WaterColor Nails

Hey sexy people! This design is one of my absolute favorites. The very first time I did it I got so many compliments. People kept on asking me how I did it. It looks complicated and it looks like it takes hours to do, but in reality its quite simple. Keep that on the down low though because we want people believing it took you forever when in reality it took a couple minutes. Lets get started. I usually do this on a white nail polish base, but I was out of white. Instead I attempted it on a black base and it turned out amazing. The only thing is that there aren't that many colors that show up on black so just keep that in mind. Black base or white base the process is all the same.

One main thing you need for this nail art is a zip log bag. Take the bag open it and take a pair of scissors and cut down until you reach the corner and then cut again till you reach the other corner. The bag should lay flat like a book if you opened it to the middle page. By doing this it is going to be easier for you to sandwich you fingers in between the two plastics.

Step 1: Base coat and then either a white or black base.

Step 2: Pick at least two colors. I recommend three. You can choose more if you want. Begin to place drops of these colors all over the nail. I chose gold, pink, and purple.

Step 3: Take your zip log bag and place your finger in between the plastic. Be careful to remain steady and gently take the top of your nail so that the drops of nail polish begin to spread. Once your whole nail is covered slowly take off the zip log bag.

Step 4: Grab a q-tip, dip it in nail polish remover and clean up. Top coat and you're DONE!

I honestly love the way it turned out. The gold, pink, and purple contrast well with the black. I thought that the white base looks the best but now I don't know. Both look incredible. I'll include a picture of the one I did my very first time with a white base and you can decide which one looks better.

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Also tag me if you recreate this design!

Floral Nails

Good hello beautiful people. This nail art is one of my favorite because lets be honest I'm OBSESSED with floral. Floral pants, shirts, shoes, nails I want it all. Plus flowers and summer are made for each other. I've been wanting to try this design for so long but I didn't think that I could do it. Let me just tell you that it was 100 times easier than I thought it was going to be. You can do what I did which was only have the middle and ring finger be the floral pattern or you can do all floral.

Step 1: Base coat obviously. The real first step is to paint your middle and ring finger a greenish teal color while you paint the others a pink color. Now you don't have to choose those colors, but in my opinion they look the best.

Step 2: Get a large bobby pin and start making little cloud like designs with the same pink color you put on the other nails on the fingers. Just space them out randomly so that there is enough, but not too much.

Step 3: For this step you need a lighter pink, but since I didn't have one that would go nicely I got a piece of paper and mixed the pink with a white nail polish. Now take a smaller booby pin or a nail striper and you are going to start creating the floral pattern. What I did was place a small dot with the lighter pink in the middle of the clouds and then make little lines along the edges. Mix it up give some flowers two light pink edges and others three. I forgot to take a picture with just the third step so I'll combine it with the fourth step. Next your going to take a green nail polish and make little leaves for the flowers. I gave some two and others just one. Once you like your design finish it off with a top coat.

I absolutely LOVE  this nail art you best believe that I'm going to be wearing it for the majority of the summer. Tag me on instagram (simplethings_blog) if you recreate the design.

Abstract Nails

Hello beautiful people! This nails design is simple and it looks like it isn't which is the best part. I didn't really know what to call this design so I went with abstract.

What you'll need:
3 nail polish (different colors)
Clear top/base coat
Scotch tape

First step is like always a base coat. Then you put on your lightest color. You're going to be layer the three colors so you have make sure the color you put on top is going to be able to show. Before you move onto the next step make sure the nail polish is dry completely.

Second step is take the tape and place it on the nails in various different styles. Once you've done that you can put on the second nail polish. Before you move onto the third step make sure the polish is dry.

 Third step is similar to the second one. The the third color that you use has to be the darkest one.                                          

This nail art is pretty simple and straightforward. The final product makes it seem like it was so much hard then it actually was. The key to mastering this design is patience. The nail has to be completely dry before you move on to the next color. If it isn't dry then the nail polish is going to come off with the tape. Make sure the lightest color is the on the bottom and go darker as you layer so that way the colors are still visible.

:)

Easter Nails

Guys Easter is in less than two days away. Today I'm going to show you various nails designs you can do. There is no step by step tutorial with this post because most of the designs are straight forward. My favorite thing about Easter nails is the pastel colors. You can choose one color or you can do multiple colors, whatever floats your boat.

For my thumb and my ring finger I did a simple Easter egg design. There are so many different ways you can do this. Zig zags, straight lines, diagonal lines, polka dots. The color combinations are vast so go wild and experiment.

For my index finger I did a little bunny. How cute is he?

My middle finger is contrasting polka dots. Very easy to do and if you decide to do this on all your nails, which I've done before, it looks super cute.

Lastly my pinky finger is a chick. Two black dots for the eyes and a triangle for a nose with little feet. That's all. I have to say this was the easiest to do.

