All About Nail Polish Tag

Hello there! Today I wanted to do a tag that was started by a few of my favorite YouTube ladies, Lindsay, Holly, Zenorah, Jess, and Amy. I haven't done one of these in forever and my friend Paola did it on her blog & youtube and tagged me, so I decided it would be fun to do finally! Plus, I've had almost zero sun lately so it's been hard for me to swatch new polish :P

Press Sample | Purchased by Me

1. What is your favorite nail polish finish (eg. Crème, crelly, glitter, etc.)?
This is a hard question for me because while I like them all, my affection for them usually comes in phases haha. Like for a while I'll be into holographics exclusively, then I only want to wear jellies, then it's all about the glitters. It seems like I'm wearing crème shades more often than the other finishes lately though, so I'll go with that haha. But it seriously varies all the time.

2. What is your favorite “ugly pretty” shade?
I have a great fondness for polish colors that people say are "ugly pretty". I love things that are not typically beautiful. Hands down, my favorite of these has to be China Glaze Zombie Zest. It came out in the China Glaze Awakening collection for Halloween in 2010 (best Halloween trio ever?) and I've loved and worn it every year since. I even managed to score a back-up bottle from my friend who went to IMATS this year, yay! It's a swampy olivey green jelly with gallons of golden shimmer/glass flecks that shift to a turquoise blue in certain lights. Insane. (I'm pretty sure this made it on a few of the original tag creators' lists too!)

sunlight

shade

3. Which polish in your collection is the most sentimental to you?
It has to be Rescue Beauty Lounge Kellie Gonzo. This is the polish I created with the, now retired, Rescue Beauty brand. It was such an exciting event and milestone in my blogging career to create a polish, especially with such a prestige brand. This is a bright sunny coral with orange and silver glitter bits. It's also the polish I've gone through the most of, luckily I have a back-up bottle or three!

4. If you could go back in time to buy any collection, what would it be?
If we're going for a full collection, hands down has to be China Glaze OMG. These were kind of the first ultra linear holographic collection seen from a mainstream brand and boy do they impress! I have managed to track down a lot of them, but I don't have the full collection (or full bottles of the ones I do have!). But my all time biggest polish lemming has to be Urban Decay ID. It's a sheer jelly polish that shifts from orange to pink fire. I don't know if I'll ever get a hold of it, but if I do I would cherish it forever! Also, Chanel Jade because I can't pick just one thing.

image via china glaze

Image via Scrangie.com

Image via Lextard @ Flickr.com

5. What is your go-to “all occasion” polish?
Sally Hansen Pacific Blue original. This polish is a bright but slightly dusty cobalt blue crème with a perfect one-coat formula. I love this color and think it's very wearable, but the biggest reason it's my all occasion polish is because it's so damn easy and fast to put on! I will never understand why Sally Hansen chose to reformulate this polish and completely change it. I know some might think a blue isn't appropriate for "all occasions", but since I'm a simple kind of girl, there aren't many times I would feel inappropriate wearing a blue nail polish.

6. What items are essential to your nail care routine?
The most important part of my nail care routine is cuticle oil. I am NEVER without it. I've spoken at length about my cuticle woes before, if you're interested you can read some of the posts here, here, and here. Next is a great base coat, I basically always have a base coat on. Keeping my nails "sealed" with some kind of polish, especially when my hands are in water, has just about 95% fixed my peeling edges. Top coat is also a necessity, I don't remember the last time I wore a full manicure without it.

7. What is your favorite “newly discovered” brand (indie or mainstream)?
This was also a tough question because I have found so many great ones recently, but I have to choose Nine Zero Lacquer. This is the brand created by Jess of JessFACE90 (one of the collaborators of this tag too). I have been lucky enough to be able to swatch for her and I haven't disliked one of her shades yet! Being a nail vlogger/swatcher herself, she knows what's good so she uses that experience to create beautiful shades with great formulas.

8. What is your go-to “bad ass” color (the color that makes you feel sexiest or most badass)?
I love a mega bright, in your face, unapologetic neon shade. It makes me feel like I'm a tough betch who can wear whatever I want, damn all who might be offended haha. Maybe that seems silly, but it's seriously how I feel when I wear neons. An example is Formula X Danger Zone. How hot is that??

9. Indie or mainstream?
Usually I have a good mix of both that I pick to wear from, but these days I've been wearing (and blogging about) waaay more indies. I just find their selection to be so much more varied and unique than mainstream, which is kind of understandable, but still. And with the sheer number of indie brands out there that are producing such good products, it's hard not to want to buy everything in sight!

10. Which brand’s collections do you look forward to the most?
It has always been China Glaze for me. Out of the mainstream world, they have always been the ones to take chances instead of playing it safe when it comes to color and finish. They don't always get it 100% perfect, but who does? I've loved them since I started blogging and I don't see that changing any time soon.

Please please do this tag if you want, it's so fun! And if you don't have a blog or YouTube channel, let me know your answers in the comments! See ya again soon!

❤ Kellie

Some of the products mentioned were provided for an honest review.

Confessions of a Nail Polish Addict Tag

I was tagged by my beautiful friend Zenorah in her latest YouTube video to do this tag :) I haven't done one in a loooong time so I figured why not!

Questions:

1. What color are you wearing right now? I'm wearing a new KBShimmer polish from her summer 2015 collection, What Are You Wading For?

