Dees Polish Endeavours

Sort Of Valentine's Day Nails

2012-02-13T19:22:00.000-06:00

I say 'sort of' as I feel these could just be worn whenever.. OR, if I wanted them to be really V-Day-ready, I could add some red, or some hearts, and then it would be fitting. I do apologize in advance.. I went off to work and forgot to take a photo in the morning.. So my hands and that are peel-y, and my nails don't look as nice..

What these started as were splatter nails.. I thought splatter V-Day-esque nails would be rad.. But I could not get the splatter action to work. I had some blobs of polish on my nails.. So instead of start over again, I quickly grabbed my nail are brush and went to work making random strokes with the brush here and there. And my verdict? Kind of awesome.. In fact, I really do like these bad boys. I know, the photo might not do them justice as they were beaten up at work, but trust me: they did look great at one point in time.

I used OPIs: Mod About You, Kiss Me On My Tulips (still hilarious), Sparrow Me The Drama, as well as some Orly White Out.

Well, that is as close to Valentine's Day nails as I am going to do.. Though there has been some amazing stuff out there! I hope you all have a great day and I will see you again soon!!

New Kids + Nail Fail

2012-02-11T21:04:00.000-06:00

I wanted to make a quick post to show my new children off.. I picked up 6 babies the other day.. Kind of excited to introduce them! Plus, yesterday was the worst day I have had in nail painting in a long, long time. Nothing worked for me. Today was better, but these will be posted up closer to Valentine's Day.. Anyways, moving on!

Yay! New kids!! Here we have OPI: I Don't Give A Rotterdam, I Have A Herring Problem, Kiss Me On My Tulips (side note: I have to stifle hysterical laughter every time I see this name.. I seriously have the maturity level of a 15 year old boy. I love it!), and A Roll In The Hague. Then we have China Glaze: Gaga For Green and Techo.

I knew I wanted to do something with IDGAR and IHAHP immediately.. Mostly to prove my dad wrong.. He said they are the same colour. They are not. But.. My idea failed.. I think the next time I want to use striping tape, I will size them before hand so they fit perfectly.. Even with tiny sewing scissors.. I couldn't snip them enough.. And then of course there is just me.. Tape, fimo canes, rhinestones.. I have to pick at them! Ugh.

I like everything about this.. Minus the fact I couldn't leave the tape alone or quite get it to be perfect enough. And my gouged thumb nail, otherwise, I loved this. Will revisit some time.

Then there is this.. I love this! Minus the tip wear and the fact that the photo is blurry.. BUT.. I was getting ready to go hang out with my bff last night, and the index nail on my non-photographing hand was ruined! The polish came clean off. I was pretty pissed off.

Oh well, such is life.

I am not even sure why I am posting these fails up.. I think it is to show that not everything works out as perfectly that it sometimes looks in the photos.. There are mishaps along the way.

I will be back with some V-Day-esque nails in the next day or three. Take care til then!!

Domo Nails + Goodies

2012-02-04T17:00:00.000-06:00

I am actually really excited to share this mani with everyone.. I alluded to it a bit last week. I didn't know what to do with my nails and had sent a message to my sister asking what I should do - she quickly messaged me back saying 'DOMO!!!!' while I was sending a text about the base colour I was wearing. I said I would do them next week (aka now) and I actually stayed true to my word.

I know I have seen these gems done over on The Daily Nail and I saw a photo floating around on tumblr where the girl alternated between Domo and dots.. So I decided to do a bit of both. I like Domo and I like dots.. Ahh yes, an accent nail: done!

I love these.. Yet when I scope the photo.. I'm like 'ew, the teeth! ew, this, ew, that!' but in reality I think they look fine irl.. AND I did get a wealth of compliments when I was at Sally's today.. So I figure my photo-critical mind is just a jerk. End of story.

I used OPI Over The Taupe as a base, then I used Essie Lolipop for the mouth, Orly White Out for the teeth and eye glare, and Orly Liquid Vinyl for the base of the eyes. I also used my trusty brush* and a dotting tool from Born Pretty.

*Ooh my trusty brush. Ugh. There was a stray fiber working against me last night, so I nabbed my scissors and made a little alteration.. And somehow that minor snip seemed to totally change the precision of my brush. I was getting pretty close to tears. Seriously. I knew that I wanted to make a mad dash over to Sally's the next day (aka today) because I'm on to my last bottle of Seche Vite and freaking out!

Of course they only had one bottle of that magical stuff left. I did buy that Out The Door top coat while in Edmonton. Hate. It. I swear it took a solid hour to dry and ew, it left a strange finish to my nails. I get that people will like one thing and others will like another.. I stand by Seche Vite. I should know better not to get anything else. With that being said, I did also grab a bottle of Orly Sec n Dry top coat.. I will try it. I just know when I can stock pile my baby, I will be content!

I also grabbed my fifth (maybe 6th?) bottle of China Glaze Liquid Leather my sister said the other bottle was running low. She prefers that.. I do still love it.. but Orly Liquid Vinyl is starting to steal my heart. I also got China Glaze First Mate - I think it is the right kind of blue I have in my vision.. You'll see! I also got some silver bullion beads AND I found a set of brushes that I might be content with.. My only wish is that they weren't floral printed.. But I can live with that. I also bought a pumice stone.. My hands from doing dishes are gross (in my opinion) - everyone else tells me my hands are extremely soft.. Maybe it is just me? Who knows! Oh, and some orange sticks.

I was hoping they would have some other fun Orly polish.. Or some from the China Glaze electropop collection in store.. I guess I will just have to put my order in with Nail Polish Canada instead!

Someone had asked me a month or two ago if I was still getting the luxe box monthly - answer: yes, I am! I just didn't know if anyone wanted to see.. But I had it sitting by my desk and figured I'd take a quick snap shot. I cannot wait for this week to be over. I have an exam and a final exam and then I will have some breathing room. My room looks like a battle zone.. Don't even get me started on my untried drawer - yikes! Anyways!

The January luxe box was kind of rad - it had a secondary box called a bath and body box, which had the razor and shampoo/conditioner packets in it. Plus, they had a bottle of China Glaze nail polish - of course I'm insanely happy.

It included: Yves Rocher Italian Mandarin Shower Gel (I will explain the scent once my sense of smell returns..), China Glaze polish in Sugar High (awesome because I love pink polish AND I don't own it already), DDF Advanced Firming Cream, and Kerastase Chroma Riche Treatment Mask.. Oh, there was also some Seattle's Best Coffee tossed in - I left that upstairs for the coffee drinkers.

Phew! What a novel-esque post. If you made it all the way to the end, you're awesome! There was another story I was going to include in the post about talking with my dad about business cards and .com'ing this gem up, but I will share that some other time!

I hope you're all having a great weekend! I am going to go do some more homework and try to get a wealth of sleep tonight. I have officially been sick for 2 weeks now; I'm exhausted! Take care!!

Make Some Noise + Shine of the Times

2012-01-28T11:33:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!

So, the title isn't anything creative, it is spelling out exactly what you're going to get within this post. I'm sorry. It has been a rough week. Yesterday I wasn't feeling so death-like, I actually felt well enough after writing my exam that it was time to paint my nails. I knew exactly what colour I wanted to paint them in.. But I didn't have any idea what to do nail-art-wise. Once I checked in with my sister for ideas (she also didn't have any for this particular colour, but gave me a rad idea for next week - awe yeah!), I decided to just bust out some luxeffects and call it a day.

So, we have got China Glaze Make Some Noise which is a stunning blood-orangey colour (at least to me..) topped off with two coats of Essie luxeffects in Shine of the Times, which is basically like SH Hidden Treasure.. Still absolutely gorgeous!

I really like these two gems together.. I am actually happy about them because they make me feel less like death and make me feel almost warm. Kind of a nice feeling for right now.

I HAVE to be feeling better by Wednesday.. I have the City & Colour concert to go to, and I refuse to be hacking up a lung in the vicinity of Dallas Green as we plan to be as close to the stage as we can be. REFUSE!

I hope everyone had a great week and that you're all in better health situations than I. This "cold" is a dozy, thankfully my whole family has been down and out with it.. I think I sort of made mine turn in to laryngitis, just a real great treat! Bleh. See you all again soon!!

Lake Placid on Acid + Goodies

2012-01-22T20:21:00.000-06:00

I just got home approximately 40 minutes ago and figured I should make a quick post!

I recently ordered some polish from Lacquistry and I have one of them to show you right meow!

I ordered Lake Placid on Acid, partly because it is amazing and partly because the name of it is excellent! My pictures do it no justice and my nails look turrible (yes, I do mean turrible), but I am going to post them up anyways.

I received a plethora of complements on this gem while we were milling around Edmonton. I am also a huge fan of it. I put Revlon Royal underneath, but I think I could have gotten away with just the polish alone. I will test that out next time!

Now for some goodies I picked up while in Edmonton. Nail polish is definitely what I bought the most of..

