tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-923100527140443852024-03-12T21:18:00.211-04:00CupcakecoreStay sweet, stay tough. <br>Unnatural beauty.<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102648174322358004noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-61366851114259245072014-10-06T17:00:00.000-04:002014-10-06T17:00:02.107-04:00Zoya Matte Velvet Swatch Session: They're Back!Long time no see friends!!<br />
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So recently Zoya announced <a href="https://twitter.com/ZoyaNailPolish/status/517830671302406144" target="_blank">via Twitter</a> that the Matte Velvets are coming back and sweet mercy this is EXCITING NEWS. The Matte Velvets are BEAUTIFUL polishes and not only that but you're getting 2 beautiful polishes for the price of one because they all also look beautiful with a shiny topcoat. I think they're all worth getting but I'm happy to show them off and let you decide for yourself!<br />
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Note: Zoya instructs that Matte Velvets should be worn without a top or base coat so as not to interfere with the matte finish. As matte polishes are almost always very pigmented, for all swatches I wore Zoya Anchor as a base coat to prevent staining and it did not noticeable impact the finish on Harlow, Savita, and Veruschka but Dovima, Loredana, and Posh were a bit satin-y when they dried. I used one coat of Zoya Armor for the top coat.<br />
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Dovima is described as a "smoky charcoal-black with strong silver shimmer." It is a beautiful rich black either matte or shiny, but when it is shiny the black has even more depth and the shimmer is stunning. I'm a big fan of black nail polish in all forms, and while it's not obvious, the fact that it's still black when matte is really lovely.<br />
Matte:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DiCftWL-GE/VDILLbwK5uI/AAAAAAAAAVo/I1kv7jYX5nw/s1600/IMG_5454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9DiCftWL-GE/VDILLbwK5uI/AAAAAAAAAVo/I1kv7jYX5nw/s1600/IMG_5454.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shiny:<br />
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Loredana is described as a "medium gunmetal grey, packed with silvery shimmer." This was hard to capture the difference between the matte and shiny versions. Matte it has a gorgeous gunmetal appearance, but the shimmer is resplendent when it's shiny.<br />
Matte:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGR8-XBHCKE/VDIKxeQJEeI/AAAAAAAAAVY/5j68-fbMcsM/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGR8-XBHCKE/VDIKxeQJEeI/AAAAAAAAAVY/5j68-fbMcsM/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shiny:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLou63D4ZBM/VDIK9tiBPEI/AAAAAAAAAVg/xGcKpW4EA5w/s1600/IMG_5447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YLou63D4ZBM/VDIK9tiBPEI/AAAAAAAAAVg/xGcKpW4EA5w/s1600/IMG_5447.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Posh is described as a "medium cool-toned wine red with metallic red shimmer." Do you see how beautiful it is? Matte the shimmer lends it a beautiful, rich tone, but shiny? Ugh it just glows. </div>
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Matte:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxFXWURGhss/VDIKgRBouKI/AAAAAAAAAVI/BrPF2HBLAmU/s1600/IMG_5412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxFXWURGhss/VDIKgRBouKI/AAAAAAAAAVI/BrPF2HBLAmU/s1600/IMG_5412.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shiny:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAcimerBZ-Y/VDIKr07ifKI/AAAAAAAAAWw/c355n6zMFJc/s1600/IMG_5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bAcimerBZ-Y/VDIKr07ifKI/AAAAAAAAAWw/c355n6zMFJc/s1600/IMG_5419.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Harlow is described as a "rich, saturated rose plum packed with sparkling metallic shimmer." To be honest I wasn't super into this color when I first purchased it but after seeing it with topcoat that totally changed. The color is very pigmented matte, but it intensifies when shiny and the shimmer is amazing.</div>
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Matte:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4aPv9nIqvc/VDIJgDpHJvI/AAAAAAAAAV4/BJviqJcZwLk/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4aPv9nIqvc/VDIJgDpHJvI/AAAAAAAAAV4/BJviqJcZwLk/s1600/IMG_5353.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shiny:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6bAtpvKfyo/VDIJgGH6nVI/AAAAAAAAAWA/IRIRR0ffSgs/s1600/IMG_5363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6bAtpvKfyo/VDIJgGH6nVI/AAAAAAAAAWA/IRIRR0ffSgs/s1600/IMG_5363.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Veruschka is described as a "deep evergreen garnished with strong metallic shimmer." This is another color I wasn't very interested in, but it's so beautiful when applied. Matte, it's so smooth and just gorgeous, and when it's shiny? It's a saturated metallic green. Even though it's an "evergreen" type of green, it has a bright quality to it that's lovely, matte or shiny.</div>
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Matte:</div>
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Shiny<br />
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Savita is described as a "bold, vibrant medium purple with strong red and gold shimmer." Honestly this is my favorite of all of the matte velvets. I don't even have words but matte or shiny my reaction is as follows: đ (that's the hearts for eyes emoji). But OH MY GOODNESS THIS NAIL POLISH THOUGH. It's beautiful matte, it's beautiful shiny it's just beautiful. </div>
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Matte:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WvYLaE_eIE/VDIJxrJegeI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/72fo4BSXO8s/s1600/IMG_5371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7WvYLaE_eIE/VDIJxrJegeI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/72fo4BSXO8s/s1600/IMG_5371.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shiny:<br />
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And those are all the re-released matte velvets! I personally would recommend Dovima and Savita but they're all lovely. You can get them <a href="http://zoya.com/content/category/Zoya_Matte_Velvet_Nail_Polish_Collection.html" target="_blank">online</a> along with a new matte velvet top coat! I also saw a full display of the Matte Velvets at my local Ulta over the weekend so I would imagine you should be able to pick them up anywhere Zoya is sold.</div>
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disclaimer: I purchased all of the polishes in this post for my own personal use.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-37011520323537974312013-10-14T13:19:00.000-04:002013-11-09T16:05:57.254-05:00Oh My Glob, a Lumpy Space Princess Tutorial!On the heels of my last post featuring Princess Bubblegum from Adventure Time, I figured now would be the perfect time to post my Lumpy Space Princess Tutorial! Why? BECAUSE I LUMPIN' LOVE LSP!<br />
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For those who do not watch AT, LSP is a purple, cloud-shaped, Princess of
Lumpy Space, a dimension full of glowing nebulas, pastel clouds. She has a
decidedly Valley Girl-esque lifestyle and accent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LSP is known for her sass and catchphrases,
including âoh my GLOBâ, âwhat the lump!â, and of course, âhey girl!â<o:p></o:p></div>
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One of my favorite things about LSP is she is completely
unashamed of who she is and what she looks like because she knows, âwhen I work
these lumps, no man is immune to their influence.â<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is an icon of body-positivity and being
true to yourself and I will lumpin' love her until the end of time for
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I decided to try and put
together a fresh to death look in her honor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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For my eyes I used the following products:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre (any primer will
do though), Buxom Stay There Eyeshadow in Poodle, Urban Decay Eyeshadows in
Honey, Fishnet and Maui Wowie, NYX Loose Pearl Eyeshadow in Purple, MAC
Kitchmas Pigment, Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in El Dorado and 24/7 Liquid Liner in
Perversion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ612ixFIUg/UfGQyJta-zI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Pu6UTbj1B3s/s1600/IMG_4647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FJ612ixFIUg/UfGQyJta-zI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Pu6UTbj1B3s/s320/IMG_4647.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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(L-R: Poodle, Maui Wowie, Honey, El Dorado, Fishnet, NYX Purple, Kitchmas. The peachy vertical swatch on the left that you can barely see is Benefit Georgia worn as blush)</div>
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I actually made a Vine of the whole eye look, but I think it
goes by too fast to outline the look properly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<ul>
<li>Soft Ochre goes all over the lower and upper lid, up to the
eyebrow. </li>
<li>Use a small, synthetic
brush to apply Poodle to the inner third of the upper and lower lid. </li>
<li>Apply the Purple Pearl Powder onto the other
2/3 of the upper lid only, and apply Fishnet into the crease, blending
well. </li>
<li>Apply Honey on top of Poodle on the upper lid, making sure to blend
very well into the purple side. </li>
<li>On the
lower lid inner third, apply Maui Wowie on top of Poodle</li>
<li>With a damp liner brush, apply
Kitchmas on the outer 2/3 of the lid making sure to flick the end out past the
edge of your eye. </li>
<li>Line your upper lid
with black liquid (or gel) liner, giving yourself a little bit of a cat eye to match
the flick from Kitchmas. </li>
<li>Lightly line
the outer 2/3 of the lower lid with El Dorado for contrast. </li>
<li>Fill in your brows, apply a matte, light
highlight to your brow bone, mascara your lashes and you are done and OH MY
GLOB GIRL you look so good!</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl9WiPaorBA/UfGQlrFcS4I/AAAAAAAAAI0/4l099yZob5U/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jl9WiPaorBA/UfGQlrFcS4I/AAAAAAAAAI0/4l099yZob5U/s200/IMG_4637.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is_Y-ZJ7whw/UfGQmox4x_I/AAAAAAAAAJA/51ndTz7HPI8/s1600/IMG_4638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-is_Y-ZJ7whw/UfGQmox4x_I/AAAAAAAAAJA/51ndTz7HPI8/s200/IMG_4638.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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Do whatever cleanup under your eyes you may need to do and use your favorite primer/foundation/powder to make your skin look fab. Contour your cheeks a little with your favorite matte bronzer; I
