Beauty: The Gel Setter Top Coat from Essie

You may be tired of listening to me talk about how I lack understanding of anything related to beauty, but…

I have learned something about nails, and I thought I’d pass on the info.

Up until I was in my 20s, I was a nail biter. It was a struggle to stop, but eventually I did.  I mostly became disgusted by nail biting and I used acrylic nails to help prevent me from biting my own nails. Now, I do my best to keep my nails strong and healthy. I get manicures a few times a year, and in between sessions, I do my own polish application.

I’ve been veering toward Essie polish for a few years now because I like the colour selections and quality. On a recent trip to the drug store, Essie polishes were on sale so in addition to picking up a new colour, I purchased the Gel Setter Top Coat. This product claimed to extend the wear of the polish, to work with normal polish, and to be easily removed with basic nail polish remover. I added it to my cart, and hoped for the best.
People. This gel setter top coat is fantastic! I can get at least 4 days with no chips, and, more importantly, my polish is shiny for the length of wear! Who knew!? And this is with doing many loads of dishes, lots of keyboard typing, and daily chores. It makes me happy, so I was eager to share the discovery with all of you in case you’re looking for a new top coat.

p.s. When I paint my nails, I use Essie’s grow stronger base coat, two coats of polish (usually Essie), and (now) the gel setter top coat. I’m also a fan of the good to go top coat and I sometimes use the quick-e top coat, too.

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The Friday Five: Fabulous Fireplaces

How do you stay warm during these ridiculously cold winter days? I have had my fireplace going up until a couple of days ago when it decided to stop working (how dare it just stop!). It’s a gas fireplace, and it warms up my basement lounge in no time. I’m eager to get it working again soon.

In the meantime, let’s have a peek into these gorgeous spaces.

via Washingtonianvia Elizabeth Heiervia Domino

via Elle Decoration

via Ideal Home

Do you have a fireplace? Gas or real? How often do you use it?

Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay warm!

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Hotel to Home: A Little Parisian Kitchen

Okay – so today’s “hotel” is technically an AirBnB option, but let’s ignore that for a moment, shall we? It’s a place to stay while you’re traveling, and I think it’s a perfect option for today’s hotel to home post…especially since I’m working with the apartment’s  kitchen, and I rarely do kitchens (or have I ever?) on this series. Plus – it’s in Paris!

paris-white-airbnbvia AirBnB

I’m not offering a full kitchen design, but more like some options for some modern and functional products for your existing kitchen. Have a look and let me know if anything strikes your fancy!

Ikea cabinets, Ikea faucet, Cuisinart toaster, Nespresso machine, wood tray, Ikea plant pot, mugs, cutting board,

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A Question For You

I’m curious – what are your blog reading routines? How do you read your faves? When do you read them?

I read my blogs every morning during breakfast. And I love this routine.

In general, I read blogs by clicking on my blogroll rather than via email or blog reader (old fashioned way, I guess, but it works for me).

I know some bloggers have reduced the weekly frequency of posting, but I’m still of the belief that daily blogging is the way to go. Blogging takes a lot of time, effort, thought, and creativity, yes, so I can definitely see why bloggers scale back and publish just a few times a week, but as a reader, I much prefer seeing new content every day (even if it’s not an in-depth thought-provoking essay about life) than clicking on a blog and seeing a weeks-old post. I’ve actually stopped clicking on many of my once-favourite blogs because I don’t want to be disappointed by landing on an old post.

Maybe if I went the blog reader route, then I would not have to pay so much attention to individual blogger’s posting schedules or get click happy only to be disappointed with weeks-old content.

But I don’t. I click on posts. And I like to see something new each day. Am I asking too much? Are my expectations for the 2017 blogging world too high?

What do you think?

via Homey Oh My

I’m now looking to expand my blogroll and learn about new-to-me bloggers. This is where you come in.

What are your daily/weekly must-read blogs?

What blogs do you love? Why should I love them, too?

I would be so thrilled if you shared your blog recommendations in the comments, so we can all benefit!

Thanks!

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Two for Tuesday: Match Strikers

Today, I’m bringing you a high/low match striker pair. Guess before you scroll all the way down!

match striker

 

match striker

 

top: Paris porcelain match striker, $38, Hudson Grace

bottom: marble match striker, $175, One Kings Lane

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