tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39719802024-03-13T20:20:18.676-06:00walker, decor-rangerkeeping order in my tiny cornerswatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.comBlogger270125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-91699511660961082062016-03-03T11:46:00.002-07:002016-03-03T14:36:29.688-07:00Free Printable Budget FormsWe have decided that 2016 is to be the year of getting our financial shit in order. No more of this, "where the hell did all of our money go?" No more $60 dinners every Friday. No more buying lunch during the week. And no more internet shopping. THAT MEANS YOU, COURTNEY. :(<br />
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My sister is getting married in Scotland (!!!) in October so we have that to save for. We'd like to travel more anyway and possibly purchase a cottage at a lake in Central Alberta. Also, our century home needs repairs and renovations. We have many, many plans and not many, many dollars. Yet.<br />
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There are tons of free templates and forms out there already but none that really fit our needs so, I made my own. Super simple, fairly generic, and available for you to print on your own! Yay! Also, if you have Adobe Professional, you can edit the text to suit your needs. (Tools, Edit Document Text)<br />
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I printed off 12 of each, along with the <a href="http://wondermomwannabe.com/free-printable-family-budget-worksheets/">Family Finances sheet from Wondermom Wannabe</a> and 12 each of the <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2015/06/free-printable-daily-weekly-and-monthly.html">Monthly Calendar</a> and <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2015/06/free-printable-monthly-bill-payment.html">Monthly Bill Payment Checklist</a> from I Should Be Mopping the Floor, and put them all in a binder. I got some monthly tab dividers to separate each month and now we have a cute little binder and a little more peace of mind.<br />
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<em>NOTE: I took cues and ideas from each of the blogs mentioned above to create my own, comprehensive budget and expense tracker.</em><br />
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So, how did I set up my binder? <br />
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<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8NFR1VzI4T3RaWm8/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Cover</a> (Duh.)</li>
<li>Family Finances sheets x 2 - one for assets, one for debts (I edited her form to suit our purposes)</li>
<li>Each month consists of:</li>
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<li>Blank monthly calendar to track big payments coming up, events, etc.</li>
<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8c2ZjbXFDVlp6TWc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Household Budget</a> form</li>
<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8RGRKZGhaMXlpWEE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Expense Tracker</a> form</li>
<li>Monthly Bill Payment Checklist</li>
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<li>Two extra tabs at the back:</li>
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<li>One for Important information (check out the <a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2015/06/free-printable-important-information-log.html">free printables from I Should Be Mopping the Floor</a>) </li>
<li>and, one for Tax Receipts (otherwise I'm bound to lose them)</li>
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As bills come in each month, I will not only be entering them in the bill payment checklist but also hole punching them and including them in the binder so that nothing gets missed.</div>
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Click on each photo to open the printable PDF.</div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8NFR1VzI4T3RaWm8/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8NFR1VzI4T3RaWm8/view?usp=sharing" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUXSU8K6fzuTLimhBa5u68ma-aq080cKOS-xAEmvCXSJLcBpfoiLqxk3i84dtKSXlErlEZwrdbqhrP_lV_d09-gP1SdPLTlXvkl1OTdVOYnHBb_N_gXcSBhe5rNc20qEjLZtJd/s640/GENERIC+binder+cover.jpg" title="Family Finances generic binder cover" width="490" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8c2ZjbXFDVlp6TWc/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8c2ZjbXFDVlp6TWc/view?usp=sharing" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5x_XZkUrPq1AvQaOgqRpjWP58FHCjttY-Vep_Yiht7rjJ4h_w7rlQE2Q5ZASYU16xpJu4j_8xkgqJ8J8sog5DZh1a1_zU3P6hlWD43Dg8uVHMjJx5aBLft8fsb_djU7xof_1E/s640/GENERIC+budget.jpg" title="Monthly Household budget generic form" width="494" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8RGRKZGhaMXlpWEE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bqlZd1kyx8RGRKZGhaMXlpWEE/view?usp=sharing" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhq5TjR2vH3IOZc6EFJQIVGgOpvlLjL1cw-dvW7CHWB1sLILP_VQUCumTOiPrWM6dtNmgHgRmG2kDuWj0HoQMD5Fm8I16-jnlsbisqBha7w7pJaWQjgIwktC-GmB0bzd3tGyh/s640/GENERIC+expense+tracker.jpg" title="Monthly Expense Tracker generic form" width="511" /></a></div>
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Let me know if these printables are useful for you! </div>
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swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-36391960531074494612014-01-13T15:04:00.000-07:002014-01-13T15:34:27.131-07:002014 Calendar Round-up<strong><em>NB: If you are looking for my nail polish posts, I've moved them over to a new blog. Come and visit me at <a href="http://swatcherpolishranger.blogspot.ca/">swatcherpolishranger.blogspot.ca</a>. <3 </em></strong><br />
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Eeek! How did I forget to write this post? Luckily, it's only mid-January so not too late to buy a calendar for the year. Even though I keep track of my appointments in my Google calendar I still like to have a gorgeous printed calendar to hang on the wall in my kitchen. Hopefully, of the 21 calendars I've selected, something catches your eye. :)<br />
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|<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/polishranger/2014-calendars/"> See the full collection on Pinterest</a>. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWADybEvwHAIXEdZFxdkSg1KsHEI4y6MUed0zHeq1I7mYhLXLUHf02iKsHz_waAfHeUum-AztuwkojPWLpPZQ-770N9hA7ZIhlLT1o2wsW6JNRTbNUu_RAi-f94Vt4fbrWSI-/s1600/2014calendars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEWADybEvwHAIXEdZFxdkSg1KsHEI4y6MUed0zHeq1I7mYhLXLUHf02iKsHz_waAfHeUum-AztuwkojPWLpPZQ-770N9hA7ZIhlLT1o2wsW6JNRTbNUu_RAi-f94Vt4fbrWSI-/s640/2014calendars.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favourites are the <a href="http://www.observantnomad.com/2014/01/02/2014-calendar/">FREE printable calendar from the Observant Nomad</a>, <a href="http://riflepaperco.com/item/2014_Secret_Garden_Calendar/480/c44">Secret Garden calendar from Rifle Paper Co.</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/175235260/jane-austen-calendar-2014-mr-darcy-and?ref=shop_home_active_1">Pride & Prejudice quotes from 10cameliaway</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110033596/2014-calendar-jaunty-animals?ref=shop_home_active">Jaunty Animals from hellosmallworld.</a><br />
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<strong><em>Which one is your favourite?</em></strong><br />
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<br />swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-59752703750244306412013-12-31T10:04:00.000-07:002013-12-31T10:04:06.422-07:002013 Nail Polish : A Year In Review : Top 3 Polishes & Predictions for 2014It's the last day of 2013 and the final post of my nail polish year in review. This year my nail polish collection exploded (mostly thanks to Reddit) and I made some amazing friends through the various nail polish communities. <br />
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I drooled over a ton of polish but only bought a fraction of what I loved. I think there were very few duds this year but the following three polishes blew me away. The colours are amazing, the formulas were great and the results were breathtaking. Here are my top 3 polishes of 2013.<br />
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#3. <a href="https://www.kbshimmer.com/shop/24-carrot-bold-matte-nail-polish/">KBShimmer 24 Carat Bold</a> - this is the perfect orange as far as I'm concerned. The application and formula were flawless and the colour is so amazing! My picture shows it worn with top coat but it dries to a satin matte and has gorgeous gold shimmer. An amazingly fun polish to wear!<br />
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#2.<a href="http://emeraldandash.com/red-shift.html"> Emerald & Ash Red Shift</a> - this was a surprise favourite for me this year. I'm not a huge fan of red polish but I've totally fallen for burgundy this year. It was a sunny day when I received this in the mail and when I opened it the flash and sparkle coming off this bottle made me gasp. The glitter combination is understated and perfect and the application was fantastic! Ashley and Nate did a great job translating Hubble photos into polish - tiny galaxies on your nails.<br />
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#1 <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WingDustCollections">Wingdust Collections Steel Town Girl</a> - I fell in love with this when Stephanie posted a prototype swatch photo on Instagram. I watched for release dates like a hawk and ultimately missed out on restocks a whopping FOUR times! I never would have thought to look at international stockists but a good friend brought up the idea of a group order from Femme Fatale Cosmetics from Australia and I was immediately on board. It ended up costing me more but it is finally mine and I LOVE IT! The holo base is perfect. The iridescent shards are perfect. The gold leaf is perfect. The combo is easily one of the most unique polishes released this year and one I will cherish always.<br />
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As for predictions for 2014, I think we will see a lot of purple with <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21129">Radiant Orchid being the Pantone Color of the Year</a>. Holo and duochrome were popular all year but really exploded toward the end of 2013 and I think that will continue into the new year. I also think we will see a lot more shimmer and unique creme colours. It seems like people are feeling a bit of glitter fatique and looking for something a little simpler but still beautiful. Finally, I think that the indie polish world will continue to grow and flourish. Will Nerd Lacquer return full time? We can cross our fingers. Will Enchanted Polish restocks become a little less insane? Doubtful. Will restocks on Llarowe be less crazy-making with the new website that Barbra and her husband (of<a href="http://www.ilnp.com/"> I Love Nail Polish</a>) are building? We can hope.<br />
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My brand to watch for 2014? <a href="http://www.pahlish.bigcartel.com/">Pahlish</a>. I've been loving their monthly combos and the colours they've been releasing. <br />
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Happy New Year and here's to an amazing 2014!<br />
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<strong><em>Which polish was your favourite this year? What are your predictions for the nail polish world for 2014?</em></strong>swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-49704302945968251892013-12-30T08:00:00.000-07:002013-12-30T08:00:00.059-07:002013 Nail Polish : A Year in Review : Top 3 BrandsFor the third installment of my year in review series, I am reviewing my top 3 brands of the year. These are the brands that I purchased the most, reached for the most, and consistently impressed me with colour and formula. <br />
