Melificent

Themed Nails: Gatsby & Sherlock

So if you follow me on Instagram, you know that I took on not one, but TWO themed parties in the span of a week. Some may call it crazy, I call it a challenge. First off was our Great Gatsby New Years Eve bash. I had a lot of fun decorating our place with glitter, sequins and fringe, but lets be honest. What gets me most excited are the themed mani’s that come along with events!

I didn’t have a whole lot of time, so I had to look over great tutorials, such as this one, before settling on the one you see above (reference). I have to say that it was a super easy manicure to achieve and it looked fantastic! I was complimented on it for days afterwards and it held up nicely.

Gatsby Nails
Two coats of Essie‘s Shifting Power
Two coats of China Glaze‘s Smoke & Ashes, stopping a little short to create the reverse french effect
One heaping coat of Sally Hansen‘s Big Matte Top Coat only over the black portion

Only a few days later, we hosted a viewing party for the new series of BBC’s Sherlock, which I can honestly say is my new favorite show. I have an unhealthy addiction to it and just can’t get enough. It’s been awhile since I’ve felt the fangirl burn inside of me so bright! Of course, I would have these feelings for a show that only airs 3 episodes every 2 years. I hate you, Moffat. But all that aside: FINGERNAILS (reference).

Sherlock Nails
One coat of Sinful Colors‘ Snow Me White (or any white polish) over all fingers except your accent
Three coats of Essie‘s Bouncer It’s Me on all nails
Create the Union Jack on your accent nail using a toothpick (it works even better than my dotting tools!)
For the red, I used Essie‘s Aperitif

Also, remember to exercise patience while trying to pull off these manicures. I often do not succeed, but I’m trying my best to learn to sit still! Doing nail art while watching a movie or TV show tends to help keep me occupied.

Lovable Friday

1. A Letter from Fred; A friend posted this on his Facebook, and I decided to listen as I was driving home from work. Well, needless to say, I think everyone driving by me thought someone had just died because I was sobbing in my driver’s seat. This is such a touching and heartfelt story about an old man and his undying love for his recently deceased wife. I think everyone should have the opportunity to experience a love this powerful and, as Frank put it, REAL. Just have your tissues ready.

2. Sherlock; Add another TV obsession to the list. Sherlock is just incredible. I love the beauty shots of my favorite city, the way the show is filmed and the incredible cast. It gives Sherlock Holmes a new modern side that you have never seen before. At a running time of 90 minutes an episode, you really have to commit, but it is so worth it. Seasons are only 3 episodes long, and trust me, they leave you wanting more. Plus, is Benedict Cumberbatch not the cutest? I totally adore him and his Asperger-ness.

3. *Nsync reunion; I have a confession to make: I used to be one helluva Nsync fangirl back in the day. I went to more shows than I can remember, learned all the dance moves and yes, even had a Lance Bass marionette (figures I loved the gay one). So when they reunited (even for a brief 2 minutes) on last weekend’s VMA’s, a little piece of me reverted back to that 18 year old hyper fan. Seriously, I screamed, jumped and possibly shed a few tears. But what a tease! I demand a reunion tour!

4. Jelly boots; These clear ombre-like boots are killing me. Mainly because I don’t know if I should add them to my wardrobe. Sure, they are fun and different, but will they stand the test of time? My vote is probably no, but I am not one to adhere to any of those silly guidelines anyways. Plus, this would give me another reason to buy more fun socks! Good talk, self. Good talk.

5. Black Milk’s Harry Potter line; As my best friend, Elsie, would say: “Just shut up & take my money.” I share that sentiment in regards to Black Milk Clothing’s new Harry Potter line that is slated to debut September 10th. Leggings, dresses and swimsuits decked out in marauder maps, deathly hallows and house crests? Say no more. How much were they again?

Lovable Friday!

1. Comicbookgirl19; My husband turned me on to this incredible chick, and I am so glad he did. As her name suggests, she covers all things comics, as well as pop culture, but in such a relatable and fun way. I mean, she has a robot sidekick and bright pink hair. Shall I say more? No, but seriously, she has turned us on to a lot of new geeky stuff and has a killer Game of Thrones series. Check it out fellow fangirls (& boys).

