Tripple-Feature Treat

Dreaming about how I'd spend my lottery winnings is one of my favorite past-times. A condo on the beach is always featured in this dream- but my movie critic "career" would suffer; you see, there are no nice stadium seating theaters at the beaches here. Therefore, I feel the need to see as many movies as I can before I win big. The most recent was a triple feature last weekend.

"Jack and Jill" starring Adam Sandler was a riot. He plays both the male and female roles in this comedy about twins. Robert De Niro has a cameo role where he is in love with Jill. It is a great movie about family dynamics and the things we deal with for those we love.

The second in this Day At The Cinema was "J.Edgar" a dramatized biography of J. Edgar Hoover. I'm not much of a history buff, but this one was just a really good movie. Leonardo DiCaprio never disappoints and Dame Judi Dench is truly amazing.

The finale of the day was "Immortals", a violent story about the Greek Gods and the inhumanity of men. It is by the producers of "300". If you like to see bare-chested men fight, it does have that going for it. Obviously, not my choice, but we do these things for friends. Not a terrible movie.

So, in conclusion, whether you've won the lottery or not , movies or manicures, spend a day with a dear friend.

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

2 to 1

Two good movies this weekend made up for the one bad movie of last weekend. Both were original stories and very interesting too. The first is "Money Ball" starring Brad Pitt. It is a baseball flick, but not the typical sports movie- it explains how players have historically been chosen and introduces a new way to put together a winning baseball team. Speaking as a nonsportsfan, I thought it was great. I now have a better understanding of the structure of a team and the game itself. Not to mention, Brad is still nice to look at.
The second in my double feature : "In Time"- a Sci-Fi adventure starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. A scarey take on population control and economic class structure. The premise is that we are genetically designed to live for 25 years. On the last day of the 25th year, the "timer" on our arms begins to count down. We work for wages payed in "time"added to our wrist clocks. The wealthy, of course, have hundreds of years on their clocks-inherited on their 25th birthday. I am a big Sci-Fi fan and I loved this one. I truelly original work.

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

"Fall"in Back on Old Stories

Fall has come and so have more remakes of old movies. I recently saw "The Three Musketeers" and it just makes you wonder- why??? Are there no new tales to tell? Now, I didn't see the 3-D version, but I can't imagine "being in the scene" could improve this movie. The other "New Remake" is "Footloose". I haven't seen this one yet- but why re-invent the wheel? Was Kevin Bacon not good enough?
On a more positive note, the good movies I've seen recently were "Ides of March" and "Reel Steel". George Clooney and Hugh Jackman- how could you go wrong with either one?

On the Nail Industry front, I have noticed a marked increase in the popularity of Gel Nails. This makes me happy in many ways: I love doing Gel Nails, I loved wearing them myself, so I can attest to the joys of Gel Nails, and Gel Nails look a little more natural than other nail extension products. After trying a few brands, I chose IBD Clear Builder Gel. It's a great product and my clients are extremely happy with the results.
So for more info on Gel Nails, Acrylic Nails, Manicures, Pedicures, or to contact me, please visit my website: www.tampanailchick.com

Summer Lovin'

