Double Feature: Different Genres

When life becomes a roller coaster ride, sometimes the best way to regain your equilibrium is a double feature with a friend. The latest of my get-away choices was "Morning Glory"followed by "Unstoppable". Both were fabulous movies of completely different genres. "Morning Glory is a comedy starring Harrison Ford and Dianne Keaton. They portray co-hosts of a morning TV show and they hate each other. Rachael McAdams plays the ever-cheerful new executive producer, determined to save the show from being cancelled. I thought this was a cute, funny,and lighthearted chick-flick.
"Unstoppable" was not any of those things. It stars Denzel Washington and Chris Pine as a train engineer and a conductor trying to stop a run-away train. If not stopped in time, this train would derail and explode in a populated city causing a huge catastrophe. It is an edge of your seated thrill ride that does not disappoint.(it is Denzel, after all.)(Chris is not bad either!)

For info on nail care, acrylics, gels, manicures or pedicures, or to contact me pleases visit my website www.tampanailchick.com

Movie of the week

Matt Damon stars in " Hereafter", an interesting story of 3 people trying to understand what happens after you die, and whether can we communicate with those we've lost. Damon's character is a San Francisco psychic trying to have a normal life, Cecile de France plays a Parisian news anchorwoman who survives a tsunami, and the 3rd is a young boy in England who lost his twin brother. It's a really good story , but it's a little slow. I was also slightly disappointed by the trailers. The advertisements lead us to believe it was a larger than life, thrill a minute, psychic adventure; and it wasn't. Having said that, I do feel it's worth seeing. Matt Damon never disappoints me and I love Cecile de France messy hairdo.

In my "dream world" I am a movie critic, but in real life, I am I Nail Tech. I love my job and I love hearing about other women's "dream worlds" and real worlds while pamper their nails. I offer manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, and gel nails. So please visit my website www.tampanailchick.com for more info or to contact me.

Seeing "Red"

Movie of the week: "Red", starring Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, JohnMalkovich and Mary-Louise Parker is a terrific flick. It's got it all; action, romance and comedy. The first four amazing stars play "Red"(retired,extremely dangerous)CIA agents and Parker plays Willis's love interest. When a hit-squad goes after Willis, he reassembles his team to unravel the mystery of why the CIA is killing it's own retirees. It's a wild cross-country trip and we're along for the ride. Although it didn't get great reviews, I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.

As always, for info on nail care, manicures, pedicures, acrylics or gels, or to contact me visit www.tampanailchick.com .

Movies to "Fall" For

Summer is over and fall is here. Stores are gearing up for all the coming holidays, and before you know it, the frenzy begins. So from now til Halloween is the calm before the storm. A double feature at my favorite theater, with a great friend is my way to enjoy this time. This week's movie picks are "Life As We Know It" and "Secretariat".
"Life As We Know It", starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel is a romantic comedy, born out of tragedy. These two are the best friends of a couple killed in a car crash, and are left to raise their orphaned daughter. Holly is a control freak and Messer is a womaniser. They can't stand each other, but know they have to make it work for Sophie. It's a funny, touching story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
"Secretariat" is the true story of the amazing racehorse that won the Triple Crown in 1973. Diane Lane and John Malkovich star in this inspiring tale of dreams and perseverance. It's great movie and a super second in a great double feature.

For info on nail care, gels, acrylics, manicures or pedicures, or to contact me visit my website:www.tampanailchick.com .

The following is part of an article I found interesting. Maybe it will answer a question or two. Remember not to self-diagnose. See a doctor if you have concerns.

What Your Nails Reveal About Your Health

Your nails can be affected by a variety of medical problems, so paying attention to nail health is a smart idea.

By Eleanor Roberts, PhD

Medically reviewed by Christine Wilmsen Craig, MD

Print Email

Healthy nails should be semi-transparent, light pink, and intact, possibly with a white lunula (“little moon”) just above the cuticle.

While individual nails may on occasion get small white lines or dots, called leukonychia (nothing to worry about), or maybe an infection by bacteria, virus, or fungus (all of which should get treated), an underlying illness somewhere else in your body can also cause changes in nail health and their appearance. Nail care includes watching out for these key changes.

Decoding Nail Color Changes

The following nail changes are connected to a variety of health conditions:

• White nail syndrome. The whole nail will appear cloudy or white. This change in nail health could indicate heart disease, renal failure, liver cirrhosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Terry’s nails. The nail will look mostly white and grainy with a pink or perhaps red strip at the top because of an increase in connective tissue and a decrease in blood supply in the nail bed. This change in nail health can be found in 80 percent of patients with liver cirrhosis, as well as in patients with congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, diabetes, or HIV.
• Muehrcke’s nails. Abnormal blood flood in the nail bed will make the nails appear as if they have horizontal (often paired) white lines, most often in the second, third, and fourth fingers. The lines disappear if the nail is pressed and blood is squeezed out of the nail bed blood vessels. Because this problem occurs in the nail bed, it will not progress up as the nail grows. Problems associated with this are hypoalbuminemia, liver disease, malnutrition, and nephrotic syndrome; it is also a side effect of chemotherapy.
• Half-and-half nails, also known as Lindsay’s nails. The bottom half of the nail appears white while the top half is a darker pink-brown. This is because there is swelling in the nail bed at the bottom and increased melanin (a type of skin pigment) production at the top. Chronic renal disease or HIV could be the cause of this condition.
• Mee’s line. Horizontal white lines appear in the nail, caused by microscopic fragmentation of the nail after growth has been disrupted. Mee’s lines could indicate heart failure, Hodgkin disease, renal failure, system-wide infection, or poisoning by arsenic, thallium, or other heavy metals.
• Splinter hemorrhages. These thin, dark red or brown vertical lines in the nail bed look like splinters beneath the nail, hence the name. Possible causes include cirrhosis, mitral stenosis, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, peptic ulcer disease, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, and trauma. A classic association is with subacute bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart valves).
• Yellow nail syndrome. In this rare condition, nails appear yellowish-orange and thicken and curve into the cuticle. It is associated with lymphedema (impaired lymphatic drainage), pleural effusions, and bronchiectasis.
• Blue nail. Blue nails — either the lunula or the whole nail — could indicate Wilson’s disease, argyria (silver poisoning), or quinacrine therapy (used to treat lupus and other health conditions).
• Red lunula. Lunulas that appear red could indicate alopecia areata (hair loss), carbon monoxide poisoning, cardiac failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic urticaria (hives), cirrhosis, collagen vascular disease, oral prednisone treatment, or psoriasis.
• Vertical brown streaks. These are common among people with dark skin; however, they can indicate melanoma and should be checked by a doctor. A benign nevus (overgrowth of cells) or chemical staining (including from some nail polishes) could also be the cause.