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This post is picture heavy!!<br />
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Honourable Mention. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WingDustCollections">Wingdust Collections</a> - Stephanie came out with some great stuff this year including an instant best seller/impossible to get colour. She doesn't shy away from glitter and her combos are always perfect. I'll always have a soft spot for this brand because it's Canadian and I provided inspiration for one of her polishes this year. :) Here are my two favourites from this year.<br />
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| Muskoka Sunset - this is the polish I provided inspiration for. Stephanie sometimes hold contests on Facebook and if she uses your suggestion she sends you a free bottle. As soon as I saw this I thought of the sun setting over a Canadian lake. My husband, like Stephanie, is from Ontario and he always talks about the lakes and how much he misses them. I searched for pictures of the Muskoka and <a href="http://www.neilfamily.ca/albums/sunsets/107-0743_img.jpg">found one that had the exact colours as the polish</a>. The rest was history. ;) |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYlMJsf6DBOxvdirS2xd9-FcLxpMsYtMtz-_D7_RSDXxaEOMp14C5Y5cG_H37H9mMtj0YGlOR7wTqxPbwNUiX0ii7t2Kf81K6rQTrbufqFbiUzspmhzF20W49vqgVun2zr_lu/s1600/wingdust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYlMJsf6DBOxvdirS2xd9-FcLxpMsYtMtz-_D7_RSDXxaEOMp14C5Y5cG_H37H9mMtj0YGlOR7wTqxPbwNUiX0ii7t2Kf81K6rQTrbufqFbiUzspmhzF20W49vqgVun2zr_lu/s400/wingdust.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Steel Town Girl - the polish that launched a thousand Wingdust fans, this polish is hands down one of the most unique I own. It's a teal holo base with shards and gold leaf pieces and it's incredible. I wanted this one so much that I went in on a group order with several friends and we procured 4 bottles from <a href="http://femmefatalecosmetics.com.au/">Femme Fatale Cosmetics</a> in Australia! |</div>
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#3. <a href="http://enchantedpolish.bigcartel.com/">Enchanted Polish</a> - most people who collect indie polish have heard of Enchanted Polish and the almost mythical status of their polish. They are expensive and difficult to procure and the after sale market? Forget it. The restocks are notoriously crazy and people get full on fanatical about their monthly releases. It's all for good reason - the colours are super pigmented, flow on the nail like butter and have incredible sparkle/shift/whatever the intended effect may be. I was first introduced to this brand when a dear friend sent me a bottle and it was love at first brush stroke. I've had good luck with Nail Polish Canada's Canadian only restocks along with some incredibly generous friends. Here are my top four this year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOCUX5HGBZYgjA0pqoJ42Xv4AMrMDVZHqwdFGhi_cR_fzg2IjyGUJ-uY4nT_0y_bKErwsIPr-_JoMFm6gfV8-97f3kyI0Dj17HHVcxrRIYduR4_YcASD2noSpxQll_ne3e65A/s1600/enchantedacrosstheuniverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOCUX5HGBZYgjA0pqoJ42Xv4AMrMDVZHqwdFGhi_cR_fzg2IjyGUJ-uY4nT_0y_bKErwsIPr-_JoMFm6gfV8-97f3kyI0Dj17HHVcxrRIYduR4_YcASD2noSpxQll_ne3e65A/s400/enchantedacrosstheuniverse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Across the Universe - the one that started it all. The multichrome shift and the holo sparkle are an irresitible combination. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO90LUpiVyrbMZ_2ZbBPY9i-1XZYaUZCxqPpWHVTawjepQ6uXMzz1xFHqj15cnDy1eGQmIetzoc_ITqPnPS9m8SDKLj28nSu_DmN49QtQBmH0OP8cXBL7EvaBe0z2Ge94dU8L/s1600/enchanteddream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO90LUpiVyrbMZ_2ZbBPY9i-1XZYaUZCxqPpWHVTawjepQ6uXMzz1xFHqj15cnDy1eGQmIetzoc_ITqPnPS9m8SDKLj28nSu_DmN49QtQBmH0OP8cXBL7EvaBe0z2Ge94dU8L/s400/enchanteddream.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Dream On - I was lucky to snag this Nail Polish Canada exclusive shade. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXUQbWsihd6UeEcfAzZt-GkHqABU7oMj9AYfLJtRGmzrgVxvwDn_Hm_PXo1Y4V-ej7wRs0CwZU9oaXaXgzElZ4sFQHSjh7QVJMBl6XYXhuah5KmS3Xhn2iiLc-QXGPhEcpL-2/s1600/enchantedmrburgundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXUQbWsihd6UeEcfAzZt-GkHqABU7oMj9AYfLJtRGmzrgVxvwDn_Hm_PXo1Y4V-ej7wRs0CwZU9oaXaXgzElZ4sFQHSjh7QVJMBl6XYXhuah5KmS3Xhn2iiLc-QXGPhEcpL-2/s400/enchantedmrburgundy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Mr. Burgundy - richly saturated colour with amazing holo bend. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCbV06TUPzy9IFngf1EM5EhOua9idVWM2vrT-eu1GCetiPOyXhqRzsX4fkPFfL9XPMFZtHrIBGFBEiYsUYEyb0KatrMF070OcozsFmepgzQFV3q7AjDWl7udHDZxdsCmweUnr/s1600/enchantedoctopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSCbV06TUPzy9IFngf1EM5EhOua9idVWM2vrT-eu1GCetiPOyXhqRzsX4fkPFfL9XPMFZtHrIBGFBEiYsUYEyb0KatrMF070OcozsFmepgzQFV3q7AjDWl7udHDZxdsCmweUnr/s400/enchantedoctopus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Octopus' Garden - another crazy beautiful multichrome. | </div>
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#2. <a href="http://kbshimmer.com/">KBShimmer</a> (Canadians can purchase from <a href="http://www.harlowandco.org/collections/kbshimmer">Harlow & Co</a>.) - KBShimmer had a really stand-out year with several amazing collections. They balance the glitter bombs with more understated shimmers and mattes and have polish in every colour imaginable. This year's Christmas/blogger collaboration collection was a home run. I wanted to purchase every single one and was only held back by my wallet. Here are my favourites from this year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7kVjw-acZw0E7P_rlYPZnbwsC2IBkIddbb3UyaQQaaOwsvsgCGABCzGYUSWhSvlRk7S2cj5k8qO-jp4a9Afk5i015a9A-DynMmRx7T91CIMZ8OjMpDgdD1ulY2GTuM3N4Mq7/s1600/kbshimmer24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7kVjw-acZw0E7P_rlYPZnbwsC2IBkIddbb3UyaQQaaOwsvsgCGABCzGYUSWhSvlRk7S2cj5k8qO-jp4a9Afk5i015a9A-DynMmRx7T91CIMZ8OjMpDgdD1ulY2GTuM3N4Mq7/s400/kbshimmer24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| 24 Carrot Bold - bold is definitely the right descriptor - this neon orange shimmer dries matte and is flat out AMAZING! |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFWassLCxv_H1SIkaWsDQVcRa-ptSmgHrDV8TMHcQmf6cdaEJskGJvQ3203u6v6bf8D4gOjE79ZQmQ2eUPdy-g6kfWa9mMSU9bp5dJsFTuScp9AgAyN3ELDis-Y0tVsZKT763/s1600/kbshimmersnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFWassLCxv_H1SIkaWsDQVcRa-ptSmgHrDV8TMHcQmf6cdaEJskGJvQ3203u6v6bf8D4gOjE79ZQmQ2eUPdy-g6kfWa9mMSU9bp5dJsFTuScp9AgAyN3ELDis-Y0tVsZKT763/s400/kbshimmersnow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Snow Flaking Way - this jelly is the perfect winter colour with amazing depth. I'm normally not a fan of shape glitter but the snowflakes in this are adorable. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsKWBCaKqBKdojBM39ZREj4mYR_j7NC72mldwF-ykMhDpZsTL0ybEwbJgNOoWO99XdyJmUGlqrR_RoMhWDDuEl9NIfKmxY1o5TYLRYJiJ-MLPiQqSs6pxmdHgw4cPMCdYkmfp/s1600/kbshimmertotally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsKWBCaKqBKdojBM39ZREj4mYR_j7NC72mldwF-ykMhDpZsTL0ybEwbJgNOoWO99XdyJmUGlqrR_RoMhWDDuEl9NIfKmxY1o5TYLRYJiJ-MLPiQqSs6pxmdHgw4cPMCdYkmfp/s400/kbshimmertotally.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Totally Tubular - the teal base of this polish is perfection, the formula was great (no dragging of glitter) and CIRCLE GLITTER! |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrIemWbTgb11alDiKE_QEnc3KrmidUkR4eFIfSJ8cyO_parY3lQEYAI88jAfl4Sf_SWlDpTxwDCv1S7PErsuSB3Lc82fNlJQ6clf7mGEC7oshWF_vVVdNnW9YLiO7auv_VlHc/s1600/kbshimmerturbulence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrIemWbTgb11alDiKE_QEnc3KrmidUkR4eFIfSJ8cyO_parY3lQEYAI88jAfl4Sf_SWlDpTxwDCv1S7PErsuSB3Lc82fNlJQ6clf7mGEC7oshWF_vVVdNnW9YLiO7auv_VlHc/s400/kbshimmerturbulence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Turbulence - another shimmer that dries matte, this dark gray had a flawless formula and the shade worked well with my skin tone. | </div>
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#1. <a href="http://emeraldandash.com/">Emerald & Ash</a> - some may call me biased with this choice because I consider Ashley (the lovely owner of E&A, along with her husband, Nate) a dear friend. That said, the lady makes some amazing polish. From her debut Armed Forces collection, to Deconstructed Daisy which is in honour of her mom, to her stunning Hubble collection, I love them all! The formula is great, the collection inspirations are unique and the colours are spot on. Also, the thing that pushes Emerald & Ash to the top of the proverbial polish pile is her cuticle oil. Seriously, guys, it's AMAZING! I have a bad habit of picking my cuticles and this stuff repairs a good majority of the damage with just one use! Plus, the scents are incredible and not at all artifical or cloying. My favourites are Chai Tea, Pumpkin Apple Butter, Chestnut & Brown Sugar, and Blood Orange. Do your cuticles a favour and go buy some NOW! Plus, it certainly doesn't hurt that Ashley is a doll and probably one of the most generous people I've ever had the good fortune to meet. Here are my favourites from the year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwYi_w17tCztPtkAiZGzXAZNq88FegocY5vGHxPxkubPkYAeCVTP7zoNu3N7siB_9DPuaOZlin9QuQEy0rbRFnWd5q7w70j44PVcQnttqKna7qV5wHwiF_JlbLCTPmSOJM0-s/s1600/emeraldblackforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwYi_w17tCztPtkAiZGzXAZNq88FegocY5vGHxPxkubPkYAeCVTP7zoNu3N7siB_9DPuaOZlin9QuQEy0rbRFnWd5q7w70j44PVcQnttqKna7qV5wHwiF_JlbLCTPmSOJM0-s/s400/emeraldblackforest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
| Black Forest, CO (limited edition) - this polish was created as a fundraiser for the Pikes Peak Community Foundation which helps the victims of the devastating forest fires that Colordao experienced this summer. The blackened green base is gorgeous and the flakes give it amazing depth. |<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JDdnDmjh3u3YXj7StGz0cRBOiLi1R9jQzfujBjuW6ZRd4KUlnQ_RNWqFqZZSe0N6ZkUtk7gZeh_WksLeU2hWUcwB0o-QXG6keJx57aLYIDt4Ff7qpaOwNv1aJ_Iaoc9khNQq/s1600/emerald30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JDdnDmjh3u3YXj7StGz0cRBOiLi1R9jQzfujBjuW6ZRd4KUlnQ_RNWqFqZZSe0N6ZkUtk7gZeh_WksLeU2hWUcwB0o-QXG6keJx57aLYIDt4Ff7qpaOwNv1aJ_Iaoc9khNQq/s400/emerald30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Dirty 30 (limited edition) - this was created to celebrate Ashley's 30th birthday and is the perfect nude holo. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQOUojrH8hOXWA8Jw40Vea4RX23bDoZFBLAj8L9IoJI6D9naHYdlCSO4Bsi7hSi7I6q8QlMirwnYhkg2sJSZhdRN8rq9rgPf43sIfRndbQnCr4KzZqXU_z-Fx5GrJ6-VEV5x1/s1600/emeraldshift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQOUojrH8hOXWA8Jw40Vea4RX23bDoZFBLAj8L9IoJI6D9naHYdlCSO4Bsi7hSi7I6q8QlMirwnYhkg2sJSZhdRN8rq9rgPf43sIfRndbQnCr4KzZqXU_z-Fx5GrJ6-VEV5x1/s400/emeraldshift.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Red Shift - I purchased this one based on swatch pictures from Nina of <a href="http://www.modelcitypolish.com/emerald-ash-red-shift/">Model City Polish</a> but in person it is STUNNING - I literally gasped when I opened the package. The deep red is gorgeous and the glitter combo perfectly compliments the base. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzYyru16VX1Fl_Kw79S0WXzOD1uIehPLSP2kPOkypbrhIFPNJ0GehCBgn6K8trcXduXKngK3jdZPESxVxC0qP24D0UpMmbHc8s__W3GFI5nXyujzds7NJBRn9exIQmjSNDpsQ/s1600/emeraldyule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzYyru16VX1Fl_Kw79S0WXzOD1uIehPLSP2kPOkypbrhIFPNJ0GehCBgn6K8trcXduXKngK3jdZPESxVxC0qP24D0UpMmbHc8s__W3GFI5nXyujzds7NJBRn9exIQmjSNDpsQ/s400/emeraldyule.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Yule Log (limited edition) - this one was included as a gift with purchase during their Cyber Monday sale. I've been loving brown polish this year and this one exemplifies everything I love about brown. It's a sophisticated as black without being harsh and seems to compliment most skin tones. This one has a gorgeous shimmer and seems to glow from within. |</div>
