Crabtree & Evelyn Conditioning Hand Wash - Lavender

Press Sample

Today, I am writing about hand soap. Hand soap? Yes. The best freaking hand soap you'll ever see in your life.

I'm not really a fancy person. I have certain MUST HAVES including Charmin Ultra Strong toilet paper and lavender scents when all possible. Normally my hand soap is the 5 for $25 at Bath and Body Works in a range of scents. However, when I got a pitch for Crabtree & Evelyn's new Conditioning Hand Wash Collection that launched this past June, I had to see what made it so special.

So there are 8 different scents and them come in pretty jewel tones. The bottle is 8.8 oz/250 mL and claim to be luxuriously lathering and pH balanced to be gentle on hands.  Each Hand Wash is formulated without parabens, propylene glycol, phthalate or mineral oil.

The Lavender was listed as "A delicious way to enjoy the classic scent of Lavender every day. Embrace the scent of fresh lavender enhanced with violet, tonka bean, lemon leaf and soft musk." 

I immediately took it to work where I wash my hands the most, and put it in the bathroom I share with my coworker. Normally we have Softsoap liquid soap or lately it's been the Dial foam soap - both which create bubbles which my inner child loves.

The Crabtree and Evelyn Lavender Hand Wash however doesn't produce bubbles but does feel quite luxurious. The directions (yes directions) say to wet your hands first, then add the hand wash and yes, it does make a difference. The hand wash is thick like honey so when you add it to dry hands, it's hard to distribute it on your hands.

The hand wash comes off cleanly but leaves your hands feeling soft and smelling like lavender. I LOVE lavender so I was caught more than once smelling my hands but I'm not ashamed.

My coworkers however do not enjoy the smell of lavender and like their bubbles so I brought it home to be in my guest bathroom which is decorated in lavender towels and shower curtain. (And will be painted lavender when I get the chance.) 

Now at $18 a bottle, this isn't something I want my son to waste (he's 6) but I will definitely buy for my guest bathroom each time. I'm also wanting to try the Rosewater for my own bathroom. A local pharmacy downtown actually carries this brand so I'm heading over there this week to see what they have. It's a small luxury but if you're washing your hands twice a day (at minimum), then this will last you awhile. Plus it's pretty and smells amazing.

Crabtree & Evelyn [Website] can be purchased online or in stores. Check their Store Locator for both domestic and international locations.  You can like them on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

Holy cow and they have nail polish now too.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

Poop out on Popularity

Maybe I just wanted to say the word "poop" in a blog posting.  Maybe I'm steamed that more and more companies are making everything to be about popularity.  Maybe a little bit of both.

Earlier this week, I received a PR pitch about a company's contest to be held on Facebook.  The gist was that you had to have the most likes on a Facebook wall posting in order to win a really awesome prize (a prize, by the way, that I've been dreaming of since I was 16 years old).  I swallowed that dream moment and decided to write back the company and let them know that this is WAY against Facebook's Terms of Service and as much as I want to compete and win, I cannot participate.

Really?  Really.  Straight from Facebook. (click to see larger)

Letter "v".

Now, I additionally work for a public relations firm myself.

And it's HARD to get fans to engage with you sometimes! But breaking Facebook rules isn't the answer because it can get your Page removed.

Additionally, I just hate popularity contests. I hate bugging everyone I know to please "comment on this photo" or "share this status" or "like this page". Also I refuse to pay people to like/share/comment for me (oh yes, this happens more than you know).  I don't like losing either - and frankly, I lose a lot when it comes to popularity.  (Except that ONE TIME I won Miss Congeniality in the same scholarship pageant that Eva Longoria won years ago. Seriously. Yes it was the last sentence in the article but I was proud of it.)

A dear friend from The Plastic Diaries wrote a similar posting today, which sparked mine.  Please click on her logo to be directed to her blog posting.

And now I'm off for an evening of Zumba and later - blogging. I want to try out my new buttons.

Oh yes, and

Nothing To Disclose

Goodbye Google Reader.

So yesterday, I got a notice on my Google Reader that it's being retired on July 1, 2013. I heavily rely on Google Reader to read the 412 RSS feeds of various blogs that I follow, so I'm frustrated like the rest of y'all. (Really frustrated.)

