Wishful Wednesday

{wishful wednesday}

Right now, I'm loving this look:

Oasis Faux Leather Skater Dress 

Lucy Houndstooth Tweed Clutch 

ASOS Twinkle Lace Booties

NARS polish in Domiva 

How to apply Essie magnetic polish

So I was browsing the aisles of Target the other day looking for important things to buy like new nail polish when I came across Essie's new line of magnetic "reptile" polish. I had seen the Sally Hansen version, but since I like Essie more than practically anything else, I decided to fork over the $10.99 and try it out. 

Needless to say (and if you know me, this isn't a surprise), I didn't read the instructions before I applied the polish. So two dried coats of Crocadilly (a nice dark green) later, I'm sitting in front of my TV watching reruns of Girls wondering how I'm supposed to make the polish get all wavy and magnetic looking. Earth to Megan. Obviously the polish will not do anything after it's dried. I so should have read the instructions (which, by the way, are printed in like 2 point font on a sticker on the side of the nail polish). 

Long story short, I started over, then I thought I'd share with you how you're supposed to go about applying it, just in case any of you out there were staring at your dried nail polish wondering how you were supposed to get this snakeskin/reptile look. 

So here you go:

{How to apply Essie magnetic polish}

Apply first coat and let dry. 

Next, apply your second coat of polish one finger at a time. While the polish is still wet, hold the magnet as close to your nail as possible (without touching the magnet to the nail, which is harder than it sounds). Try to slowly move the magnet across your whole nail, so as to spread the pattern out. 

Let dry and apply a topcoat, preferably one that dries fast so you (a.k.a. impatient people like me) don't mess anything up. There's nothing worse than ruining a fresh mani. 

As you can see, my nails don't look perfect (the pattern doesn't reach across each nail all the way and the pattern isn't the same on each nail), but I'm pretty happy with the final result and have already received lots of compliments. And I'm pretty sure I'd even wear the polish by itself without the magnetic effect, too. 

So there you have it. Happy crocadilly snakeskin reptile nails, everyone. 

Current obsessions

I'm currently loving:

{Girls on HBO}

via

Elizabeth and I watched the whole first season last weekend, and I cannot wait for the new season to start on the 13th.
....

{Essie's Stroke of Brillance}

This polish is a fantastic sparkly blue and was perfect for NYE.
...
  

{Mumford and Sons' "Hopeless Wanderer" from their new album}

Literally can't stop listening to this CD. "Hopeless Wanderer" and "I Will Wait" are on constantly on repeat. 

...

{Lauren Conrad Beauty}

via

Not that I didn't already love LC, but this book now has a permanent residence on my bedside table. It has so many great tips — from makeup and skincare to what types of ingredients to avoid in products. This is definitely a must-read for everyone. Thanks Elizabeth!  

One year blog-o-versary!

I can't believe it's been a year since I've started blogging! Last New Year's, I wanted to make a resolution and actually stick to it. I decided to create this blog, and I'm so proud of everything it's become (even when I go for a little bit without posting regularly). My blog is my cathartic, creative writing outlet some days, and other days, it lets me express my current obsessions, which usually end up being items from J. Crew that I totally don't need but absolutely must have. Most of all, though, it has allowed me to interact with so many great people. The blogging community is wonderful, and I feel like I have made so many friends through my blog, even though I haven't actually met many of you. I look forward to reading my favorite blogs each day and continue to be inspired by you all. 

Looking back on the past year, I've had my share of ups and downs, but I always think of the beginning of a new year as a time to kind of start over, whether it be righting some wrongs, vowing to try new things, or just becoming an overall better version of myself. 

I have so many things to look forward to in 2013: finishing grad school and hopefully finding my first "real" job. I'm nervous but excited, and I can't wait to see where this year takes me. 

As my BFF Elizabeth and I said on New Year's Eve together, this is our year. We can just tell. 

Life lately

It's only been eight days, but I feel like I haven't blogged in forever. My apologies!

Last weekend, Aimee and I went to NYC to visit our friend Elizabeth, and it was literally one of the most fun trips I've ever had. 

We drove, which actually wasn't that bad at all because Aimee is a fantastic driver and stayed super calm during NYC traffic. We got there Friday night and had some Mexican food and margaritas, which were fantastic. 

Saturday we were all excited to participate in Santacon, which is where basically everyone in New York dresses up as Santa or something similar and goes to various bars all through the city. 

We. Had. So. Much. Fun. 

We dressed as reindeer, and we were so glad we got to see our friend Rachel for a little while, too! 

Elizabeth and I: 

On Sunday, it was raining and freezing, but that didn't stop us from going to see the Rockefeller Tree, which was so beautiful. It was my first time seeing it in person. 

Aimee was also able to catch up with some of her family who she hasn't seen in awhile, and I was able to see my cousin Jayme, too! 

We left the city Monday, so I've been spending this week trying to catch up on life. I can't even believe Christmas is so soon! I have so much wrapping left to do, so wish me luck!

One of those songs

Every now and then, I hear a song that makes me stop whatever I'm doing and just listen. 

Gary Allan's "Every Storm (Runs Out of Rain)" is one of those songs. The first time I heard it, I literally sat in my car until it was over, and then I immediately ran inside to download it. 

And the best part? You can download a free acoustic version of the song on his website as an incentive to donate to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief. 

The best medicine

Need a few laughs to brighten your day? I'll share my Buzzfeed obsession with you.

You can thank me later. 

First, watch these 19 people who are having a way worse day than you. 

Next, see the 43 people you won't believe actually exist. 

The next time you need a few laughs, try googling "worst Twilight tattoos" or watch YouTube episodes of Ellen when she scares people.

You're welcome, friends.