Get Nailed: Lazer Show Mani

I've seen similar versions of this mani all over the place and it is super fun! The best part about it is that it is not only super easy, but there are so many color and design combinations that it's practically endless! I first attempted to do this with my handy scotch tape, but scotch tape and Milani Holographic polishes do not mix. Every time I removed my tape design, the polish would come off too. So I dug into my nail art box of treasures until I found a suitable replacement for the scotch tape... nail art tape. Nail art tape is a cheap and fun way to decorate your nails, so you should invest in some and just keep it around as it's pretty versatile.

1.) For this manicure, after my clear base coat, I painted each a finger a different Holographic color and let dry completely.

2.) Next, I cut small pieces of nail tape and placed them in my desired designs on my nails.

3.) Third, I took a black Milani polish and painted over the entire nail, tape and all.

4.) Quickly removed the tape while the black polish was still wet.

5.) Follow with a clear coat only if you are not using matte polish, and viola! there it is, an easy, quick and unique design that reminds me of an awesome lazer show!

Trendy Mommy Tuesdays: vol. 11

Inspiration Tia Mowry:

Pictures from Zimbio, People, and CoupledUp

I am a secret fan of Sister Sister, Twitches (I'm not even going to link that because I am too embarassed), and more recently, a fan of Tia & Tamara on Style network. I think both twins are funny and super cute. I must admit I favor Tia because she is a mom and so am I so I pretend to  have more in common with her. When I was in high school, long ago when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth, their little brother Taj went to a local High School around here so I saw them locally all the time and they always seemed so real and down to earth!

In a a recent interview with Vibe Vixen, Tia was quoted on her style since having baby Cree "My whole thing with being a mom is that you don’t want to lose your identity; you don’t want to lose who you were before. You can still be that hot, sexy mom.[I wear a lot of vibrant, flowy, colorful clothes, before it was edgy. I’m a mom now, but when I go out, I don’t forget who I was before]."

I really like this quote and feel this is one of the reasons I write this article. I feel like there are mom's out there on a realistic budget that want to feel and look amazing but don't know how to do it or how to find good deals. It's not always about being on trend but it is about feeling and looking good, especially right after you have a baby.

Even though I've already done a post on Maxi Dresses , I will throw in a few more because Tia likes them and every girl should own at least one!

1st Row (L to R): Lucy Love $ 25, Christin Michaels $42, Alejandra Sky $48, Jessica Simpson $101 

2nd Row (L to R): YesToStyle $52, Star Dress $62, ASOS Maternity $83, BetseyJohnson $95

Although all of these dresses are super cute, you can see that they vary greatly in price from $25-$101 ! Not all of us have that much money to spend on dresses. I cannot stress enough to go to thrift stores for cute vintage maxi's, TJMaxx, Marshalls, Ross and other discount stores as well. I went to Ross this past weekend and got two amazing dresses totaling only $38! Let us know in the comments below or on our FB page if you have any hidden gems you shop at or online stores you frequent!

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 39

Daily:

Drive around the Wienermobile for a day (and get $500)  BEST THEMED PARTY EVARR. Ends 12/31


Single:

Yigal Azrouel dress  26 winners, ends 7/30

$1,000 Rent the Runway credit  Ends 6/30

Trip to Sweden  to find your very own Alexander Skarsgard, ends 7/21

Naked Princess lingerie set  to woo him, 40 winners, ends 7/2

BABOR HSR Platinum collection skincare  1,000 winners, ends 7/29, do not subscribe

$1,000 Diesel wardrobe  Ends 7/13

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT  Ends 7/31

Clare Vivier clutch  65 winners, ends 7/9

Jurlique shopping spree  75 winners, ends 7/2

Trip to Brazil  Ends 7/31

A vacation or CAKE FOR A YEAR  from Nothing Bundt Cakes. One grand prize winner, but 550 winners of CAAAAKKKKE. VANESSSAAAA. Ends 7/29


photo: Alexander Skarsgard in a Calvin Klein ad

Get Nailed: Fimo Fun

So I swore up and down that I wouldn't do any more "Get Nailed" posts until I dragged my pregnant butt out to the real world and bought some nail art tools. However, I remembered that Heather bought me some really fun fimo nail art (feathers & fruit) for Christmas and I haven't even used them yet! *Insert audible gasp here*

So this week, I finally got around to using the fruit fimo to do some fun Summer nails. I did french tips in glittery complimentary colors and used tweezers to gently place the fimo on my nails. Add a clear coat to seal the deal and viola ! Everytime I look at my nails that Wiggles song pops into my head.."Fruit salad, yummy yummy...." Once you hear it, you can never unhear it.