#notd is @kbshimmer What Are You Wading For? from her new summer collection #kbshimmer #blue #holographic #prsample

A photo posted by @kelliegonzo on Apr 18, 2015 at 9:37am PDT

2. What nail product can't you live without? Definitely cuticle oil/balms/lotion. I absolutely DETEST the feeling of dry skin. Since I started using Bliss Kiss cuticle oil it's become my absolute staple product of all time, even though I still have a million other products I like to use haha :)

3.What is your favorite nail brand? That's a hard one, but it might be OPI to be honest. I know they are the most mainstream, and it might just be because I have more OPI than anything else, but 8 out of 10 times their formulas are good and I like the vast array of colors. That might be #basic but oh well ;)

4. What shape nail do you wear? I have a consistent square-to-squoval shape. I think it's the most flattering on me. I try to keep the sides a little softer than totally square though.

5. What's your go to Red, Pink & Neutral Nail Polish? Right now for red I'd say OPI Romantically Involved from the Fifty Shades of Grey collection, for pink I'll go with Rescue Beauty Lounge Oh Slap! from the #KDrama collection, and for neutral I have to pick Butter London All Hail the Queen.

6. Short or Long Nails? My nails vary all the time because I usually just let them grow until I get a break then chop them all down. I prefer a medium length on me, but I really don't mind short or long.

7. What nail polish colors are on your nail wishlist? Oh geez, we'd be here all day if I listed all of them! I have a pinterest board of my lemmings here.

8. When do you paint your nails, morning, afternoon or evening? I usually only have time during the week to paint in the evenings, but on the weekends I do swatch & photo sessions all day (weather permitting).

9. What's your top nail tip you swear by? Moisturize! Once you get in the habit, it's not really a big deal to apply cuticle oil or balm or lotion throughout the day. I swear my nail game has improved 1000% since I started consistently moisturizing my nails and hands.

10. What nail polish do you regret buying? Another one where we'd be here all day if I answered haha. I have a really humungous destash bag in my room right now.

11. Neon or Pastel? If I have to pick one, it would be neon but I love them both. Or a hybrid of neon pastel!

12. What's your favorite color right now, you wear all the time? Picture Polish Forget Me Not has been on my nails a LOT lately :)

If you'd like to do this tag, please do so and let me know so I can read your answers!

❤ Kellie

Tagged! Handwriting Survey

Got tagged by my girl Ange :) Just answer the following questions in your own handwriting then upload a photo of it.
1. What is you name? And your blog.
2. Blog url
3. Write: the quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog.
4. Favorite quote
5. Favorite song
6. Favorite band/singers
7. Say anything you want
8. Pass it along to a few bloggers

xoxo,
kelliegonzo

Stylish Blogger Award

I have been tagged by the beautiful and talented Miss Dori from Kiss My Acetone (best polish blog name EVA, and just a damn fine nail blog anyway) for the Stylish Blogger Award :D *brushes dirt off ma shoulda* WOOT WOOT! Thank you very much girl! I am thankful for each and every one of my readers. I enjoy writing for you all and reading each comment I get. This blog has seriously been my saving grace for the past two turbulent years, and I've met some totally amazing women while doing it.

The rules for this award are to:
thank and link the person who gave it to you,
jot down 7 random facts about you,
to give the award to 15 other lucky bloggers
and let them know about it.

Now on to my facts!

1. I kind of really like dead bodies. I have legit considered going to school to be an mortuary tech. I wouldn't really do it because of all the sad things that go along with death, but I think it would be a fun and really interesting job. I'm currently reading the books "Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers" and "Down Among the Dead Men: A Year in the Life of a Mortuary Technician". I also took a class in my last semester of college called "Thanatology: Death and Dying". (I majored in Psychology, haha, I didn't take it just to take it.)

2. I think I have the palate of a five year old. I eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chicken nuggets, and grilled cheese. I like apple juice. That's about it.

3. Despite having almost no affinity for exotic food, I LOVE watching shows about food. I could watch shows like Chopped, Iron Chef, The Cake Boss, Cupcake Wars, Master Chef, Kitchen Nightmares, etc. all day long. I luuuuurve me some Gordon Ramsay!

4. I am totally infatuated with crocodiles and alligators. I have a little jelly plastic one on my desk named Jeffrey.

5. I think I might've said this one before, in another tag, but I name stuff. Like my Ipod is named Genevra Apple and my car is named Kyle (but she's female).

6. I think I can sleep more than any person alive. I can sleep through an entire Friday night, wake up to go to the bathroom on Saturday and maybe eat something, then go back to bed, maybe wake up again to pee, then go back to bed until Sunday around noon. Like Ralph Wiggum once said, ""Oh, boy, sleep! That's where I'm a viking!"

7. I love horror movies and really crazy paranormal ones that hardly anyone else likes. I can't wait to see "The Rite" which comes out at the end of the month!

Now I tag:
1. SeeCeeMe
2. All You Desire
3. Crystaliciousss
4. Dainty Darling Digits
5. Polish Chest
6. Scandalously Polished
7. Polishing the Nails
8. Magic Maid
9. Bright Lights, Big Color
10. Varnish Vixen
11. You've Got Nail
12. The Daily Nail
13. Sminkan
14. Lacquer Ware for Tips and Toes
15. Nouveau Cheap

^definitely check out all of those ladies' blogs, you NEED to sub to them if you haven't already!! They are almost as awesome as me....j/k ;)

xoxo,
kelliegonzo

Tagged!

