Hot off the press…Newsprint Nails!

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

Just saw the coolest nails today! I had heard about this manicure before (saw pics online) but assumed it would be too difficult to do yourself – and that you’d have to go to a nail salon and pay big bucks. Well, I was pleasantly surprised today when a co-worker showed off her ‘homemade’ newsprint nails – take a look:

She said it wasn’t hard to do at all – it just takes some additional time than a regular polish job and a couple extra supplies

What you need:

  • Nail polish – make sure the color isn’t too dark or the newsprint won’t show up (think light greys, blues, tans, pinks etc.)
  • Rubbing alcohol (a small amount is fine)
  • A couple pages of newspaper!
  • Top coat

The process:

  1. Paint your nails
  2. Let your nails dry. You can add a top coat as well – but just remember to let them DRY
  3. Next, grab the rubbing alcohol – using the cap (or a shot glass!) dip each of your finger nails/tips into the rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol with wet the tops of the nails this prepares them for ‘printing’
  4. Take a piece of newspaper, and one nail at a time, press a piece of the newspaper onto the nail bed – hold for ~15 seconds
    • Tip: you can look through the newspaper to find cool blurbs of text, or funky fonts – whatever you want! The idea is, anything you find in the newspaper you can transpose onto your nail…it seems like most people go with black & white text vs. images (considering you only have so much nail space to work with!)
  5. Carefully peel off the newspaper from each nail. Use a fresh piece/section of the newspaper for each nail
  6. Let it air dry for a couple of seconds and then apply a top coat to seal it all in
  7. Let dry and ENJOY!

What do you think, will you try it out? Have you already tried the newsprint nails? Please Share!

More affordable PoPs of Color!

/ BethonBeauty / 2 Comments
A few weeks back, I posted on these funky colored J Brand skinny jeans originally spotted on Kim Kardashian (see
below for link to original post).
I am in love with these royal blue pants. I pair them with a black blazer, a white-t, heels, or flip flops…I’ve found their pretty versatile. BUT, the J Brands aren’t cheap…and I began to do more searching to see if there are other brands of funkier colored pants out there FOR LESS. And, there are!

Pops are color are in! Let me first caveat that I’m no fashionista. I don’t necessarily have my finger on the pulse of fashion ha! But, I occasionally jump on a fun trend if I like it. Admittedly, funky colored pants/jeans are not a new trend – people, and celebs in particular, have been sporting these since Spring 2011 (if not before! I do recall how cool Limited Too colored jeans were back in the 90s!) But recently, I’ve noticed them in a lot of stores, in a lot of different cuts, including skinny, cropped, flare etc…and I think this trend will keep going. And now, there are a lot more affordable options as many retailers have stocked up. It’s a fun way to spice up an outfit – and wear something different from traditional blue denim! I was scared to try at first – but there are ways to seamlessly integrate these colors into a more traditional wardrobe.

A couple places you can find these fun colored pants for less:

  • Nordstrom JUNIORS department– I often visit the juniors department in Nordstrom to peruse the more affordable costume jewelry or look for a cute blouse that won’t break the bank. While visiting the junior department this past weekend, I saw these pants…for $42. They are eerily similar to the $170 J Brand pants.  I got the fire redcolor.

    Nordstrom Juniors: Fire Skinny Stretch Denim Jeans

    • Sizing: I had a hard time knowing what size I take in juniors. I was half expecting I wouldn’t be able to do junior pant sizes. But, these pants are very stretchy/have plenty of give. So, to (hopefully) help anyone looking at these…I am 5’6’’ (and a half), 130 lbs, athletic build, round butt…the size 3 fit perfectly. For the record, I never expected to fit into that number, hence why I’m trying to give others some background on sizing for these pants
    • They come in grey, fire red, and ROYAL BLUE!
    • Link: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/fire-skinny-stretch-denim-jeans-juniors/3231546?origin=PredictiveSearch&resultback=629
  • Gap Womens – Gap has a few pairs of funky colored pants. I went more traditional and opted for the ‘Montreal’ color, which is a grey Curvy jean (hey, grey is better than signature denim – which my closet is crawling with!). I went for the curvy fit vs. skinny for these ones. But, Gap also has skinny pants in some funky colors like bright pink (see below)
  • Other reasons to wear funky colored pants (vs. traditional blue denim) – you can pair these colors with a lot of different colors and patterns. Animal prints, funky accessories, you name it! Granted, it will be harder to pull off pink in the Fall/Winter…but deep blues and reds can definitely translate into other seasons. Think blazers or thick/long sweaters — heeled boots, Uggs etc.! – check out these celebs below:

Link to original post: http://wp.me/p1kq6s-aX

Quick Beauty Tip #4: the lazy woman’s ‘iron’

/ BethonBeauty / 3 Comments

Wow, it’s been awhile since I posted last…but, I’m back! And ready to share more tips and tricks.

The other morning, while ironing a black Gap dress in a hotel room…atop of a hotel towel in the bathroom…working feverishly to get all the wrinkles out of the dress that had been stuffed in my carry-on, I realized how much I missed my ‘iron.’

