Dollish Polish Blogiversary Giveaway! (Closed)

Hi everyone!!! Today I'm TWO blog years old!!! I'm so excited!!! Just sorry I haven't been here as much over the last few months!! I miss it so much!  Hopefully you saw my update -HERE.

I wanted to do a lil somethin somethin for you guys, because you all mean so very much!!  You guys give me a reason to keep up this hobby!  Winter has been rough on these cuticles, but I'm going to try to take better care and try a new polish every few days.

So how about a quick look back to my first post~!  You can see it - HERE.  It's funny to critique my old work!  I feel as though I've improved, so that's good haha! :-D

Anyway! I'm excited to say that I have a few beauties from Dollish Polish to giveaway.  One winner will win 3 Full Size Dollish Polishes: Purple Nurples, Space, The Final Frontier HYPERDRIVE, and It's So Fluffy, I'm Gonna Die!  These are just three of my faves!  You can purchase Dollish Polish at HERE at DollishPolish.com or through HERE at Llarowe.  You can also stay up to date on information by following Dollface22772 (Dollish Polish) on Facebook and Llarowe on Facebook.  Both are also on Twitter - @DollishPolish & @llarowe  and Instagram - @Dollface22772 & @llarowe.

First up, Purple Nurples.

I used 3 coats along with KBShimmer Clearly on Top.  I love the purple jelly filled with these amazing glitters!

Close up!  The mix of glitters is stunning, plus that flaky iridescence! Drool!

 

And since I'm home on a snow today today (one perk of this awful weather!), I ran outside quick to snag a couple pictures in the bright sun!  It's the perfect light box with all this snow hahahaha :-P

And I was thinking that it'd be awesome to matte this, but then forgot midway removing it (whoops), so two nails only...but this was the 3 coats with KBShimmer Clearly on Top, and I added 1 coat of Essie Matte About You. Stunning, right?

Next up, we have Space, The Final Frontier HYPERDRIVE.  This is amazing.  I kick myself for not trying this sooner.  I put it on last night knowing I bought one for the giveaway and needed to swatch it.  I have no idea why I never put it on sooner, because I couldn't even take it off last night!  I have a ton to swatch and I was drooling looking at this in different lighting!  So these first few are light box.

This is a great picture you can start to see some holo faintly!

Here are some sun pics!

If you noticed, the giveaway version is slightly different.  I have an older batch that materials are no longer available.  The new version is stunning though!  Check out these gorgeous comparison pictures!

And finally, It's So Fluffy, I'm Gonna Die!

You can see my original review of this - HERE!  This is two coats with KBShimmer Clearly on Top.

Such a gorgeous pink!  So many different glitters make this amazing in person.

See that close up!?  Yes...it is just beautiful, isn't it?!

Also, in case you missed above, you can purchase Dollish Polish at HERE at DollishPolish.com or through HEREat Llarowe.  You can also stay up to date on information by following Dollface22772 (Dollish Polish) on Facebook and Llarowe on Facebook.  Both are also on Twitter - @DollishPolish & @llarowe  and Instagram - @Dollface22772 & @llarowe.

A few things to read before entering:

Giveaway will start today (January 27, 2013) and end on Saturday, February 15 at 12am EST.  The winner will be notified by email. If potential winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.  Following Blog, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook will allow only one point each, per person.  You may share this giveaway as many times as you would like, with five point given per day, per person with reliable link (Twitter also allows an additional five points for daily sharing).  Open internationally, however I am not liable for any package that goes missing or does not make it through customs.  You must be 18 or older, or have the consent of a guardian, to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Best wishes everyone!  And thanks again for helping me reach two wonderful years here in the blogging world!!!

Much Love!!!!
Crystal


*The products for review have been sent for my honest opinion.   The giveaway prizes have been purchased by me.*

Two Years at Crazy Combos!

Hi Lovelies,

Can you believe today Crazy Combos is 2 years old?  I know I’ve been pretty quiet over the last 6-8 months, but a lot has happened in the corner of my world.  I know I’ve mentioned it many times, but yesterday I’ve been at my new job for 6 months now!  I’m working as an accountant within a law firm in Chicago.  My previous position was as an executive assistant and I always enjoyed that field.  I figured I would go back to school to do something within business, but never found exactly what I wanted.  It wasn’t until I was placed in this current role that I’ve realized my love for accounting.  I think it works for me because numbers always balance out if you’re doing it correctly!  You can’t get clearer than that, and I like clear cut.  So I’m about 98% positive that is what I’ll be returning to school for.  And depending on what my research uncovers, I assume I have quite of bit of school ahead.

