Product Review: Zoya Nail Polish (Pandora)

I was first introduced to Zoya nail polish in my Birchbox (see My Favorite Things: July 2011 post) where I received a sample size of the polish in the color Pandora.  Zoya (Pandora) is a high quality polish that goes on opaque after one or two layers and has quite a bit of staying power.  I did a quick polish on my nails and the color lasted with very little nail prep and no top coat for about a week.  Impressive, for someone who washes their hands frequently!

My only qualm with the polish was that the color was not complimentary to my skintone.  I have an olive complexion and the nude/pink shade of the polish made my hands look dead because they were so similar in color.  Pandora would probably look best on lighter or darker complexions, but I highly recommend the brand.

Zoya nail polish can be purchased online, at Ulta, and other retailers.  Remember to use your points and coupons when purchasing at Ulta!

Freckled Face DIY Adventures: Cupcake Onesies

So, my closest friends know that I am a Martha Stewart wannabe.  I make pillows, baby blankets, reupholster chairs, repaint and repurpose items and have been known to make jewelry.  In this week’s episode of the Freckled Face DIY Adventures I take on creating my very own cupcake onesies for a baby shower I am scheduled to attend in a few weeks. 

I have never made this type of gift before and must say that I hate to toot my own horn, but this project came out way better than expected.  So, TOOT, TOOT and BEEP, BEEP!

Here is what I started with.


5 - Baby Onesies
3 - Baby Bibs
4 - Hair Barrettes

And this is the finished product. 

Tell me what you think?  Do you like this baby shower gift?

My Favorite Things (July 2011): Birchbox – Cynthia Rowley Edition

After seeing videos and hearing rave reviews on YouTube about Birchbox, I recently became a subscriber to the monthly subscription service.  According to their website “Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products”.  Sounds interesting, huh!

I have always been a child at heart when it comes to getting things in the mail, and I’m not talking junk or unsolicited mail.  I’m talking an occasional care package from mom, or an unexpected “Thank You” card or gift from a friend.  Those things make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  My Birchbox subscription is no different and has me running to the mailbox daily to see if my package of pamper me goodness has arrived.  Very exciting!

The beauty of Birchbox is that you can purchase a box monthly at $10/month, or you can sign-up for a yearly subscription for $110/year), similar to a magazine subscription.

Each Birchbox is tailored to you and is based on a survey you complete when you register for the service.  This month’s Birchbox was a culmination of Cynthia Rowley favs.  Here is what my first package contained:

Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist
Philosophy® Purity Made Simple™ One-Step Facial Cleanser - 16 oz
YBF Beauty Automatic Universal Taupe Eyebrow Pencil
Zoya Touch Collection

You can subscribe to Birchbox at www.birchbox.com.