Author: Rena

Mod Mani: Super Easy DIY Nail Art

 

If you follow Curves And Coffee (me) on Instagram, you’ve already had a sneak peek at what’s in store! If you’re not following me… *In my most Jay-Z & Linkin Park voice* what the hell are you waiting for?!

 

Taking a trip down memory lane with this weeks mani and nail art.

 

It’s not totally mod but it definitely has a mod-style feel to it. We’ll just call it “Orange Crushin’ on Summer” Of course I wouldn’t leave you guys without a tutorial! It’s super easy, seriously, suuuuper easy!

 

What you’ll need: 

scissors, nail polish, tape, nail file.

 

 

What I used:

 

Essie ~ All In One Color Adhesive + Primer ~ $10

Nars ~ Adelita ~ $19

Nars Thakoon ~ Ratin Jot ~ $19

Kiss ~ Paint Set in Gala ~ $6.99

As I was midway through this mani…the Nars ‘Adelita’ polish would take several coats to really POP so I used Essie ~ Fear or Desire ($8.50 seen below) then used the Nars over that for a sparkle POP!

 

Of course you can use any color(s) or polish you want. I have hundreds of polish bottles and simply riffled through them and picked these colors.

 

 

How to do it:

 

Start with a base coat…ALWAYS start with a base coat when using deeply pigmented polish or else you’ll be left with color stained nails once you remove the polish. I have to admit, sometimes when I’m in a rush and just need a quick coat of color…I skip the base coat.

 

Once your base coat is dry, it’s time to add striping tape. Don’t be alarmed, striping tape is easy to locate and it’s cheap! I usually purchase mine from eBay or Etsy for less than a dollar or two (if you’re hunting the deals…pennies). You can also find it at your local beauty supply stores or Sally Beauty. It’s rare that I use this tape so a roll will last me more than a year in some cases.

 

 

 

Cut the tape into strips and place them on the edge of the table you’re working on. My chosen work space: my laptop! This makes it easier when it’s time to grab and place. Put the strips where you DON’T WANT polish (sticky side down of course). This is where you get creative! I placed tape in a different position on each nail for a ton of variety…there’s no right or wrong way.

 

 

 

 

 

Next step: color time!

 

 

 

 

Once you’ve applied the color polish of your choice and after the nails have dried a bit, 30-40 minutes for me…you can remove the tape. When you remove the strips, you’ll have open space or empty lines.

 

 

This is what happens when you’re in the bed and using your laptop as a table…yes, that’s my beagle Chipper Jones using my “table” as a pillow. Multi-use household here folks!

Anywho…

This is when your third polish choice comes in. I used a pure white color that I got from a Kiss set, you may remember it from this…it lets you paint lines with a long brush (circled in the pic above) basically, a no mess application! No need for extra brushes or dipping or bowls! Use the long brush to fill in those empty spaces that were left after the tape was removed.

The final step: Add a top coat and we’re done!

 

Finished product:

See! Super super easy!! The final pics didn’t quite come out like I wanted but after taking what seems like a zillion in different light settings…these were the best! Each nail has a different design so this is truly a one-of-a-kind mani! I’m already thinking of a super bright idea using this same technique soon as I locate the 2014 neons!

I’m not a pro…just a curvy girl who likes to have fun with her nails and look pretty!

 

Influenster #GoVoxBox – Product Review – Next Step FIt N Full – Playtex® Sport® Fresh Balance – AquaSpa – Blue Diamond Almonds

 

Thanks to Influenster, I’m able to check out some pretty awesome products and share them with you guys! I’m your official “lab rat” today…have fun!

 

Influenster boxes aren’t just “given”, I do have to put in some work and be an active member within the Influenster community. Just a small task when you think about it. Anywho, take a look back here, to watch me unbox the Influenster GoVoxBox and see everything that was included in the #GoVoxBox.

 

After having this box for almost two weeks…

 

 

 

 

I’ve managed to test almost everything. Read on to see the good, the bad, and the ugly about this VoxBox.

