A Little Sparkle: Chrome Manicure, Laptop Cover, Fresh Lampshade And More
Today, I’m sharing things I love with pretty finishes like a manicure trend, laptop cover and pleated lampshades.. And there’s more as it’s Five Fave time with Annie and Cindy!
1. Gel Manicure Trend: Chrome – Have You Heard Of It?
Recently, for the wedding in Maui, my manicurist suggested I get the “Chrome” effect. I thought “What the heck, why not?” I got the pale pink Bubblebath dip manicure as I usually do (more natural looking) and then she put metallic powder on top with a mirror effect.
It gives it a pearl effect. And in spite of my unattractive hands…I got compliments on my manicure!
I notice you can buy the metallic powder on Amazon if you want to do it yourself with gel polish. But, I would stick with a professional manicurist. My alabaster Apple watch band is by Machete.
You may like: How Do Chrome Nails Work by The Atlantic and Everything You Should Know Before Getting A Dip Mancure by Elle Magazine.
2. Pretty Computer Cover To Personalize Your Laptop
I loved my last floral laptop cover from Amazon…but with all the moving around I do, it had gotten pretty trashed protecting my laptop over the last few years. Enter my new marble rose and gold cover. Makes me feel like I have a new computer for $18!
3. Fresh Coordinated Lampshade
It’s fun to give a lamp a new coordinated look with a lampshade. This one is pleated in an Indian print in cornflower blue. Ballard Designs has other lamp shade colors and prints, too, as well as wicker and rattan.
Shop Blue Guest Room:
More about our Blue Guestroom here. The table lamp was from Pottery Barn on clearance and no longer available. Speaking of which, do you ever check out their clearance section?
4. What To Read/Listen To: The Paris Novel By Ruth Reichl
Annie recommended this book so I reserved it at the library. If you know Paris, you will recognize a lot of the places in the book. I enjoyed it.
“Alone in a foreign city, Stella falls into old habits, living cautiously and frugally. Then she stumbles across a vintage store, where she tries on a fabulous dress.”
5. What To Cook: Mercedes’ Steamed White Fish With Tomatoes and Garlic
Mercedes’ Grouper With Tomatoes And Basil
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lbs grouper
- 1.5 cups coarsely chopped tomatoes, like grape tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 small garlic cloves
- 4 tbsp thinly sliced basil
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 dash red pepper flakes if desired
Instructions
- Working off heat, put 2 tablespoon oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet and add fish, turning to coat with oil on both sides. Arrange fish skinned sides down and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Toss together tomato, garlic, basil, capers, remaining 2 tablespoon oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl, then mound on top of fish. Cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid and cook fish over moderately high heat until just cooked through, about 8 minutes.
This was short and sweet as I am in SoCal getting ready to attend my high school reunion. Hope you have a wonderful day!
If you would like to receive this series every week, please sign up HERE.
Let’s see what Annie and Cindy’s Five Faves are this week:
Mary Ann,
I hope that you had a great time at your reunion. Your photos on Instagram looked fun at the reunion and babysitting your sweet granddaughter.
Love the gel nail polish! I will have to try this.
RUTH REICHL is amazing! I love all of her books.
Have a safe trip home.
Great manicure, pretty blue guest room and the recipe sounds delish. Enjoy your reunion!
Loved today’s post and will be considering dipped a finger nail treatment. Enjoy your 50th. We are both high school graduates of the same high school. I graduated a couple years before you.
That’s crazy, Cher! You went to PC, too?!
This fish recipe sounds very similar to one I make at home on our fish Mondays, I serve mine with rice and use canned petite diced tomatoes to facilitate with my single hand cooking. Please don’t call your hands unattractive, you have such cute little hands, no age spots or wrinkles like most mature women do. Chrome manicure is the 2024 go to, started by Hayley Bieber.im very tempted to ordering your lamp shade, love everything Indian blockprint. Hope you’re enjoying your 50th high school reunion, there will be so much to talk about 😀
Notice I didn’t show you the top of my veined, spotted hands, Li! I didn’t know that about Hayley Bieber. And did you see the pillow you made for me on the white chair. It still looks great!
Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers you know and your own in heaven.
Your nails look pretty, new lampshade fabulous, and your Apple Watch band is stunning.
You will be a stand out at your 50th high school reunion. You will think just how did that happen.
The first thing that popped-out at me was your lovely watchband, Mary Ann! But first, I must buy the Apple watch! Love that Mac cover, too. Will try Mercedes’ recipe after we return from Europe.
Have a wonderful time at your HS reunion!
Have a wonderful time at your reunion. I’m going to reserve The Paris novel and order the laptop cover. It’s beautiful!
Wow, love the Mac cover, just ordered it! I never think to add a cover and I work there! Lol
Great post as always, thanks!