Nail Texture Changes

Apart from the odd bump or small lines, nails are normally fairly smooth. But texture can change if there is a problem elsewhere in the body:

• Beau’s line. When there is a disruption in nail growth, a deep horizontal groove can appear. This could indicate peripheral artery disease, pemphigus (a skin disease), psoriasis, Raynaud’s disease, systemic infection, or trauma.
• Pitting. Small, pinpoint depressions can appear in the nails when there are problems in nail plate layering. This is seen in 10 to 50 percent of people with psoriasis. It can also be caused by alopecia areata, pemphigus, a type of arthritis called Reiter’s syndrome, and sarcoidosi

Your nails can be affected by a variety of medical problems, so paying attention to nail health is a smart idea.

By Eleanor Roberts, PhD

Medically reviewed by Christine Wilmsen Craig, MD

Print Email

Healthy nails should be semi-transparent, light pink, and intact, possibly with a white lunula (“little moon”) just above the cuticle.

While individual nails may on occasion get small white lines or dots, called leukonychia (nothing to worry about), or maybe an infection by bacteria, virus, or fungus (all of which should get treated), an underlying illness somewhere else in your body can also cause changes in nail health and their appearance. Nail care includes watching out for these key changes.

Decoding Nail Color Changes

The following nail changes are connected to a variety of health conditions:

• White nail syndrome. The whole nail will appear cloudy or white. This change in nail health could indicate heart disease, renal failure, liver cirrhosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Terry’s nails. The nail will look mostly white and grainy with a pink or perhaps red strip at the top because of an increase in connective tissue and a decrease in blood supply in the nail bed. This change in nail health can be found in 80 percent of patients with liver cirrhosis, as well as in patients with congestive heart failure, hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, diabetes, or HIV.
• Muehrcke’s nails. Abnormal blood flood in the nail bed will make the nails appear as if they have horizontal (often paired) white lines, most often in the second, third, and fourth fingers. The lines disappear if the nail is pressed and blood is squeezed out of the nail bed blood vessels. Because this problem occurs in the nail bed, it will not progress up as the nail grows. Problems associated with this are hypoalbuminemia, liver disease, malnutrition, and nephrotic syndrome; it is also a side effect of chemotherapy.
• Half-and-half nails, also known as Lindsay’s nails. The bottom half of the nail appears white while the top half is a darker pink-brown. This is because there is swelling in the nail bed at the bottom and increased melanin (a type of skin pigment) production at the top. Chronic renal disease or HIV could be the cause of this condition.
• Mee’s line. Horizontal white lines appear in the nail, caused by microscopic fragmentation of the nail after growth has been disrupted. Mee’s lines could indicate heart failure, Hodgkin disease, renal failure, system-wide infection, or poisoning by arsenic, thallium, or other heavy metals.
• Splinter hemorrhages. These thin, dark red or brown vertical lines in the nail bed look like splinters beneath the nail, hence the name. Possible causes include cirrhosis, mitral stenosis, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, peptic ulcer disease, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, and trauma. A classic association is with subacute bacterial endocarditis (infection of the heart valves).
• Yellow nail syndrome. In this rare condition, nails appear yellowish-orange and thicken and curve into the cuticle. It is associated with lymphedema (impaired lymphatic drainage), pleural effusions, and bronchiectasis.
• Blue nail. Blue nails — either the lunula or the whole nail — could indicate Wilson’s disease, argyria (silver poisoning), or quinacrine therapy (used to treat lupus and other health conditions).
• Red lunula. Lunulas that appear red could indicate alopecia areata (hair loss), carbon monoxide poisoning, cardiac failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic urticaria (hives), cirrhosis, collagen vascular disease, oral prednisone treatment, or psoriasis.
• Vertical brown streaks. These are common among people with dark skin; however, they can indicate melanoma and should be checked by a doctor. A benign nevus (overgrowth of cells) or chemical staining (including from some nail polishes) could also be the cause.
• Nail Texture Changes

Apart from the odd bump or small lines, nails are normally fairly smooth. But texture can change if there is a problem elsewhere in the body:

• Beau’s line. When there is a disruption in nail growth, a deep horizontal groove can appear. This could indicate peripheral artery disease, pemphigus (a skin disease), psoriasis, Raynaud’s disease, systemic infection, or trauma.
• Pitting. Small, pinpoint depressions can appear in the nails when there are problems in nail plate layering. This is seen in 10 to 50 percent of people with psoriasis. It can also be caused by alopecia areata, pemphigus, a type of arthritis called Reiter’s syndrome, and sarcoidosis

New TV Series

OK, I admit it; TV is a big part of my life. I work, sleep, eat, and relax with the TV on. The new fall shows are always exciting to me. (I know, I need to get out more) So let's start with "The Event". I'm hooked already. It's like "Lost" meets "Stargate". Who's human-who's not?, flashbacks, and some character backstories. So far we know: a spaceship crashed in the 1940s-the injured and the leader were detained indefinitely by our government. They look human and their DNA differs from ours by only 1%, but they age much slower than we do. The aliens who were not injured left the crashsite and blended with our society. The free nonhumans are tired of waiting for their friends to be freed and begin to take action. They blackmail a pilot into hijacking a plane by killing his wife and kidnapping his daughters. The plan was to fly the plane into White House, killing the president. The leader of the aliens thwarted their efforts by warning the president, but the plane mysteriously disappeared. The president thinks she was part of the plan and puts her back in detention. All the passenger of the plane survived the crash in the desert, but are found dead-except the pilot's daughter's boyfriend. Confused? Watch with me (Mondays 9:00-NBC) and tell me what you think. Visit my website and contact me for a manicure, pedicure, acrylic or gel fill or full set and we can compare notes on all the new shows: www.tampanailchick.com

Indian Summer

Indian Summer is what we used to call a hot September in New York. Here, in Florida, it's just another day in Paradise. At this time of year, paradise for me is a cool movie theater. Today I've got 3 reviews to share. "Salt" starring Angelina Jolie,is a great action-packed suspense thriller. It's about international espionage, spies, double agents, triple agents and you really don't get it til the very end. A real "edge of your seat"," glued to the screen" movie.
"Easy A" is a very cute, cleverly done comedy, about a teenage girl who feels invisible, until a white lie turns her into the school's "Hester Prynne" from the "Scarlett Letter". She embraces the role for a while, "fake rocking" every nerd's world. There are lessons learned and growing up done in this very amusing flick.
"The Town" is Ben Afleck's latest movie. It depicts a suburb of Boston as a breeding ground for bank robbers. The plot concerns an assistant bank manager, taken hostage, then released. The leader of this robbery crew, Ben's character, is concerned that she may be able to identify them, so he tests her by dating her. He, of course, doesn't plan on falling for her, but alas, he does. "The Town" is a great story about the realization that what your whole life is about is wrong, and trying to break free of it.
In conclusion, my movie experiences of late have been total escapism and entertainment, just what they're supposed to be. So thanks for "tuning in" and please visit my website www.tampanailchick.com for info on nail care, gel nails, acrylic nails, manicures, pedicures or to contact me.