I nabbed the other half of the Back To Boho collection from Color Club (it includes: Boho Mojo, Nouveau Vintage, Voodoo You Do, Artsy Crafty, Blue-Topia, and Rebel Spirit), I grabbed two Deborah Lippmann polish: Lady Sings The Blues & Happy Birthday, two China Glaze polish: Make Some Noise & Sweet Hook AND I figured I would try that Out The Door topcoat.. I still love Seche, but I just wanted to check out this bad boy.

I also did buy 2 items from Sephora.. I can post up more about them if anyone wants, but I bought a YSL lipstick (kind of a monster splurge!), I bought it in Rose Opera (#29) - seriously the silkiest lipstick ever! I also bought the Tarina Tarantino Dollskin Cheek Palette. I am a NARS blush snob now, BUT, this palette looked stunning. Plus Vampy Varnish made a post about it a few days ago.. And I wanted to check it out, then once I saw it and swatched it on myself, well, it was a done deal!

Anyways.. I am now possibly dying (a nice cold to end the weekend.. great!) and I have meetings to attend tomorrow and I still have to paint my nails. Some of the shades in this Back to Boho set are screaming 'snakeskin' to me.. I think I will give in!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend and will have an awesome start to the week!!

Framed Cheetah

2012-01-15T19:12:00.002-06:00

I was really jazzed to try out the whole 'outlined' nails trend that I have been seeing in photos.. Now, I do really like it, but I think next time I would paint the nails in the outline colour first THEN do the middle colour.. Maybe it will be easier? Probably not, but I can pretend.

ANYWAYS! I have this bin in my room that houses all my books to read.. It is white with rainbow cheetah print and lime green edges (a photo of it would be smart..)

I knew that is exactly how I would do my outlined nails. My best friend said it like my nails have "frames", and I loved that.. Which is how the name 'Framed Cheetah' was born. Yup, trivia in the making right there!

For this, I used: Orly White Out, China Glaze Entourage, OPI No Room For The Blues, China Glaze Rich & Famous, Orly Spark, OPI Sparrow Me The Drama, and Orly Liquid Vinyl.

I am hoping to be able to post up something again by the end of the week.. I have a final exam on Friday and then leaving for a quick overnight trip to Edmonton on the Saturday.. I am already boarding the excuse-train.. I am seriously hoping to have a post made up for you all though! Ooh and this is my first actual nail art of the new year.. Yay?!

I hope everyone had an excellent weekend (I sure did!) and that you will all have a phenomenal week. It is about to get seriously cold here. I'm not impressed.

Marshmallow Champagne

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-06:00

If I had to describe these nails.. I think those would be the words I would use: marshmallow champagne.. I know, it doesn't really make any sense, but if you were to say those words to me, this is what I would see:

This is Orly White Out with two coats of Essie luxeffects As Gold As It Gets.

Love.

I was kind of skeptical about the luxeffects as I am not usually just a glitter/effect person, but lately it is all I want on my nails. I think I'm on a bit of a nail art hiatus for whatever reason.

ANYWAYS, I liked this one so much that I did pick up 2 more luxeffects (Pure Pearlfection and Shine Of The Times) at Wal-Mart the other evening.. And an extra polish (Over The Edge) as well.. It never ends!

I hope you're all having a great week! I am hoping to have these awesome franken-polishes I bought from Etsy all swatched up and ready to post next, I am really excited about sharing these gems with you! See you soon!!

Bubbly Bombshell

2012-01-08T06:20:00.000-06:00

I had seen this polish (Orly Bubbly Bombshell) blogged a time or three.. And wanted it - badly!

I finally added it in to my cart at Nail Polish Canada, and once it arrived, I was like 'meh'.

Then.. I put it on.

Obviously these photos will not do it justice.. But, this is a serious 'in-your-face' kind of polish. I ab-so-freakin'-lutely love it!!

This was without topcoat.. I forgot to snag one with topcoat AS the topcoat makes it even more excellent. The only part I didn't like is that I had tip-wear after one day. Then I decided to add some crackle polish on top..

But, it didn't help mask the tip-wear. I still loved it though!

Welll.. It is time for me to head off to work. Then after work, I have to come home and basically run off to catch a bus - I have to go away for a few days for work - bleh! BUT, I am going to get a post ready for Tuesday and auto-post it - so look out for that!!

Have a great Sunday everyone!!

New Years Eve Nails

2012-01-01T13:02:00.000-06:00

First and foremost, Happy New Year to everyone!!

I was really excited because my best friend was coming back home from Toronto and we were spending New Years Eve together. It was also exciting because, for the first time in many, many years, I had the next day off, which meant I could actually go out and have a fun time!

And it was fun. Cute bartender.. Cat-calling in the parking lot, I wore heels! And survived..

Oh, and I did my nails.

I feel this is the classic 'NYE' type of mani aka glitter.

I used Orly Liquid Vinyl, then I sponged on some OPI Crown Me Already and then a smidge more sponging with China Glaze Snow Globe. I then decided to get a bit friskier and completely rhinestone up my ring fingers.. AND.. I'm not going to lie: I love it! Surprisingly enough, I have only lost two gems since doing them.. One off of each finger and I think (for the most part) I'm the only person that can tell. Yay!

I hope everyone had a great New Years Eve, whether it was spent in or by going out - I expect great things out of 2012!

I also want to say a little thank you to 2011. It got me to reach 350 of you! 350?! WHAT?! That is crazy! I have said before, I was so excited when I had 1 follower.. It meant someone out there was actually 'following' my blog.. Whether they were actually looking at my posts or not was a different story, but one person either felt my blog was awesome or sorry enough for me to follow. I loved it! Then when that hit 10, I was ecstatic! I get more and more excited with each new follower! I told my best friend last night that once I hit 400, I will .com this all up. It might take a whole year to get up to 400, but I'm determined. And I still love and adore each and every one of you, like you were my number 1!

My Favourites of 2011

2011-12-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

I think I have been saying this to anyone that will listen.. So I am obviously going to say it here also: where the freak did the year go?! I swear it has been on fast forward! Not that I am complaining.. I have really high hopes for 2012 - might as well get it started!

Since we are heading in to a new year, I figured I would do what I did last year and pick my personal favourite manis that I did in 2011. I couldn't settle on 10.. I had 11.. But then 12 made more sense as we're heading in to 2012.. SO, I give you my 12 favourite manis of 2011 - in no particular order..

Nice Set of Hooters

These Nails Are Bananas

Snakes! Snakes? Where Have I Heard the Name Snakes Before?!

Rainbow Dots Inspired by Kayla

These are my personal favourites.. Did you see your favourite mani that I did this past year? Or was there another that you liked more? Let me know in the comments, otherwise I know I picked correctly!

I hope everyone had an excellent 2011 and has an amazing start to 2012 - like I said, I have high hopes for this new year!!

Fish Scales

2011-12-30T02:08:00.000-06:00

I came across THIS TUTORIAL and loved how it looked.. Of course I had to give it a whirl. Now, I do like the results, I just wish I would have layered them a bit more.. Next time, rightttt?

For this I used a base of Butter London Toff, then dots using that, as well as China Glaze Spontaneous, OPI Chatters Me Up, Zoya Kelly & ELF Moonlight. I was pretty happy that my good pal knew what I was trying to go for today.. I was also pretty pleased with our shopping trip!

Continue reading to see my mini-Sephora haul!

--Make-up Talk Starts Now--

I went shopping with my good pal today, and we were going to the mall that has Sephora in it.. She of course promised me that we could go in! I was actually really looking forward to it.. The last few times I had been there, I actually walked out empty-handed.. That almost never happens. Anyways..

The first item that we both ended up getting is the Sephora Favo(u)rites LASHSTASH.. Uuuummmm.. 10 mascaras (2 regular size) for $34?! Yes please! Before I talk more about that set, I will tell you what else I bought.. I actually bought 2 lip products.. I am not a huge lip product person.. I have a bunch, but I don't use a lot and if I do remember to put something on my lips, it is Blistex.. BUT, my sister has this thing for red lipsticks lately.. I am not sure about me and full on red.. but I think I can handle these gems. I was wearing one when I got home to do a test run for NYE make-up.. LOVE IT! Anyways.. The other products are NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Place Vendome, Sephora Retractable Eyeliner in Shimmer Bronze*, and Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Tease.

*I have an eyeliner pencil from MAC that I adore.. Unfortunately it was limited edition back in the day and nothing is quite like it (to me).. My friend had this colour swatched on her hand and asked my opinion on it.. I think my heart stopped. It looks so similar to my beloved nubbed pencil! We both ended up getting it. I think I told her she was a genius.. Porter, if I didn't, know this: you're fantastic!