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<strong><em>Which brands stole your hard earned money this year?</em></strong></div>
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swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-64888865643333144202013-12-27T15:00:00.000-07:002013-12-27T15:00:00.713-07:002013 Nail Polish : A Year in Review : Top 10 IndieOn to the second installment of my four part, year in review series. This post will highlight 10 indie polishes that really captured my heart and dazzled my eyes. These all had good formulas that were easy to work with and had great pay-off.<br />
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Again, I will list these in alphabetical order.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVzV01b2bu-7euHUBGs6WwQyHGn46BXM2_KghyvhyphenhyphenMOStpIJt_T1ASb1nCD4and7CFiJZP9YdkxF5r6JNtwgwovAfYsJgCsG2Yq-YZepFumjdyvyh-TdGiiUfBlYUFDMQOsP6/s1600/aenglandbeauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVzV01b2bu-7euHUBGs6WwQyHGn46BXM2_KghyvhyphenhyphenMOStpIJt_T1ASb1nCD4and7CFiJZP9YdkxF5r6JNtwgwovAfYsJgCsG2Yq-YZepFumjdyvyh-TdGiiUfBlYUFDMQOsP6/s400/aenglandbeauty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/products/beauty-never-fails-by-a-england.html">A England Beauty Never Fails</a> - the shimmer makes it so complex. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDE8oSMTnBj4Jf-Z6d3cafLYDcx5SPatv3IlscVnkacFJ9W87dixjahFd05Ah1PS_5mExRFxzpnFfAE8E0Y68iXiD85gu63PyVSwgZpiSreh_hhOldTbhLZSpUkUJRgZ_Uv-M/s1600/aenglandroseinitial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDE8oSMTnBj4Jf-Z6d3cafLYDcx5SPatv3IlscVnkacFJ9W87dixjahFd05Ah1PS_5mExRFxzpnFfAE8E0Y68iXiD85gu63PyVSwgZpiSreh_hhOldTbhLZSpUkUJRgZ_Uv-M/s400/aenglandroseinitial.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/products/rose-bower-holographic-by-a-england.html">A England Rose Bower</a> - such a great, glowy red - AND <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/initiallacquer">Initial Lacquer</a> Snowy Owl - the white and gold glitter make this topper a bit more unique. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2N64dWUBceuoVn-7jxaWxqRUMAT8dNPxhyphenhyphenfCCWPFNlWQc2QPlEbIRUpEnNm6fQHcPtYiCccLbm6_XEWCcrLpjD2tNqu0Dq6Js5uuKD0kcyNo7nZIXIxmzknMuY3EgXdZIaVu/s1600/emilydemolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2N64dWUBceuoVn-7jxaWxqRUMAT8dNPxhyphenhyphenfCCWPFNlWQc2QPlEbIRUpEnNm6fQHcPtYiCccLbm6_XEWCcrLpjD2tNqu0Dq6Js5uuKD0kcyNo7nZIXIxmzknMuY3EgXdZIaVu/s400/emilydemolly.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/products/cosmic-forces-by-emily-de-molly.html">Emily de Molly Cosmic Forces</a> - this glitter jelly made a big impression this year - love the complexity. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3f2EL2FHzx_M5rExfwdlJc4w4U8EcL99zmyxEWph-sKGVoniAASXnnvQr5p6vMov2Ez9lPsSfuMJQUgtmg_ezKaOqiG2hnpS7mXwwsP4ZJ5d_0W4rTb9D1OMkfd1hDCodsLB/s1600/girlybits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3f2EL2FHzx_M5rExfwdlJc4w4U8EcL99zmyxEWph-sKGVoniAASXnnvQr5p6vMov2Ez9lPsSfuMJQUgtmg_ezKaOqiG2hnpS7mXwwsP4ZJ5d_0W4rTb9D1OMkfd1hDCodsLB/s400/girlybits.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="http://www.girlybitscosmetics.com/">Girly Bits</a> What the Deuce - such an amazing green - it was perfect for my Christmas mani. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCewmQYBsJ5LlozcTBNFCqVtAaMcgo24Tr3DG7qqNtdCAttbhPIvyYLZfVf0Xh52zdYqjZSLw7y6tdskEQpHbMbQlNo2HO5JPVlKBxMWc-B3WKUTWOHuPkxR3CoS5S_hgY-Qro/s1600/hareparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCewmQYBsJ5LlozcTBNFCqVtAaMcgo24Tr3DG7qqNtdCAttbhPIvyYLZfVf0Xh52zdYqjZSLw7y6tdskEQpHbMbQlNo2HO5JPVlKBxMWc-B3WKUTWOHuPkxR3CoS5S_hgY-Qro/s400/hareparty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HAREpolish">HARE Polish</a> Party Palace - such a lovely, bright fuschia - the red and white glitter add a lot of interest. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fowxW3VvPandFN7o_pmvWjqUpmH7f_ZOScaid5DKjUZkGd62Z4cFCx6z3ppSqpBgU0AKySIZggNqDDf3sM9rwuONaiISjBiT7Qzh_BRhmLWQS4bSBNh-2xUney7pbXlBUoEY/s1600/mcpapple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fowxW3VvPandFN7o_pmvWjqUpmH7f_ZOScaid5DKjUZkGd62Z4cFCx6z3ppSqpBgU0AKySIZggNqDDf3sM9rwuONaiISjBiT7Qzh_BRhmLWQS4bSBNh-2xUney7pbXlBUoEY/s400/mcpapple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ModelCityPolish">Model City Polish</a> Bobbing for Apples (shown over Orly Liquid Vinyl) - circle glitter has taken the world by storm and this one in particular is amazing - plus, it smells like apples!! |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiBHXhRV4nSUfjbLFEfJcKUD_NY3lNFdF2SJJugNGU1vBjPMYVve0xJg9m_f9MzLlmKovPRrUzEXPIJdjpPMqL-Wxtd1Z02IRSLOLRXoGg6W3lumXT4ZkF42dFLB23B8J789E/s1600/mcppumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiBHXhRV4nSUfjbLFEfJcKUD_NY3lNFdF2SJJugNGU1vBjPMYVve0xJg9m_f9MzLlmKovPRrUzEXPIJdjpPMqL-Wxtd1Z02IRSLOLRXoGg6W3lumXT4ZkF42dFLB23B8J789E/s400/mcppumpkin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ModelCityPolish">Model City Polish</a> The Great Pumpkin Massacre (shown over essie Little Brown Dress) - for a Halloween polish this one is quite understated. Plus, the formula is amazing and the pumpkin bread scent is perfect - it lingers for days even with top coat! |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0HXKczpHAC1m2ceFS40RFxqAahmtChxb53UKwbnO8GOaS-jWAIJgp1lkJXgHDPZKnNTghZIytk3c5KgT4zC7ObcOh0ts_xUysJxaZVknw5ZsvhcHWS2DZMFxLzMiuZiD24fJ/s1600/ozotic914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0HXKczpHAC1m2ceFS40RFxqAahmtChxb53UKwbnO8GOaS-jWAIJgp1lkJXgHDPZKnNTghZIytk3c5KgT4zC7ObcOh0ts_xUysJxaZVknw5ZsvhcHWS2DZMFxLzMiuZiD24fJ/s400/ozotic914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/products/ozotic-914-by-ozotic.html">Ozotic 914</a> - this one is just stunning. When I heard that piCture pOlish had decided to discontinue the Ozotic line, I had to grab this. Get it while you can! |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7tsX56hyphenhyphenBb0r2pR_T8lgt4XFb6uNs1jOJCQvlCx8Ov76ol8Q-7RY6LzGpvYGWJggWx41Df2y-t2z1D7Px_LbjKfgBVDV3OamDakClz9pgyfnzjrjFlME02MZzGOVZRqQ6Gc4/s1600/shimmercarol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7tsX56hyphenhyphenBb0r2pR_T8lgt4XFb6uNs1jOJCQvlCx8Ov76ol8Q-7RY6LzGpvYGWJggWx41Df2y-t2z1D7Px_LbjKfgBVDV3OamDakClz9pgyfnzjrjFlME02MZzGOVZRqQ6Gc4/s400/shimmercarol.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
| <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShimmerPolish">Shimmer Polish</a> Carol - these glitter bombs are unlike any others I have tried - they are so glitter packed that you can easily wear them on their own - I love the brown/copper/blue combo of this one. |<br />
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<strong><em>What were your favourite indie polishes this year?</em></strong>swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-68237114670045779762013-12-27T11:48:00.001-07:002013-12-27T13:45:35.663-07:002013 Nail Polish : A Year in Review : Top 10 RetailThis has been quite a year for nail polish. Although market numbers indicate that nail polish sales declined in 2013 that is certainly not the case in my circles. If anything, sales are booming BUT more in the indie sector than the retail market. I've only been immersed in this community for a year but, from what I can tell, 2013 was THE YEAR OF THE INDIE. So many amazing brands popped up on the radar and I got to try a lot of amazing polish.<br />
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I decided to do a 4 part series showcasing my favourites from the year. This first post will be my top 10 retail polishes of the year (by retail, I mean anything that can be purchased in a physical store - this includes high end, salon and drugstore), the second post will be my top 10 indie polishes of the year, the third post will be my top 3 brands of the year (with an honourable mention), and the final post will be my top polish of the year along with some predictions for 2014. Polishes from my top 3 brands won't be mentioned in either of the top 10 posts and not all were necessarily released in 2013 but they were purchased by me this calendar year. Of course, there were many, many brands that I still want to try or purchased in 2013 but have not had a chance to use yet. (*hint, hint* I can see Pahlish and Colors by Llarowe making my top 10 of 2014!)<br />
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I will apologize in advance for the state of my cuticles in 50% of the photos - picking at them is a bad habit that I am working hard to break. :/<br />
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Without further ado, here are my top 10 retail polishes for 2013 (in alphabetical order).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Uzxf8zu9GglaPfKnFtQ3ar9g7aAFgTcWKrUQpgl84FYuUi5v-73uiRfQvNRE9T-mk0g6WCvgnOPAuuUqKpXayDVXnVfteR9OWFe_Akbu3qWxjGk9PM2M39r-29vIIGJ0iXTu/s1600/chanel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Uzxf8zu9GglaPfKnFtQ3ar9g7aAFgTcWKrUQpgl84FYuUi5v-73uiRfQvNRE9T-mk0g6WCvgnOPAuuUqKpXayDVXnVfteR9OWFe_Akbu3qWxjGk9PM2M39r-29vIIGJ0iXTu/s400/chanel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Chanel Taboo - my only disappointment is that the shimmer isn't super visible on the nail. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7nAzp3C6fBNC9MP7p29dGPSMaN7P6qjStGpKpnibU1aUHNU_s9uGtQTyetto9KAfvdDInt5kLDoH95p1CH7ny2rP10XtRY_rzZ8OLRY21BLHw1hg-Hlg0yALxgVbibWPCIUR/s1600/cgflipfloplion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7nAzp3C6fBNC9MP7p29dGPSMaN7P6qjStGpKpnibU1aUHNU_s9uGtQTyetto9KAfvdDInt5kLDoH95p1CH7ny2rP10XtRY_rzZ8OLRY21BLHw1hg-Hlg0yALxgVbibWPCIUR/s400/cgflipfloplion.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy AND I'm Not Lion - this was my go-to accent glitter |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rvrxj58D8niPHHOXUiOH5fZ0SbNn-BI1Q9JyJqE-LCfqk1E-tQ2qiqVPyaXNErNQM7_7ygo4R-4gJDZPN8vhYdG_Cz2ZgePChT5xgwkvVmqdAmwxQD6cWS-JT2osxtmh7Z_2/s1600/CGsallyhansen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rvrxj58D8niPHHOXUiOH5fZ0SbNn-BI1Q9JyJqE-LCfqk1E-tQ2qiqVPyaXNErNQM7_7ygo4R-4gJDZPN8vhYdG_Cz2ZgePChT5xgwkvVmqdAmwxQD6cWS-JT2osxtmh7Z_2/s400/CGsallyhansen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| China Glaze Tart-y For the Party - perfect pastel purple |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7p9JfrFVaaJrpTRV1z5POCC5DcXnSLEuKG07Sc_mcKQgXffHXVPH3R9zyM3l5d-EuLuM100h2IlB8xkgDEpbCFW08wUF9quoFhhFuxSjJ_6W_tTpQcIQbG_bEJ1AqdixEHi7/s1600/colorclubeternal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7p9JfrFVaaJrpTRV1z5POCC5DcXnSLEuKG07Sc_mcKQgXffHXVPH3R9zyM3l5d-EuLuM100h2IlB8xkgDEpbCFW08wUF9quoFhhFuxSjJ_6W_tTpQcIQbG_bEJ1AqdixEHi7/s400/colorclubeternal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Color Club Eternal Beauty - their Halo Hues 2013 collection was AMAZING! |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT3HG7xM1jBgyjX_kGZiIc2bBR5NnJSHPbaNrPq1JVaiO6yejmqkHVN5UiSUsFIp7V6KOBO_4knbbg9pJ06HZ8gium0O4a6UDqy0XzFoGBQHKtdoCbEJnlykV8X23WVmACeaI/s1600/colorclub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjT3HG7xM1jBgyjX_kGZiIc2bBR5NnJSHPbaNrPq1JVaiO6yejmqkHVN5UiSUsFIp7V6KOBO_4knbbg9pJ06HZ8gium0O4a6UDqy0XzFoGBQHKtdoCbEJnlykV8X23WVmACeaI/s400/colorclub.