Movie Days

I have 3 types of Movie Days: Movie with a Friend, Movie with a Child, and Movie By Myself. When I'm lucky, the 1st two are combined to make a particularly special day. Such was the case for "Nanny McPhee Returns". My Aunt Sunni, my nephew Spencer, and my friend Chris joined me at my favorite theater to see the sequel to Nanny McPhee. Coincidentally, I ran into my old friend and client, Sedina with her children. Very often, in the NAIL business, your clients become your friends; as was the case with both Chris and Sedina...But I digress, back to the movie. Emma Thompson reprises her role as the witchy looking nanny, whose looks improve with each lesson her charges learn. It was a really enjoyable movie for the whole family(a la Mary Poppins). What made the experience truly memorable was company I shared it with.

OK- enough sappiness, the next movie I saw was "Going The Distance", starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. This was definitely not a family flick. It's R rating is well earned for language, sexual content and brief nudity. It is a funny story about a romance that starts out local but becomes long distance. The fact that the stars were a real-life couple made it believable and easy to watch. I really liked this one.

That's all for today. For info on nail care, gel nails, acrylic nails, manicures and pedicures or to contact me, visit www.tampanailchick.com.

What's Old Is New Again

Hi There! I am the Tampa Nail Chick, but I believe that nail care also includes skin care. Today I'd like to welcome you to the old world of Home Remedies. Most of the time, tried and true home remedies work as well, if not better than bottled and store bought. The particular ailment of the day is dry skin(hands. feet and body). Here are some of my favorite Home Remedies:



Drink lots of water.

Drink a warm glass of milk mixed with a teaspoon or two of almond oil at bedtime.

For dry or itchy hands, soak them in a bowl of warm milk and almond oil.

Baby lotion- lotions made for adults may contain chemicals that may dry skin more.

Before taking a bath, rub some honey all over your body and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.

Oil fish like salmon are not only rich in essential fatty acids, consuming them regularly can also alleviate dry skin.

For dry and cracked heels, rub the inside of a banana peel on your heels, leave on for 10 minutes and rinse clean.

Bananas can also treat dry skin on the face and neck- mash a banana (ripe ones work best) and apply like a mask. rinse after 15 minutes.



My all time favorite comes from a TV commercial from the seventies. "Before you dry off dry, dry off soft!" This was an ad for Johnson's Baby Oil. They suggested that after showering, but before toweling off, you apply a small amount of Johnson's Baby Oil all over. I've used this method all my life, but now they have Lavender Scented Baby Oil, and it's even better.

Home Remedies are a great fix, but there's nothing better for body and soul than to be pampered with a manicure and pedicure.
For info on just such pampering, or other nail-related subjects or to contact me, visit www.tampanailchick.com.

Mom's Meatloaf

Everyone has a favorite meatloaf recipe, and I've never had one quite like my mom's. She served it with mashed potatoes mixed with sauteed onions. Like all comfort foods, it brings back sweet memories of childhood. Today I spent the day with family, celebrating my Great Uncle's 101st. birthday. It made me once again, realize how unbelievably lucky I am, to have the amazing family and friends who fill my life, and to have had the greatest parents and grandparents who fill my memories. So, sentiment aside, I share this meatloaf recipe with you because it really is great. Enjoy!!

Harriet's Famous Meatloaf

Ingredients
2 lbs. ground beef
1 egg(beaten)
1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 can Campbell's vegetarian vegetable soup
1/2 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs. ketchup
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
5-6 slices bacon
1 15 oz. can Hunt's tomato sauce

1. Spread a little tomato sauce in bottom of pan to prevent sticking.
2. Combine 1st 8 ingredients in a bowl and mix with hands.
   
3. Form loaf in a pan measuring at least a 15" by 9".
   
4. Lay bacon slices crosswise on loaf(each bacon slice can be a guide for slicing meatloaf later).
5. Pour tomato sauce over meatloaf.
6. Cover loosely with foil
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min, remove foil and bake 15 more min.

This recipe serves 6. As in all my recipes, this is a guide; feel free to add or remove ingredients to make it your own. Experiment, Indulge, Enjoy!

For info on Gel Nails, Acrylic Nails, Manicures, Pedicures, or to contact me, please visit www.tampanailchick.com .

Movie Critics' Reviews- HA !

It amazes me that movie critics actually get paid for their opinions. I read their reviews more for the synopsis than anything else. Usually, after seeing a movie, I completely disagree with what I read. This was definitely the case with "The Switch". Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman portrayed best friends who are complete opposites. She hits 40 and hears her biological clock ticking away. Artificial insemination is her response, but she wants to know the donor(she is not considering her best friend). Bateman's character is a true pessimist who lets her know he's against the idea. At her insemination party, he gets very drunk and accidentally spills the "contribution" and replaces it with is own. The next day, he remembers nothing! To say any more would give away too much. I thought it was a really cute, funny movie. So the lesson of the day is: Read for summary, but write your own review.

For info on nailcare, gels, acrylics, manicures or pedicures, or to contact me please visit www.tampanailchick.com .

The Getting To Know You Game

Hi! Welcome to my blog. For those of you tuning in for the first time, Id like to introduce myself. My name is Jody Katz and I'm a Nail Tech in the Carrollwood area of Tampa, Florida. I spend my days doing something I love: Pampering People. I specialize in Gel Nails, Acrylic Nails( Both Regular with Polish and Pink and White), Manicures, Pedicures, and Listening.(A very important part of the job). Please visit my website www.tampanailchick.com for more details. I work at the Nail Shop of Carrollwood with an amazing group of women. It's very rare in the beauty industry, to find a workplace that is drama-free, clean, and filled with welcoming people. We have accomplished that and I invite you to come and check it out for yourselves. We offer not only nail services, but we have a wonderfully talented hairdresser and 2 ethsteticians. In addition, we also offer eyelash extensions and permanent make-up. How's that for full service.

I have several other passions that I share with my readers: TV, Movies, and Cooking. My tastes in entertainment range from romantic comedies to weird sci-fi and lots of territory in between. The last movie I saw was "Eat Pray Love" starring Julia Roberts. It was longer than I expected(133 min.),and a little more serious than I thought it would be, but I really liked it. The scenery was exquisite, and the story was one of self exploration. It accomplished what it set out to do; draw women to the theatre, who then recommend it to other women. My description:A good, thought provoking chick-flick.

So thank you for sharing a bit of my world with me. I welcome your comments and look forward to keeping you tuned in.

For more info on Gels, Acrylics, Manicures, Pedicures, and Nail Care visit www.tampanailchick.com .

