My Picks | Nordstrom July 2015 Anniversary Sale

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Contains affiliate links.

Honestly, I was pretty underwhelmed with this year’s anniversary sale. Over the last year Nordstrom’s semi-annual sales (held twice a year) have better discounts on a larger number of items.

On top of everything else, the brands usually on sale were not (read: Under Armour) so I was more than little bummed. I have found that I generally use the Anniversary sale to stock on my favorite Caslon and Halogen brands but then again, they are always on sale.

 

nordstrom anniversary jully 15I am always on the lookout for basic long sleeve shirts for school. I can never wear nice clothes because they inevitably get ruined! Basics are the best and Caslon makes some nice hardy ones at an affordable price!

I love scarves. I wear them all year round. When I saw this Echo Brushstrokes scarf I immediately fell in love! The only problem is I cannot decide between the Electric Blue or Multi colors!

I love Halogen’s Slub Knit tops. They are form fitting but slouchy and comfortable. And, above all, they last for ages!

I am so glad to see this Michael Kors rain jacket is still on sale. I love the dark blue. The perfect muted pop of color for dreary days! Unfortunately, I really like the red as well!

And, no shopping trip would be complete without a sweatshirt! This turquoise space dye sweater from Caslon is my perfect style and color!

 

anniversary sale july 15

I will never forget the Ted Baker Dauschund Bauble wallet. I waited too long and it slipped through my fingers. I hold out for another great design from Ted Baker but if you are looking for basic design, good quality sturdy wallets, these are fantastic finds!

The Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip Crossbody is always on sale at this time of year. I always have my eyes on them but can never decide on the color! I am hoping the neon yellow comes back on sale!

Are you looking to splurge a bit? These adorable star earrings and matching necklace from Sugar Bean are so pretty (and they come in multiple colors as well)!

And, now, for the gut-wrenching splurge: La Mer. I don’t think it’s a secret how much I love the line. My skin absolutely loves the face cream and the eye concentrate is my holy grail eye product!! With two full size products, this kit is well worth the money!

 

Do any of these items pique your interest? Even though I feel lukewarm towards this year’s overall sales…I have to say some of the beauty gift with purchases are alright! The ones I am especially interested in:

 

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_8074193Estee Lauder always has great gift with purchases and this one is no exception. There are three other “kits” I can choose from. This will be the perfect time to stock up on my go-to serum: Advanced Night Repair!

 

07-24-15-lamer-cid0724157162-7-adam-b461ea7c-188f-47aa-ab35-a4db0122a20b-fil-file

_6602124And, if I’m going to splurge on that great La Mer set from above I might as well add a little something more in the form of the awesome Lip Balm and get a few travel-friendly samples!

There a lot more gift with purchases, check them out here!

 

On top of the sales, Ebates is offering 3.0% on Nordstrom online purchases. I recently signed up and am thrilled with the cash backs I’ve received. If I have to make a purchase online it’s nice to get a little something back! If you’re interested in signing up with Ebates please use my referral link in the sidebar (note: I am not an affiliate of the company, this is my personal referral link that every one gets when they sign up!)

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

Quick Update: Biologic Medication Changes

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I am off the Actemra and back on the Orencia. On non-work days I felt okay. Unfortunately, on my work days I might as well have not been on anything at all! No. That didn’t work for me. While I was on the Orencia I was at least functional and…active! It is almost the end of July and I have only been out to work. My favorite season is almost over and I haven’t enjoyed it once. The actual eff??

 

On the flip side, the Orencia obviously did not work well enough. It got me through part time work and some full day schedules. I rarely had to increase the prednisone and I certainly never had to use a walker or cane but, the moment there was excessive stress (read: nursing a dying dog) it quit on me. There was no way I could keep a regular full-time schedule on this medication.

There are a couple of meds I have not tried but my doctor is dead set against me on them. I trust his judgement and from my knowledge of them I am not too keen on trying them either! So, what next? There are new RA medications on the market every year but, at the moment, we have exhausted our options. My rheumatologist referred me to one who specializes in clinical trials.

 

Yes. Clinical trails.

I thought those only existed in movies. Hah, just kidding!…but I think you know what I mean…I never imagined I would consider a clinical trial for ANYTHING.

I have my first appointment at the end of this month so I guess we will find out what the following steps are…I don’t even know what is in store for me!

Until then, and in case I do not qualify for any trials, I am back on the Orencia. I had my first infusion today so I expect to feel a lot better tomorrow! Fingers crossed!

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

OMD3 – Freehand Fire Nail Art

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Check the sidebar for link to challenge information.

I love doing freehand fire nails. There is something really fun about them and because of this reason alone I decided to paint today’s flames!

I would definitely consider these RA-friendly. Even though I had to wield an artist’s brush I did not have to be too precise with the detail work! A win for RA-ridden hands!

 

#OMD3NAILS - Freehand Flames Nail Art | The Rite of AgingBaseNails Inc. Foubert’s Place

Details: acrylic paints, INM Northern Lights Silver (for the sparks!)

