Pink + White Border Nails

Here is my version of the border nail design that you may have seen videos about on YouTube recently. A lot of the girls are using dark colors around the edges, but I chose white because I think it gives a brighter pop to the color in the center. (I would avoid colors that can be mistaken for filth on the outer edges.)

I created this design by using Rimmel French White Tip Pro to outline my nails. I let them dry and then carefully painted the center with Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Posh Pink. After touching up the white where necessary the manicure was finished; quick and easy!

Give this fun new look a try! 

The New Nicki Minaj Pepsi Commercial!

Check out the new global Pepsi ad campaign featuring Nicki Minaj! I can't wait to see what Pepsi "Pop" looks like, I'm really hoping it's pink.

On the Nicki Minaj topic, tickets go on sale for her Summer performances on Saturday! 

April Shower Favorites

 Check out my favorite three products from April 2012. I found a new way to clear my complexion and exfoliate for only $1 and I also discovered body splash for the first time in my life. 

For the longest time, I had been trying to clear my skin up using the Clinique Acne Solutions line. The toner was average, the lotion is good (purchased a bigger bottle separately after trying), and the face wash flat out sucked. Anyway, I had the face wash in my shower and was attempting to use it up before switching products. As months (literally) went by, I couldn't help but notice that the face wash seemed to be a never-ending bottle.  I checked it out and realized that the top of the bottle was letting water in and diluting the solution. I threw it out and ordered the Green Gel face wash from MAC that I'd been eying. I've been using it for about a month now and it is one of my favorites from April. It's mild yet controls my breakouts, and does not leave my face feeling dry.

I received my replacement nail polish from Rimmel London/COTY inc and will write about it later on today or tomorrow. The borderline "complimentary product" they provided me with is humorously half-asked.

Contact me:

Twitter: @So_Tweetie

Pinterest: SoTweetie
utubinit@gmail.com

Zappos.com

I love Zappos.com... The backstory of how the company was created, how they treat their employees, their hiring practices that ensure the right people get jobs - their entire outlook on business is commendable in my opinion.

Zappos customer service is second to none, and as a consumer I happily pay for products from them even if I could find them for slightly cheaper elsewhere. I find tremendous value in supporting businesses that conduct themselves properly in the above ways. 

Watch my video about my collection of shoes from Zappos, and hear about my experience with returning a sub-standard pair of shoes made by Ole'Ion. 

Not only did Zappos quickly replace the poor quality shoes that I received originally, the customer service representatives that I engaged with had so much character. The shoes I ordered originally were out of stock making it impossible for them to replace, and that was obviously an embarrassment to Zappos. 

That situation could be steered a number of ways that would affect my opinion of the company. The way that Zappos handled it was casual and informal; acknowledging their regret for being out of stock and still resolving the problem. I got an e-mail directing me to choose any equal or lesser value pair of shoes instead of the out of stock pair (normal correspondence in this case), and it was signed by Captain Anomaly. I found that quite humorous and won't forget it.

Anywho, Zappos took my disappointment and turned it around into a positive story I've found myself sharing with quite a few people. Most of those I've talked to already know how great Zappos is and share with me stories about having ordered something Tuesday morning and it arriving Wednesday afternoon, etc. 

If you like to shop online or need a new pair of shoes, I recommend that you check out Zappos.com. You will not be disappointed. 

Nicki Minaj Starships Official Music Video (Explicit)

Lyrics below! 

Uh
Let’s Go To The Beach (beach)
Let’s Go Get A Wave
They Say
What They Gonna Say

Have A Drink
Clink
Found The Bud Light
Bad Bitches Like Me Is Hard To Come By
Got The Patron (own)
Let’s Go Get It On

The Zone (own)
Yes, I’m In The Zone
Is It Two? Three?
Leave A Good Tip.
I’ma Blow All My Money And Don’t Give Two Shits

I’m On The Floor (floor)
I Love To Dance
So Give Me More (more)
Til I Can’t Stand

Get On The Floor (floor)
Like It’s Your Last Chance
If You Want More (more)
Then Here I Am

