Swatch: Sally Hansen Fuchsia Power

I adore this polish. Like, really. ADORE IT. I love a good hot pink that is very pigmented, applies evenly, and dries quickly. And that is exactly what you get with Sally Hansen Fuchsia Power. Because of how pigmented it is this is one of my favorite go to stamping polishes because it shows up so well. And the color just makes me happy because it's so bright and vibrant. It's definitely not a "winter" shade but I'll wear it anytime I like, particularly in the dead of winter!

NOTD: Dots (from the Vault)

This blog began all those years ago with a post featuring polka dots. What can I say, it's easy and always looks good. Sometimes you just want a little more than plain polish but you don't have the time to sit down and do a full design. This design is perfect. Choose your three favorite polishes and then there you go.

I used Sally Hansen Fuchsia Power, OPI Snow White, and Orly Liquid Vinyl for the polka dots. Problem is I don't remember the base coat!

Swatch: OPI Relentless Ruby

Well I had a very productive week. Not only did I change my name at Social Security Administration but I also got my new driver's license, applied for a corrected passport, AND looked into how to update my global entry.  I also finally got my hair cut and donated 10 inches of hair in the process.  What prompted me to be so productive? It must have been the fiery red nail polish I was sporting, OPI Relentless Ruby.

Is it just me? Am I the only one that thinks the color of your nails really does impact how your day goes? It's the same idea as what you wear impacting your day.

Seriously, it seems like when I have a lot to do I always gravitate toward reds and vibrant powerful colors.

Do you have certain colors you wear at certain times?

Re-Swatch: OPI I Have a Herring Problem (after 5 years)

For today's post I have a re-swatch of OPI I Have a Herring Problem. I first swatched it in 2013 and clearly I was not impressed by the color but I saw it the other day and thought hmm, I like that color.So I decided to give another try. What was interesting about this polish was that the last I used it it was a different color...weird, right? I checked my original 2013 swatch and it's definitely more green now. So I googled it and the pashotos on Google look a lot more blue than my bottle of polish looks now. Weird, right? So I decided to re-swatch it. I know I'm not the only person with this bottle of polish. Did anyone else a color change?? Did I get a funky bottle? I won't lie though--I actually really like the green it became. It's much more complimentary on my skin tone!

Swatch: Essie Eclair My Love

Today's post are swatch posts from the Vault. This polish was gifted to me as part of my bridal shower present from one of my law school buddies. I would describe this as a bright berry pink/red that applies like a creme dream! This might just become one of my favorite polishes!

It's pigmented and applies evenly. I did use two coats for full coverage just to be safe but I think you could have gotten away with one.

 Oh I just love the way it looks!

From the Vault: Nude with Green Tip and Accent Nail

You know when you go through an old computer or an old phone or just some random folder on your desktop and you find nail designs that you don't remember doing? Well that just happened to me. I was organizing my "nail files" folders on my computer and stumbled upon this one!

Side note: Check out how long my nails were! Geez, can I say #nailgoals?!
For this look I used Zoya Veruschka for the tip and I think OPI Tickle My Francey for the base (though I'm not 100% sure). The white and silver in the design are from my Color Club Art Club stripers. Come to think about it, I really need to buy some additional stripers--or at least new white and black ones. All of mine are either empty or wonky!

Monday's Marble Manicure

There's no where to go from here but up, right? My week started pretty much at the lowest of low if you ask me. A two hour and fifteen minute drive to a deposition (which I ended up being 10 minutes late for) and one of the other defense attorneys thought the deps started at noon instead of 10 AM so he wasn't even on his way. And his office was about an hour away so that delayed the depositions from starting until 11:30 AM. Then after the depositions were concluded I walked out of the office to...freezing rain, which definitely made my two hour drive home super fun. By the way, my office closed at 3 pm so meh. Luckily, the weather kept some traffic off the road and I was able to get home with only minor delays. The up side to today? My nails look really freaking cool! And I didn't need to go to the office after my deps.

I've been seeing marble nails for a while now and always wanted to give them a try. It really wasn't so difficult and the effect is really eye-catching and pretty. All you need is a white polish, black polish, dotting tool to mix the gray shades, and a nail art brush. I used Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in White and OPI Who are you calling bossy?!?! (from OPI's 2014 Peanuts Collection).