Update on Beauty Parlor to Salon

In a piece I wrote, not that long ago, we took a little journey from the sixties to the present into the look of the Beauty Salon. Now we are seeing the emergence of a new concept in Spa design and operation. In this new set up, the space is divided into rooms and rented out as such. Generally these rooms are about 100 sq. ft. of space to decorate , equip and secure(lock up when not in use) by the nail tech, hair stylist, massage therapist, or esthetician. All are independent contractors, keeping their own schedules and hours; in essence each is a salon owner. In most cases, the only common areas are the restrooms and the lobby(or waiting area), and some offer laundry facilities. Another commonality is the upscale style of the salon. I have visited 3 of these new style salons and I've been impressed by the concept and classiness of each one. Having just said that, keep in mind that each room is the decorative canvas of it's occupant and there's no accounting for taste. This concept seems to be catching on, as I see many of my colleagues making the change and moving into the new era in our industry.
As for myself, I always look forward to the next great adventure. So thank you for reading my blog, and for info on gels, acrylics, manicures or pedicures visit me at www.tampanailchick.com .

New and/or weird TV

Summer usually brings us new TV series, some last, and some don't. I've gotten hooked on a few that I would miss if they flopped. The 3 that stand out most for me are The Glades, The Gates, and Haven. The Glades is a crime drama that takes place in south Florida and taped partially in the Tampa Bay area.(The big pink hotel is The Don Cesar) Our hero, Jim, is a former Chicago police detective who was falsely accused of having an affair with his bosses wife; his boss shot him, and with the large settlement he got, he moved to a small town in south Florida. He joined the Sheriff's Department, thinking it would be a slow, quiet job, but that didn't last long. Jim is a bit cocky, defies authority, has a soft spot for kids, and gets the job done. His flip side is the coroner, who is "by the book", navigates the politics of the system well, and never made waves before, but gets talked into bending the rules for Jim. And , of course, there's a potential love interest with an obstacle(Her imprisoned loser husband).
The Gates is one of the weird ones, but I like weird. The Gates is a planned community that houses vampires, werewolves and other assorted interesting folks. The new police chief knew nothing of the local residents when he moved his family into this beautifully manicured hamlet, but is quickly learning the secrets of "The Gates."
Haven may just be my favorite. It is based on a Steven King book,(so you know it's a little out there), called "The Colorado Kid". Haven, Maine is a small town who's residents possess special abilities; some might call them curses. These "curses" help some people, while hurting or even killing others. Our heroine, Audry, is on temporary assignment from the FBI to help solve a murder. She is surprised to find a newspaper clipping of an unsolved murder case showing a picture of a woman who looks remarkably like herself(the woman is not the murder victim). Having been adopted, she concludes this woman is most likely her mother. After solving her assigned murder case, which of course was a "curse-case", she decides to stay in Haven to assist the sheriff's deputy solve more strange cases, while searching for her mothers identity. She admits, finally, that the weirdness of this little town does fascinate her and that draws me in. I like weird.
So, in conclusion, summer has always been a time for new adventures(summer camp, summer flings etc.)and this summer's TV line- up is no exception. Enjoy with me, I welcome your comments and input.

For info on nail care, acrylics, gels, manicures and pedicures, visit www.tampanailchick.com.

Left-Over Dilemma

What to do with left-overs; an age-old question with many, many answers, one of which I will share with you today. One of my mom's favorites was Chicken A La King. When ever Gram made chicken soup, mom made this out of the boiled chicken. It's easy comfort food that still puts smiles on all our faces.

Chicken A La King

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 bag frozen peas
1 jar diced pimentos
2-3 cups cooked cubed chicken

1. Pour both cans of soup into large frying pan and cook on medium heat for 5 min.(Do not add water)
   
2. Add peas and stir, cook for 10 min.
3. Add chicken and pimentos, stir, cover and cook for 15 min., stirring occasionally.
   

That's all there is to it. Mom served it over white rice. I like it spooned into Pepperidge Farm puffed pastry shells; they make a nice presentation. Enjoy!!


For info on manicures, pedicures, acrylics or gels visit me at www.tampanailchick.com.

Movie Review

As promised, my thoughts on "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"-I loved it! There aren't many Nicolas Cage movies I don't like, but this is now one of my favorites. It blends legend, fantasy, sorcery, romance and humor. It begins with Merlin and his three apprentices, then takes us to 2000AD Manhattan, and onto today(also in N.Y.C.). Nicolas Cage's character must find the "Prime Merlinian", to defeat Morgana, and free the love of his very long life from her prison inside a nesting doll. I think Nicolas Cage gets better with age and his young costar, Jay Baruchel, may just do the same. He is a little geeky and awkward, and plays that part really well, but looking to the future, I can see him maturing into something great. Its almost like watching a father and son. I would recommend this movie to everyone.

In addition to movies, nail care, acrylics, gels, manicures, and pedicures are also "My Thing" so visit me at http://www.tampanailchick.com/.

Double Feature

Movie Review-

As previously stated in my blog, I am a movie maven. I have been known to do the double, or even triple feature. I love going to the theatre; the smells, the people, the stadium seating, the excitement of it all. It still holds the same thrill for me as it did when I was a child. Sometimes I go with friends, sometimes alone, sometimes with my nieces and nephews. I enjoy all three, and always walk away better for the experience, even if the movie sucked. Happily, that wasn't the case for either movie I saw this past weekend. On Saturday, my friend Sharon and I saw "Inception" starring, of course, Leonardo DiCaprio. (Sharon loves Leo.) It was pretty amazing; a real thinker. It explores the concept of creating and sharing dreams, and planting seeds of ideas, that the dreamer believes are his own. The dreams become multi-layered and very complicated. The movie goer is forced to think, to keep the layers of the dreams straight , so the storyline makes sense. I loved this flick and I'd see it again. It's one of those movies that you know you'll catch more details each time you see it.
On Monday(one of my favorite days to catch a movie), I talked my friend Joann into seeing "The Last Airbender" with me. 9 times out of 10, the movies I see with Joann are ones that she would not pick on her own, but she ends up enjoying them. Such was the case with "Airbender". It's a family-friendly movie about people who can control the elements: Air,Fire Water, and Earth. It is based on a Nickelodeon animated series, but this live action. The critics panned it , but Joann and I really liked it. The ending leads into a sequel, which I plan on seeing.

Still to come-"The Sorcerer's Apprentice"- next weeks movie.

Movie theatres great places to beat the heat; so are salons. Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, a full set(acrylics or gels) or fill. Visit my website for details: www.tampanailchick.com.

Summer Comforts

Summer can be a hectic time of year- kids out of school, people taking vacations and others having to cover their duties at work, not to mention the oppressive heat. To counteract some of these summer symptoms, I have 2 sure-fire cures. The first is total self indulgence, by way of a manicure and pedicure. The other is a seafood "comfort food" dinner. My favorite is mussels, but clams would work just as well for this recipe.

