Take a Break with VV – Session 6
Welcome to another chat session!
It’s been a couple months since I did one of these so I thought it was time. For new readers, this is just a post I do every once in awhile to update you on what’s going on with the website and then open it up so we can chat about whatever you want.
So let’s see, what’s new with the site? Not much actually. Everything seems to be running smoothly and working as it should. I don’t have any major overhauls planned at the moment. I have noticed an increase in traffic in the last couple months, so thanks to you all for that!
I have been posting a lot of cosmetics and beauty posts, but also posting pretty much the same amount of nail posts as in the past. I have noticed though that while people often comment on nail posts, I don’t get very many on the other ones. Is there any reason why you might not be commenting? Just curious. I’m not going to let that stop me because while I know some people want me to only blog about nail polish, I will continue to do what I love doing, otherwise it gets boring for me. 
A quick Luuux update: They have removed most of the posts I complained about with a few exceptions, though it did take them about 10-14 days this time to do it. Supposedly they are working on implementing software that allows them to be notified whenever things have been downloaded from Google, etc. We shall see. You might have noticed you cannot right-click on my website anymore. I installed a program that prevents this specifically because of all the stealing that has been happening lately. While I know it won’t prevent people from taking pictures (via Google) or just doing screen shots, I think most people are lazy and try the direct copy & paste method, so hopefully this will cut down on some of it. At the very least I think it will help with my entire posts being swiped. Sorry if it’s caused any of you problems, but it’s an unfortunate step I felt I needed to take.
And on that same stealing note, I have been emailed quite a lot recently from readers who are alerting me to other websites using my material (thank you all). It REALLY shocks me that so many of these people actually think that Google owns the images on there! One woman tried to fight me and tell me that I was wrong, but she would remove it. She thought because it wasn’t watermarked that meant it was up for grabs! I just don’t understand how people cannot grasp the concept that every single thing on the internet is owned by someone, and it’s not Google. Try stealing some Coca-Cola images and see how fast you get slapped with a C&D.
What are you reading now? As you may know from one of my last Friday polls, I recently finished The Hunger Games series and am still trying to find something that gripping. I did read the first two books in another post-apocalyptic series called Uglies and Pretties, but they are kind of just ok. I started reading a book called The Maze and it’s pretty good. Another post-apocalyptic series (for young adults).
In other news have you ever had Cincinnati style chili? I made it this recently in my slow cooker and I am still talking about it. Basically it’s chili (minus any tomatoes) over spaghetti noodles. Hot damn it’s good, especially in a slow cooker!
Let’s chat about whatever is on your mind, I’ll be around all day!
-VV
Welcome! My name is Kelly and Vampy Varnish is a animal friendly beauty blog.
I actually really enjoy your makeup posts. Too be honest, I don’t as much as I should!
jbrobeck´s last post…Essie Winter 2010 Skittles
Hi jbrobeck,
Thanks! How are you on this fine Friday?
Hi!
I’m a new reader of your blog and just saying I love the swatch pictures xD but oh man your LUSH review is making me want to run out to my nearest shop which is only like, a mile and a half away heh.
About people stealing your images though, there are other ways of people being able to copy and paste them; ctrl clicking, going through the source code etc… hopefully you can reduce the amount of people stealing them though :/ that’s just ridiculous the amount of stuff that gets stolen from you and other nail bloggers.
Hi Steph,
Thanks! Oh I know there are plenty of ways, but this might help with some of the lazy ones. I think some of these people aren’t smart enough to know to go to the source code anyway, haha!
Hey Kelly! Happy Halloween Weekend
I love your nail polish reviews, but I rarely comment (I should more often!) I think the reason I never comment makeup posts is because it’s not often that makeup makes me crazy. I wear it everyday, and always love trying new things – but it just isn’t as exciting to me as nail polish. I do love that sometimes you actually show looks done with the products as opposed to just swatches on the skin. It’s helpfull to see the lipstick or shadow on someones face. I think it gives a better frame of refrence. Anyways, keep up the great work and I can’t wait to see what you bring us next!
Hi Sassyjeni,
Yeah I know not everyone is as into makeup as nail polish. I think a lot of the new readers I have found me because of the makeup posts, but the long-time readers like the nail posts more. I will try and post more full-face pics!
Hi Kelly, please, please, please continue posting about make-up! I love it!
I bought a Sigma brushes set because of your review, and I couldn’t be more enchanted! I had no idea I could be capable of dealing with make-up and right now I’m fascinated. I don’t comment much, is true, I should. Mostly because I’m learning make-up through you: brands, shades, appliccation, whats good,what’s not-so-good, etc. so i rarely have something to say. I’m already waiting impatiently for your “October’s favorite” on youtube.