  

Have you ever tried fimo? Are there any brands or styles that you really like? You should check out how they make it, it's crazy! Post any questions, comments, or pictures below in the comment section or even on our FB page. 

Etsy Treasury: Blindingly Bright

With warm weather finally here, it's time to brighten our wardrobes with Summer shades (or so I've been told, I only wear black). What better way to brighten than with oh-so-popular neon? If you're scared, no worries, a touch here and there will still be exciting!

I gathered some fun pieces on Etsy, all for $20 and less!

Here's the link, kiddos: Blindingly Bright

photos: iphone case by seller shopsway, octopus ring by CABfayre, and cosmetic pouch by PouchAPalooza

Maxi Madness

Maxi Madness. No, not this or this (Do not click if you are easily grossed out, seriously. That means YOU Whoreder Heather).  I am talking about Maxi dresses! Maxi Dresses have been around since 1967, when Osca de La Renta first created a long cotton dress for Elizabeth Arden Salon. They remained on trend until the mid to late 70's, disappeared, and made a come back in the 21st Century.

In the 70's Maxi dresses were mostly lace or polyester and stopped right above the ankle. Nowadays (most) Maxi dresses are jersey material and floor length. For Summer, a Maxi dress may be the easiest thing in the world to throw on and still look cute and put together. Anybody can wear them as they are available in all sizes and lengths to accommodate all us shapes and sizes of women folk.

Here are a  few of my favorite dresses rounded up by price. I include all price ranges because as a Whoreder, I am cheap err...frugal; but every girl deserves to splurge every now and then. If you are more interested in which type of Maxi dress is better for your specific body shape, check out Betty Confidential or this YouTube video clip from E!

Low Price Maxi's

From Left to Right:

Forever 21 $17

H&M $20

Forever 21 $25

Loehmans $25

Mid Price Maxi's

From Left to Right:

Sears $39

ASOS $49

H&M $50

ASOS $61




High Price Maxi's

From Left to Right:
Urban Outfitters $79

Neiman Marcus $99

Ralph Lauren $145

French Connection $148

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 38

Daily:

Nail Polish and Flip Flops  I haven't been able to get this one to work - I need to try it on a different browser. Over 400 winners, ends 7/11

Single:

7 pairs of Bakers shoes  Ends 6/24

Trip to Comic-Con and a chance to meet Tim Burton  Ends 6/26

Trip to Denmark  Ends 6/30

Python tote from The Row  Uggghhh I wannnnt (but can't afford the taxes, eep!) Ends 6/30

2012 Mini Cooper  Ends 6/30

Stop Staring dress  Blog contest, ends 6/22

Marc Jacobs perfume  20 winners, ends 7/1

$100 Torrid gift card  Ends 6/22

Optik tablet  43 winners, ends 7/30

Cutesy kitchen appliances  Ends 7/6

Raisins Wild Love bikini  148 winners, ends 7/2

$1,000 PopSugar shopping spree  Ends 7/9

photo: Untitled (Ramone) by Tim Burton

Cheap Thrills: 25 under $25

Since I took a little break and missed the last couple of weeks, I decided to do things a little differently. To make up for lost Cheap Thrills, I put together a big list of 25 goodies, each under $25. For you, for your friends, for your everyday gifting needs. Sometimes you need a pick me up that won't make a huge dent in your budget, or maybe you need a gift for someone but want to keep the spending to a reasonable amount... I gotchu covered, babies! Browse this list for a little inspiration, you'll be surprised how much fun you can get out of $25.

Get Nailed: Reinforcement Rings

Here is a fun spin on the Half Moon Mani using those handy little reinforcement stickers once again!

You will need:
Clear base coat
Two contrasting colors
Clear top coat
Reinforcement Stickers


Instructions:
Paint nails with clear base coat, let dry.

Paint nails with "lighter color", or "non-textured" color" ( I used Certainly Cherry first and Purple Glitter second.) Remember to let dry completely or the stickers will adhere to the polish and rip off sections of it upon removal.

Once nails are COMPLETELY dry, place reinforcement stickers randomly on your nails depending on the shape you are looking for. (These clear ones are hard to see as I ran out of white ones but I assure you they are there.)