 

 

 

Triad Orthotic and Pedi-Rock by ProFoot

Ahhh walking on cloud nine! It’s summer, which means it’s time for toesies to get some much needed sun and Profoot arrived just in time. The pedi-rock is amazing! It’s soft and squishy which allowed me to get a good grip while rubbing it on the bottom of my feet. The best part is the shape of it…it’s really made like a rock but a soft rock and it gets into the arches perfectly! Also by Profoot and included in the #GoVoxBox, was the Triad Orthotic. It’s an insert that claims to help with knee, leg and back pain. I suffer from and receive treatment for lower back pain so I’m not sure if these will cure my pain but they are very soft insoles for my espadrilles which have ZERO support. So far so good. #GoProFoot

Next up…

Blueberry Almonds by Blue Diamond

Flavored almonds. Yep. It’s a real thing! So glad this was included in the #GoVoxBox, otherwise, I never would’ve walked down the nuts aisle and bought blueberry almonds. The not-so-healthy Rena only eats almonds when they’re mixed in Poppycock caramel popcorn. Stop judging me with those judgy eyes. Almonds are usually the hardest nut to eat…literally.  Blue Diamond deserves a round of applause for these because they were delicious! Sooooo good that I’ll be heading to the store soon to buy the other fruit flavored almonds by Blue Diamond! They were sweet yet salty and fruity but nutty and nothing but yummy in my tummy! Guess what I found out about Blue Diamond Almonds………COFFEE FLAVORED. The end. Winner winner chicken dinner!

Then…

Next Step Fit N Full Protein Shake by Vitamin Shoppe

When I think of protein shakes, I think of guys who live at the gym and way too tan with spiky hair. Maybe I’ve watched too much Jersey Shore way back when but that’s the image they left me with. Needless to say, I’m not a Muscle Milk drinker. Shocked and almost appalled I was stuck with some chalky substance to try from Influenster and Vitamin Shoppe, I shied away from tasting this until I saw the cool shaker bottle! This bottle has a huge jax inside that will help shake up all that chalky stuff (you can remove the jack by unscrewing the top). The Vitamin Shoppe was kind enough to include three flavors: Fresh Berries, Swiss Chocolate, and French Vanilla. My taste buds allowed me to try the French Vanilla…verdict…eh not my favorite thing to drink but it’s not the worst thing I’ve tasted. Since this was my first time EVER trying a protein shake, I’ll give it another go with the other two flavors. As far as the shake being a meal replacement, eh, I tried this in the middle of the day so I wasn’t planning on eating much anyway…maybe for breakfast this could be perfect!

Don’t forget…

Aqua Spa relax Body Creme in Lavender + Chamomile

Ok, soooo, my sensitive skin is always leery of trying new things but for the sake of beauty and giving you guys an honest review, I tried it. The scent of this creme was on point…not overpowering like most lavender scented lotions. You know, the ones that practically burn your nose hairs (if you have them, girls are all made from sugar so we don’t have that problem.) Since I do have uber-sensitive skin, my feet were the guinea pigs of this operation and they were in absolute bliss! I decided to apply the creme after a long day at the pool, the texture was thick so even though the directions say “apply lavishly” you really don’t need to. A little goes a very long way.

Lastly…

Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons

Upon opening the #GoVoxBox, there was a fresh scent that flowed into the air. Once I  emptied all of the contents, I figured it was the Aqua Spa lotion but no. It was the Playtex box. The box says “odor shield” & “lightly scented”…gonna have to disregard “lightly” because EVERYTHING from the box now smells like whatever flowery fresh scent Playtex dipped these in. Now, don’t get me wrong, as a woman, when it’s that time…fresh is ALL you want to feel and smell like but I’m gonna have to pass on this scent alone. Women have to be careful when it comes to scented feminine products because they ultimately disrupt your pH balance, not to mention they may irritate the most sensitive area of your body. As an Always and Kotex lover, gonna have to stick with what I know and just say no to Playtex and their heavily scented tampons.

That’s all for now stylish sweets! Hope you enjoyed these reviews!

 

 

UnBoxing the Influenster #GoVoxBox Box


Say that five times really fast!