Found this fun "getting to know you" tag at Kiss My Acetone's blog :) Thanks for the fun post idea hunny!

What is your dream job?
in a rehabilitation center working with people overcoming addictions


What is your fragrance for winter?
bath and body works apple wreath, or something like that. it's a soap haha :)

How do you like your tea/coffee?
neither really. i detest tea and i can't stand coffee. i will have an occasional macchiatto or whatever but just for the atmosphere. i usually prefer a good ol' caramel hot chocolate with a sprinkling of sea salt.

What is your most important beauty secret?
...do i have one? haha the best "secret" i could give anyone is to smile!

If you had an all-expenses paid vacation, where would you go?
around the world!!! but if i could only choose one place, definitely england.

If a genie popped up in your lap right now and offered you three wishes, what would they be?
1. endless love
2. endless health
3. endless wealth

If you could only have breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert foods for the rest of your life, which would you pick?
that's a hard one. i love them all! i freaking LOVE FOOD. which is why i'm a chubby chub. but you only live once right? *nudge nudge* RIGHT?! haha i would probably choose lunch, because think of the possibilities!

If you were Hello Kitty, what color hairbow would you wear?
British racing green!

What is your biggest make-up pet peeve?
ridiculous bronzer on bronzer on bronzer

If you could only wear one piece of jewelery for the rest of your life, what would it be?
i don't wear a lot of jewelery so probably my wedding ring, when i get one ;)

What one talent do you wish you had?
i wish i could draw easily. it takes supreme effort for me to do anything artistic.

Which product will you continue to repurchase?
garnier fructis curl shaping gel

If you could look into the future, would you? And what would you like to know?
no sir thanks! i'm overwhelmed with just the present!

Who is your biggest celebrity crush? (include pictures)
vin diesel!! always and forever. as i said one time to my bestie, "vin diesel is my husband, but paul walker is the pool boy!" haha so i gotta put in an honorable mention for paul :)

What made you start a blog?
nothing special, really. my sister started one forever ago, so i did. then i wrote a few times and stopped. then i found "something" to write about (i.e. nails) and the rest is history!

xoxo,
kelliegonzo

tagged! getting to know you

miss gorgeous Nihrida tagged me for this and i haven't done one in a while so i figured i should. plus it's short and sweet :)

1. Innie or outie?
innie :)

2. Unlimited wealth or unlimited health?
health

3. What is your favorite book?
harry potter books will always be my favorite. the hobbit is also a timeless classic.

4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why?
i would love to live everywhere for a week to see where i would fit best :) i haven't been anywhere so i need to experience it all :)

5. What is your security blanket?
a literal blanket from childhood haha

6. What is your mode of transportation?
a car, unfortunately. i hate driving, though. if i never had to drive again it would be too soon.

7. What is your signature scent?
Kat Von D's Saint or Marc Jacob's Daisy

8. If you were at Hogwarts, what house would you belong to?
oh we don't get to choose! the sorting hat knows though. haha if i got to choose, of course, Gryffindor! i'd be cool with Ravenclaw too :)

9. If you could be any Disney princess who would you be and why?
Sleeping Beauty was always my favorite.

10. What is one of your bad habits?
soda pop. diet. even worse.

i tag:
Sminkan
Daily Nail
Babbling Brooke
Acetone and Old Lacquer - an AWESOME blog who needs many more followers :)
Chromatic Misadventures
Coloruza
GildedNails
Magic Maid
Nailspotting

xoxo,
kelliegonzo

tagged! happy :)

i was tagged for this by the beautiful ScandalousAnge :)
basically i write 10 things that make me happy and tag 10 folks to do the same

1.  naps
2.  a brand new bottle of topcoat
3.  getting in a short line at the grocery store
4.  waking up before my alarm goes off in the morning
5.  when Pandora plays exactly the music i'm in the mood for
6.  when someone else folds my laundry for me
7.  string music
8.  jellyfish
9.  raw almonds
10.  chick-fil-a

and i tag (probably everyone has done this already right?) anyone who wants to :D

tagged! 4 things

hey pals n' gals :)  i haven't done a tag in a while so here's one!  even tho i wasn't technically tagged for this haha, thanks AggiePigeon!

4 things in my bag/purse
* Bee Kissed Lip balm
* my silver Hobo Lauren Vintage (inspired, haha) wallet
* my IPOD
* Orbit gum (i like the new peach flavor)

4 things found in my office desk drawer
* Crystal Light drink mix in Strawberry Energy
* straws (i HAVE to have them!)
* vitamins
* polish remover

4 favorite things in my room
* my Brookstone "better than down" comforter
* my two helmers :D
* my papasan from Pier One
* security blanket <----- i have one too AP haha :)

4 things I’ve always wanted to do
* learn a foreign language
* design my own nail polish line
* sing opera
* get married

4 things I’m currently into
* No sugar diet :P
* NAIL POLISH - but i'm always into that...
* Bones
* the no makeup thing (it's actually a "lazy" thing but whatev)