Paint over each sticker beginning at the rounded edge and brush outwards. Once the nails are painted with the second coat, remove stickers and you will have fun rounded, shapes and edges on your nails.

Let second coat dry and top with a clear and/or fast drying top coat and viola!

Father's Day Craft: Salt Dough Handprints

I was cleaning our house the other day and tucked away in the closet I found a very small hand print keepsake of my husband's chubby little hand from when he was little and it inspired me to make some with my own little one. I first attempted to tackle my dog and get a paw print but she was not having it...

I must admit this project was more for me than it was my husband or our dad(s). As you all know by now, I am obsessed with my daughter. Seriously, I need some help. That being said I not only made one handprint keepsake like a normal person, I made four. Yes, I said four. However I justified it because my husband has a shit ton of (can I say that on TV? Oh we're not on TV? okay then...) awesome dads and we are giving these out for Father's Day presents this year. You can make them for any occasion or even just because they are tons of fun to make with your little ones. An added bonus is there are very few ingredients, they  are non-toxic and easy to clean up.

Ingredients: (Makes 2 hand prints)

*1 cup of salt

*1 cup of flour

*1/2 (ish) cup of water

*Measuring Cup

*Large mixing bowl

Instructions:

1) Pour salt and flour in mixing bowl.

2) Pour water in slowly until you have enough. This part is really trial and error, 1/2 cup seemed to make it a bit sticky so I had to add a bit

more flour.  You do not want it to be sticky or crumbly.

3) Next, mix up the ingredients until you have a nice dough like consistency.

4) Take the dough, cut it in half and make a ball. Flatten the ball until you have a nice looking circle. You can put it into a shallow bowl or container if you want a perfect circle, I however just eyeballed it.

5) Take your little ones hand, foot, or paw and press it firmly into the dough. Make sure you help so they don't wiggle and stretch the dough or mess up the design. However, if you do mess up, all is not lost, just roll it up and start over! Don't forget to poke holes in the dough if you want to string it up when you're done!

6) Put it in the oven at 200 degrees for 2-3 hours. You want it on low heat for a long period of time so it will dry out and harden but not break or burn. (And yes, that is my really dirty oven, don't judge me.) Once they come out, let them cool completely and they are done.








7) This last step is optional. Paint your keepsakes with acrylic paint once they are cool and/or write the date and name of the creature you forced to do this project with you on the keepsake if there is room. I had all ingredients at home; and select Acrylic paints are on sale this week 2 for $1 at Michaels Craft Store plus they always have a bin of .99 cent ribbon. Total cost for me to make these, $2 plus tax!

(I didn't think about until afterwards of course, but you can put food dye into the dough instead of painting it. Ah hindsight, how thou mockest me.)

Trendy Mommy Tuesdays: vol. 10

Inspiration: Blazers

This week isn't inspired by a "who" so much as a "what". Everywhere I look, online or in magazines, all the celebrities (even the moms) are wearing blazers. You can pair a blazer with shorts, pants or even dresses. These days they ar enot only available in the classic black & white, but they come in a lot of fun colors and flattering cuts for women. This is one look I would really like to pull off but I can't, especially now six months pregnant. Seriously, Google images of "Pregnant in a blazer", it's generally not very cute, you'll see.

Black & Yellow:

Pic of all 3 Mommas in 2012 from CelebStyle.

Tops (L to R): Zara Blazer $130 & PiperLime Blazer $79

Bottoms (L to R): PiperLime Levi's $37 Volcom Shorts $35

Yellow blazers seem to be very popular right now. They are perfect for summer and if you have the guts to wear it, you better rock the *ish* out of it. You can pair it with blue denim jeans or for a bold look, pair it with little black shorts or black skinny's and a bold red lip!

Pink & Coral:

Pic of JLo and Jessica Alba from PeopleStyleWatch.

Tops (L to R): Loehmann's Blazer $60, ASOS Blazer $61, & Sparkle & Fade Blazer $79

Bottoms: (L to R):  Michael Kors $53, DKNY $48, Dollhouse $38

Yay for color! I am loving these pink and coral blazers. When paired with bright jeans, the look is amazing.Too cute for words. Remember to keep the makeup light so you don't overload on color.

Classic Black:

Pic of  Kate B. from CelebrityFashioinista, Tiffany A.T. form OneLookOneDay, and  Posh from Over40Style.