 

unboxingtheinfluenstergovoxboxbox

 

This Influenster Vox Box is all about getting it going…by “it” I totally mean your body. I definitely get lazy every now and then, especially now after having surgery a month ago. My body just wants to chill so this opportunity came at the perfect time!

 

I created a video of everything in the box, have a looksie…

 

(video opens in new window with music, don’t be alarmed 🙂

 

 

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Well, there goes all my excuses. Time to give my curves some extra loving!

 

 

Interior Design: Chic and Comfy Home Decor `The Balloon Chair`

 

 

Up Up and away (and sometimes down down and comfy!)

 

 

Some of you are aware of my obsession with interior design and home decor, more particularly…..chairs. Not sure why my eyes are drawn towards chairs (could be my lazy side *haha) but it’s been a while since I’ve noticed one that I absolutely WANT.

 

Last week, I was searching for a rug to put in my living room. Instead, I came across this awesome chair aptly named a “Balloon Chair” and it’s exactly what you’d think it is…..a chair in the shape of a hot air balloon!

 

 

 

Leonide Fabric Balloon Chair by Zentique Inc ~ $2,226.39 ~ Wayfair

 

 

 

This sent me on a search to find more of these cool chairs and here they are!

 

 

Balloon Chair in Metallic  ~ $3,495 ~ ModShop

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zebra Balloon Chair by Old Hickory Tannery  ~ $3,639 ~ Neiman Marcus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PM Continental Balloon Chair ~ $916.30 ~ HomeThangs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue Ming Balloon Chair by Massoud ~ $2,669 ~ Neiman Marcus

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course I found a couple of balloon chairs in pink! I mean, it’s only one of my favorite colors!

 

 

 

 

 

Victoire Balloon Chair  ~ $1,675 ~ Fabulous and Baroque

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magenta Balloon Chair ~ $2,495 ~ ModShop

 

 

 

These chairs aren’t whimsical in a circus-like way but more of a sophisticated formal yet fun way. I’m imagining a dinner party with laughs and Louboutins while sipping on a sweet dessert champagne! I’d even make this the perfect office chair fit for a queen boss! Needless to say, I never found that rug I was looking for…back to the search.

 

Classic Style: Plus Size Outfit Ideas


Remember the basics?

 

The classics?

 

It’s so easy to forget these days with new trends popping up every other week. Yes, some trends are dope and fun to wear but sometimes, you just want to wrap yourself in a regular pair of boyfriend jeans and a tee!

 

Recently, I was selected by La Redoute (a fashion store based in the UK) to participate in a competition for fashion bloggers. This competition gives a special blogger a chance to become La Redoutes’ Brand Ambassador and win a trip to Paris! If you’ve been reading along here, you know that I absolutely LOVE Paris!

 

Needless to say, I hopped on this opportunity! The competition was to simple create a post to display MY personal Style Secrets. This is what this post is about…the classics. My absolute fave classic pieces are just that, jeans and crisp white top.

 

 

 

classic style

 

 

 

 

This look can be worn dressed up or dressed down, on the weekends or even running errands during the week.  I gave you guys two different ways to wear one outfit and you’ll look great in either one!

 

 

Looking for more classic pieces, jump here (Secrets to French Style by La Redoute) to see what my favorite city in the whole entire world is up to. No one does classic like the French!

 

 

Friday Faves: Spring Worthy Plus Size Clothing Trends


Has winter left you feeling blue or blah?

 

The bulky coats….

The heavy layers….

 

Blah.

 

 

Nothing better than shopping or “eye-buying” to get you out of that funk!

 

Spring shopping can be such a task for a northern girl. When you wake up to 70 degrees and fall asleep to 25 degrees…it’s not much you can buy and/or wear to prepare for such extremes. This doesn’t stop a girl from craving all things pretty though! Actually, it makes me want to hit the stores more.

 

My trip through the “eye-buying” mall included stops at DSW, Saks, and One Stop Plus to name a few. All have awesome deals on lust-worthy spring styles and you absolutely can’t pass up a deal! Of course my adoration for McQueen wouldn’t let me have a shopping trip without him! Here are a few things that I can’t wait to purchase and style when the weather finally (officially) breaks.