4 things I bet you didn't know about me
* I own about 25 mascaras....o_O
* I have had a perfect GPA for most of my life, i'm pretty much really smart.  in everything except math.
* I love every kind of music, from old country like Merle, to classical, to jazz like Muddy Waters, to hardcore stuff like Rage Against the Machine and new pop stuff.  my current fav's are: The Dubliners, Pixies, Handel, Gucci Mane, and Marilyn Manson.
* I seriously could live like a vampire, sleeping all day and staying up all night.  i usually DO that on the weekends...even tho it's probably not so healthy ;)

4 songs I can't get out of my head
* Wanna Be a Baller - Lil' Troy
* I Wanna Be Sedated - The Ramones
* Sweet Disposition - The Temper Trap
* Love Man - Otis Redding

Rules:
Once tagged, you must link the person who tagged you, tag 4 others, let the bloggers know they have been tagged, give 4 answers to each question asked.

I tag:
*Nailstah
*Nailswatches
*Aurora's Nails
*Delta Cephi

and of course anyone else who wants to :)

tagged! nail polish survey

i'm stealing this from Nouveau Cheap :D yay!

How many polishes do you have in your stash?
approx. 400 and counting!!

Which brand do you own the most of?
hmm probably china glaze or opi. i have sooo many brands though, so i'd totally have to count to make sure!

What colors do you own the most of?
pinks and greens

Do you have a color/texture you do not own?
i don't have any water polishes, but i want them! (here is a link to a post by Lacquerized that explains the finishes of polish, it's also in my sidebar)

What's the one polish you always pick up to lift your spirits?
probably claire's magic :D it's probably my favorite (for now) and i'll be posting a swatch of it soon!

What polish do you keep looking at and wondering why you haven't gotten rid of it yet?
haha there's a lot. but i usually find them a good home! i did trade in some old formula nastys in the Zoya exchange just recently though haha.

Franken any? or I'm nervous to try it?
not yet. i have tried but they've been messy utter failures!

Do you franken for new/original polish ideas or franken for polish you won't be able to own?
if i did, I would do it for both reasons. my favorite (idea anyway) is to look at frankens other people have done and think what it would be like to recreate their original :)

Go-to Base Coat?
seche retain with a coat of orly bonder over top!

Go-to Top Coat?
seche vite or nail life speed demon

What's your sexiest polish?
lippmann ruby red slippers for SURE! sexi rexi!

Nail Design:

Stamping vs Free Hand?
neither. i'm ridiculously bad at nail art. even though i have konad plates (thanks Diana!) I still haven't gotten the hang of them! occasionally I'll do polka dots, but that's rare too.

Bling me, baby? or No bling for me, please!
i wish, again, bad at nail art.

I consider my nails basically nekkid if they don' t have some kind of design?
no way, color is my staple!

My favorite plate/tool/technique?
i love the full design konads with holo polishes. and Steph from Steph's Closet is totally the polka dot queen. i envy her.

What I haven't tried and want to within the month?
i'm going to try to conquer my konad!

Purchase/Lemmings:

The one elusive polish you want and can't seem to get?
nars zulu and Clarins 230

What was the last nail related thing you bought?
i got two china glazes last week to get the free seche treatment from sally beauty, i got Sacred Heart and VIII.

How many nail related hauls have you bought in the last 7 days (on-line/in-person)?
like two, but I got some nail mail this week so a lot more than that haha :D

If you've ever been on a no-buy, how long did it last? Is that what you planned?
*sigh* they never last

(and one question to grow on) Hobby? Addiction? Compulsion? Passing Fancy? Love?
it's definitely an addiction/compulsion. i can't get enough! but i'm ok to the point of being able to say no if i know something is a dupe. and i haven't gotten into paying extreme prices for anything yet so i'm still good, right?!

Everyone is tagged my dears!

40 beauty questions

this is the current tag going around, most people have done it, a lot of gurus have done it on youtube, etc. i wasn't exactly tagged for it, but i wanted to do it anyway so here it is :)


How many times do you wash your face daily?
once. i use makeup remover towelettes and eye makeup remover w/ a cotton ball at night, then wash in the shower. and in the morning? i splash water on my face. anymore than that and i get too oily. yes, washing too much can make skin produce more oil.

What skin type do you have?
combo, as most do. oily, big pores, dry patches, acne :(

What is your current facial wash?
i have a two that i use that have calmed my skin down sooo much in the past few months. nu skin ageloc foam gentle cleanse & tone and that acnefree benzoyl peroxide (2.5%) cleanser they sell at walmart (the rip off proactiv stuff).  it's really the only thing that keeps my acne at bay.


Do you exfoliate?
yes, the acnefree wash has exfoliating beads.

What brand do you use?
just told you.


What moisturizer do you use?
cetaphil during the day and benzoyl peroxide moisturizer at night


Do you have freckles?
a little, but not really

Do you use eye cream?
when i remember to yes, i use nu skin tru face ideal eyes

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
i didn't have acne except for the occasional spot until i turned 19 and then BLAM-O, horrible. not exactly cystic or anything, but i definitely never expected to look like a pizza face. it's gotten better progressively but i still battle it daily.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
yes, it's amazing but too expensive. i buy stuff with the same active ingredients and it works the same. plus i hated the smell.

What foundation do you use?
i'm using a mixture of revlon colorstay and revlon photofinish. it gives me good coverage and easy blendability with that "natural" look.