Hope these ideas helped. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter.

Water Marble Nails

This is by one of the coolest designs. You can you any color combination and because of that they can be spring, summer, fall, winter nails. They can be any occasion nails; Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July. Water marble nails takes practice. This was my second time doing this and it was a little easier, but still complicated. Let me start by saying a majority of the people say you have to use high end name brand nail polish, but you don't. I used the NYC nail polishes which were 94 cents. It took me more then a couple tries to for it too look semi decent. So please don't get frustrated or give up. You'll get the hang of it.

What you will need:

• Base/top coat
• White nail polish
• Two or three nail polishes of your choice
• Toothpick
• Small container for the water
• Chapstick
• Cotton ball

First step is base coat followed by painting your nails white.

Second step is to fill the small container with water. IT HAS TO BE ROOM TEMPERATURE.

Third step is to coat the surroundings of your nails with chapstick. You're going to sink about a little less than half your finger in the water. Any part that touches the water needs to be covered in chapstick. The reason for doing this is so that it's easier to clean the nail polish off. Trust me you don't want to miss this step.

Four step is to take the water container and begin adding drops of nail polish. One drop at a time alternating between the colors. The more drops you add the more intricate the design. I say 3 to 5 drops is best. I suggest that you keep the tops of the nail polish unscrewed because you have to move quite quickly. If the water is room temperature when you add the drop of nail polish it will spread out.

Fifth step is to take a toothpick and create a design.

Sixth step is to angle your nail so that it is almost horizontal to the water but not quite. Quickly stick your finger into the water and take another toothpick and collect the extra nail polish around your finger. Once all the nail polish is collected you and take your finger out.

Seventh step is to take the cotton ball and clean up around the nail.

Eighth step is to at a top coat and you're done.

New Obsession: Graceland

Graceland. I’m not talking about the home of Elvis Presley. I’m talking about the TV show on USA network. Now this show premiered in the summer of 2013, but I only recently discovered it. One main reason why I decided to watch it was because of the creator, Jeff Eastin. If you don’t know who Jeff Eastin then you clearly don’t know of White Collar, one of the greatest shows ever. Anyways back to Graceland. This show is a 42 minutes drama that involves crime, action, romance, comedy. It has a little bit of everything. The characters are well developed and the story line is unique, it’s not another cop show.

The show takes place in California in a beachfront house that was seized and turned into a living pad for undercover cops.  The top DEA, FBI, and Custom agents live in this house. Being an undercover agent means lying becomes your life. Mike “Levi” Warren played by the beautifully gorgeous Aaron Tveit is an FBI agent who just graduated at the top of his class. His only focus is to work in D.C. but his first assignment is Graceland. It makes you wonder why, since he was top in his class he should get his pick in locations. You learn at the end of the first episode why he is really assigned Graceland. It doesn’t take long for you to realize that the people that live in this house are a family. A crazy, weird, messed up family that loves each other.

I started watching this show because of Aaron Tveit. I’ve been a fan of his since Gossip Girl and Girl Walks Into A Bar. I watched it for him, but I fell in love with Joe ‘Johnny’ Tuturro who is played by Manny Montana. Johnny is FBI and he is the fun loving easy going character of the house. Its impossible not fall in love with him. Like Olaf said in Frozen some people are worth melting for and Johnny is definitely worth melting for. What I would do to get him to make me fancy shaped pancakes in the morning. You’ll understand that once you watch the show. Paige who is played by Serinda Swan, some of you may recognize her from Breakout Kings, is a smart and ruthless DEA agent. She uses her femininity and party girl ways to implant herself into cartels. She does her job well. Towards the end of the season she becomes one-half of Graceland’s most shipped couple. With who you ask? Watch the show and find out. The rest of the cast, Daniel Sunjata, Vanessa Ferlito, and Brandon Jay McLaren are phenomenal, they play their roles extremely well.

Towards the middle of the season there is an unexpected twist. A twist that will have you feeling all sorts of emotions. The season finale will make you feel even more emotions. I hated the ending at first. It pissed me off how they did that, but then the more I thought about it the more I thought it was pure genius. I loved how they did that. I want to say more, but if I do then I’m going to ruin it for you guys. So there it is my vague opinion on the season.

I love this show. It took me by surprise because I wasn’t expecting much going into it. Season two can’t come fast enough. My only wish is for Johnny to get a bigger role. I forgot to mention this earlier I watched this show, twelve episodes, in one day. Each episode is forty-two minutes long. One episode after another, clearly that says something about the show. Also for all those wondering why the show is called Graceland it is because the house was seized from a drug lord who was an obsessed Elvis fan. The house is the only place these agents can be the themselves because once they step outside they become a lie. The house is their sanctuary, their ‘Graceland.’ 

