DIY Ombre Nails

I don't know about you, but I'm addicted to Pinterest.  It's fun to use and a great way to keep track of everything on the internet I usually have open in tabs.  Seriously, sometimes my browser looks ridiculous.

Thanks to Pinterest I've become completely fascinated to nail treatments.  Here are a few of my favorites:

Since I'm a bit of a nail polish addict, (to go along with the Pinterest addiction, along with a variety of others) I decided to try out the ombre nail look with polishes I already owned.

I wasn't thrilled with the outcome, in part because I was impatient and showered before it was completely dry, but it was fun to try out something a little different.

I can't wait to try out a few others in the future.  Also, if you're not on Pinterest, you should be.  It's a blast.

(Another new internet addiction: Spotify.  I'm never going to have to buy music again.)

In honor of the past 6 weeks

My cousin Michelle headed home this weekend. She and I have basically been attached at the hip since my arrival in Helsinki on June 27, which was quite a while ago.

It was a blast to get to know her as an adult (and through her blog over the past year or so). We had a lot of fun, played a lot of Yahtzee, and ate a lot of food, the three cornerstones to any successful vacation.

In honor of all the time we spent together, I thought I'd share some of the sillier photographs from the past six weeks. Enjoy!

(Click on the collage to see the awesomeness up close and personal!)

Breaking News: Fun Video for your Wednesday!

Guys, I seriously have soooo much blog material, but at the moment neither the time nor energy to share it.

So instead I leave you with this video because it makes my heart happy.  Sara Bareilles and Sugerland (two of my faves) teamed up for "Come on Eileen" and obviously had a ball doing it.



I plan to be back soon with pictures, stories, and more pictures.  But for now, enjoy this video and your Wednesday!

Things that make this weekend awesome:

- picking 38 pounds of raspberries. I actually had three buckets going at one time.  Just call me a professional.  (Not so awesome, figuring out where to put the berries until we can deal with them.)
- having even more family visit.  My aunt and uncle drove over to join my other uncle and cousin. It's getting a little crazy here.
- My mom's (tomorrow) and my dad's (today) birthdays!!! Even though my mom isn't here, we'll be celebrating with her in spirit.
- all the delicious food that goes along with birthdays and family visiting.
- Sunshine!!!!
- finally getting all my clothes put away. It was a bit of a challenge with people visiting and my sister moved back home. Our house is full.
- getting a sweet birthday present from my cousin via Goodwill.
- still having all of Sunday left for fun!

I hope everyone else is enjoying themselves, too.

Cousins get made over.

Yesterday was makeover day here in the land of not-quite-summer.  While the rest of the country appears to be sweating it out (and Chicago fights throw sheets of rain), we've been lucky to spot the sun.  Okay, fine, this weekend was gorgeous.  But that was only two days.

</end rant>

Back to the makeovers.

I knew when I got back from my trip I was overdue for a haircut.  Heck, I had been overdue before I left.  Plus, I needed to change things up just a little.  I've been happily redheaded for about 9 months or so, and felt the need for a little change.

My sister and cousin decided to join in on the fun.  So we made appointments to get our hair cut together.  I went to see one of my closest friends from middle school and high school.  Though we haven't stayed as close over the years, it's always fun to see her and catch up.

Of course, makeovers wouldn't be complete without before and after pictures, just to prove how much we really needed help.  Our sad faces took a lot of work, too.  You don't even know how hard it is for my sister to do a straight face.

Without further ado, the new and improved Michelle (cousin), Stephanie (sister), and me!  (in that order)

The trip pretty much convinced me I need a live-in hair stylist.  That whole curling-your-hair-with-a-straight-iron thing...I can't do it.  Someday maybe.

The real test will be when we wash our hair next.  Can I handle the bang?

Ten on Tuesday: Movies and Nails

First of all, let me say how much I appreciated your "happy birthdays."  It made my day.

Our plans didn't go quite according to plan for the day.  Touristy activities turned into shopping in downtown Seattle when it rained the. whole. day.  Lovely.

Also, my dad's flight got cancelled, so I'm headed south to pick him up in just a few minutes.

Here are my Ten on Tuesday picks.  Feel free to pay along over at Chelsea's blog.


1. What colour are your toenails painted?
I looked at the name, but have forgotten already.  It's OPI and an iridescent blue/gray/green.  I like it a lot.

2. What color are your fingernails painted?
Currently, OPI White Crackle and Cuckoo For This Color.

3. What is your favourite brand of nail polish?
OPI, Essie, Butter London, Ginger and Liz.  I have a few.

4. As the norm, do you DIY your nails or get main/pedis?
DIY, for sure.  I treat myself every once in a while, but usually do it myself.

5. Have you ever had a gel mani? Do you recommend it?
I have not.  My nails would take forever to recover.

6. What is the last movie you watched on television?
Currently watching 27 Dresses and we just finished The Proposal.

7. What is the last movie you watched in the cinema?
Harry Potter 7 Part 2

8. Is there a movie that everyone talks about as if it is a classic but you haven't seen?
There are many.  Monty Python.  Anchorman.  A lot of old movies.

9. What is your favourite movie soundtrack?
I love What a Girl Wants.  Corny, I know.  I'm like a preteen girl.

10. Have you ever seen a movie and thought it was better than the book it was based on?
Negative.

Monday, Birthday Monday

I'm in total vacation mode, in case you haven't noticed.  I got back to the States, jet lagged and travel weary and the pace of life slowed down.  That's not to say I don't have pictures and stories to share, but blogging just hasn't been a priority.  And, to be honest, it's been nice to have a break.

However, I plan to get back at it soon.  Exciting things are happening in the next couple months and I can't wait to share them all as they unfold. 

Today, speaking of exciting, is my birthday.  I just completed my 26th year of life.  Crazy.

To celebrate, my sister, Cousin Michelle, and I are headed down to Seattle to bum around and get into trouble.  It should be a fun time.

And I really do plan to be back soon to share, well, something.  For now though, happy Monday!  I hope everyone is keeping cool out there.  (And we finally have had some warm weather.  Finally.)