Some people aren’t bothered much by clothes wrinkles…I am not one of those people. I hate wrinkles – to me, nothing makes a cute outfit look straight up sloppy than tons of wrinkles. The funny thing is, I’m also the type of gal who keeps a lot of clothing thrown around my room…including, on the floor. So, needless to say, my clothes are naturally prone to wrinkles – but I refuse to leave the house until they are smoothed out.

So, to get to the point/Quick Beauty Tip #4 – first, let me caveat that I own a traditional iron. I love me a good iron – that has strong steam, multiple material settings, and an automatic shut off…in case I forget to unplug, eeek! However, upon moving into a condo with a washer/dryer, I have since abandoned (for the most part) my trusty iron. Why you ask?

BECAUSE, I adopted the lazy woman’s iron – or, what I would like to call, the ‘I’m too busy in the morning to plug in an iron, wait for it to heat up, iron my clothes, and then remember to unplug it before I run out the door.’

The tip/trick – it is simple, you have something (a shirt, pants, skirt, dress etc.) with wrinkles – you put it into THE DRYER on a medium setting for a few minutes to remove the wrinkles. Then, you take the time you would have spent ironing – and do your hair, make up, eat breakfast, or watch Good Morning America with full attention.

BUT, the coolest trick – if you have an item that is prone to wrinkles and harder to get wrinkles out of — you need to take this extra step…

  • Take a clean wash cloth…wet in with water, ring it out a little because you don’t want it sopping wet
  • Throw the wet wash cloth in the dryer with your wrinkle prone clothing – with the dryer heat, the wetness will help smooth out harder to smooth wrinkles, almost like the steam from an iron!
  • Sometimes I throw a dryer sheet in if I need to freshen up a piece of clothing that’s been in a heap on the floor 🙂
  • Set the dryer on medium heat, and give it 8-10 minutes or so
  • Then remove…your item is wrinkle free!

And another bonus, when you open the dryer it shuts off…and you’re done. I can’t tell you how many times I used a traditional iron and while driving to work spent at least 20 minutes panicking that I left it on…envisioning my building engulfed in flames, seriously.

There it is…the BUSY woman’s iron. Use it if you get a chance!

Gym bag must-HAVES

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment

This post is dedicated to Robyn! What a great suggestion.

Everyone has gym essentials…and what better place to share those essentials but here on CC&N (cupcakes&nailpolish!)

Below is my list of 10 gym bag essentials! In no particular order…oh and I added a couple extra, I had to!

  • Mini Deodorant($0.99 find in the travel section at Target, CVS, etc.)
    • Why? – it is possible to forget to apply deodorant before work…hey, I am tired in the AM! But I don’t want to forget to apply before or after a sweaty work-out. So I carry a travel size Dove deodorant at all times. It smells nice too…so I get wafts of nice smelling air during my work-out haha
  • Oil absorbing sheets ($10 for Boscia Fresh Blotting Linens found at Sephora)
    • Why? – sometimes I don’t have time to shower after yoga…I can admit it. However, to ensure I keep control of tha’ shine on my face – I use one of these sheets to absorb excess oil and avoid shine. Plus, this tiny box takes up no room!
    • Link to Boscia linens on Sephora.com: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P247600&categoryId=B70
  • Extra pair of socks (~$5-$10 a pack, depends on brand. I’m not loyal to any particular brand – my one requirement is they must be ‘no show’ )
    • Why? – sock-less sneakers are the worst. Especially if you’re doing spin…or something with cardo. I always carry an extra pair just in case.  I swear by the ‘no show’ socks that hit below your ankle and are essentially hidden by your shoes…sorry, I can’t stand ankle biting socks
    • Link to some Puma no-show socks on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/PUMA-Womens-3Pk-Ext-Lowrider/dp/B001AK34R0/ref=pd_sbs_a_32
  • Extra sports bra (~$17, I like the Champion sports bras found at Target, they have a nice ‘seamless’ version…that keeps its shape really well, link below)
  • iPod ($149…I have a Nano, it’s currently busted…therefore, no running for Beth)
    • Why? – I am one of those people who cannot run without music. I always put my iPod back into my gym bag because I refuse to run without it…and I don’t need any more excuses not to exercise!
  • mini body lotion ($5, I love the mini Pacifica body lotion in Hawaiian Ruby Guava…sold at Sephora, link below)
    • Why? – although the gym offers free lotion, I prefer this delicious smelling, paraben free lotion. It’s doubles as a light perfume…because it smells so yummy. I like to apply after the shower @ the gym when my skin tends to feel dry from the hot water
    • Link to Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava lotion on Sephora.com: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P274508&categoryId=B70
  • extra disposable razor (any kind, doesn’t matter)
    • Why? – I occasionally forget to shave under my arms…and that can get embarrassing in the weight area at the gym. Always good to have in case you need a quick touch up!
  • mini hair brush($5 Target, CVS, etc.)
  • Tampon(s) ($8-$9, and not just any kind…I swear by Kotex U brand – see pic below)
    • Why? – these are so compact…the individual packaging does not break open in your bag like some tampon wrappers, seriously. And they come in funky colors…they are bright…you can spot them easily at the bottom of your bag in an emergency. Literally, the only cool thing to happen to ‘your period’ in a long time (ew)
    • Link to Kotex U on Drugstore.com: http://www.drugstore.com/conair-brush-velvet-touch-brush-77201c/qxp58196
  • Make up removing face wipes ($12 for 25 wipes – I like the Korres brand from Sephora, link below)