Ok, so more about these gems.. We have Sephora Collection full-sized Advanced Lash Booster. I have used a Sephora brand mascara before - loved it! I look forward to testing out this bad boy.. And it is full-sized = awesome! Then we have:

Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara. I haven't tried a mascara by UD yet.. This one has a curved brush.. I am not a huge fan of those.. But I love their eyeliners and, of course, their eyeshadow.. I am currently awaiting the arrival of my naked palette 2.. Fingers crossed for next week!!
Too Faced LashGASM. Another brand I haven't tried mascara from.. Though I do love their eyeshadow.. It has one of those skinny plastic-y brushes.. I am also not a huge fan of - but - I look forward to giving it a whirl!
Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash = love! I already told my sister that once I snapped photos for the ol' blog she could have this sampler. I already own a full-size tube, love it, and when I need more, I will just repurchase.
bareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara - again, haven't tried this brand for mascara.. BUT the brush is a BEAST and I love it! I have this thing about mascaras having a monster for a brush.. It makes me happy? Well, I just like them, is all.. Uhh.. Yeah!
Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara - I have never heard of this brand before.. The brush is sort of like that plastic-y type I hate, but a little bit different.. We shall see.. Ahh! The wand reminds me of the new L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lash mascara that I bought a couple weeks ago. I didn't really dislike that wand, so maybe this will be alright as well.
Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara - I always pass this brand in Sephora, and see that Argan oil is a major essential to the line, which I think is great.. And the brush? HUGE! A probable love.
Tarte Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara - when I bought my True Blood inspired Tarte eyeshadow palette, it included a mascara.. I quite enjoyed it.. I have high hopes for this gem.
Fairydrops Scandal Queen Mascara - ok, never heard of the brand and the brush is freakin' weird! It basically has 3 nubs to it.. I just don't even know.. We shall see about this!
Stila Full-Size Forever Your Curl Mascara - I have a few Stile products.. So I was kind of excited that this brand had the other full-sized product in this set.. But the mascara has a strange scent. I have a problem with mascaras that smell 'off'.. I swear that is all I smell all day. The brush is tiny and meh. I will probably try it, but at least I know if I dislike any of these bad boys, I have a mother and sister who will happily take them off of my hands.. Particularly the ma - she is happy with any make-up and I've become a make-up snob.

I have a lot of mascara testing coming up here. I might even keep you all posted if I find something I love-love-love!

I hope everyone has a great whatever time of the day you happen to have stumbled upon my post - talk to you all soon!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T16:43:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon/evening/whenever you happen to be reading this..

MERRY CHRISTMAS! How the freak did it get to Christmas already? I swear this whole year was on ultra-speed mode or something. Insanity!

I am not sure about the rest of you, but the weather here has been extremely nice.. I don't ever remember having a winter quite like this. I mean, we're taking care of a dog right now.. And I was out in the backyard with him.. In a t-shirt. Here.. In Saskatchewan, Canada.. Whaaaaat!? And there is next to no snow. I mean, I have always been a firm believer in a "white" Christmas, but this was a really nice change of pace.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas - I know I have! I actually just got back from work, and, I have to say, it was a great shift! Now to just relax.. I can handle that!

I decided to not do a bunch of Christmas nails this year.. Which is kind of upsetting in a way.. I should have still done them. Ahh well, next year, right?! BUT! There was some posted up a little awhile ago that I knew I had to replicated.

The Nailasaurus posted these adorable reindeer nails.. And yeah, instantly knew I needed to have those painted on the old nails. Done.. I wish my Rudolph nose was a little more.. noticeable though. Ahh well.

I was trying to make some of the shots rad and take them in front of the Christmas tree.. Not my greatest of choices, but ehh.. The thought was there!!

And I'll include a photo of Bennie.. Because he is adorable and was loving the camera lately.

Alrighty, again, Merry Christmas! And have a great rest of the day (:

Nice Set of Hooters...

2011-12-17T13:04:00.002-06:00

...I meant the owls!

My sister said this about my nails when we were out last night.. and I died. One, because it is a hilarious quote and two, because I love Dumb & Dumber..

A few days ago, while cruising around pinterest, these adorable owl nails were pinned.. I knew I had to do them as I have friends who love owls and they are still quite 'trendy' - but I figured I could recreate them and have people still know what they are! All bonuses.

Chalkboard Nails was the blog that they were linked to. While reading the post, I found out that she found them at Cingy Blogs Nails also via pinterest..

I really wanted to use reinforcements to make the 'horns' look more even.. But I think I might have tossed them out the other day with a wealth of papers I sent to the recycling bin.. Ugh. So, freehand it was!

**Must apologize about my horribly dry hands. Nothing is working for me this winter, and this is actually a fairly nice winter thus far. My hands are destroyed and I lather on lotion 5+ times a day, plus my medication for eczema and I'm still left with gross hands. LE SIGH!**

I apologize about the thumb.. I actually sort of gouged my index fingernail on my other hand, and I was able to salvage him on that finger, but the remnants had to stay on the thumb.. Only part I don't like about this mani!

I used Orly Spark and Orly Liquid Vinyl for the eyes, Orly Sol Cabana for the beaks, OPI Over The Taupe on the thumb, Color Club Rad Nomad on the index finger, OPI Ogre-The-Top Blue on middle, OPI Mermaid's Tears on ring, and OPI Sparrow Me The Drama on the pinky. I also mixed OPI Alpine Snow with all the colours used to make their belly area and then just dots with the base colour.

I think I have 3 people that want me to re-create this on them so far, and I am actually happy about it! These nails are adorable and I'd be more than happy to share that adorable-ness with others!

I hope everyone is having a great day - and will have a fantastic weekend!!

The Nail Polish Tag

2011-12-15T20:42:00.001-06:00

The rules are to answer the 10 questions, pass this tag onto 5 bloggers, and to make sure the bloggers you tagged know about this!

1. How many polishes do you have?

I would say under 200. I am currently working on a spreadsheet, so hopefully I will be able to give a legit answer soon!! EDIT: Hah.. ugh. 248 + 33 that I took out because I don't ever use them.. plus many, many minis. A lot more than I thought I had. Whelp, time to add more!

2. What is your favourite brand of polish?

I am going to have to say China Glaze.. But I do hold Orly in high regards as well.

3. Do you like crackle nail polish or do you hate it?

I quite enjoy them.. I just don't use them too often. Only when I'm in a rush and need something to toss on to my nails to make them seem fun!!

4. What is your first nail polish brand?

It was probably Maybelline.. Or Cover Girl Crackle polish way back when. I saved some of my babysitting money to purchase it.

5. If you were to have your own nail polish line, what would you call it?

I would call it G&G.. It reminds me of the days playing Railroad Tycoon with my dad (aka me teaching him how to play!) and we always named our company G&G (Gloeden & Gloeden, our last name).. I feel it has rad name. I guess that is what my company would be. A line though? Something nerdy and referencing movies or books. I would probably name the colours after my favourite movie murderers.. awkward?

6. What nail polish colour does not compliment you?

Actually, my Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air does not suit me at all! It makes my pale skin look too zombie-esque when worn alone. I layered it over What's With the Catitude? and it looks better..

7. What nail polish colours do compliment you?

I don't really hate any colours on me.. But that doesn't mean they compliment me.. BUT, I figure I'm a "winter" colour wise, so, any rich tones.

8. Name two of your best nail art friends.

I would say my sister for irl nail art friends.. Though I do have friends that are getting more in to painting their nails and such - it seriously makes my heart smile! And online? I'd say Li Lian of shortwidenails - she is such a sweetheart! We have had some good correspondence over the years..

9. What was the best nail polish gift you've ever received?

I'd say when I won the Polish or Perish anniversary giveaway. I don't really enter too many giveaways, but I did enter that one and won.. I got so many nail polishes - and brands that I would otherwise never get my mitts on!

10. Make a speech about thanking the blogger who tagged you.

Alex won one of my Revlon nail polish giveaways.. It finally arrived to her! She is a sweetheart and I was happy to be in contact while we anxiously awaited those gems to get to her! Not only did I get to know her a bit, but I found a new blog to follow - always a bonus!!

Now for the five blogs.. well, you all should know by now how I am with these bad boys. If you're reading this and haven't been tagged YET, well, then, TAG! Do this (:

These nails are bananas!

2011-12-10T19:14:00.000-06:00

At least that is what they are supposed to look like! I saw this awesome photo posted on livejournal and instantly saved them to my inspiration folder. After all the activity with the 31 Day Challenge, I decided they would be my first nails to do!

I used China Glaze Rich & Famous as well as China Glaze Golden Opportunity AND Orly Liquid Vinyl.

Then, last weekend, I did a little shopping damage. Most of it is from Sephora.

I will have some photos using those new gems soon.. And I have been working on setting up my collection in to a spread sheet.. Then we (myself included) can actually know how many polishes I own. I have received a few e-mails asking me about my "number".. Yikes!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! I ran around all day and Christmas shopped with my sibs. Now to study and pass out!!

31 Day Challenge: Day 31 Re-create your favourite challenge

2011-12-01T22:50:00.001-06:00

Ohhhh no, no, no, NO! Did you think I would give myself the satisfaction of re-creating MY favourite challenge? Nope, not at all. I went back and looked at all my failboat attempts and decided to try to DO better. Did I do better this time? Sort of. I had more fun.. There was a smidge of deception here and there, but mostly fun.