use Too Faced Milk Chocolate Bronzer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>fter contouring, apply a sheer peachy highlighter instead of blush. For the record we are highlighting and contouring because isn't it obvie?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You gotta work those lumps girl.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And finally, any LSP look would not be complete without a
set of luscious lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While LSP favors
power reds for her lip looks, I think it would overwhelm the lumpin' awesome
eye look we put together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I slicked
on some Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade and topped it with NARS Lip Gloss in
Super Orgasm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both shades are
peachy-pink and Super Orgasm has killer shine and gold shimmer, so it really
does give you luscious lips, no zombie formula required.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eXTtfJ3cWo/UfGQzjiIUYI/AAAAAAAAAKU/aCjIg1QGyXk/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eXTtfJ3cWo/UfGQzjiIUYI/AAAAAAAAAKU/aCjIg1QGyXk/s200/IMG_4649.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC3J0IiLfw4/UfGQ7yKeQaI/AAAAAAAAALI/lXkeLesqlis/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC3J0IiLfw4/UfGQ7yKeQaI/AAAAAAAAALI/lXkeLesqlis/s200/IMG_4666.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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For my bodacious curls, I tinted my very light blonde hair lilac with a teeny
bit of Special Effects Wildflower Purple mixed with a lot of conditioner,
washed and conditioned my hair, put in a little Paul Mitchell Thicken Up at the roots and Garnier Hair, Face and Body Oil
very lightly on the ends and went to bed with wet hair. In the morning I put my (straight, chin length,
layered) hair into 4 little bumps, I mean buns, 2 in the front and 2 in the
back. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/2f79a5d2f54111e2a9ff22000aaa0374_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/2f79a5d2f54111e2a9ff22000aaa0374_7.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BUUUUNS! Taken from my Instagram feed! I'm cupcakecore there if you wanna follow!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I gave each bun a shot of hot and
then cool air from the hair dryer, left the buns in, and went about my
day. Maybe an hour later, I took out all
the buns, spritzed my hair with Not Your Mother's Beach Spray, gently fluffed,
and then scrunched in some Got2B Volumizing Powder at the roots. I also pinned up the hair at the back of my
neck because it didn't curl quite right and was kind of unsightly.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I kept my nails simple but gorgeous, opting for a rich lilac
with a strong gold shimmer, Zoya Zara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a beautiful nail polish, and well worth the 3 coats it takes to
reach opacity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZUc3YO1s9c/UfGQq27lwaI/AAAAAAAAAJc/yD8qs2qWi1U/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VZUc3YO1s9c/UfGQq27lwaI/AAAAAAAAAJc/yD8qs2qWi1U/s320/IMG_4642.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And that is my LSP look, which I think is fresh enough for
promcoming or just hanging out by the fire making beans.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve0NOdsofgE/UfGQvoKgrjI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/N7zR9IeUjhg/s1600/IMG_4646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ve0NOdsofgE/UfGQvoKgrjI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/N7zR9IeUjhg/s320/IMG_4646.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OH MY GLOB!</td></tr>
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So tell me lovelies, do you adore LSP?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is there another Adventure Time lady who
has stolen your heart?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do share in the
comments!<o:p></o:p></div>
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BUUUUUUUUMPS!<o:p></o:p></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-9276782480025072382013-09-17T23:58:00.002-04:002013-09-18T00:00:07.563-04:00Girliest Girly nails ever!Hello friends!<br />
<br />
Have you missed me? I've sure missed you, I hope you all are doing great!<br />
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I have just done a photo dump so expect a couple of quick drive-by posts within the next week or two.<br />
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So I've decided to share on of my favorite layered manicures of this past year! I think I need to bust this one out again because it's so good!<br />
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I'll save the long post about how much I love Adventure Time for another day but suffice to say OH MY GLOB I LOVE IT. Princess Bubblegum is a tough, smart, kind ruler of the Candy Kingdom. Did I mention she's got fab style too?<br />
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<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbjc26jQfN1rvw0eoo1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbjc26jQfN1rvw0eoo1_1280.png" width="313" /></a></div>
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So I was really pleased to have stumbled on the magical polish combo that perfectly evokes our saccharine sovereign.</div>
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The base is a slightly shimmery super hot pink from Nicole by OPI, "Still Into Pink" and it's BEAUTIFUL on its own.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WX0GqZccvLU/UjkeTqVmKMI/AAAAAAAAAOc/JVPWoyayY-I/s1600/IMG_4430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WX0GqZccvLU/UjkeTqVmKMI/AAAAAAAAAOc/JVPWoyayY-I/s320/IMG_4430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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But then I saw it. Revlon Girly. And it was <a href="http://www.blogger.com/love,%20at%20first%20sighthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf421JsG004">love, at first sight.</a> Girl is a milky, cotton candy base with a fabulous mix of glitter: medium purple, magenta, and light pink hexes, small light pink holo hexes, and maybe some lilac small hexes? I"m not even sure, all I know is I love it. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnooeUdqbpQ/UjkeUYCPMsI/AAAAAAAAAOE/tsvhtg_BnxE/s1600/IMG_4441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnooeUdqbpQ/UjkeUYCPMsI/AAAAAAAAAOE/tsvhtg_BnxE/s320/IMG_4441.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this was one (dabbed) coat!</td></tr>
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And it really does evoke P.B. doesn't it?</div>
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<a href="http://images.wikia.com/adventuretimewithfinnandjake/images/archive/e/e7/20110416161902!Princess_bubblegum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images.wikia.com/adventuretimewithfinnandjake/images/archive/e/e7/20110416161902!Princess_bubblegum.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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I believe Girly & Still into Pink are still readily available to purchase. If I had to choose, of the two I would hands down recommend getting Girly because it's quite unique and so, so pretty.</div>
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Do you love Adventure Time? Or really fabulous girly manicures? Let's chat in the comments!</div>
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love and cupcakes,</div>
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Ms Meghan</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-53813384996424623982013-03-19T12:05:00.001-04:002013-03-19T12:05:45.860-04:00Legal DisclaimersSo recently, the FTC updated their blogger guidelines. UGH BUMMER. I think it's good, because there are bloggers that are not as transparent as they should be; if only we could get photoshop guidelines, right?! But I think on the other hand, there are online magazines and real magazines that are as opaque as can be because they don't have to follow these guidelines. I do have a disclaimer on the right-hand side of my blog that says: "Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any products reviewed have been purchased by Ms. Meghan for review/enjoyment." And this is still true, but I wanted to hash out the details a little bit more clearly. So with all that being said let's get a few things out of the way.<br />
<ol>
<li>Advertorials, sponsored posts, and straight up ads. I have not done any previous to this post, and I also don't anticipate doing any. I am a little fish in a big blogging pond but regardless if the opportunity comes my way I will comply with FTC guidelines and make it clear that this is a sponsored post (although TBH I feel like those are pretty obvious when people do them).</li>
<li>Affiliate links: I don't have any and I don't see myself using any in the near future. </li>
<li>Products sent for promotional review: I don't get products sent to me but I am not adverse to the practice. If a company were to send me a product for review, I would obviously disclose it and also try to give a fair, balance, review. I don't gifts with purchase, point-of-sale samples, or in-store requested samples under this umbrella. </li>
<li>Conflict of interest: Okay, this one is tricky. A few years ago I applied and was technically hired to work freelance for MAC which as an FYI is owned by Estee Lauder Companies. And then maybe 6 months later (July 2010?) I re-submitted my paperwork so that I could correctly be input into the system and conceivably work for MAC. However beyond my initial tryout interview I have not spent even a minute working behind the counter. So technically while I am "employed" by MAC I've never worked for them nor have I received compensation from them. </li>
<li>Any links in my sidebar or within posts are websites and/or blogs I go to on my own time and do not receive compensation for providing any links. Any links posted on my Twitter/Tumblr fall under this with the exception of reblogs/retweets for giveaways. While technically if I won I would be receiving compensation for promoting a blog, I haven't won yet. Also I think that's pretty transparent in the reblog/retweet. </li>
<li>All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect those of my employer. I work for a very large corporation and I have no intention of mentioning who my employer is and what they do, however I would like to make that abundantly clear. </li>
</ol>
All statements made in this post regarding the presence or lack thereof of specific types of content are true as of the date of this post but are subject to change. Any changes in content will be reflected in clear disclosures in each post. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-9985269889114316932012-12-31T21:59:00.000-05:002012-12-31T22:06:30.592-05:00A Triumphant and (somewhat) Fierce Return!Hello friends!<br />
<br />
I'm sure you all are wondering where on earth I went. Let's make a list:<br />
<ul>
<li>I worked 2 jobs over the summer which took up more of my time than expected.</li>