Daisy Nails

It's time to say bye bye to winter and hello to spring. Unless you live in Chicago because well it snowed this morning. Coldness and snowflakes aside I'm ready for rain and flowers and who can forget the sunshine. Today I'm going to show you how to get your nails ready for springtime. Daisies! Who doesn't love daisies? They are fun, festive, and so cute.

What you'll need:

• Clear base and top coat
• Dark color nail polish (black, blue, purple)
• White nail polish with a striper
• Orange or yellow nail polish
• Dotting tool or a bobby pin

First step is to apply you base coat and then the dark color nail polish. Make sure it completely dry before you move on to the next step. 

Next step is to take the striper with the white nail polish and to start drawing lines. Be sure to place them so they form the shape of a daisy. Now you can do like I did or you can do a daisy on each finger or multiple small ones. You can honestly do whatever you want.

The third step is to take your dotting tool and the orange nail polish and place small circles in the middle of the daisies. The final step as always is a top coat.

Three simple steps and your nails are ready for the warmer weather.

I Need To Rant

I need to rant. Lately I've noticed two things that annoy the shit out of me. One is I hate it when people can’t keep a conversation. The second thing I hate is when people don’t make you feel included.

I mean how hard is it for you to not respond with a one word answer? I ask you a question, you ask me a question, it’s not that hard. You can ask me the most stupidest, wildest question and I wouldn't mind as long as there is no awkward silence. Stay away from one worded answers because they completely diminish any chance of a further conversation. I understand that some people are shy and timid, but come on its not that hard. Granted there are a couple situations where two people have absolutely nothing in common, but that’s rare. Movies, music, tv shows, books, just pick something and start talking.

I’m pretty sure at some point you have been the new person in the group. A couple weeks ago I had to go to my cousins birthday party. Now you would think that’s not a big deal because my other family members are there to keep me company right? Wrong. My older cousin and his wife are in California celebrating a birthday. My other older cousin lives in New Jersey.  My younger cousin also my partner in crime was in Saint Louis at college. So basically I was alone aside from my cousin the birthday boy. I begged my younger brother and my 16 year old cousin to come along with me and thank god I did. When we get to the party we’re introduced to the people that are already there. Life long friends. After a simply hi they went back to their own conversation. I’m standing there in the kitchen with my brother and younger cousin like what are we suppose to do now. It’s rude. The rest of the night the three of us spent on our own. I mean how big of an ass do you have to be to make people feel felt out and uncomfortable. Keep in mind that there people aren't teenagers they are in their mid twenties. It’s common courtesy to be nice to people especially people who are out of their comfort zone. I mean is it that hard? Is it going to kill you on the inside?

Sorry guys it’s just really been bothering me lately. It’s not hard to keep a conversation going. It’s definitely not hard to make someone feel included. Ask a question. Be kind. Don’t be rude.

Was Your Birthday Yesterday?

It was my my birthday a couple days ago and a couple things happened that I want to share. Now I should start by saying I don't like making my birthday a big deal. I absolutely hate being the center of attention. I don't need a party nor do I need people singing 'Happy Birthday' to me. I enjoy being in the background. With that being said I do expect close friends and family to at least wish me. You would think that with social that wouldn't be a problem, especially with Facebook telling people you haven't talked to in years that its your birthday. I'm going to talk about two people who are very important to me who didn't bother wishing me. I'm not writing this because I'm bitter or anything, but I find it funny. Okay maybe I was a little angry at first, but can you blame me?

Lets start with one of my best friends.
For the sake of their privacy I'm going to use fake names, but the stories are 100% real.
Sarah and I have been close friends for almost 8 years now. Our birthdays are exactly one month apart. Hers is in February and mine is in March. First of all let me start by saying she is in med school so I can't even imagine the pressure or the stress that is on her. So back to the story. On her birthday I text, call, Facebook, and tweet at her, making sure I cover all my grounds. When I called to wish her I reminded her that my birthday was exactly one month away. Her response was simply "I'm so busy here so don't get mad if I forget to wish you." Now with technology today it's as simple as telling siri to set a reminder, it take less than 5 seconds to do. I told her straight forward that she has no reason not to remember. I also told her that I was going to be angry if she forgot. Flash forward a month and here we are. She didn't remember. Around 1 am so it was officially not my birthday anymore I send a snapchat that said 'thanks for the birthday wish' with a sarcastic emoji, keep in mind I was angry and in the moment. I fall asleep and the next morning I get text messages from her, the picture is below. Deep down inside I new she wasn't going to remember and for that reason I wasn't angry. Also she being a smarty pants and it being her exam week deactivated her Facebook and Twitter. I couldn't blame her. After a semi long phone call, all was well. This story leads into my cousins story which is by far more funnier.

