The Single Nester

Elegant Updo Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:02:00 +0000

Proms, weddings, mother's day and summer fun - all of these events call for a sleek, sexy updo. Not to mention getting all of that hair off your neck. It was 80 degrees today in Manhattan!

Learn how to create this elegant look . . .

Be sure to enter these two sweepstakes for some great prizes!

Sweeps rules:

http://www.blogher.com/hair-sweepstakes-official-rules-week-8

Prizes & Promotions page on Blogher.com:

https://www.blogher.com/blogher-tv-weekly-hair-style-sweepstake

Thoughts for a Crazy Few Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Tue, 07 May 2013 05:30:00 +0000

I have been a bad, bad blogger.

So crazy with life that the last thing I wanted to do was write a post. But, I am hoping that things will change and I can start blogging more regularly.

Until then, here is a quote I want to share with you . . .

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NYX and Revlon Ulta Haul (for troubled times)

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 05:30:00 +0000

I remember reading after September 11th that lipstick sales had increased. It seems to suggest that when times are tough, women purchase lipstick to make them feel better.

I understand this completely.

With everything that has gone on in the news these last few weeks and due to some personal things I am experiencing such as elder care and friendship issues, I treated myself to an Ulta visit. Okay, it was more like two visits and a web shop.

Was I in need of anything? Absolutely not. But, I needed to feel a bit better.

Already a fan of Revlon products, I read on several blogs about NYX Cosmetics so I decided to give the makeup line a try.

Spending $108, this is my haul. YIKES!
The price points are amazing and the color on most of the products has great pigmentation.

Glitter eyeliners that are really fun along with glitter roll-on eyeshadows.

Highlighter for my cheeks and brow bone, shimmery blush and a deep blue eyeshadow.

Two lovely eye shadow palettes from NYX and a clearance palette from Revlon. The possibilities are endless.

These eye liner pencils go on smooth and have a good pigmentation to them.

Jumbo eye pencils to use as shadow or liner.

If you've read my blog for a bit, you will remember that I have a ~~slight~~ addiction to lipgloss (check out this post) so of course, lipgloss was a definite purchase.

I love Revlon lip gloss and the four on the right were on clearance for if I remember correctly, $3.49. I have been looking for the lilac one for a while.

Last, a free travel makeup organizer filled with lots of goodie samples!

Have my problems gone away? No.

But, the shopping experience set aside my issues for a bit.

What do you do to make yourself feel better when times become troubled?

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Create Voluminous Waves this Spring

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:30:00 +0000

I have a love-hate relationship with my hair.

Like many women, I have tons of hair products and styling implements.

This is my curling iron drawer where I have at least 10 different irons and nary a clue as to how to use them.
As I get older, it seems to be thinning a bit and I am always looking to increase volume.

Take a look at this step-by-step video and treat your spring hair to some volume.
Also, be sure to enter the sweepstakes to win a great prize.

Entry form and rules are as follows:

https://www.blogher.com/blogher-tv-weekly-hair-style-sweepstakes

http://www.blogher.com/hair-sweepstakes-official-rules-week-4

Baked by Melissa Bite-size Stuffed Cupcakes in NYC

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Rosemary of the fun, delish blog NYC, Style and a little Cannoli was hosting a giveaway from Baked by Melissa, a mini cupcake bakery in Manhattan.

I entered and won! I received my cupcakes on Holy Thursday.
And according to the instructions, placed them in my freezer for Easter Sunday.
The cupcakes arrived in such fun and secure packaging.

Out they came on Easter Sunday and I was blown away at how delicious they tasted! Baked by Melissa's slogan is a little cupcake goes a long way and boy does it.
The cupcakes came with a guide listing a photo and description of each cupcake.
My favorites were Peanut Butter Cup, Mint Chocolate Chip and Red Velvet. My nieces loved the Tie-Dye minis. Also included was the "mini of the month" which was Caramel Apple.
I will be upcycling the fantastic mini-cupcake container by planting some flower seeds for this summer. Just the perfect size.

Thank you so much Baked by Melissa and Rosemary for this terrific giveaway.

Can't wait to try these again.

If you are ever in NYC or NJ, stop by and give these a try. Or, order them and await the delicious magic to arrive on your doorstep!

Weekend Thoughts and Happy Easter!