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.


OMD3 – Ocean Watercolor and Stamping Nail Art

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Check the sidebar for links to challenge information.

Many moons ago I did a Galapagos-inspired look for the FIFA World Cup challenge (linked here)! I was trying out my new light box and the photos were horrendous! I was completely bummed as the actual nail art came out really nicely! I always wanted to re-try it for better pictures…except, I didn’t realize how DIFFICULT this look was to photograph! I think there was just too much going on with all the different colors and stamping, etc. I tried my best and still  have to say I love what I came up with.

I hope you do too!

 

#OMD3NAILS - Ocean Watercolor and Stamping Nail Art | The Rite of AgingBaseMilani Color Statement Blue Print (I have to say I am not particularly pleased with the brand’s new polishes especially when compared to the old ones…)

WatercolorSephora by OPI Go My Own WaySally Hansen Slick Black, Blue My MindZoya Crystal, Yara, OpalDeborah Lippmann Mermaid’s DreamEssie No Place Like ChromeMilani Power Periwinkle

Stamping: Color Club On the RocksMoYou London plate SAILOR 08

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.


Wiki It Challenge – Blood Drips Nail Art

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Check the sidebar for link to challenge information.

I took part in the first prompt so it is fitting I took part in the last! I kept up with everyone’s looks but did not participate myself. This challenge was exceptionally hard and every week I told myself I would attempt it. Before I knew it we were at the following week, fast forward to the end of the challenge and here we are!

This week’s Wikipedia article is “horror icon” (linked here). There are so many horror icons to choose from but in  the end I decided on Dracula. In high school, I wrote a whole term paper on the book and thought it was the most fascinating story I had ever read. It also doesn’t hurt that I wanted to try the drip art technique!

…I kind  of wish I hadn’t top coated the paint, it looked so much more like blood before! Ah well, I still like it :)…hope you do too!

 

#WIKINAILS - Blood Drip Nail Art | The Rite of AgingBaseBarry M Gelly Chai

Blood Drip: acrylic paints

StampingMilani Dark CoffeeBundle Monster plate BM-314

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

OMD3/BPS Review – Star Sign Galaxy Nail Art

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Check the sidebar for link to challenge information.

Some products provided for review. Opinions are my own.

I just had to do galaxy nails for today’s prompt because it’s been a while since I last did them! And, I have to admit, I’ve never been as happy to be an Aquarius as I was today. It is probably one of the easiest signs to freehand! Of course, mine left quite a bit to be desired but the rest of the look came out awesome…in my opinion, heh!

Today was also the perfect time to try out these star studs I received from Born Pretty Store. If I was going to try 3D studs they had to be in my favorite star shapes. Luckily, they were available in the 2mm size which were small enough for my tiny little nail stubs! I wouldn’t name these particularly RA-friendly as I had to use tweezers to turn them right side up but after that they applied without further hassle. They fell off the nail more easily than the Fimo canes. The bottom is slightly hollowed out so if I apply these with normal top coat application there is less surface area to adhere to the nail. However, they did hold up to light normal finger movement. If I remember to remove them properly the pieces are definitely re-usable. Though, I imagine I will lose quite a few too as I knocked a few out of the tin without realizing it!

 

#OMD3NAILS - Aquarius Galaxy Nail Art | The Rite of AgingBaseWet n Wild Black Creme

DetailingZoya CrystalSephora by OPI Go My Own WaySinful Colors Secret AdmirerEssie No Place Like Chrome

StudsBorn Pretty Store 2mm Shiny Star Shape Studs (300pc set for $6.07)

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

Interested in placing an order with BPS? Don’t forget to use my coupon code for 10% off your order!

10% off code

OMD3/BPS Review – Stamping and Freehand Butterfly Nail Art

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Items provided for review. Opinions remain my own.

In one of the summer camp classes we learned about butterflies and how they are a huge component of flower pollination. So, for today’s theme I stamped a butterfly traveling from flower to flower! I hope you like it!

This was the perfect time to try these Born Pretty Store Fimo Cane sticks. The pack came with three cute flower designs I knew I could use for today’s prompt!

I was a little nervous about these just because I was unsure how easily I could through cut them. However, I quickly gave them the RA-friendly stamp of approval! I sliced them nicely with a knife and they attached wonderfully with normal top coat application. The “stickers’ didn’t budge once dry and even though I didn’t go through too much wear they took on the usual hitting against desks, shirt changes and general finger bustle. With careful removal they are re-usable, too!

Born Pretty Store Fimo Stick Nail Art Review

BaseZoya Pippa

Butterfly and TrailWet n Wild Black CremeBundle Monster plate BM 303

Fimo FlowersBorn Pretty Store 12 Colors/Box Mini Flower Fimo Decorations


Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.


And, don’t forget to use my coupon code courtesy of Born Pretty Store if you are interested in placing an order!

10% off code

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