I’m kind of amazed we haven’t discussed this trend yet, since it’s been around for a little while, but I suppose I just can’t do it all!  I’ve been silently watching celebs paint their nails this way for months, and I am still torn on this look.  I’m talking about half-moon manicures.

Not sure what they look like?  Here are some examples…

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I have to admit, when I see this look on celebs, I usually hate it.  But then I saw this picture and I realized why:

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I just hate super-long nails!  With the right color-combo, I think the half moon could look really cool on short nails.  But enough about me… what do you think?

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Do you like this look or do you find it too strange?  Anyone ever tried it before?  Which color-combos do you think would look best?

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I spent ALL DAY packing up our house yesterday (and re-caulking our bathtub, which I am actually quite proud about), and it looks like today will be more of the same.  So, I suppose a virtual summertime picnic is in order… join me, won’t you?

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Have you been on any picnics yet this summer?  Do you go all out with the basket and cutlery, or do you keep it more low key?  What’s your favorite place to lounge outside at eat?

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Hello, my dears!  I apologize ahead of time if I’m a little frazzled this week.  Travis and I are moving out of San Francisco on Thursday (not too far away, but far enough!), which means I will be packing, cleaning, hauling, and suffering from limited internet access through Friday! So, please, bear with me!

But enough about that… Today, I am all yours.  So, let’s talk lipstick!

photo courtesy of TaniaSiaz

I’m going to be honest, I’ve only started wearing lipstick in the last year.  For a long time, I wasn’t sure how to pull it off (I’m usually all about natural, beachy California makeup… not a lot of lipstick going on there.)  But in the past year, so many fun, bright lipstick trends have swept through the beauty world, I just had to jump on the bandwagon!

I don’t wear lipstick everyday, though.  And I’ve been noticing now that Summer is upon us, I haven’t been wearing it at all!  I’m veering more toward chapstick with SPF and lip stains. Lipstick can definitely be a pain in highly humid or super-hot areas, so I’m thinking that I may not be the only one who has adjusted the look of her pout.

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Have you stopped wearing lipstick, like I have?  Are you still wearing it, but changing up your shade for the Summer?  How else does your makeup routine change in the warmer months? Keep my mind off of the big move by telling me in the comments!

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About six weeks ago, I went on a pre-graduation tooth-whitening rampage.  I did all kinds of stuff to whiten my teeth (like using white strips and cutting my beloved Diet Coke from my day), but I definitely got the biggest bang for my buck when it came to my mouthwash.

I had never used a whitening mouthwash before, so I wasn’t sure it would do much.  After a few rounds of the white strips, my teeth were too sensitive, so I needed to find an alternative.  I bought Crest 3D Whitening Mouthwash and followed the directions exactly: rinse for 60 seconds, twice a day.

Let me tell you… the stuff worked!  Right away, my mouth felt a little more revitalized (placebo effect? Perhaps.)  And after a few days, I definitely noticed a difference.  The best part: no sensitivity!

Granted, the mouthwash doesn’t have as dramatic an effect as the white strips, but for those of you who have sensitive teeth like me— or if you’re just looking for a little boost in your smile!— this is a super great option.

Side note: it doesn’t taste super good, so I wouldn’t recommend this as a breath freshener.  But if white teeth is what you’re looking for, definitely pick this baby up!

Have you ever used Crest 3D Whitening Mouthwash?  Have you tried other whitening formulas?  Likes? Dislikes?  Any tricks for sensitive teeth?!

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On Tuesday, we discussed budget-friendly wedding gift options and one of my suggestions was to personalize an item off the registry.  But what if the couple has registered for a house?

photo courtesy of rutlo

It may sound fake, but I assure you, it’s not.  HatchMyHouse.com is a website that has been launched for just this purpose.  Couples can “build” a virtual dream house, and wedding guests can put money toward the down payment of a real home, once they buy one.

We’ve seen things like this before with the ever-popular “register-for-your-honeymoon” trend, and as one half of a couple who is currently saving for a home, I can see the appeal here.  But in my opinion, this is a glorified way for couples to ask for cash, which is pretty tacky.  Granted, it’s earmarked for an important purchase, so guests know that their money is going to a good cause, but it just doesn’t sit right with me.  (On the upside, it makes it super easy for guests to get a gift!)

Feel free to disagree with me here… in fact, I’m super curious to hear what you all think!
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Would you register at Hatch My House?  As a guest, how would you feel about contributing, rather than purchasing a tangible gift?  Have you ever been to a wedding where the couples asked for cash outright?  Tell me about it in the comments!

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