Toesies of the Month - August 2009

I know it's only been 2 weeks. But I'll be honest..the orange started to hurt my eyes a little :) It was just such a BRIGHT shade! Really fun, actually! I'd get them that bright again...but I needed some familiarity...

I also needed to get them done to match the bellydance costume I plan on wearing for my Lola's 90th Birthday Party :)

Designed by Thuy at Star Nails, Allston, MA
Color: Sally Hansen Hi-Def #4070-04
Occasion: Bellydance
August 2009

I used to go to Star Nails often when I was in school. A cute couple owned it and worked in it together. But since the management changed, I haven't really gone very often. They don't have anyone trained in doing the super cute designs. So they usually hand me a palette of fake nails, and I point to the one I like the most. This month, the design isn't as cute, but it's green now :D

I also decided to get a manicure as well. I don't do them often because I do so much with my hands, that it never lasts long. You can somewhat see it in the picture, but I already have a little scuff on my thumb which I got from taking the lock off my bike. Also, I got some of the Mermaid FLASH along the top of the French tip. It's really cute, actually! There's this subtle shimmer on them if you look closely at the picture.

Designed by Thuy at Star Nails, Allston, MA
Color: aura science - Mermaid FLASH + OPI Alpine Snow - Matte
Occasion: Bellydance

I've never gotten French tip nails before. When I got my nails done last month, I went with my lovely sister and she got French tip on her hands with a gold glitter line at the top. I wanted to give it a try while adding my own personal style. But I feel super dainty with them! It's like I have to be super careful now...but I know I'm going to mess them up within a week. Thuy also made my nails look super long! I feel like I'm all deceitful...like it's early Halloween! And I love Halloween! I'm definitely enjoying my nails this month!

In general, I like Star Nails because of it's proximity, but I would probably stick with Dana's Nails - if only for the super super cute designs the girls there do without needing a template!

I find it really interesting what the nail staff are watching. In some salons, they've got on the news. In others, like Dana's, they have a movie or a DVD of Madonna's or Christina Aguilera's tour. The women in Star Nails were watching some Vietnamese TV, which was showing some Chinese drama dubbed in Vietnamese. But the commercials had my full attention...they were RIDICULOUS! There were a variety of random massage products, from the feet massage, to some weird belt-like massager, to the ever-hilarious Hula Chair. It was even MORE random and hilarious in Vietnamese. What's that? You don't know about the awesomeness that IS the Hula Chair? Well...here you go...



You're welcome.

Next month: September and Fall and a new academic year! Colors I relate to that are oranges and browns and golds. Don't know if I'll stick to that palette...but maybe I'll just surprise you all.

CSA Adventures: "Beet It"

I've never really had beets before...

I mean, maybe in small amounts - in salads or as part of a bigger meal.

But never this much:

(Borscht! So much of it that only the slow cooker could hold it!)

Borscht. It's fun to say, actually. But damn, it's hard to eat if you're not used to beets.

Toesies of the Month - July 2009

In honor of my makatíng toes and my travels, I wanted to share some of the awesome pedicure designs I love to get done.

Pedicures are the one self-care thing I like to give myself at least every month, no matter what the season. In the dark of winter in New England, depression and seasonal affective disorder are real things. If I can walk around with the slightest bit of cheer to keep me going - and they happen to be on the feet I walk on - then I'm set.

CSA Adventures: "Let's get it on."

Many of us are already well-versed in being eco-friendly, toting our reusable bags full of organic and locally grown Farmer's Market purchases on our bikes or onto the T. With all the hoopla about going "green" and "eco-friendly," it was refreshing to hear first-hand about the benefits of joining a CSA. I first learned about the marvels of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) through my lovely friend Julie (and Adam!), who waxed poetic about the awesomeness that is the weekly box of veggies delivered from a local farm.

Summer Lovin'

I heart the Summer!!!!!!

Here are some things I'd like to do before or by Labor Day a.k.a the last day of relative freedom:

1. Really actually organize the entryway/living room area of the apartment...like, for reals....
2. Check out at least 5 of the free outdoor activities listed in my calendar.
3. Pack my bathing suit to work EVERYDAY (on the off chance that I can sneak away and enjoy some sun at the beach) and stash some sunscreen/sun tan lotion at work.
4. See my family and friends in Los Angeles (plane tickets bought!).
5. Go Karaoke at least 3x a month.
6. Really actually get into a pool this summer (instead of standing outside in the rain with a bathing suit...that's soooo last summer...)
7. Take a road trip to a new place or an old familiar place.
8. Learn how to hula hoop :)

Who's with me???