If you're in the same boat, I'd like to let you know that you can follow me on BlogLovin and they are currently advertising that you can import all your RSS feeds in your Google Reader feeds into BlogLovin through this page.

To follow me on BlogLovin, just click this button. (Also found in my sidebar.) 


Cheers!

Site Review: Beauty Stop Online

Image Credit Beauty Stop Online

As a blogger (and not a licensed professional), I don't have as much access to beauty products, so I tend to buy online quite often. It's cheaper for me to spend $10 on shipping than to drive the 45 minutes to my nearest Ulta or Sephora. I do have a Sally's Beauty Supply but I find my store to be quite picked over before I am able to go in there to shop, leaving me with little selection.

Back in August 2012, a company called Beauty Stop Online asked if they could send me some nail polishes for review or a giveaway. I browsed their website to find that they offered older collections of polishes - which I already own quite a bit of older collections when I was so obsessed with owning ALL THE POLISHES. I said I would be happy to write a review, but wasn't sure what they wanted me to review - the product or their website. I was told a little bit of both would work.

In September, I chose 2 China Glaze polishes, 2 Essie polishes and 2 ORLY polishes. Nine days later I was told that only the China Glaze would be shipped, the other 4 were on back order and Beauty Stop Online was not sure they would be restocked. I was offered the opportunity to pick more polishes, but I declined.

My polishes arrived in the following box.

Now, I've blurred out my address and I was the one who tore open the white label but the flaps out and the box in that shape? Yeah that's how it arrived.

Inside was the following.

One crumpled piece of brown paper and no other packaging inside the white China Glaze box... no bubble wrap, no packing peanuts, and no tape to close anything.  Additionally, there wasn't a packing slip, receipt or any correspondence inside either.

I received the following China Glaze.

China Glaze #101 Secrets 70319

China Glaze #172 Royal Tease 70537

It's been almost 4 months since this incident and I went to check the website again and I don't see much improvement in the polish department. The "newest" collection for China Glaze is Halloween Haunting.

As for follow up information, Beauty Stop Online again offered to send me additional polishes for the 4 that I didn't receive (I declined a second time) and then asked how I liked my Essie & ORLY polishes. (Remember, those are the four I didn't receive.)

I'm not sure how this speaks to a consumer because sometimes companies offer special services to bloggers, like hand packing the order or adding in additional items. I don't know if Beauty Stop Online sent this order through their shipping department like they would for a normal customer or if they were hand packed.

I don't think I would voluntarily purchase from this website again based on this experience. I know other bloggers have enjoyed working with this company in the past both on reviews and giveaways so I'm just one fish in this big sea.

Disclosure: The product[s] in this post was [were] provided to me by the company for consideration.  For more information, please read this post.

States Looking to Deregulate Beauty Professionals

I am not a licensed cosmetologist but I have a tremendous appreciation for what they do. I don't cut my own hair, I don't wax my own eyebrows, I don't give myself manicures or pedicure... for each and every one of those services, I go to a beauty professional whether it's in a spa, a salon or a stand alone shop.

Five USA states have introduced bills to deregulate those in the beauty profession. This means that anyone can open a shop preforming beauty services, without the proper licensing and education. This is pretty appalling to me, as chemicals are being used and correct sanitation services are highly important between clients.

The five USA states are
-Indiana
-Conneticut
-South Dakota
-Utah
and my pride and joy that I call home, Texas.

Tabatha Coffey, along with the PBA are trying to get the message out to those professionals who are about to see their licenses mean literally nothing, that they can do something NOW.




You can get more information from the PBA here on how to get the word out, who to contact and how to get involved. Let's keep the professional stuff to the professionals! Nothing wrong with wanting to DIY but if I'm paying someone to do it, I want to make sure they are properly licensed!

We're Cleaning House!

Yep, I'm cleaning house, literally and metaphorically as well.

After a series of rather frustrating events, my house has become a bit consumed by material items after my mother's passing. I also am getting used to being a wife - clearing out a closet for my husband?! AND DRAWER SPACE?!