I also started commuting, so my day is quite a bit shorter with those 3 extra hours it takes me to get back and forth now, considering I went from 10 minutes a day for my old job.  I thought working out 3 times a week would mean my transition wouldn’t be too bad, but I found muscles I didn’t know I had power walking from the train! Haha I miss the gym and my amazing class instructor, but I’ve been eating way healthier and am finally seeing some weight loss!  Halleluiah!  Why didn’t I do this in addition to working out all these years?  Duh. haha

Even though I haven’t been posting, I’m always thinking of my blog and all of you readers that I reach.  It’s something I can’t even express how much it means to me that people care about me and wish me all the best, as well as want to see what I have to show or read what I have to say.   Thank you so so much.  It’s why I started Crazy Combos in the first place, because I LOVE TO SHARE when I find something I love and believe in.  I’m so glad that I could be here from the beginning of Indies to watch how much they’ve evolved!  And to see fellow bloggers grow before my eyes over these past few years has been amazing!  I see how much effort everyone puts into their work and they deserve all this credit!  

Maybe I need to start a reference page that people can use?  I know I have favorite blogs listed here, but maybe a favorite shops page of where I find my goodies?  It can get confusing with so many different places to shop.  Comment if you’re interested and I will see what I can come up with!!  ;-)

So back to my thoughts…On one side, I feel completely frustrated with myself for not doing more.  However, on the other side, I know that my days are shorter and my head can only take so much.  I also think because I’m so behind with reviews, that all I see is the big picture of everything that needs to be finished.  I won’t lie, it breaks me down to tears some days that I just can’t do it.  I’m motivated during the day as I think of my to do’s on the way home, but I walk in that door and there are dishes and clothes to be dealt with, and don’t forget dinner, plus I cherish the time I have with my husband, so let’s not forget him.  I’ve also tried to give Coda, my German Shepherd, more of my time, as he often doesn't get to play like he should.  How do you ladies (and gents) do it?  And with kids?  Mr. CC and I plan to try in the next couple of years, as right now it scares me to add that in!!  I know I would love to be a mother, but timing is important too!  I suppose part of it is because I’m still learning a lot in my current job, whereas before my job was so natural to me, I could do it in my sleep.

So I have this internal struggle and am constantly trying to figure out how to handle this.  I’ve struggled in private, but I want to express my feelings since I did exactly what I never wanted to, and that was disappearing.  Maybe I’m putting too much pressure on myself to do it all, but for how much my husband does, it’s only fair that I keep up and do my share too.  I know for a fact that I left a lot up to him while I blogged more steadily before.  This would be a great time for someone to mention that book they have, you know the one that tells me exactly how to make my life fit within the allotted hours given…haha Ok so since that doesn’t exist, I just have to try my best.

OH! And don’t even get my started about technology.  Part of my absence is due to that.  I’ve been having computer problems for ages.  Since it’s so old, I know it’s time for an upgrade, but we haven’t had the extra funds for that.  My phone is also maxed out on storage.  I can’t even take a picture, which makes swatching impossible since that is what I use!  People say “well, why in the hell don’t you delete your pictures?!”  My answer for that is my phone is like a walking directory of polish.  I use it DAILY (well when full time blogging, I did!).  I’ve gone through to clean up unnecessary photos, but I still have like 5,500 pictures on there.  And yes, they are backed up to my computer, but I just love to stroll through them, as so many brighten a bad day (they aren’t ALL nail pics haha, but mostly).  Mr. CC and I plan to get new phones soon at least.  I’ll definitely be getting more storage :-D

I can’t really do anything else but apologize for the way things went down in the past.  I know I let a lot down with not posting reviews, and for that, I am deeply sorry.  I never meant to be so unprofessional, but it just became too much and then I had zero time to think about it during the job switch.  My first few months, I would get home, maybe put something in my stomach, and pass out!  I’m glad that I can stay up now without falling asleep in my soup, but now I need more sleep, since 5 hours a night seems to NOT be working haha.  On a side note, my house is looking the best it has in years.  Yes, years.  I have this hoarding problem! If you’ve ever seen my polish stash, you can tell – I hoard.  The last two months have been a destash of my junk.  It felt great! Anyway, I think I’ve mentioned before, but if you want to talk to me directly about a review that is owed, I definitely want to make things right.  Please feel free to email me at CrystalsCrazyCombos@gmail.com.

