Watermelon Manicure

When it comes to nail polish, my philosophy is have fun with it. I change my polish a ridiculous amount of times during the week.  From neutrals to neon’s and everything in between, as you know, sometimes instead of one polish I like to polish three nails one color and two another.  This weekend I went with a watermelon manicure using Shelby by Zoya (the ideal bubblegum pink) and Tracie by Zoya. 

I begin by using Ridge Filler for a base coat. This will even out the nails as well as enrich and strengthen.

{left to right:  Shelby and Tracie}

 

 {Out The Door is my top coat of choice}

{Once my nails are dry I finished with some cuticle oil}

It's a Charmed Life

It's been one year since Kate charmed the world, and said I do to Prince William at Westminster Abbey.  Here is a stylish look back at the past year.

 

 

 

Five Things

 {the floral arrangement that kept me bright and cheery this week}

I am so excited that the weekend has arrived. Mine will be filled with setting up for my Kentucky Derby party next week which I am thrilled to be hosting again this year. What are your plans for the weekend?

 {making a batch of no-crease hair ties}

DIY to come soon

 {making pineapple upside down cake}

 {current nails}

{spring apothecary jars}

Colored Denim 101

The denim section of stores have transformed into something right out of Rainbow Brite’s closet. The colored denim trend has endless possibilities, from neon to pastel and everything in-between. Here are my tips for looking your best in colored denim.

• Look at colored jeans the same way you would look at blue jeans. If you’re a flare girl, then go for the flare style…etc.

• Be color conscious. Neon is not for everyone, but pastels look flattering on almost all figures.

•  Go with a basic color on the top. Color blocking is going to chop your silhouette in half.

• Nude heels look gorgeous with colored denim.

• Just remember this is a trend, and it’s not going to be around forever.

What do you think of the colored denim trend? Have you bought any skittle colored denim yet?

I went with Easter egg hues; pink and peach

Warm or Cool Undertone

If there is one thing that you should know about beauty (and it is life changing) it’s determining your skin undertones. When you know yours you are able to adjust the colors you wear accordingly to better suit you. In college one of my friends asked me if I had ever had my "colors done", I said no. As I had no idea what she was talking about. That is when I learned about my undertones. I always wore pink blush, after I found out I was a warm undertone I tried peach blush, and let me tell you it made a world of difference. Of course rules are meant to be broken. This is just a guide to accentuate your features. 

Easiest ways to determine your skin undertone:

• Place a white piece of paper next to your arm. Focus on your arms for 11-23 seconds and then look at the paper.

Cool: pink, red or bluish

Warm: yellow, gold or olive

Neutral: You either have a mix of warm and cool undertones, or you do not have a distinctive undertone. Lucky you can wear any colors you wish.

• Determine by natural color of eyes and hair

Cool: blue, green or grey eyes, and black or brown hair

Warm: brown, black or hazel eyes, and black, brown, blonde, red hair.

NOTE: there are always exceptions to the rule. 

So tell me what is your undertone?

Rosemary Rolls

Anytime I have a small get together I love to have "tea sandwiches" available for my guests. They are usually tuna, chicken salad or both, always on semi-homemade rosemary rolls. Due to the delicious rolls these sandwiches have become a big hit with anyone who tries them.

Buy a frozen loaf of bread (I bought wheat) cover it in Crisco and set on the counter. Allow to thaw and rise.

 Once it has risen spread it out on wax paper.

Sprinkle with rosemary (I bought McCormick 100% Organic Rosemary Leaves)

Squish and work the dough to combine the rosemary.

One loaf will make six rolls. I baked mine on my Pampered Chef Stone, but a cookie sheet and parchment paper will work as well. *bake at 325 for 15 minutes or until golden brown no longer doughy.

When the rolls come out rub butter on the top to give them a shiny look.

Citrus Inspired

let's go shopping: 1/2/3/4/5/6

The vibrant colors and textures of lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit make inspiring fresh color palettes. A pop of citrus adds a boost of energy to any outfit, and you can’t help but feel happiness when surrounded by these juicy hues. What do you think of citrus inspired outfits?

Five Things

 {citrus inspired nails: Essie Movers & Shakers with a Zoya Arizona accent}

Pretty colors kept me inspired this week while the weather went from low 40's to high 80's and everything in between. A positive aspect of my week was when one of my elderly neighbors invited me over for dinner, and asked if I could bring the dessert. I went with my go-to confection; a simple pink party cake; lemon cake with raspberry filling topped with meringue buttercream and confetti sprinkles. Do you have a go- to dessert you like to make?

 {flowers in the morning}

 {hawaiian bloom bread}

 {newest obsession: living lettuce}

{signature cake: pink party cake}