Summer in Florida is hot and sticky,so what I'm Lovin', is my favorite air conditioned movie theater. This summer I had the great fortune to see several good movies with some of my favorite people. Here are some titles and reviews to consider:
Transformers -
Predictable,but as the previous Transformer films, an action packed flick tempered with humor and a moral to the story.
Mr. Popper's Penguins-
A Jim Carey winner. Jim has 2 kinds of movies: really good and really stupid. This was a cute movie about a man who always wanted to know his father, but rarely saw him. When Dad dies, he send his son one of his famous gifts,but this time with a hitch: it's alive! When attempting to return the penguin, Mr. Popper accidentally orders 5 more live penguins. His children, who he is trying to bond with after a divorce, fall madly in love with said penguins-and did we mention, Mr. Popper lives in a no pets allowed building? Mayhem ensues along with lots of laughs. A nice family flick.
Larry Crowe-
An interesting choice for both Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. A comedy-drama about 2 people at turning points in their lives. He's a 50 year old unemployed college freshman and she's an unhappily married college professor in need of motivation to change her outlook and her life. I really liked this one.
Captain America-
A pleasant surprise for a comic book movie. I never read these types of comics, I was an Archies girl, so I really didn't know the story. I do like sci-fi though, so the creating a super-soldier theme is not unfamiliar. This was well done using computer graphics to make an actor with a nice physique seem puny , then Super-Size him for the Captain America character.
Cowboys And Aliens-
This long awaited summer blockbuster did not disappoint. For me it was a family affair. I took my nephews, one friend each, and my friend Chris. A western-sci-fi starring Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford. It had action, romance, and a little comic relief. The plot, although a little predictable, was well executed by both the script and the performances. A must see in my opinion.
Zookeeper-
Kevin James does a great job as a goofy nice-guy who loves an undeserving mean-girl. When he considers leaving the zoo to take a job that would impress the girl, the animals reveal to him that they can speak. They advise him on how to win her over and mayhem ensues. This one was a really good family flick which my 10 yr. old nephew giggled through.

So my advise to all my readers: grab a friend, and pick a flick!!!

For info on nailcare, acrylics nails, gel nails, manicures, pedicure, or to contact me visit www.tampanailchick.com.

Crackin' Up

The latest fad in Nail Polish choices is a layered process which creates a "Crackle"d or "Shatter"ed(OPI) effect. The underlying color remains solid, while the second color choice layer cracks. To me, like most fads, it's a strange look to want, but, it is hot right now for the 15 - 25 yr. old crowd. As noted above, each company has their own name for this and a collection of colors to "crack - up" with.(Can be used with natural nails or over gels or acrylics)

Summer TV
My favorite summer TV series are returning along with some great new shows. Last night, for example, was filled with choices- or recordables. Lifetime aired "Drop Dead Diva" and "The Protector"(recorded- not watched yet). USA showed "Law and Order:Criminal Intent"(the series finale)and "In Plain Sight"-I watched both and they were great. A and E's "The Glades" is one of my faves, and TNT's new sci-fi series "Falling Skies" is taking it's time to develop. I like it but I don't know if it will move fast enough to hold an audience. Tune in next time for more in-depth synopses and reviews.

As always, treat those you love well, and remember to pamper yourself -maybe a manicure, pedicure, full set of gels or acrylics. For more info on the subject or to contact me visit www.tampanailchick.com.

Mani/Pedi Mania

Observation of the week:
I've been doing nails for 15 years now, and it seems to me that volume in Mani/Pedi combos have overtaken Acrylics and Gels combined. I think many women are more in need of pampering than looking GLAM. We all have the desire to be spoiled a little(for some a lot), but I what I'm hearing from new clients is, that life right now is more stressful and they need relief in the form of Nail Therapy. The Mani/Pedi Therapy session is not only care for the hands and feet, but also the soul. As women, we feel the need to "share" our frustrations, and fortunately, I've been told I possess the gift of Listening. Sometimes we need insight and perspective, and sometimes we just need to vent. There are also times when we just need to be in the company of pleasant, happy women. Whichever of these describes you, I hope you'll take the opportunity for us to enhance each other's day by treating yourself to Mani/Pedi Combo.

Movie Reviews:
Last weekend I had the pleasure of seeing a movie with Adam(my 20 yr.old nephew)Emma(Adam's girlfriend),Spencer(my 10 yr old nephew) and my friend Chris. It isn't easy to coordinate schedules, or tastes, but we did it. "The Green Lantern" was a really good family flick. It had action; it had romance; it had humor and of course it had Ryan Reynolds. We saw it in Real3-D, which makes the theater experience even better. The story is typical super-hero stuff; average guy finds dying alien- gets magic ring, solves crime, saves the girl, gets the girl- but seeing it with people you love is definitely worth the price of the ticket.
I also enjoy going to the movies alone, so on Mondays, when most people are working, I indulge myself. This weeks pick was "Super 8". A wonderful movie, though not at all what most people thought it would be. It's a Sci-Fi film by JJ Abrams and Stephen Speilberg. Super 8 refers to the film used in old movie cameras. On the surface, this is the story of a misunderstood alien(not unlike ET)who is just trying to get home, but the longer you watch, the more you know it's about being in middle school and friendships at that stage in life.

