how to do newspaper nails

I love painted nails. Nothing appeases my OCD like a perfect paint job, and I feel like I forgot a shoe if I leave the house for a big party or event without painted nails. Like accessories, I think they are the perfect touch for a completely polished and pulled together look. These newspaper nails are the perfect way to change up your old paint routine.      
  

        

(Image from sandyleestyle.blogspot.com)

How to do Newspaper Nails

This hot-off-the-press look is easier than you’d think.

You’ll need:

Nailpolish

Rubbing alcohol

Newspaper strips

1. Paint nails desired color and let dry completely.

2. Pour some rubbing alcohol in a dish.

3. Dip entire nail into rubbing alcohol, one at a time.

4. Hold newspaper strips on nail for 30 seconds.  Remove & repeat on selected nails.

5. Let dry, and finish with a clear protective coat to seal the deal!

Suggested colors for newspaper nails:

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white wine sangria with peach

Chill out with this refreshing summer drink that is sure to please! Serve it at your next get-together or BBQ, but be ready to pass out the recipe. Everyone always loves it! This refreshing drink is dangerously good, with just the right amount of sweetness, flavor and fizz from the ginger ale. So be careful, it can sneak up on you!  


I prefer to use chardonnay instead of sweeter white wines like riesling or pinot grigio, because the ginger ale and schnapps already add enough sugar for me. Plus, I think most people don't like overly sweet drinks. I try to please the crowd. :) 

A pitcher works better than this because we had to scoop the fruit out of the top with a ladle... womp womp.

White Wine-2 bottles (I like Chardonnay, but use whatever you like!)

Peaches-2-3, sliced (some full slices look nice, but I try to cut most into bite-size, easy-to-gulp pieces)

Ginger Ale- 1 liter

Peach Schnapps- 1 cup
Sugar- 2 tbsp. (optional, can leave out)

Optional: additional sliced fruit- raspberries, strawberries, mango... (Raspberries are my favorite- everyone loved them- and it adds another color)

Pour all liquids into glass pitcher and mix. Stir in sugar. Add fruit. Chill 1 hour. 


If you want the fruit to soak longer- mix the a little bit of wine & schnapps and add fruit and let refrigerate for a few hours (probably up to 8 is okay). Then add ginger ale and the rest of the wine right before serving so they are nice and fresh (and not flat). 

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beachy keen

Summer is heating up, and it's not always easy to look great when you're sweating like Whitney Houston and swelling up like Miss Piggie in a pair of jeggings. If you're like me, nothing is worse than jean shorts that ride up or sticking to your clothes. I opt for flowy, light and non-constrictive summer styles so I can try to enjoy summer without looking like a (total) sweaty slob. Here are some of my favorite ways to look and feel glam this summer, even on the ickiest of days.

 



-Tunics-

Flowy and oh-so-sweet, tunics can be dressed up or down, or used as a cover up. I am in love with this Tolani tunic, as seen on Jessica Alba. Maybe it's just because she's smokin' hot, but I'm pretty sure this tunic is fab. Get it here.

-Loose tanks-

Pair 'em with a cute bandeau underneath for an effortlessy sexy look that

you can still feel comfortable in. (Plus it's an excuse not to wear a real bra.)
Find these laid-back linen tanks at shops like Forever 21, H&M, and American Eagle.
 I found a great bandeau with a lace back at Target!

(Striped tank is Enza Costa - Tiger is Forever 21)

-Flowy skirts-

Flowy skirts like these have endless possibilities.

Tuck in a tank top, t-shirt or button down for a breezy, chic look.

If you have a solid skirt, pair with a printed top, or vice-versa.

Or, if you're daring, try to pair coordinating prints with stipes, etc. 

Add a belt to sinch in the waist if you feel a frumpalicious look

coming on. Then toss on a matching handbag, some hoops and bangles.

(Red skirt is Urban Outfitters)

-Other Sunny Day Essentials-

Cover up as you leave the pool sans makeup with some great big shades.

Large sunglasses have also been known to reduce eye wrinkles, so

there's one more reason to go BIG or go home! Keep powder

on hand, like MAC Blot Powder, to fight shine and t-zone grease.

I also take an extra deodorant to work, just in case things aren't

 so fresh when I'm rushing around at the end of the day. 

I love the fresh scent of Dove Original.

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sundried tomato basil pesto

I have my first garden this year, and I am loving the way my basil is flourishing! I had to think of new ways to use all the fresh basil, so I came up with this recipe and it was a huge hit. It's light and fresh, but full of flavor. I serve it with a pasta like cheese tortellini or gnocchi. I also cook Quorn brand fake chicken in the microwave for extra protein and toss in at the end.(Check it out my favorite meat sub at http://www.quorn.com/!)

-Serving size 3-

Fresh Basil leaves - 3 cups

Olive Oil-about 2/3 cup

Garlic- 3-4 cloves

Pine nuts- 1/2 cup

Shredded Parmesan 2/3 cup

Lemon juice- 1 tbsp.

Sundried tomatoes (optional)- 4-6 slices from jar

Salt & Pepper - to taste

1 Boil water for pasta. Cook according to package.

2 Lightly sauté chopped garlic and pine nuts in pan (this step is optional)

3. Add basil leaves and garlic to food processor and chop. Add in all other ingredients. Continue to blend pesto until you have good consistency. Scrape sides, blend, scrape, blend. (If you don't have a food processor, just mince all ingredients and mix well.) Too thick? Add more olive oil and blend. Too thin? Add more cheese or more basil leaves.

Toss pasta with finished pesto. Add spoonful more olive oil to pasta if still “dry” once you add sauce. Top with bit of shredded parmesan.

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