Coco Cure

It is freakin' cold. I heard it's -50 degrees in Minnesota. I don't even know what that means. It's not even that cold in Alaska, is it? I don't know. This is what my car said this morning...

And this is what I said back...

My skin is a wreck and I usually coat myself in Kiehl's Argan Lotion since it's saved my skin after the births of both of my gremlins. Forget all the stretch mark creams, that stuff is phenonmenol. BUT I'm unemployed and would rather spend $55 on I don't know, you name it....anything other than lotion. I've been reading and ignoring all of the rants about coconut oil, so cold + broke is as good as ever to try something apparently awesome and rather cheap. I'm trying out Spectrum Essentials Organic Coconut Oil and I have to say, I like it. Once you warm it in your hands, the consistency is nice, the moisturizing effects are long lasting (even in this tundra) and I can get used to the scent even though it is somewhat reminiscent of coconut shrimp. I think I'll mix it with my Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Oil or some perfume so I don't feel like I need a side of mango salsa. It's not that bad though...I think it's a keeper. Next I'll try it out on my hair that's hiding under the dead raccoon.

Coconut Oil: Spectrum Essentials Organic Coconut Oil

Party Panic

You are witnessing an epic first world meltdown. I took an Ambien last night so I have a wicked hangover and I'm trying to get the house ready for NYE because the kids get out of school at freakin' 3PM. The foie gras slicer is tarnished!

I can't find a non-metal spoon for the caviar. WTF. I should have asked for a mother of pearl spoon for my birthday. I wasn't thinking. We'll have to use the plastic spoon from the frozen yogurt shop that my husband keeps to bribe our daughter that she'll eventually go back and for some reason need to bring her own spoon.

But I have the cuddle area ready by the fireplace and the kids' fancy pants plates are out...

The foie is out getting to room temp and I have all the snacks. I'll be ok...after a glass of wine...in the bathtub. Oh shit, I need to put the champagne in the fridge! I've also done a toy box edit so someone will keep their paws out of the caviar.

I don't know if I trust that dinosaur as a designated driver tonight. He looks like he's already turnt up...

Blankies: Restoration Hardware Lynx Faux Fur Throw and RH Baby & Child Animal Head Sleeping Bag

Nailed It

I'd rather spend the last of my money on beer and brick oven pizza instead of gel manicures. I actually hate getting manicures. I can't stand sitting still so long AND being unable to use my phone. I started wearing headphones but I just end up bored and sweaty (for some reason). A regular mani chips in a matter of hours the way I do things, so I require the gel. I hear complaints of it weakening nails, but after 5 years I've had zero issues with that. I only really wear 2 nail colors, red and dark, dark purple, so gel is great because choices just confuse me. 

I did the research, spoke at length to Elisssssaaandroooo (roll that r) at my local Sally's and decided on an LED nail curing light instead of the UV lamp. LED cures in less time which means less exposure and the obvious time saving advantage. I am using the Gelish light and products since that's what I usually select at the salons. My first try lasted a little over 2 weeks before I soaked it off and started over with a new color. My start up equipment and supplies were the Gelish LED Mini Curing Light,  Foundation, Top Coat, and 2 colors, Red Roses and Bella's Vampire (below). I used acetone, cotton balls, foil and orange sticks to remove my previous polish and isopropyl alcohol and lint free pads to remove residue and add the shine to the top coat after the last curing. I think my first try came out pretty well. I'll be doing this at home from now on. Plus none of the salons around here serve pinot grigio. Or ham sandwiches with fried eggs.

Empty Fridge

After a week in Florida you quickly realize there is nothing in the fridge except for egg nog because that doesn't spoil until March (side eye).  So heading out to dinner with the gremlins (don't feed them after midnight) and grabbed an outfit that I never wore in Florida because I only left the house twice. Check out my new statement necklace that was a 40th birthday gift form my sister-in-laws, paired with a striped crop top and over the shoulder long cardigan.

Necklace: Kate Spade Swirl Around Necklace | Top: Zara Striped Cotton Crop Top | Sweater: My own cardigan from Nordstrom but this season's version here