I’ve been trying to come up with ideas to move forward.  So what I think will happen is that I break down collections into daily posts.  That is how I started almost two years ago and it seemed to work well.  I want to mix things up with swatching old and new, tape manis, maybe some other fun nail art stuff – who knows.   My main focus is to take it day by day, step by step.  I do have a ton swatched though.   It’s just the editing that I’m stuck on.  If I can break it down into one polish per post, it shouldn’t make me feel that much anxiety, whereas  5+ polishes per post can end up taking a lot of time to make everything look right with a well written post.  Being a perfectionist isn't always helpful either!

After thinking more about it, I've realized blogging was a second job to me.  Or maybe I should say it turned into one.  Don't get me wrong, reviewing polish is FUN, but work does go along with it.  I loved it.  It was an outlet for me to use my creativity and brain power, since my old full time job wasn't pushing me enough.  To be on the opposite side of that now, I understand that if I want to continue with my blog, it can't be something that is a second job.  If I can accomplish all my personal goals this year, blogging included, I have to set limits and figure out a plan to incorporate everything a little bit instead of some things to excess.  I want to blog again because I love it and enjoy it, not because I have to hurry and catch up, or put out something that I'm not 100% happy with.  I want to get back to why I started in the first place, which was to be a place you could come to look at polish! As well as to decided if you needed it!! (Let's be real, you probably do *need*'it hehe just kiddin)

So I hope you'll continue to stick around and see what's ahead!! I miss being involved in the nail community and hope to be around more :-) It overwhelms me how amazing everyone is, and I want to talk to everyone, but it can sometimes be hard with trying to keep up.  Thank you guys for the support. I hope 2014 can be a better year here at Crazy Combos!  And I have this awesome giveaway for a gorgeous home decor wreath HERE! !! Custom made based on what you want!  And I have a two polish giveaways coming too!!

Best wishes in this new year to you all!!

Much Love,

Crystal

Press Release - Zoya Magical Pixie

New Nail Polish Collection for Spring 2014: Zoya Magical Pixie

Believe in it...

Zoya Magical Pixie - a new PixieDust formulation, amped up with spectacular sparkle creating the most magical, Zoya PixieDust ever! Three new never before imagined textured, holographic beauties for spring 2014... 

ZOYA MAGICAL PIXIE

• ZP717 - Cosmo: Silver Crystal Sparkle, Textured PixieDust with Mega Hex Iridescent Particles, Full Coverage Formula.
• ZP718 - Vega: Blue Opal Sparkle, Textured PixieDust with Mega Hex Iridescent Particles, Full Coverage Formula.
• ZP719 - Lux: Rose Quartz Sparkle Textured PixieDust with Mega Hex Iridescent Particles, Full Coverage Formula.

$10.00 ea. (US)

For BEST RESULTS when applying Zoya PixieDust: apply 2-3 thin coats of polish for full coverage to a clean oil free nail surface. Allow product to dry completely for full effect. Do not use a base coat or top coat. Top coat can be applied for additional glossy effects. 

*BIG5FREE: Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment Formulas are free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor.

Find over 300 long-wearing, beautiful Zoya colors on www.zoya.com. Each and 

every color has a name as unique as the women who inspired it.

SHIPPING FEBRUARY 2014

ZOYA IS THE COLOR OF FASHION!
Available on Zoya.com

Wreaths by Emma Ruth Review & Blogiversary Giveaway!

Hi Everyone!  So I know I'm a tad early for my Blogiversary (January 27), but why not get this party started!?!  Can you believe it's been two years already?  Time flies when you're having fun ;-)  My collection definitely has grown, but most importantly, so have my friendships!! Thank you for all the love and support!!

I'm excited to say, Emily, owner of Wreaths by Emma Ruth, will be donating a custom wreath (or if you like something in the shop, you can chose that too!) for a prize!  Isn't that so nice!?  I bought a few people wreaths for Christmas, and absolutely LOVE how beautiful they are.

Isn't her logo cute!?

If you missed my previous overview of Wreaths by Emma Ruth, you can see it HERE!  Also, lots of her work is available for viewing HERE on Facebook and her main Facebook page.  You can contact Emily on her shop on Etsy, Wreaths By Emma Ruth, for a custom order or international shipping quotes.

Natural Light - photo by Wreaths by Emma Ruth

Below is a wreath I bought for my best friend, Rachel!

Natural Light - photo by Wreaths by Emma Ruth

And here is my custom made wreath with the flash on!  I'm so in love!  Emily did a fantastic job pulling the colors of my room together for this beauty!