How about concealer?
i just grab whatever, i think i'm using maybelline mineral liquid stuff right now.

Do you know your undertone color?
hmm, i'm guessing pink but i could be wrong.

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
i love them. do i know how to put them on? no.

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
i do what i want :) i have a million and a half mascaras anyway.

What brand of mascara do you use?
like i said, i have a million and i use them ALL. not at the same time of course... right now i'm especially loving mac plushlash, stila major lash, and loreal extra volume collagen mascara (waterproof).

Sephora or MAC?
tough call, but sephora. just for the sheer number of choices.

Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
nah, don't need it.

What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
stupid question. i am remembering why i don't do tags very often.

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
i've tried elf studio mineral primer, two faced shadow insurance, nyx shadow base, and urban decay primer potion. i have to say that udpp is really all it's cracked up to be. the besssst.

For the face?
no but i'm thinking i'm going to start. i've got my eye on the color correcting ones, i've pretty reddish these days. no bueno.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
all time?? sheesh. maybe clinique foxy or mac mulch.

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
pencil pencil pencil

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
dumb.

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
umm except for bare minerals ones, i don't really have very many or want very many. too messy.

Do you use mineral makeup?
sometimes, but not as much as i used to.

What is your favorite lipstick?
up until a while ago, i had never ever bought a lipstick before. my first was mac's viva glam cyndi by cyndi lauper. i LOVE it! perfect coral red. and if you think it's too bright for you? it's not. believe me.

How about lipgloss?
nars orgasm. i'm a classics kinda girl.

What is your favorite blush to use?
nars deep throat.

Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
i never have.

Do you like drugstore makeup?
definitely. i like a lot of maybelline and cover girl shadows, lots of mascaras, foundations, brushes, etc. from all different brands. i'm more of a drugstore girl really.


Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
if i knew of any by me i would!

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
does youtube count?

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
sure sometimes

Name a makeup crime that you hate?
i really don't care what you do with your face, it's yours. just BLEND for gawdsake!

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick, eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
i stick to neutrals mostly, but i'll throw in a bright here and there.

Which celebrity always has great make up?
jennifer aniston, charlize theron, jennifer lopez

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?
mascara fo sho.

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
sure i do it all the time.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
not really, but i don't think i look terrible or anything.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
hmm in general?? that's a toughy. maybe mac.


What do you think of Makeup?
it's fun times :)

i tag whoever would like to do this! have a great day!

tagged! happy 101 meme

Cumcumpear has tagged me for the Happy 101 :) thanks doll!

How it works: list 10 things that make you happy and tag 10 blogs.


1.  nail polish - haha don't roll your eyes, i know i know, it's a totally obvious one. but honestly, i can't even explain how happy i get when i have a good 30-45 minutes to myself and i can go through the process of removing my previous polish and putting a pretty new polish on. and when i'm done, all i want to do is put another polish on! i'm so dorky haha. and picking out new colors is so exciting for me. it's a good think i'm not a coke addict, haha.

2.  music - another obvious answer, but honestly, it's my passion. i wish i could read music or play an instrument. my ipod or stereo or radio or pandora or hypem.com is always always on. when music isn't playing, i'm humming or whistling or singing. i even (secretly) write songs but don't know if they'll ever get put into real existence.

3. having my arm tickled - i think it is so relaxing and soothing to have someone (usually a significant other or a family member) tickle or massage my arm and hands. idk, my sister started having me do it for her when we watched tv and i loooooved it so much so now i'm addicted to it.

4. baths - a long relaxing bath is the best ahhhhh

5. tv marathons - i'm so down for watching tv series, but the best way to do it is waiting for them to go on dvd and watching them back to back. i've done this with so many shows that i love! weeds, medium, house, the mentalist, awesome.

6. going out to dinner with friends and family - i don't care where and it doesn't have to be for an occasion, i just love having a meal and great conversation with some peeps.

7. family - as i get older, my family's love and importance only becomes more and more apparent to me. i cannot say enough about how much they inspire, support, and motivate me.

8. school - even though i hate it at times, i'm really thankful for the opportunity to attend a university and live in a nice place.

9. my job - i have worked in a data entry position in a credit repair law firm for almost three years. i love the people i work with and i have had a lot of success with the job. even though the firm will likely be closing sometime this year, due to our investors succumbing a bit to the economy, i am thankful to have had the job for this long and to have it right now.

10. my blog - i love having this blog as an outlet for my feelings, my hobby of nail polish and photography, and to meet all of you fun, beautiful, caring, and interesting readers!

I tag (please ignore if you've already done it or don't want to):

Swatchaholic
Painted Lady Fingers
Lacquerized
Catch the Beauty with Arie
Daph's Nails
Dee's Polish
Dizzy Nails
Iceomatic
Jesserkah
Lacquer Laine

last post of the decade

hmm. it's been a tough week. a tough year. a tough decade really. so far, i'm as old as i've ever been (haha). but this blog has given me a lot of joy and a hobby and a passion that i can turn to when things get rough. and i love it. i can only hope for amazing things in the next 10 years.

Miss Ange-Marie recently tagged me for the "Beautiful Blogger" award, thanks sweetie! and what better way to end the year and decade than to tell you some weird/interesting facts about me? haha, stuff that i've learned about myself over these last few enlightening years from adolescence to adulthood. i can't believe that 10 years ago i was 13! so weird :)

here goes!