As you can tell, humor is a fall back of mine.

Today I uploaded about 2000 photos from PolishGalore, the Blog to PolishGalore, the Facebook Page. I'd like to keep this up about once a week or (more likely) once a month. I'm also hoping to finish purging my polishes that I purchased and either never wore or hated, and the ultimate goal is to have 20 (or so) wall mounted racks in my family room. I'm also working on the PolishGalore Around The Web feature for my blog because I've been busy ghost writing, guest writing, and hey, I was in NAILS magazine. (My face was about the size of a nail polish brush, but it's okay, I was there.)

I have lots and lots of nail polish to show you and a few other things (some Argon Oil and some funky contact lenses) so stay tuned and GO WOLVERINES!

PolishGalore is now easier to Pin!

If you're new to Pinterest or have more boards than you care to admit, now PolishGalore is easier to Pin!  Thanks to Kevin and Amanda, now you can mouse-over on any photo on PolishGalore and the Pinterest button will appear in the top right hand corner.  If you want to enlarge the photo, click anywhere but the Pinterest button on the top right hand corner.  If you want to pin the photo to your Pinterest, click on the Pinterest button.  (This will not work on the mobile website or with a smart phone, sorry!)

Happy pinning!

It's a Mish Mash

I wanted to apologize for my little break here - after my awesome party month in December (Blogiversary, getting married, my birthday, Christmas and New Years), I was hit with a hard reality.  On my parents 35th wedding anniversary, January 2nd, my mom passed away unexpectedly.  The hardest part hasn't been my own grief, but that of everyone else's.  My mom touched a lot of lives - more than I ever realized.

I'm okay.

I am, however, having to settle affairs and get her things in order.  She didn't have any kind of funeral plans or arrangements so there's that.  Additionally, I have to devote some time to helping my dad do a purge of items because my mom was a good record keeper to put it kindly.  Everything she had, has a story or a purpose so my weekends are going to be dedicated to getting that taken care of for a little while.  I am still going to be working on PolishGalore - I have lots of press releases to share!  But additionally I have a LOT of polish to share, some that I've been really excited about.

Lots of love.

What did you do on 12.12.12?

Sorry I've been a bit quiet - I told you December would be super busy!  This week is my birthday (woo!) and then next week is Christmas... then the next week is New Year's!

But more importantly in my life, I had a special 12.12.12.  Why?

I GOT MARRIED!!!!

We had planned this about 3 weeks prior to just elope on this special day, I got my dress, the guys got tuxedos, my boss graciously let me use her beautiful home and gorgeous yard, a close friend (who is a minister) performed the ceremony, my dad walked me to Ryan, I had Macy Ryan Photography take amazing photos, and I had a small handful of friends there to celebrate.

My wedding manicure was nubar Purple Aster, a light lavender pearl, and my pedicure was LVX Legendaire which is a slightly grey lavender creme.  I was super happy with all of it!

Recent NOTDs

If you follow me on Instagram, then I totally apologize for the repeat photos but I thought I'd share a few NOTD polishes I've been wearing lately!

Starting with some naked nails:

1 October

10 October

27 November

And now some color!

Sation Diamond Diggin' Diva

Color Club Harp On It

Layla Softouch

Ruby Wing Sand Dune (shade on left, sun on right(

Jelly sandwich of Cult Nails Bitten & OPI Servin' Up Sparkle

Cult Nails Disciplined with Jindie Nails Tried & True

China Glaze Glistening Snow

It's been fun wearing nail polish again!  I hadn't been wearing full manicures lately and missed it.

Nail Polish Monthly Subscriptions

When I was a little girl, I used to really want to be included in a "x of the Month" club where I'd get samples of the product each month mostly because I loved getting mail ^_^.  I never knew it would turn into such a booming business!

With the popularity of monthly subscription beauty services like Birchbox and Glossybox, nail polish lovers were feeling the cold shoulder.  I was talking to a dear friend this summer about how I'd love to launch a nail polish only monthly subscription service and how it would be a great way for people to try new brands without traveling to different stores or shopping blindly online.

Fast forward a few months and I've now heard of three such companies launching this year!