Mussels in White Wine Sauce

Ingredients
1 medium size onion chopped
1 clove garlic
4oz. olive oil
2 cups white wine
1 tbsp parsley
1 1/2lbs mussels

1. In a large frying pan with cover, saute onion and garlic in 3 tbsp olive oil until onion is translucent.
2. Add remaining olive oil, wine, and parsley, bring to a boil, lower heat and allow to simmer 15 minutes.
3. Add mussels, cover and steam mussels unit they open-about 5-8 minutes.

I serve this over spaghetti in my favorite bowls with Pillsbury garlic bread sticks. Any shellfish can be added for variety. One of the joys of cooking is experimentation, another is sharing the experiences, so please, enjoy my Summer Comforts and feel free to share yours with me.

To contact me or for info on nailcare, manicures, pedicures,acrylics or gels, visit www.tampanailchick.com

Not Just For Kids Anymore

Movie Reviews

My love for children and movies helped me create a tradition with my nieces and nephews. Not only do I take them to the theatre, but we use our shared experiences in games of Charades and Trivial Pursuit. My most recent trips to the movies were with my nephews, Spencer and Andrew. Spencer and I saw "Toy Story 3" in 3D. Andrew (and Aunt Patty) joined us for "Despicable Me" in 3D. Both were animated flicks aimed at kids, but cartoons are not just for kids anymore. There is plenty for a grown-up to get out of most animated movies today. "Toy Story 3" is about a boy getting ready to go away to college, and therefore going through and getting rid of his toys. As in all the "Toy Story" movies, it's seen from the toys' point of view. What children see is funny: the toys go to a day -care center and make new friends and enemies, and eventually escape. What adults see is a child growing up, no longer needing his toys(or parents) anymore, and how quickly time passes. I cried, Spencer giggled. All was right with the world. "Despicable Me" on the other hand, was a hysterical romp through the life of a villain. In order to steal the the moon, our super villain, Mr Gru must first steal the Shrink Ray from his enemy, Vector. In order to gain access to Vectors house, Mr. Gru adopts the 3 little girls who sold cookies to him. Both the villains, and the cute little girls kept us in stitches, let alone the minions(little yellow guys, some with one eye, some with two). Between the music, the story-line, the animation, and the script, this is a laugh riot for all members of the family.
My outings to the movies with "my kids" are one of the greatest joys in my life.

For info on nail care, manicure, pedicures, acrylics or gels, or to contact me please visit http://www.tampanailchick.com/

"Set It and Forget It"

Recipe of the Day- Roaster Bag Chicken

The last recipe I published was a little complicated, so today I'm sharing one of my favorite simple and quick chicken dishes.

Ingredients-
1 Reynolds Oven Bag(large size)
1 4lb. chicken
1/2 bag frozen green beans
1/2 bag frozen crinkle-cut carrots
1 can mushrooms
paprika
1/2 bottle Kraft Lite House Italian salad dressing
1 bag Success Jasmine rice

1. Prehat oven to 350 degrees
2. Wash and pat dry chicken.
3. Season on both sides with paprika and set aside.
4. Open Cooking bag and place in roasting pan.
5. Place all vegetables in bag and cover with 1/2 of the dressing.
6. Place chicken in bag, breast side down, on top of vegetables and cover with remaining dressing.
7. Close bag with fastener.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 20 minutes(20 min. per lb.).
9. Cook rice according to package directions.

This is one of my favorites because as the title states, you set the timer and forget dinners cooking. There's no basting or turning. The bag does it all. Of course, any vegetables can be used and any dressing or sauce will work. I love this recipe with Duck sauce too. Experiment and enjoy !!!

For info on nailcare, manicures, pedicure, acrylics, gels, or to contact me please visit http://www.tampanailchick.com/.

Barter System is a Beautiful Thing

Cut and Color for Decadent Lunch

In the beauty industry, like many other businesses, bartering is a great way to receive services you need, without having to lay out cash. For most, this means trading service for service, in the case of my hair however, my friend Jenn and I trade cut and color for lunch. We have a favorite little diner-type restaurant where we go for a very decadent chicken melt sandwich and fries. This quaint family restaurant is called Sub World. It's on Dale Mabry in Old Carrollwood, where it's been forever, but lots of people still don't know about it. The food is great and the staff makes you feel like family. Chicken Melts were not on the menu until Jenn and I started ordering them, now I send everyone I know there for this cheesy, gooey delight. They also make incredible breakfasts, salads and subs. So I get my hair done, Jenn and I both cheat on our diet for lunch, and we spend some quality time together. Bartering is a beautiful thing.

For info on nail care, manicures, pedicures, acrylics or gels or to contact me please visit http://www.tampanailchick.com/.

Grace Couldn't Be Saved

T.V. Farewell-Saving Grace

I really enjoyed this unusual show starring Holly Hunter as Grace Hanadarko, a detective on the Oklahoma City Police force. She is complicated, to say the least. Her job has her battling demons on the streets, while her personal life has her battling her inner demons. She does both with the help of her "Last Chance Angel " Earl. In the final season, Grace comes to understand that a true evil has been influencing events in her life and the lives of those around her - including all those lives taken in the Oklahoma City bombing(one being her sister-Mary Francis). In the 2 part finale, she identifies him, faces him, and takes him out. Unfortunately, to accomplish her ultimate goal, Grace sacrifices her own life. In the end, Grace couldn't be saved, but she is the world's Saving Grace. The cast was amazing and had chemistry like any other dysfunctional family. A series definitely worth renting when available.

As always, for info on nail care, manicures, pedicures, acrylics, or gels or to contact me please visit http://www.tampanailchick.com/.

Variety is The Spice of Life

Recipe of The Day- Since the phrase of the day is "Variety is the Spice of Life" I thought I'd shake things up by sharing one of my favorite chicken recipes:

Jody's Chicken and Yellow Rice

Chicken parts(skin on-bone in)2 legs or thighs, or one breast -per person
Extra Spicy Mrs Dash
Paprika
2-3 large onions
1 green pepper
1 clove garlic(chopped)
vegetable oil(for sauteing)
1 jar diced pimentos
1 can green beans
1 can peas
1 can mushrooms
1 package Vigo Yellow Rice

1. Wash and pat dry chicken.
2. Season on both sides with Mrs Dash and paprika, set aside.
3. Slice onions and green peppers the long way.
4. In a 15 inch or larger electric frying pan or deep skillet with lid, saute onions, garlic, and green pepper in oil until onions are translucent.
5. Add chicken to pan and brown on both sides.
6. Add pimentos and 2 cups water.
7. Lower the temperature, cover partially, and simmer 45 minutes, turning chicken often so it doesn't stick and adding water as necessary.
8. While chicken is cooking, prepare rice according to package directions.
9. Drain canned vegetables, and add to chicken.
10. Simmer 15 more minutes.

