Monday, April 30, 2012

ASBMF Challenge #11-Eggs and Chicks

I figured why not take it literally?  Maybe not the chicks.  I was a vegetarian for several years so I don't want to harm any animals but the egg part....maybe.  I originally wanted to coat several nails in an actual egg shell but those shells are really curved, even when you crack them.  They just don't lie flat at all.  I had to settle for small pieces of cracked egg shell.  That's right, real egg shells. 

I have used flocking before but found a different brand by Martha Stewart that has glitter mixed in.  Love glitter as many of you already know.  Really makes it look very chick-like.  And, very fluffy.


And, because I know you are all wondering since you plan on trying this out on your own nails, the shells do stay fixed firmly using only polish to adhere.  No top coat, that would only detract from the beauty of the natural shell.



This challenge was created by the lovely Hannah from Polished Prisms. You can check out the group's facebook page to see all the designs in one spot but please take the time to see what the other ladies have done along with their blogs here also...........
Amanda from Mandy's Polish


Nail Polish Tag



I was tagged by the lovely Hema at Rainbow nails.  She gave me some questions related to polish to answer..........

What's your favorite nail polish company?
For regular polish-I don't have a favorite brand.  I only care about the color. For gel polish-hands down...Gelish!!  Because it offers the most color variety.

Glitter or no glitter?
Glitter....Glitter....Glitter.  Never too much of it!!!

OPI, China Glaze, or Essie?
I have plenty of OPI and China Glaze but I do not own one single Essie.  I feel almost ashamed to write this.

When do you change your nail polish?
As often as I am able to.  Sometimes, three times in a day, sometimes once a week.  Depends on what life delivers me.

What's your favourite colour on your nails?
Purple.

Darks or brights?
Both.  I try to steer clear of brights during the week, especially if it involves nail art.  My job requires that I be somewhat conservative.  I usually wear darker colors.

What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?
Water Marbling consisting of three super bright colors.  Color Club and China Glaze.  Haven't blogged about it yet so I am keeping it a secret.

Matte nails in or out?
Definitely in by looking at the blogging world but not really my thing.  I am going to keep at it though.  I do see some I like every now and again.
French Manicure?
I love a great french manicure.  I also like a unique takes on the traditional french manicure, like glitter tips.

Favourite summer colours?
If I didn't work where I was....neons.  So I save them for the weekends. :)

TAG ANOTHER POLISH LOVER: I tag Ducky from I Love Pretty Colors....can't wait to see what she has to say.

Spring Challenge-Rainbows.

I actually already did rainbows recently in the other challenge I am participating in.  So, I wanted to do something really different for this one.  I got on the microbead wagon a few weeks ago but have yet to try them out.  The beads I bought were really shiny and I didn't want to take away from their pretty colors by using polish underneath.  I was afraid that some of the color might coat the beads.  I just used a clear coat to get them to stick.

I am just so attracted to these shiny beads.  They are all really pretty colors.  I was thinking tht I would have no reason to use them again but I actually came up with some cool concepts while using them.  I will save them for a later date.




The Spring Challenge was hosted by Mateja at Purple Glitters. You can read more about her VERY creative challenge and the rules here.  THANK MATEJA, This was a lot of fun!!!!

Please stop over to see what the other ladies did in the challenge...
Taya from Taya

Saturday, April 28, 2012

ASBMF Challenge #10-Butterflies

This is for my cousin Beth who lives in Arlington.  That's right Arlington VA, as in , next to the capitol of the United States of America.  One of the biggest cities in the country.  One might assume that you could buy or eat anything there within one or two blocks.  Sadly, the one thing that escapes her is revlon's Whimsical.  Here is the evidence below......


Had I known, I could have given it to her this weekend in NYC, where we met halfway for a visit.  So, at her request, I am using it so she can live vicariously through me.  Oh, and it's also is a base for my next item on the challenge which is butterflies. 



Definitely not my color.  Kind of makes my fingers look like they belong to a corpse.  If Whimsical continues to be M.I.A. in the D.C. area, I will be shipping it down there soon. 


