5 Nail Looks

An Organized Life

Has anyone ever felt like when your surroundings are unorganized, so is your life?  Meaning, you become late paying your bills, stressed, overwhelmed, etc.  I am one of those people.  I get so out of whack that my world becomes complete chaos.  When that happens, I take my frustrations out on my family and those around me.  My poor daughter gets the brunt of it all and I have to stop and gather myself.  I NEED to stay organized, or I literally feel depressed and cannot handle anything that life throws at me.  When my space is decluttered, clean and organized, I feel at ease.  It's crazy how these things go hand in hand!
I have started decluttering my space (my closet) about twice a year.  If I haven't worn it within the past 6 months to a year, with the exception of the clothes that are "season specific", I get rid of it.  I started selling on FACEBOOK!  Which, by the way, is the absolute best way to say "goodbye" to your beloved possessions, knowing they will go to a good home.  I am so sick of heading to resale shops that give me JACK for my goods, that are in practically perfect condition.  I'm talking gorgeous shoes, and clothes that were worn once, or twice... Good stuff.  I can always count on my girls to come rescue me during the much needed "purge".  It's nice to see all of my clothes and actually remember what I have and wear them!    Although it is sad to see the Charlie Jade dress go and the Steven by Steve Madden T-Strap studded heels leave their special cubby in my closet, I feel better knowing their destination.
My makeup is also in this same category.  I bought the 9 drawer Alex dresser from IKEA and I am so pleased with it.  I have been able to go through my makeup, getting rid of stuff I didn't want and organize the stuff I did.  Most everything is in it's own special place where it can be seen!  I had makeup bags filled to the brim with tons of cosmetics and I would forget that I even owned most of it!  Therefore, it was never used.
As I'm writing this, I'm sitting on my "made" bed, smelling my Exotic Coconut candle and able to see the beautiful wood floors and gorgeous shag rug absolutely clutter free.  I feel happy.

XOXO,

Lo Lo

#ClutterFree2014

2014

So...
2014 is upon us.  I am so excited about this year and all it has to offer!  I got my manicurist license last April and I have started a career as a nail technician.  I am also still working as a freelance makeup artist.  I am my own boss and I choose my own hours.  This is so great, but also very challenging as far as making enough money to actually save and grow.  I have learned this past year and the beginning of this year to really put my faith in God, and let him supply my needs.  I am not making much, but I am happy and my needs are being met.I have more time for my daughter and family.  I am focused on making a better life and really expanding in my area of expertise!  With that being said, I will continue to blog on here... It has been way too long and I have added more recent videos to my Youtube.  This will start to be part of my daily routine... I am also excited about my friends who also have blogs and you tube channels coming out!  Go get em girls!

XoXo,

Lo Lo

www.youtube.com/facesbylolo

Subscribe to my channel and follow my blog!

J.Cat Nail Stickers

Hey kids!  Okay, so most of my blogs are positive... This one, not so much.  I was at IMATS 2 weeks ago and picked up these nail stickers by J.Cat.  I was intrigued because they showcased 3D nail art, and thought that it would be ideal for when I needed to save a little time.  I love doing nail art and bling on my nails, but sometimes I just want to get up and go, being able to achieve that same look in half the time.  When I first put them on I was thinking that I wasn't impressed by the way I had to remove the excess from around the nail.  I attempted the traditional file off method of other nail stick ons, and that wasn't working.  The material is a thick plastic sticker, so file off was just stretching and shredding it apart.  I then decided to take my nail clippers and just snip off the excess which worked fine.  So there we have it, I got the stickers on, gave myself an accent nail, that I painted pink and glued the stones on myself, and the look was finally complete.  I did this Saturday night.  Sunday I went out and after a few times scratching my skin or picking something up, to moving my hair, some of the stickers began lifting and folding back near the free edge of the nail.  I kept having to push them back down. :(  MAJOR BUMMER.  The pack said they were supposed to last up to 10 days!  That wasn't happening.  At that point I started thinking, "maybe a topcoat?"  So I did that, and sealed the tip on a few of the nails.  As they tried, the polish dried ripply on top and was not smooth any longer... very disappointing.  So on the last few, I strictly decided to seal the tip.  This still did not help to keep them flush with my nail bed.  I ended up peeling them off Monday night, leaving my two pink accent nails, which of course, were still completely in tact.  I am definitely a fan of the OPI stick ons and the Sally Hansen, being that they really do last.  The only thing I didn't like about the OPI ones, was that my nails got a little messy during the removal process.  But they lasted a full 7 days, which was enough for this girl.  I have decided if I choose to wear these specific stickers again, I will only rock them as accent nails, as not to waste an entire set.  I will also possibly add nail glue to the free edge, when securing it to the nail.  Trial and error right?  We shall see.

XOXO,
Lo Lo

Here are my nails immediately after application...

My NAKED WARDROBE!!!!

I was scrolling through my IG this morning when I noticed a post about this boutique called Naked Wardrobe.  I died.  Literally... I immediately "followed" them and of course, had to order a few pieces.  I saw this amazing sweater with sequined elbow patches.  I love everything about this sweater!  From the color to the style and sequins... I am awed.  I also ordered a black cross long sleeve tee.  I love the leather and studs.  So awesome!  As I was navigating through the website, I had a few hangups during checkout.  I called customer service and the young lady on the other line stayed on the phone with me as I attempted to remedy my order.  She was so patient and friendly.  After being unsuccessful twice, she ended up taking all of my payment information over the phone.  What a great experience!  I can't wait to get my new gear!

Follow them on Instagram! nakedwardrobe
Visit their site @ www.nakedwardrobe.com

XOXO,
LO LO

Happy Shopping!

NAIL NOSTALGIA

For the past two years I have really been getting into nail polish and the "accent nail".  I love creating designs and wearing something a bit different from the general population.  I am a fan of OPI, China Glaze and Essie.  I love these lines!  I love the colors, textures and pure quality I get from them.  Recently I began doing my friends manicures and pedicures.  It's so much fun for me and is giving me plenty of practice.  Here are 3 photos of nails I have done.  I will post more as I continue on this new found journey!  Enjoy!

XOXO,

LO LO

Disappointed...

Have you ever felt like you give a rat's ass a bit more than others?  I feel like in my friendships, I try and nurture to the best of my ability.  Sure, we all get tied up in things, or are busy... I'm a single mom; I get it.  But, there are times when you want a little more out of your friends besides a 45 minute coffee break once every 4 months.  You plan a day... Invite... And get, "Oh I don't go out" or "I'm super busy on the weekends, coffee breaks during the week are better for me"... This beezie is telling you that she doesn't have the time to put into your friendship.  I tend to take things like this very personal.  Some of my friends are like, "Lo, screw them... They obviously don't value your time nor do they deserve it."  It's hard for me to shake things of this nature off so easily.  I need to grow a thicker skin and not care so much.  The ones who care about me and value ME, will show it.  I can nurture those relationships.  It's much more fulfilling to have quality friendships over a quantity of mediocre.

XOXO,
Lo Lo