So how did your week start? I hope it's better than mine.
P.S. I MUST have white marble in my someday-kitchen. It is beautiful and elegant. And I really like the way it looks. I'll even take it in a bathroom if I can't have it in my kitchen.

Blizzard of 2018 Snowflakes

Alright, the snow stopped falling and it reached Blizzard of 2018 status. Near where I live we got over 6 inches, which of course will stick around as long as we're seeing temperatures of 9 degrees. Right now it is warmer in Iceland than it is in the United States. Fortunately, it is supposed to warm up toward the middle/end of next week so I should stop complaining. Plus, at least I got to do this super cute snowflake manicure! Silver lining, right?

For these nails, I used Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Rhythm & Blue and Get Mod (white) and my new UberChic "Holiday Jingle" stamping plate. I love UberChic's stamping plates and am obsessed. I think the next one I'm going to buy will be their chevron one. Stamping is such an easy way to spice up a plain manicure.

This was a photo I took mid-snowstorm. You can't even see the snow falling but I swear it continued for at least another three hours.

So I took a "snow day" on Thursday and worked from home, but I have no discipline and didn't get any work done SO I have a bit more work to do for this week. Honestly, people who can actually work when they work from home have a super power.

100 Random Questions

In the spirit of the New Year and all, today's post is going to be a little get-to-know-me post.  I love watching "50 Things About Me" YouTube videos but I don't make videos...so instead I'm just to type it out. If you think of any questions that you want to know just leave it in the comments below and I'll get it answered! Maybe this new year will bring some new visitors here on the blog!

1. DO YOU SLEEP WITH YOUR CLOSET DOORS OPEN OR CLOSED? oPEN

2. DO YOU TAKE THE SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONER BOTTLES FROM HOTELS? nOT ANYMORE.

3. DO YOU SLEEP WITH YOUR SHEETS TUCKED IN OR OUT? iN. ALWAYS.

4. HAVE YOU STOLEN A STREET SIGN BEFORE? ...NO, I DON'T THINK SO. i THINK I STOLE A TEMPORARY NO PARKING SIGN WHEN I WAS YOUNGER.

5. DO YOU LIKE TO USE POST-IT NOTES? YESSSSSSS, I'M THE POST-IT NOTE QUEEN.

6. DO YOU CUT OUT COUPONS BUT THEN NEVER USE THEM? ALL THE TIME.

7. WOULD YOU RATHER BE ATTACKED BY A BIG BEAR OR A SWARM OF BEES? BEAR, I GUESS.

8. DO YOU HAVE FRECKLES? NO.

9. DO YOU ALWAYS SMILE FOR PICTURES? PRETTY MUCH.

10. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET PEEVE? SLOW WALKERS. NEGATIVITY. PEOPLE GENERALLY ACTING CLUELESS.

11. DO YOU EVER COUNT YOUR STEPS WHEN YOU WALK? NO. I DO COUNT STAIRS THOUGH SOMETIMES.

12. HAVE YOU PEED IN THE WOODS? NOT RECENTLY.

13. HAVE YOU EVER POOPED IN THE WOODS? NO.

14. DO YOU EVER DANCE EVEN IF THERES NO MUSIC PLAYING? ON OCCASION. 

15. DO YOU CHEW YOUR PENS AND PENCILS? NO.

16. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE YOU SLEPT WITH THIS WEEK? UH, ONE...

17. WHAT SIZE IS YOUR BED? QUEEN. BUT WE ARE GOING TO REPLACE IT WITH A KING.

18. WHAT IS YOUR SONG OF THE WEEK? I DON'T HAVE ONE.

19. IS IT OK FOR GUYS TO WEAR PINK? REAL MEN WEAR PINK.

20. DO YOU STILL WATCH CARTOONS? NOT REALLY. ALTHOUGH I DO LOVE A GOOD ANIMATED MOVIE SO...

21. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE MOVIE? a CHRISTMAS STORY

22. WHERE WOULD YOU BURY HIDDEN TREASURE IF YOU HAD SOME? A SAFETY DEPOSIT BOX.

23. WHAT DO YOU DRINK WITH DINNER? WATER. ALL DAY ERRYDAY.

24. WHAT DO YOU DIP A CHICKEN NUGGET IN? KETCHUP, RANCH, OR HONEY MUSTARD. 

25. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD? MASHED POTATOES. SUSHI. CREME BRULEE. IN THAT ORDER.