This challenge was created by the lovely Hannah from Polished Prisms. You can check out the group's facebook page to see all the designs in one spot but please take the time to see what the other ladies have done along with their blogs here also...........
Amanda from Mandy's Polish
Heidi from DIY Polish & More!
Katee fromA Girl and Her Polish
Charlotte from Charlotte's Nails
Tess from Football and Fingernails
Karine at Karinea0a
Victoria from Manicurator
Ashley from One Nail To Another
Dani from Rustic Comfort
Amanda from Counting Down to Bliss
Kayono from Neues vom Kellerkind
Sarah from All This Polish
April from Munia's Nails
Cari from Cari's Litttle Corner

ASBMF Challenge-#9-Fresh Cut Lawns

As soon as I saw this challenge item, I knew what I wanted to do.  I just wasn't sure if it would come out like I had pictured or if it would be a flop.  I really like it a lot.  Thanks to Bethany at A Plethora of Nails, I used Sinful Colors Cinderella for the base coat.  I won it through one of her giveaways.  Then I glued on some emerald tinsel with clear polish (after I painted the tips with Orly Green With Envy).  I used stripers to add the sun, the clouds and, of course, the mower.......

Charlotte from Charlotte's-Nails did something very similar earlier on.  Great minds think alike!!



I am fairly certain I will have green tinsel stuck to my hair and face and hands for the next week or so.  Hard to get rid of that stuff.

This challenge was created by the lovely Hannah from Polished Prisms. You can check out the group's facebook page to see all the designs in one spot but please take the time to see what the other ladies have done along with their blogs here also...........
Amanda from Mandy's Polish
Heidi from DIY Polish & More!
Katee fromA Girl and Her Polish
Charlotte from Charlotte's Nails
Tess from Football and Fingernails
Karine at Karinea0a
Victoria from Manicurator
Ashley from One Nail To Another
Dani from Rustic Comfort
Amanda from Counting Down to Bliss
Kayono from Neues vom Kellerkind
Sarah from All This Polish
April from Munia's Nails
Cari from Cari's Little Corner

If I missed anyone, please leave me a comment, I think a few new people started and I don't want to leave anyone out.


Thursday, April 26, 2012

Gelish Deep Sea with stamping two ways

Keeping with the same idea of of gel polish with varying themes.  Here I used Gelish Deep Sea.  I have to say that I am a bigger fan of Gelish than Shellac.  I love Shellac but Gelish color variety just can't be beat.  I didn't take a picture of the Deep Sea on it's own because I don't really love the color by itself. I went right for a stamp.

I used Cheeky CH16 with Color Club's Lumin-icecent.  Looks like cute silverish flowers.  The color stamped great on the navy.


After a day of this, I wanted to change it up.  Even with a metallic base polish, removal was a breeze with non-acetone remover.  Next up......

Same Gelish Deep Sea base, this time I stamped on top with Cheeky CH7 and Milani Violet Dash.  Again, stamped beautifully.  Finished it off with some purple rhinestones to bring out the purple color even more.


I like the second look better but that is the purple fan in me.  The thing I love the most.....versatility and, the fact that I screwed up on the stamp because I was not quick enough and I just had to wipe it off and redo.  Never have to worry about messing up your basecoat.

Shellac Hollywood with dots

For those that follow my little blog, you know that I am really into polish of all kinds but I love gel polish.  Many times when I am doing one design or playing with items on the challenge list, I have on a base and top coat (usually in Gelish, sometimes Shellac).  I keep that same base and top coat on for at least a week and change out the design with regular polish on top using non-acetone polish remover.  Periodically, I like to use a Gelish or Shellac color and then do something creative on top.  I am a huge fan of red.  Love the color Hollywood from Shellac.  I did this a few weeks ago and then topped it with dots.

People at work said it reminded them of I Love Lucy.  It reminded me a lot of a cartoon mushroom top.  Color looks great in the sun.  I wore it like this for a few days and then I decided to add another layer....


I added a coat of Essie Matte About You to the top.  I am not a big "matte" fan but I did kind of like the way it turned out.  I am way happier about the shine in the first photo since I am a glitter girl through and through.


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Spring Challenge-Bugs.....Lightning

The spring challenge's next doozy was to do bugs.  I am left with yellow and green as my color combo.  I hate how my nails look in yellow.  My skin is way too pale Irish to pull off yellow.  And, I could not imagine a design that I would like using bugs.  Turns out, it was a good thing I saved a litle bit of green for last.  I decided it would be cool to do lightning bugs.  I love them.  Who doesn't????  They are just the most amazing things.  I painted a base coat with Orly Spark and found some great glow in the dark polish from OPI called Zom-body to love.  So then I went to work......