1.  i will never be able to be satisfied with the knowledge in my head. i wish i could be a bit dumber to be honest, as they say ignorance is bliss. i fear i have too many thoughts in my head to ever be truly content. 
2. my favorite smell in entire world is clothes that are laundered with Tide brand laundry soap and then dried using Bounce dryer sheets. best combo ever.
3. i am a "by-myself-er". i'm beginning to find out that most of my immediate family is too and the people that i admire the most are as well.
   
4. i change my mind about 80 times a day. or more. about a million things.
5. i think high heels and boots are incredibly sexy but i NEVER wear them. my feet are permanently used to flip-flops and vans slip-ons. i'm very casual. my nails and makeup are the only fancy thing about me.
   
6. even though i love music almost as much as air, i think i would be ok if the only thing i could listen to for the rest of my life was string quartet music. there is nothing more soothing or exciting to me.
7. i secretly wish i was a little person (i.e. a dwarf). not for the attention, just because i really like being short. and i'm not short enough :)
   

i tag:
Emerald Sparkled
HappyBerryNaiad
Jellynat
and Polish Galore

HAPPY 2010 EVERYONE!!! 

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!

tagged!

this tag is courtesy of my bestest blogger friend, miss maria from denmark over at Polishign the nails!

5 guys I used to fancy when I was younger (and maybe still do a little!)

1. Devon Sawa

ohhh gosh, what can i say about this hottie? haha please, have mercy on my poor little adolescent self! he was my dream man when i saw "Casper" and "Little Giants" and seeing him in "Now and Then" sealed the deal. i was in llllooooovvveee hahaha. he looks like such a dork now! did you see "Final Destination"? ew.


2. JC Chasez from 'NSYNC

yep i was definitely an 'NSYNC girl, no backstreet boys for me! i had their concert videos, all their cds, everything. i would vote for their videos on TRL everyday! i taped all the old Mickey Mouse club shows that JC and Justin Timberlake were on when they came on special on the Disney channel one summer and I'd watch them over and over. haha, i think JC might be gay though...oh well! he did have the best voice!

3. Mark-Paul Gosselaar

saved by the bell = best show ever! i seriously wanted to be kelly kapowski. mostly so i could be with zack morris! i would do my hair like hers and everything haha. hey i got to be cheerleading captain, so theoretically i was halfway there? haha! this is one guy i definitely still crush on though, he's still hot!

4. Leonardo DiCaprio

what young girl didn't have a crush on leo? c'mon really? i think you're lying to yourself :) titanic was monumental for me, seeing that tragicness at the tender age of 12 can really mess with you! leo was my hero for YEARS after. plus, romeo and juliet? ummm YEAH. hotttttt.

5. Brad Renfro

so sad, but brad's life ended early last year. i loved him in "Tom and Huck" and "The Client" and "The Cure". he was so talented. seems like so many young and promising stars are taken so much earlier than they should.

also i wanted to say rest in peace for Brittany Murphy. she was always one of my favorite actresses and i can't believe she's passed on. the world is truly saddened by her loss.

tagged: sugar doll award

the adorable caitlin bananas tagged me for this sugar doll award, what a sweetie! thanks !♥

here are 10 things i want to do in my lifetime:

1. be in a movie, even if it's just as an extra (which it probably will be haha!)
2. go to Italy, Greece, France, Spain, etc. all the European countries
   
3. learn to scuba dive, after i get over my fear of being underwater that is...
   
4. design my own nail polish color (stole that one caitlin!)
5. learn another language, maybe two
6. live for at least a year in England
   
7. get married
8. learn to cook, not just microwave stuff
9. buy my mom a house out in the country
10. become an avid gardener
    
    i tag:
    phenomenail
    lipglossiping
    iceomatic's nails
    have fun :D
    

tagged!

kreativ blogger award!

haha didn't i just say in my last post i was peeved about using the letter "k" instead of "c" in words when "c" is correct?? well i temporarily take it back in the case of this award :) the magic maid herself, miss nicole tagged me with this award. the rules are: tell 7 facts and tag 7 blogs. okey dokey here we go!

1. i hiccup at least 20 times a day. i don't know why. and they are usually singular hiccups. or at the most maybe 5 in a row. it's a curse.
2. my secret (well not anymore hehe) dream is to become an opera singer. i would rock those arias. except i don't know italian. damn.
3. i have a small obsession with teeth, flossing, tongues, etc. i used to be a dental assistant (still certified) and was studying to be a hygienist when i up and changed career paths and decided to get my degree in behavioral science and psychology instead. i can scale and polish my own teeth but i still hate getting fillings. (p.s. cavities sometimes just happen because of genetics and body chemistry, NOT because of sugar and poor habits. so don't judge me haha)
4. i am the youngest of four children and three other step-siblings. i am somewhat spoiled and stubborn and pretty much always get my way. but i am also far enough away in age from my siblings to basically have been an "only child" and had my fair share of rules. so i'm a good "by myself-er" as well. i can be the center of attention and a performer or quiet and introverted. my sign is a gemini, the twins, which i believe fits my personality perfectly.
5. i would almost always rather have something to drink than something to eat. for a snack i'd probably always choose a soda over a cookie. i always have a drink with me or am in a place where i can easily get a beverage. the colder, the better. pepsi is my nectar.
6. i was a vegetarian for a month last year just to see if i could do it. while i was doing it, i researched the meat industry to keep me going. it is pretty gross. but in the end i gave it up because i gained a few pounds. too many carbs. however, i still support the cause. mostly in thought haha because eating organic is horrendously expensive. i still like morning star veggie burgers tho.
7. i believe in aliens and ghosts, but not souls, immortality or the beyond.