THANKS!
Hi Nat,
Oh no worries, I won’t stop! I am really glad you liked the Sigma brushes, they are pretty nice!
I loved The Hunger Games. I also read the Ugly series, I enjoyed it, but I’ve read better. Another young adult/child series I really enjoyed was the His Dark Materials trilogy. That movie The Golden Compass is based on one of the books. Have you read the Sookie Stackhouse series? They are an easy trashy read, but I enjoyed them. There were some good sex scenes
. Also the Pretty Little Liars series was pretty riveting, way better than the television series. I could go on and on about books, but check those out that I mentioned. Particularly His Dark Materials if you like fantasy.
Oh! And I forgot to say, I enjoy your makeup posts. I also loved when you talked about the jacket you got in your last favorites video. I like reading a variety of things. Looking at polish all the time gets boring (and expensive -_-). I particularly love pics of the kittehs.
Have you ever done a post documenting your storage? I love seeing how other store stuff, I’m always getting new and better ideas.
Hi Tamika,
I read most of the Sookie series awhile ago. I have read the first 1 of Pretty Little Liars and do plan on continuing it. Light & trashy, but fun
Thx for the other recs!
I have done a few posts and a video of my polish and storage in the past. I will probably do another one soon-ish since it’s all been re-arranged and changed a bit.
This is actually my first time commenting, though I have been following your blog for a few weeks now. I discovered your blog while looking for nail polish reviews, but I also enjoy your make up reviews – especially your Tartan Tale posts. Thanks for all the awesome swatches of everything!
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for dropping by and glad you like it!
I like your make-up posts, but rarely comment them, because it’s either unavailble in my country and/or I haven’t tired it yet, so I don’t know what to say about it.
But I wish we had the labels here too, because the swatches and comments about pigmentation and so on are very useful.
I’m glad the Luuux problem got fixed (although they did take their time, didn’t they?). And yeah, people think if it’s on the internet, it’s not stealing, it’s just the way it goes, sadly. Also because you really get lost in amount of data and think nobody will notice that you’re posting pictures that belong to someone else. Sad, really, especially if they fight back the rightful owner. o.O
I’m currently reading The Joke by Milan Kundera, excellent author. It’s not a famous novel by him, you probably know better his Unbearable Lightness Of Being. I love his works.
Hm, I guess one of the consequences of your protection is that I cant go back to my previous writing in the comment? I just wanted to add to make up section that you’re making my Lush “to buy” list longer, which is not a good thing for my wallet.
Have a good weekend!
Ulmiel´s last post…Comparison- S-he 437 vs China Glaze – Stroll
Hi Ulimel,
They sure did take their time. I think they are inundated with requests but that’s not my problem!
Not sure what you mean about the comment writing, the Plugin shouldn’t have anything to do with commenting. Let me know what yo mean, maybe I am misunderstanding.
Yay for LUSH I am a new-ish convert and so far like everything I have tried from them.
I noticed that too Kelly. I can’t click with my mouse to go back and correct something nor can I use the arrow keys. I have to delete to go back.
Good to know thanks I will have to re-think this then…
Tamika already described it perfectly.
I thought it’s a part of your blog protection, since then nobody can copy links or other spam in comment box.
Ulmiel´s last post…Comparison- S-he 437 vs China Glaze – Stroll
I’m a new reader as well, and am really enjoying going back and reading the archives!
I tend to pay less attention to the makeup posts because I’m already pretty set in my make up routine, and I can’t afford a ton of makeup even if I weren’t. Plus I don’t have too many occasions to wear some of the more dramatic makeup, but I can always wear a stand-out color on my nails.
I have to say all the makeup is very pretty to look at, though.
Hi Mich,
Welcome and so glad you like it
Hi, I love the make up posts too and really like the videos (especially when a kitteh sneaks in the frame!) Your nail polish reviews have been very dangerous for my bank balance and have resulted in a stash of Milani colours bought from US Ebay and I dare not even start looking for Lippman colours or those lovely ones meant for men
Have you done similar with UK ranges such as Nails Inc or Leighton Denny? Now there lies financial ruin …..
Hi Allie Duerden,
I haven’t reviewed a lot of the British brands since we don’t have a lot of them over here. Which sounds like it might be good for you, haha!
Hey, VV. I really appreciate the hard work you do and how you introduce us to new brands (especially the polishes). I’m fairly set for makeup, but I do enjoy seeing your reviews. I really like it when your reviews (for makeup) include wear-test. This is so helpful!
Right now I’m reading a novel titled “Capturing Paris” by Katharine Davis. I went to Paris last February, so I’m enjoying the imagery of this book.