Besides the giveaway, Emily was kind enough to also offer a discount code "POLISH10" for 10% off your order!!!  So make sure you stop by her shop, Wreaths By Emma Ruth!  This offer lasts until Saturday, February 1 at 12am CST. 

A few close ups!  I can't even express how stunning this is in person!

Emily makes and buys the flowers to display on these wreaths.  I love all the variety of colors, beads, rhinestones, buttons, and fabrics.  The lace is my favorite too!

A little more info about Emily!

"Hello all! My name is Emily, the name Emma Ruth comes from a nick name I have been called over the years and Ruth is my Mom's name, as well as my middle name. Thats where the shop name comes from.

My craft is making yarn wreaths, yarn letters, and occasionally dipping into other things that inspired me.

When I am not at work or chasing after my son Mason who is almost 2 years old, I enjoy crafting, making wreaths, and creating custom orders. I love working with colors, textures, and patterns to create unique and unexpected pieces."

And more information about Wreaths by Emma Ruth: 

**All wreaths vary in price depending on amount of flowers, ribbon, color ect.

8 inch Letters or numbers: $15

12 inch Letters or numbers: $20

** Custom orders are always welcome

** Shipping to the US is $10

** Shipping to International countries, please contact Emily.

** We accept PAYPAL, cash, or money order.

** Payment is due in full before item is created/shipped.

I wanted to show the backside of how cool the yarn looks with the flowers all attached!

And Rachel's wreath!

Love that big brown gem!

Awesome flower!  Love the yarn too!!

Beautifully wrapped!

In case you missed above, my previous overview of Wreaths by Emma Ruth, you can see it HERE!  Also, lots of her work is available for viewing HERE on Facebook and her main Facebook page.  You can contact Emily on her shop on Etsy, Wreaths By Emma Ruth, for a custom order or international shipping quotes.

Giveaway!!

Giveaway will start today (January 12, 2013) and end on Saturday, February 1 at 12am CST.  Winner will be notified by email. If a potential winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen.  Following Blog, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook will allow only one point each, per person.  You may tweet this giveaway as many times as you would like, with one point given per day, per person.  Open internationally, however I am not liable for any package that goes missing or does not make it through customs.  You must be 18 or older, or have the consent of a guardian, to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Besides the giveaway, Emily was kind enough to also offer a discount code "POLISH10" for 10% off your order!!!  So make sure you stop by her shop, Wreaths By Emma Ruth!  This offer lasts until Saturday, February 1 at 12am CST.

Hope you enjoyed this post!! Thanks again to Emily for all of your help and generosity!

Much Love,
Crystal


*Giveaway wreath has been provided Emily of Wreaths by Emma Ruth.  All thoughts and opinions of this review are that of my own.*

Press Release - Zoya Awaken

New Nail Polish Collection for Spring 2014: Zoya Awaken 

Just as Spring emerges from a natural Winter slumber, Zoya Awakens to a fresh season of BIG5FREE* color...

Open your mind to the beauty of color discovery; the new, the unexplored, the excitement! Awaken by Zoya - Six new, full-coverage, dew-drenched creams and gold-kissed metallic nail polish colors for Spring 2014. Full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that will take you far beyond the hazy, barely there hues of seasons past into a new world of chromatic joy.

ZOYA AWAKEN - 2014 SPRING

• ZP723 - Dillon: Green Mint Shimmer Metallic Full Coverage Formula.
• ZP724 - Rebel: Blue Sky Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula.
• ZP722 - Hudson: Purple Orchid Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula (Yes, it's a Radiant Orchid!)
• ZP720 - Dot: Pink Petal Cream, Full Coverage Formula
  (originally created for fashion designer Zang Toi’s SS14 collection).
• ZP721 - Cole: Peach Whisper Cream, Full Coverage Formula
  (originally created for fashion designer Peter Som’s SS14 collection).
• ZP725 - Brooklyn: White-Gold Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula.

$9.00 ea. (US)

PLUS, A SPECIAL EDITION TOPPER

Create a nail color masterpiece. The multi-colored, holographic flakes of Zoya Monet lend an impressionistic color change option to existing color palettes. Never boring, this artistic topper can be applied as an accent or used as an overall color changer.

• ZP726 - Monet: Multi-Color, Cellophane Holographic Topper.

$10.00 ea. (US)

*BIG5FREE: Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment Formulas are free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor.

Find over 300 long-wearing, beautiful Zoya colors on www.zoya.com. Each and every color has a name as unique as the women who inspired it.

ZOYA IS THE COLOR OF FASHION!

Available on Zoya.com.