Starships
Were Meant To Fly
Hands Up And Touch The Sky
Can’t Stop Cuz We’re So High
Let’s Do This One More Time

Starships
Were Meant To Fly
Hands Up And Touch The Sky
Let’s Do This One Last Time
Can’t Stop

We’re Higher Than A Mutha Fucka (X3)

Jump In My Hoopty Hoopty Hoopty Hoop
I Own That
And I Am Paying My Rent This Month
I Owe That

But Fuck Who You Want
And Fuck Who You Like
Dance All Life There’s No End In Sight

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Now Everybody Let Me Hear You Say
Ray Ray Ray
Now Spend All Your Money
Cuz I Pay Pay Day
And If You’re A G
You’re A G, G, G

My Name Is Onika,
You Can Call Me Nicki

Get On The Floor (floor)
Like It’s Your Last Chance
If You Want More (more)
Then Here I Am

Starships
Were Meant To Fly
Hands Up And Touch The Sky
Can’t Stop Cuz We’re So High
Let’s Do This One More Time

Starships
Were Meant To Fly
Hands Up And Touch The Sky
Let’s Do This One Last Time
Can’t Stop

We’re Higher Than A Mutha Fucka (X3)

Starships
Were Meant To Fly
Hands Up And Touch The Sky
Can’t Stop Cuz We’re So High
Let’s Do This One More Time

Starships
Were Meant To Fly
Hands Up And Touch The Sky
Let’s Do This One Last Time
Can’t Stop

We’re Higher Than A Mutha Fucka (X3)

Trip To Grandma's House + Haul Video

In more positive news, and touching on the subject of my grandma again:

I've finally been able to sit down and tell you all about the wonderful products I was given, purchased, and learned about during my time visiting with her.  I show you the lip gloss she thought was a nail polish, and tell her recipe for the perfect load of laundry. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Coty Inc / Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Update

To follow up with you about my Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro ordeal, I did make contact with their parent company, Coty. I formally contacted them on March 28th, and then again on April 18th after not hearing back. I got an e-mail on April 19th that read:

Dear Hillary:

Thank you for telling us about your dissatisfaction. We're sorry to hear you've had this experience with our Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Polish in Hard Metal.

You do not need to return the product to us. If you should have another problem with a Coty product in the future, however, we will ask you to return it to us for evaluation.

We hope you enjoy the complimentary product you will be receiving within 10-12 business days and that future purchases of Coty brands meet your expectations.

So, I don't need to return the bad polish THIS time but if I have a problem in the future I will have to pay to ship them the product in order to prove that something is wrong with it before they will replace it. Mind you, I sent them a PICTURE of the undeniably defective brush.

I am awaiting the arrival of the above mentioned "complimentary product". I think what they meant to say was "replacement product". If there is not a complimentary product accompanying the replacement polish I will be offended. In fact, that will be the deciding factor on whether I continue to buy Coty products. Sound ridiculous? 
 

I have worked in customer service for almost ten years and have extensive training in handling customer complaints and turning all negative experiences into positive. If I am representing a business, I will do whatever I can to ensure the clientele are pleased. I have managed restaurants and served as the face of customer service in world-class facilities. I know that the cost of replacing a faulty product with a smile (especially something so cheap as a nail polish) is far less than the price of a lost customer. 

It is at the discretion of the customer service representative to take the number of complaints by any customer into consideration before granting a replacement product or service. In my training, you don't question a customer on their complaint unless they have been dissatisfied three or more times out of the ten most recent transactions. In that case the question should be, 'how can we get it right the first time?'

Coty/Rimmel has made me feel like the bad guy in a situation where I simply received a defective item. They could have replaced it from the get-go and I would have continued on filming my glowing review of their product. Instead, I have had this encounter with their customer service that has completely and utterly changed my opinion of an otherwise wonderful brand/nail polish. Now, inevitably, I will have to address this in my review. Worse than that, I will remember this every time I browse for polish.

I will update you about what I receive in the mail.