      Tops (L to R): RedoPin Blazer $152 (but so cute!), JCStyle $72, & ASOS $70

Bottoms (L to R): CK Shorts $45, ASOS Pants $53, & Express Shorts $30

Yes these jackets are classic black blazers but that doesn't mean they have to be boring. Pair them with some bright shorts or leather looking bottoms and you have something unique and chic to wear. A black blazer can be your best friend as it is the most versatile and can be worn with almost anything.

Do you have any blazers or are you planning on buying one this Summer to stay on trend? Love them or hate them, leave a comment below or on our FB telling us how you feel and post a picture of your favorite blazer if you have one!

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 37

Daily:

45 bottles of nail polish  One winner a day, ends 7/15

Single:

Mystery box from Birchbox  500 winners, ends 7/1

Raven denim shopping spree  50 winners, ends 7/2

A bunch of beauty products to enter for  all end 6/30

$100 Too Faced eGift Card  10 winners, Pinterest contest, ends 6/16

Trip to NY and a Stuart Weitzman shopping spree  Ends 7/2

Diane von Furstenberg luggage set  Ends 6/30

L'Oreal Paris skincare set  200 winners, ends 7/30

Clarisonic Opal Sonic  3 winners, ends 6/30

Fanciness for your cat or your dog  Both have runner-up prizes (PetSmart gift cards), ends 7/2

Caribbean cruise with R. Kelly  6 winners, ends 6/28

ooooor win a trip to the Premiere Party for RuPaul's Drag Race  and you betta take me! 5 runner-ups get Iron Fist shoes. Ends 8/13.


Photo: RuPaul looking fab

True Blood: Sundae Bloody Sundaes

If you didn't get enough sweets and liquor in Vanessa's epic True Blood Season 5 premiere party post this week (in which she included these cupcakes by yours truly), you may have a problem. You also are in luck because I have one more bloody treat to fling your way faster than a shape shifter. Whether you'll be having a quiet night on the couch on Sunday night (like me) or decide to invite a bunch of your best blood thirsty friends over for a party, these Sundae Bloody Sundaes are fun and perfect for a warm June evening. 

For a bit of southern flair, I used Blue Bunny red velvet ice cream for the sundaes. It's scary good (and very sweet) and if you're feeling extra ambitious, you could always make your own. For the decadent Chambord raspberry sauce, simmer raspberries, lemon juice, a generous pour of Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, and a bit of sugar in a pot for a few minutes. Then, strain out raspberry seeds (or keep them in, the sauce is tasty either way) and pour over a scoop of ice cream while still warm and bloody-riffic. Top with a maraschino cherry. These sundaes are messy and melty sorta like a hot fudge sundae and verrry red (if you are partying hard, you may even want to throw down some American Psycho style drop cloths). I also made a set of fancy blood type party picks that would look just as good in cocktails or on cupcakes. You can download the design here!

On Sunday, I will also be watching another HBO gem and one of my new favorite shows, Girls (anyone else?) but until I can think of something besides cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon, shower cupcakes, and the morning after pill as themed nosh, I'm resisting the urge to post any Girls viewing party ideas. Consider yourself warned. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Top photo: HBO

Follow me on Instagram! @ririmaria

True Blood Premiere Party

Party time! Whoreders loves any excuse for a party, but we're especially excited that it's True Blood premiere week. After waiting for too many agonizing months, it's time to head back to Bon Temps for more fang bangin' and shifter shenanigans. It's not too late to plan a viewing party, and you don't have to spend a crazy amount of money either. We've put together a few ideas that are easy to do yourself, and won't break the blood bank.



Party Favors/Decorations

Party favors aren't just for kid's parties, big kids like goofy little goodies too. You don't have to go too crazy, because our fabulous friend Marie at Agent Lover already came up with a genius crafty idea we love. These were originally for Valentine's Day, but it would be a snap to turn them into True Blood party favors for your party (or any party, really). Click on the picture or link below and get ready to laugh and fall in love with Marie. And I'm not just saying that because she made me (Vanessa) an Anderson Cooper valentine!

Marie's Valentines For Your Boo

You can either make a bunch of these with different characters ahead of time, or just have all the supplies at the party and let everyone make their own. Go wild, and make an extra Eric Northman brooch for me! 

Fangs a lot.

True Blood Fashion: Lafayette and the Vamps

It shouldn't come as a big surprise that Lafayette and the Vamps would emerge as True Blood fan favorites. Glamorous, so very pretty, and sassy - they add a special flavor to the whole show that makes us all very happy.