I haven’t made Cincinnati chili, but I do use my slow-cooker a ton! I have 2 kids, so it’s an easy way for me to get dinner on the table.
Are you going to do a Halloween nails post? I am having fun with my nails this year…currently rocking Essie’s “Licorice’ and CG’s “Ick-A-Bod-Y” What are you wearing on your nails for Halloween?
Hi SB_Sweetie,
I love the slow cooker and really need to use it more. I tend to use it more in the fall/winter, but always forget about it until Sundays. I won’t leave it on when I’m not home (at work) because I’m paranoid.
I probably won’t do a Halloween nails post in terms of nail art or anything since I don’t really do it. I might post a bunch of black and orange colors though, not sure. I don’t know what if anything I’m wearing. Our plans kind of went down the drain this year so I think we’re staying in with the lights off and watching TV.
Sounds like the Grinch stole your Halloween! Well, have fun, whatever you do!
Yeah he kind of did. That and whoever controls time
New reader. Really enjoy your review of makeup and the pretty nail polishes swatches.
Thx.
Jen´s last post…TGIF
Hi Jen,
Thanks for reading!
i’m not very adventurous with my makeup…stick to the basics. though i’m not a regular commenter on any topic….but that doesn’t mean i don’t appreciate all the hard work you put into vv!
what did you think about the hunger games? read the first book on a whim and was totally hooked! i loved the series. i don’t know what it is, but even in my mid-20s, I really enjoy books marketed to young adults (ahem…twilight). Have you read Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater? That’s a good one. I also just read a book called The Body Finder by Kimberly something or other. Again, YA book, but I liked it! I could go on and on about books…
Hi Jessica D,
I loved all three books, but struggled with the third a little. I didn’t think it was quite as gripping as the first 2. I haven’t read Shiver or The Body Finger but thanks for the recs, I am always looking for new stuff! The ones I am reading now are also in the YA category but still good.
I like the makeup posts – I’m not a rampant commenter on anyone’s blog, though. I should make an effort to say more, but I do read and look at the pretty pictures!
I’m trying to imagine a chilli without tomato… I think I might have to try that.
Hi Dee,
Haha it was really good, trust me. It’s kind of like chili/spaghetti combo. I didn’t miss the tomato!
I’m glad everything turned out well for you.No one should have their property stolen like that. I’d read your blog regardless of what you decide to post.I love it all
I love Hunger Games because it is such a fantastic series! Katniss Everdeen is one of my favourite heroines of fiction.She’s awesome. I stuck with the ‘Uglies’/'Pretties’ series until the end and I was very disappointed with them as a whole.One book I’m looking forward to reading is ‘I Am Number Four’ by Pittacus Lore.It sounds like a really interesting read.(If you’re into thrillers about aliens.)Unfortunately,it’s also being made into a movie and I always have adverse reactions to most film adaptations of books.If you’re looking for a title comparable to The Hunger Games,try ‘Battle Royale’ by Koushun Takami.It’s much more graphic than HG,but equally as gripping.
Can you tell I used to sell teen books?
Ginger´s last post…Pretty Skulls
Hi Ginger,
I don’t know if I can finish the Uglies series though I am always one to want to finish a series I start, even if I hate it, haha. I know what you mean about movies being made from books, I always have an issue with them also. A lot of them I will still see but am almost always disappointed. I still can’t get over Tom Cruise as Lestat and I HATE the stupid one-liners they gave him in that.
Battle Royale sounds good thanks!
heey vv, love your site & all the makeup posts. you inspired me to mix things up a little with my makeup, and instead of my usual mascara and black eyeliner, iver tried out silver, gray, green, purple & blue eyeliners.
ive been getting alot of attention from people at school, i was stopped by a grade 12 today, just so she could tell me i had gorgeous eyes
thanks for doing this blog, and all of your hard work that goes into it.
much love!!!<3<3<3
Hi jennifer,
Glad I have helped, thanks!!
Hi! I’m enjoying the make-up posts! I’ve never had Cincinnati chili but while living in Pittsburgh, I encountered a few with a Hershey bar mixed in. Who knew?! And it was great!
I’m planning on checking out some of the books mentioned. My Halloween mani will be zombie zest and I’m still pondering my pedi. I may need to pick up a new polish – I shouldn’t be pondering last minute like this.
I’m totally crushing for some Deborah Lippmann and RBL. I may be an anomoly, but I have never purchased anything(whatsoever) from MAC.
Happy to here the Luuux situation has improved. VV is such a fantastic site and all of your hardwork is amazingly awesome. I would probably never know if things were copied and pasted from my flickr site though there are license levels, I probably don’t understand it all, though. I need to investigate settings!
Anywho – Have a great weekend!