Since presentation is important, use a round or oval platter and arrange rice in a ring around the outer edge. Place chicken in concentric rings on the platter, ending with one piece in the center. Garnish with some of the vegetable mixture(sparingly). Serve remaining vegetable mixture(my family calls this "the goop") in a separate bowl and do the same with any rice that didn't fit on the platter. Enjoy!!!

*This recipe is based on what will fit in the aforementioned frying pans. If more chicken is need to feed your hungry mob, use more than 1 pan. For a recent family soiree, I needed to feed 14 people, so I made 3 batches of this recipe- 2 electric frying pans ,and 1 skillet on the stove and 2 family size packages of rice. An enjoyable labor of love.


As always, for info on manicure, pedicures, acrylics or gels or to contact me please visit http://www.tampanailchick.com/.

Salon Tanning

Salon Experience of the Week-

I tried Airbrush Tanning for the first time yesterday, and it was a very interesting experience. My friend Linh, owner of The Nail Shop of Carrollwood, bought the whole set-up(a pop-up tent, airbrush machine, tanning solution, hairnets, and mitt) to be used in the salon. Meghan, another dear friend and nail tech at the shop, sprayed me while Lihn supervised. To say the least, we all had a great time. At first, one may feel a little self-conscious, but very soon you're laughing and having fun and the awkwardness is gone. Meghan was the artist and I was her canvas. It takes about 20 minutes to do, and the results are definitely worth your time. There is no orange tint. When I was a teenager, the first spray tanner came out and it was called Sudden Tan. My brother thought it would be a great thing to try and subsequently turned himself bright orange. We've come a long way baby. I look like I spent a day at the beach, which is exactly what we're looking for when we do this. A nice tan always looks good with your beautiful nails. So the next time you're in a salon, getting acrylics, gels, a manicure, a pedicure, or any combination thereof, treat yourself to a staycation tan.

Restaurant Review-

Ruby Tuesday's
For a long time, years ago this was one of my favorite restaurants. I loved the salad bar and you could always get a good sandwich or quiche. Then, I'm not sure when it happened, they went downhill fast. The salad bars were not kept supplied or clean,and the menu changed so I just stopped going. Today, a friend and I started at Olive Garden, but the wait was too long so we went to Ruby Tuesday's on Gunn Hwy. She and her husband go there often, so I figured it was worth a try. I was very pleasantly surprised. The salad bar was stocked with fresh foods, the service was good and my burger was cooked the way I like it. (Not at all dry- like the last place I tried). If, like me, you haven't been to a Ruby Tuesday's for a while, give it a shot.

Movie Review-

"Killers" is a deceiving name for a very cute movie. Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigel are a great pair in this romantic comedy about a woman who finds out 3 years into marriage, that her husband is a spy. Her response is all that you would expect and more. Thom Selleck plays her protective father, and there's more to that than meets the eye. Another great chick-flick. We can never have too many of those.

For more Nail info or to contact me please visit http://www.tampanailchick.com/.

From "Beauty Parlor" to "Salon"

Beauty Reflection of the day-

As a child of the sixties, I've seen changes in almost every facet of our day to day lives; from the way we get our information to the way we "get beautiful". Mine was the first house on the block to have a color TV,a microwave oven and an HBO box. Telephones were rotary, and TV sets had dials. Computers filled a room and were seen mostly in science-fiction movies. The "Beauty Parlor" was a place ladies went, one day a week to get a manicure and have their hair done(wash and set). As a little girl, I would go with my mom on occasion. It was like a fantasy land for a girly little girl like me; all the smells of hair spray and nail polish, all the ladies gossiping and getting beautiful. I would imagine all the fancy and exciting places these now beautified ladies were off to. But I digress, the subject today is changes in these amazing establishments. That is what I saw as a child. My teen years saw unisex hairplaces in the malls. It was at this point in time that the gods invented Blow Dryers. The times, they were a-changin. No more wash and sets, which meant a faster service. Men were wearing their hair longer, blow drying, and were now getting haircuts in the same places as women. The Beauty Parlors were few and far between. The eighties brought a new sanctuary for women in the beauty industry-The Nail Salon. These new places were where ladies now went just to get their nails and toes done. Some also offered waxing or facials. In the nineties, more and more women were wearing acrylics, gels, silkwraps and fiberglass nails and the nail shops became very popular and lucrative. The late nineties and early twothousands saw the emergence of the Asian nail salons. The Asian community saw the opportunity for monopolizing an industry and they jumped on it. This is not a criticism, mind you , but an observation. Since then, we, as English speaking nail salons, have a responsibility and a duty to keep up with what was once and will always be a female rite-The Ritual of "The Beauty Parlor" AKA"The Salon",AKA"The Nail Salon"AKA"The Salon Spa".

Restaurant Review-
Burger Monger- a new concept for a burger place in Carrollwood. It's a place your order and pay at the counter type place. You get your own drink and condiments and take a number on a stand to your table. Your food is brought to you. The restaurant is clean, there are several TVs, and there are booths and tables. Now come the disappointing parts- the food and the price. I ordered my burger medium rare with mushrooms, cheddar cheese and barb-b-que sauce. In my mind, there's nothing better than a juicy, messy burger. I still don't understand how this sandwich came out dry, but it did. For $13.00 and serving myself, I was not thrilled. To be fair, Burger Monger was only open 2 days when I tried it, so I would consider going back in a couple of months when hopefully the kinks are all worked out. So far, my favorite places for burgers in Tampa are BJs in the Citrus Park Mall, In The Zone Pub on Gunn Hwy (next to The Nail Shop of Carrollwood), and Square One Burger in South Tampa.

For more info on nails or to contact me please visit http://www.tampanailchick.com/

Special Events

Nail Informational of the day-

I work in one of the best salons in Tampa. I consider it one of the best for several reasons; the primary one being that we all get along well and respect each other. We enjoy a drama-free workplace, and therefore we work well together. Our staff consists of 6 highly skilled Nail techs, 3 of whom are also Estheticians and a Hairstylist extraordinaire. The name of this amazing place is the Nail Shop of Carrollwood. I titled this blog " Special Events" because I believe in the women I work with, and I enjoy co-ordinating the services that we women need when preparing for events such as Weddings, Proms or Homecommings. These services include Manicures, Pedicures, Acrylics, Gels, Facials, Waxing, Haircuts, Hair colors, Perms and Up-do's. All these "pamperings" are even better with friends or family members, so whatever your event is, we try to accommodate your party's needs and schedules.

