Stoney Balogney

As nice as it is to go to the salon and get your nails done, it is not always in the budget.  Here is an easy step-by-step process that allows you to treat yourself to a spa quality manicure.

4. Apply a Basecoat

It helps the color go on smoothly and last longer. Try OPI Natural Nail Base Coat. Or, if your nails have ridges, Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat.

5. Brush On Two Coats Of Color

Brush on two thin coats of color, waiting a couple of minutes after each hand. Use three strokes on each nail—on either side of the nail, then a swipe of color across the tip to prevent chips.

6. Apply a Top Coat

Singleton likes CND Air Dry, which helps cut drying time. Don’t forget to swipe the top coat across the top of each nail as well, as you did with the color.

7. Clean Up Any Smudges

Clean up any color outside the edges of your nails with an orange stick wrapped in a thin layer of cotton and dipped in polish remover. 

After

Tip: Not ambidextrous? Join the club. To minimize slipups, paint your dominant hand first (it’s even trickier to use your nondominant hand when the nails are wet with polish) and always move from your pinkie to your thumb (which tends to rotate inward as you go and could get smudged).

Thanks Em for my crafty friendship bracelet!

So this past weekend, I went back home to celebrate my mom’s 50th birthday.  It was a great party, with lots of food, family and friends all having a great time.  She also had a themed drink called a 50/50.

Recipe:

1 oz Vanilla Vodka

1 oz Orange Soda

Splash of Grand Marnier

Whip Cream

Place Vodka, orange soda, and Grand Marnier in a shaker, and shake. Pour into shot glass, and top with whip cream.

This is me and my Aunt Debbie enjoying one at my moms party!

i’m a firm believer.

It was my roommates 21st b-day about a week ago.  After a delicious breakfast at SNOOZE in Boulder, and a few mimosas, we headed to Denver and spent the afternoon at the Zoo.  It was such a beautiful day! We had so much fun just moseying around looking at all the animals.

The perfect afternoon snack with a new twist!

4 slices of bread
butter or margarine
4 slices of mozzarella cheese
pepperoni (I used reg and cut in half but mini size would be good too)
Italian seasoning or basil
Parmesan cheese (opt)
pizza sauce for dipping 




Warm a medium/large skillet over medium heat. Butter each piece of bread on one side. When skillet is hot place a piece of bread butter side down on the skillet then add one slice of cheese and small shake of Italian seasoning or basil (add a small shake of parmesan cheese here too if desired). Top with a desired amount of pepperonis (I used about 8 -10 whole regular pepperonis per sandwich) If any other toppings are desired, add now. Add another slice of mozzarella and top with slice bread butter side up. Repeat with second sandwich. When bottom slice is golden brown then flip over carefully. Once both sides are brown remove from pan cut and serve with pizza sauce if desired. Make 2 sandwiches

Thought I’d post a simple and delicious drink recipe for spring break!

Corona-Ritas

In a pitcher, combine equal parts (use the limeade can to measure):

Frozen limeade concentrate
water
Sprite
tequila

add one Corona

Stir, serve, and be careful, ’cause these guys go down waaaay too easy!

So while my roommates are in London and Vegas, I am at home baking for spring break :)

I was at home yesterday afternoon when I got the urge to whip something up.  So I went to the trusted bisquick box and made some strawberry shortcake.

Ingredients:

4 cups of freshly sliced strawberries1/2 cup of sugar (I used brown sugar here)2 1/3 cup of bisquick1/2 cup of milk3 tbsp sugar (and granulated sugar here)3 tbsp butter (melted)

Directions:

Mix strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar; set aside. Heat oven to 425 F.
Stir Bisquick mix, milk, 3 Tbsp sugar and the butter until a soft dough forms. Drop by 6 spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 10-12 min or until golden brown. split warm shortcakes; fill and top with strawberries and whipped topping.

This honestly tastes like a gourmet dessert perfect for summer, and takes less that 30 min to assemble.  Hope you enjoy!