore a nearby historical home.

Atalaya is the former winter home of philanthropist Archer Huntington and sculptor, Anna Huntington.  The history of the house is fascinating but I found the empty property chilling.

The view of the entrance of Atalaya.

In Spanish, atalaya means watchtower.  I found it amusing because in Portugal, there is a coastal city named Atalaia (pronounced the same way).  Random fact, but I just had to share.

The house resembles a Moorish castle and houses a beautiful courtyard.  Above is half of the courtyard.  In the top right, you can see part of the tower that is connected to covered walk ways.

There was also another sign that indicated that Mrs. Huntington was fond of bats. The tower also sheltered quite a few bats.

Above is a clear shot of the tower and the covered walkways.

A goofy pose under the covered walkways.  They were quite lovely to walk under...until you got under the tower, then it was slightly creepy.

Speaking of creepy...I found the shedding of a snake in the inner courtyard of the home.  I guess I should've known based on the first snake I saw.  My little Northern Virginia butt is not familiar with seeing snakes in trees...especially if that tree is above my parking spot!

Now back to the house.  The house itself is empty.  No furniture.  Nothing, just rooms which can feel a little creepy.  It is a very interesting home not only because of its unique architecture but the history behind it.  At one point, the Huntingtons vacated the home and turned it over to the government during WWII.  The house also features animals pens (nothing major...just BEARS...wtf!) for live models that Mrs. Huntington used as reference for her art.

Another goofy pose.

Did I mention the Atalaya is right by the beach?  After the tour, I headed to the beach for some fun.

I recommend if you are in Myrtle Beach, go checkout Huntington State Park for a tour of Atalaya castle.

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Lazy Girl Guide to Cool Nails: Sally Hansen

  

The Sally Hansen polish strips have been around for some time now.  Yet, every time I apply one of their funky patterns as my manicure, I always get compliments and questions.  So allow me to introduce you to Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips.  I call this the lazy girl guide to cool nails....because it is!

These cool polish strips can be purchased at just about any drugstore.  I have even seen them at bargain stores for a discounted price.  They can run a bit on the expensive side, $8.  CVS usually has a BOGO deal every month, so you could wait for that or try eBay/bargain stores. 

 

Each kit includes 2 sets of polish strips (about 7 strips each), a cuticle stick and an emery board. 

 

 

The number one thing to keep in mind is that once you open one of the nail polish strip packs..you have use that pack.  I made the mistake of leaving an open pack over night and the next day the polish strips were all dried out and completely useless. 

 

Let's get started

 

Step 1:  Buff your nails with the provided emery board.  Smooth your nail a bit so it is a nice surface for the nail strip. While you are at it, you may as well shape and file your nails.

 

Step 2:  Open the polish strip pack.  Measure the strips and plan which strip will go on which finger.

 

Step 3:  Remove the plastic coat from the polish strip and apply directly to the nail.

It will look something like the right finger of the above image.

Step 4:  You can use the emery board to tuck and "cut" the extra polish strip from your finger nail.  Using the cuticle stick is also helpful.  Repeat for all fingers.  The finish look will look like the left finger on the above image.

 Step 5:  To ensure the manicure lasts about 2 weeks, I always add a top coat.

Tadah - Done!  Now get ready for all the compliments you will receive.  Remenber, you worked really hard on this pattern!  It is not store bought :)

 I used the pattern "Prep's Cool."  Which patterns is your favorite?

Has anyone used the left over strips on their toes, or am I the only cheapo that will admit it?

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