Just tossing this out there.. I liked it better with the tape on.. I thought the tape looked the best. So, this compared to my other attempt - better, right? Please? It is far from perfect.. Butttt.. I kind of like it.. Ok, seriously, the idea is amazing, I just cannot for the life of me execute it correctly. And my index nail was out for murder.. The first time I went to dip it in to the polish/water, nothing stuck to it.. The second time it did, but for some reason the bottom right corner looks like it was eaten away by acid.. No idea what went on there.

Anyways.. friends, the 31 day challenge comes to an end now.. It was exhausting, but I loved it.

Now we can get back to normal. I want to start filming tutorials again soon.. I want to start posting AT LEAST once a week.. I need to start backlogging posts or something. Thanks for sticking with me through these 31 days. I look forward to the rest of this year with all of you (:

EDIT: What a jerk.. almost forgot this two days in a row!!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 30 Inspired by a tutorial

2011-11-30T23:07:00.003-06:00

Day 30... YESSSSS! 1 more day! 1 more day! Seriously, I did not think this would be, um, as challenging as it actually has been. It is kind of a bittersweet point in time: it has been really great posting every day, but, I kind of hate that overwhelming, deadline-y feeling EVERY DAY! I only like that for assignments and exams.. Anyways.

One discretionary note.. This tutorial is incredibly adorable.. My take on it? I could not draw a star to save my soul tonight. I apologize. Blah!

I think one thing this whole challenge has taught me is: I need to work on my skillz. I feel like a good 25% of what I posted was not very good work. I better get my butt in gear and come up with some quality posts.. I want to end the year off on a high note!

So, for tomorrow.. Recreate your favourite challenge.. Is it what I have done? Someone else.. I have no idea! What would you all like to see me do again? I have an idea of what I would like to do again.. but please, let me know what you'd like to see! Then tomorrow, when I get home from work, that is what I will spend a solid chunk of time doing!

Til tomorrow my dear readers..

Oh wait.. I was able to snap a cute photo of Ben this evening.. He was actually not squawking at me.. He might look a little disheveled here.. I woke him up for a seed and I love when I do that and he curls up in my hand.

31 Day Challenge: Day 29 Inspired by the supernatural

2011-11-29T17:24:00.000-06:00

I didn't really know what to do for the challenge today.. I thought about aliens.. space.. galaxy nails were already covered.. Ohhh.. I know: crop circles.. Those are kind of supernatural-ish, right?

Ok, so they don't really look too crop circle-y, but, you get it, sort of.. right? Please?!

I did these really quickly as my study notes are all calling me.. I'm legitimately sick (trying desperately to fight it off!) and just a general feeling of 'blah' has taken me over.

Also, for tomorrow.. It is going to be posted LATE! I have no time to do them this evening.. Then tomorrow, I have work, come home, review for my exam, write exam, have a meeting for work at 9:00, then hopefully AFTER all that I will be able to do my nails and have everything edited and posted up before midnight. I'm exhausted just thinking about tomorrow!!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 28 Inspired by a flag

2011-11-28T18:13:00.000-06:00

I'm sorry Canadian flag. I'm slowly dying. I have no idea where this cold came from.. but it can go away.. this week has too much activity already in it - I have no chance to "rest" until Friday afternoon some time.. So if you can just hang out until then, that would be great!

And to all of you.. I apologize for 2 reasons. 1. I did this in 2.58 minutes and 2. it looks like garbage.

Hopefully I will stop sneezing/blowing my nose/trying to tear out my eyes long enough to do tomorrow's challenge. BLEH!

I also apologize that I didn't go to my room and my light "tent" to take these photos. My room has my extra comfy bed in it.. And if I go anywhere near it right now, I am going to dive-bomb in and not come out. I did this in the name of my academic quest for greatness.

Have a good evening all - see you for day 29!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 27 Inspired by artwork

2011-11-27T13:00:00.000-06:00

I figured I would show these photos before I show you the artwork they are based off as they look amazing without seeing the image they are portrayed from (did any of that make sense?)

I finally had to tell myself that I'm being INSPIRED by the artwork, not necessarily doing an exact replica. Once I got that through my head, it wasn't so bad!

There is the picture I based them off of.

I didn't even bother taking a photo what all that I used.. It was way too many! If you want to know about a particular colour - say the word and I will tell you!!

Have a great day - see you all on day 28!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 26 Inspired by a pattern

2011-11-26T15:03:00.001-06:00

I knew what pattern I would be choosing before I even knew I had to be inspired by one: snakeskin. I have no idea why, but I am obsessed with it! I don't think I would ever own a snakeskin top or pants, but maybe booties or a clutch.. maybe.. Tough to say! But I love it on my nails.

I didn't do sponging this time like I did the last two times I have done it.. I think I like it better with the sponging - it adds more depth.

Before I say anything more.. I have to mention that the polish I wanted to show up for this day totally did! Color Club Snakeskin.. REALLY?! Why did I not own this polish already!? DY-ING! I love it and it was perfect for this particular day. I highly doubt I will ever do a snakeskin mani without using Snakeskin - just sayin'!

I started with a base of OPI Skull and Glossbones, then I stamped Essie Mink Muffs first followed by Color Club Snakeskin using BM plate 215.

I also wanted to show off my new children: Essie Cocktail Bling, Color Club Snakeskin, Orly Oui and Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air.

Little upset about Glitter in the Air.. I tried to apply it quickly yesterday (quickly meaning I had an hour to allow my polish to sit..) and after that hour, I was doing my hair and my nails were not dried! WTF?! With my trusty seche vite and all. Grrr!!

Welp, see you all tomorrow!!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 25 Inspired by fashion

2011-11-25T13:00:00.000-06:00

Inspired by fashion huh.. Well, here goes..

First I am going to show you all that I used.. We have: China Glaze White Out, OPI A Grape Fit, China Glaze Golden Opportunity, Essie Silken Cord, China Glaze Entourage, OPI What's With The Cattitude, China Glaze Rich & Famous and Orly Liquid Vinyl.

What could I have possibly done with this wealth of colours.. Why, these bad boys, of course.

The pattern is one I found by Betsey Johnson and knew I had to give it a whirl for this particular day. Yeah, looking back there are a few things I would have done differently.. But I kind of like it. AND you can even tell that some of them are gun - score!

Hope everyone is having a stellar day! See you for day 26!! (there is a particular polish that I ordered that would be so fitting with the pattern I want to do for day 26; fingers crossed that it shows up!!)

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 24 Inspired by a book

2011-11-24T13:00:00.000-06:00

Any guesses?

Ok, maybe these will mean nothing to all of you.. BUT.. The book I decided to go with is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins.

I actually found an image online of someone that had done them online! The photo I have is a thumbnail, it is excruciatingly tiny - and it is watermarked, but I cannot read it for the life of me - if anyone knows who I am talking about, lemme know!!

I didn't take a photo of what I used as it is a whole wealth of polish, but, I will tell you: Orly Sol Cabana (orange), Orly Spark (yellow), Orly Mirror Mirror (grey), Orly Glam Rock (gold), Orly Glitz (gold), Orly Liquid Vinyl (black), China Glaze Midnight Kiss (gold) and Essie Silken Cord (red). Zoiks!

My favourite nail was the bird, then it looked le suckage and I kind of fell for my fire nail.. Such a great series of books! If you haven't read them, DO SO! They are amazing! And the movie comes out late March - you have plenty of time to read all three.. I think it took a week from book one to book three.. And that was not getting to read them as often as I would have liked aka all I wanted to do was read them!!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 23 Inspired by a movie

2011-11-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

Ugh. So many movies to choose from.. THEN once I decided on a movie.. I failed my way through a few nail ideas.. Then I was like 'oh, derp!' and did something simple.. Or so I thought it would be. Except that I screwed up the placement of two items.. BUT.. I think that is ok. PLUS I was running out of time and needed to get these bad boys done so I could go study.

Yeah. I went with Home Alone. I have a very special place in my heart for the movie (ok, and the second film!!) Plus I kind of love Macaulay Culkin.. And the character Buzz McCallister. I first went with a bunch of little elements that make up the movie.. But I kept messing something up and restarting.. That was getting to be a large mess. I finally decided to go with the house that is on the cover. I placed the chimney on the wrong side and technically the blue should be darker.. But ahh well, I tried! I do believe The Daily Nail did Home Alone nails at one point in time?

I used Essie Mesmerize as the base, the some Essie Silken Cord and Orly Spark to finish it up. Again, could have been better.. I spose I should try a bit harder. If I didn't have exams and assignments looming over my head, maybe things would be better.. AND I know I shouldn't use excuses as everyone has something going on in their lives at any given time. Merp! I'll do better.. I'll try!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 22 Inspired by a song

2011-11-22T13:00:00.000-06:00

I would have probably had some more trouble doing this one.. But then about a week and a half ago, my brother told me that Troy from Community (played by the excellent Donald Glover) had a rap album about to be released and that is has been doing it for awhile, etc..

Of course I had to scope some of the songs. There are 2 that I absolutely love.. And the rest are also pretty great. He is nerdish (seriously, some of the lyrics are just.. nerdishly awesome!) and explicit and just excellent.

Anyways. I decided to use the song 'Heartbeat' as my song choice because it fits this heart monitor mani I have seen before that I really wanted to do on myself.. Did and done!