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:30:00 +0000

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L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 05:30:00 +0000

I am a fan of the blog Une femme d'un certain age; a stylish, fun blog (be sure to check out her videos on tying scarves).

When I retured from a work trip, I found out that ooh la la, I won a giveaway - L'Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur.
The package states that its purpose is sunscreen (SPF 30). However, I will use it as a primer after my moisturizer and before foundation.

I just tried it and it left my skin with an even texture to apply the rest of my makeup. A bit thick so a little goes a long way.

Have any of you tried this product yet? I see it everywhere now.

Merci Une femme d'un certain age!

Pope Francis and St. Joseph's Day

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 05:30:00 +0000

How fitting that our new Pope, who seems like a wonderful spirit, is installed on St. Joseph's Day.

Both dad and my brother are Josephs so we always celebrated "Name's Day" in our home.

Celebrate of course means St. Joseph's Cakes and for me a cannoli (or two).Blessings!

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 05:30:00 +0000

Another Target Haul

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 05:30:00 +0000

It seems that for me and my local Target, Friday is the day to get really good deals.

I take the time to peruse the aisles and viola! Deals!

It just so happened that last Friday, Target employees were creating a 70% off display.

Here are some things I found throughout Target.
I have a thing for notebooks. This one was $1.38 (orig. $1.99).

I also have a thing for thank you notes and all things paper. Just waiting for a good deed to come along so I can send one out. "Thanks a Bunch" thank you cards were $1.98 (orig. $3.99).

I visited Target several times waiting for this tablecloth to hit 70% off. The lovely green is perfect for Spring. It was $3.95 (orig. $13.19).

How about some dish clothes and kitchen towels - $1.78/4 (orig. $5.99) and $1.43 (orig. $4.79).

Aveeno products are always a good purchase especially when a travel size is attached. This was $4.88 (orig. $6.99).

I couldn't pass up this colorful pillow. $7.48 marked down from $24.99! It puts a spring in my step.
I am not sure how many people know this but if you look in the upper right-hand corner of a Target sale sticker, you will be able to tell the percentage off the item. In this sticker's case, the item is 70% off.
I love my Fridays!

Happy Target shopping!

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 06:30:00 +0000

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Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:30:00 +0000

How is it that the universe presents you with the exact quote you need at the right time.

Unbelievable!

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Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

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Target Haul (sort of)

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

If you count the two box of Goobers, I purchased a total of four items from Target last Friday. I don't know what it is about Fridays but that is my go-to day for shopping here.

I love melamine dishware and I have had my eye on this serving dish for a bit.
And look at that price!

Perfect for serving up my delicious chocolate covered strawberries.

RIP Maeve Binchy

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

Where have I been?!

Just read that one of my favorite authors passed away last summer.

Maeve Binchy was a great storyteller. I always felt as if I were right there experiencing everything just as her characters did.

Circle of Friends was made into a movie but that was not my favorite book of hers. Some of my favorite Binchy books are The Lilac Bus, Evening Class, London Transports and Night of Rain and Stars.

Before Ms. Binchy passed, she completed her final book which I cannot wait to read.

Have you ever read her books? Do you have a favorite?

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends;
they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors,
and the most patient of teachers."
~Charles W. Eliot

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:01:00 +0000

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Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

image from the original Thomas Crown Affair

Valentine Decor

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Just a glimpse of my simple, colorful and blingy Valentine Decor.

Blizzard Nemo

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

My arms, shoulders, wrists, fingers - you name it - are hurting me as I type this blog post.

Blizzard Nemo really did us in.

Here is the before.

And, the after.

I cleaned all of the snow by myself.

Not one manly neighbor helped. I was the only woman out there on my block.

Now, there were times when I wanted to cry but I started to pray instead.

My body feels like a limp noodle.

All of that snowblowing and shoveling and I still have more to do. But, I can't.

Limp noodles don't make for very good snow removers.

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

Who's Ready for the Return of SMASH?

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

My favorite song from last season!

Weekend Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:30:00 +0000

Gucci Premiere - A Gift to Myself

noreply@blogger.com (The Single Nester) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:40:00 +0000

I was feeling the need for a new fragrance.

No Valentine this year so why not give a gift to myself; the best gift of all.

So, I chose Gucci Premiere.

I loved the fragrance from first smelling it in one of those magazine samples. Not floral at all but more strong, a bit masculine to my nose.

Love it.

Have you tried any new fragrances lately?