2. Fabulous folding chairs; You know you have some scrubby ass folding chair buried somewhere in your house. It’s embarrassing, dirty and definitely not worthy of your kick ass decor. Well, this DIY is sure to change that! With a little patience, determination and a staple gun, you will be well on your way to making dem chairs fancy, gurl.

3. Yellow skirt; Another Pinterest ghost. I’m featuring way too many of these and it’s just not fair to you or to me, quite honestly, but I can’t help myself. I mean, look at that skirt. Look at that color pop! The scalloped slit! The amazing fit! How could any red-blooded girl resist? To me, it screams J.Crew. What do you Pinterest sleuths determine?

4. Omission gluten free beer; Let me get real for a second. Gluten free beer? It tastes disgusting. Real talk, people. Most of the time, I can stomach it, but this really unappetizing after taste remains. For awhile. An uncomfortable while. For that reason, I have stuck to wine for a long time now. But every now and then, I can’t handle everyone holding frosty beer mugs around me. The peer pressure is too strong and I want to be holding an ice cold beer myself. Well, those days are over. Omission gluten free beer is a craft beer – that’s right. I said BEER. It is made with all the stuff regular beer is made of: barley, hops, water and yeast. EXCEPT, it is brewed in such a way that it REMOVES all gluten making it safe for glutards like myself. This beer tastes like any craft beer should, and for that, I am thankful. Pick it up at Total Wine!

5. Kitty bangle; This precious kitty bangle is as adorable as it is overpriced! Despite it’s exaggerated price tag, I find myself needing it in the worst way. Have I mentioned I don’t particularly like cats (I’m actually super allergic)? Why am I drawn to this damn thing? Definite first world problems.

A Melificent Kitchen: GF/Dairy Free Pizza Bites

I’m not a star in the kitchen by any means, but since adhering to my gluten free/dairy free diet more strictly, I’ve had to come to terms with cooking. And you know what? I’ve had fun! Pinterest is a great resource for recipes for those of us with dietary restrictions, and this particular recipe for pizza bites really stood out. Not only are they safe, but also healthy! Six of these babies are only approximately 265 calories. So binge away, readers!


All you need is a box of uncooked quinoa. I use Nature’s Earthly Choice, a quick grab at your local Publix Greenwise aisle. Go ahead, and follow the directions on the box. While it’s cooking, you are going to need the following ingredients:

[Read more…]

Lovable Friday!

1. Castle bed linens; these bed linens couldn’t be cuter if they tried. The Australia based company prides themselves on providing quality hand made products, specifically stark white linens with perfectly flouro pillowcases in fun designs. It’s times like these were I start to curse the existence of international shipping.

2. Mini cacti garden; I’ve developed a deep love of succulents. I don’t know if it’s because they are easier to care for (& I have a black thumb) or if they are just more aesthetically pleasing to me, but I can’t get enough of them. This adorable mini garden would make the perfect centerpiece for your coffee table or outdoor patio. Plus is that these little cuties can even be found at your local CVS for less than $2 a pop!

3. DIY envelopes; this blogger stated that she may be crazy. I personally think she’s a genius. I love looking through those huge scrapbook paper pads whenever I am at Joann’s or Michael’s, so the thought of making adorable custom envelopes with them make my heart flutter. I also enjoy Friday night crafting while watching rom-coms. I think this may be love, guys.

4. Flower pops; file this under, “too pretty to eat.” Well, maybe. These would be the perfect addition to a summer pool party, bridal or baby shower. Just make sure the flowers you choose are edible or you may be in for a not-so-tasty surprise(did I mention that one time my hubs ate his wedding boutineer? Yikes).

5. DIY outdoor bar; although this will surely prove to be one hell of an undertaking, I am willing to man up for the challenge. I’ve always wanted to have a bar in our backyard, since it is the perfect space for summer pool parties, but I don’t really have the room (or extra budget) to get one. In comes this amazing compact bar! Now…to make it hurricane proof….