I used Orly Liquid Vinyl and Essie Silken Cord. I decided to skip the lines on my thumb as I tried to see how I could align my thumb with the rest of my fingers for photos and yeah, wasn't happening.. So sad little hearts is what you get via the thumb!

I have been trying to take some photos without the thumb involved.. But it feels weird to me. I think I will always have to be a thumb-in-photo-includer. Yah.

This is my inspiration song.. Again, I am warning you, it does contain some explicit lyrics.. But really, are there any better type of lyrics? (I mean, explicit lyrics are great as I feel that sentence does not make any sense..)

AND I love his whole album and now I am slowly collecting some of his "older" tunes as well. Love. Him.

Ok, /endfangirling

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 21 Inspired By Colo(u)r

2011-11-21T13:00:00.000-06:00

I had to add the 'u' in.. Otherwise I would go mad.

I remember seeing Rebecca @ Rebecca Likes Nails post about being inspired by a colour - and that was that you could go with the name of the polish and go from there.

I didn't have a particular polish in mind.. BUT I have been wanting to use Revlon Starry Pink.. So why not, right?

I wanted to toss a photo up before I did anything else.. Just because I am not a huge fan of pale colours on me.. And yet I really love this all on its own. BUT.. I was like 'starry pink ehhhh.. stars it is!'

I know, not the greatest of stars, but the more I look at this.. Like, right now as I am typing this.. I really like it! I could have gone with white as well, but I figured the pink would be more adorable and fitting. My "stars" could be better, but just go with it.. I was a little pressed for time!!

I hope everyone is having a good Monday! See you for day 22!!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 20 Water Marble

2011-11-20T21:50:00.000-06:00

Sweet, sweet lord.. I am going to issue the world's most apologetic apology EVER.

I. Hate. Water. Marbling.

I suck at it. It does not matter how many tutorials I watch, I never seem to learn. I think I get worse at it every time I attempt it.

AND, I tried to do it with sparkly polishes, as I thought it would look super bad-assed, and no.. It doesn't.

I am already envisioning losing 10 followers tomorrow (please don't leave me - I swear I will do better!)

And.. I love you all? /endapology

View the photos, if you must/if you dare.

I used Essie Show Me The Ring (not shown in the photo) as a base, then I used Quirius The Arabian Nights, Diamond Cosmetics Blue Diamonds and Diamond Cosmetics Amethyst & Diamonds.

I honestly have nothing else to say about this disaster.

Please cue day 21.. PLEASE!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 19 Galaxies

2011-11-19T13:00:00.000-06:00

Oh. YES!

I think I can honestly say that galaxy nails are becoming my favourite thing to do nail-wise. I mean, yes, this IS only my second time doing them - but what is there to not enjoy?

I know I applied my sponging with a heavier hand this time - but I think it still looks like it should - and I like that!

I think these photos might have a tad blurry - I do apologize for that! I have a "new" set-up for my photos and I will have to work out all the kinks.. Or maybe just start taking more photos.. 4 doesn't seem to be cutting it right now!

I used: China Glaze Haunting as a base (must say: this polish is stunning! Yeah, I know, just black with some silver glitter - but it really is close to perfection - especially for a galaxy mani!), followed by some sponging of a mini bottle of white OPI polish, Zoya Pippa, mini orange OPI polish, & OPI Ogre-The-Top Blue.

The next time I do a galaxy mani - and it will probably be sooner rather than later - I am going to try some greens and purples. I have seen some photos using those colours and it looks amay-za-zing!

Hope everyone is having a great Saturday!! I am terrified of day 20, just sayin'!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

P.S - I have to give a little shout-out to two of my excellent friends, Gordo & Porter - thank you for reading this on the regular and giving me irl feedback! You two are the best <3

31 Day Challenge: Day 18 Half Moons

2011-11-18T13:48:00.001-06:00

What I planned to do for today, in theory (aka in my mind), seemed amazing; I still think it would look amazing if I spent more time doing it and, well, if I used a different method.

I bring to you the Half Moon challenge nails.. I would have to say that so far, I am most disappointed with these nails..

Yeah, gross. Ugggh.

I used some China Glaze Liquid Leather and my newly acquired OPI Gettin' Miss Piggy With It.

To make up for my lackluster skillz here, enjoy a photo of my new children..

Chatters must have been having some sort of deal when I bought these.. I brought the bag excitedly to my sister and was like 'guess what I bought?!' and she immediately guessed the Muppet collection polish.. But, the first thing I pull out of the bag was a top coat. My face dropped. Second bottle, base coat.. WTF?! I don't buy OPI top/base coat.. Then I checked and it really was my bag.. Oh right, I am saying they must have been having some sort of deal where you get the top and base coats.. Moving on..

We have: Divine Swine, Gresh Frog of Bel-Air, Gettin' Miss Piggy With It, & Rainbow Connection.

Cannot wait for tomorrow.. GALAXY nails!! Eee!

Now to waste a few more hours until it is movie time. Yes, I'm a Twi-Hard! Have a great Friday everyone!!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly, Aly Loves Lacquer, & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 17 Glitter

2011-11-17T13:00:00.000-06:00

With Christmas right around the corner, I decided to bust out a newly acquired glitter from the China Glaze winter collection..

I couldn't decide whether I should put it over white, black or gold.. Maybe even green.. I finally decided on red as it seemed more, ehm, festive?

Annnd I realize NOW that I didn't snap bottle shots. I'm soooorry!! I.O.U!

I used a base of Essie Lolipop followed with 3 coats of China Glaze Twinkle Lights.

This was a tad strange to apply. For whatever reason, my index and pinky fingers are glitter bombed, and the rest of them look 'meh' - same amount of coats and everything. I even noticed it while painting and I didn't do anything differently.

It is a fairly basic glitter - yet it is fun because it is all Christmas-like.

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 16 Tribal

2011-11-16T13:00:00.001-06:00

This day I was quite excited for as I have never attempted Tribal print nails.. I don't hate what I did - BUT - I feel like I could have done a lot better.

Next time, right?!

I used: China Glaze White Out, Orly Sol Cabana, OPI Ogre-The-Top Blue, Essie Lolipop and China Glaze Liquid Leather.

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 15 Delicate Print

2011-11-15T13:00:00.000-06:00

I knew the exact polish I was going to use as a base as soon as I read this days' challenge: Essie Chinchilly. A couple of weeks ago, my best friend's sister tweeted something about a perfect fall day including coffee and Chinchilly - and I remembered how important to me it was that I obtain that colour - yet I have never really WORN it.

As I said before, I used Essie Chinchilly as my base, then I used Konad polish in white along with BM plate 201.

I need to become better at stamping, then this look is going to be perfection.. I quite enjoy it!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 14 Flowers

2011-11-14T13:00:00.000-06:00

I see the word flowers - and with nail art - I think of roses.. Because they are fairly easy to do and they are effective..

I used: OPI Mod About You as the base, then I applied dots of OPI Sparrow Me The Drama, CC ?? and China Glaze Rich & Famous and swirled them together. Then I did some 'details' with OPI Alpine Snow. I also tossed on some pearl beads for kicks..

I have to say, this is the sweetest mani I have ever done. I don't mean like 'oh man, sweet!' but I mean like, 'girly' sweet. And I kind of really like it.

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly & ManiCured!***

Adopt A Polish

2011-11-14T11:00:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone - I know, a break from the 31 Day Challenge - so you KNOW this is important stuff!!

I was sent some information about a website the other day - and I just couldn't view everything via my blackberry.. Now that I'm home with my desktop computer and able to view everything, I knew this was something I would have to share with you all immediately!

The information I was sent is about a website called 'Adopt A Polish' and I was wondering what the what that was all about.. Then reading the concept behind the site.. I died.. It is amazing!!

"Every day, thousands of nail polishes are abandoned or abused. They are not sickly or old, they are fine new polishes, stuck on a shelf because they are forgotten or out of season. All they desire is to be used, and maybe taken for a night on the town in return."

Seriously? This is the first paragraph within the press release - I knew I was sold on the idea!

I love the idea of nail polish needing to be adopted.. I think it is a cute idea (NOW, do not get me wrong.. I don't think animals or children being neglected/abused is a 'cute' idea, but nail polish = cute) and one that I needed to share with all of you!

"One current nail polish, Charleston, held back tears while describing his life, 'I spent two years of my life stacked in a dark room crammed together with thousands of others just like me, hundreds pressing down on my shoulders at any given time. I'm a shimmer, and I have never seen the sunlight in my life. Oh and don't be started on CND Shellac, I just can't keep going as long, why would any women want me?'"

"Please don't let the agony go on any longer than it has to. The first round of adoptions closes December 31st. Apply to Adopt a Polish at http://www.adoptapolish.org/category/current-adoptions"

Basically.. What are you waiting for? Come up with a great application of why you'd make the perfect parent to a forgotten about polish.. Maybe you'll use that colour to adorn your nails and then go out for a picnic.. Or use it to go out with your blind date set-up.. OR.. Well, you get the idea! This is open to Canada and the US.