<li>Had to deal with a large grain weevil infestation; I shake my tiny fist at organic soba noodles which were definitely the cause! As a result I had to throw out A LOT of food. Ugh. No food = no recipes.</li>
<li>Went on my first week long vacation of the year and threw my back out, for reals! I spent the week on muscle relaxants and asleep.</li>
<li>Spilled some boiling water on myself resulting in 1st & 2nd degree burns on one arm and 1st degree burns on my chest. I couldn't dress myself properly for at least 2-3 weeks, let alone cook or do beauty posts. I mean I still painted my nails, because I'm pretty sure almost nothing could stop me from doing that. ;)</li>
<li>Dealing with mental health and developmental issues that I've pretty much always dealt with but they have been exacerbated significantly in the past 6 months or so.</li>
</ul>
It's been a heck of a year, let me tell you! I'm pretty pleased to see 2012 go, mostly because <b>it kind of sucked</b>. <br />
<br />
So even though I am spending New Year's at home with Mr. Core, I thought I would post my hypothetical New Year's Eve look. I recommend this look for anyone who is fierce and single on New Year's Eve. It's not for the timid, as <b>black lipstick</b> rarely is. But it makes a statement about how badass you are, and you don't need no one to kiss, you are amazing all by yourself!<br />
<br />
This look was initially inspired by MAC's Strength collection. I was SO EXCITED that Pink Pigeon (bright pink) and Party Parrot (warm, bright pink) lipsticks were coming back plus Firm Form, a black and gold lipstick?!?! And then MAC decided not to distribute it to counters, which meant it quickly sold out online. :( So no new lipstick for me. But I decided to give golden black lipstick a try. Because anyone can do a shimmery black smoky eye and neutral lips but why not try something different?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/8331116655/" title="New Year's face by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="New Year's face" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8331116655_11f8ca90ba.jpg" width="443" /></a>
<br />
YEAH BLACK LIPS!<br />
Let's do a look breakdown:<br />
<br />
Face:<br />
-Smashbox Hydrating primer mixed with Benefit Girl Meets Pearl<br />
-L'Oreal True Match Lumi Foundation<br />
-Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer<br />
-Sonia Kashuk face powder<br />
-Too Faced Milk Chocolate Bronzer to contour cheeks<br />
-MAC Peachykeen blush & Lightscapade MSF to highlight<br />
<br />
Eyes:<br />
-Tarte Clean Slate Eye Primer<br />
-MAC Coquette eyeshadow for my brows (I've also used Mystery)<br />
-a mix of MAC Bare Study Paint Pot and Buxom Stay There eyeshadow in Poodle on the lid & lower lash line<br />
-Sephora Prisma Chrome eyeshadow in Moon Beam generously on crease (it looks like it's been DC, it's a lovely pale champagne with a pink flash)<br />
-Wet n Wild Creme Brulee on browbone<br />
-L'Oreal Telescopic Clean Definition Mascara in Very Black<br />
<br />
Lips:<br />
-Urban Decay Lip Primer<br />
-Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero<br />
-NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Black Bean<br />
-NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Aigle Noire (ultimately unnecessary but what else am I going to do with it?)<br />
-L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Gloss in The Muse's Shine which was LE but any gloss with a strong gold shimmer will do.<br />
<br />
Basic steps:<br />
1. Prep your face as needed. You don't want to go overboard with blush or shimmer, the goal is clean, slightly glowing skin. As I get oily skin pretty quickly, I opt for luminizer in my primer and a matte powder to set, but you may need to switch it up. A light cheek contour with blush/highlighter completes the look.<br />
<br />
2. Luminous, glowing eyes: I wanted a clean, shimmery eye look, to brighten my eyes without making them the center of attention. Mixing pale shimmers adds depth without too much extra work and a matte shadow on the brow bone nicely balances the shimmery lids. The look is complete with precise but not overdone brows, curled lashes and mascara.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/8331116377/" title="New Year's face by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="New Year's face" height="180" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8331116377_0219209459_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
3. THOSE LIPS THOUGH. Okay prep the heck outta your lips. Exfoliate and moisturize, but wipe off the excess moisturizer before applying the lip primer. Give the primer a little time to set, and then outline and partially fill in your lips with black long-wear eyeliner. Smudge it towards the center of your lips, and then fill your lips in with the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. You can top it with the NARS pencil but I ultimately felt this step was unnecessary, as it didn't make much of a difference. I found the easiest way to apply the gloss was to put some on the back of my hand and apply it with a lip brush, making sure to add a little extra along the cupids bow and in the center of the bottom lip.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/8331116915/" title="New Year's face by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="New Year's face" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8331116915_f7f6052c7f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
SRS BIZNESS FACE!<br />
<br />
I assure you, I tried to style my hair, it's not just bedhead. And yes, there is a slight pink tint because I like a little bit of pink hair on the weekends. <br />
<br />
If I had to pick a New Year's Mani, instead of the shimmery purple I'm wearing right now, it would have to be a version of my opal manicure:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/8332172896/" title="opal nails by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="opal nails" height="240" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8332172896_a8256179c5_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
This is <b>seven</b> coats of nail polish, but I think the end result is SO FREAKING GORGEOUS so I don't care. I'll do an upcoming post on this (promise!) but it is basically a white jelly sandwich with opalescent glitter & gold shimmer in between the white layers. I think it's prettier and slightly unexpected compared to the the usual metallics.<br />
<br />
And that's my New Year's post! I'm definitely planning on blogging more in 2013, I've got recipes I've been working on and beauty to chat about! Happy New Year everyone! <br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-83710508721919963292012-06-09T09:04:00.000-04:002012-06-09T09:04:03.683-04:00Friday Jams: nerdyfuntimes edition!Hey there!<br />
<br />Here's a quick friday jams post while it is still friday! (ed. note: I wrote this last night, really, and must have been really tired because I didn't actually post it, sorry!!)<br />
<br />
Jam:<br />
Star Wars Radio Play from the 2012 ECCC <br />
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This video features some of the best voice actors in the biz, doing some of the voices that they're most known for in a live reading of Star Wars scenes. This includes Kevin Conroy (Batman) and TARA FREAKING STRONG (Bubbles, Twilight Sparkle, Raven and SO MANY MORE). I could've done without so many celebrity impressions but I was still dying with laughter and I bet you will too!<br />
<br />
Jelly:<br />
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I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. I've read it twice now, and this past week, I started reading it, after getting about halfway through and putting it aside months ago, and honestly it's like I never left. The premise (as I understand it) is that instead of emigrating to Israel a large portion of European Jews were given a piece of Alaska to settle in. The story itself is a really good police procedural built within this reality and it's just perfection. <br />
<br />
Marmalade:<br />
Alkaline Trio!<br />
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I love that Alkaline Trio has gotten even more catchy than they already were but they still maintain a nice air of spookiness, they are one of my go to bands when I am in a rotten mood and need to sing in the car.<br />
<br />
That's it for this week, have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-81837198988878205662012-06-06T21:11:00.000-04:002012-06-06T21:11:06.278-04:00On vanity and drivers licensesHello friends!<br />
<br />
So this past weekend I realized that I absolutely had to get my license renewed which also meant a new picture! I spent part of Saturday morning watching youtube tutorials and planning my makeup, which sounds silly but if this is a picture that will be around and scrutinized for the next 5 years, I want it to look as good as humanly possible. Are you in a similar situation? If so, then read on for my tips for a super fine license picture! <br />
<br />
I can narrow down my license photo makeup tips to two words: Clean Definition. For me this meant the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bright eyes with sharp brows: Primer, a lighter than flesh-tone shadow (WnW Creme Brulee), a thin line of black eyeliner (UD Zero), and mascara. I use a MAC shadow and brush #208 to fill in my brows.</li>
<li>Lip tint and blush: I'm a big fan of Benetint and Stila's lip crushes, and any low-shimmer pink blush. </li>
<li>Even skin: Primer (I'm really liking Tarte's primers right now), Smashbox BB Cream (or use the foundation of your choosing), concealer, and powder to set. </li>
</ul>
I also needed the appropriate products for contouring but there was one problem, contouring was a complete mystery to me! And maybe it's also a mystery for you? Well mystery solved, thanks to the wonder that is the Pixiwoo youtube channel!<br />
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This video is a great guide to basic contouring and made a world of difference for me! Now to show you what products I used:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7161505541/" title="contouring for fun and profit by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="contouring for fun and profit" height="270" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7161505541_92dea0db40.jpg" width="360" /></a>
<br />
Too Faced Milk Chocolate bronzer, Wet n Wild Creme Brulee eyeshadow (a perfect pale beige matte shadow, which is getting its own post soon!), <a href="http://cupcakecore.blogspot.com/2012/05/compare-and-contrast-pink-blushes.html">Sonia Kashuk Flushed blush</a>, Tarte Amazonian Clay Shimmer Powder in Champagne (a pale gold/white shimmer) and a couple of Ecotools brushes. And this is my look:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7346715110/" title="contouring for fun and profit by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="contouring for fun and profit" height="270" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7346715110_fff1e3b818.jpg" width="360" /></a><br />
