2012 in Review + Looking to 2013

   Vas Happenin'?!

x

 

     2012 is over baby! Well, in some hours it will be! It's been a quite a year, so we should review... Here some of my favorite posts and highlights of twentytwelve!

 

One Direction Concert and Meet & Greet

 

The nail series was launched!

 

My wisdom teeth were removed, and I documented the whole thing!

 

My Top 3 Record Stores in Nashville

 

 My Top 3 Summer Drinks

 

 ATLANTAAAAAAAA!! Where I had the BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE OH MY GOD.

 

Launched Stellar Stuff Saturday & Tunes Tuesday!

 

 A Guide to Shopping for Teenage Boys ...

 

One of the prettiest pictures of all time, and my berfday.

 

  Launched Stuff Lately & School Series

 

 My Everyday Makeup Routine (it varies slightly now, but this is core!)

 

 The first hair tutorial!

 

 

 Imagine Dragons Mini-Show and Meet & Greet

 

  Whew! What a year!

 

   Looking on to 2013... Ugh, that beautiful double "2" is gone. Years will never be the same! And don't forget about the looming apocalypse we can no longer look forward to. :/ Anyway, in the coming 12 months, I hope to not only blog a lot more, but blog about more personal things, too. I want this blog to be bubbling over with great content, not just subpar, like I've so often included. I want 2013 to be a great year for me, you, and the blog!

 

 Here's to the new year!

 

 xoxo,

   Zoe

Review :: Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

    Hello!

  I recently picked up some Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in Golden Conduct, and I'm here to share a review of my experience!

The magnetic cap is removable

   If you've yet to hear of this magnetic nail color, here's the run down: the polish is a "formula" infused with magnetic particles that move when exposed to the "specially designed" magnet, which is then supposed to create a little pattern. The magnet is built onto the cap of the polish. Many brands are jumping on the trend (as usual; remember those inescapable shatter polishes?), but I figured if I were to try it, I should try a more classic brand, one that's not too cheap but not too expensive. Enter Miss Hansen!

   The rules: put on a base coat (like with any manicure), then put on a light coat of the polish and wait to dry. Apply a thick coat on your nail, immediately followed by the magnet. Place the magnet on your cuticle (there's a handy-dandy little grasp so you know where to put it), and hold it there for 10 seconds.  Then remove, and viola!

  My thoughts: the starting color is incredibly lackluster. Luckily, though, the magnet takes care of that. As far as holding the magnet for "10 seconds" -- I found the longer I held, the better the effect; I held mine for 15-25 seconds per nail. When I removed it... the effect was gorgeous. It was like nail art, without any extra tools, mess, or polish. The actual swirls were a lot wider-apart than advertised, as you can see, but actual result was evident. It took several days to begin chipping (I added a top coat). Let me note, though, that removing the polish was way more difficult than I imagined! It took about a cotton ball per two fingers.

 In conclusion: I adore this polish. It's easy to apply, the effect is impressive, and it lasts a while without chipping. However, removal of the polish is challenging, so take that into consideration if you're wondering whether or not to drop the ten bucks.

 Brand: Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color :: Golden Conduct
 Cost: $10
 Would I buy it again: Yes.


  Have you tried any trendy nail polishes lately? Did they turn out okay?

  xoxo,
   Zoe

(Sort of a) Review: SunBeam Mini Pie Maker!

    Howdy!

    About two months ago, I bought a SunBeam mini pie maker. Originally I wanted a Babycakes one, but I saw a Target ad for the then-cheaper Sunbeam one and decided to buy it.

     I won't say I didn't have expectations; the reviews were great, and I could only imagine wanting some pie and, eight minutes later, having a fresh one!

   The concept was simple: preheat the small machine, use the included cutters to cut out the base and top crusts, load those in the molds, add fruit, wait eight to ten minutes, and BAM! Mini pies!
   
       Anyway, a few days later (after getting my pie crust and fruit), I tried it...

 

       And it's FANTASTIC! It's ridiculously easy, and oh my gosh, the results are incredible! I love this thing so much. And cleaning it is so easy! ...Jeez, I could do a commercial.

    Do you have a mini pie maker? Do you plan on getting one? Here are some tips:

• Overloading your little pies can be seriously messy. Take a look at my (gross) first try:
  
  
  
• I can't express how much tastier fresh fruit is than canned!
  
  
  
• Try to prevent excess dough/crust if you want your pie to look nice (which, here, it won't!).
  
  
  

      Do you you have mini-treat maker? Do you plan on getting one?

    xoxo,

         Zoe

Review: O.P.I. Nail Polishes

  Hello!

  I recently blogged about some new nail polish I purchased: Designer...De Better! and Gone Gonzo from the O.P.I. Muppets collection. Here's what I have to say!

    I've had experience with O.P.I. before, but it wasn't good. Since I'm in love with Katy Perry, getting her nail polish was a must. I had never seen a more perfect color for a newly-nail-obsessed teenage girl as her Teenage Dream! Totally stoked, I bought the whole collection in mini-form, and put on TD right away; only to discover, days later, it was the most difficult nail polish to get off that I have ever tried! I haven't worn it since, nor have I bought anything by O.P.I. I decided to give the brand a second chance.

 
       As with all other nail polish techniques I use, I started with a base coat. Then, Designer...De Better!, followed by two or so layers of Gone Gonzo, finished with a clear coat. The picture above is the finished product.
   Hooray! It's pretty! Maybe 1/8 slutty, but mostly pretty. I was psyched to begin the week in such a glittery way.

  
    WHOA, WHAT?! After the first day, my thumb had chipped and the first two fingers' had completely fallen off. I made sure not to pick at it, even! In a word, I was devastated.
    I paid $16 total for these two nail polishes (my own money, man), only to have to repaint my nails every single day. It was horrendous.

 I decided I won't be purchasing another O.P.I. polish for a long while. I'm incredibly disappointed with the brand.

      Have you had any bad nail polish experiences lately?

 xoxo,
   Zoe