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Color Club Holiday Splendor - dat sparkle! |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimw1QJ9zmDmxuuv5uE3pAMolB_pUuz_nIsRUDD6OPgPIVg3dwaL-aR8XvufTWxHjWBDYIqPaKjy5-bUGo7hYsd04DYDS2RUb4cdh7JU08z8AIHJlpjxnxkmfq1cjPaMQY08nrf/s1600/colorcluboverthemoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimw1QJ9zmDmxuuv5uE3pAMolB_pUuz_nIsRUDD6OPgPIVg3dwaL-aR8XvufTWxHjWBDYIqPaKjy5-bUGo7hYsd04DYDS2RUb4cdh7JU08z8AIHJlpjxnxkmfq1cjPaMQY08nrf/s400/colorcluboverthemoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Color Club Over the Moon - crazy holo |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iqK3CNTQ8DDMO0Ys8UzVB9iBig-O7HoMg8dP2fgSHISzXbdkJdEeFOkjqtuE6DQjGwu_kx5WPEuWySYUil7g3FVJyL7J8p48saIM7gBb5JrChOTnCjAwsK0b9G5amUbswfOk/s1600/essiemojito.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iqK3CNTQ8DDMO0Ys8UzVB9iBig-O7HoMg8dP2fgSHISzXbdkJdEeFOkjqtuE6DQjGwu_kx5WPEuWySYUil7g3FVJyL7J8p48saIM7gBb5JrChOTnCjAwsK0b9G5amUbswfOk/s400/essiemojito.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| essie Mojito Madness - great formula and colour. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIioeVOk9CGPFyqYA0vcF6kMAWwHBIVn8u_39E21twOLrBaKQ2PFf9V5etseeZa6TjmegHhGHi5YDdsOnkrcnrP3fgf3kgLywdS75Pvxg6J-yqEny4drzGaEpAFLt6pGX-Sf5/s1600/illamasqua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIioeVOk9CGPFyqYA0vcF6kMAWwHBIVn8u_39E21twOLrBaKQ2PFf9V5etseeZa6TjmegHhGHi5YDdsOnkrcnrP3fgf3kgLywdS75Pvxg6J-yqEny4drzGaEpAFLt6pGX-Sf5/s400/illamasqua.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Illamasqua Gothiqua - Hudson's Bay Company exclusive - as with Chanel Taboo, the shimmer isn't really visible on the nail. | </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigc0tbIXNEkFCL55c-IqFyZcNOyh-nBtboBYaq3c7PVnL3TCev7DHkqMOo0mo0ZOka8CDgikQz1HEnlhyOg3iHzkQsrmgbBK6i0IgnJor6alCCtY2Cnt-7R3VIfy16ARTxFo-c/s1600/zoyaaurora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigc0tbIXNEkFCL55c-IqFyZcNOyh-nBtboBYaq3c7PVnL3TCev7DHkqMOo0mo0ZOka8CDgikQz1HEnlhyOg3iHzkQsrmgbBK6i0IgnJor6alCCtY2Cnt-7R3VIfy16ARTxFo-c/s400/zoyaaurora.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Zoya Aurora - scattered holo, ahoy! |</div>
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<strong><em>What were your retail favourites for 2013?</em></strong>swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-62697739937788041062013-10-19T14:24:00.000-06:002013-10-19T14:24:01.788-06:00October "What's In-die Box" - Little Box of HorrorsThe "What's In-Die Box" is Australia's first indie nail polish subscription box. Each box is centered around a theme (this month the theme is "Little Box of Horrors") and contains 5 exclusive polishes from Aussie indie brands. The great thing, for me at least, is that they ship internationally! It's a little more expensive because it's sent with tracking but, for the quality and the access to hard-to-get polish, I think it's a great deal. The cost each month is $47.99 and shipping to Canada was $20. The last several months it has been curated by Peita's Polish and the November box is currently for sale on her <a href="http://www.peitaspolish.bigcartel.com/product/october-what-s-in-die-box">Big Cartel store</a>. <br />
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Let's move on to the contents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk4L9ugQOXs16BuhpU0TtUFIiQLMZbIF2jU0zxfhvv6d01-6oiFqufBKWVwqYUTxgATFB-v1kpbGQHI4X63MD_7URRyLLioOndC7-j9jV0P6lyCzYAx6dfp1nro-_ZAKcZGXv/s1600/20131018_203507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHk4L9ugQOXs16BuhpU0TtUFIiQLMZbIF2jU0zxfhvv6d01-6oiFqufBKWVwqYUTxgATFB-v1kpbGQHI4X63MD_7URRyLLioOndC7-j9jV0P6lyCzYAx6dfp1nro-_ZAKcZGXv/s400/20131018_203507.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0Oxfk_L5rkqQgivm7iqltWQA8lVCUZaHgUbteL62n9RGhw7Ez_A7ZYxDamQeHzfT62iQ419NAmRSNDScF5Lm-B9DWCqw3RbKEdAjIRPSvL0eGT13sjiDqqrRP1-flmiwZ9m4/s1600/PhotoGrid_1382196530669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0Oxfk_L5rkqQgivm7iqltWQA8lVCUZaHgUbteL62n9RGhw7Ez_A7ZYxDamQeHzfT62iQ419NAmRSNDScF5Lm-B9DWCqw3RbKEdAjIRPSvL0eGT13sjiDqqrRP1-flmiwZ9m4/s400/PhotoGrid_1382196530669.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Queen of Halloween from Lilypad Lacquer - a lovely berry/burgundy holo. Looks similar to <a href="http://www.pointlesscafe.com/2013/09/enchanted-polish-mr-burgundy.html">Enchanted Polish Mr. Burgundy</a> but I'd have to swatch them side by side to check. Swatch is two coats.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqPhKblupRQILID1PdI-dLH6a_pRT0TKPwB2-dAPc7wwS5o_C3Z8EZOFP2mp7LA05V9NQO2cAGbwukuQfPrRW2WuFpcssSG9qeHoCsXG2P8tykE2TxNla12rsUdvz7sclvYuo/s1600/PhotoGrid_1382196600212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqPhKblupRQILID1PdI-dLH6a_pRT0TKPwB2-dAPc7wwS5o_C3Z8EZOFP2mp7LA05V9NQO2cAGbwukuQfPrRW2WuFpcssSG9qeHoCsXG2P8tykE2TxNla12rsUdvz7sclvYuo/s400/PhotoGrid_1382196600212.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Corpse Bride by Glam Polish is an off-white/light grey creme that has blue, black and silver hex glitter as well as pink skull glitter. Swatch is two coats.</div>
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Allhallows Eve from Arcane Lacquer has a sheer black jelly base silver, purple, and pink hex glitter, chartreuse small square glitter, and pink, silver and teal micro-glitter. The swatch is three coats but might be best worn over black. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsYyeli5Cnt8N8WNGf_-nBObwZ3NaomO3YFwylCJmBb6ooN1TNj1pAafdq7ewTQE4ieWZp_-aFIZDjnzo8VmIrKwJzQrOzvzBeRgevkot9DXy7ACitSelkgjHnN1YRYEQ0yXI/s1600/PhotoGrid_1382196482462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsYyeli5Cnt8N8WNGf_-nBObwZ3NaomO3YFwylCJmBb6ooN1TNj1pAafdq7ewTQE4ieWZp_-aFIZDjnzo8VmIrKwJzQrOzvzBeRgevkot9DXy7ACitSelkgjHnN1YRYEQ0yXI/s400/PhotoGrid_1382196482462.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Where My Witches At? by Miss Ashleigh has a sheer purple jelly base with purple hex glitter in different sizes, small teal square glitter, tiny teal and purple hexes, red shards and holo micro-glitter. Swatch is three coats.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM8FfVrkErWF4qNlM_0G_eyprnTn6kMnOb7sNYk42QEURmUtq1ELK2xPI1pPGZwOIBfK6LFEvDu-61oU1hlR9l-9u6aJptRqTdIlrV4lXZlgrfwXyayb1L3CHE5nmw827wEZj/s1600/PhotoGrid_1382196134072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM8FfVrkErWF4qNlM_0G_eyprnTn6kMnOb7sNYk42QEURmUtq1ELK2xPI1pPGZwOIBfK6LFEvDu-61oU1hlR9l-9u6aJptRqTdIlrV4lXZlgrfwXyayb1L3CHE5nmw827wEZj/s400/PhotoGrid_1382196134072.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last but not least, Monster Mash by Peita's Polish is a clear glitter topper that contains orange and purple hexes, black squares and shards, a tiny amount of small black bars and holo micro-glitter. Swatch is one coat.</div>
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All in all, I'm super happy with my first "What's In-die Box" and while I won't be purchasing one every month, if the theme catches my interest I will certainly be ordering in the future. Keep in mind that these are all exclusive polishes and won't be sold anywhere else!</div>
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You can order November's What's In-die Box, the theme of which is Rock and Roll, <a href="http://www.peitaspolish.bigcartel.com/product/october-what-s-in-die-box">here.</a> </div>
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<br />swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-43826092939101417632013-05-22T11:02:00.002-06:002013-05-22T11:02:37.543-06:00Nail spamMy polish collection has been steadily growing and so has my obsession with indie brands.<br />
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This seems to be the summer of indie polishes, at least for me, and all of the pictures below feature at least one indie brand (except the nail art). If you are a fan of nail polish, take a look around <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">Etsy</a> or at e-tailers like <a href="http://shop.llarowe.com/">Llarowe</a>, <a href="http://www.harlowandco.org/">Harlow & Co</a>, or <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/">Nail Polish Canada</a> ($3 flat shipping!!) and prepare to be amazed by the creativity of the small batch makers as well as the quality of the products. They easily stack up to, and in many cases surpass, the major brands. These ladies take months to source products and test before listing their creations.<br />
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A lot of hard work goes in to creating a unique polish and I am always excited to discover a new brand, be it from word of mouth or random searching. I'm a big Etsy fan anyway and enjoy supporting home-based businesses so discovering this world of indie polish has certainly feuled my urge to collect. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWlJEO5Hnb8xSqkg-F1z-tCltF-DhrHlwiZa4DH0gSfpPGKTdCOeejddpOpCc13cwvXyIigbVpTSxXlaaC_dQQQjpKpm72OVdFgGzCLb7FzLi07AihGSp0i9SHUnRPuwl7mI9/s1600/2d6598f0ad3e11e2a5d322000a1f90e5_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWlJEO5Hnb8xSqkg-F1z-tCltF-DhrHlwiZa4DH0gSfpPGKTdCOeejddpOpCc13cwvXyIigbVpTSxXlaaC_dQQQjpKpm72OVdFgGzCLb7FzLi07AihGSp0i9SHUnRPuwl7mI9/s400/2d6598f0ad3e11e2a5d322000a1f90e5_7.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
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| <a href="http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/categories/a-england.html#ad-image-1">A England</a> base: Dragon; dots, starting from centre: St. George, Holy Grail (new version), Tristam, Princess Tears |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ju2pqzFnrzMGj212YifXMz-ofb8CUp4hVpGcffR91ewP2iCSayYDMvmBwtjpeAQ3_7g2gqvj5ff0QbYlMaJy9bbRlWRHK7A9VG6qykm2g-7vrZQwdtOsSFY0XTQWdi287Qdm/s1600/5a8834dcb12b11e29e0522000a1fa50c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ju2pqzFnrzMGj212YifXMz-ofb8CUp4hVpGcffR91ewP2iCSayYDMvmBwtjpeAQ3_7g2gqvj5ff0QbYlMaJy9bbRlWRHK7A9VG6qykm2g-7vrZQwdtOsSFY0XTQWdi287Qdm/s400/5a8834dcb12b11e29e0522000a1fa50c_7.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
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| China Glaze Surreal Appeal topped with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/127080784">Wingdust Collections Gilt-y Pleasure</a> |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8pTA4aQIm4xg1I41JH8tk08dn27Lw40qHf7pFa9iWixJQVcckM-9CNe4P7Il5b3e8R57xObo76Un1u4OjVuAPJPhR5fMStVFijkD7LrVfz5gvTOFJ0TU13uAfQr1a_mxWitR/s1600/8de2c7cebcb211e2898122000a9e069f_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8pTA4aQIm4xg1I41JH8tk08dn27Lw40qHf7pFa9iWixJQVcckM-9CNe4P7Il5b3e8R57xObo76Un1u4OjVuAPJPhR5fMStVFijkD7LrVfz5gvTOFJ0TU13uAfQr1a_mxWitR/s400/8de2c7cebcb211e2898122000a9e069f_7.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
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| OPI Russian Navy topped with <a href="http://shop.llarowe.com/collections/nail-pattern-boldness/products/texas-tea">Nail Pattern Boldness Texas Tea</a> |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWqJhA317kRK6cF5tO-UKckadN_N71HxVW-fG8J4Bp0OHv0Nh9JRZQ100tp9omDHmFLWBz8L2Rz6s-fQ9dNI1kEvYBafF01L2KCza3SsYnJCIOifDtof_1qNn54GkD2SGAx72/s1600/bcc4efd4ba6111e2a52022000a1f9e5e_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWqJhA317kRK6cF5tO-UKckadN_N71HxVW-fG8J4Bp0OHv0Nh9JRZQ100tp9omDHmFLWBz8L2Rz6s-fQ9dNI1kEvYBafF01L2KCza3SsYnJCIOifDtof_1qNn54GkD2SGAx72/s400/bcc4efd4ba6111e2a52022000a1f9e5e_7.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
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| <a href="http://shop.llarowe.com/collections/hare-polish/products/party-palace-the-last-queen-of-france-spring-2013">Hare Polish Party Palace</a> and studs from the <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/heart-square-elliptic-round-hollow-stud-rhinestone-acrylic-nail-wbox-p-4993.html">Born Pretty Store</a> |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqzk0dzGg2UBwdF-eEad89ICyze26pMG2oBWF527rsbcWHyRxmwq_1c0IIyB_jFP7fwgPvyrBKUfJD_9L7RlZdJ9J_oQgmhJv4y90IHS3XHsq1cdeNZzVc8Pv_0_j_5pdfvs8/s1600/db1fc89eb68011e2a45222000a9e06f4_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqzk0dzGg2UBwdF-eEad89ICyze26pMG2oBWF527rsbcWHyRxmwq_1c0IIyB_jFP7fwgPvyrBKUfJD_9L7RlZdJ9J_oQgmhJv4y90IHS3XHsq1cdeNZzVc8Pv_0_j_5pdfvs8/s400/db1fc89eb68011e2a45222000a9e06f4_7.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