I wanted one cartoon like bug on the accent nail and the rest to look like lightening bugs in the distance.  Of course, you all know what I planned on doing next.......


Only one problem....the polish is kept in a dark room with no sunlight and it needs sunlight to activate the "glow" feature.  This made it impossible to take a picture because.....THERE IS NO SUN OUT TODAY!!!!  How could I make sun???  Many of my fellow bloggers would think the same way as me, I am sure.  I got out the gel UV light and stuck my hand in for a minute.  Voila....



Not the clearest image in the world but it worked.  I think it is really cool.  I may try this again in the futue with a funky stamp pattern. 

The Spring Challenge is being hosted by Mateja at Purple Glitters. You can read more about her VERY creative challenge and the rules here.

Please stop over to see what the other ladies who are in the challenge are doing...

Taya from Taya
Kat from Hooked on Polish
Kelly-Ann from Nail Art By Kelly-Ann
Riley from Pinky to Thumb
Aylin from Posh Nail Art
Brianna from Welcome to Brianna's World
Aurora from of World of Happy Nails
Mateja of Mateji Ustvarjata
The Nail Buff
Moonchild
Anna
Colorful Bottle
Thalie from Glazed Talons
Hema from Rainbow Nails
Nailpocalypse
Lady-flower 123
Nail Crazy
Mimi's Vanity Box

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

ASBMF Challenge-#8 Matte Magic

This challenge was created by the lovely Hannah from Polished Prisms. You can check out the group's facebook page to see all the designs in one spot but please take the time to see what the other ladies have done along with their blogs here also...........


Amanda from Mandy's Polish
Heidi from DIY Polish & More!
Katee fromA Girl and Her Polish
Charlotte from Charlotte's Nails
Tess from Football and Fingernails
Karine at Karinea0a
Victoria from Manicurator
Ashley from One Nail To Another
Dani from Rustic Comfort
Amanda from Counting Down to Bliss
Kayono from Neues vom Kellerkind
Sarah from All This Polish
April from Munia's Nails

If I missed anyone, please leave me a comment, I think a few new people started and I don't want to leave anyone out.





I know I have said this before in one of my blogs but matte is just not something I really am into.  I am rarely a fan of how it looks, although I have run across a few that have grown on me.  As a side note, I am also anti-crackle.  I just can't get into that stuff at all.  However, for all those other anti-crackles out there, you have to check this out.  Done by The Gorgeoisie one of newest favorite bloggers. I just love her stuff. So simple but really cool looking.  Anyway, I digress......you will see why in a minute....

I started out (since I had it on the brain from glitter tips), with two base coats of Nubar Hyacinth Sparkle.  I wish the camera could catch the glitter, it just kind of looks gritty.

 
 
 
Maybe I should have put another top coat or two on because it looks like it just soaked it totally up.  I wore it like this for a few days to avoid the matte finish, and finally.....
 
This is with a stamp of Konad Special White using cheeky CH11.  Then I applied Matte About You.  Results?????  Still don't like Matte.  I am not giving up yet though.
 
 
 
 

Sunday, April 22, 2012

ASBMF Challenge-#7-Glitter Tips

This challenge was created by the lovely Hannah from Polished Prisms.  You can check out the group's  facebook page to see all the designs in one spot but please take the time to see what the other ladies have done along with their blogs here also...........

Amanda from Mandy's Polish
Heidi from DIY Polish & More!
Katee fromA Girl and Her Polish
Charlotte from Charlotte's Nails
Tess from Football and Fingernails
Karine at Karinea0a
Victoria from Manicurator
Ashley from One Nail To Another
Dani from Rustic Comfort
Amanda from Counting Down to Bliss
Kayono from Neues vom Kellerkind
Sarah from All This Polish
April from Munia's Nails


Ever since I saw the first swatches posted of Nubar's Sparkle Colection, I knew I wanted to buy them.  Unfortunately, I didn't pay much attenton to the reviews that went with them so when I ordered the polishes, I didn't order based on what colors had the best quality, just the most visably appealing colors...MISTAKE!!!  I had not tried them yet until this challenge came up and I couldn't have imagined a better time to try them out.  I wanted to do jagged tips since I had seen so many hunger games fire nails with that look but I tried several times and failed because the polish sticks together and when you pull off the tape, everything omes off with it.  Didn't matter if I tried when still wet or when totally dry.  I gave up and went with simple tips. 