OH! This also introduced me to the website www.nailpolishcanada.com (they are sponsoring Adopt A Polish) - I went perusing the site.. UHM! Deborah Lippmann polish is on there. The only place I have ever found them was in West Edmonton Mall. I am kind of dying. They also have 'Bad Romance' still up for sale. This is going to be a very Merry Christmas for me!!

31 Day Challenge: Day 13 Animal Print

2011-11-13T13:00:00.008-06:00

Good ol' Animal Print nails..

Of course I was super excited about this.. And I knew I was going to do cheetah/leopard print nails.. BUT I decided to do it a different way (ok, it was a print off of a tunic in the November issue of InStyle magazine) and I kind of don't like it.. In photographs. It looks a lot different to me irl. Ahh well, such is life!

I used: OPI Ski Teal We Drop, Color Club Nomadic Nude and China Glaze Liquid Leather.

I think the thing I dislike about the photos is that there is barely any distinction between the base colour and the black and then the nude colour is too.. nude. Just bad colour selections on my own. Ahh well.

THESE photos are also going to give away what I have been up to. I am leaving in the morning for a few days and had to do some days of the challenge in advance.. Why they will give me away is that I clipped all of my nails down. I had an extremely low break on my thumb nail, and was finally able to get it cut down to the break - but I hated how short it was compared to all the other nails. Bleh. Oh well, I always love having extremely short nails and my nails grow fast anyways.

Anyways.. Have a solid day everyone!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 12 Stripes

2011-11-12T13:00:00.000-06:00

Ugggggh stripes. This should be easy. It is easy.. Yet I still managed to mess it up.

Continue onwards to the photos.. If you must..

One thing when I'm doing my nails: I have ZERO patience. Usually it always works out.. No matter what I do. And this time, it didn't! Grrr! I'm using these lovely colours and I am dragggggggging the base colour. What a goon! Way to ruin a simple stripe mani, Dee! Geez!

I used: Color Club Shabby Drab (base), Color Club Rad Nomad and OPI Alpine Snow for the stripes.

I would like to make a note.. Rad Nomad might be my new favourite nail polish name. I love to use the word rad and the fact it is used on a nail polish? Perfection!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 11 Polka Dots

2011-11-11T13:00:00.003-06:00

Oh yes, polka dots! My favourite, most trustworthy/never fail, go-to nail art..

I decided to go to the untried drawer for this day of the challenge (for the umpteenth time!)

I found two colours that I thought would play well together.. And they did. And I am now madly in love with one of them.

I used China Glaze Midtown Magic and GOSH Golden Brown to achieve this look.

Ok, I know I am going to sound a bit.. err, crazy here, BUT, Midtown Magic is one of the sexiest colours I have yet to come across. It is like a.. chocolate purple.. Does that make sense? I seriously thought it was a brown base, but it isn't at all.. It is a purple tinged bottle of, well, magic! I am really glad I second guessed myself in the store and picked this up a month+ ago.. I cannot wait to use this again.. And it is a polish I would happily sport all on its own. /swoon.

Oh, and, I hope you're all sporting your poppies today and that you remembered to give your moment of silence at 11:00am. Take care til tomorrow!!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 10 Gradient

2011-11-10T13:00:00.010-06:00

Gradient nails.. Now, I know of two ways (I am sure there are a bunch more!) to go about gradient nails: 1) with a sponge and 2) by using glitter and applying extra coats to certain parts of the nails (other works with just colours as well). I, of course, opted to use the sponge technique as that is what I am more comfortable with. I also decided to use the same colour family..

Any guesses as to what colour family I used?

Yes, you're correct: GREEN!

I started with two coats of OPI Stranger Tides, then sponged some OPI Mermaid's Tears from the middle of the nail and up.. Then I added some OPI Jade Is The New Black to the upper three-quarters of the nail.

I think it ended up working out okay.

The one thing I have been quite enjoying about this 31 day challenge is, not only do I get to use some of my untrieds, BUT, I get to rediscover gems I already own and have 'forgotten' about. Very fun indeed.

Whelp, see you all tomorrow (:

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color, Ash-Lilly & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 9 Rainbow

2011-11-09T13:00:00.000-06:00

Awe yeah, rainbow nails, YEAH!

I am actually going to be a little bit sad to have to remove this.. I really like the colours I chose to use and just the overall effect. Why don't I do rainbow nails more often? I guess I will now!

I used: Orly Spark, Essie Silken Cord, CG Rich & Famous, CG Spontaneous, OPI No Room For The Blues and CG Entourage.

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 8 Metallic

2011-11-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

A metallic polish.. I was sort of thinking that maybe Butter London Wallis could potentially work here.. but I went with a polish that has always been in the back of my mind, yet one I have never actually used.

I decided to use Orly Rage, and, like I said, glad I did! It is a really gorgeous rose gold colour and it was almost good to go with one coat - but I slapped on a second coat as one coat-ers seem.. like cheating? I suppose this polish is more of a foil, but I figure you'd all let that slide as it almost looks metallic-esque!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 7 Black and White

2011-11-07T13:00:00.000-06:00

Good ol black and white nails, aka: my favourite combo!

I took the easy route on this challenge.. I went with crackle polish! I have actually never successfully used my white crackle polish - and it almost was a success here - but not quite.. You'll see.

I was just starting apply the white crackle on my ring finger and I noticed it was cloudy. I jerked my hand away, but not quickly enough! It dripped on to my nail and I was stuck. I had to apply to that nail. It still somewhat worked, but it looks a bit gross.

AND, if I am using a black crackle polish, I usually go for OPI Black Shatter, but I actually like the China Glaze version better.. I see the results INSTANTLY, whereas with OPI I am left waiting for a bit. Solid!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 6 Violet

2011-11-06T13:00:00.000-06:00

Day 6.. Violet nails.. Well, to me that just means purple.. So a purple shade it is!

I knew exactly what I was going for.. And I'm really glad I did.. I am kind of in serious like with this polish/combo now!!

I have a few polishes from Forever 21, but all of them are.. ehm, somewhat disappointing.. I was a bit apprehensive when I tossed these in with an order a month or more back.. Then they arrived and mind = blown! The polish is exceptionally opaque and the glitter polish just gives it an extra kick. Love these two together!

I actually ordered them to do the glitter sandwich mani, as all my other F21 polishes are extremely sheer, then of course I get these gems instead. Love!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 5 Blue

2011-11-05T13:00:00.005-06:00

Ahh blue nails.. I have a strange affinity for blue nails..

For this day, I went with another Butter London polish - this one is Bluey, and it leaves me with similar feelings as Knees Up did. I don't really like it.. but, I didn't DO anything with it.. So maybe that will change? Who knows!

I must apologize for my cuticle areas.. I really need to leave a larger gap since I am not wearing these polishes for very long. I will get better with this challenge/swatching deal.. Some year.

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 4 Green

2011-11-04T13:00:00.001-06:00

Day 4.. Green.. My favourite colour.. What to do?!

I immediately went to my untried drawer as I knew the perfect green to FINALLY use on myself and not just a nail wheel.

You know when you get hyped out about something.. Ok, nail blog, we'll go with: you know when you get hyped up about a new colour/shade and then you get and it sucks?

That totally didn't happen here. This colour (shade!) is exactly what I wanted. My dream vehicle is a classic Jaguar with that sexy time green paint job.. you know the type I'm talking about.. Anyways.. It may not come across the colour I am trying to describe, but it is in reality. I present Butter London British Racing Green

Of course I am madly in love with this colour on its own and I would happily sport it that way.. But you know I had to toss on some China Glaze Snow Globe

Yes.. OH YES! Christmas manicure: hello! I love everything about this polish and cannot wait to sport it again!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 3 Yellow

2011-11-03T13:00:00.000-06:00

For day 3, I decided to go with my favourite yellow polish.. But then there was a slight dilemma..

I have loved China Glaze Yellow Fizz since the first moment I applied it.. So much that I have a back-up bottle hidden in reserves as I know I will run out some day soon.

Then, one day this past summer, I was told that the Chatters in Midtown Mall were carrying Zoya polishes now. Of course I had to scope this out and ended up finding a new yellow love: Zoya Pippa.

So which yellow is my favourite?

Please. Like I would choose one over the other.. I went with both as I adore both of them for what they are. Lemon Fizz (base) is a lovely pale-ish yellow and Pippa (stripes) in a bold 'in-your-face' type of yellow. Not going to lie, pairing them together actually makes me look tanned. Strange, yet enjoyable!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 2 Orange

2011-11-02T13:00:00.002-06:00

Alright.. Day 2.. Orange nails..

I didn't have an untried orange polish sitting around.. So that made me decide to find the first orange polish that I could find in my collection.. And it happened to be the orange franken I created. I wish I could remember all that went in to this polish, but I cannot off of the top of my head.

Sadly, it bubbled horribly.. So I topped it off with something from my untried drawer.. And instantly fell in love.

China Glaze Snow Globe might just be my answer to a glittery top coat. I LOVE IT! I cannot wait for Christmastime manis.. This will be perfect!

