Shellac

Heard of it? Well I figured since Rachel posted about her nail polish obsession I would post that I as well I have become addicted to painting my nails. It must be in the water huh Rachel? Ha ha. I use to have acrylic nails for years! I finally decided to get them off and let my natural nails grow. Thank goodness I did, they were causing so much damage to my nails I could believe it. So now I have a HUGE nail polish collection and I think if I buy one more polish my husband will leave me. Ha ha. Men don't get it. I decided to try Shellac polish.

Its a gel polish and you do have to go to a salon to get it done but let me tell you, its so worth it. I was a little worried at first because it does last 3 to 4 weeks and I LOVE to paint my nail often. But I figured I could use a break from my husband looking at my like I'm nuts for awhile. I went ahead and got it done. Its amazing! It makes your nails super strong which is awesome because my are so weak. The lady doing my nails even told me it makes your nails healthier too! Its like having acrylic nails without the acrylic! Its a brilliant invention!

To get the Shellac off, you can either go back to the salon or do it yourself. You can decided which you prefer. Some salons might charge to take it off, some might not. But to do it at home you can use this method. You need PURE acetone and an orange stick. Soak your nails for 10 minutes. I know it sounds crazy and I was nervous about my skin at first but it didn't cause damage at all. If you are worried about it you can soak cotton balls and place them on top of your nails and wrap in tin foil. The Shellac will come off and use the orange stick to get the stubborn pieces off.

All in all, in my eyes, its so worth it! Try it someday :)

Amanda

Holy Easy Popcorn

I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE popcorn. I have never really liked the popcorn out of the bags you make at home. Now I have learned how bad it is for you and your family. I couldn't believe the nasty things I found out about bagged popcorn. So I decided to make my own. I was so nervous because I thought it would be hard but I soon learned its as easy as the bagged, if not easier! It tastes so much better and you can add basically whatever you want to it. There are so many combinations to making your favorite popcorn! I have two ways to make it, both are easy and both come out basically the same.

 The first way is in the microwave. I found this amazingly easy way to make bagged popcorn in the microwave from Squawkfox.com.  Basically its brown paper bags & popcorn kernels. That's it! Cook on high for 3 minutes. Make sure you stay by your microwave because they cook differently and some may only take a minute and half. You don't want to burn this popcorn! 

 Next way to to do it is on the stove top. Use a deep pot, like you would use to boil potatos and add about 2 tablespoons of oil. I use veggie oil but you can use whatever you have. Olive oil gives it a great taste too. Pour the kernels in, just enough to cover a layer on the bottom of the pot. Now turn the temperature to high and put a lid on it, You don't want kernels in your eye! Once its starts popping I shake my pot back and fourth on the stove to keep them moving around. When the popping slows, its done!   

 You can add whatever flavors you want too. You put a pat of butter on your popcorn and some salt. I like Parmesan cheese on mine. 

 Other combinations are:
Chili powder, hot sauce, and salt.

Onion powder and garlic powder.

Parmesan cheese with a little salt.

Cinnamon, a sprinkle of sugar, and a topper of honey. 

Amanda