26. WHAT MOVIES COULD YOU WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND STILL LOVE? TOP GUN. FAST AND THE FURIOUS 1, 2, AND 5.

27. LAST PERSON YOU KISSED/KISSED YOU? hUSBAND OF COURSE.

28. WERE YOU EVER A BOY/GIRL SCOUT? i WAS A CAMPFIRE GIRL.

29. WOULD YOU EVER STRIP OR POSE NUDE IN A MAGAZINE? PROBABLY NOT.

30. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WROTE A LETTER TO SOMEONE ON PAPER? I CAN'T REMEMBER. 2015?

31. CAN YOU CHANGE THE OIL ON A CAR? YES.

32. EVER GOTTEN A SPEEDING TICKET? NO.

33. EVER RAN OUT OF GAS? nO.

34. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF SANDWICH? CHICKEN SANDWICH OF ANY KIND.

35. BEST THING TO EAT FOR BREAKFAST? REE DRUMMOND'S FRENCH TOAST BAKE

36. WHAT IS YOUR USUAL BEDTIME? 10 pm

37. ARE YOU LAZY? YES, UNBELIEVABLY LAZY.

38. WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU DRESS UP AS FOR HALLOWEEN? ANYTHING. MY MOM COULD SEW OUR COSTUMES SO WE COULD BE WHATEVER WE WANTED. I WAS DOROTHY, A GENIE, A MEDIEVAL PRINCESS, THE LION (FROM THE LION, THE TIN MAN, AND THE SCARECROW), AND A GEISHA. SHE COULD MAKE LITERALLY ANYTHING AND IT ALWAYS LOOKED AMAZING!

39. WHAT IS YOUR CHINESE ASTROLOGICAL SIGN? hORSE.  

40. HOW MANY LANGUAGES CAN YOU SPEAK? oNE FLUENTLY. TWO BROKEN (fRENCH AND sPANISH).

41. DO YOU HAVE ANY MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS? nO.

42. WHICH ARE BETTER: LEGOS OR LINCOLN LOGS? lINCOLN LOGS.

43. ARE YOU STUBBORN? yes! i'M A TAURUS...I CAN'T HELP IT.

44. WHO IS BETTER: LENO OR LETTERMAN? nEITHER.

45. EVER WATCH SOAP OPERAS? yES.

46. ARE YOU AFRAID OF HEIGHTS? nOT OVERLY.

47. DO YOU SING IN THE CAR? ALL THE TIME!

48. DO YOU SING IN THE SHOWER? NO.

49. DO YOU DANCE IN THE CAR? NO.

50. EVER USED A GUN? yES.

51. LAST TIME YOU GOT A PORTRAIT TAKEN BY A PHOTOGRAPHER? MY WEDDING.

52. DO YOU THINK MUSICALS ARE CHEESY? nO.

53. IS CHRISTMAS STRESSFUL? nO.

54. EVER EAT A PIEROGI? yES. YUMMMM

55. FAVORITE TYPE OF FRUIT PIE? APPLE

56. OCCUPATIONS YOU WANTED TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A KID? ODDLY ENOUGH, A LAWYER.

57. DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS? NOT SURE.

58. EVER HAVE A DEJA-VU FEELING? YES.

59. DO YOU TAKE A VITAMIN DAILY? NO.

60. DO YOU WEAR SLIPPERS? NO.

61. DO YOU WEAR A BATH ROBE? NO.

62. WHAT DO YOU WEAR TO BED? nOTHING. LOL. IT DEPENDS. YOGA PANTS, PJ PANTS, T-SHIRT, SOMETIMES THE SHIRT I WORE DURING THE DAY.

63. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CONCERT? PANIC! AT THE DISCO IN 2007.

64. WALMART, TARGET, OR KMART? AMAZON. JK, TARGET.

65. NIKE OR ADIDAS? NIKE

66. CHEETOS OR FRITOS? NEITHER. LAYS.

67. PEANUTS OR SUNFLOWER SEEDS? PEANUTS

68. EVER HEAR OF THE GROUP TRES BIEN? NO.

69. EVER TAKE DANCE LESSONS? YES.

70. IS THERE A PROFESSION YOU PICTURE YOUR FUTURE SPOUSE DOING? YES. I PICTURE HIM BEING A REALLY GOOD PROFESSOR AT PRINCETON, LOL.