Now, originally I had five colors, one for each finger but I abandoned this quickly when I realized that Night Sparkle is just not very....well....sparkly!!  It is really dark colored navy pigmented polish with some gilitter mixed in but, when not in sunlight, you could barely tell there was any sparkle.  It was very dark and just didn't go with the other colors.  So, for the rest.......

Index and pinky are in Sky Sparkel.  Love the color but, it went on very thin.  It took three more coats to get the same amount of coverage as some of the others.  The color, however, is amazing.  So if you have the time and and patience, it is worth it in the end.

The ring finger is done in Violet Sparkle.  This also took a few more coats to get enough coverage and the glitter is a bit more dulled.  It also was the only one that had major shrinkage even before the top coat was put on.

The middle finger is done in Petunia Sparkle.  Great coverage, super blingy.  Definitely a keeper.

But, the best is saved for last.  Now, I know I am a purple-a-holic but Hyancinth Sparkle on the thumb goes on so smooth, amazing coverage in just one coat.  No shrinkage. I am in love with this color.  Actually, I may use this for one of my next challenges.  Absolutely worth the buy!!!  And, it was the only one that didn't peel off when I tried to do the jagged tips with tape.  I should have just stuck with doing all fingers with hyacinth but at least I could give my opinion for anone else out there looking to buy. 





Spring Challenge-Fruit and Dots

Just got home from spending the weekend in NYC with my cousins.  Had a fantastic weekend, beautiful weather.  Finally got to see the 9/11 memorial.  Amazing thing to witness live.  The videos I have seen just do not do it justice.  Great food and great times.....love those NYC bagels.  So, right off the train, I started thinking.......my next item on the Spring Challenge is due today.  No idea what I was going to do. Finally decided on bright colors.  I am in love with this combination.


There is just something about orange and pink together that I love.  I used China Glaze, Rich & Famous and Sun Worshiper. 


 My only regret is that I would have used a larger size dotting tool for the dots.  Other than that, I am really happy with the outcome.  Now I need to go and take a nap.  Two straight days of walking all over the city is exhusting. 

 
The Spring Challenge is being hosted by Mateja at Purple Glitters. You can read more about her VERY creative challenge and the rules here.

Please stop over to see what the other ladies who are in the challenge did today...

Taya from Taya
Ducky from I love Pretty Colors
Kat from Hooked on Polish
Kelly-Ann from Nail Art By Kelly-Ann
Riley from Pinky to Thumb
Aylin from Posh Nail Art
Brianna from Welcome to Brianna's World
Aurora from of World of Happy Nails
Mateja of Mateji Ustvarjata
The Nail Buff
Moonchild
Anna
Colorful Bottle
Thalie from Glazed Talons
Hema from Rainbow Nails
Nailpocalypse
Lady-flower 123
Nail Crazy
Mimi's Vanity Box

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

ASBMF #6-Ombre

OK, now that I know what ombre means.  I have researched this quite a bit since I saw it on the challenge list.  There was much discussion on the facebook page regarding whether this means fading colors on the same nail or from one nail to the next.  It seems that there is no clear answer on this.  I did learn that it is french for shaded so I guess that means you can shade whatever, and however you like.  I like both looks but I LOVE that clean transition on one nail when it comes out right. And.....I love the opportunity to use purple in any way, shape or form.



So here is my "ombre" using the sponging technique with a cosmetic sponge.  I used Revlon's Impulsive and Charming and Milani's Violet Dash.  Of course, I started out with a white base coat.  Some imperfections because I did the base at night and then went to bed after two coats so there are some subtle wrinkle marks.


Even with the flaws, I am totally in love with the color.

Please stop over and check out the contributions of the other ladies who are completing the challenge...........