Movie Review-

"Robin Hood"
This is a very different version of Robin Hood. It's really the story of how he became the Robin Hood that we know. Russell Crowe is of course wonderful in the role and Cate Blanchett brings us a whole new Maid Marian. This is the type of movie I could usually take or leave, however I'm glad my friends wanted to see it. I actually saw it twice, with 2 separate sets of friends. I enjoyed it both times, and of course when you see a flick again, you pick-up 0n more details. There's enough action for guys to like it, and enough story-line and romance for us girls.

T.V. Review-

The final episode of "Lost"
Wow! I'm so sad that it's over, but I am satisfied with the ending. All the time we thought the flashes were of an alternate reality, where our friends landed safely in L.A., it was really the afterlife. One that they had created together, years earlier, to find each other in the here-after; just proving that their time together was the most important time of their lives. What an amazing series.

For more Nail info or to contact me please visit me at http://www.tampanailchick.com/

Choosing a Service or Product

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions-


Your initial visit with me begins with a consultation,during which we decide together which product or service is right for you. Choices for nails would be: a manicure, an overlay of acrylic or gel, or a full set of acrylics or gels. Lets start with a manicure. If your nails are the length you desire or if your job doesn't allow artificial nails, a manicure can not only provide a pampering experience, but it can give you the professional look you want. It's amazing how cleaning up cuticles, filing, exfoliating, and polishing can change the look of your hands. If that's not what you need, we move on to overlays. This is when acrylic or gel is layed directly onto the natural nail. If your nails are the desired length, we decide if gel or acrylic is right for you. Each product has it pros and cons. Acrylic is stronger and can be worn with polish or is available in Pink and White. Gels are thinner and therefore more natural looking,and are gentler on the natural nail, are but not quite as strong as acrylics. The Pink and White look is also not accomplished well in gel, therefore, I don't do them. But never fear, I always provide an option. A French Manicure can easily be polished on gels and produces a pretty and natural look. The third choice on the menu is a full set. This is done when the nails are either not long enough or not uniform in shape for the desired effect. In this case, we choose a product, as we would with overlays, but unlike overlays, tips are glued on to create a longer and or more perfect looking nail. Which ever service you choose is based on your life and your needs, and, if and when those need change, so can your nails. I am "Option-Woman".





Now for Movie Reviews-


"Letters To Juliet" I've already seen it twice! It's a beautiful story about true love, second chances, and seizing the moment. I don't know if the Secretaries of Juliet really exist, but what an amazingly romantic idea. In the movie, they are a group of women who answer letters from heartbroken women to Juliet. Everyone suffers heartbreak at some point in their life, and writing a letter to Juliet for advice, never expecting an answer, seems to work for thousands of women. A response to such a letter, especially 50 years later, compels Claire(Vanessa Redgrave) to return to Juliet's Courtyard, where she meets Sophie(Amanda Seyfried)the temporary Juliet's Secretary who answered her letter. Claire is accompanied by her grandson Charlie(Christopher Egan), and together with Sophie they set out on an adventure to find Claire's lost love, Lorenzo. This movie is touching, funny, and sweet. I definitely recommend it to all romantic souls.

That's all for now. For further info on nails, or to contact me visit me at http://www.tampanailchick.com/.

Thank you for the great Reviews

I wanted to thank all of my nail clients for all of the great reviews you've written about me (click here to read reviews). It's great to know how happy you all are with your nails and with me. I'd also like to welcome my newest clients. Carmen, from Jazzercize, we make a great team - you keep women's bodies in shape and I keep their nails in shape. Karrie, did you catch "Happy Town"? Our first visit was so much fun, you inspired me to write in this blog, so welcome and thank you. Joy, you newlywed, you! Hope the wedding was all you dreamed it would be. I look forward to seeing pictures!





Nail Color Trends - I do a lot of Pink and White Acrylics, but sometimes we get tired of looking at our hands and seeing the same French Manicure look. When that happens to my clients, I suggest a pretty color to change thing up. ( Color can be applied right over Pink and Whites.) Red is always my personal favorite, but not everyone likes red. For all these women, OPI always has new and interesting collections. The latest is "Shrek" of all things. This set includes a yellow, a green, a purple, a light blue and a dark blue. Bizarre to me, but lots of women seem to like bizarre. I am seeing more and more women choose bright spring and summer colors which can be really pretty and a good "pick-me-up". I also tell my clients to feel free to bring their own polish. Sometimes an impulse buy at the beauty counter is just the color for you.



Movie Review- "Iron Man 2" Fun action flick. Robert Downey Jr. is definitely redeeming himself in the movie- goers eye. I like the chemistry between he and Gweneth Paltrow, and the bond and banter between he and Don Cheadle. I realize I disagree with the "Official Reviewers"aka "Critics" but I usually do. I think the average movie goer is looking at the movie through differnt eyes than the critics. We go to be entertained, even though that means something different to everyone, we're still looking to be entertained, whereas critics are there to Criticise. I liked it.



TV Update-"LOST" Wow! Last night's episode, like most, was both enlightening and not. What we know- Jacob and the Smoke Monster were brothers. SmokeMonster never got a name. Jacob killed him? But he couldn't kill Jacob in the present- he had to get Ben to do it. I still like being lost - only 2 more episodes left- Will we be found?!



Thats all for today. For more on the world of nails in Tampa, or to contact me, visit my website at http://www.tampnailchick.com/

Hi There! I am the Tampa Nail Chick, but I believe that nail care also includes skin care. Today I'd like to welcome you to the old world of Home Remedies. Most of the time, tried and true home remedies work as well, if not better than bottled and store bought. The particular ailment of the day is dry skin(hands. feet and body). Here are some of my favorite Home Remedies:



Drink lots of water.

Drink a warm glass of milk mixed with a teaspoon or two of almond oil at bedtime.

For dry or itchy hands, soak them in a bowl of warm milk and almond oil.

Baby lotion- lotions made for adults may contain chemicals that may dry skin more.

Before taking a bath, rub some honey all over your body and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes.

Oil fish like salmon are not only rich in essential fatty acids, consuming them regularly can also alleviate dry skin.

For dry and cracked heels, rub the inside of a banana peel on your heels, leave on for 10 minutes and rinse clean.

Bananas can also treat dry skin on the face and neck- mash a banana (ripe ones work best) and apply like a mask. rinse after 15 minutes.



My all time favorite comes from a TV commercial from the seventies. "Before you dry off dry, dry off soft!" This was an ad for Johnson's Baby Oil. They suggested that after showering, but before toweling off, you apply a small amount of Johnson's Baby Oil all over. I've used this method all my life, but now they have Lavender Scented Baby Oil, and it's even better.

Home Remedies are a great fix, but there's nothing better for body and soul than to be pampered with a manicure and pedicure.




My Movie Review of the week is also an old favorite.