My goofy face. So in case it wasn't super obvious, I only contoured the left side of my face (and was a little heavy handed with it) to give you an idea of what kind of difference contouring makes.<br />
<br />
Since license pictures wash everything out, it's important to use a slightly heavier hand for the contour, brows and lips, while leaving your eyes and cheeks light so that they're still easily visible. Especially your eyes, if you wear an overwhelming eye look they could be totally lost!<br />
<br />
So in spite of all my time and effort, when I went to AAA on Saturday they told me their camera was broken and would just re-use my old picture. Of course! Nevertheless, I hope this helped you and here's to many lovely license pictures! <br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-35353849598929882332012-06-04T21:55:00.000-04:002012-06-04T21:55:40.615-04:00Apologies and polish reviews!Hello friends!<br />
<br />
So a week went by without a peep on here, I'm so sorry! I fell behind on blog posts and as soon as I would turn my thoughts to posting something, I caught an extreme case of writer's block! But I'm back and I have a few new polishes to review plus one layered manicure that was so froofy I couldn't NOT post it!<br />
<br />
The good:<br />
Essie Mojito Madness!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7339776960/" title="Essie Mojito Madness by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Essie Mojito Madness" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7339776960_76a2d5dd3f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
How gorgeous is this?!!?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7154572943/" title="Essie Mojito Madness by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Essie Mojito Madness" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7154572943_395f0eaa44.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This is a part of the "Bikini So Teeny" collection, and I had been wanting a color like this for a while and I'm so glad this is the polish I picked up! It applied like a dream and I barely needed 2 coats for it! I did apply over a ridge filler, but I use that more to protect from staining. Either way I bet it would still apply really well, this polish didn't get goopy or drag and it looks BEAUTIFUL. Definitely recommend it.<br />
<br />
The Bad:<br />
Revlon Runway Pearl<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7339776124/" title="Revlon Runway Pearl by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Revlon Runway Pearl" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7339776124_db8077459c.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
4 coats!<br />
I wanted to love this polish, it's a beautiful LE white/ivory with a red/orange/gold shimmer. It's really stunning in the bottle. BUT it goes on so thick, a little streaky, it took 4 coats to build opacity AND IT BUBBLED LIKE CRAZY.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7339776320/" title="Revlon Runway Pearl by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Revlon Runway Pearl" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7339776320_0de9be6eed.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
THE BUBBLES! (editing note: I cropped and sharpened this using flickrs editing tools)<br />
<br />
And you can see a little bit of the bottle in the above shot, the shimmer is really beautiful but the formula isn't worth the headache.<br />
<br />
The Awesome:<br />
Here are my "prom dress" nails! Every time I looked at my nails I kept picture a puffy skirted sky blue dress with baby pink tulle that was covered in bits of silver glitter. I have a major soft spot for froofy dresses, let me tell you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7339775908/" title="Prom Dress nails! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Prom Dress nails!" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7339775908_75572c069e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
This is OPI What's with the Cattitude topped with 2 coats of Pirouette My Whistle from the NYC Ballet Soft Shades collection that just came out and CND Raspberry Sparkle on top of all that. I really like PMW, it's a mix of silver microglitter and white pearl hex glitter. It's really beautiful and looks lovely over pastels. It's the best picture I could get of my nails before I took this off but isn't it lovely?<br />
<br />
And that's all I've got for today! I've got another beauty post in the works for Wednesday and of course there's Friday Jams! Thanks for stopping by!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-43274401893751098262012-05-25T23:28:00.002-04:002012-05-25T23:30:37.513-04:00Friday Jams: The Hoopy Frood Edition!Happy Friday everyone!<br />
<br />
I'm so sorry I missed my Wednesday post, I was just losing my mind this week and I got distracted and spooked watching a scary movie for <a href="http://365daysofhorrormovies.blogspot.com/">365 Days of Horror</a>! This is the 3rd guest post I've done, and I watched House on Haunted Hill! Vincent Price sure is dreamy but it's a little disconcerting to watch the movie alone in your basement apartment. You can read my review of HoHH <a href="http://365daysofhorrormovies.blogspot.com/2012/05/day-145-house-on-haunted-hill.html">here</a>, and you can read my other two reviews if you're interested: <a href="http://365daysofhorrormovies.blogspot.com/2012/02/day-35-suck.html">Suck</a> and <a href="http://365daysofhorrormovies.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-105-tucker-dale-vs-evil.html">Tucker and Dale vs. Evil</a>.<br />
<br />
But onto the jams!!!<br />
<br />
Jam:<br />
HAPPY TOWEL DAY EVERYONE!<br />
If you are a hoopy frood then you know where your towel is, and you know that today is Towel Day! Today is meant to celebrate the life and works of the late author Douglas Adams, who wrote The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and all but one of its sequels. It's crazy funny sci fi and they also made a movie, starring Martin Freeman, Mos Def, Zooey Deschanel, and Sam Rockwell. Even if it's not book accurate it's one of my favorite movies, here's the trailer:<br />
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I just love this movie! It's so charming!<br />
<br />
Jelly:<br />
REGINA SPEKTOR<br />
Speaking of people I love, this lady is amazing. And she has a new album out this Tuesday!! In the meantime you can listen to a stream of the whole amazing record on NPR <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/05/20/152939196/first-listen-regina-spektor-what-we-saw-from-the-cheap-seats?ps=cprs">here</a>! Or watch the video for the single "All the Rowboats" if you're so inclined:<br />
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Eeee I'm so excited! I really love this album, and I think it's better (or maybe just brighter?) than her last one.<br />
<br />
Marmalade:<br />
EGGPLANT BACON!<br />
No that is not a word salad and I am not having a stroke, eggplant bacon is the genius invention of IsaChandra Moskowitz, as seen in her cookbook "Appetite for Reduction"! But if you really wanna try it, she's also posted the recipe <a href="http://www.theppk.com/2011/10/eggplant-bacon/">here</a>! My 2 tweaks: I toasted some spices (whole peppercorns, cardamom, coriander, crushed red pepper flakes and chunks of garlic) in a tiny pan and added the soy sauce to that with a little water and let that mixture heat up. It's like a spicy soy sauce tea, but this adds more flavor without extra fat/calories; I let that cool before adding the liquid smoke and eggplanting it up. And when I put the eggplant slices back in the oven for the last time, I sprinkled a little paprika on top because paprika is wonderful. And this was so delicious! I had an eblt with garlic hummus and OH MAN IT WAS WONDERFUL. Definitely give this recipe a try, I wasn't even sure I liked eggplant but this made me a believer!<br />
<br />
And that's it! Happy long weekend friends, I hope you have a good one!<br />
<br />
Love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-32466359697957060032012-05-21T23:28:00.001-04:002012-06-09T10:50:08.505-04:00True Confession: I love accent manicures!Hi everyone!<br />
<br />
I was so busy cooking tonight that I almost forget to put up a post. Good thing I have a backlog of nail polish swatches to show you!!<br />
<br />
So let's talk about accent manicures. Generally speaking, I consider an accent manicure one where the whole hand is the same except for one nail which is usually, but not always, fancier than the rest. Or it's just painted in a different color. There's a variation on this where the thumb is the accent nail and it's called "Blackberry Bling".<br />
<br />
I've been doing accent manicures since 2007, I started with a black creme and <a href="http://cupcakecore.blogspot.com/2012/03/week-of-greens-day-6.html">Sally Hansen Glow</a> on my ring finger. I wish I could find photographic evidence, or maybe I'll just do it and take pictures, either way it looks awesome! I also liked to do black + a shimmery fuchsia accent. Nowadays everyone is doing accent manicures. But I still think they're pretty sweet, so without further adieu, here are 2 recent versions that I was particularly fond of:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7246500010/" title="Essie + SOPI accent mani by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Essie + SOPI accent mani" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7246500010_7981884e86.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Essie "Armed and Ready" + SOPI "Don't Be Eggnog-ious" accent<br />
<br />
Okay so I loved Armed and Ready in the bottle, it's a really interesting cool olive green with copper shimmer. On the nails? Less interesting, but it coordinates really well with the SOPI glitter, which is really nice and shiny. I just wish it wasn't quite so dense. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7246499616/" title="China Glaze accent mani by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="China Glaze accent mani" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7246499616_202b82b5a8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
China Glaze Happy Go Lucky with a Pool Party accent.<br />
<br />
OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS MANICURE. It is one of my favorite manicures I've done this year. Happy Go Lucky is a favorite polish of mine, I've worn it multiple times with no complaints from me, it's a nearly perfect yellow and it's so much fun! And then there's Pool Party which is this eye searing neon reddish pink and these two colors just work so well together! I did this manicure in January when I was bummed about winter and some personal drama and it cheered me up a little, which is pretty amazing because I'm kind of a grumpy person.<br />
<br />
(Speaking of bright colors from CG, have you seen the summer collection? TOTALLY SWOONING!)<br />
<br />
And those are some of my favorite accent manicures, feel free to share yours in the comments!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-54918903198682789462012-05-18T20:43:00.000-04:002012-05-18T20:44:00.692-04:00Friday Jams: things that make you go YAY!Happy Friday kids!!<br />
