Nailed It

Well hello again lovelies, 

I've always been a girl who's liked having my nails done. It's a small detail that makes a big statement. After the big move (buying our new house) I couldn't afford to have my nails professionally done anymore so I decided it was time to learn a new hobby - acrylics, gel, and press on nails!

The initial expense is getting the tools you need to start your craft. Don't worry, I found a lot of my stuff at the dollar store (surprisingly!), and Amazon. Here's what you'll need -

 

                    Nail File                                 Alcohol Prep Pads                Cuticle Remover

      Cuticle Pusher             Nail Glue             Press-On Nails

         Cuticle Oil                      Nail Case

Steps:

1: Clean your nails with the alcohol pads to get rid of any excess dirt and dust

2: File your nails into the shape of nail you prefer to fit the acrylics you're going to be putting on, and to get rid of any residual glue that may be on still from a previous set. 

3. Push up your cuticles using the cuticle pusher tool and remove the cuticle with the cuticle remover tool. 

4. Apply a coat of the nail glue to your nail. 

5. Apply the appropriate fitting nail to each nail pressing and holding down firmly for 20-30 seconds per nail. 

6. After all nails have been applied add the cuticle oil to all cuticles of each nail. 

That's it! Now you have a new set that will last 1-2 weeks. Some may pop off but can easily be fixed by filing the nail of the residual glue off, applying a new coat of glue, and reapplying the nail back on (I would only recommend doing this 1-2 times with the same nail before getting a new nail from the pack or moving on to a new set of nails). 

If you're interested in gel nails I highly suggest the Beetles brand. I use them for my pedicures, but they are just as sufficient for manicures as well. Their brand can be purchased through Amazon. Some items I have used have been - 

           

          UV Light                   Acrylic Nails            6-in1 Nail Glue Gel

                                         

               Beetles Gel Top Coat              Beetles Nail Polish Set

Steps for a gel manicure:

1. Apply the 6 in 1 nail glue gel and apply the acrylic nail on top, then place under the UV lamp for 1 minute to curate.

2. Select a color you like and apply the first coat to each nail.

3. Place nails under UV lamp for 1 minute to curate.

4. Apply another coat of polish to each nail.

5. Curate the nails under the UV lamp an additional minute. 

6. (Optional) Apply another coat of polish to each nail if you'd like a deeper coat of color, then place nails under UV lamp for 1 minute to curate.

7. Choose between a matte or gel top coat for your nails and apply the top layering coat to each nail then place under the UV lamp to curate for the finished look. 

Follow the above steps for both hands and you will have a beautiful gel set of nails, that will last you anywhere from 1-2 weeks! You can also skip the acrylic nail and apply directly to your real nail if preferred for longer lasting results. 

Steps for gel pedicure:

1. Apply the base gel coat to each of your toes, then curate under the UV lamp for 1 minute. 

2. Select a color you like and apply the first coat to each nail. 

3. Apply another coat of polish to each nail.

4. Curate the nails under the UV lamp an additional minute. 

5. (Optional) Apply another coat of polish to each nail if you'd like a deeper coat of color, then place nails under UV lamp for 1 minute to curate. - (I personally do another coat on my toes) 

6. Choose between a matte or gel top coat for your nails and apply the top layering coat to each nail then place under the UV lamp to curate for the finished look. - (I usually choose the gel look for my toes, it looks more bright & cleaner to me)

As you can see the gel pedicure is very similar to the gel manicure steps. The gel pedicure lasts me about a month, sometimes a little longer. 

Give yourself plenty of space, outlets, lay a towel down, grab a glass of your favorite drink, throw on your favorite show or music, and dive into a self-care craft. Whether you're already a pro or just beginning, there's always something to learn about this craft - what nail style you like best, designs you can come up with, what products suit you best, and so much more! 

I hope this little tid-bit shared some helpful insight on a craft that can teach you a new skill, create a hobby, save you money, while also showing yourself some self-love in the process. 

Thanks for stopping by to read! For more daily shares and simply more of me, head over to my Instagram & give me a follow @rian_or_shine 

XOXO, 

Rian

Home Sweet Home

Hello lovelies!

