CSN Giveaway #4

YAY December!  This is my birthday month, and I call it my birthday month because it's only a few days before Christmas on 19 December, so between everyone's company Christmas parties and their own traveling/holiday plans, my birthday is always thrown around and celebrated in pieces by different people.  This year, I've planned a trip to San Antonio to go ice skating (!) and have dinner with friends.  One thing I'm going to have to do is pack my suitcase for a few days, and let me tell you, I seriously need to get some new bags.  I've had my current ones for over 6 years when I went to Europe and being my first time, I way over-packed and ended up ripping two of my bags.  I need to go shopping, and you might too, so let's have a giveaway!


CSN is giving me the opportunity to give away a $40 Gift Certificate to any of their 200+ online stores, including their Luggage Store - which carries The Signature Collection by Vera Wang!  USA and Canadian readers only please, and also this $40 certificate does not cover any shipping but there are many items on CSN that include free shipping!


Giveaway ends on 9 December 2010 at midnight:01 GMT.


This giveaway is now closed.

Nicole by OPI Kiss Me At Midnight

Last in the Holiday Magic winter 2010 collection from Nicole by OPI is Kiss Me At Midnight which frankly, is just an awesome name - although more New Years related.  It's a very dark red with red shimmer - almost glowy like China Glaze Lubu Heels but it's not glitter but a shimmer.


I used a base coat of OPI Natural Nail Base, 2 coats of Kiss Me At Midnight and a top coat of Seche Vite.  Formula was very nice - not runny or thick.


That's not a bubble on my middle finger, but rather the reflection of my camera!  You can see how the color is just smoldering in both the bottle and on my nails.  Here's another sun picture.


Here you can see more of the dark red base with just a hint of the red shimmer against the sunlight.


Oddly enough, in the shade the shimmer is lost every where but in the bottle.  Go figure.  ^_^


Finally is a rare flash picture where the flash isn't killing my skin or nails.  You can see the red shimmer perfectly but sadly this isn't what your nails always look like - go for Struck in the Chimney for something like that.  ^_^


Nicole by OPI is available beginning at ULTA, Meijer, Harmon, HEB, Sears, Wal-Mart and more for around $8 a bottle.  For more information, visit their websitefollow Nicole by OPI on Twitter or become a Facebook fan.

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

Essence I Love Berlin

My local HEB finally has Essence, even if it's just a little bit of it, and most of the nail polishes literally sold out in one day.  ^_^ Please enjoy the following press release from Essence.


essence trend edition “I love Berlin”
Berlin is unique. Capital city, cosmopolitan city and – thanks to the Fashion Week – it has also become a world-famous fashion metropolis in recent years! So why not develop a trend edition dedicated to the glorious Spree River city that constantly reinvents itself? That’s exactly what Yasmin Teufert, the lucky winner of the essence “be a trendmaker” competition, thought!

The new trend edition “I love Berlin”, which will be available in stores in January and February 2011, was created in close collaboration with essence and reflects the huge diversity of trends straight out of the magnificent city of Berlin. The extremely cool, bright products with a stylish design are a true declaration of love to this awesome city. Let them whisk you away on an ultra-special city tour of Berlin! 


essence I love Berlin nail polish
Stylish, extravagant and extremely fashionable – typical Berlin! That’s how the new super glossy nail polishes are presented. Five sensational bright colors add that certain little something to every look! No matter whether you visit Check-Point Charly, the Brandenburg Gate or the Triumphal Column – with these nail polishes, you’ll be the biggest tourist attraction!
Love This City
I'm a Berliner
Green Grass
Buddy Bear
Berlin Story

essence I love Berlin matt tip painter
It’s nothing new that Berlin is a fashion hotspot. But even the trendy people of Berlin will be amazed when they see the new matt tip painter! Either apply it to the tips of your nails combined with the desired color in the traditional way or let your creativity run wild Berlin style and conjure-up great effects on your nails! 
Berlin Story
Green Grass
essence I love Berlin studio fashion nails
Look like you’ve painted a piece of the Berlin Wall on your nails! The nail fashion stickers in the I love Berlin graffiti style is the ultimate extra touch for trendy, stylish nails! Simply apply the adhesive stickers to your nails and then file down any overhanging corners with the file. Berlin, here I come!
Berli-Nail
Berlin Calling
essence I love Berlin studio nail fashion file
It doesn’t just help you achieve the perfect nail style – this practical nail file with a cool Berlin design is a loyal companion when you’re on the road. Never venture into the urban jungle of Berlin without it! Thanks to its handy pocket format, the studio nail fashion file is sure to fit into any purse so it’s always close at hand in case of a nail emergency! 
I Love Berlin studio nail fashion file


essence “I love Berlin” will be available in stores from January until February 2011. 

I've been awarded!

I got an email from The Online Cosmetology School saying that I had been chosen as a Top Manicure & Pedicure Blog! It was great to be included in with some of my favorite blog reads, and even a few I hadn't of heard before. You can see the entire list here.


Yay us!

Catrice Urban Baroque

Please enjoy the following release from Catrice:


Limited Edition “Urban Baroque” by CATRICE


Romantic nostalgia and delicate powdery colors meet urban coolness – the new Limited Edition “Urban Baroque” by CATRICE totally reinterprets the popular boudoir style this January and February 2011! Soft pastel shades combined with urban ornaments and tattoos… “Urban Baroque” by CATRICE – the new winter make-up look that you just can’t get enough of!  


Urban Baroque by CATRICE – Ultimate Nail Laquer
Cool nails are an integral part of the ultimate Urban Baroque Look. Discreet yet effective, they complement the nude look of your lips. Soft, seductive and unbelievably nonchalant. Thanks to the professional brush and long-lasting texture, these fantastic nail polishes are our absolute favorites this season! Available in 


C01 Pearls & Chains

C02 Baroque & Rock

C03 Princess & Ballerina

C04 Biscuits & Cupcakes.