***The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!***

31 Day Challenge: Day 1 Red

2011-11-01T19:20:00.000-06:00

I am sure many of you have seen this done or are watching it being done on other blogs, etc, and now it is my turn to hop aboard the bandwagon and also partake in the challenge.

Of course I am picking a month which will be extremely busy, but ohhh well, if not now, then never - or something along those lines.

I am going to try to get a bit ahead of the game and do a bunch of nail painting tonight so I can start posting them on a set schedule everyday.. Especially since I am gone for a few days next week.. That isn't cheating.. right?!

There are some others also starting the challenge today.. So you'll have a wealth of challenge-doers to check out - I will always list those that I know about at the end of my posts so you can also check them out (if you're not doing so already!)

So, day one.. Red.. Done!

I snagged a red from my untried drawer.. It happens to be Butter London Knees Up... annnnnd.. I kind of.. uhhh.. don't like it? It has a metallic-y type of finish.. And I am just not the biggest of fans. BUT, I also didn't DO anything with it.. So maybe if I were to nail art it up I would like it a lot better? Who knows! I will find out sometime though.

The following blogs are also doing the 31 day challenge right meow - you should check them out!! Zara, Life and Polish, Manicure Addict, Polish Pauper, Bright Lights, Big Color & ManiCured!

Halloween Round-Up of 2011

2011-10-31T22:44:00.000-06:00

This post is just going to be a smorg of nails photos and Halloween yard decor..

The love Halloween. In fact, it is my favourite day of the whole entire year. I think it is more so that I love the fact that all things "scary" are celebrated. LOVE. It! I usually do not actually go out and celebrate bar style; my thing is decorating.. We didn't get everything working this year, but I plan to start working on decorations as soon as the weather is nice (aka July) and make sure I get everything that I want to work, well, to work!

I will toss up the nails pics first.. These are from the last few weeks. I apologize for my awful photos and sometimes my nails are badly chipped - I will get better soon - I promise!

Now the decorations..

Also - I had to select two new winners for my giveaway.. I received e-mails back within 12 hours.. Needless to say, I was ecstatic!

The winners are: Alex & Anh. I am shipping those packages out tomorrow!! Then I cannot wait to receive word that their goodies arrived safely.

And that is it.. for now. I really want to start that 31 day challenge. I would like to start tomorrow.. but we shall see! My weeks have been filled with a wealth of activities, work and school. I still need to find some time for more exams. Bleh. BUT, do look forward to that 31 day challenge.. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

I hope everyone had an amazing October and a fantastic Halloween.. Bring on the other 364 days, I'm content now (:

Zombie Zest Shattered

2011-10-20T21:50:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone!

Sorrrrrry x a whole bunch! I have not been a very good blogger lately. I actually just have not been good at doing my nails lately. Everything I seem to even attempt is a pretty serious fail - so much so that I don't even want to scale down the images and post them. (They are really THAT bad!)

I had worn CG Zombie Zest with OPI Black Shatter for the Skrillex show on Tuesday evening.. And it actually held out until today.. Then, once I returned home from work I realized I had pulled a 'derp' move and never took a photo.

You get to see some tip wear and some chipped polish due to me doing dishes at work and my forever hate relationship with wearing gloves while doing the dishes. (seriously, it makes my hands much, much worse!)

The only reason I am sharing this is because I actually think it is a great combo! Halloween-ish, while not going over the top. A "safe bet", if you will.

AND! One more day to enter my little giveaway.. I cannot believe the response to it - you're all awesome for entering AND for actually reading what I wrote and telling me what you like (or don't like) about my personal favourite month: October. I cannot wait to find out who the winner is!!

Annnd I should also be painting my nails tomorrow as well. I'm hoping that I will actually do a good job.. Unlike the fail job I did with my Freddy Kruger nails - yikes!

Have a great evening everyone!

EDIT: I ended up buying an extra set of Revlon polishes as a bonus due to the volume of people entering the giveaway. I got the 2 winners via random.org on Friday (ok, Saturday at 12:05am) and e-mailed them. No response from either winner.. SO.. I have used random.org again to select two people - I am e-mailing them right now.. Hopefully I will hear back from these two so I can send off these gems!

Revlon Giveaway

2011-10-08T00:41:00.002-06:00

GIVEAWAY CLOSED! WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

Yaaaay! I am really excited to do this for all of you!

I really appreciate all of you following me and commenting on my posts - it is amazing! So, I figured it was time to give back a bit.

Now, this isn't a monster giveaway that I want to do - that will come sometime later. I have it all planned in my mind - BUT - until then, you'll have to put up with this!

I picked up 3 polishes from the new Revlon collection the other day and really wanted to grab extras to giveaway, but the store was sold out of one of the colours after I bought it, and so, that thought was quickly squashed.

Then, this evening, I ran in to another shop quickly - and they had a whole wealth of them - bingo! Giveaway time!

The colours are: Starry Pink, Blue Mosaic & Facets of Fuchsia

Supposedly FoF is a DL Bad Romance dupe. Sadly, I do not own that polish (I really, really wish I did) - but this polish is stunning - in fact, they all are!

This is actually rather fitting.. October is my favourite month.. So, I figure I can tie that in to how you all can enter. See if you're actually reading this (:

This is open to everyone as I always hate being shut-down in contest because I live in Canada - so everyone, enter!

Obviously I want your name and e-mail address. I also would like you to tell me about your favourite thing about October, or maybe you hate October - you can tell me about that as well - I would love to hear your thoughts on this month!! Annnd, if you want to mention this giveaway on your blog or twitter, have at it - but please let me know so I can give you an extra entry. That's it!

Contest closes on October 21!

Again, thank you all for showing me some excellent support through my venture of blogging!

Sephora Grand Opening Haul + My Sad Start To Halloween Nails

2011-10-08T00:29:00.000-06:00

Ok, so, I will keep this no secret: I love Sephora. And, I love it even more now that was have one here! I swear, this is a tremendous day in Saskatoon history; horrible day for my wallet.

I went with a few of my faves for a full out event evening - and it was so worth it! I actually stayed under my Sephora budget, so I also bought myself the Katy Perry perfume as it smells amazing. Annnnyways..

I didn't have anything I particularly wanted.. And I was good - I put back the UD Book of Shadows palette.. BUT.. I found a different palette to purchase. A Tarte palette inspired by True Blood. Le sigh. And the colours seem to be quite pigmented. Swatches? Anyone? And the rest was just.. added bonuses. Ok, I lied. I did go wanting something in particular: Makeup Forever Smoky Lash. And I got it - yay! The only thing that I wanted that they were out of was a NARS blush.. I will get it next time, I guarantee it.. I mean, I will basically live there.

Now you can see my sucky first go at Halloween nails for this year. I apologize in advance, I didn't even clean these up as I was going to take it all off.. But I then saw the clock (midnight, yesterday) and was like 'ehmmm.. go to bed, you write an exam in the morning!' And they stayed. And people actually seem to like them. Weirdos (:

My red lines are too thick for the most part. I am dying without my "special" brushes. There is just no replacing them. Ugh.

BUT, I do have something exciting for my next post - which will be asap.. Eeee!!

Take care til then!!

Collective Haul Post

2011-09-30T11:46:00.001-06:00

I had a wealth of photos stacking up with items I have 'hauled' lately.. I figure it was time to post them all up before my camera gets angry about having so many photos stockpiled within it.. That and I feel like I need to make a post for the week.. (read: I am procrastinating from schoolwork on my day off!!)

I will start with these gems.. My first ever order from Butter London showed up yesterday! I decided to finally give them a shot - and, from my swatching, I am incredibly happy with them! Now to actually wear them.. Soo pretty though!

We have: British Racing Green, No More Waity Katie, Wallis, Knees Up, Toff, & Bluey. I was honestly most excited for British Racing Green as, to me, it is the green colour that is my dream car: the classic jaguar! It lives up to what I wanted!!

Then I have some polishes I picked up two weeks ago (!!) - they are: WnW Prowler and Blue Jitters; Quo by Orly Celestial Star; Borghese Euro Green and Stellare Notte.

I found the WnW little gems in Zellers and they were the last of their kind. Which basically translates to: must buy. I had read a post over at Sparkled Beauty awhile back, and she had mentioned that Shopper's had a Quo by Orly collection out.. Of course I had to check! The colours are lovely - but, as she said, they mirror some Orly shades. I figure I didn't have one like that so I was allowed to purchase it. Glad I did - it is lovely! Then, also at Shopper's, they were having a sale on Borghese polish. I don't own any of them and the $13.99 price tag never enticed me either for colours that I wasn't overly interested in.. BUT $7.99 polish does entice me a bit more! I nabbed these two shades.. I seemed to be in a glitter/shimmer mood that day!

Here I have the last of my hauled polish as of late.. They are: OPI Crown Me Already, Love & Beauty Mauve Purple and Mauve/Purple/Silver (yeah, they don't have clever names, sadly).