<br />
As with previous Fridays, I've come to present things that are not only my jam, but also my jelly and marmalade!!<br />
<br />
Jam:<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pchh">NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast</a><br />
You can download this free podcast via iTunes, it downloads in the "Culturtopia" feed. This is my FAVORITE PODCAST IN THE WORLD. It is hosted by Linda Holmes, the editrix of <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/">Monkey See</a> NPR's excellent pop culture blog. The regular panel includes Stephen Thomspon, Glen Wheldon, and Trey [with an 'e'] Graham [like the cracker] and they are all wonderful. They discuss various relevant (and irrelevant) topics and always end each episode with what's making them happy. The regular crew are a good mix of funny, smart, high/low brow, and even if I'm not always into what they're talking about I always ALWAY enjoy it. Do yourself a favor and check out this podcast!<br />
<br />
Jelly:<br />
<a href="http://kateordiecomics.com/">Kate or Die!</a><br />
Kate Leth is my new favoritest comic lady. Her comics/art are cute and saucy and generally excellent with a side of feminism that is super groovy. FYI her comics are not always SFW so don't click on the link if you're in the office, JUST IN CASE.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7224274282/" title="Kate or Die! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate or Die!" height="310" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7224274282_68e427a2da_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
See? Isn't it just the best?<br />
<br />
[pink grapefruit] Marmalade:<br />
Pink hair! A long time ago in a galaxy far, far, away your favorite blogger had pink hair! And lo, it with the hottest of pinks! Behold:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/1128891649/" title="pink hair by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="pink hair" height="240" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1268/1128891649_2120dc05ec_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
My friend <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Pseudooctopus">Georgia</a> just <a href="http://www.pseudooctopus.com/2012/05/pink-hair.html">posted about having pink hair for the first time</a> (oooh gurrrl it looks good!) and it makes me miss having pink hair SO BAD. It's probably my favorite hair color in the entire universe to be honest. Something about it is just completely perfect in every way. It's bright, it's pink, it makes me happy, it looks good, what's not to love?! One day I'll have the kind of job where I can have pink hair and not get looked at twice or reprimanded/fired. And on that day I will be a happy girl. <br />
<br />
So those are the things that are my jam this week, have a great weekend!!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-8192348321563054582012-05-16T21:59:00.000-04:002012-05-16T22:03:57.989-04:00Funky French manicures, are you my arch-nemesis?Hello friends!<br />
<br />
I'm here today with a confession: I have a love/hate relationship with french manicures. While I do love the soft, clean look of a classic french manicure, I can't stand 75% of the french manis out there. It has gone from "my nails but better" to "BIGGER BLINGIER TACKIER PINK AND WHITES OMG." GROSS.<br />
<br />
I really think a funky french can be quite chic if done well, black is the go-to choice for many women but really there's a whole rainbow of colors out there, experiment!! I wish I could just get the hang of doing a french; I've used guides and even when I freehanded it, I just didn't feel like it looked as neat as I wanted. So here is a brief history of my french manicures, in all their glory:<br />
<br />
FF #1: Going green!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7212734452/" title="first ever funky french by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="first ever funky french" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7212734452_4be67e486f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Zoya Rose with China Glaze Entourage tips.<br />
<br />
Rose is a sheer pale pink-y beige shimmer with a green flash. It's really nice by itself, but I thought that green tips would coordinate really well, and Entourage is a pretty spring green with green shimmer. I like it a lot and it did look nice with Rose, but can you tell I had never done this before and I free-handed the tips? Because I totally did.<br />
<br />
FF #2: SPARKLE ALL THE TIME edition<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/6607039615/" title="Still fancy by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Still fancy" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6607039615_5fe7c2929c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Essie Vanity Fairest + OPI Your Royal Shine-ness + OPI Servin' Up Sparkle<br />
<br />
I actually really love this look. This was my first time using guides and I thought it came out really well, not perfect but still lovely. Also it is SO FREAKING SPARKLY. Vanity Fairest is a good go-to french base, it's not streaky, has a little bit of shimmer and it brightens up your nails overall. And how can you go wrong with a silver foil and silver holo glitter? I used 2 coats of Servin' Up Sparkle, and it applied really nicely.<br />
<br />
FF #3: Black like my soulless heart <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7154052720/" title="Funky French manicure by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Funky French manicure" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7154052720_e94a53ae90.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Vanity Fairest again + OPI Baby It's Coal Outside + China Glaze Fairy Dust<br />
Again with the Vanity Fairest and the silver holo glitter! I lovelovelove Fairy Dust, it's so pretty and goes with so many colors. I really like Baby It's Coal Outside, it's a rich black that has a lot of shimmer and still manages to look black and not dark grey. Oh man the edges here are super messy looking, even with guides being used. I like the look and I may try this again but I took it off after a day, it was too messy for my tastes.<br />
<br />
So there are my 3 attempts at french manicures. What do you think of french manis? Do they make your skin crawl, or are they still chic? Do you have any tips for a french mani n00b such as myself? Let me know in the comments!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. Meghan<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-16673843016185023702012-05-14T22:17:00.002-04:002012-05-14T22:18:20.819-04:00Chili Lime Pineapple!Hello my anchos and cascabels!<br />
<br />
A quick food post for you, but it's so delicious and simple, maybe it will chase away the Monday blues! I was going to make some chili lime mango for my lunch tomorrow, but my mangoes aren't ripe enough, so instead I decided to use some of the pineapple in my fridge, and I'm so glad I did.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7200339080/" title="Chili lime pineapple! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Chili lime pineapple!" height="375" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/7200339080_1d444169ef.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
After I made this for my lunch, I made another batch to nibble on. <br />
<br />
The construction could not be simpler: chop up some pineapple, squeeze on some lime juice and sprinkle on as much cayenne as you like. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs nicely with the tart lime and cayenne and I bet it would be pretty good with a little sea salt. Or you could give whole pineapple rings the same treatment and then grill them for extra deliciousness.<br />
<br />
And that's all I've got for today, thanks for reading!!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-73408980904663035152012-05-12T00:49:00.000-04:002012-05-14T22:20:09.157-04:00Friday jam: is it really spring? Yes it is!Happy weekend everyone!<br />
<br />
I think by now it's technically saturday but WHO CARES IT'S THE WEEKEND.<br />
<br />
I just spent a lovely evening with my family and will be spending more time with them tomorrow so let's get on with the jam!<br />
<br />
Jam:<br />
FRUITFRUITFRUITFRUIT<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/2577930402/" title="late night snack by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="late night snack" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3157/2577930402_8b50d83f8c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/1022760879/" title="kiwi and blueberries by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="kiwi and blueberries" height="240" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1189/1022760879_80b2d0845c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/1300136122/" title="watermeolon carnage by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="watermeolon carnage" height="240" src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1076/1300136122_d3ea1f6e60_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/2516724306/" title="orange by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="orange" height="240" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2285/2516724306_6f246d8ae8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/2955038668/" title="kiwis and strawberries by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="kiwis and strawberries" height="240" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3198/2955038668_ecf10a0fb8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I can't wait for local fruit to hit the scene but man if I could afford it I would eat fruit all day erry day forever and ever. I don't think this kind of deliciousness needs more of an explanation.<br />
<br />
Jelly:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HtwDC67bPZw" width="420"></iframe><br />
"Ice Cream Man" by Tom Waits, because seeing the ice cream trucks out and about are getting this song stuck in my head left and right. <br />
<br />
Marmalade:<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=tibetan+spaniel+puppies&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=IuutT63XLaOG2gX1jOHpCA&biw=1073&bih=614&sei=KeutT56wLea22gWDk5XpCA">Google Image searching for "tibetan spaniel puppies"</a> because they are the coolest, fluffiest cutest dudes ever. Don't believe me? Check out this dude:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/2641394220/" title="dorje, chillaxing by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="dorje, chillaxing" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3076/2641394220_6840e1da24.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
His name is Dorje and he's just the best. He's not even a puppy at all but don't you just love his cuteness?!?<br />
<br />
That's all I've got today, have a great weekend!!!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-77414308673535084612012-05-09T21:06:00.001-04:002012-05-09T21:06:20.980-04:00Hot pink lipstick: MUFE vs. Sephora!Hello friends!<br />
<br />
