Almost May Manicures

Though the weather in this coastal town has been less than sunny and bright lately (we're on day 4 of rain and clouds and more rain), I've vowed to do anything and everything possible to keep it from dampening my mood. Since I just officially finished up with school for the year (until my classes begin in Australia in July), I had the luxury of doing whatever I wanted today. So let's be serious...

My priorities list included:

-watching Clueless on Netflix, my go-to movie of choice anytime I need a pick-me-up (also, look for a post soon about the life lessons in Clueless. Yes, I'm serious. And yes, you'll love it.)

-treating myself to a Dunkachino from Dunkin Donuts (it's half coffee, half hot chocolate, and might as well be the nectar of the Gods)

-catching up on my reading.... as in, the books that I've been wanting to read, but haven't had the time to

and of course...

-painting my nails with bright, spring colors


here's my lineup:

 Essie is, without a doubt, my favorite nail polish brand, and I love all of these latest additions to my collection. They're all so fun, and can honestly be worn during any season, but are definitely going to carry me through spring and summer. When I was a little girl, I used to paint each nail a different color, and I was almost tempted to do that today! Instead, I started my own new trend and painted each of my hands a different (but complimentary) color. Yes, I'm serious. I'm so over the "party nail" trend-- it was cute before every single woman in America wore it. So instead, my entire left hand is sporting Essie's "Splash of Grenadine" (the purple four from the left) and my entire right hand is sporting Essie's "Need a Vacation" (the pink three from the left). And you know what? I've already gotten compliments on my look! (So remember, it started here first)

I know that most people love going to get their fingernails done in shellac at the salon (I do too, who doesn't love to be pampered?), but I've found lately, that I'm too ADD for it to be financially worth it. Instead, I've started to paint my fingers myself for the most part (so that I can change them every few days), and have started to get my toenails done in shellac instead (a lot of salons won't even do this, but it's SO WORTH IT when you live at the beach or are planning to be out in the sun and sand.) I've always thought that getting pedicures was much more relaxing than manicures anyway, and of course getting both would be ideal, but I end up picking at my nails and ruining them, so I only opt for the shellac mani every so often.

My favorite spa in Wilmington, Head-to-Toe Day Spa (http://headtotoedayspa.com/) offers both shellac manicures and pedicures (along with the greatest massages in the world), so if you end up down in Wrightsville Beach for vacation, they're definitely worth the money, and if you go with shellac, your fingernails & toenails will stay beautiful for over a month, no matter how rough you are on them!

Happy Tuesday!

January drifts.

"The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour."
-Vita Sackville-West

The thermometer currently reads 24 degrees in our coastal town. Combined with the wind that is inevitable this close to the ocean, I don't think that I've been warm in a solid week. (Walking my dog Gracie at 6:30 every morning doesn't help!) I'm already counting down the days until my 80 degree weather returns, but until then, I've compiled a list things on my current favorite things to remind me that life is good, regardless of the windchill.

1. Tall Steve Madden boots.

The "Intyce" style in Cognac. Perfect for the days when I don't feel like wearing the worlds ugliest shoes (Uggs... we have a love/hate relationship) and my jeans or leggings are too skinny to wear my Wallabees (Y'all know what I'm talking about.)

2. Modest Mouse.

I recently rekindled my love for these guys. Go throw on "Float On" and tell me your day doesn't get exponentially better.

3. Sally Hansen's Commander in Chic nail polish.

It's brownish in the sunlight, greyish brownish taupe indoors. I am absolutely addicted.

(photo courtesy of http://never-unpolished.blogspot.com)

4. Burberry Sunglasses.

Mine are the Burberry tortoise 4051's and I absolutely adore them. I couldn't find a picture that does them justice, but my favorite detail is the gold Burberry label on the side.... it resembles the leather ties on my Sperrys & on most boat shoes. Perfect.

5. Story People Prints.

Brian Andreas is an incredible artist and writer that combines these talents to produce books and prints. I own 5 of his books, and just received my 2nd print from my A

unt Julie for Christmas. They're now both frames and hanging in my bathroom! Check his site & his work out here.

6. Lilly Pulitzer Candles.

Every boy that walks into my apartment tells me it smells "just like a girl." I take this as a compliment. These candles smell so amazing that I didn't even want to burn mine, but I think I'm just going to have to stock up instead.

7. Southern Marsh.

This new brand has my seal of frat-proval. Their "About Us" section reads:

"The South is an area of the country that still finds time to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Southern Marsh was inspired by that idea and influenced by those who understand the lifestyle as they take it with them everywhere they go. The friends getting up at 4 a.m. to make it to the blind before sunrise, the father cashing in vacation days to go fishing with his family, or the southern belle spending a timeless afternoon with great friends."

Built on the lifestyle that I love the most and with really unique designs, they won me over with their awesome t-shirts... I've already ordered two. They run pretty small, so I'd recommend ordering a size up. Especially if you plan on wearing them with leggings like I do! Check them out here!

(photo and quote courtesy of www.southern-marsh.com)

8. "The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing" by Melissa Bank.

Don't be fooled by the title. This bestseller won't actually give you instructions on the art of killing a prize buck, but I guarantee that the collection of fictional short stories (tied together into a larger plot) will draw you in and make you fall in and out of love up until the feel-good ending. It's extremely relateable and an easy read. Pick up a copy next time you're in Barnes & Noble & let me know what you think.

9. Not having Friday classes this semester.

No explaination necessary.