5 on Friday

1. I confess  . . .

 "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart"

 - Winnie the Pooh

2. I confess . . . 

I'm excited that my sister is coming into town today and my parents tomorrow. Having a kiddo makes me wish we all lived in the same town. There is so much planning and coordinating that goes into seeing everyone now. 

3. I confess . . .

Functioning on about 6 hours of broken sleep isn't so bad - especially when you are so needed during those up hours. I must say though, hopefully this Babywise method works and before long I will be getting those hours uninterrupted. 

4. I confess . . .

I enjoy saving money on manicures - but doing your own shellac at home is NO joke. It takes forevvvva and it is so not as easy as they make it look. 

Gelish - Gossip Girl 

FingerPaints Gel Polish - Jingle & Mingle (accent nail)

For those of you who do your own gel polish manicures - where do you purchase affordable polish from? I have only ever bought on sale because I can't get myself to pay $10-$15 a bottle on polish. 

5. I confess . . . 

My relationship with my hubby has changed so much since having Kingston - but for the better. Tune in next week to see how he has changed our marriage in his 2 short weeks of life! 

Nail Files [11]

So this week I received some super happy mail - the best Christmas gift! 

The complete Gelish starter kit ... light and all!  I liked this option because it came with 2 full size colors. I've been looking all over on the web for some the best deals on colors - and it looks like Amazon might be the best place for some new colors. $11 bucks a piece though ... yikes. Please let me know if you have seen them cheaper anywhere. 

Nails this week: 

Gelish: Gossip Girl

What I've learned from my first time doing this

1. It's a super long process - so make sure you have time

2. Make sure your coats aren't thick - or you will have to keep it under the light longer

3. Do NOT let it get on your skin - this is the number one cause for it to start peeling off 

4. To make sure it doesn't get on your skin - do work on your cuticles before

Nail Files

CND Shellac - Rock Royalty. 

I've fully transitioned over into the fall colors. 

Once you go dark, you can't go back. Not until at least February or March! 

Linking up with Jennie. 

Football Fashion

TGIF! 

Well, for me I've had about a week of Fridays and I'm really enjoying this week off between jobs. It's super refreshing and nice to get caught up on everything. 

Anyways, today I am collaborating with Katie over at Studious Style over all things Fall Fashion related. She is doing a series on Fridays about all things fall fashion related. Check her out! She started blogging at the beginning of August and talks about all things fashion related, beauty related, and has the best sense of style! I wish I could raid that girls dresses. 

Since we here in the Trotter household are sports fanatics, I'm going to be talking about Football Fashion. Since tonight is the first SE Buffs football game {CT teaches at this school}, tomorrow is the first Friends University football game {CT coaches at this school}, and next week we are going to our first NFL game of the year {Cowboys vs Chiefs} I thought it was only appropriate to talk about football fashion. 

But first, let me start out by saying I am a simple girl.

 I like plain shirts that I can dress up with a scarf or a fun necklace, and in my closet you will find most things in black, white, or grey. With that being said, I have realized I need to spend a little less money at Hobby Lobby and a focus some of those dollars to help out my wardrobe!! 

In preparation for next weeks Cowboys game, I have already started thinking about what I am going to wear. It's a noon game in the middle of September, so unfortunately it's a no go on boots and jackets. 

Outfit choice #1:

Navy Sperry's // Nordstrom Rack 

Navy Shirt // Gordmans

Corduroy Shorts // American Eagle

Multi Colored Scarf // America Eagle

This look would be a little more comfy casual. 

Outfit Choice #2:

Gold Shirt // Gifted

Navy Shorts // American Eagle

 Gianni Bini Sandals // Dillard's 

This outfit is a little more fun and festive and will probably be the route I go. 

I can't forget the new NFL purse rule. 

Hopefully this one passes inspection! 

Just enough room for my phone, chapstick, id, and debit card. 

I also got my bi-weekly manicure to coordinate with the upcoming events. 

Navy + Glitter screams Cowboys & Fall

Linking up with Well Shut the Front Door, Venus Trapped, and Style Elixir.

Nail Files [9]

I don't know about you guys, but this week I have been trying to usher in fall to the extreme! I'm talking scarf wearing, boot wearing, fall nail color. . . 

