NOTD: Gilty Pleasure

Hey guys! I hope you all had a happy and fun 4th of July. Other than dinner at my in-laws, the hubby and I didn't do anything exiting to celebrate since the holiday fell mid-week. We both had to go back to work on Thursday unlike a lot of my friends so, I've just been sitting here envious of all their beach vacation photos they've been posting on facebook ever since. It's okay though... I have spiffy nails that I was able to paint in all my free time.

 
So for this manicure, I did a variation of the blue ombre nails from a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't a planned look... it just sort of evolved. I started out with plain gold nails using Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Nail Polish in Gilty Pleasure. Then I suddenly got the idea to do the ombre look using Essie Nail Polish in Licorice sponged on with a disposable eyeshadow applicator. And since I'm never ever satisfied, I topped it off with a coat of China Glaze Matte Magic and ta dah! Fierce gold and black nails.

I really like the ombre look because it's so quick and easy but still packs a punch. People always notice them and I get a lot of compliments or questions on how in the world I did it. So, do you like the ombre look and what are your favorite color combinations?


Thanks for reading!
Kim

Blue Ombre

This is actually my 3rd manicure since my last post but the other two were nothing to write home about. This one is a little different though. I'm not 100% pleased with how it turned out but it was a experiment in a different way to paint ombre nails. I followed this tutorial from The Beauty Department.

I think it was definitely quicker and easier than stamping or dabbing on each color individually but I wasn't to thrilled with my color choice. I should have know better because we all know blue polish is the worst for staining skin. I used all Essie brand polish and from left to right they are Smooth Sailing, Mesmerize, and Midnight Tango.

From start to finish, this whole look took about 20 minutes and 15 of that was spent getting the blue off my cuticles... it was the biggest pain. I'm definitely adding this style to my list of quick and easy mani's that pack a little punch and I can't wait to try it again. Next time, I'm thinking pink or silver with black tips. What color combos do you think would look good on ombre nails?

Thanks for reading!

- Kim

It's Been a While

Well, this is awkward... I know I said I'd try to start blogging again but as you can see, I sure as heck haven't. I know, I know... I suck. I haven't done my own nails in months! I've been getting the gel manicures at the salon since they last 2-3 weeks just because it's simpler and I can wash dishes without gloves (lamest reason ever). On the down side of that, I'm fair skinned and prone to freckles and moles so I'm not really feeling the whole UV light to cure the gel polish situation. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and have never ever seen the inside of a tanning bed so I think the lamps at the salon might fall into that same category. Maybe? I don't know.

Anywho, I was going through my polish stash and tools reminiscing on the good times. (I miss you Konad.) I really want to get back into painting... I need a creative outlet and with the wedding insanity over, I can get back to doing my thing. So stay tuned... I have a few days left with my current mani and then it's going to be art time!

Love ya!
Kim

P.S. - What in the heck happened with the blogger format?? I am soooo confused!

Well, Look What the Cat Dragged In...

So, um... it's looks like I've been on a bit of an unintentional hiatus. First and foremost, I'd like to apologize to my followers for my disappearing act. My bad! Also, thank you guys for the messages encouraging me to come and continue blogging. That meant a lot to me!

So what happened, you may ask? Honestly, it wasn't any one thing particular but a combination of several. I work a full time job with required overtime (blessed to be busy!) and then my company reorganized and things got weird. I had to focus more on my job during the change but we're good and settled now so I can relax a wee bit. Then, as some of you guys may know, I'm getting married in 6 weeks from now so I've been busy wedding planning! That's been a whole other issue which would likely take several blog posts to explain the insanity that has become my wedding.

And then there's the lamest explanation of all: I suffer from what my fiance calls "Craft ADD"... I essentially go through phases. I'll sew for a while and get bored. So I'll start drawing and painting again until I get burned out on that. Then I'll make jewelry or read books or bake cupcakes everyday until I'm sick of those things. After months of painting my nails every few days, I was bored with it and ready to do something else. It's odd and I don't know why I'm like that but I am what I am.

As far as painting my nails goes, I've been getting gel manicures from the nail salon every two weeks. No fuss, no muss! So, I don't really know if I'll be getting back into blogging about polish specifically and I don't want to make any promises I may not be able to keep.

So that's the gist of things... I just wanted to let you guys know I'm okay and apologize for leaving you hanging! Until next time...