My cousin Mike, and I are extremely close especially these last couple of years. The week leading up to my birthday he texted me a countdown. 5 days till your birthday, 4 days...so on and so forth. As you can guess the day of my birthday there was nothing. I sent the same snapchat I sent Sarah to him. It was late at night so he didn't see it till the morning. At 6:45 in the morning my phone starts ringing, but I'm too sleepy to answer. The voicemail sound goes off so I gather enough energy to grab my phone and listen to the message. It was my cousin wishing me a happy birthday. Keep in mind he's a day late, but he doesn't realize that and it makes for a hilarious voicemail. He goes on to say how he wanted to wish me at midnight but he fell asleep and blah blah blah. I'm listening to this voicemail and I start laughing. The picture below is the conversation we had over text after I heard the message. I was mad that he forgot especially because he had a countdown also because he didn't realize that he was a day. He proceeded like he genuinely remembered my birthday. It. Was. Hilarious.

Initially I wasn't too happy that the two of the closest people to me forgot, but its pretty funny looking back at it now. I get to hold the voicemail over my cousin now. I get to remind him how much of an idiot he his. Overall I had a great birthday. I loved spending time with my family and friends. I wanted to share this because I thought it was funny.

Wait For You by J. Lynn

Some things are worth waiting for…

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

**********************************************************************************************************************


This book. This book is beyond perfection. Let me start by saying I will never look at cookies and eggs the same way again. I read this book in the beginning of August and ever since I've compared every other book I've read to it. Let me just say nothing has even come close to this book. If you want a book that will have you swooning after every page, from beginning to end, then this is the book for you.


I'm not going to go into detail about what happens in the book because the summary does a good job explaining that. Also if I tell you what happens then what is the point of you reading the book. Instead I'm just going to talk about how this book is pure perfection. 

My favorite thing about this book is how Cam and Avery develop a friendship first and then it turns into something more. There are multiple books out there where two people see each other and they are instantly in love and that is just not how it works. What Cam and Avery have is realistic, they take time to get to know each other before they become a couple. When they do finally take their friendship to the next level you can't help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

The characters are well developed and extremely lovable. Yes it is true I fell head over heels in love with Cameron Hamilton. He is my ideal, perfect in every way book boyfriend and I'm pretty damn sure no one else will ever compare. The playful banter that the two have is going to leave you smiling like an idiot.

I can't explain to you how wonderful, awesome, amazing, swoon-worthy this book is. If you're looking for a book that makes your heart flutter then this is the book for you. If you love the whole friends who turn into lovers story line then I promise you that you will LOVE this book.

Music

So I went to dinner the other night and the topic of music came up. I got stuck at the kids side of the table and their ages varied from first grade to junior year in high school.  We talked about Justin Bieber, One Direction, and Big Time Rush. Me personally I'm a fan of all three, but that is not the point of this blog post. During dinner my guy cousin who is a freshman in high says to my girl cousin who is a junior, "I can't believe you don't listen to music." She simply responds by saying that she doesn't like music and that she doesn't care to listen to it.

I found this incredibly unsettling. How can someone not listen to music? Listening to the right song at the right time can change your whole mood. For almost four minutes you can forget about what is going on in the world. You can forget about all the drama, the stress, the uncertainty and just tune out. Music is an escape. There is a song out there for every mood no matter how your're feeling. There is always those couple of songs that you feel in every bone in your body. What Hurts The Most by Rascal Flatts that is the one song when it's combined with the music video that I feel in every inch of me. Not only does music allow you to get away it's a reminder. Listening to a song and remembering the first time you heard it or remembering the amazing time you had with your friends. My high school days were spent hanging out in my basement with my friends listening to music and dancing around. Every time I listen to Good Girls Go Bad by Cobra Starship or Best I Ever Had by Drake it reminds me of those memories.

In a world where we are so stressed music is a nice release. I find it hard to believe that my cousin doesn't listen to music. It's sad because she won't ever experience the sheer joy a song can bring.

Eye Shadow Nail Polish

We all have old eye shadow that that we never use. In this post I'm going to show you how to turn that eye shadow into a super cute nail polish.

Things you will need:

Eye shadow

A small container

Clear nail polish

Nail polish remover

A brush

Something to stir with

First step:

Scrap the eye shadow you want to use into the small container. 

Second step:

Add a couple drops (depends on how much eye shadow you have) of clear nail polish and about 2 drops of nail polish remover.

Third Step:

Use your stirrer, I used the end of a q-tip and mix it all together. You can add more clear nail polish depending on the consistency. You want something that is going to be easy to apply on your nails.

Final step:
Take a brush and apply it to your nails. The brush I used is a small old makeup brush. Finally add a top coat and you're finished!

Hope you enjoyed this! :)x