Amanda from Mandy's Polish
Heidi from DIY Polish & More!
Katee fromA Girl and Her Polish
Charlotte from Charlotte's Nails
Tess from Football and Fingernails
Karine at Karinea0a
Victoria from Manicurator
Ashley from One Nail To Another
Dani from Rustic Comfort
Amanda from Counting Down to Bliss
Kayono from Neues vom Kellerkind
Sarah from All This Polish
April from Munia's Nails
And of course, the creator of the challenge, Hannah from Polished Prisms. 

Spring Challenge-Flowers and Stripes

This is my second post for the Spring Challenge that is being hosted by Mateja at Purple Glitters. You can read more about her VERY creative challenge and the rules here.  For this post entitled flowers and stripes, I chose to use the color combination of blue and purple.  Once a color combination is chosen for a particular challenge item, it can't be used again.  So, you have to plan wisely.  I think it was a great color combination.


I used Cerulean Seascape from Finger Paints for the tips and striped it with Milani's Violet Dash.  A few dots in Color Club White and a finishing ouch of a flower to tie it all together.  I really love the final product.  I just adore these colors together.  The official post date is the 18th but I will not have time tomorrow, so I am getting it done now.


Please stop over to see what the other ladies who are in the challenge are doing tomorrow...

Taya from Taya
Ducky from I love Pretty Colors
Kat from Hooked on Polish
Kelly-Ann from Nail Art By Kelly-Ann
Riley from Pinky to Thumb
Aylin from Posh Nail Art
Brianna from Welcome to Brianna's World
Aurora from of World of Happy Nails
Mateja of Mateji Ustvarjata
The Nail Buff
Moonchild
Anna
Colorful Bottle
Thalie from Glazed Talons
Hema from Rainbow Nails
Nailpocalypse
Lady-flower 123
Nail Crazy
Mimi's Vanity Box

I think I got everyone, if a link doesn't work, I got a name wrong, or if you want me to add your name in where there isn't one, let me know.  

Sunday, April 15, 2012

ASBMF Challenge- #5-Rainbow...Fuzzy that is


Next up on the challenge was a rainbow after the rain.  Ever since I saw Christina at Let Them Have Polish do fuzzy chick nails for easter, I had to run out and buy some flocking.  I have seen it done more recently and someone had gone into great detail explaining how you can still wash your hands and everything without disturbing the fuzz.  I LOVED the idea!!!!  But how could I use it in any of the challenges I am doing?  I know....use all the colors of he rainbow!!!! 
Well, not ALL the colors, and I did struggle with how to do ROY G BIV using only one hand to get everything in.  Well, the store had no Indigo flocking so that brought me down to six.  I decided, after much thought and discussion with the controller at work who is a CPA, there is no simple way to do this.  I had to just abandon purple.  Why you ask?  It is my favorite color and I already have another idea rolling around in my head to use it on it's own.  Now, the flocking can be bought at any craft supply store and usually comes in plastic tubs or small glass vials like this.....


I painted a base coat in each color and then just dusted the nails with each vial of flocking powder and blew it off when I was done.  The result....It actually feels like velvet.  Can't stop touching it. 


You can see it is really fuzzy.  I am in love with it.  I may do red white and blue for 4th of July.  Or maybe velvet isn't appropriate for summer????

Anyway, please feel free to stop over and check out the contributions of the other ladies, 
Jess from Nearly Natural Nails
Amanda from Mandy's Polish
Heidi from DIY Polish & More!
Katee fromA Girl and Her Polish
Charlotte from Charlotte's Nails
Tess from Football and Fingernails
Karine at Karinea0a
Victoria from Manicurator
Ashley from One Nail To Another
Dani from Rustic Comfort
Amanda from Counting Down to Bliss
Kayono from Neues vom Kellerkind
Sarah from All This Polish
April from Munia's Nails
And of course, the creator of the challenge, Hannah from Polished Prisms.

Fantasia

Lindsey over at The Neverland Nail Blog is having a nail art contest called Do you believe in Magic?  You can read more about the rules here.  Now, I have to admit.  It isn't my favorite topic.  Not really into fairies and magic.  I told a friend about it and she suggested I do Fantasia from Disney.  Loved the idea.  I am not that great at drawing so I tried to display the power of magic in other ways using very noticeable references from the film.  The hat, wand and glitter for the "magic" of course.


What is always amazing to me is that you can buy the best quality brush and just take it out of the box and there is always that stray piece that is either going in it's own direction or longer than the rest by a smidge. 

