As it turns out, the gold leaf in this polish is actually pretty sparse. I did two coats on all of my fingers except my pointer, and as you can see that one has a bit more gold going on. I didn't mind the sparse look, but I think next time I'll do more coats. Also I think it might help to shake the bottle before you start applying, because the gold might be sinking to the bottom. I'll have to experiment. But, all in all, a totally cool concept. I'm really excited to do different combinations with this one once I have the time. Thanks, aunties :) Also, no, the irony that I'm using a polish with 18k gold flakes over one called Recessionista is not lost on me.
For my next Recessionista-based manicure, I used a Shimmer Polish to create sort of a gradient starting at my cuticle. I was really into this one. Here's Recessionista with Shimmer Katherine.
UM. All kinds of yes. So very fall, isn't it? I'll be honest; when I got a bunch of Shimmer Polishes from Cindy to review, I didn't think I'd like Katherine. In the bottle it didn't look like it would be my favorite. But on the nail it looks pretty awesome. It's small bronze, red, maybe pink? glitter in a clear base. But it's so dense that I'm reasonably certain it could be opaque on its own in 2-3 coats. Anyway, Essie Recessionista is a win for me. It's shiny and wonderful, isn't it? And with both looks pictured, I only used two, easy coats.
If you want to check out Shimmer Polish Katherine for yourself, visit the Shimmer Polish Etsy store, check out the Facebook page, or have a look at the blog. They run at $12/bottle, but for $15 you can get a custom glitter. Which is a neat concept. And stay tuned to my blog, because I'll be putting more up.
I petted and snuggled with my kitty (Alley). You can just barely see OPI Dazzled by Gold, my birthday polish.
I hung out with my cousin Mattie (who is awesome). She taught me to make flowers out of duct tape, and we made one for each of our 24 Thanksgiving guests.
Also, I went for the full-on fringe bangs.
Mattie is making the duct tape crafts while I school the boys on how to properly play The Lion King for Sega Genesis (I have achieved what is known as EXPERT BALLER STATUS--because I've been playing that game and only that game for like two decades). That's Mattie's brother Jacob over yonder, and Ben, who apparently has a migraine from how awesome I am.
My dad makes THE BEST Bloody Marys. Also, as you may be able to see from my shoulder, I did end up wearing my offensive-on-many-levels Forever21 sweater. And yes, after considering it for close to an entire day, Ben did say to me, "Hey. I like that sweater." My mom also got me this coat for my birthday, which I absolutely LOVE. Will it, too, join the ranks of the offensive sweater? Only time will tell.
Some plane photography on my way back to NYC with my new iPhone 5. Thanks mom and dad!
New York City from above.
Ben got me this ring (on my ring finger). I love it.
Also this.
This past Monday, upon my return, I finished my fellowship hours (YAY), and yesterday--normally my work day--I shut myself in and wrote and wrote and wrote. Most of what I wrote is crappy, but hey, it's getting done. And I had my Pandora Christmas station on while I wore a scarf and drank tea, so I like to think my time here is festive enough.
Anyway, that's what's up. I hope you all had as nice a holiday as I did.