i tag the lovely blogs of
Polishign the Nails!
Caitlin Bananas - awesome new blog, check her out!
Juicy Nails
Nail'd & Polish'd
PinkGinger's A Thing of Beauty
Pretty Clever
Painted Lady Fingers

tagged!

i was given this award and tagged by miss maria from polishign the nails!, who i've come to know and luv soooo much-o! thanks again hunny bee ♥

Rules:

• You have to put in a song that makes you happy.
• You can tag as many people as you like, there is no limit.
• Say at least one thing about each blog you tag, that will make them smile, something nice about their blog that makes you smile when you read it!

ok the song i'm choosing is "A Little Respect" by Erasure. it's one of those that gets stuck in your head until you feel like you want to literally smash your head on a desk or something (wow graphic sry) but for some reason, i LOVE this song. it makes me laugh and smile. i liked it even before they featured it on an episode of Scrubs, which is where the video below is from.




and I'm tagging:

Viola (i think this is your name haha) from Killer Colours
she does amazing things with her face and hair, stuff that have always had an urge to do but dont think i would ever have the guts to do. she does awesome tutorials as well, go check them out! i also looooved the post with the different pictures of the hair changes she's gone thru. and she does polish photos, so bonus!

Nicole from Magic Maid
of COURSE! this is my GUUURL! nic has got to be one of the nicest most genuine gals i've never met haha. lurrrve her to death and the girl has got a polish stash anyone would be envious of, *cough* i'm mainly talking about me being jealous haha :)

Liz from Iceomatic's Nails
i know, i know, i've sung liz's praises many times, but i'm doing it again cuz she's THAT cool. i love her sense of humor! totally smile when i go to her blog page. she has an infectious grin in her profile picture and she's such a doll! i love how she ties in her polishes with a picture or an object. very fun and very smile worthy.

Zaz from Les ongles de Zaz
her nails are super beautiful and she has amazing technique with application. also her blog design is just simply so lovely and her descriptions of the polishes perfectly describe them. i always smile when i see her talons pop up in my google reader because i know i'm in for a real treat :D

the Recessionista over at Nouveau Cheap
i am a recent reader of her blog, but am so happy to have found it. we have so much in common and we're both avid bargain hunters but won't sacrifice our style haha! i loved reading her reviews and it's so great to have a little forum on her "wednesday question" posts. she's a sweetie-pea!

Brooke from Getcha Nails Did
this gal is super super superwomen incognito. i'm convinced. she seems to be an awesome mom, a great lady, a rockin' dog caretaker, and a fabulous blogger with PERFECT application and photographing skills?? how can she do it? i call foul. she MUST be from another world. planet AWESOME. seriously though, Brooke has been nice and sweet to me from practically day one since i started my blog. and she's always ready to lend a hand with anyone's questions or troubles, cuz she's that dope. and she doesn't even need wonder women's whip ;)

there are many many more blogs that i adore dearly but i read about a million and i wanted to leave a few so other would have someone to tag haha ;)

happy friday!

tagged! 7 things in green

i was tagged by Liz from Iceomatic's Nails to do this fun tag! :) the tagger chooses the color (Green, Liz picked my FAVORITE color!) and the tagee (me in this case) has to take a picture of 7 things that fit that color.

1. my fav harry potter book, #6 the half blood prince! awesome awesome book, and the movie just came out which was also my favorite of the ones that have come out so far
2. hair one hair cleanser/conditioner for dry hair, a curly girl's number one friend
3. garnier fructis curl scrunch gel which smells awesome and is cheap cheap
4. china glaze emerald sparkle oooo to die for sparkly green polish
5. sinful colors san francisco polish which is kind of sheer but builds to an awesome final product
6. bicycle lime green playing cards which are super fun, but only the one color so not so good for playing pounce or gin or games where seeing the two colors in a hurry are necessary
7. the background for the picture, my gorgeous dusty green martha stewart bedspread, which i love. it took me forever to find a comforter design loved this much. and i take my bed seriously people. you have to when you spend as much time in it as i do, hahaha! i just got a "better than down" comforter quilt thing for underneath from Brookstone the other day and it is like sleeping in a cloud filled with whipped butter. so boss.

i pick ORANGE and i tag:

maria at polishign the nails!
kae at the hungry asian
danielle at the diva's polish
jacieo at you've got nail
helen & sheenie at nice things
all you desire (i don't know your name sorry dear!) at all you desire
edit: also tagging my sister clarrisa on her blog (wanted to check to see if she'd want to do it or not haha)

lots of love and kisses! just to let you know, i'm totally behind right now in blogging, it's like my blog has mono :( i've got a few papers and a midterm coming up due in school so i've been hellza busy. but just know i've got a bazillion swatches to show you kids! so wait for me, cuz i'm like the wind...or something ;)

tagged: i think you are an awesome girl

awww, thanks! i was tagged by the diva's polish danielle and painted lady fingers's diana for this award so thanks gals!

the rules: share 10 random facts about myself and tag 10 blogs i love reading

1. i love to sleep more than any human possibly should. but i am a night owl. i will stay up until the sun rises sometimes and be perfectly content sleeping all day long with the blinds shut and the AC blasting snuggled under the covers.