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Photo Courtesy of Lacquerous's Facebook Page

Lacquerous will be launching soon and is centered around "Luxury Lacquer ".  Right now, it's under an invite only and I have a referral link here.  They haven't fully explained what the referral links are for, so if you prefer the main sign up website, it's located here.  Judging from Lacquerous's Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Tumblr accounts, brands featured should be on par with butter LONDON, Tom Ford, Chanel, OPI, MAC, Dior, NARS and Dolce & Gabbana.  Price has not been announced nor has international capability.  This company is based out of New York, USA.

Update 11/13/12!
The "How it Works" has been posted. Think "Netflix for Nails".  For $18 a month, you receive 3 new or slightly used nail polishes from your queue that you are allowed to use 3 times/3 manicures.  Then, within 30 days, you mail the polishes back to Lacquerous in a pre-paid package.  They will measure how many polish has been used to keep track.  Some polishes may be purchased by emailing their customer service (but not limited edition).  You only get one package per 30 days, even if you return your package before the 30 days are up.  Only available for 18+, living in the USA.  Please be sure to read the full Terms of Service - a credit check may be obtained in order to subscribe to their service.

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Photo Courtesy of Club Nail Polish's Facebook Page

Club Nail Polish is launching in 33 days and is more like a "x of the Month" club.  The image above shows bottle shapes that resemble butter LONDON, deborah lippmann (or is that the new NYX Professional bottles?), LVX/NARS, Ciate, OPI and Pixi, & their Facebook includes pictures of Sephora by OPI, Nicole by OPI, Essie and NYX (drugstore bottles).  Their website is still in the pre-launch stage where you can only sign up for their newsletter with your email address.  They are offering giveaways with your sign up although further details are not available.  Their Facebook also says that you will receive "a surprise color of nail color monthly" and that it is "not costly" to join.  Price has not been announced but their Twitter does say it will be available for USA and Canada residents.  This company is based out of Washington, USA.

Update 01/26/2014
This brand never seemed to have launched. Sorry folks :[

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While not quite a nail polish only subscription, Nail Art Society is working on its launch as well.  They have a website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.  They are offering nail art tools, accessories and polishes for $9.95 a month.  This is available in the USA only.  This company is based out of California, USA.

Update!
The sign up page is located here and there are 3 payment plans - monthly ($9.95/mo), quarterly ($29.85/quarter) and yearly ($99.40/year).  Brands included on their website are China Glaze, LVX, Zoya, butter LONDON, OPI, essie and The Creme Shop.  They are in talks to make this service available to Canada and Europe for the near future.

Update 12/7/12! 
Nail Art Society has doubled their current prices. If you're a member who signed up during the $9.95 plan, they kept you at that but going forward the prices are $19.95 monthly, $59.85 quarterly and $219.40 yearly. According to their new description of the service, all Nail Art Society Members have exclusive access to Q&A’s, video tutorials, trend reports, and tips from Celebrity Nail Artists, Bloggers and Beauty Insiders.

Update 9/9/13!
Nail Art Society shut down for the summer of 2013 and completely reformatted their back end, including adding new Gurus like yours truly! Price is back to $9.95 with an additional $4.95 in shipping.

Update 10/17/13!
Gurus have been remaned to "Renowned Artists". The price has increased to $11.95 with an additional S&H charge. My referral link is located here.

Update 08/28/14!
Nail Art Society has shut down & removed its social media.

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For those interested in the Julep Maven, I did want to include them.  They first launched in August 2011 as a Julep brand only subscription box.  You take a "Style Quiz" to match you up with one of 4 programs but they also offer special boxes from time to time.  You may also change your style at any time.  They had multiple issues with their referral program which has been revamped twice now, subscribers getting the wrong box or being charged twice, and issues with canceling the program (which can ONLY be done over their phone number 877.651.3292, citing security reasons).  Thankfully, I haven't had issues of being charged twice or receiving the wrong box, but I did have issues with the original referral program where I didn't receive all my credits.  With the new referral system, you receive points or Jules for different transactions: "1,000 Jules for referring a friend to Julep Maven, 300 Jules for each full priced Maven box you are billed for, 200 Jules on your Birthday, 500 Jules on your Maven anniversary, 750 Jules when you pay for the monthly upgrade box. You even get 100 points just for becoming a Maven!" [Julep's website].  My referral link is located here.  As for the customer service, I haven't had issues but you can find both positive and negative comments by searching Google.  Price is $19.99 + tax and is available for USA and Canada residents.  Julep's social pages are as follows: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest and YouTube.  This company is based out of Washington, USA.