71. CAN YOU CURL YOUR TONGUE? NO.

72. EVER WON A SPELLING BEE? NO. BUT I DIDN'T GET ELIMINATED ON THE WORD MONOTHEISTIC IN 7TH GRADE.

73. HAVE YOU EVER CRIED BECAUSE YOU WERE SO HAPPY? YES.

74. OWN ANY RECORD ALBUMS? NO.

75. OWN A RECORD PLAYER? NO.

76. DO YOU REGULARLY BURN INCENSE? NO.

77. EVER BEEN IN LOVE? YES.

78. WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN CONCERT? TAYLOR SWIFT.

79. WHAT WAS THE LAST CONCERT YOU SAW? TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA. BEFORE THAT, ARIANA GRANDE.

80. HOT TEA OR COLD TEA? EITHER.

81. TEA OR COFFEE? WATER.

82. SUGAR COOKIES OR SNICKERDOODLES? SUGAR.

83. CAN YOU SWIM WELL? DEFINE "WELL" i CAN KEEP MYSELF ABOVE THE WATER FOR A BIT.

84. CAN YOU HOLD YOUR BREATH WITHOUT HOLDING YOUR NOSE? YES.

85. ARE YOU PATIENT? SOMETIMES.

86. DJ OR BAND AT A WEDDING? DJ.

87. EVER WON A CONTEST? I WON A HULA HOOPING CONTEST AT MY SWIM CLUB WHEN I WAS 10.

88. HAVE YOU EVER HAD PLASTIC SURGERY? NO.

89. WHICH ARE BETTER: BLACK OR GREEN OLIVES? I DON'T KNOW THAT I'VE EVER COMPARED THEM...

90. CAN YOU KNIT OR CROCHET? YES, I CAN CROCHET.

91. BEST ROOM FOR A FIREPLACE? OOH, I THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE EASY TO ANSWER BUT THEN I THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND NOW I'M NOT SURE. I THINK FAMILY ROOM.

92. DO YOU WANT TO GET MARRIED? WELL, I AM MARRIED SO...YES. HAPPY TO BE MARRIED.

93. IF MARRIED, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? SINCE SEPTEMBER 2017. YEP, I'M A NEWLYWED!

94. WHO WAS YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CRUSH? ZAC EFRON. I WENT TO AN ALL-GIRL HIGH SCHOOL.

95. DO YOU CRY AND THROW A FIT UNTIL YOU GET YOUR OWN WAY? NOT ANYMORE. OR EVER.

96. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? NO.

97. DO YOU WANT KIDS? JURY IS OUT ON THAT. i LIKE THE IDEA OF KIDS. THE ACTUAL PRACTICE REQUIRES A LOT OF TIME, EFFORT, AND SACRIFICE AND I'M JUST NOT SURE ABOUT THAT RIGHT NOW. LUCKILY WE'RE STILL YOUNG!

98. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR? BLUE.

99. DO YOU MISS ANYONE RIGHT NOW? NOT REALLY.

100. WHO ARE YOU GOING TO TAG TO DO THIS VIDEO NEXT? aNYONE WHO WANTS TO TAKE PART. I WOULD LOVE TO READ YOUR RESPONSES. iF YOU COMPLETE THE 100 RANDOM QUESTIONS PLEASE LEAVE A LINK IN THE COMMENT SECTION SO I CAN CHECK IT OUT!

Things for 2018

This year saw a wealth of excitement and fun here on The Files. I went to see Ariana Grande with my sister, celebrated one of my best friend's weddings, celebrated my own wedding, and made my world a little smaller by traveling to France, England, and Ireland. My mom turned 60, my sister turned 30, and my brother turned 20. We went to the Philadelphia Flower Show and I did a paint night with my sister. And I hung out with my college buds during a girls trip to Gettysburg. 