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| Thumb to pinky: Revlon Spirit, Julep Courteney, China Glaze Keep Calm, Paint On, China Glaze Tart-y for the Party, Sally Hansen Lightening, all topped with <a href="http://shop.llarowe.com/collections/lush-lacquer/products/lush-lacquer-clowning-around">Lush Lacquer Clowning Around</a> |<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqG05ZWitc990VDhwi-vEj8m8dzAvp9dlk4OoPedZ4vS7UImDkFW39hgwcHh-EM5unE1rd7XBPjhockMzDPAaoqD_LFMaryLlzlNjXhuIbBnOxqvO5SNci75g1_vLA1J2uaDs/s1600/c033c6bcc2ff11e28a3222000a9f17b2_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqG05ZWitc990VDhwi-vEj8m8dzAvp9dlk4OoPedZ4vS7UImDkFW39hgwcHh-EM5unE1rd7XBPjhockMzDPAaoqD_LFMaryLlzlNjXhuIbBnOxqvO5SNci75g1_vLA1J2uaDs/s400/c033c6bcc2ff11e28a3222000a9f17b2_7.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
| China Glaze Keep Calm, Paint On topped with <a href="http://emeraldandash.com/deconstructed-daisy-11-ml.html">Emerald & Ash Deconstructed Daisy</a> |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_Etky4phStF8Ixdw8qW4XjrXFb3BpIL9ImtbxMCbcxs-4q_NULDWNbwvx3KWZwv0spHGbpaDv6eWldL_lEo-eN4uiTMJYn430t5GFcAfM39mbjBZN8PJKD7BZvgzLf2k_9p8/s1600/cdc9829ec29b11e2871d22000a1f92db_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_Etky4phStF8Ixdw8qW4XjrXFb3BpIL9ImtbxMCbcxs-4q_NULDWNbwvx3KWZwv0spHGbpaDv6eWldL_lEo-eN4uiTMJYn430t5GFcAfM39mbjBZN8PJKD7BZvgzLf2k_9p8/s400/cdc9829ec29b11e2871d22000a1f92db_7.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
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| My first attempt at hand-painted nail art. It's supposed to look like a mountain in a meadow. :/ |</div>
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<strong><em>If you have other recommendations for great indie brands, please leave a comment! :)</em></strong></div>
swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-86696106002780241452013-03-22T13:40:00.001-06:002013-03-22T13:40:30.831-06:00Bloglovin'<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6201059/?claim=4xw8652rkhp">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-69506570985808317562013-03-01T13:18:00.000-07:002013-03-01T13:18:20.188-07:00NOTD: Leopard spot skittlesI'm home with a sick kid today so I thought I'd use the time while she's napping to do my nails. It's quite warm and almost feels like Spring is coming so I wanted to do something pastel that would remind me of warmer weather. I saw <a href="http://www.spektorsnails.com/2012/09/leopard-skittle-nails-tiny-tutorial.html">this tutorial from Spektor's Nails</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/276267758363544215/">Pinterest</a> and decided to give it a go. I had colours that were similar to what she used but I did pink on my thumb instead of white. I think it turned out quite well.<br />
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What I used:<br />
<ul>
<li>Base coat: Revlon Multi-Care Base and Top Coat</li>
<li>Essie Butler Please</li>
<li>Revlon Eclectic</li>
<li>China Glaze Pelican Gray</li>
<li>Julep Carrie</li>
<li>Revlon Spirit</li>
<li>Revlon Knockout</li>
<li>Seche Vite top coat - 2 coats</li>
<li>dotting tools</li>
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<i><b>Are you starting to lean towards more spring/summer colours? What are your favourites?</b></i> swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-12115545533200390552013-02-26T07:00:00.000-07:002013-02-26T07:00:05.372-07:00Julep Cupid Mystery BoxI'm a sucker for two things: a surprise and a good deal. When Julep combines those two things in their seasonal mystery boxes, you can be sure that I will be purchasing one. With the Cupid Mystery Box offer you were guaranteed to receive at least 4 Valentine's appropriate polishes along with either a mystery holographic or a coupon for the colour of your choice. On top of that there was the possibility of receiving a $1,000 Visa gift card or jewelry from Baublebar. Depending on which box you received, the value ranged from $70 to $200 all for the price of $19.99. Good deal, right?<br />
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My box finally arrived yesterday (shipping takes 2-3 weeks to Canada) and I was very excited to see what I got. I received box number seven and am extremely happy with my polish colours and the Camellia lip gloss was a nice addition. Lord knows, I can never have too many lip products.<br />
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| I also received a coupon for the colour of my choice. | </div>
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| L to R: Camellia lip vernis, Carrie, Maria, Petra, Morgan |</div>
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My favourite of the four is probably Petra - I've been looking at it since it was offered in the <a href="https://blog.julep.com/meet-the-december-julep-maven-colors/">December 2012 Maven box.</a> I was also impressed with Maria; I used two coats for the swatch but likely could have gotten away with one.<br />
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Now I have to decide on my free colour. Suggestions?<br />
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<i><b>Interested in becoming a Maven? You can currently <a href="http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/76151/">receive your intro box for a penny</a>! Use the code PENNY when you order. </b></i>swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-77895105918220567082013-01-28T22:18:00.000-07:002013-01-28T22:18:43.125-07:00NOTW : vintage rosesI ordered some dotting tools from Amazon a couple weeks ago and they finally came in last Friday. I couldn't wait to try them out and decided to beat the winter blahs with a manicure that made me think of spring. One of the main places I find <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/276267758363485911/">inspiration is from Pinterest</a> so I went searching for a photo that struck my fancy. The look that I decided on used a <a href="http://normandlou.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/vintage-flower-nail-art/">Tiffany blue colour for the base and coral accent nails</a>. Using 4 different size dots, I easily created this take on vintage roses. They kind of remind me of Laura Ashley wallpaper and M. loves them - obsessed!!<br />
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| Don't mind the gnarly cuticles and pre-cleanup mess. |</div>
swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-15464121396046314182013-01-17T11:48:00.000-07:002013-01-17T11:48:00.243-07:00NOTD: Revlon Midnight AffairAs well as getting more into makeup, I've also fallen back in love with nail polish. I love how easy it is to change things up depending on the season or my mood. I've also fallen down the rabbit hole that is indie polishes and recently purchased my first <a href="http://www.a-england.co.uk/">A Englands</a>. This could be dangerous... Check out these beauties.<br />
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| Left to right, top photo: St. George, Dragon, Princess Tears |</div>
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Here are a few of my most recent manicures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2eB-W9STpT3FC0QjCrHX3h0KHafIE-52z9wf0BrlcrePJQsuMi9MdSFNTwTkzueTD_clXp8wEHnBYeJOetLFMs7ifQegfDTauFA2lYJ2OK1Y4Z0dRsmY2SoKBz_QINVffXq0/s1600/044cfefc426511e2bcd822000a9f129c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2eB-W9STpT3FC0QjCrHX3h0KHafIE-52z9wf0BrlcrePJQsuMi9MdSFNTwTkzueTD_clXp8wEHnBYeJOetLFMs7ifQegfDTauFA2lYJ2OK1Y4Z0dRsmY2SoKBz_QINVffXq0/s1600/044cfefc426511e2bcd822000a9f129c_7.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Essie Mademoiselle & Set in Stones |</div>
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| China Glaze Pelican Grey and Nicole by OPI Rainbow in the S-Kylie |</div>
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| Julep Lynn and Sienna |</div>
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And my current manicure...</div>
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| Revlon Midnight Affair and Nicole by OPI Make a Comet-Ment |</div>
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<i><b>What is your favourite nail polish brand or colour?</b></i>swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-41171583846207453352013-01-10T08:00:00.000-07:002013-01-10T08:00:05.482-07:00Favourite products of 20122012 marked the year that I started getting back in to make-up. It's not that I was going out bare-faced before - quite the opposite - but I had been using the same MAC eyeshadow colours and Maybelline mascara for years. I also only ever wore Burt's Bees lip balm, occasionally lip gloss, and was positive that I hated lipstick.<br />
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I started drifting away from design blogs and became more interested in beauty blogs and You Tube channels; after all, I can't afford an Eames chair but I can afford Nars blush! On that note, here are some of my favourite products from 2012.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJjCfihkyHxjBZyHTUbd9zQZk9Qf8QCW3KH_W7HO0TFWKGg5MAjyWPRKVnkDsLEmxkDiMxkOAi7dbb-9GaRwIKauyrtNVDz7pEVDsiGZ3uFVxw61O3awpNjP4qVQE9wxO2rdX/s1600/DSC_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJjCfihkyHxjBZyHTUbd9zQZk9Qf8QCW3KH_W7HO0TFWKGg5MAjyWPRKVnkDsLEmxkDiMxkOAi7dbb-9GaRwIKauyrtNVDz7pEVDsiGZ3uFVxw61O3awpNjP4qVQE9wxO2rdX/s400/DSC_1484.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
- <a href="http://www.moroccanoil.com/usa/h_us_en/luminous-hairspray-strong">Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray</a> - It keeps my hair in place without being sticky, flaky, or stiff. Plus, it smells nice!<br />
- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/tonic-lotion-P280530?skuId=1270305">bumble and bumble tonic lotion</a> - I spray this on damp hair after a shower and I've really noticed a difference. It especially helps with keeping static to a minimum.<br />
- <a href="http://www.curel.com/products/hand-cuticle-cream.aspx">Curel Hand & Cuticle Therapy</a> - I received both this and the foot therapy in past Glossyboxes and I love them both! They are moisturizing and non-greasy and they both smell nice. Plus, they are super affordable at approx. $3.99!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVatbwVt2sQF5-GXu3PcsWrZ8-l3MaQVj16SS1C0G5U7FO0S84Ywi_iJCjYatmhpoNnnPWTtMEX1D3QiXI_tOpXkzNpTkgZ7LnNHOmOz3opX6-y7AxiU9-APknUl7fIJQR4J-x/s1600/DSC_1490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVatbwVt2sQF5-GXu3PcsWrZ8-l3MaQVj16SS1C0G5U7FO0S84Ywi_iJCjYatmhpoNnnPWTtMEX1D3QiXI_tOpXkzNpTkgZ7LnNHOmOz3opX6-y7AxiU9-APknUl7fIJQR4J-x/s400/DSC_1490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
- <a href="http://www.thebodyshop.ca/en/makeup/makeup-removers/camomile-gentle-eye-makeup-remover.aspx">The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover</a> - I've tried different eye make-up removers but always come back to this one. It's non-greasy and doesn't sting my eyes which even a lot of the other "gentle" removers do. Plus, it takes off most stubborn mascaras. At $15.00 CDN it's a little pricier than drugstore products, but worth it in my mind.<br />
- <a href="http://www.farmhousefreshgoods.com/splendid-dirt-nutrient-mud-mask.htm">Farmhouse Fresh Splendid Dirt Nutrient Mud Mask with Organic Pumpkin</a> - My sister's best-friend manages a <a href="http://www.sublimewellness.ca/spa/">spa in Calgary</a> and I discovered this product there. This stuff is seriously amazing! It smells good enough to eat and makes my skin feel so soft and clean.<br />