Update 1/26/14
It has come to my attention that new members (as on 12/18/13) are only allowed to "skip" a box every 6 months. Previously, you could skip a box whenever you felt like it, either because you didn't have the money that month or didn't like the choices offered.

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Photo Courtesy of Square Hue Facebook Page

Square Hue is another monthly nail polish service featuring colors they have created themselves (much like Julep).  Each month, they send out three pre-selected colors that they feel are in season.  The polishes are 0.5 fl oz (same size as China Glaze or OPI), and are big 4 free (to include Camphor).  They do not say they are vegan, but they do not test on animals and their polish is made in the USA.

Price is $14.99 + $5 for shipping/handling. If you live in Florida, you will also have to pay sales tax. You may suspend or cancel your subscription at any time.  Additionally, a portion of their proceeds goes to charity - the current focus is on human trafficking.

Square Hue has a Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for you to interact with.  They are located in Miami, Florida.  They ship to both the USA & Canada.

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Launching in 2013, the Nail Collection is a monthly subscription where you receive 4 luxurious polishes for $30 a month. Brands include a mix of Essie, OPI, China Glaze and ORLY and they plan to add more brands. International shipping is available. Additionally, you will be able to buy individual colors with most orders shipping free.  This service is based out of New York, USA.

The Nail Collection currently has a Facebook and a Twitter.

Update 9/9/2013: The Nail Collection send out an email today stating they are going out of business & all orders placed that have not been shipped will be fully refunded within the next 48 hours.

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Announced on 8/31/2013, nail e-tailer Llarowe will be curating a subscription called "A Box, Indied." This is a month to month subscription that can be opted out each month. Left over stock boxes will also be available for purchase for those who aren't subscribed on a first come first serve basis.

Each box will contain 5 full sized polishes the above indie polish lines that have not been produced before and are exclusive to the A Box, Indied box. 

Price per box will be $50 and free shipping in the USA. In the next 6 months, Llarowe hopes to have free shipping available in other countries. Currently, to qualify for free shipping from Llarowe for Canadian orders, you must purchase $100 in product, for international orders, you much purchase $200 in product.

The 10 indie brands are (Facebook pages have been linked): Liquid Sky Lacquer, Black Cat Lacquer, Different Dimension, Ethereal Lacquer, Jindie Nails, Freak Show Polish, Dollish Polish, Laqerlicious, Wicked Polish and PolishMeToGo.

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Nailette launched in October 2013 and creator Lynn was looking for a way to provide customers with something that all the above subscription boxes lacked - mini bottles. Nailette sends customers 2 or 3 mini-sized bottles of nail polish in colors based on their skin tone, style and current trends. At launch, they carried Essie, OPI and Orly. Boxes are $7.99 for 2 minis and $10.99 for three minis + $2.50 for shipping. You are on a monthly schedule and will be billed on the 20th of each month.  You can also select a gift option of 3 months at a time ($29.97 for 2 minis, $40.47 for 3 minis). The only ship within the continental USA at this time.

Nailette social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest.

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POLISHBOX is the only nail polish subscription service that will bring you the complete nail care experience. Unfortunately, that's all the information I have.

Their website www.mypolishbox.com redirects to a sign up page where you can get more information when they launch. They are also on Twitter and Instagram.

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The Lacquer Cabinet by Nailtini debuts its first collection in February 2014 at rates of $25 per month, $23/month for a 6-month subscription, or $20/month for a 12-month subscription. A true happy hour for hands, each collection offers an over- $44 retail value plus free shipping, and members enjoy up to 15% off all ‘Tini Beauty products at www.tinibeauty.com for the life of their subscriptions. USA only.