Happy Halloween!
Hi Debbie,
Chili with a Hershey bar sounds kinda delicious!!
Have fun on Halloween!
Hi Kelly!
I’m a long-time reader and I love all of your posts. I especially like how you vary the posts and have branched out to include makeup. Of course, all of this is terrible for my wallet but I still love it!
Please keep up the fun stuff! Currently, I’m stressed out about school. I’m finishing up in December, which is a semester early, and the work has been piling on lately. I’m working the next two days but I’m so excited for trick-or-treating with my little cousins on Sunday. Have a good weekend and enjoy Halloween!
Hi Kasey,
Congrats for almost finishing school, yay!!
Have a great time trick or treating on Sunday.
I just recently discovered your site (and promptly bookmarked it). Actually, I just recently started wearing nail polish a few months ago. I don’t post many comments because I’m still new to all this and don’t have much to say that hasn’t already been said. I’m not really familiar enough with all the brands and colors to ask for comparisons.
I do read the makeup posts, but I never comment on those because I don’t really wear makeup. Rarely I’ll put on some cheap drugstore lipstick, but that’s it. I will gladly stay up late or get up early just so I can do my nails, but I find makeup a waste of time.Maybe because with makeup you have to put it on (and remove it) every single day, but most nail polish lasts a week or more. Though personally, after 2 or 3 days I’m already itching to change the color again. suppose it’s a good thing I’m not into makeup. I’ve only been wearing polish for a few months and I already have almost 40 colors! (I can’t help it it Ulta has a sale, lol) My husband would kill me if I started buying makeup too.
I’m glad you got the Luuux thing sorted out, and I understand that you need to protect yourself from people stealing your hard work, but I wish there was a better way than locking the right click function. When I open a link, I like to right click so I can open it in a new tab and not lose the page I was on. And I’m also having the issue with not being able to go back with either clicking or the arrow keys to edit my text in the comment box.
HI Kim,
Thanks for commenting and reading the site!
I think I am going to have to remove that right-click protect since quite a few people have told me what you have. I didn’t realize it would do that and I don’t want it to be a problem for people.
Wow, where did you find software that prevents right clicking? That should definitely help! Have you read Edgar Sawtielle (which I’m sure I misspelled)? It was really good, and perfect for dog lovers like us
Loving your blog, as always! Have a Happy Halloween!!!
-Brooke
Brooke´s last post…October Orange – Black- Orange- & Bats
I like your makeup posts! I’ve been getting into makeup more lately and I find them interesting. Your photos and swatches are always really well done. Keep doing what you love! =)
I too love both kinds of posts; knowing whether something that is kind of pricey is worth it or not is very valuable to me! I love makeup and nail polish but I’m just as happy to have something that is $4 and works as I am to indulge in something that is dear but worth every penny. And your blog was good therapy for me in another way; I was unemployed all summer and having something fun to focus on, which led me to some better self-care, kept me from going insane. I had been in a job that made me very unhappy and stressed and the resulting depression caused me to allow my looking-nice routine to fall by the wayside. (When you are sick to your stomach as soon as you wake up because you have to go someplace you don’t want to go, its hard to take much effort or pride in your appearance.)
I’m happy to report a few things:
1)I have a new job that I love.
2) I get up and get around and put my face on, on a DAILY basis.
3) I’ve let glitters back into my life. My nails are always done, and I’ve developed a bit of a reputation at the ER with the nurses (I am a volunteer EMT) who always want to see ‘what I’ve got on them this week’. It may seem silly, but if you can make people smile in that context you contribute to morale and that’s always good.
I’d love a recipe for that chili! IS it just a normal chili recipe sans tomatoes, or are there other things in it instead?
Shieldmaiden1196´s last post…202-549
hey ya! i stumbled upon your blog and i love your posts! your posts actually made me think really hard to start wearing those makeup i’ve purchased over the months or so. and i’m a reader from singapore and many cult brands are not being sold here!!!! just like sugarpill and many many more. even china glaze and o.p.i are only available in certain colours! i say you do an amazing job and please keep it up!
Hey VV!
Sorry I am late to this conversation but I really enjoy your blog! First I have a question: do you ever worry about some of your products going bad–be it makeup, nail polish, etc.? For a while I was a major beauty junkie, but then I did not like the fact that I could not use all of what I had before some of it went bad. Maybe it is just me not liking clutter, I don’t know. But I wanted to hear your take on it.
Second, have you ever read A Thousand Splendid Suns? It is on the sad side, but at the same time such a beautiful story! I could not put it down, and I’m a junior in college so I am often too busy for pleasure books! I’ll try to check out some of the books you mentioned.
Thanks,
Lynn