You get the picture.

Case in point.

Thanks Windmillion by OPI.

Have you switched over to the fall nail colors yet?

Nail Files [8]

Last weekend I went down to Texas for my BSF's wedding. 
{Feel free to check out my recap here because it turned out SOO pretty!}

The day before her wedding, our whole bridal party went to get our nails done. 

If you've been around, you know my love for shellac. Doesn't chip, stays looking like this for 2 weeks +, and makes my nails super hard so they grow better! 

I figured since her colors were pastel that I would go with something soft and subtle + who doesn't want an accent nail?

Please don't mind this gorgeous 3k cushion cut just laying on my finger!

 My friends father owns a jewelry store so we went to get our rings cleaned and  to try on some massive stones!

I told CT I needed something like this for our 10 year anniversary. 

It was only $26k, just a small car on my finger. No biggie! 

Nail Files [7]

We just hired a new nail technician at work this week, so I got a nice 'training' manicure. You can't beat free - especially while on a budget.

 {Don't mind the nubs. I went on a binge last week =/}

CND Shellac

Grey // Cityscape with VIP Silver over it

Pink // Cake Pop with VIP Gold over it

Linking up with Jennie.

Nail Files [6]

With today being the first day we can totally focus on baseball (because the NBA playoffs are over), this nail combo is a throwback from last summer when we went to STL for some Cardinals baseball games. 

Pinterest inspired. 

I don't have the blue any more so I'm not sure of the polish name, but I added a gradient of loose white glitter on top. 

Then I used a tooth pick to create the baseball lines.

Cute and festive!

Linking up with 

Birthday Week Recap

Wowzers! 

This lady feels like such a lush after this weeks shenanigans. I have drank maybe 5 times this whole year, and three of those were nights this week. 

 All day Wednesday was our managers retreat, and then we had a whole work meeting followed by pizza, booze, bowling, and go karts! 

 This is just a select few of the awesome ladies I work with.

 I needed to mark this day in history. I beat the G = the greatness = CT! 

I won't ever let him live it down. 

 Thursday was my 24th birthday!
May 30th. The perfect day for a birthday.
 It was a fast day at work with lunch at one of my faves with the med team ladies, and then an evening with my man.

When I walked in from work, CT surprised me with this beauty. 

He started off spoiling me at the beginning of our relationship and it continues! 

For dinner, we went to Playa Azul for some margs and the usual, and then headed to the circus. 

My favorite part was the animals and the crazy motorcycle drivers in this huge metal ball. 
What blew my mind was that the circus crew was maybe only a total of 20 people that performed all the stunts, music, and dancing. 
The guy driving the motorcycle was the same one on the tight.
 They are very talented people!


On Friday, I stayed late at work and then went over to Miss Evie's house to have a triple date bbq. 
I am trying to hook my sister up with her brother. =))

Jenna was in town for the weekend. 
On Saturday, we went and got a manicure, did a little shopping, and then went to Old Chicago for some pizza.
 I had to get a paint brush and some new hardware for my buffet table I'm redoing. 

  This was after 2 coats. I'll do one more coat tomorrow and then showcase the final product. 
I love it!

Workout gear from the sis. 

When anyone asked what I wanted for my birthday, I sent them to my previous blog posts and it worked. =)) 


I have a feeling 24 is going to be the best year yet!

Nail Files [5] + Promotion!

Happy Friday yall! 

My Friday started out with a nice little promotion. I am now the Cosmetic Clinic Assistant Director/ VIP Coordinator at Healing Cosmetic Waters. It was unexpected and much appreciated. 

Today's 'Blog everyday in May' post is what is your favorite photo?

This is one of most absolute favorite pictures of CT and I. This was taken during the initial 'honeymoon phase' of our dating relationship. We look so young and were so in love!

This is also one of my most favorite photos.
I am so glad the photographer captured this photo on our wedding day. It perfectly discribes CT's and my personality.


This past week I got a fresh new manicure and wanted to link up with Tara.

Shellac CND - 2 coats romantique and 1 coat moonlight & roses.

The perfect light pink with a little free edge showing. 

This is totally one of those manicures you could wear forever. 

Well I hope you all have a good weekend. I have 2 birthday parties to go to tomorrow. 