Zoya - Fall PixieDust

Press Sample

Hi Everyone!! Today I have a Matte vs Glossy of Zoya Fall PixieDust of 2013!  Aren't these stunning?  Better late than never to show you all, right? ;-)   If you're like me, polish has no season!!! lol

I actually wanted to mention that.  Thank you all for your kindness over the last 6 months as I transitioned into my new career path!  I can't believe how much I love my new job.  It was a lot to take on, but I'm happy to say that things are going well.  I'm hoping 2014 will slow down a little to allow me back into blogging regularly.  Now, I can't make guarantees because life changes so quickly, but my plan is ease back into it, making sure I cover all the reviews I owe.

If you have questions or would like to talk to me personally, please contact me at CrystalsCrazyCombos@gmail.com.  I had to pull back from my social media, as it became too much for me.  However, I've been having fun getting back into chatting and polish shopping!!  With that, of course I had to snag some new pretties that I couldn't resist!!  So between all my untrieds, the polishes to review, and the new ones on the way - I'll have plenty to keep myself busy!!  I hope no one minds a mix of old and new, since sometimes the older polishes can be hard to find.

Again, I can't thank you all enough.  I put this huge pressure on myself about all of this, but it seems you all understand :-)  That means so much to me. My blog is to share what I know and what I've tried, so to be received and loved by the community is the greatest gift.  I wish you all the best in 2014!! Let's have a great year!!

Anyway, in case you forgot (hehe) here is the Zoya Fall PixieDust without top coat!

And glossy!  I used KBShimmer Clearly on Top.  Since these are textured polishes, a second top coat may be necessary, as we know glitter loves to eat top coat!! ;-)

These gorgeous PixieDust colors are available through http://www.zoya.com/ (directly listed HERE) for $10 each.

Also, a great promotion is available for 3 free* polishes!!! (*there is a $12 Shipping & Processing fee) Read more information HERE.  If you spend $25 though, you can get free shipping!

So let's look closer at each shade!!  Lots of pics ;-)  First up, Tomoko.  This is 1 coat alone.  Isn't it stunning?  So elegant and easy for a quick mani!  So sparkly too!

Closer look!

And here is Tomoko with 2 coats.

Close up!

I added KBShimmer Clearly on Top to the 2 coats of Tomoko.  Beautiful!

Close up!  Love that glitzy finish!

Next up, Chita!  Here is 2 coats.  It's so close to being a one coater!  I didn't want to have it too thick for photos, but I bet you could get away with 1 thicker coat!

Close up!

Here is Chita with 2 coats and topped with KBShimmer Clearly on Top.

It's such a beautiful forest green.  I just love it!

Close up.

The beautiful blue Sunshine with 2 coats!  Another almost 1 coater!

Close up!

And here is Sunshine with 2 coats topped with KBShimmer Clearly on Top.

I did add another coat of Clearly on Top for the picture below.  I LOVE it so glossy - it's like stars in a (not so dark) night sky!

Next, 1 coat of Carter.  I put this on and I was kinda like "hmmm...I don't think I'm going to like this," but....

add another coat....and LOOK!

Stunning.  It amazes me that the second coat transforms this into such a beauty!  I was worried, I'm not going to lie, but patience is a virtue haha.  Not everything can be beautiful in one coat ;-) haha

Close up!

Here is Carter with 2 coats and Clearly on Top by KBShimmer in my horrible bedroom lighting.  It sparkles beautifully though, so I had to share!

Carter with 2 coats and Clearly on Top.

Close up!

Next is Arabella.  Shown with two coats.

Close up!

Arabella with 2 coats and KBShimmer Clearly on Top!

Love the sparkle in this one too!

Close up!  Check out that hot pink in it!

And last, but not least, 2 coats of Dhara.

Close up.

Here is Dhara with 2 coats and Clearly on Top by KBShimmer.

It's glowing!!  Love the gold with the orange.  It always adds such depth!

Blurred in the ring finger shows off that sparkle!

Close up!

I hope you loved this review!!  I've missed you all ;-)

In case you missed above, these gorgeous PixieDust colors are available through http://www.zoya.com/ (directly listed HERE) for $10 each.

Also, a great promotion is available for 3 free* polishes!!! (*there is a $12 Shipping & Processing fee) Read more information HERE.  If you spend $25 though, you can get free shipping!

Have a great day!!  If you're snowed in like we are here, stay safe and warm!!  If you're somewhere tropical - you stink.  haha ;-) just kidding!  But I am jealous!!

Much Love,
Crystal


*These products have been sent to me for review.  All thoughts and opinions are that of my own.*