    • Why? – carrying these wipes is much easier than carrying face wash and eye make up remover. This is an ‘all in one’ cleaning system. No one wants to leave the gym with raccoon eyes. I like this kind by Korres, they are paraben free and for combo skin. There are a bunch of drug store brands that are great too! I have hung onto Korres because of my sensitive/eczema prone skin
    • Link to Korres wipes on Sephora.com: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211625
    • There is also a Sephora brand that is paraben free $9 for 25 wipes: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P276322&categoryId=B70
  • Extra hair elastics ($3 I like the Scunci no-damage elastics…sold in big packs…CVS, Target etc., link below)
    • Why? – as if I need to explain…I do not work out with my hair down, ever. I literally get annoyed at people who do. It’s like watching a wild cavewoman. Oh and, without a hair elastic my work out is toast…and it always feels good when someone is looking for one and you can save the day!
    • Link to Scunci elastics on Drugstore.com: http://www.drugstore.com/scunci-elastics-small-black/qxp193478?fromsrch=hair+elastic
  • Extra mini hair clips (~$4-$5 CVS, Target etc.)

    • Why? – I hate when bangs or fly aways get in my face during a work out…they tickle! And it’s so distracting. I throw a couple extra mini clips in my bag to keep these babies BACK
  • Mini bottle of dry shampoo ($13 at Sephora, I swear by the Ojon brand)

    • Why? – I don’t have time to wash and dry my hair after a mid-day work out…so I SWEAR by dry shampoo. I carry this mini bottle in my gym bag like it’s a piece of pure gold. After a particularly sweaty work out…I shower (obv!) but instead of washing my hair…I use the dryer, and brush, and a few sprays of the Ojon dry shampoo to rub out the oils…and freshen my hair before returning to work. DO IT…it’ll change your life.
    • Link to the Ojon to-go spray bottle on Sephora.com: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P209113&categoryId=B70

Last but not least…

  • Mini bottle of PERFUME (free w/ purchase at Sephora, or just ask for samples at Sephora/or a dept store)
    • I carry a mini bottle of Chloe with a secure pop top…I got it free with the purchase of the regular size from Macy’s. Chloe is such a light, girly smell, love it!

Chloe perfume

    • Why? – after a good work out, everyone needs a little spritz of freshness. I don’t like to carry a normal size bottle of perfume…I’m scared of leakage, and it can be heavy! A couple dabs on your wrist and neck…boom, you’re fresh
    • Also – if you live or work in Boston – The Perfume Corner carries MANY mini perfumes – see my post on this awesome store: http://wp.me/p1kq6s-aH

Clearly, I am an overpacker…but maybe I’ll give you guys some ideas.

What are your gym bag essentials?? Please share!

Can you dig — The Twistband?

/ BethonBeauty / 4 Comments

This simple little accessory appeared less than a week ago in my second Birchbox (see link below for details on the second Birchbox/what that is).

At first I thought to myself…THIS is a HAIR ELASTIC? See pic:

The black 'Twistband' hair elastic I received in my second Birchbox

It’s called The TWISTBAND. It looks like a tied piece of material. But that’s the beauty in it – it’s so simple. Yet so cute! Since I got it – it’s been the only hair elastic I’ve been using. Weird!

Why I like:

  • The soft/stretchy elastic doesn’t pull at my hair
  • It passed the gym test! I wore my hair in a pony tail and it DIDN’T fall out. It didn’t even loosen up! Which usually happens to me during a more fast paced workout
  • And it looks so cute on my wrist! Seriously, maybe it’s the lil knot…maybe I’m crazy. But it’s different

I decided to read more about The Twistband- the back story drew me in because I’m a sucker, I guess. 😉

The company was started by Jessica Frandson. At the time of ‘invention’ she was a new mom…she was getting used to her hair being pulled by the baby…and starting to realize her go-to hairdo needed to be the pony tail. Traditional hair bands hurt her head and her wrist, so Jessica twisted a soft piece of elastic trim to hold her hair back – “thus creating the first Twistband.”

The company officially launched in 2009…she sells the brand at retail stores nationwide (looks like specialty boutiques).

Twistbands are also sold off the website – and come in some cute/funky colors – link to the website below

Twistbands are sold in packs of 6 for $10 through the Twistband website

Twistband has received a lot of press – featured on The Today Show, in Lucky Magazine, Real Simple Magazine, Shape magazine…just to name a few!

I’ll admit it – I went on the website and ordered a pack of Twistbands. 1 hair elastic is not enough for me! And I want some funky colors…

What do you think of this? Would you pay ~$1.60 per hair elastic if it was more comfortable, kept your hair up better, and looked cute on your wrist (vs. a traditional hair elastic)? Or, is this bonkers?

Birchbox #2 blog post: http://wp.me/p1kq6s-b7