- <a href="http://www.rockymountainsoap.com/productDetails/1027377/1027936/1000144">Rocky Mountain Soap Company Aloe Hydrating Toner</a> - I am obsessed with Rocky Mountain Soap Company! In our house we use their bar soaps and liquid hand soaps every day and all other products I've tried have been fantastic. I love that they are a local company (Canmore, AB) and their products are all natural. This toner does a great job of hydrating my skin without making it oily. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDEcjknD3RdL3dIs7JiJY1U6X_-HkQLCBkeVa7iHyRyzWgEnnzu9hBptcXvKD4YSC1glljS-JZEf1AVTFlBf18MIYy67EJ0R6DmJTpAlyIWjqTLDiPlfxmNh3W08PUyu18Xbi/s1600/DSC_1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDEcjknD3RdL3dIs7JiJY1U6X_-HkQLCBkeVa7iHyRyzWgEnnzu9hBptcXvKD4YSC1glljS-JZEf1AVTFlBf18MIYy67EJ0R6DmJTpAlyIWjqTLDiPlfxmNh3W08PUyu18Xbi/s400/DSC_1502.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/they-re-real-mascara-P289307?skuId=1343938">Benefit They're Real mascara</a> - This stuff is incredible! I've reviewed it previously, <a href="http://courtneywalker.blogspot.ca/2012/11/benefit-theyre-real-mascara-review.html">here</a>.</div>
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- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/buxom-stay-there-eye-shadow-P267305?skuId=1280221">Buxom Stay-There eyeshadow in Mutt</a> - I love the feel of these eyeshadows. They are super soft and silky and glide on easily. They are also easy to build up and the shimmer is gorgeous!</div>
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- <a href="http://wnwbeauty.com/product.php?cid=15&pid=68&subid=25">Wet & Wild eyeshadow trio in Sweet As Candy</a> - I must say, Wet & Wild has come a long way from the company I knew as a teenager and, seeing how popular they are with the beauty blogger community, I'm obviously not the only one. These shadows are smooth and silky and the colour payoff is great. Amazing value!</div>
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- <a href="http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-6-jumbo-eye-pencil.aspx">NYX jumbo eye pencil in cottage cheese</a> - Honestly, the name kind of grosses me out but this eye pencil is amazing! Glides on smoothly and is perfectly for the inner corner of the eye.</div>
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- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/skinny-liquid-eyeliner-P310736?skuId=1429752">Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner</a> - I received this eyeliner in the Fall Luxe Box and it got me over my fear of liquid liner. It has a marker-type tip so you don't have to worry about it drying out and once it sets, it doesn't smudge.</div>
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- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/smudge-crayon-waterproof-eye-primer-shadow-liner-P302634?skuId=1389196">Stila Smudge Crayon in pink violet</a> - I first saw this and the Buxom eyeshadow mentioned in a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHG19PlK1CQ">tutorial video from NikkiRothBeauty</a>. The combination of the taupe/bronze and the violet is beautiful! It glides on easily and blends well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEicz7k60X2EjN8hVEFlu8g5PZhiNTRw2NoMwQzBah-rGz6EUah4toZMJKOPo60CZqs6x_ZFlhZQdki40TFVBoveF3rpGVzJstHa-D3-WDNfRiM5v_IYEbfurhmaaemZylXFV/s1600/DSC_1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEicz7k60X2EjN8hVEFlu8g5PZhiNTRw2NoMwQzBah-rGz6EUah4toZMJKOPo60CZqs6x_ZFlhZQdki40TFVBoveF3rpGVzJstHa-D3-WDNfRiM5v_IYEbfurhmaaemZylXFV/s400/DSC_1516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Top to bottom: Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, NYX jumbo eye pencil in cottage cheese, Stila Smudge Crayon in pink violet, Buxom Stay-There eyeshadow in Mutt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomqfYgM6CvDq-YcgSFzI3GJrjcD30iCx9FGBWKcML05PihhVOzZHFAOcVyDRFt3syDzbhDFobUMR1TcGyTelyolUKo2JOZL0iX2hlJJW3YTSQuidXkpvODrmneAKEC_der_2N/s1600/DSC_1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomqfYgM6CvDq-YcgSFzI3GJrjcD30iCx9FGBWKcML05PihhVOzZHFAOcVyDRFt3syDzbhDFobUMR1TcGyTelyolUKo2JOZL0iX2hlJJW3YTSQuidXkpvODrmneAKEC_der_2N/s400/DSC_1509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
- <a href="http://www.temptalia.com/tarina-tarantino-feather-dollskin-cheek-blush-review-photos-swatches">Tarina Tarantino Dollskin Cheek blush in Feather</a> - I'm so sad that I only discovered this brand towards the end of the year and now it's discontinued at Sephora. This blush is seriously amazing - it feels like silk and the colour is beautiful.<br />
- <a href="http://www.sephora.com/product/productDetail.jsp?skuId=1343961&country_switch=ca&productId=P290634&_requestid=136832#!keyword=benefit%20cha%20cha">Benefit Cha Cha Tint</a> - Benefit is famous for their cheek and lip tints, specifically Benetint, but Cha Cha Tint is the first one I've tried. It looks scary when first applying it - it's a really bright orange/coral colour - but once it's either blended or blotted, the colour is truly beautiful. I mainly wear it as a lip tint, because I haven't gotten the hang of blending it on my cheeks, and I love it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdpG22MnoKypi1gvmomyz3kW5-jZ-E0B-8yd8shSc_HHb7vcnk8lTjBvHOwjuZfK_dArr4bQ9Rlip_EKYaAe1b0FmFFd_GQBSbwj5BJCJGezkCuSWa0lWbWIIvnZa5hSPAEu4/s1600/DSC_1521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdpG22MnoKypi1gvmomyz3kW5-jZ-E0B-8yd8shSc_HHb7vcnk8lTjBvHOwjuZfK_dArr4bQ9Rlip_EKYaAe1b0FmFFd_GQBSbwj5BJCJGezkCuSWa0lWbWIIvnZa5hSPAEu4/s400/DSC_1521.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Top to bottom: Tarina Tarantino Dollskin Cheek blush in Feather, Benefit Cha Cha Tint and Cha Cha Tint blended</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLnXdXg3A4Tu0vT1CG6m8Q63NBvNgxpDaOvbiTZgGsp2-chvASHyswXmZ8b9vaE3e_oAysfX_9si3NUnTl4A8Rq-d5Gdk33kaCJjihgLhee4hyphenhyphenNNYJ706ZPP8gXNKLMuTSV18/s1600/DSC_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLnXdXg3A4Tu0vT1CG6m8Q63NBvNgxpDaOvbiTZgGsp2-chvASHyswXmZ8b9vaE3e_oAysfX_9si3NUnTl4A8Rq-d5Gdk33kaCJjihgLhee4hyphenhyphenNNYJ706ZPP8gXNKLMuTSV18/s400/DSC_1510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
- <a href="http://www.lancome.ca/ROUGE-IN-LOVE/3605532637990,default,pd.html">Lancome Rouge in Love lipsticks in 381B Violette Coquette and 379N Rose Sulfureuse</a> - I fell in love with lipstick this year, specifically these two from Lancome. The colours look amazing on the lip and the formula is incredible. So pigmented and smooth to apply.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEbG7z37GVotGtqGsJ7D2E9G_vI_sSPAD3vKCCalHFXbtFOhZzZxQ1ny0CiQZ4BSkmMFOPJ8dBbCb0nL7mbdOaXOUUTG5YbMAZh-HSoos-JiKdRsoNxN-Hwzcz9FbFBVKvehU/s1600/DSC_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEbG7z37GVotGtqGsJ7D2E9G_vI_sSPAD3vKCCalHFXbtFOhZzZxQ1ny0CiQZ4BSkmMFOPJ8dBbCb0nL7mbdOaXOUUTG5YbMAZh-HSoos-JiKdRsoNxN-Hwzcz9FbFBVKvehU/s400/DSC_1514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Top: 379N Rose Sulfureuse Bottom: 381B Violette Coquette</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLIN7A1zHWM16Dz2iHjKYtXmBGMmi3WG38-6knzncTyTFfStQ1vF09ZG57we2EtBY0U9O51nGprzdIMBADLzTcgnDhFuZOvwXdaFD0CEjwscSUY5LiScnsP76jhErx2IJyDLC/s1600/DSC_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLIN7A1zHWM16Dz2iHjKYtXmBGMmi3WG38-6knzncTyTFfStQ1vF09ZG57we2EtBY0U9O51nGprzdIMBADLzTcgnDhFuZOvwXdaFD0CEjwscSUY5LiScnsP76jhErx2IJyDLC/s400/DSC_1530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
- <a href="http://www.revlon.ca/Revlon-Home/Products/Lips/Lipstain/Just-Bitten-Kissable-Balm-Stain.aspx">Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten and Adore</a> - This is another product that I think deserves the hype it received. These balm stains are amazing - smooth to apply, easy to build colour from sheer to deep and are decently hydrating. They have a nice peppermint tingle when applied.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MsDlms6MMAXlJFFlpHPMKMf_ReHgKDxMv7EFtGfFx5_dKv5TY1XZNOpBy1i0wWZ8pUKcu6roFenZgcVNILUaSANqZ5rN5cNU25SydpAAF-oZHYaNyWPvQdGeKzMVDqB3Rb0J/s1600/DSC_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MsDlms6MMAXlJFFlpHPMKMf_ReHgKDxMv7EFtGfFx5_dKv5TY1XZNOpBy1i0wWZ8pUKcu6roFenZgcVNILUaSANqZ5rN5cNU25SydpAAF-oZHYaNyWPvQdGeKzMVDqB3Rb0J/s400/DSC_1536.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Top: Smitten Bottom: Adore (excuse the messy swatches - it was tough for this lefty to do these with my right hand.) </div>
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<i><b>What were your favourite products this year? Did you discover anything new?</b></i>swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-12690360898604186312012-12-17T08:00:00.000-07:002012-12-17T08:00:12.924-07:00Recipe: Butter ChickenI have been asked for this recipe numerous times so, at long last, I decided to post it since I made a batch last week. However, because I'm not used to taking pictures for recipes, I forgot to take a photo, so the only picture I have is from the very first time I made this dish. Butter chicken isn't the most appetizing looking dish but it sure does taste good. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1OvGgsatzCneH3EIyrLzvcl5Ur8mmitYh7YpyI2wDFN1ff2RAE2bnpzU171xqqyvKugWryyPEPq2U9PGaCuYn63Adstgcrllx3YhEhexZanvyi0M_kr3UIY7_EA1EO0VpqcU/s1600/13833_302358485623_1059148_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1OvGgsatzCneH3EIyrLzvcl5Ur8mmitYh7YpyI2wDFN1ff2RAE2bnpzU171xqqyvKugWryyPEPq2U9PGaCuYn63Adstgcrllx3YhEhexZanvyi0M_kr3UIY7_EA1EO0VpqcU/s1600/13833_302358485623_1059148_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2 class="SectionHeading-SM">
<span style="font-size: large;">Butter Chicken</span></h2>
<h3 class="SectionHeading-SM">
<span style="font-size: small;"> <i><span style="font-size: small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipes/trish-magwoods-butter-chicken/recipe.html?dishID=6971">T<span style="font-size: small;">rish Magwood's Butter Chicken</span></a></span></i></span></h3>
<h3 class="SectionHeading-SM">
<span style="font-size: small;">Ingredients</span></h3>
<ul class="RecipeIngredientList NoBullet ingredients">
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span>1
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl0_measure">cup</span></span><span class="name">
(250 mL) yogurt, fat-free Greek style</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1/4
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl1_measure">cup</span></span><span class="name">
(60 mL) lemon juice</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
2
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl2_measure">teaspoons</span></span><span class="name">
(10 mL) ground cumin</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
2
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl3_measure">teaspoons</span></span><span class="name">
(10 mL) ground coriander</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="value">1 1/2 </span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl4_measure">teaspoons</span></span><span class="name">
(10 mL) cayenne pepper, or to taste</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl5_measure">teaspoon</span></span><span class="name">
(5 mL) garam masala</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1/2
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl6_measure">teaspoon</span></span><span class="name">
(2 mL) ground turmeric</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
2
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl7_measure">tablespoons</span></span><span class="name">
(10 mL) minced fresh garlic</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl8_measure">tablespoon</span></span><span class="name">
(15 mL) minced fresh ginger</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
2
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl9_measure">teaspoons</span></span><span class="name">
(10 mL) kosher salt</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
3
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl10_measure">pounds</span></span><span class="name">