Kim

NOTD: Pumpkin Spice

Ahhh... October! I love the fall! It is my absolute favorite season... crunchy leaves, the crispness in the air, pumpkin flavored everything, the World Series, boots and sweaters. What is there not to love about this time of year? So, with that being said, here is my first official Halloween inspired manicure. My base cost is OPI Black Onyx with one coat of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Pumpkin Spice on top. Good ol' black and orange!






Thanks for reading!
- Kim

NOTD: Grasslands

Hey guys! I was playing ball with Bella Roo yesterday and my nail on my pointer finger sustained a critical break. She got really excited and tried to grab the ball out of my hand. It was was the perfect storm of puppy teeth, a tennis ball, and a 3 day old manicure... there was nothing I could do to save it. So, I ended up cutting back all my nails since there was such an extreme difference in the lengths... broke my heart. :o(

It's a wee nubbin!

Oh well, what can ya do? So anyways, I've seen several new takes on stamped zebra and tiger manicures in the past few days and I have to say, I'm a fan! I think my fave has to be this gorgeous number from That's So Fresh... I love the effect the layering created. So being inspired and with my conveniently shorter nails that make for easy stamping, I created my own version.






I used OPI Skull and Glossbones for my base color. Then I sponged on OPI San Tan-tonio, China Glaze Westside Warrior, and Orly Luxe in random spots. After that, I stamped on the zebra print using Essie Licorice with the Konad M57 plate. I started to use a white polish for my base but I wanted the look to be more earthy and fall-ish... I'm definitely glad I did!

Thanks for reading!
- Kim

NOTD: Licorice Disco Ball

Hey guys! After I made Puttin' on the Glitz, I officially caught the franken bug... I just could not wait to make another one! Sooo, I'd like to introduce you to Licorice Disco Ball: a black jelly polish with a holographic glitter. So shiny!






For Licorice Disco Ball, I actually started out with a half-full bottle of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Clearly Quick top coat as my base. I added OPI Black Onyx bit by bit until I got the black jelly polish to depth I wanted... if I had to guess, I would estimate it was about 1/2 a teaspoon. Then I added a dash of Fantasy Makers Confetti glitter in Glitz and shook it all up. And voila... it's a Licorice Disco Ball!

At one coat, it's transparent enough to use as a layering polish and at two I could still see my nail line but it still looked okay. I used three out of personal preference for a nice opaque look. I like this one better than my previous franken. I used a lot less glitter so the finish is much smoother which is nice... it only took 1 thick coat of seche vite to smooth out the surface.

So what do you guys think? Have you caught the franken bug yet?

Thanks for reading!
- Kim

NOTD: Third Place, Nailed It!

Hey guys! A did a super simple and quick manicure using Sally Hansen Intsa-Dri Bronze Ablaze and Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Set the Stage glitter on my ring fingers. I was going to call this post Bronze Age but my brother suggested the much wittier title of Third Place Nails... as in the bronze Olympic medal. He's just so smart. :)





Bronze Ablaze is a part of Sally Hansen's Fall 2011 release and is supposed to be available for a limited time only. I love all of the Insta-Dri polishes but I really, really love this color! It's absolutely perfect for fall without being too plain... if you look really closely, you can see a subtle orange and green shimmer. Gorgeous! I think I may pick-up an extra bottle since it's only going to be around for a little bit.

So, what's your go to fall color? I'd love to know in the comments below!

Thanks for Reading!
-Kim

NOTD: Falling for Leopard

Hey guys! Super quick post since I have to be up for work in just a couple of hours. (eek!) I used OPI Mermaid Tears and San Tan-tonio as my base colors and then the designs were completed using Essie Little Black Dress with the leopard Bundle Monster plate and then I added gold Stripe Rite for the final touch. Easy peasy and ready for fall. ♥




Thanks for reading!
- Kim

NOTD: Puttin' on the Glitz!

Hey guys! Today I'm bringing you a Nails + Whatnot first... I finally did it! I made my very first franken polish. For those that may not know what that is, I'll briefly explain. A franken is when you mix colors or add something like glitter to existing polishes to create an entirely new color. So basically, you're mashing parts and pieces together a la Dr. Frankenstein. Pretty simple, right?

Well, I stopped in at my local Kmart today in search of the Deborah Lippmann Ruby Red Slippers Dupe. Unfortunately, they didn't have it but they did have this little bottle of Fantasy Makers cosmetic glitter in Glitz in the Halloween display. Since it was only $2.99, I snatched it up figuring I'd figure out something fun to do with it later. It didn't take me long to find inspiration...