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The Monthly Nail subscription box is the first of it’s kind to offer an in-house indie nail polish brand, Eugene Malibu, as well as the salon brands O.P.I. and Essie. They take it a HUGE step further by allowing subscribers to completely customize your Eugene Malibu nail polish to your exact specifications as well as choosing which color of the salon brand you would like to include. By filling out the form on the website, you can choose the base color and finish, the color and shapes of glitters to include or not include, and you can even decide on the name of your nail polish creation! 

With basic subscriptions starting at $15.99 for two custom lacquers up to $23.99 for four custom and salon brand nail polishes, there is a price to accommodate every budget. Prices include first-class USPS shipping with tracking for domestic members or a low flat rate shipping fee for international subscribers. Plans to expand and offer more options are in the near future.

International and domestic subscriptions can be purchased now at http://www.themonthlynail.com

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PISTOL is a subscription-based nail polish brand where you receive 2 full sized polishes each month based on the company's color trend studies. PISTOL polish is made in the USA, cruelty free, FDA approved and Big-4 free. You can choose either a monthly subscription for $17.99 (shipping included) or $199.99 for a one year subscription. No information is available on how to cancel or if you can purchase polishes ala carte afterwards. 

PISTOL social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

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Nailbox launched their own subscription box in 2014 called "TrendBox" which is curated by well known nail bloggers like All Lacquered Up and Chalkboard Nails. The box contains a mix of brand polishes on their website as well as premium brands (like JINSoon). There are 2 subscription plans - $35 for quarterly (excluding $6 for shipping) or $140 for an annual subscription (shipping included).  Subscribers can preview the upcoming box for 2 weeks before it ships and skip a box if they'd like.

Nailbox social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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And there you have it!  As I find out more information about each company, I'll update this posting.  Happy polishing!

Dear Artists {& an update}

Image courtesy of The Daily Nail blog

I'm still battling an upper respiratory infection (hello round 2 of antibiotics) but with fall and winter polishes piling up around me, I am making a conscious effort to get posts out to you to read (and not just press releases, although many of you have told me that you do appreciate the news!).

I got a text this morning from Manifest Destany asking if I had heard about the latest stolen pictures being using for an international nail polish company's fall promotional line.  I hadn't but it only took a quick look on Twitter to see what was going on.

First off.

DON'T STEAL PHOTOS.

It's one thing to download a photo to your computer so you can look at it later because it was inspiring or pretty or funny.

It's another to download a picture, use it as if you created it, SELL IT and think it's okay.

When I started college, I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in and one of my options was graphic design which I stayed in for a year.  I learned lots of valuable information that I still use today and while I didn't stay in that education path, I saw how much work someone puts into creating their masterpieces.  As a blogger, I take a lot of time in photographing and editing images for you to see and sometimes my photos are used in publications for companies or for the company's own use.

I will not comment on the company in question or similar companies that have been accused of stealing artwork off bloggers, art sharing or social media websites because I am confident that the companies in question will do the right thing and work towards an agreement with those who should have been rightly compensated for their work.  More so, I hope that someone lost their job over this and those in charge of that person were also reprimanded.  If this was an outside graphic design firm that was hired to create this artwork (which is very common), I hope they are also reported to the Better Business Bureau.

Sharing is caring.  Stealing is not. 

Update!
For starters, I ended up in ER last night.  That was not fun.  Doctor says I have Pleurisy.

The good news is that the company in question immediately was in contact with the true creator of the artwork, issued a public apology and a partnership between creator and company may be in the works!  Very happy to see a company work swiftly.  They hired an outside artist (as I suspected) who passed off this work as his own. 

Nail Files: High Heels and Low Class Breakdown

Image Courtesy of TV Guide Network Facebook Page

In The Salon
Katie is having a party with booty parlor products [Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube] and has invited a small select group of staff to join.  Can you smell the disaster about to happen?  Add a stripper pole, some crotchless panties and a drunk Joyce and watch the fireworks.  Katie calls Joyce up to her office to explain and Joyce could care less.  This girl is just asking to never be hired again - anywhere.

Katie is looking at franchising!!!  I think one would do amazingly well in Austin, Texas but even that is too far away from me (4 hours).  However, you know I'd go to it!  I don't know if there is a Painted Nail Miami yet - haven't played with Google yet.