But now it's on to 2018 and I can't wait to see all that happens in the new year. Of course, it wouldn't be a new year without my Things For post. It's basically New Year's resolutions but a little different. Let's see how badly I failed I did based on the goals I set back in January 2017. My Things For 2017 list included the following: 

1. Travel more. Thanks to the honeymoon I definitely traveled a bit more this year. I went to Paris, England, and Ireland with my new husband. I also traveled domestically to New York with my sister and to Gettysburg with some friends. 
2. Do one swatch post per month. Hahaha, I went to look and see if I completed this and as it turns out I never swatched a polish in January...so that was a failed attempt from the beginning. I think I'll carry this on into the new year. I have to try one new never-before seen on the blog polish per month. That's not so bad, right?
3. Try a new manicure technique. Completed! Gel polish application counts as a technique, right? This was the first year I attempted full on gel-polish-requiring-UV-lamp and I think it worked out really well. 
4. Check things off my 101 in 1001 list and bucket list. Completed! I checked off #6, #80, #87, #89 (here, here,  and here), and #98 (here, here, here, and here) from my 101 in 1001 list. I also checked off #25, #29, #34, #73, #144, #159, #169, #196, #204, #211 #219, #220A,  #253, #481, #492, #517, #628, #629, #630, #631, #633, #635, #636, #637, #638, #648 kinda sorta, #651m  from my Bucket List. I am actually surprised with how many items I completed so I think I made really good progress on both lists.
5. Review this list and create a list for 2018 (and try not to be shocked that it's 2018!) Reviewed. Now to create a new list for 2019, although I am a little shocked it's 2018 already...

My Things for 2018 are going to be:

1. Travel to a new country and/or state.  
2. Use one new never-before-used-on-the-blog polish per month.
3. Check at least five things off my Bucket List and two things off my 101 in 1001 list.
4. Post a design for every major holiday: Valentine's Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.
5. Review this list and create a list for 2019. 

What are some of your goals for the new year?

NOTD: Let it Snow

So, we're in the middle of a deep freeze here in the northeast. Everyone is complaining about how cold it is, one of the pipes froze here in the apartment and we didn't have water for half a day, and every time you step outside you have to wear a scarf, boots, gloves, and ear warmers just to not freeze. Thank goodness for the auto-start in my car so I can warm it up before I leave the office. Nothing, I repeat, nothing is better than a pre-warmed car on a 19 degree day. In light of this wintry weather I did some nails that scream Let It Snow.

How do you feel about the snow? Do you like it or do you just find it to be a nuisance?

EDIT: I TAKE IT BACK! NO MORE SNOW PLEASE. I didn't realize the sheer magical power of these nails before I did them. Now the northeast is smack in the middle of a "Bomb Cyclone."

Now, I'm no meteorologist BUT if the blanket of snow, continuing snowfall, and obviously high winds are any indication, I'd say this snowfall is one for the books. Luckily my court appearance was adjourned because the court closed but geez that was not fun waiting for the closure announcement.

Sheesh, I will be more careful when I wield my obviously wizard-like Let It Snow manicure next time! Hope everyone is staying safe and warm from this snow!

Happy New Year: Best Of 2017!

Welcome to 2018 blog friends and visitors! As always, it is time for my Top 10 manicures from the previous year. If you are new to my blog, here are the previous "Best Of" posts from 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011. But enough about those, let's get started with the Best Of 2017! 

2017 saw a notable decrease in nail photos and increase in general life posts but I still managed to rack up over 70 posts. Here are my top 10 favorite manicures:

10.   My One Love Manchester manicure from June completed during the Ariana Grande benefit performance for the victims of the Manchester bombing.

9. My sister's 30th Birthday Nails from October. 

8. My Frankenstein Nails from October.

7. My fierce and ferocious leopard manicure from my girls trip to Gettysburg in November. 

6. My. festive and colorful Summer Nails manicure from August. The colors together just make me smile.

5. My Candy Cane manicure from December. I love how crisp the white background looks with the red candy canes. 

4. My Bachelorette Bash manicure from August. Such a simple and easy-to-do design but it always looks so impressive.

3. My Sweater Weather Manicure from December. I just love the way sweater nails look and this photo came out so crisp and clean.

2. My St. Patrick's Day manicure from March. I really liked how each nail was different yet the look still went together. And how cute is that little three leaf clover?

And my favorite nail design of the year, and as it turns out the LAST post of 2017:

My New Years Eve 2017 manicure. I love champagne and I love how this design turned out. Perfect for sipping some champagne and ringing in the New Year!