Lafayette 
Sassy Hip Hop with a sprinkle of drag queen - that's what Heather wrote in our notes when we started working on this post and I decided to leave it because I couldn't say it any better. Lafayette works a look that is flamboyant and completely his own, but he still maintains a sense of masculinity. As fierce as a drag queen and as ferocious as the manliest macho man, that's our beloved Lafayette.

Lafayette loves showing off his toned arms (tickets to the gun show, anyone?) so that means you'll need to stock up on cool tank tops. The Deter Rib Cage Tank from Urban Outfitters is probably our favorite, as is this Glamour Kills Pizza Party number. Can you imagine anything better than Lafayette and a pizza party?! I can't. Be a walking optical illusion poster with this Tube Lines Tank from Karma Loop, p.s. hellooooooo mister male model.

True Blood Fashion - Sookie and the Werewolves

Heather is still a bit embarrassed to say it - but we're excited about this Sunday, kids! What's Sunday, you ask? OUR PRECIOUS TRUE BLOOD COMES BACK TO US. June 10th is the Season 5 premiere on HBO and we're ready to drool, I mean, watch the show!

Vanessa and Heather decided it would be fun to put together some fashion posts for the main characters, and although we originally had you, the readers in mind, we quickly realized it was all about us. For a few brief days we got to pretend to BE these characters... "if I was Eric, what would I wear?" and the answer is always "nothing," until we realized that post would be rather short.

Let's begin, shall we?

Sookie Stackhouse - Bon Temps' resident clairvoyant faerie waitress,  is a laid back country dish with sex served on the side. Sookie's look is sweet southern belle without the fuss and frills. Despite everything she's been through, there's still a bit of innocence that shines through her character and that's reflected in her wardrobe. She's not afraid to show off some sun-kissed skin, but it's never done in a vulgar way, Grandma Stackhouse wouldn't approve!

One of Sookie's signature looks is a sweet summer dress. They're feminine and youthful, short (but never too short), simple and flattering to her figure. When shopping for your Sookie sundress, don't over think it - imagine you're going to a picnic on a warm, sunny day. Old Navy has so many adorable dresses that fit this description right now, like these Sweetheart Sundresses, only $17! Many of the sizes are selling out, but it's worth a drive to the nearest store to check their inventory. This ModCloth dress is perfect for a day in the park and Lulu's has this Roxy Liberty dress that's very Sookie-worthy:

Summer Skin Essentials

Every Summer I make my annual trip(s) to the store (or my computer depending how lazy I feel that day) for some Summer essentials. I fill my basket with sunblock, after sun care, lotion, lip balm and other goodies. I've gathered a few of the Summer necessities to maintain that beautiful skin of yours!

Face Sunblock

Because we are Whoreders and like things nice and cheap, I will tell you my favorite, inexpensive moisturizer/face sunblock is Olay Professional ProX Clear UV Moisturizer. It is lightweight, non greasy, provides sun UVA/UVB protection, oil free and most importantly for me non-comedogenic  (it will not block your pores). However, my absolute favorite moisturizer/sunblock, despite the price, is Clinique Super City Block, Oil-Free, SPF 40, $19 for 1.4 oz, ouch! It not only blocks UVA/UVB rays, but also softens your skin, is non-greasy, and doesn't ever clog your pores PLUS it has such a high SPF! According to some reviews however, it can leave you with a bit of an ashy tone if you are a bit on the darker skinned side so watch out!

Swanky Sweepin' Volume 36

Daily:

Trip to Carmel, Ca to visit Clint Eastwood's ranch  Ends 6/17

Single:

Trip to Australia  Ends 6/17

$200 Glam Yard voucher  Ends 6/22, may be more than one entry?

Shabby Apple swimsuit  Ends 6/29

Wieners  4200 winners, ends 7/6

Ice cream  500 winners, ends 7/1

Cheese serving set  300 winners, ends 8/31

Beach tote and hat  45 winners, ends 7/2

$250 gas card  10 winners, ends 7/4

$10,000 travel voucher  Ends 6/30

Trip to Mexico  Pinterest contest, ends 6/30

photo: young Clint Eastwood lookin' good

Birchbox Giveaway Winner

And the winner is........... Heather Paulding!

Congratulations, Heather! I'll be emailing you in a bit to get your info for the prize, in the meantime bust out your best victory dance down the hall and get ready for boxes full of love from the Whoreders.

Lucky number 21, that's you, Heather P!

To everyone else, thank you so much for entering! We'll have more giveaways very soon, so keep reading and workin' it!