(1.5 kg) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl11_measure"></span></span><span class="name">
Fresh lime wedges</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
3
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl12_measure">tablespoons</span></span><span class="name">
(50mL) butter or ghee</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl13_measure">cup</span></span><span class="name">
(250 mL) cashews, ground to a paste</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl14_measure"></span></span><span class="name">
medium onion, minced</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
2
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl15_measure">teaspoons</span></span><span class="name">
(10 mL) cumin seeds, whole</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl16_measure"></span></span><span class="name">
serrano chili, minced</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl17_measure">clove</span></span><span class="name">
garlic, minced</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1 can - 213mL tomato sauce</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="value">2 cups </span><span class="name">(500 mL) heavy (35%) cream</span> </li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="value">
1/4
</span><span class="type"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_cphCenterColumn_RecipeTabsDetail_ListIngredients_ctrl0_lstIngredientsInner_ctrl20_measure">cup</span></span><span class="name">
(50 mL) fresh cilantro, chopped roughly</span> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="EditorialText DotsGreyTop">
<h3 class="SectionHeading-SM">
<span style="font-size: small;">Directions</span></h3>
<ol class="RecipeDirectionsList instructions">
<li>
Combine yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, coriander,
cayenne, garam masala, turmeric, garlic, ginger and salt (to taste) in a
medium bowl. In a re-sealable bag, add chicken and cover with yogurt
marinade and squeeze juice from half a lime over top. Seal bag and toss to coat chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2
hours, or overnight.</li>
<li>
In a high-sided sauté pan, heat butter or ghee
over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add
garlic, cumin seeds and minced chili and cook until fragrant. Add
tomato purée and cashew paste. Season with salt, stir and lower heat to
a simmer. Add cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and blend until smooth (an immersion blender is handy here).</li>
<li>Add the chicken and all of the yogurt marinade to the sauce. Stir to coat chicken with sauce and simmer on medium for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked. Garnish with chopped cilantro leaves. Serve with basmasti rice and naan.</li>
<li>You can also cook this in a slow cooker on high for 5-6 hours. </li>
</ol>
</div>
swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-47474853301437188902012-12-13T07:53:00.000-07:002012-12-13T07:53:00.061-07:0025 Days of Christmas challengeI saw this Christmas challenge on <a href="http://happyorhungry.com/2012/12/12/12-days-of-christmas/">Happy or Hungry</a> and, like Lindsey, thought I would consolidate the questions into one or two posts. I am going to do 1-13 now and hopefully will post the last half next week.<br />
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<b>1. Your favourite Christmas movie</b><br />
I will generally watch pretty much any Christmas movie but my favourites are "Scrooged" (who doesn't love Bill Murray?!) and "Love, Actually". My husband and I have a tradition that we watch "Love, Actually" every year.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>2. Your 2012 Christmas wish list</b><br />
This year my wish list consists mainly of beauty products. Makeup, nail polish, skin care, I'll take it all. :)<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>3. When/how did you learn that Santa wasn't real?</b><br />
I don't remember the specifics but I think I was around 8. Nothing traumatic stands out in my mind so it was probably just a general awareness.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Favourite Christmas song?</b><br />
"Silent Night" gives me goosebumps and I love to sing "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey while dancing around the house.<br />
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<b>5. Best gift you've ever received</b><br />
My husband is a pretty good gift giver - one year he got me tickets to see Serena Ryder in Banff. As a kid, I LOVED my Walkman.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>6. Your favourite ornament</b><br />
We've started a tradition of giving M. a new ornament every year and I think my favourite is the one from her first Christmas. It's a ceramic disk with a painting of a baby girl's head along with her name and the year.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>7. Most memorable Christmas</b><br />
My family is pretty big on getting together at Christmas so all of them are pretty fun and loud. However, one year A. and I stayed in Vancouver by ourselves and had a low key Christmas and that one definitely stands out to me.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>8. Post a picture of Christmas decor</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvj5uycpQOxt7Bi7qD1F6FWLTrc4aU7A4mxhmA0WLxqDlKUMDDAmczPvD7FAWL1-tZ1SpTKgGyDJAkIFRZ72xjg9Nu572Bfvg0M1ICfMP2gDJpPX8kb1CVa-zH_z4D3gj9X8X/s1600/163086_10150353198170624_1092943_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvj5uycpQOxt7Bi7qD1F6FWLTrc4aU7A4mxhmA0WLxqDlKUMDDAmczPvD7FAWL1-tZ1SpTKgGyDJAkIFRZ72xjg9Nu572Bfvg0M1ICfMP2gDJpPX8kb1CVa-zH_z4D3gj9X8X/s400/163086_10150353198170624_1092943_n.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<b> </b>This is from a couple years ago but is generally what is looks like when my family gets together. Over-the-top, I know.<br />
<br />
<b>9. Easiest person to buy for</b><br />
Right now, probably M. because she will love whatever we give her. Oh, to be a kid again.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>10. Favourite holiday scent</b><br />
Mulling spices are a clear winner for me - cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, love them all.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>11. Favourite Christmas tradition</b><br />
Stockings, definitely. As a kid we were always allowed to open those as soon as we woke up.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>12. Wrapping paper or gift bags?</b><br />
I am, 100%, a brown paper packages tied up with string kind of girl.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>13. Favourite Christmas book</b><br />
Ooooo, tough one.<b> </b>As a kid I loved "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" but "Twas the Night Before Christmas" is also a tradition in our house.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Your turn. :)</b></i>swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-6794772522978146972012-12-12T12:00:00.000-07:002012-12-17T08:38:27.288-07:00Julep Maven programAs I mentioned in my "<a href="http://courtneywalker.blogspot.ca/2012/12/tag-what-nail.html">what the nail</a>" post, I recently signed up for <a href="http://www.julep.com/maven.html">Julep's Maven program</a>. Julep is a subscription beauty box service with a twist. Instead of 4 or 5 deluxe samples from various brands, Julep sends only their own products; always two nail lacquers, a nail/hand related product (eg. grapefruit body lotion, warming foot scrub, cuticle oil, etc.) and an extra treat (eg. polish remover pads, DIY cabochon ring, etc.). When you first sign up there is a short quiz which will determine your style and then every month, your box will be tailored to your individual style. (I'm an American Beauty and so far, I've loved all of the polishes I've received.)<br />
<br />
There are several things that are a little different about the Maven program that I really like and that I think set them apart from other subscription services. 1) You are never stuck with a style you don't like. When you receive your monthly email with the various options, you can either stay with your own style or switch to a different one that you like better. 2) You aren't locked in every month. If you happen not to like anything on offer that month, you can skip! 3) You can send your monthly box to someone else as a gift! Have a friend with a birthday coming up? A Maven box would be a fantastic gift. 4) If you purchase a monthly Maven box, you can add-on 3 additional products at drastically reduced prices. eg. A $14 bottle of polish will only be $4 if you add it on to your Maven box.<br />
<br />
Aside from these great options, Mavens also get access to a monthly secret store that offers great deals and, occasionally, Julep sends out mystery boxes to lucky recipients (would include extra items on top of your Maven box).<br />
<br />
All in all, I have really enjoyed receiving my Maven box each month and appreciate a company that tries to make their customers feel special. The cost of the monthly box is $19.99 USD and includes free shipping!<br />
<br />
Below are some photos of the polishes I have received over the last few months. They are all lovely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75ucnj4dV2nqysokVdA7lwdblbmHTCpWDhI_C9KPIFkeW3CBEAh6rjpLXkjvpYgYY22HIK5wiCMwvYbIZUpgVxUrCi-KOj3MYa3Jw4Iv8Ei5MzelvDRrrL9FGQ8eiD4hmq2mu/s1600/IMG_4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75ucnj4dV2nqysokVdA7lwdblbmHTCpWDhI_C9KPIFkeW3CBEAh6rjpLXkjvpYgYY22HIK5wiCMwvYbIZUpgVxUrCi-KOj3MYa3Jw4Iv8Ei5MzelvDRrrL9FGQ8eiD4hmq2mu/s400/IMG_4516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
| Glitter pots - one of the special extras I received |</div>
<br />
Interested in becoming a Maven? I'd love if you used my referral link - <a href="http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/76151/">click here</a>! AND until the end of December you can receive your first box for a PENNY! Use the code COLOR2012.swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-86089193098236215072012-12-12T08:52:00.000-07:002012-12-12T08:52:00.349-07:00NOTD: Essie I'm loving this combo - it's perfect for the holiday season!<br />
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<br />
For this manicure I used Essie's Mademoiselle and Set In Stones. Mademoiselle is almost my exact nail colour so I used three coats to get a more opaque effect. Then, on top, I used one coat of Set In Stones.<br />
<br />
So pretty.swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-87153379543387691652012-12-11T07:59:00.000-07:002012-12-11T08:19:54.318-07:00RememberingToday would have been my Dad's birthday - his 58th birthday. Instead of celebrating with family, I am remembering and holding my loved ones just a little bit closer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IjmGc0J_1uk6BhkIm-VAQRzqEpYf1HfXi6MWUuN7CgcoZHTWxSIeFjgPqMs2-qJE-B83byQ1XrlQreWEkS90eAW0Gf_k3sOzPDhvWD86DKkQXQiWr6m5GXfad53pNELdiQ8N/s1600/6861384222_961ef9fbd5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IjmGc0J_1uk6BhkIm-VAQRzqEpYf1HfXi6MWUuN7CgcoZHTWxSIeFjgPqMs2-qJE-B83byQ1XrlQreWEkS90eAW0Gf_k3sOzPDhvWD86DKkQXQiWr6m5GXfad53pNELdiQ8N/s1600/6861384222_961ef9fbd5_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>| My Dad holding M. at her baby shower - August 2009 |</i><br />
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<i>Photo by: <a href="http://www.momentumimages.ca/">Shandie Poitras</a> </i></div>
swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-18087470506970863752012-12-10T12:12:00.000-07:002012-12-10T12:12:08.497-07:00TAG: What the Nail?!I was at home with M. on Friday and, while she was napping, had the time to make a fun video. I decided to do the "what the nail?!" tag since I love to change up my nail colour on a weekly basis. I recently signed up for the <a href="http://www.julep.com/maven.html">Julep Maven program</a> (separate post to come) so my polish collection is rapidly expanding. Could be a problem...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="253" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3VZV_k-Jxp0" width="450"></iframe><br />