2. i hate hate hate being hot but i love being warm and snuggly, mostly when i'm in a chilly room. (see above) this gets to be inconvenient and expensive at times. not for me, but my parents whom i reside with hahaha. i think i will move to alaska someday.

3. i love to read, but i get too involved and emotional with the characters and it becomes my life so i rarely read books anymore. too exhausting.

4. i would rather go out to dinner and a movie for every "date" night activity than almost anything else. i'm so boring. but simple :)

5. i want my wedding & engagement ring to look like jessica simpson's. the irony is that i really don't like her haha. i don't wear a lot of jewelry, so i figure if my husband splurges on the ring, he doesn't have to buy me any more jewelry the rest of our marriage :D

6. grilled cheese sandwiches, vegas sushi rolls, and massaman chicken curry are my favorite foods in the world!!! not together of course.

7. i used to be a huge partier, big drinker, big smoker, etc. now i'm as chill as i thought i'd be when i turned "old" haha. and i'm only 23.

8. my biggest fears are falling down stairs & becoming paralyzed, being hit by a train on the railroad tracks, and being vomited on...again not at the same time. but jesus, what a horrible thought.

9. i can sing pretty well, like really closely to singers' voices. i love doing duets with my brother and cousin. but i'm horribly shy when it comes to singing alone in front of an audience and i've only done it twice in my life.

10. i don't know if i'll be able to have kids (womanly trouble) and as of right now i'm at peace with it. but time will tell. at least i have lots of nail polish to keep me happy!!

i would tag all the blogs i read regularly, but i'm going to cheat and say anyone who hasn't been tagged because i'm pretty sure i would end up picking someone who's already been tagged. love you all. nail polish swatches coming at ya tomorrow!

tagged - what you're using right now

from miss CCee on OnSugar - my first encounter with nail blogging!! so she's pretty much the reason i started nail blogging *tear*

Shampoo: nuskin - balancing shampoo
Conditioner: nuskin - rich conditioner, nuskin - renu hair mask
Styling products: marc daniels - go curly styling serum, garnier fructis - curl scrunch gel, aveda - be curly curl control
Shower Gel: victoria's secret pink warm & cozy shower gel
Body moisturizer: hempz- herbal moisturizer
Deodorant: secret- fresh effects cucumber aloe
Perfume: ralph lauren - romance
Fake Tan: none
Cleanser: clean & clear- continuous control acne cleanser, clean & clear- morning burst shine control
Exfoliator: nuskin - extra gentle exfoliant scrub
Peeling: nuskin - 180 degree aha facial peel
Facial Moisturizer: nuskin - 180 degree skin mist, mark spf 15 lotion [old, discontinued]
Primer: usually none, but today revlon smoothing primer
Foundation & brush: bareminerals - matte spf 15 foundation with mini kubuki brush
Concealer: cover girl- fresh complexion
Powder: bare escentuals - mineral veil translucent
Blusher: none, i flush normally
Bronzer: none
Highlighter: none
Eyeshadow base: mac - paintpot soft ochre
Eyeshadow: today, just used nyx - jumbo eye pencil in black bean to do an easy smoky eye with my mac 217 brush and blended in a little mac - all that glitters
Eyeliner: styli-style - 24 hour power line & seal liner in black brown believe me nothing works better than this liner!!
Curler: i don't usually use my shu uemura, it makes them curl too much damn it. curse my curly hair haha. i actually wish my lashes were straighter.
Mascara: loreal - voluminous waterproof, but i am by no means faithful to any one type, i'm a mascara-junkie.
Lipstick: none, i never wear it
Lip gloss: shiseido - lip gloss in mango passion
Nail color: essie - cantaloupe

everyone is tagged!! ♥

picture tag & christmas exchange

this tag is compliments of miss mookie j

The Rules:
Open your 1st photo folder
Scroll down to the 10th photo
Post that photo and story on your blog
Tag 5 or more people
ok so this pic is from 2007 when me and some friends from dental assisting school went to Lagoon theme park in salt lake city, ut for the halloween frightmares nights during october. it was super fun and cold and tons of spooky-tastic-ness. all the great rides are open plus there's mazes and super scary haunted houses and trick or treating for the kiddos and hypnotism shows and dance troupes and lots of other stuff. this is us getting our picture taken with a giant werewolf guy, but the dummy holding the camera cut off his head haha. i'm the hot one in the middle btw ;) haha! it was a lot of fun.
i tag:
danica - http://danicanailblog.blogspot.com/
trinca-espinhas - http://asminhasunhas.blogspot.com/
ivana - http://beautyseeker-ivana.blogspot.com/
rachel - http://nailsbyrachel.blogspot.com/
diana - http://paintedladyfingers.blogspot.com/


also, to mention (as miss mookie j did) Nicole over at MagicXMaid has set up a christmas nail polish exchange woot woot :) sign up sign up sign up if you haven't already mmmkay :D