Celebrity Sighting!
Alex and Donya but who are they?  My Google search resulted zero results.  Anyone else know?  Edit: I think they may be the twins behind Condition Culture?

In Katie's Life
TV Guide has offered Katie the opportunity to do some stand up on their new show Standup in Stilettos.  Katie did some stand up when she first moved to LA so this was right up her alley, but she hadn't done any in awhile so this was going to be interesting.  She tried to start off with her nail salon jokes but Katie forgot the number one rule of public speaking... know your audience!  So she started some improv off the crowd and it went much better.  During the real thing for TV Guide, she had a pretty decent time.  I haven't watched it yet myself, but I'm going to check my On Demand and see what I can find.

The Mish Mash
I do believe the yellow Louboutins that Katie wore to Standup in Stilettos were the ones she wore last year to Cosmoprof.  I could be wrong but I don't think I am...

Nail Files: Down The Rabbit Hole Breakdown

Image Courtesy of TV Guide Network Facebook Page

In The Salon
Katie is having the party for the grand opening of the Hair and Makeup Bar with an Alice In Wonderland theme and from the promos last week, it looks like the party is going to be a big lights out.  I am with Katie on the Photobooth thing - you need a Photobooth to market.  Jin, you suck and Jim, thanks for calling him out.

So it's party time and when Katie realizes her "photobooth" (the photographer with a big printer) is putting out the logo the PRINTED NAIL, oh hey - the power goes out... because of the printer.  Oh but it gets better... the cops show up because a disgruntled neighbor doesn't want the smooth sounds of Kenny G.  The cops tell them to just pipe down a bit and the rest of the party is a hit.  Congratulations Katie!

Celebrity Sighting!
I spy Amy and her amazing cupcakes!  Go buy some cookies from her (she ships!) - you won't regret it.  Additionally there were a ton of people at the party - Sheryl Burke, Kenny G, Peggy (Housewives of OC)... and Katie's siblings!!!!

In Katie's Life
The comment about Katie's about "down the rabbit hole" for a pair of shoes...  So did she get her shoes?

The Mish Mash
Did those guys SERIOUSLY ask how to spell "LOVE"? And did they seriously spell it wrong?

Random, in case you missed it, Katie is now repping imPRESS nails - the commercials you see during Nail Files with Nicole Scherzinger.  Katie's favorite is the "color me" because they are clear and she's able to wear several different colors at once - super helpful when she's choosing new colors for her collection (speaking of, I bought Barbara, Marilyn and Coco - will be reviewing soon!).

Did anyone else feel like Katie was a little Snooki "Party's here."  I'm serious!!!  Snooki, season 1... Katie, this episode.  Someone mishmash it for me.  

I can't wait until next week - looks like I have more Joyce time.

Nail Files: Pageants & Parties & Plumbers, Oh My! Breakdown

Image Courtesy of TV Guide Network Facebook Page

Okay, seriously, I don't know what's wrong with my DVR, but I'm slightly angry (#firstworldproblems). First it didn't record Nail Files because "no new episode was airing" (uh what?), and then when it was time for the repeat at 11:00 CST, the episode was showing the information for Episode 2 when this is clearly Episode 4. Come on DirecTV, you're killing me here. 

In The Salon
Katie is hosting a party but Jin (the sponsorship guru) is not able to secure any money/sponsorships and Katie is going to have to dish out $10k.  Girl, that's like... a lot of months of work for me.  Sponsorships are definitely important when you're hosting a party.  With just a few days to go, Katie has to really kick it into high gear to get this party started ('on a Saturday night?') but then....

So above the shampoo bowl (are you kidding me?), the bathroom is leaking and a huge water bubble is puckering.  The girls have the bright idea to just pop it, but thankfully they call Katie first who thinks to call a plumber... who fixes the pipe but then leaves a hole in the ceiling.  Katie pulls in some awesome barter skills to get a contractor there TODAY and he pulls through.  No more worrying that your face will be covered in sewage while getting your hair washed.  (Ugh, I'm shuddering at that thought.)