Ooooh, rainbow glitter goodness!

Back at home, I was scavenging through my drawer of misfit polishes (you know the ones you just don't like the way they look or they have weird formulas? Yeah, those.) and I came across a bottle of Wet-N-Wild Gray's Anatomy. Gorgeous in the bottle and kind of blah on the nails... I didn't like how transparent it was and it's not the strongest duochrome out there but I digress. I knew it would be given new life as the perfect base for my glitter!

This is some math I can get into!

I mixed roughly 1/8 teaspoon of the glitter and about half the bottle of the Gray's into an empty old Seche Vite bottle. Then I shook the bejeezus out of it to mix it all up and create this awesome holo polish. I think it came out great and there's more sparkle than you can shake a stick at!



I love it. A lot. The only thing I could find wrong with my formula is that the glitter makes it a top coat killer. I have on a thick coat of Seche Vite on top and it's still got a bit of a texture poking thru. I think a second coat of Seche will fix that but I haven't tried it so I'm not positive. But here it is on the nails:

Shimmer

Shine

Sparkle

Glitz!

And oh mah gah, is it just me, or does it look like Christmas lights when blurred? Also, I need a catchy name... "Puttin' on the Glitz" was the best I could come up with, lol. What do you guys think I should call it and have you tried making your own franken polishes? Tell me in the comments below!

Thanks for reading!
- Kim

NOTD: A Case Study in Meh

I had this awesome idea for red glitter and tan nails. This is not it. I don't know what happened but my idea got lost in translation and I ended up with this wonky manicure. It's not horrible but I envisioned it differently... it's just kind of meh.

The base is Essie Case Study with Finger Paints Romanticism Ruby on the tips. Then I added a line of Sinful Colors Be My Valentine to divide the two colors a little better. I think a lighter base color might have helped... maybe Essie Jazz or Sand Tropez? Oh well... what do you guys think?







Thanks for reading!
- Kim

NOTD: Crackalackin with Cynthia

Hey guys! I'm just doing a quick little post today. I tried out Zoya Cynthia from this fall's Smoke and Mirrors collection... it's a nice dark peacock blue. Think like Lincoln Park After Dark's blue-green cousin, if you will. And true to my worst-polish-blogger-ever form, I totally neglected to take pictures of what it looks like before I applied a coat of China Glaze Crackle in Platinum Pieces. Oh well... there are ton of blogs out there with swatches. Our dear friend Google should be able to help you find them. :o)





On a side note, I've been sick these past few days... not horribly ill but just under the weather and very, very uncomfortable. I have some sort of annoying sinus/respiratory thing and I can't seem to shake it... it's driving me nuts and I'm tired of the air I'm breathing feeling like it's hot and thick and has a flavor. You know what I'm talking about? Yeah, it's one of those kind of bugs and for some reason it makes me extra snarky and sassy. I haven't a clue as to what that's about but thanks for sticking with me and my absentee blogger issues the past couple of weeks. Hopefully, I'll be back on my A-game soon so as always...

Thanks for reading!
- Kim

NOTD: It's Feeling Like Fall

Hey guys! Long time, no post! I've been terribly busy this past week or so. Between birthday celebrations, my friends' wedding, and month end at work, I haven't had time to breath! So anyways, I got my order from Zoya on Friday... I took advantage of their free shipping offer and ordered some of the Smoke and Mirrors Fall collection.

Zoya Dree, Anja, Cynthia, and Yara

I just picked out the ones I really wanted... these colors take me way back to the fall of 1994 when I started sixth grade. That's a really specific time frame but I remember it clearly... I wanted to revamp my 11 year old style and all the preppy kids were in love with the deep maroon, green, and navy that was so popular that school year. Everything came in those shades: tops, bottoms, bookbags, purses, Sam and Libby flats with the little bows. My mom actually let me get three pairs of jeans, one in each color and a matching navy blue Dooney and Bourke... it was total awesome sauce and I thought I was the coolest kid ever, lol. But enough with the trip down memory lane... on to the mani!





I used Zoya Dree on all of my nails and then I layered Zoya Yara on my ring fingers. I added a little golden wing using Stripe Rite in Gold Metallic. Easy peasy and cute. ♥ I hope to get some decent swatches done in the next week or so but until then...

Thanks for reading!
-Kim

P.S. - Oh snap! It's a pic of 11 year old me...

*face palm* at the white socks with red shoes and navy pants.