Mani Monday: My 2013 In Nails!

2013 is coming to a close, and I think it's only fitting to do a wrapup post of sorts. And what's more apropos than a wrapup of all the nail polishes I tried, tested and loved this past year? Below, the colors and brands I absolutely loved during 2013. Some I featured on the blog, others were only seen on Instagram (be sure to follow me there if you aren't already for exclusive content!). Be sure to let me know your favorite nail polishes of the past year in the comments!

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Gettin' Figgy With It: Laura Mercier Fresh Fig Creme Body Wash

So here's the thing. I can't stand to only have one body wash in my shower. I like choices. At any given time, I probably have at least 13 body washes crammed into my (already overstuffed) shower caddy. That is, of course, before I discovered Laura Mercier Fresh Fig Wash Creme Body Wash.

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Salon and Spa Directory: Massage Heights

Truth be told, I've always been a bit wary of what I like to think of as massage factories. You know the ones -- the chain massage places that just seem simultaneously a bit sketchy and too good to be true. Well, am I ever glad I decided to throw caution to the wind and give Massage Heights in Pittsburgh's Bakery Square a try!

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Berry Berry Good: Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry Large Glass Jar Candle

Looking for a candle whose scent will please absolutely everybody in the room? You've found it in the Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry Large Glass Jar Candle.

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#ManiMonday: Jin Soon Poppy Blue & Zoya Mosheen

Who else has the winter blues? I don't know about you, but all this snow, slush and grey days really have me wishing for some sun, sand and surf right about now! I decided to perk myself up a bit with a bright turquoise manicure -- because there's nothing better than staring down at my nails and seeing this happy color looking back at me. For today's manicure, I chose Jin Soon Poppy Blue and then layered it with one coat of Zoya Mosheen.

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Purple Passion: Zoya Naturel Collection Ombre Manicure

I have something shocking to report. Before today, I hadn't painted my nails in TWO WEEKS. I think that's the longest I've gone with plain nails in at least four years. But with my recent move to Pittsburgh (and the subsequent unpacking of multitudes of boxes), I knew it wasn't worth painting my nails just to see them ruined five seconds later.

The second I received the Zoya Naturel Collection in the mail, however, I knew my first manicure back in the saddle would HAVE to be with these polishes. And, rather than choose just one, I went for a fun little ombre manicure to test them (almost) all out simultaneously! Here's the breakdown...

Thumb: Taylor
Index finger: Rue
Middle finger: Brigitte
Ring finger: Odette
Pinky finger: Normani
(Not pictured in this manicure: Chantal)

Left to right: Taylor, Rue, Brigitte, Odette, Normani.

I guess it comes as no surprise that I'm absolutely in LOVE with this whole collection. I adore purple nail polish and purple in general (in fact, two of the walls in my new apartment are comparable shades of purple!). Every one of these polishes applied easily, evenly and completely opaque in two coats. Even without top coat, they're all surprisingly glossy and creamy!

The nail polishes in the Zoya Naturel Collection retail for $9 each. You can also buy the entire set for $54. Find them all at zoya.com.

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Valerie Bee

From her work in Vogue Japan to working with Daphne Guinness, makeup artist Valerie Bee has created some truly fabulous makeup looks. Read on to find out which mascara she can't live without, her top makeup tip and so much more.

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Soften Your Winter-Ravaged Skin: Philosophy Living Grace Whipped Body Creme

You know what I hate? Cracked, dry, red, peeling skin. And once the temperatures drop below 45, there's really no way to avoid it ... until I discovered Philosophy Living Grace Whipped Body Creme, that is.

You may remember that I already sang the praises of another Whipped Body Creme by Philosophy, Amazing Grace. Well, this one has all the same wonderful whipped texture and skin smoothing properties, but it incorporates the beautiful Living Grace scent. Notes of fresh neroli, lily of the valley and warm musk are inviting, calming and truly beautiful. Plus, it sinks right into skin and doesn't make it feel greasy or slippery, so you can go right back to typing on your keyboard or using your iPhone (or walking on a hardwood floor without skidding!).

Now, thankfully, my skin is now back to normal.

Philosophy Living Grace Whipped Body Creme retails for $30 at sephora.com.

Salon and Spa Directory: South Side Nail Candy

I normally don't get manicures. I just change my nail polish too often to make them be worth the time and money. But in the case of South Side Nail Candy, I'm making an exception -- because this salon is just too adorable for words!

The salon is done up in bright, happy shades of pink and purple -- my favorites when entering a nail salon! Zebra accents lend a fun, exotic touch. There's a fabulous selection of nail colors on hand (pardon the pun) from Essie, OPI and even China Glaze. You can also get gel manicures here, and the technicians create some pretty incredible nail art designs! On my visit I just did a regular manicure, but I can't wait to go back and experience some of the fantastic art.

But what I really love is that everyone who works here is friendly, accommodating and incredibly talented. I got a regular manicure and was thoroughly impressed by the level of skill my technician showed. My nails were buffed to a glossy shine and expertly painted with two coats of one of my very favorite colors, Essie Leading Lady. Better yet ... the manicure lasted WITHOUT CHIPPING for over a week! Now THAT'S good.

For more information about South Side Nail Candy, visit their Facebook page or call 412.481.6245.

Onto Greener Pastures: I'm Finally Leaving NYC.

Final shot in my empty apartment

11 years, 3 months and 23 days. That's how long I've been in New York. I moved to the city the August after I graduated from Indiana University -- just me, my four suitcases and a plane ride toward my new life. And I won't say I never looked back, but I certainly don't regret the choice I made to move to the Big Apple. But there's something new on the horizon. Today, I'll be leaving NYC for the city of Pittsburgh.

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