Beauty Battle: Impress Manicure

As we've mentioned in past Beauty Battles, the purpose of these videos is for each of us to try out the same product, then keep our opinions to ourselves until we can share our thoughts with each other while the camera is rolling.  This Beauty Battle features the Impress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails...

A few photos from Mendi:

We're dying to hear your thoughts! Have you tried these? If not, would you? Do they take you back to the old school Lee Press-On Nails? Drop us a comment. We can't wait to hear what you have to say!

Cinco de...My oh My

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we decided to keep today's Friday's Fancies festive. And what more do you need than a hot pair of shoes and tequila to appropriately celebrate tomorrow night?? (Disclaimer: we only endorse the tequila if you're over the age of 21 and we insist that you have a designated driver.) Hopefully the aforementioned hot shoes plus tequila won't equal you falling down. But if you do, we won't judge. We'll be throwing our own Cinco de Mayo fiesta at Casa de Jayme tomorrow night. We hope that everyone has a fantastic and safe night. Hasta luego!

Cinco de My oh My by herlatenightcravings

1 Topshop Sleeveless Drape Front Blouse  //  2 Helmut Lang Cropped Low-rise Skinny Jean  //  3 Pierre Hardy Canvas Multi Colored Wedge  //  4 Rebecca Minkoff 5-Zip Clutch  //  5 Modcloth Accessory Amore Necklace  //  6 Kate Spade New York Colored Stone Stud Earrings  //  7 Betsey Johnson Black and White Glitter Bracelet Set  //  8 Yves St Laurent Ring with Reflective Stone  //  9 Patron Silver Tequila

We also have some EXCITING NEWS to share! Speaking of the fabulous {av}, we are beyond thrilled to announce that we are going to be attending her Blogger Blitz DC. Tickets are selling out fast, so if you're able to get to DC and want to join us, be sure to get in touch with {av} as soon as possible. We can't wait to get blitzed!!

And PS ~ If you'd like to join in on future Friday's Fancies, hop on over to Long Distance Loving and sign up to receive {av}'s weekly e-mails for themes in advance, so that you can make your own Polyvore inspiration board. It's so much fun and a great way to meet new bloggers!

April Empties

Another empties video...it doesn't take much for us to feel accomplished! Haha. To see our first video featuring empties products click here.

Mendi's Empties mentioned:
Neutrogena Body Lotion Light Sesame Formula
LUSH Whoosh Shower Jelly
Number 4 Lumiere d'hiver Reconstructing Masque
John Frieda Full Repair Fly Away Tamer
Viva la Juicy Rollerball

Chapstick in Spearmint

Jayme's Empties mentioned:
The Body Shop Body Butters in Satsuma and Coconut
Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo
Redken Smooth Down Butter Treatment for Dry & Unruly Hair
Bath & Body Works Midnight Pomegranate Shower Gel
The Body Shop Spice Vanilla Shower Gel
Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash in Lavender, Chamomile & Ylang Ylang
Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry

Carmex Moisture Plus Clear Lip Balm

Thanks for watching!!

Forever 21 Haul!

What's up with us and Forever 21?? We've really enjoyed shopping there over the last couple of months, as seen in our previous haul video, and now we're back to show you our finds from a recent impromptu lunch excursion to F21.

Are you like us and have been a little Forever 21 crazy? And if it's not Forever 21, what has been your go to store for clothing recently? Drop us a comment and let us know!

Thanks for watching!

Richmond Homearama

On Sunday, my husband and I attended the 2012 Richmond Homearama at Summer Lake, a community about 15 minutes from our house, in Chesterfield County. The main feature of the event consists of touring eight homes; each built by different local builders and fully furnished and decorated by local interior designers. One thing that I don't think I've done a well enough job talking about here on HLNC is my love for all things home decor related. So today I want to give you guys an opportunity to see another side of me...the side that craves dream home ideas and one day living in a craftsman-style bungalow.

Here's a compilation of my top three favorite homes and their best features...
(I hope you guys like LOTS of pictures!)

House #1 - The Modern Craftsman

I heart this house. The exterior is simply stunning. From the wide array of textures (stucco, stonework and  vinyl siding) to the dark wood columns to the craftsman-style windows, this house had me at hello. 

Large, open spaces with beautiful woodwork and trim, along with engineered hardwood floors

The kitchen truly was the heart of this home, as you can see. The lighting, along with every other feature in this room, was beyond spectacular. I specifically love the Shaker-style cabinets, touch faucet, pot filler behind the range and the beverage refrigerator in the island. *sigh*

1st Floor Master Bedroom and Bathroom

That's my hubz, Chris, on the deck. If I play pretend for a second here, I can totally imagine him calling into the kitchen for me. "Hey babe, pass me the steaks for the grill." Yes people, I am this amount of cheesy.  ;)

House #2 - The New Old House

Again, the exterior of this house takes my breath away. I never knew that tone-on-tone siding would be something I'd like, but somehow the heavy amounts of gray and stonework pull it all together. Let's just say that I wouldn't kick this house out of bed for eating crackers.

For the eco-friendly side of us, this house features something called a "rain chain" instead of the conventional downspout. The idea is that rain would follow the chain down to the awaiting bucket where a pipe leads rainwater away from the house.

Another 1st Floor Master Bedroom and Bathroom

A second floor loft area staged to be a family arts & crafts center

An upstairs bedroom

A charming covered porch on the back of the house

House #3 - Vintage Rediscovered

You can't deny, this house is quaint and charming...except it's much more than quaint. In fact, it's rather grand. I love the courtyard area off the front left corner of the home. I could see this house fitting in on Wisteria Lane.

While I really, really love the exteriors of the first two houses, I want every single part of the interior of this home. Just take a look at the kitchen and den...

But wait for this. Are you sitting down? If not, sit now, as I can't be responsible if you pass out after seeing this Master Bedroom and Bathroom.

I'm sorry. I think I just died and woke up in my bathroom heaven.

Wait, it gets better, if that's even possible. Every girl's dream come true...

Yes. Please. And thank you.

The remainder of this house could have been in shambles and I don't think that I would have noticed after that master suite, but check out this lovely little covered back porch and deck and mudroom off of the garage.

That just about does it for today. I think I've maxed out the number of pictures that I can use in one post. But, I will have another post later this week to feature some of my favorite trends that I spotted throughout the other five homes that aren't shown above. I'm obsessed. Literally. 

For more information on the 2012 Richmond Homearama, including floorplans of each home, you can visit their website here.

I hope you guys enjoyed this too. Drop me a comment...I'd love to hear what you love.

Mendi