Of course, my favorite is the hat with Mickey's ears attached.  I was going to do something with the brooms and buckets but I have zero colors in the brown and gold family with the exception of a few metallics which probably would not work well here.  

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Spring Challenge-Love and Life

OK, this is a little hectic but SUPER fun.  I signed up to participate in two challenges at the same time.  This is my first post for the Spring Challenge that is being hosted by Mateja at Purple Glitters.  You can read more about her VERY creative challenge and the rules here.

The topic for today's post is love and life and I selected green and pink for this particular challenge.  Love automatically brought hearts to mind for me.  When I thoght of life, I thought of healthcare since I work in it.  And, the symbol, for me of health and life is always the ankh.  If you are not familiar with it, it is an Egyptian Hieroglyphic character.  It means eternal life.  My father worked in research for a pharmaceutical company and I remember they used the symbol at his agency.  They used to give their employees keychains with the ankh on them.  So here is what I came up with.....


I painted a coat of Color Club Twiggie and then used saran wrap to dab on OPI Italian Love Affair.  The hearts are China Glaze Rich & Famous and I added the Ankh in rhinestones over Italian Love Afair on the accent nail.  Love the hyacinths as a backdrop except I probably will not be able to breathe the rest of the day.
Please stop over to see what the other ladies who are in the challenge are doing.  I have seen some really great interpretations from amazing designers.
Taya from Taya
Kelly-Ann from Nail Art By Kelly-Ann
Riley from Pinky to Thumb
Aylin from Posh Nail Art
Aurora from of World of Happy Nails
Thalie from Glazed Talons
Hema from Rainbow Nails
I think I got everyone, if a link doesn't work, I got a name wrong, or if you want me to add your name in where there isn't one, let me know.  Looking forward to this.....



ASBMF Challenge- #4 April Showers + Award

Here we are at item #4 on Hannah's list. April Showers, can I just say that I really spent quite a bit of time thinking and over-thinking this.  I tried a whole look with umbrellas and long tinsel for rain but it came out looking like a third grader might have painted it in art class.  I will show you my attempt in a small photo at the end of this blog.  If nothing else, someone with better art skills could use it for inspiration.  So......what I ended up with, I still don't like but I surrender.  It is what you and I are stuck with.


I am totally in love with Sally Hansen's Ice Queen.  Love the purple and blue glitters.  It does remind me of rain.  This was definiely my least favorite so far.  The others challenged my skills and forced me to try new things.  This challenged my brain and.....well.....you can see where that turns out.

Anyway, please feel free to stop over and check out the contributions of the other ladies, amazing designs they have created.......
Jess from Nearly Natural Nails
Amanda from Mandy's Polish
Heidi from DIY Polish & More!
Katee from A Girl and Her Polish
Charlotte from Charlotte's Nails
Tess from Football and Fingernails
Karine at Karinea0a
Victoria from Manicurator
Ashley from One Nail To Another
Dani from Rustic Comfort
Amanda from Counting Down to Bliss
Kayono from Neues vom Kellerkind
Sarah from All This Polish
April from Munia's Nails
And of course, the creator of the challenge, Hannah from Polished Prisms.


Now, I wanted to say a big thank you to Anna from Anna's Dope Blog for giving me the one lovely blog award.


This award asks you to list 7 things about yourself and then asks you to nominate 15 people for this award.  I will list some things about me because I love to read about other people when they do the same but I am not going to tag people specifically because I had mixed reactions the last time I did this.  Some people were pleasant but you can tell were annoyed at receiving a tag for it. Others didn't even acknowledge it at all.  It does involve quite a bit of work and not everyone has the award on their page so you may be giving it to someone for the 100th time.  Truthfully, I follow 174 blogs.  I think they are ALL equally lovely!!!

OK so 7 things.....

1) I ride a motorcycle.

2) I scuba dive and have done more than one shark dive.

3) I am addicted to reality TV (social worker by trade...perfect fit).

4) I am obsessed with pugs. 

5) I love working with the elderly.

6) My brother is an emergency room doctor.  Apparently we were both destined for healthcare.

7) I love sushi.

OK, back to my peek at the first try for April showers.....ready?

I made it very small so you can't see the hideous details.......
I tried to make it look like it wasn't raining under the umbrellas....