Once upon a time, I was <a href="http://cupcakecore.tumblr.com/">Tumbling</a> as I am wont to do, and I stumbled upon <a href="http://makeupbox.tumblr.com/post/19235299929/mac-quick-sizzle-matte-lipstick-dupes-quick">this post</a> on The Makeup Box, comparing Sephora's Love Test creme lipstick to MAC's LE and sold out Quick Sizzle lipstick from the Shop MAC, Cook MAC collection. The colors popped off the screen and looked so bold and vibrant, I decided to give Love Test a try.<br />
<br />
Lo and behold it was a pretty fair color match for MUFE Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick #36, which I happen to own and love a WHOLE HECK OF A LOT.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7125665467/" title="Sephora Love Test versus MUFE Rouge Artist Intense #36 by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Sephora Love Test versus MUFE Rouge Artist Intense #36" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7125665467_87c299569a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
MUFE on top, Sephora on the bottom.<br />
<br />
So Sephora looks denser and more pigmented than MUFE but I think that's just the sheen of the MUFE lipstick. It also appears warmer in pictures but they are pretty much the same color. Honestly, I put them on my lips right next to each other and couldn't tell them apart.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7168059466/" title="Sephora Love Test versus MUFE Rouge Artist Intense #36 by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Sephora Love Test versus MUFE Rouge Artist Intense #36" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8013/7168059466_b031218213.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
MUFE on the left, Sephora on the right.<br />
<br />
I honestly like the MUFE better, it's a really top quality lipstick, it's nice and creamy and wears quite well. I'm still not 100% sure I should even be wearing the Sephora lipstick, as I have had allergic reactions to some of their lip products in the past. I've had no bad reactions to Love Test so far, but I'm not totally convinced one way or the other. I will say that Love Test has a noticable bad taste, not as bad as Urban Decay's lipsticks, but if you are sensitive to these sorts of things (and I am) it's worth keeping in mind.<br />
<br />
So if you're looking for a Quick Sizzle dupe, apparently Love Test is a pretty close one, and IMO MUFE #36 is a perfect match for Love Test, so either way you're set. But really, there's no such thing as too many bright pink lipsticks, am I right?!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-81191087043338316632012-05-07T17:58:00.001-04:002012-05-07T17:58:13.255-04:00Potato and Roasted Tomato Soup!Hello my little crumpets and scones!<br />
<br />
I'm going to share a delicious soup recipe with you today that is not only delicious and far superior to the canned iteration but it's also vegan and gluten free! But truly, you won't miss the cream/butter. I mean I'm okay with butter and I don't miss it at all in this soup! <br />
<br />
This recipe was definitely inspired by the "Creamy Tomato Soup" recipe from "Veganomicon" by Isa Chandra Moskowitz, and I referenced that recipe for the stock/potato quantities for this recipe. However I've been making a roasted tomato and pepper pasta sauce for a while, and I thought roasting tomatoes would translate well for soup, and boy did it ever! Incidentally you could roast the tomato mix for only about 30 minutes and then puree that mixture for an excellent pasta sauce. <br />
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Potato and Roasted Tomato Soup</div>
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2 lbs. small tomatoes (cherry or grape) washed, cut in half</div>
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4-6 cloves of garlic, smashed</div>
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2 tbs balsamic vinegar</div>
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2 tbs tomato paste</div>
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1 tbs olive oil</div>
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½ tsp paprika</div>
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Âź tsp of dried thyme & oregano</div>
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½ tsp of salt</div>
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1 tbs of olive oil</div>
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1 medium carrot, 2 ribs of celery and a medium yellow onion
diced</div>
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½ tsp of salt</div>
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6 cups stock/broth</div>
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1 lb of white or Yukon gold potatoes peeled and chopped</div>
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal">Preheat
oven to 500F.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mix the
tomatoes with the garlic, vinegar, tomato paste, olive oil, paprika,
thyme, oregano and salt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
want all the ingredients to be well-combined and especially for the tomato
paste to be completely mixed in with the other ingredients. It should look like this:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7154088021/" title="IMG_3689 by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3689" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7154088021_774bb772cd_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">Place
the whole mix in a roasting pan (lined with foil if you like easy clean
up!) and roast for 50 minutes, making sure to give the pan a shake every
10 minutes or so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You want
the tomatoes to look a little bit roasted and you want the liquid to be
about halfway evaporated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It looks like this after roasting:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7154089077/" title="Roasted Tomatoes by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Roasted Tomatoes" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5342/7154089077_738bf4ce65_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;">While
the tomatoes are cooling in a large-ish pot sautee the carrot, onion and
celery in the olive oil with the salt on medium heat for about 6-7
minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they have begun
to turn translucent and brown a little add the stock, and the potatoes, as
well as the tomato mixture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bring it up to boil and turn down to a simmer.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">It
should take about 30 minutes for the potatoes to be cooked through, and
once they are cooked, puree the mixture (carefully!) in a blender or using
an immersion blender if you have one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the soup is completely blended, run it through a
strainer back into the pot and heat for another 10 minutes and serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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</ol>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7154053624/" title="Potato and Roasted Tomato Soup! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Potato and Roasted Tomato Soup!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/7154053624_15450a5c4c.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div>
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You can garnish it with fresh
basil or parsley, pesto or some cheese if youâre not vegan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This would be great with sandwiches,
especially grilled cheese or a garlicky chickpea type sandwich or just some
good garlic bread. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And that's it for today, I hope you all try this soup and love it as much as I do!</div>
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Love and cupcakes,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
Ms. Meghan</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-2293451456239480462012-05-04T19:33:00.001-04:002012-05-14T22:20:50.317-04:00The premiere of Friday Jams!Happy Friday and May the Fourth be with you!!!<br />
<br />
I decided to start a new weekly post on Fridays called Friday Jams! This gives me a chance to post about things I love, or things that are my jam, jelly and marmalade!!<br />
<br />
Jam:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JdKq8I_ZuOA?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
So this is definitely a slow jam but what a song. This album and this song have been in my life for 15 years, and this song has been with me for almost every crush I have ever had, which is a powerful thing. But I honestly think this version of the song is a perfect representation of longing: Ani's performance vocally and instrumentally is a little delicate and reined in, and the slide guitar is a perfect accompaniment to represent the bittersweet tang of un/requited love. If you like Ani, and you don't have this album, do yourself a favor and check it out.<br />
<br />
Jelly:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WAZuKH1PfgQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
Meelo is my patronus, funny eyebrows, lumpy head and all. BE THE LEAF! Actually The Legend of Korra has been pretty amazing thus far, I'm pretty excited to see where it goes (and to find out who Lin's father is!!!)<br />
<br />
Marmalade:<br />
<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41cDJeRjYsL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /><br />
I just started reading "Zone One" and it is so so so good. I don't mind zombie fiction and I do read it, but most of it is just genre fiction. This is a zombie book that defies its genre, and I would even go so far as to compare it to "World War Z". Well worth checking out.<br />
<br />
And that's all I've got today, have a great weekend everyone!<br />
<br />
love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-52474835177546855442012-05-03T18:07:00.001-04:002012-05-03T18:07:06.390-04:00Compare and contrast: pink blushes!Hey everyone!<br />
<br />
I recently purchased a couple of products that seemed awfully similar to each other, so I thought I would compare. I've got another one of these posts coming up with lipstick as well, but I'm pretty stoked on this as one of the products is limited edition and already HTF.<br />
<br />
MAC Lovecloud versus Sonia Kashuk Flushed!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/6979578696/" title="MAC Lovecloud versus Sonia Kashuk Flushed by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="MAC Lovecloud versus Sonia Kashuk Flushed" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6979578696_ff4a939499.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
<br />
Lovecloud was released as part of the Très Cheek collection pretty recently and sold out fast fast fast at all the counters (at least the ones by me) though I just checked and you can still purchase it online (although it sold out at first). It's a beautiful pale, bright pink. It's matte, a little warm, but it's still very pink and I completely love it.