Joyce - man I don't know what to even think about you.  Long story short, after apologizing to Katie for walking out last episode, she then texts Anna and gives a 2 week notice.  Hey real worlders: don't give your 2 week notice via text message.  It's a great way to be blacklisted from other jobs, especially when you do it and you're being filmed for a reality show.  Seriously?

Celebrity Sighting!
The amazing people of Quigley-Simpson.  They are seriously know what they are doing and I am so glad that Katie was able to meet with them.  They have worked with Chase, Oral-B, Olay, & Jillian Michaels to name a few.

In Katie's Life
In case you forgot, Katie was judging the Gold Coast Toddler's Pageant, and one of the pageant coaches was after Katie because she wasn't doing his niece's nails the way he wanted them (French tip).  Enjoy your 15 minutes dude, I'm sure it was worth it.  Meanwhile, the pageant is in full swing and Katie has said what a lot of us are thinking and it rhymes with "mutty."  Oh and time for the zinger - Katie deducted for French manicures on the kids.  HAH!  Can I high five you please?  

The Mish Mash
Katie, what is up with the smashed iPhone screen?  You need an Otterbox, fast.

Ah!!! Okay, so while I was at dinner with Katie, she showed us these 3D nails - and now on this episode she's TALKING about it!  Now, I know they were still in prototype in July but she had several designs in the works.  You can check my post here to see what she had set up - can't wait to see the final product!  (Also, you might recognize a certain someone in the pictures, but my mouth is hush hush on that part in case it's talked about later this season!)

Nail Files: Pageant Crowns & Glitter Showdowns Breakdown

Image Courtesy of TV Guide Network Facebook Page

Now I'm caught back up!  The episode that aired tonight was definitely one I was looking forward to... Katie is going to be at a beauty pageant for kids!  (Judging AND doing some free manicures!)

In The Salon
So where is the staff?  Lisa's father-in-law's had a stroke, Joyce is late (uh manager, what? Blame others, what?).  I'll tell you from this side, when my nail tech is running late, I'm not happy about it either.  Instead of just owning up, she gives Anna crap, and wants to quit.  Seriously?  Here's a life tip - nothing in life is "fair".  Deal with it.

Celebrity Sighting!
None this week.

In Katie's Life
Katie does it again and gets Walter to accept her new fur baby, Dolce.  I can't say too much - I got my "I don't want cats" fiance to agree to 6 indoors cats at the moment.  (Don't judge, I have a large house and 2 are just here temporarily.)  However, he's freaking out over the new dog that is poo'ing everywhere and he's trying to work.  Here's where the tv show and real life, start to blur.  That wasn't "made for tv fun" - that was a serious wall being breached and I feel bad that the cameras were rolling.  Thankfully, they were able to hash it out over the phone and are still totally in love.  I love watching them.

Meanwhile, Katie and Amy are going to be heading to Sin City, I mean Las Vegas, in her new wrapped smart car from stickercity.com for the pageant.  Katie rocks the night away in a VIP suite, with sparkly dresses, boys, and shots.  Okay, maybe it's the douche crew trying to feed her fruit... He didn't even know who Katie was - just probably saw the camera crew and got excited.  The day before the pageant, Katie decides to do some free manicures, but I'm shocked she brought colored polish... in the pageant world, it's all about stripper nails - Um, I mean French manicures.  She got told when a woman pulled out a nailene art kit and then a guy "with 9 pounds of makeup on" wants white tip, no glitter.  I feel like I'm in a bad comedy.  Doesn't help that he calls her a b***h to her face and plenty of times off camera.  

I'm kinda irritated that the actual judging won't be until next week... TV Guide, I want hour long episodes.  Got it?  Good.

The Mish Mash
It's always fun when Katie can talk about blow and porn in a tv show.  I have yet to see her comedy routine but I'm thinking it's pretty blue.  And that's Katie - she's business when it's time to talk business but when she's having fun - it's a freakin' riot.

Additionally, Katie, I'm going to steal your sparkly purple Louboutins.  I know you're like a size 5, and I'm a 8.5 but I'll Cinderella-wicked-step-sister my foot into that thing.  DO WANT.