 

Wow where do I begin? I feel like we've been on this house journey for a decade. From walk throughs, to offers, and programs, and many "it wasn't the right one, you'll get the next one" speeches when another house fell through the cracks. To finally be standing here today saying "We got one!"

 

Trading the hussle and bussle of the city to the countryside sweet tea sippin, sitting porch side. This house kind of fell into our laps. I was visiting my best friend from high school and telling her how hard the market has become, and at this point I was living to work, but I couldn't see a way out of it. She pulled up Zillow right then and found our house! I made an appointment that day to view the place and made an offer on the spot.

 

When I say buying a home is an emotional rollercoaster, I mean it! I felt every single emotion through this process from sadness, anger, hurt, second guessing so much, to excitement and happiness. I was devastated to be leaving behind the city I've lived in for the past 10 years and to have known as home. I honestly thought Albuquerque would be my forever home where we placed our roots. Although as more time progressed, I realized how much I am not in control all the time and need to trust God's plan.

 

At the end of the day moving back to my hometown of New Mexico has been the blessing in disguise we so desperately needed. A change of pace and a different perspective.

 

Here's to making a house a home, and to new chapters!

 

XOXO,

Rian

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Honeymoon Phase

Hello gorgeous people!

Well it's official y'all me & Jeremy are married! As of May 6, 2023, I am a Mrs now!! 

Yay! Now we're honeymoon bound! When we were considering what we want to do and where we wanted to go, we knew we didn't want to spend a fortune, and with both of us only having a limited time off work we didn't want to travel too far. The Riverbend Hot Springs met all of our criteria. 

It was an easy commute from Albuquerque to Truth or Consequences the little town where the Riverbend Hot Springs are located, it was straight highway the whole way. With only about a 2 hour drive we made it on one tank in our Toyota Tacoma! 

Jeremy and I checked in with the front desk and they gave us water proof bracelets that also serve as access keys to our room and to the pools. The room was cute and comfortable with New Mexico local artist artwork displayed on the walls, it was cozy and clean, and a quiet and peaceful atmosphere throughout. The rooms are walking distance to the pools and the resort itself are the perfect distance from everything in town. 

  

The hot springs were the break from reality we both needed. Each pool ranges from different temperatures to satisfy your best needs and are composed of all natural mineral waters to give you essential healing benefits. You are surrounded by the beautiful sounds of nature, while soothing music whispers in the background, and the Rio Grande river gently flows beside you. Either bask in the sun during the day, or enjoy the stars above you at night while soaking in the pools - both are an absolute delight. 

  

Where we wine & dined - 

1. Sunset Grill 

2. Johnny B's 

3. Mile Marker Seven Coffee (incredible coffee!) 

4. . Truth or Consequences Brewing Co.

5. Los Arcos (worth the $lurge for a fancy date night!) 

6. Tony's Restaurant (our favorite!) 

                                                         

Sunset Grill Diner - Build Your Own Burgers               Jackie's Favorite Omelette w/ Biscuits & Gravy

                                                

       Mile Marker Seven Coffee                                               Truth or Consequences Brewing Co.

                 - Zia Later 

             - Zoo Keeper (fav) 

                  

Los Arcos                                                                                                 Tony's

- Oyster for our appetizer                                                                     - Green Chile smothered Tamales 

- Prime Rib and Lobster tail dinner w/ loaded baked potato       w/ beans and rice 

and sauteed asparagus 

My mouth is watering remembering how delicious all this food was! The little diners Sunset Grill and Johnny B's were exactly what you'd imagine a small town would be, something mama used to make! I absolutely fell in LOVE with coffee from Mile Marker Seven, I wish we had something like it in Albuquerque but it just makes it more special when I get to visit TorC again. The brewery was the coolest, it felt like we were vibin' with old friends when we went and hung out there before we went and had dinner at Los Arcos! Wow, Los Arcos is fine dining you wouldn't expect for such a small town but it is top tier! The owner even chit chatted with the tables and was so kind. The food was spectacular, worth every penny! Lastly on our way out of town we had lunch at Tony's and we were not disappointed. I never had my tamales smothered before and I was sure missing out! Tony's also had the small town vibe to it and the small town hospitality. We will definitely be back to all of these places! 