Flushed is a slightly deeper bright pink, with some shimmer, it is definitely closely related to Lovecloud, but it's a little warmer, deeper and doesn't apply as smooth. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/6979578704/" title="MAC Lovecloud versus Sonia Kashuk Flushed by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="MAC Lovecloud versus Sonia Kashuk Flushed" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6979578704_f8a33481c6.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
<br />
In the pan, they look remarkably similar. But once they are swatched, their differences come out a little bit more.
If you can find them, both are worth owning, though the SK is a bit cheaper and much more widely available.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7125665899/" title="MAC Lovecloud versus Sonia Kashuk Flushed by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="MAC Lovecloud versus Sonia Kashuk Flushed" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7125665899_e05283a023.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Flushed on the left, Lovecloud on the right<br />
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So that's Flushed vs. Lovecloud, I hope you liked it! <br />
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love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-55560390804505622312012-05-02T22:00:00.001-04:002012-05-02T22:08:37.640-04:00Juicelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Solid Food(You can read up on day one <a href="http://cupcakecore.blogspot.com/2012/05/juicelove-or-how-i-learned-to-stop.html">here!</a>) <br />
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I hinted at it on my twitter feed, but I broke cleanse*! I KNOW. I feel sort of guilty and then I don't and then I'm indifferent to the whole thing. Honestly after the bowl of cappellini aglio a olio everything was garlicy and nothing hurt, and ultimately my decision was made after considering the following:<br />
<ol>
<li>Time: I spent a lot of time washing, peeling, chopping, juicing, AND cleaning. I would say at least an hour if not more each night. I'm not a quick person, and I have small hands and minor coordination issues, so you might be faster than me.</li>
<li>Waste/cost: for all the goodness that came out of the juice, this is not a top of the line juicer and a lot of goodness (and waste for sure) was getting thrown out. And that means a lot of money was getting thrown out. On the other hand, I don't always use up all my produce so I suppose the difference about balances out.</li>
<li>Physical effects: I had cravings like mad and they never went away. I never had any blood sugar crashes, but I was cold most of the time, and really unfocused and sleepy all day. And even yesterday when I upped my juice intake, I felt slightly feverish which is my body's way of telling me that something isn't right. </li>
</ol>
I want to try again, and I want to keep juicing, it is really nice, but I think my slightly poor time management skills plus the turn of cold, damp weather combined in such a way that this didn't work out the way I wanted it to. I think that if I alternate days versus doing it for days at a stretch, I'll have an easier time of it. We'll see I suppose. <br />
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So have you tried a juice cleanse? Did you have more success than I? Do tell in the comments!!<br />
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*In case this confused you, straight edge people use the term "breaking edge" when they choose to starting drinking/using drugs. So breaking cleanse = stopping the cleanse.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-1219331212477505552012-05-02T20:42:00.000-04:002012-05-02T20:47:08.368-04:00My first glitter gradient mani!Soooo in the wake of not dealing well with the aforementioned juice cleanse, I completely spaced on writing my post for yesterday, so you get 2 posts today, and this one is about the sweet manicure spotted in Monday's post. So without further adieu...my very first glitter gradient manicure!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/6979577004/" title="Green and gold glitter gradient! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Green and gold glitter gradient!" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/6979577004_59022bd433.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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First, let me wax about Illamasqua Nomad, which is the base for this polish. It is MAGNIFICENT. It is a glorious, gorgeous jade green that applies pretty much perfectly. I had almost no clean up and it barely needed 2 coats.<br />
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I used 2 China Glaze polishes for the glitter, "White Cap" which is a sheer gold glass fleck and "Medallion" which is extra small and small gold and medium silver holo glitter in a clear base. Both polishes are great, though I didn't really need "White Cap", "Medallion" is spectacular all on its own.<br />
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To make the gradient, I did a layer of polish on the top third of the nail and let that set for about a minute. I then applied a thick second layer over that, and working quickly, took a clear polish and ran that over the top and middle third of the nail from the top down. I used a clear Essie I had lying around, but any clear polish will do as long as it's not a quick drying polish. I only had to do this all once through.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/6979577014/" title="Green and gold glitter gradient! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Green and gold glitter gradient!" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/6979577014_34efd484a5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I think it came out fairly well for a first time, and if I had more patience it probably would have been even nicer! I hope you liked this post, I'll be back later with the juice cleanse update!<br />
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love and cupcakes,<br />
Ms. MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-83316432636380192982012-04-30T18:43:00.001-04:002012-04-30T19:06:00.191-04:00Juice Cleanse: Day OneHello friends!<br />
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I recently decided to hop on the bandwagon and do a juice cleanse. But I am not made of money or influence and cannot afford the $100 a day for the much talked about R.C. However, I really like the idea of resetting my body and brain a little bit, and I definitely struggle with appropriate portion size and impulse control, and that seems to be a touted benefit of doing a cleanse. So after re-reading <a href="http://www.xojane.com/diy/do-it-yourself-at-home-juice-cleanse">Hannah's post on XOJane</a> I decided to give it a go myself. I purchased a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LEquip-306175-600-Watt-Pulp-Ejection-Juicer/dp/B001VKY6SU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335822003&sr=8-1">juicer</a> thanks to my tax refund, and I got to work.<br />
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Last night I made 2 juices, and forgive the indulgence but I have given them slighty silly names:<br />
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Green Goodness<br />
2 handfuls of chopped kale and baby spinach<br />
1 fuji apple, peeled/chopped<br />
1 kiwi, peeled/chopped<br />
4 romaine leaves, washed<br />
1 tablespoon lemon juice (I juiced 2 lemons and am keeping that in the fridge to add as needed, I probably needed 1.5 for this juice)<br />
2 mini english cukes, chopped<br />
tiny piece of peeled ginger<br />
a few parsley & mint leaves<br />
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Ravishing Red<br />
(the inspiration for this was a frequent side dish favorite of mine which is orange ginger roasted beets)<br />
1 beet, washed, peeled, chopped<br />
3 medium carrots, peeled, chopped
1 fuji apple, peeled, chopped<br />
1 orange peeled, broken up into reasonable segments<br />
larger piece of peeled ginger<br />
4 romaine leaves<br />
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I sent all ingredients through the juicer, though I found that I needed to send the expelled pulp back through a couple of times. Both juices came out fine. The recipes here maybe made 14 oz of juice, maybe 16 oz.? I am using 20 oz. water bottles so I just made up the difference with water. Both juices were good but it certainly was not enough to get me through the day and I came home cold, hungry and a little crabby. So I made this:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/6983532618/" title="Juice cleanse soup. by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="Juice cleanse soup." height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6983532618_44706b5ed8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
(Does that amazing looking manicure intrigue you? Check back tomorrow for the details!)<br />
3 small tomatoes<br />
2 handfuls kale, one of spinach<br />
1/2 small clove of garlic<br />
A few parsley leaves<br />
Sprinkle of cayenne<br />
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I then added a little water to this, plus a couple of pinches of salt (!!!! I think the salt is definitely cheating!!!!) and heated up the whole mixture in the microwave. It was fine, it was obviously not a perfect substitute for the delicious, delicious pizza I am craving right now. The pizza that is in my fridge not 10 feet from where I sit. But I will ignore it and stick with the juice as long as I can, and I'll be back on Wednesday with a cleanse update!<br />
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-Ms. Meghan<br />