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<br />swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-23878515422774484202012-12-10T08:54:00.000-07:002012-12-10T08:54:47.910-07:002013 Calendar Round-UpCan you believe that it's almost Christmas?! I honestly don't know where this year went but, frankly, I'll be glad to ring in the new year.<br />
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As usual, I have gathered a selection of calendars that will pretty up your wall for all of 2013.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOY0otEBNq-DAp380BTNInRcT6nobk009-o9a8ewBeKNYQ9f9BNqQnXllBkmjKdZsN81PyP4JT0XLGeVI-HujVyVCzseTx-4gi0E1UOXCP3bKXuy6TbB8VRCAet1-socNRZHP/s1600/2013calendars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOY0otEBNq-DAp380BTNInRcT6nobk009-o9a8ewBeKNYQ9f9BNqQnXllBkmjKdZsN81PyP4JT0XLGeVI-HujVyVCzseTx-4gi0E1UOXCP3bKXuy6TbB8VRCAet1-socNRZHP/s400/2013calendars.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| See all <a href="http://pinterest.com/trec_lit/2013-calendars/">37 calendars on Pinterest</a> |</div>
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Here are a few of my favourites:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqABeGuoDO7yYpMV3EjQ2YAwrINUfUxOzEwj0wlC0bGpl8g3m_BY-u0mD9OfA6UkeIG6Gxn_kNORmn6R1Z7y_1tXlwFht5dfxMO-r4ZBMBLJt15Jw51jHxKq6T45_gz-IPU1I0/s1600/Jonathan-Adler-2013-Wall-Calendar-Lifestyle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqABeGuoDO7yYpMV3EjQ2YAwrINUfUxOzEwj0wlC0bGpl8g3m_BY-u0mD9OfA6UkeIG6Gxn_kNORmn6R1Z7y_1tXlwFht5dfxMO-r4ZBMBLJt15Jw51jHxKq6T45_gz-IPU1I0/s400/Jonathan-Adler-2013-Wall-Calendar-Lifestyle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| <a href="http://www.lifeguardpress.com/product/jonathan-adler-2013-wall-calendar?display=1034">Jonathan Adler </a>can make anyone smile. |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydySnRn5gyefrsaAMAEWH0nIsFfY3YDkij2J1JXMPH2EjKSGu0l2GpYsbGXaGfBK3V6oFeRynofCecayfqJE2ZRQ6UDklLH961wPZnmgXeqhtsu3-9hoSYhURM7Va1p9qlVgU/s1600/il_570xN.387486617_2oeo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydySnRn5gyefrsaAMAEWH0nIsFfY3YDkij2J1JXMPH2EjKSGu0l2GpYsbGXaGfBK3V6oFeRynofCecayfqJE2ZRQ6UDklLH961wPZnmgXeqhtsu3-9hoSYhURM7Va1p9qlVgU/s400/il_570xN.387486617_2oeo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Love the food photography from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112859350/2013-calendar-food-photography-kitchen">whimsyandspice</a> |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZ7g1imLfgbNn6fsLAqb-F7e_aMXm3jwGFCfpINfrBT-LN3f14uXRGa_-_tO0DxupkTJS_L7tDKqLVNYbBzlZ3rTLVLBNXg_oqIcPSIo8VH7ohsMoGDU3p842rJE47avSS2w2/s1600/il_570xN.387930506_53rp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZ7g1imLfgbNn6fsLAqb-F7e_aMXm3jwGFCfpINfrBT-LN3f14uXRGa_-_tO0DxupkTJS_L7tDKqLVNYbBzlZ3rTLVLBNXg_oqIcPSIo8VH7ohsMoGDU3p842rJE47avSS2w2/s400/il_570xN.387930506_53rp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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| Such a pretty addition to your home from <span class="shopname wrap "><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112986163/2013-garden-wall-calendar">Mipiacekatedesign</a> |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGw00F7O8jblwOqfTEOflYLdA9a1JGlqyACg8iNH8b5kJx7R4ZxgUpkg1I1XiVso4SV7a01O8rWMLX02lTujmhyphenhyphenYnDIgNId5mEwTyq9H4_ekWkxkHdt4Fxd7ljiooFrCn2CAQ/s1600/il_570xN.388546867_13yu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGw00F7O8jblwOqfTEOflYLdA9a1JGlqyACg8iNH8b5kJx7R4ZxgUpkg1I1XiVso4SV7a01O8rWMLX02lTujmhyphenhyphenYnDIgNId5mEwTyq9H4_ekWkxkHdt4Fxd7ljiooFrCn2CAQ/s400/il_570xN.388546867_13yu.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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| Clever take on the zodiac from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/113155289/2013-calendar-zodiac-calendar-5x7">bialakura</a> |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN5bhcGZKRVvu31KizaZ6UfF6eaHQv5X0XVARUAHSWRmx3_vpLOf85gMfYCqHnvqESWa62AVYA-uhQLmPa-zQSUTDgSWDrvOYBkzHxjQVpms-qZsYYyubYrNTQmwiLBUBvsxh/s1600/il_570xN.363814053_b5s4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN5bhcGZKRVvu31KizaZ6UfF6eaHQv5X0XVARUAHSWRmx3_vpLOf85gMfYCqHnvqESWa62AVYA-uhQLmPa-zQSUTDgSWDrvOYBkzHxjQVpms-qZsYYyubYrNTQmwiLBUBvsxh/s400/il_570xN.363814053_b5s4.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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| This cute Star Wars calendar from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/106348245/cute-star-wars-2013-calendar-4-x-6">loopzart</a> would be a great addition to any office |</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JfcNTgbIIZsa0M2RhrpHX4Yooteo3h_eQp8K8UG6esAXbjyvwquiXpjtyiNVhX5IuZmLz_sea4PHD194GNv2WgqbbhuL25XiVsq3rr7RPdy1_MHbk39C4kQeHTEC67cCGF6G/s1600/cal_cities_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6JfcNTgbIIZsa0M2RhrpHX4Yooteo3h_eQp8K8UG6esAXbjyvwquiXpjtyiNVhX5IuZmLz_sea4PHD194GNv2WgqbbhuL25XiVsq3rr7RPdy1_MHbk39C4kQeHTEC67cCGF6G/s400/cal_cities_m.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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| And finally, the winner of my affections, is the Cities calendar from <a href="http://riflepaperco.com/item/2013_Cities_Calendar/290/c44">Rifle Paper Co.</a> |</div>
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<i><b>Which one is your favourite? Do you buy the same calendar every year (like my step-dad with his Dilbert desk calendar) or a different one?</b></i> </div>
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swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-47598242640762606382012-12-07T20:57:00.003-07:002012-12-07T20:57:39.197-07:00GlossyBox Canada November 2012 UnboxingI was at home with M. today (she's sick) so I finally had time to do an unboxing video for the November edition of GlossyBox. (And I could even shoot it in daylight!!)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5susW45E9fQ" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>Were you happy with this month's GlossyBox? What was your favourite product?</i></b></div>
swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-67541318884965785732012-11-22T08:20:00.000-07:002012-11-22T08:20:15.012-07:00Benefit They're Real! mascara reviewIn November's TopBox I received a sample of Benefit's They're Real! mascara. I'd never tried it before but had heard a lot of raves from beauty bloggers that loved it. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to try it out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9fj9me49fvpXEpCTkEHVuIBu1dlfL_AA0aKn-CA5uwpijMmEByQEsZncPuOSfMQOSlTvW2LIbcjrm2S3F9i6nC8iiCRig6feTJHItuxqNJ0ftjfpp7s8d2l2IVneqkUUuPik/s1600/IMG_4467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9fj9me49fvpXEpCTkEHVuIBu1dlfL_AA0aKn-CA5uwpijMmEByQEsZncPuOSfMQOSlTvW2LIbcjrm2S3F9i6nC8iiCRig6feTJHItuxqNJ0ftjfpp7s8d2l2IVneqkUUuPik/s320/IMG_4467.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The brush is plastic with well-spaced bristles and a mace looking ball on the tip of the brush. I like that it doesn't get overloaded and goopy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-YW9mRocFoSjIvId_SCAN2RUJH8J92HKB1PohI8YjuK0lXQX0QqxremvWZbse35b_i4dOp1URfQSeh1j6sna1kILcUkK8dsOVWVWY1OrmcL5WzwSLOs6RkQ7WUh3935LFr3e/s1600/IMG_4482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-YW9mRocFoSjIvId_SCAN2RUJH8J92HKB1PohI8YjuK0lXQX0QqxremvWZbse35b_i4dOp1URfQSeh1j6sna1kILcUkK8dsOVWVWY1OrmcL5WzwSLOs6RkQ7WUh3935LFr3e/s320/IMG_4482.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Here are my natural lashes pre-mascara. They are an okay length but pretty light so I definitely need mascara.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH08Gdj1DM7TwNiE8RwRLwjWdo3eo7iaGB0R4cHrfPvd27cam8-PupOaescZDpmJF4sdWlb6L9b6zVCPkGLrAfuqUpVWsPav0N5OMn9YbxqMcb9laDNuuTlexSVD-zg3wi9Od/s1600/IMG_4481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH08Gdj1DM7TwNiE8RwRLwjWdo3eo7iaGB0R4cHrfPvd27cam8-PupOaescZDpmJF4sdWlb6L9b6zVCPkGLrAfuqUpVWsPav0N5OMn9YbxqMcb9laDNuuTlexSVD-zg3wi9Od/s320/IMG_4481.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And here are my lashes post-mascara. Can I just say, wow?! These aren't curled - I don't even own an eyelash curler - and this is only one coat! Even after only one use, I am sold.<br />
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The only thing I'm not sure I like (but may just take getting used to) is that application is a touch uncomfortable. I'm sure it's just the way the wand is engineered and how the bristles grip my lashes, but it's definitely a different feeling than the average mascara. All in all, I'm impressed and would re-purchase.<br />
<br />swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-15467449379534031022012-11-19T23:18:00.000-07:002012-11-19T23:18:59.209-07:00TopBox November 2012 UnboxingSo, apparently I've gone insane and have decided to expose myself to the craziness that is YouTube. That's right, I've uploaded my very first video - an unboxing video for TopBox to be exact. Enjoy and please let me know if you have any feedback.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LSQo61zt1uU" width="480"></iframe>
swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3971980.post-20525813741877725672012-09-14T11:53:00.002-06:002012-09-14T11:53:45.767-06:00CoordinatesOk, I'm going to get all mushy for a bit and gush about my husband. I'm also going to admit that I'm a giant jerk and I'm proclaiming it to the world (or the three people who read this blog). And here's why...<br />
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August 30th was our fourth anniversary. We generally don't go crazy with anniversary gifts and if you asked me what the traditional presents are for 4 years, I'd have no idea. This year I got A. the 2nd season of Walking Dead on Blu-Ray because it was something he'd specifically mentioned wanting. He seemed happy with it and we went on our merry way. He did say that I'd have to wait until September 8th to receive my gift because it was "on its way." No problem.<br />
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September 6th rolls around and he says he needs to take M. to the mall to "pick something up." When they get home, M. presents me with a box and says, "we got you a necklace!!" (Girl can't keep a secret.) And this is when it all went to pot.<br />
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I opened the box and see what looks like a black dog-tag on a simple chain. Fairly unremarkable but I could see there were some small characters engraved on the face. A. explained their meaning and I proclaimed it "nice." Ouch, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRtEv5cRGU27-HIZKJDxXPK9Nk-B_FuRHucMB7oYgWYSWZSB_MUYbNfOBbbGQR7e3BM4nFMtPmd0ooycDFaImhEJ4fu4SvDDHy3Gpr0MTJ_B5LntXA53HFZIUKUMCSBY0nt0Z/s1600/dogtag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRtEv5cRGU27-HIZKJDxXPK9Nk-B_FuRHucMB7oYgWYSWZSB_MUYbNfOBbbGQR7e3BM4nFMtPmd0ooycDFaImhEJ4fu4SvDDHy3Gpr0MTJ_B5LntXA53HFZIUKUMCSBY0nt0Z/s1600/dogtag.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Want to know what the engraving is? Those two lines are the longitude and latitude of the place, the EXACT spot, where we met 7 years ago - Camp Julien in Kabul, Afghanistan.</div>
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Since that night, I have worn this every single day and every day I think about how I should have been more grateful and excited. So, here's me, hanging my head in shame and shouting my thanks to the world. I love you A!!</div>
<br />swatcher, polish-rangerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951012824136084896noreply@blogger.com0