Me and Jeremy couldn't have had a better honeymoon. We want to go back during the winter season! I would highly recommend a getaway here anytime of the year. 

I would love to say thank you to The Riverbend Hot Springs and the town of Truth or Consequences for welcoming us with open arms and the amazing experiences. 

XOXO,

Rian 

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I didn't choose the foodie life, the foodie life chose me!

Hi there friend! 

What's on the menu for today? 

That's just what I have cooked up for y'all, one of my favorite toppings to discuss - food! 

I live to eat, it's one of the simple pleasures in life. I'm a HUGE foodie! I developed a gluten allergy in my 20's and it forced me to relearn my body and how I eat but it grew into a passion and a love language of creating, trying, and sharing foods! I truly believe food brings people together!! 

I was that care free girl all my life. Never thought twice about what I was putting into my body because I had a high metabolism and could digest it without any consequences. The gluten allergy really changed that lifestyle! I gained 50 pounds in a matter of 2 months (the heaviest I've ever weighed), started having acne like I'd never had before, being beyond sick constantly you wouldn't believe. After doctors appointment after doctors appointment with no help, I started eliminating foods from my diet to see if that was the issue. Sure enough, I discovered it was gluten. To this day I'm still blown away at how many foods and products contain gluten, even items you wouldn't think would! 

I can happily now say that experience has impacted me for the better! I have lost 35 pounds by learning how to read labels for the first time ever, understand the proper food intakes, seeing supplements as our friends, and figuring out how to use gym equipment correctly. Also I found a healthy skin routine is a great form of self care. 

My favorite part of this whole journey though is learning how to cook and finding local restaurants I can love and enjoy with friends and family. 

Thanks for stopping by to read! For more daily shares and simply more of me, head over to my Instagram & give me a follow @rian_or_shine 

Follow me on Yelp for all the best local eateries - Yelp

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XOXO,

Rian 

Just Browzing - My Ombre Eyebrow Experience

Hello Beauties,

It's been about a year since I have had my ombre brow's done. So I guess it's about time I share the whole process and experience with y'all right? I know I'm slacking, but I wanted to make sure I had the full scoop for you before I spilled the tea! 

So here you go! 

What are ombre brows you may ask?

Ombre brows is a brow style that uses ombre shading, a semi-permanent eyebrow styling technique that uses a small machine to place extremely thin dots of pigment into the skin, creating a soft shaded brow pencil look. 

Ombre Brow Process:

• The first step is to speak with a professional who will be preforming the procedure for a consultation. This will give you insight on what to expect the end results to be such as shape and color.
• Next step, get your measurements and shape the eyebrows.
• Finally, the beautician will apply numbing cream to the area. Once you are comfortable enough the process begins. It felt like a very gentle tattoo to me! & when some parts became a little more unbearable than others, more numbing cream would be applied and things continued smoothly. 
• Now the healing stage begins. Do not allow any water, direct sunlight, or touch to the eyebrows for 2 weeks to avoid any disruption to the pigmentation. 

Here are my eyebrow results:

Session One 

The eyebrows come out very dark and it can be overwhelming at first. Believe me when I tell you, you will have an adjustment period with them. It's completely normal! At first I was like "oh no, what have I done!?" but over time you learn to adapt to your new look! 

One Month Healed 

Looking lighter and more natural already! 

3 Months Healed 

Honestly, I contemplated about getting my eyebrows done for a LONG time. Of course you want to be completely sure - it's semi-permanent, and an investment. Not something you want to tread lightly about when making a decision. But I finally committed to it and Trieu made the process enjoyable, comfortable, and talked me through every step along the way. If you are in the Albuquerque area I highly recommend her. I currently still fill my eyebrows in with an eyebrow gel powder because I like my eyebrows to be darker and more full but having them ombre'd helps speed up the process in the morning since they are already semi-shaded in and outlined. 

Current: Healed Eyebrows 

Thanks for stopping by to read! For more daily shares and simply more of me, head over to my Instagram & give me a follow 💖

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XOXO, 

Rian