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p.s. Big disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and I don't necessarily recommend doing anything like this without doing research and/or consulting with your doctor. Do what's right and healthy for you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-59037526579204812512012-04-08T15:25:00.004-04:002012-04-08T15:32:14.821-04:00Featured on Temptalia: Polka Dots on Pink!Hey friends,<br /><br />Temptalia put out a call for spring nails, and since I was stuck at home dealing with major drama (UGH) but nothing to do, I decided to put together a sweet manicure to submit!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7053771925/" title="Spring/Easter nails! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5117/7053771925_0f62fde103.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Spring/Easter nails!"></a><br />Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear polish was used for almost all of this look. Bubblegum Pink is the base, and the dots were done in Mint Sorbet and Lacey Lilac. I added a top coat of China Glaze Fairy Dust, because it's a nice subtle sparkle that doesn't hide the colors underneath it.<br /><br />I've done just the polka dots as an accent nail, for my birthday manicure last year:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/5854227623/" title="IT'S SO SPARKLY I'M GONNA DIE! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3076/5854227623_bf1ec167fc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IT'S SO SPARKLY I'M GONNA DIE!"></a><br />You can't really see them because I topped the whole look with the sinful glitter polish and it's kind of thick.<br /><br />So if you want to check out the other shot of my look or all the other super cute spring manicures, just <a href="http://www.temptalia.com/spotlight-on-spring-nail-art-and-looks#more-33908">click here!</a> Thanks to Christine for opening up for submissions, that's super cool of her!<br /><br />love and cupcakes,<br />Ms MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-66035853954522990902012-04-03T18:38:00.005-04:002012-04-03T19:19:49.323-04:00Sicky McInfectedpants Soup!Hello friends.<br /><br />Today was absolutely lovely around here, it was sunny, and in the high 50's at least. I mean, I spent most of the day inside, but when I left work it was nice out. I'm even typing this with the window open in my kitchen. In spite of all the nice weather, I am feeling crummy. So I ran a few quick errands, picked up a couple of things at the grocery store and have made my go to #1 soup for when I am feeling ill. I call it Sicky McInfectedpants soup, and it is pretty tasty, seriously easy, and good fer what ails ya. When I'm feeling unwell, I tend to crave fresher flavors, but I really love spicy/sour flavors, it wakes me up and makes me feel better just by eating it. And if you're congested, who needs Sudafed when you have spicy soup?!<br /><br />I'm going to outline the simple version, and then detail how I gussy it up further. You can make it as simple or complex as you're feeling.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7043346987/" title="Sicky McInfectedpants Soup! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5031/7043346987_8bd7d9ef00.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sicky McInfectedpants Soup!"></a><br /><br /><br />Sicky McInfectedpants soup<br />1-1.5 tsp grapeseed oil<br />3-4 cloves of garlic, grated<br />1/2 inch piece of ginger, grated<br />crushed red pepper flakes<br />32-48 oz. of stock (I used a box of Kitchen Basics unsalted chicken stock and then added 2 c. of water and one veggie boullion cube)<br />pinch of salt, or more as needed.<br />handful of grated carrot<br />1 scallion, thinly sliced<br />lime juice (1 wedge per bowl)<br /><br />1. Heat up the oil in a medium pot, grating in the garlic & ginger once it starts to thin out. Add a pinch of salt and cook on medium heat until they start to get a little clumpy and very light brown. <br />2. Add the crushed red pepper flakes (to taste, some people like a little, some people like a lot!) and cook for 30 seconds. Turn the heat up to high and add your stock.<br />3. Once the soup comes up to a boil, turn down to a simmer and add the carrots.<br />4. Serve hot with a squeeze of lime juice, and some crackers on the side.<br /><br />Now, I wasn't feeling so crummy, so I got a little fancy:<br /><br />1. I added ~1 tsp of tom yam paste to the garlic and ginger. This can be found at a well stocked Asian market. It has a very high sodium content, so I used it pretty sparingly. <br /><br />2. In a separate tiny pot, I toasted up the crushed red pepper flakes with whole coriander, whole black peppercorns, and whole cardamon (the little seeds, not the whole pods). I added a little bit of stock to this plus the stumps of the garlic cloves I grated into the bigger pot. I cooked this at a boil for a few minutes then poured it through a strainer into the big pot.<br /><br />3. Once I brought the stock up to a boil, I ladled it into a bowl with: chopped baby spinach, finely chopped parsley, grated carrot, and topped all this with scallions. It was hot enough to cook everything.<br /><br />4. I added some low sodium soy sauce because the soup was under-seasoned. This is the kind of recipe that you can add salt at the end if needed and the soup won't suffer for it. Just add it a little at a time so you don't over-do it.<br /><br />5. You can add shredded chicken or chickpeas to this to make it extra filling. You can also add bulgur, just make sure to stick to only about 1/4-1/2 c. uncooked bulgur because it soaks up liquid, and you want to have soup, not mush.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/7043348775/" title="Sicky McInfectedpants Soup! by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7043348775_433906bc45.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sicky McInfectedpants Soup!"></a><br /><br />See, that wasn't so hard! And it takes less than 1/2 an hour to put together, so you have plenty of time to veg on the couch and watch cartoons, or if you're me, play your new video game!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-58789055992799860482012-03-22T21:00:00.003-04:002012-03-22T21:19:04.616-04:00Entertaining ideas and suggestions!Hey everyone!<br /><br />So I totally polish bombed you last week, how much fun was that? I thought it was pretty groovy myself and it was kind of cool to have regular posts for a change. And I would like to post more, but I'm finding it hard to focus on one thing because I want to focus on ALL THE THINGS!<br /><br />But the more I think about it, the more I realize I would love to have a lifestyle type blog, with a variety of posts, but focused on lifestyle blogging for the rest of us. I realize that with most lifestyle bloggers, it is something like escapist fantasy. However I think it would be nice to read a blog that is something you want to read, and is both entertaining and realistic! Maybe this is unattainable, or maybe it isn't, but I think that there's a market for it. <br /><br />Is there something you would like to see in a lifestyle blog, or this blog in general? Let me know in the comments!<br /><br />love and cupcakes,<br />Ms MeghanUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92310052714044385.post-78377514197026157792012-03-17T13:04:00.003-04:002012-05-02T20:48:26.836-04:00Week of Greens day 7: St Patrick's Day mani!Even though I'm sort of indifferent to St Patrick's day, being festive = fun nail polish, and I'm always down with that! I was going to something over the top and fancy but then I realized simpler was easier and could still be just as pretty!<br />
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And how could I NOT wear a polish called "Four Leaf Clover"?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/6844061146/" title="China Glaze: Four Leaf Clover by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="China Glaze: Four Leaf Clover" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6844061146_b84bb404dd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This is China Glaze Four Leaf Clove from the AMAZING Up & Away collection. It's a seriously beautiful teal/green creme, which of course just won't be photographed properly. It's brighter and more green in real life. On my ring finger (my accent nail of choice) I did a coat of Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure (the original) and over that a coat of Essie As Gold as it Gets. So it's kind of like a pot of gold, but mostly it's just really pretty.<br />
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A note on the manicure: This is 1 coat of Seche rebuild, 1 coat of China Glaze Ridge Filler and 2 coats of FLC. I think China Glaze Ridge Filler is the best in the entire universe but it's a little HTF for me, so I don't use it very often. I do like to use it with really intense/pigmented greens to help prevent staining. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cupcakecore/6844061506/" title="China Glaze: Four Leaf Clover by cupcakecore, on Flickr"><img alt="China Glaze: Four Leaf Clover" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6844061506_cbd71a3579.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Slightly blurry, but still so pretty!!!!<br />
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I think you can still get the Up & Away collection from most e-tailers, and if you can, you should, speaking only for the brights, it's an amazing collection. The pastels are beautiful too, I'm just not a pastel kind of girl for the most part. Hidden Treasure was of course LE, but there are enough dupes of it floating around, and As Gold as it Gets is still pretty widely available (I saw it at Target last night!)<br />
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So that's my week of greens! I'll probably give nail polish a break, but I'll definitely be back soon with something awesome! Happy St. Patrick's day everyone!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0