 

 

 

Just Lace IT

 

Just Lace IT by curvesandcoffee featuring ballet flats

 

 

1. White Lace Inset Top ~ $40 ~ One Stop Plus

 

2.  Skull Lace Print Back Pack ~ $1,995 ~ Alexander McQueen

 

3. Black Lace Inset Top ~ $40 ~ One Stop Plus

 

4. French Follies Zeal Ballet Flat ~ $20 ~ DSW

 

5. Joan & David Cutie Platform Pump ~ $90 ~ DSW

 

6. Givenchy Floral Lace Slip-on Sneaker ~ $650 ~ Saks Fifth Avenue

 

 

I’m currently craving L A C E!

 

Can you tell?

 

Lace is the perfect way to say “hey, I’m a girl and like to be pretty” without really having to say anything. There’s more feminine trends and wishful buys coming soon….hopefully a few of these things make their way into my closet!

Spring Cleaning: A Girl’s Way to Makeup Organization



 

 

We made it!

We made it through the worst winter ever!

I say it’s time to celebrate and have a party!

 

Let’s get all dolled up and oh wait, where’s that cute peachy pink lip gloss I bought a few months ago? That may be the hardest question to answer right now! If you’re anything like me, you might be a product junkie. This means, when you see new products, pretty packaging., cute colored polish, and things of the like… You. Just. Have. To. Have. It.

 

Makeup bags are overflowing at this point and trying to find a lip gloss you just bought for instance, can become, shall we say…overwhelming! Here’s an inexpensive way to stay organized (because you need any extra money for more goodies!)

 

Take a trip to Dollar Tree, Target, Kmart, Walmart, or whatever you have in your area. Head STRAIGHT to the home goods section…seriously, don’t go down the beauty aisles ladies. Next, find your way to the organization area….you know, the section near kitchen items and home improvement. Now you’re need to locate the storage containers. Sterilite & Rubbermaid are awesome and durable brands.

 

Money Saving Tip: (Dollar stores such as Dollar Tree have similar products for just a dollar…go there and get tons of storage containers… I went to Target because I needed to buy other household essentials.)

 

For your makeup, purchase a 3-drawer clear unit like this one from Sterilite…

 

 

 

Once you get home, grab all of your products from out of bags or other dark drawers and place EVERYTHING out in the open.

 

 

 

Here’s the fun part: divide your makeup into THREE categories… Eyes-Face-Lips (hence the 3-drawer storage thingy.) The first drawer will be used for your eye makeup, second drawer for face items like foundation, concealer and primer, the last drawer will be for all your lip stuff.

 

 

 

 

This 3-drawer system is an easy way to remember which drawer holds which products. Everything is stored in order of your facial features and how you use those products…. eyes (top of head) face (middle) and lips (bottom). Of course, you can organize however you want, this is just an easy way for me to remember

 

 

 

 

And there you have it! Everything is organized and it’s all in one place! This is just a small sample of what you can do with all of your girly things. I placed this on the counter in my master bathroom and it’s so incredibly helpful! Hope this helps out other product junkies.

 

 

Now go outside and enjoy the weather!

 

 

 

 

Spring Ahead: Plus Size Fashion & Radiant Orchid


(Ahhhhhhhh)

 

That’s a collective sigh of relief knowing spring is right around the corner! Even though it doesn’t feel like spring in most of the states, we can still see what the season has to offer our closets!

 

 

Earlier this year, Pantone (“the world-renowned authority on color”) introduced us to Radiant Orchid, the 2014 color of the year.

 

 

 

 

Naturally, it’s bright and vibrant just in time for the weather to take a glorious turn! So, how can we incorporate this juicy color into our wardrobes now (and later?)

 

 

Let’s start with items you can easily add to update your outfits now:

 

 

 

Wear It Now: Pantone Color of the Year

 

 

 

 

Here are a few things for later:

 

 

 

Pantone Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid Wear it Later

 

 

 

 

As the season continues (or gets started) there will be lots more to choose from. So now that we have a few options, are you willing to add Radiant Orchid to your wardrobe?