I also am on the look out for the perfect red of Annie Sloan chalk paint for my new buffet table, which you can find more about here.

PS- CT is so excited to be done with his 2nd year of teaching next week. Today was his second evening being out of baseball and coming home at 3. Of course it was only appropriate to leave him a little list of things to do. I wanted to be sure he saw it! 

Haha I am so evil but soo good!

Nail Files [4]

 

CND Shellac- Tutti Fruity

 Bubblegum meets pepto bismal meets barbie!

Happy Friday! 

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!   

Linking up with Tara.

Weekend Madness

Today and tomorrow are pretty crazy around here for me.  

Between going to CT's little cousins basketball tournament, a co-workers baby shower today, church, and a work meeting tomorrow. I hope I have sometime to accomplish some chores and crafts! 

Last night I had some free time to whip up part of my baby shower gift for today.

I made this taggie blanket in white minky and grey chevron. 

[tutorial at a later date]

I also broke out my colorful springy fabric that Im going to use to make Spring bunting for our mantel.

I need to hurry and get this hung up before we skip right over Spring into Summer! 

I also picked up these beauties at the store yesterday. 

  

I am excited to play around with them and see if I can come up with something cool for next weeks nail files.

Have a good weekend!

Linking up with Sami.

Nail Files [3]

TGIF!!

Thank goodness it's Friday! Thankfully the week flew by, but it doesn't help that the weekends fly by that much faster. 

I think we should have a universal 4 day work week and 3 day weekend! Who's with me?

Anyways, linking up with Tara today to showcase my weekly manicure! 

 In the midst of all this bi-polar weather here in Kansas, I needed some spring colors for a little pick me up.

Purple- Let's Talk

Turquoise- Rise&Shine

These nails were definitely not 'dress code' appropriate but I got away with it for the week! [muahahaha]

I am a fan of these Sinful Colors. 

They are cheap and they have tons of different colors to choose from. The last time I was at walmart it looked as though they had just got in 30 or so new choices. I really like that most of these polishes go on matte but if you put a top coat on it quickly makes them shine.

Crafting: My Birthday List [Part 1]

Birthdays are hugely celebrated in our household [especially mine =) ].

My birthday is May 30, so obviously it is celebrated all month long! 

I know CT gets so tired of hearing me say "it's my birthday month and it's my birthday week".

He is such the trooper! 

Here are a few things I'm loving lately, just in time for my birthday to come around! 

1. Willow needs an Auto-Start 

We hardly drive her in the winter or summer because CT's car has an auto start and it's so much more convenient to get into an already cool/warm car!

2. Hair Extensions  

 via

    

I have been following Bellami Hair on instagram, and I'm loving their look! I have pretty long hair but it's not very thick. I'd love some of their clip ins.

3. At Home Shellac Kit

  via

I spend so much on manicure/pedicures - this would definitely be an investment that would pay off quickly! 

4. Michael Kors Hamilton Tote

 

 via

Why does this bag have to be so expensive? $350! 

I try and justify this by thinking I'll have it my whole life! I just need to start saving my pennies now.

5. Clarisonic Mia 2

 via

Since I started working at HW, my face routine has quadrupled in time. This is the last piece I need to complete the puzzle! 

After making this list I realize I have such expensive taste =/. 

I guess that's why birthdays only come around once a year! My husband couldn't afford to spoil me all the time. 

Keep an eye out, I will probably have a part 2 of this list at a later time!  

 

 

Spring Piggies

This week was quiet and slow at work so I took some time over my lunch break to get my toes done! Oh the joys of working at a spa/cosmetic clinic = the discount! 
 

 (sorry for such poor quality)

 Hotski to Tchotchke. Such a pretty turquoise! I'm really into turquoise these days. I go in spurts with colors I like. It use to be red, then purple, now I'm really liking turquoise. 

 

Again, I couldn't resist shellac. Hopefully these piggies stay pretty for a good month and a half! I think I might be adding an 'at home shellac kit' to my birthday list. (more on that list to come!)

I don't know how smart investing in one would be since I've invested so much already in regular nail polish.
 

 See more about that here.

Do any of you have the at home shellac kit? Should I splurge and get one? Or better yet have the hubby get it for me =)  

Linking up with Tara at Fabulous by Evil.