So, my friends, treat those you love well, but don't forget to pamper yourself too!!!!!
For more info on NAILCARE, ACRYLICS, GELS, MANICURES, or PEDICURES or to contact me visit www.tampanailchick.com

Summer Sensations

Hi friends. Today's topic is all about how everything feels different in the summertime. In January, several friends and I embarked on a new adventure; Pandora Salons. We are located on North Dale Mabry Hwy. in the Carrollwood area of Tampa. For my loyal readers who do not live in Tampa, this is a very desirable part of town. It is now June, and although we've been open a while, we now really feel like "we've arrived". Summer is a great time for that manicure and pedicure you've been dying for. It makes us feel that we're on Summer Vacation!

Summer TV and Movies are also different and about to begin. In the summer, movies often open on Wednesday, instead of making us wait 'til Friday. I love to sneak away to a Wednesday matinee with my nephew during his summer vacation. Summer TV series start up again on Sunday with one of my favorites-"The Glades"(which incidentally, is partially taped in our area-notice the Don Cesar in the opening).

I recently spent some time at the beach with my family. My cousin and I agreed that this is why we live in Florida; because a summer afternoon at the beach feels like a vacation. We get to feel like that for most of the year-but somehow summer feels different- better.

So, in conclusion, Summer is a great time for self-indulgence. A Manicure, Pedicure, or a new Full Set of Nails can be a beautifully decadent way to welcome all the amazing Summer Sensations. For more info on the nail services I offer, or to contact me please visit www.tampanailchick.com.

Shellac-The New Manicure

Hi friends! Today's "Hot Topic" is Gel Lacquers, which are professionally applied long wearing nail polishes. They require "curing" under a U.V. light, and are usually an add-on to a traditional manicure. Shellac is actually not the first product of it's kind, but it is the"new and improved" product. Axxiom- the first Gel Lacquer is too thick and doesn't soak off easily. Shellac, on the other hand, applies similarly to polish and soaks off almost effortlessly. Since the introduction of Axxiom by OPI and Shellac by CND, many other nail product companies have come out with their own gel nail lacquer. Gellac and Gellish are 2 others on the market. Their consistency is similar to Shellac and I've had success with all 3 brands. The only challenge seems to be The French Manicure. The white gel lacquer doesn't always go on smoothly. On the whole, Shellac Rocks.

Having just praised Shellac, I must give equal voice to Acrylics and Gels. As good as the above products are; they are not nail extension products. If you are looking for longer nails, Acrylics or Gels are your choices. Pink and White Acrylics are always a clean, classic look. Acrylics or gels with color polish are a fun and/or a professional looking option.

So, my advice to all my readers: Get Pampered! Get a Manicure! Get a Full Set! Get a Fill! Get a Pedicure! Visit my website and/or contact me www.tampanailchick.com .

Next Evolutionary Step

Hi friends. I'm ba-ack!!! As they say in TV land, I was on hiatus. I've returned to cyberspace and I'm ready to start the next chapter of "The Life and Times of The Tampa Nail Chick". The latest step in the Evolutionary Latter of Salons is the "Private Room" concept. The salon is now divided into separate rooms instead of stations. This gives the client a more private beauty experience. It can also allow the Beauty Specialist to run his or her own salon within the larger shop. The basic idea is that each operator runs their own business; from decorating to retailing.

Pandora Salons(notice the s at the end of salons) is one such endeavor. There are 11 rooms, some single, some double. My friend, Linh and I share a room. We, at Pandora are embracing the new concept, while retaining the continuity of the old salon style. We enjoy camaraderie, but cherish our own space; we set our own prices, but participate in running the same specials and "new client" offers. We have only been open a few months, but I see an amazing future for Pandora salons and for myself.

Well, that's all for now. For more info on nail care, manicures, pedicures, gels, acrylics or Shellac, please visit my website www.tampanailchick.com.