The Tampa Theatre has a new Sunset Cinema Series of movies. It was a movie in the park experience. The movie: Back To The Future. The Guest Speaker: Christpher Lloyd "Doc Brown". The Park opened at 5:30 and the movie began at 8:45. Music was play over the speaker system until the movie started. There were Frisbees flying and footballs being thown, kids and dogs playing, and lots of people-watching. After the movie, Mr. Lloyd came out and answered questions. It was a really fun family-friendly thing to do on a Saturday evening. The next one scheduled is "Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid" on June 5th.



Thats all for today. For more info on nail-care or to contact me please visit me at http://www.tampanailchick.com/.

Hi there fans of all things Nails, TV and movies ! Today's nail news is an update on the subject of soak-off gels. OPI's Axxium is the product I've been using. So far, I'm very happy with it. I see virtually no signs of wear, as you would see with polish, and clients are really happy that they can leave the salon without the worry of smearing their polish. In a recent article in The New York Times, I read about the product being released by Creative Nail Design, "Shellac". The debut date is May 1st. Though I don't like the name(it makes me think of carpentry), I understand the product is very much like Axxium. Both are available in a variety of your favorite OPI or Creative colors.



Now to Movie news- "The Back-Up Plan", J Lo's latest flick-Great movie !!! I thought it would be a cute little romantic comedy, but it was even better than I expected. It was both hillarious and touching. Definately a chick-flick, but the few guys in the theatre (I'm sure dragged, kicking and screaming) really seemed to enjoy it too.



Newest TV addiction : "Happy Town". Interesting saga about a small town -Happlin- where nothing is as it seems. The sheriff seems to be a normal , middle-aged man , but he slips into these trances and even rages where he talks about someone named Cloe, but when asked about her, says he doesn't know anyone named Cloe. The lady running the boarding house seems normal, but doesn't allow laughter at dinner. She also doesn't allow anyone on the 3rd floor of the house, which is of particular interest to the newest member of the community, Henley. Then there's" The Magic Man", a mysterious figure, blamed for a string of dissappearances. Happlin has been free of murder for 5 years, however, this is where our story begins, with a fresh murder. If you missed the 1st episode you can catch it on ABC.com. It looks like a great , strange , weird mystery.

Well friends, thats all for now. For more info on nail care or to get in touch please visit my website http://www.tampanailchick.com/. I look forward to hearing from you.

Hey there, and a Happy Friday to ya! Todays nail care tutorial is a little tip I picked up from a friend who loves old home remedies. To mend a crack in a natural nail, open a tea bag and spill out the tea. Cut a small piece of the tea bag to use as a patch. Using clear nail polish, apply one coat of polish to the nail. While it is still wet, place the patch over the crack and apply another coat of polish. Allow to dry for 5 minutes, then apply one more coat of polish. Allow to dry for 15 minutes. Buff with a buffer block or very fine file. Polish with color.



TV comments of the day- Flash Forward- OK so Dimitri didn't die on March 15th. Now we know the future can be changed, but what about Mark's wife and the other man? Mark moving out just seems to be making it all come true instead of stopping it. What is he thinking?!

Movie Review- "Ghost Writer" Good movie. Alittle slow, but a good "who done it". Different roles for both Pierce Brosnan and Kim Catrell and they both rise to the occasion. Brosnan plays an ex prime minister of Britian and Catrell plays his assistant. When the ghost writer of his memoirs dies suddenly, a new writer is hired, and procedes to unravel the mysteries surrounding the ex p.m., his wife, and the original ghost writer's death.



Thats all for today- Stop by again soon for more tips and reviews and visit my wesite http://www.tampanailchick.com/ for info on nail care and your reviewer.

Happy Friday To Ya!! First off today, I'd like to welcome my newest clients: Katerine- hope you're having a perfect anniversary weekend, Tiffany- hope you're on the perfect honeymoon, and Cindy(and your beautiful daughters)hope your springbreak was fabulous. Thank you so much for comming in, and I look forward to seeing each of you on your next visits.

Todays "Nail Informational" is about Gel Nails. Gels can be used as an alternative to acrylics. They provide the perfect balance of strength and natural look. However, if you are paticularly rough on your nails, gels would probably not be for you. Gels are gentler on the nautural nail and therefore appeal to women who have had unfavorable experiences with acrylics. They have no chemical odor and require only a one step prep and minimal filing. For many women,gel nails are the answer to their nail prayers.

As for todays TV update- how about last nights "Fringe"? Time travel- one of my favorite genres. I love it in TV and movies. Now that I think of it, Fringe is reminicent of both Quatum Leap and Sliders - Time Travel and Alternate Universes. My favorite time travel movie has to be "The Two Worlds of Jenny Logan", starring Lindsay Wagner. It's a great story about betrayal, great love, mystery, and a duel. It is not in print anymore, but can be found on ebay. Definately worth the search.

Thats all for today- for more nail tips and info visit my website www.tampanailchick.com/

Hey Guys! Here's my nail-care tip of the week: For dry cuticles- olive oil is the best natural remedy. Fill a small jar with olive oil and keep it on you night stand. Each night dip one finger into the jar and rub the oil into each cuticle. Doing this at bedtime, gives the oil time to work while you're sleeping and not washing your hands.

Moving on to Movie review of the week: Clash of The Titans. I liked it. Some people felt ther wasn't enough of the Craken, or the movie just fell alittle short, but I enjoyed it for just what it was: a 3-D mythical-action flick. No need to look any deeper.

For more nail care tips check out my website www.TampaNailChick.com

Hi friends. Jody, The Tampa Nail Chick here, and I just want to update you on the latest nail product to hit the salons. Its an OPI gel, called Axxium. There are 2 types available, one of which is a soak-off removable. Axxium is not a nail extension product, however, it is ideal for

natural nail overlays to avoid breakage. It comes in colors( several OPI standards) and clear. I look forward to meeting new clients who are looking for just such a treatment.

As for TV this week, we are in the last seasons of both "Lost" and " Saving Grace ". I'm alittle lost on Saving Grace. I feel like I missed something, but I haven't missed any episodes. Grace mentioned something to Rhetta about finding out that you're adopted, but I don't know who found out they were adopted. So I'm just going with the flow. On "Lost" of course, we're all just waiting til all the questions are answered and the stories are tied together. I'm enjoying the confusion of it all on both shows . "Who- done- its" and psychological twisters fasinate me.
Check back with me for more nail-care tid bits and TV and movie reviews and updates.

My New Website

Hey everyone Jody here. Just wnted to let you know I have a new website www.TampaNailChick.com check it out when you have a chance. See Ya!
Jody

My new Blog

Hi guys. I'm the Tampa Nail Chick Jody. I'm gonna be blogging about nail care tips and more (I'll keep you up to date on my favorite movies and Tv shows). So Check back with me. See Ya!
Jody