I was hoping that the mauve purple polish would be like any other polish I have bought from F21 and be extremely sheer as I wanted to do the glitter sandwich mani - but noooo, this one just has to be opaque and gorgeous.. My life - soso hard (:

Now on to a non-polish haul that has also been amazing to me.. I am talking about Bath & Body Works!! I am in love and cannot wait to make another purchase from them.. Plus they are going to give me another 20% off with a coupon code.. It basically eats up the shipping cost so I don't have to feel as guilty!

Candles, soaps, a wallflower system and wallflowers.. I really love the wallflower skull - I have an affinity for skulls and I feel it is perfect AND it glows in the dark.. Yeah. Awesome! Plus, my room smells like frosted cupcakes.. I haven't tried the other scents yet - but I definitely love my room smelling like that!!

AND now, if you made it this far.. I am going to post a nail photo. I honestly didn't know what the freak I was going to do with my nails.. So this Harringbone-esue mani was born and poorly executed..

I also have this thing about including a blurry photo lately. I like them? Strange.

Well, I hope everyone is having an amazing day! Talk to you all again soon!!

Concert Nails

2011-09-24T10:44:00.000-06:00

A couple of Fridays ago, my BFF and I went to a concert.. We went to the Train/Maroon 5/Matt Nathanson - and it was amazing!

The only band I was really there to see was Maroon 5 as I have loved their tunes for many, many years, but, I will say that Matt Nathanson was excellent and Train interacted with the crowd amazingly. We also had the best seats ever. Just sayin'.

Anyways! Since we were going to this concert, I wanted "concert nails" and I wanted them Maroon 5 themed. Of course I immediately remembered Kayla's Maroon 5 nails.. And I quite liked them.. But I needed a little bit more going on.

Some of the lines are a little shake-y, but luckily no one really noticed and I did receive a wealth of compliments on them.. Most likely because they didn't study them long enough - hah!

Well, this was all the procrastination I am allowing myself for right now.. There is just too much to try and get done today. Cleaning, studying, writing a paper, taking photos for a friend, watching the game, etc. I'm tired already!

Have a super Saturday everyone!!

Galaxy Nails

2011-09-16T20:07:00.000-06:00

Yes, that is correct! The ever so popular 'Galaxy Nails'.. I finally decided to take a stab at doing them.. I watched some videos on youtube, viewed a wealth of photos, and finally went with the nails that were shown on this video.

Mine aren't the greatest.. I have room for a vast improvement.. BUT.. Anyone that was looking at them were like 'hey, are those space nails' and some even said 'galaxy' - so I figure that means mission accomplished!

I kept that blurry photo in there as I thought it looked neat..

What I did that bothered me the most was the 'stars' or the white dots.. I feel like I went a bit heavy on them. Ahh well, like I said, room for improvement.. I know what I want them to look like more-so for next time.

I forgot to photo what I used and have since put them all back.. But I will see what I can remember here..

The black is Orly Liquid Vinyl (sidenote: I might love that even more than CG Liquid Leather.. I got away with one coat!!!!!), then I sponged on some white (CG White Out), some yellow (Orly Spark), some pink (Essie In Stitches), then I went with a smidge of Orly Haley's Comet.. I also topped the nails with an unlabeled Color Club glitter. Huh, I think I got it all - yay!

Anyways, I am going to go back to studying and trying to decide if it is worth it to go out tonight and celebrate a friends' birthday, or wallow in my whiny-self-pitying sickness.. Tough call!

Have a great Friday night everyone!!

Goodies

2011-09-15T17:57:00.000-06:00

I know.. This will be a post filled with goodies instead of nails - BUT - I will post up some nails tomorrow.. Today is about items I have bought and received in the last couple of weeks - yay!

So, a couple of weeks ago.. I came home to not one package - but two! Which is THE BEST! Since I already knew what was in the Sephora box, I of course had to open the package from Li Lian of shortwidenails. She had contacted me earlier about having some extra (duplicate) image plates and the first person she thought of was me - awe, yay! BUT she also tossed in some extra items and a sweet note!

She sent me the 3 plates: m56, m60 & m73. She also included a wealth of fimo canes and a set of amazing gold press-ons with rad musical note & stars glitter/confetti! Thank you Li Lian, you're a doll! I will be playing with these items soon!!

Then, of course, I opened up my sephora package.. some body wash, some face wash, some freebies, the naked palette.. THE NAKED PALETTE! Yes, I know I am a bit of a late comer on to the Naked palette train, but hey, better late than never! And my god.. LOVE me that palette!!

Actually, I am also really excited as there is a Sephora opening up here in the city next month! Eeeee! I cannot waaaaaait! We are going opening day. Seriously. I. Cannot. Wait! Oh, and this palette has a shadow called 'Creep', so of course I am in love with it!

Then, last weekend, while out and about, I picked up a few goodies..

I honestly did not know that Aldo sold polish! I snagged this glittery bad boy called 'Gold Digger'.. Then I am a sucker for the mini OPI Halloween sets.. Actually, pretty much anything to do with Halloween I need to own. I love the names they chose also.. The orange is 'He's My Boo', the white is 'Mummy Knows Best', the black 'I Only Date Werewolves' (my favourite name of the bunch.. queue Alcide flashbacks..) and the glow in the dark green 'Zom-Body To Love'.

In a way it was good my sister met up with us.. She talked me out of a bunch of other shades saying we had colours like them already.. But.. but.. Ugh. Next time!!

Then some swatch action for you all!

Well, hope everyone has an excellent Thursday night! I am going to go get some more school work in.. Bleh. This go to work and come home and do school stuff in a killer. No wonder my sucky immune system is failing already.

Bye for now!

Mardi Gras

2011-09-09T11:46:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone,

So, last month, on the 26th, a friend (one of my sister's best friends which in turn makes her one of my friends.. you get how it works!) had her birthday party. It was a super great 'Murder Mystery Supper' and the theme was Mardi Gras!

My character was Bourbon DuPre, he was a struggling and incredibly bitter/angry musician. Needless to say, it was amazing!

Her and her family really decorated it up amazingly! It was perfect! Now I really want to do this for my birthday.. Come on April!

Anyways.. Despite playing a male character, I had to do my nails.. And it was Mardi Gras.. I immediately remembered Emerald Sparkled Mardi Gras manicure. Though mine doesn't even come close to what she did.. The idea of it was there and it looked alright!

It was such a great time! I am quite happy to finally be posting this as I am now re-living all of the greatness that was her birthday!

Well, I better run off.. Finish building my desk, maybe do some homework/reading for classes, PAINT MY NAILS and get ready for the concert tonight! Eeeee! Have a stellar night everyone!!

Mix and Match

2011-09-02T09:53:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone,

I did these nails probably 10ish days ago.. I know, I finally have some manis stock piled so I actually have blog posts lined up - yay!

I know I saw a photo with nails like this somewhere on tumblr.. Yet I had decided to do something else. Then, when I got to my little painting station, I flip-flopped and decided on this instead!

The yellow is Zoya Pippa and the white is CG White Out; the 'accent' finger is Essie Turquoise & Caicos.. The greens used are OPI Green-Wich Village and a new detail polish my friend had picked up for me - same goes for the orange! I will have to photograph them.. They make me extremely happy as they are just like my handy-dandy nail art brush (which happens to be slowly dying on me!)

Actually, now that I'm looking at these bad boys again, they are almost Easter-esque.. Why do I always do Holiday/Seasonal looks during the wrong season? Meh.

Hope everyone is having a great day! I think I might have to make a post tomorrow about some goodies that have arrived for me recently.. Yeah, tomorrow it is!

Have a fantastic Friday everyone! I know I will - as it is PAY DAY (:

Easter Nails.. In August!

2011-08-28T15:03:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone..

I was browsing through images on tumblr the other night and saw the photo of light mint green nails with pink dots holding a strand of pearls approximately 6 times. I decided I really liked the combo and needed something to do to my nails before bedtime.

I used Essie Mint Candy Apple following with a pink from the Color Club French collection (I really need to label those bottles so I can remember the names!), I used a dotting tool that I received from Born Pretty to, well, make the dots!

I am actually sitting in a good spot with nail posts.. I have 2 more to post up at various points within the next week and I'll be painting my nails at some point today - yay! Now it won't have to be post up as I go.. Kind of nice!

I also decided that I will address comments in the comments section instead of just answering them on the next post.. It probably seems crazy and it looks like I am talking to myself.. Good times!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I will be back later in the week with a larger post.. At least that is my plan!!

Snakes! Snakes? Where have I heard the name Snakes before?

2011-08-19T20:57:00.000-06:00

Sorry, the title is basically one of my favourite quotes from 'Home Alone'.. And it also happens to be the pattern I am the most obsessed with lately. Well, that and skulls.. Anyways!

I will get right in to the photo posting as I feel I have a whole wealth of shots to share with all of you..

I actually practiced this look on a nail wheel a week or three ago, and finally decided to execute it.

I used a base of Zoya Pippa, then I sponged a mix of OPI Over The Taupe and OPI Green-Wich Village. Once that was set, I used BM plate 215 with the special Konad polish in White.. But when I finished, it seemed too "clean", so I slapped some Over The Taupe over top and loved it! I know the yellow base is a bit unconventional.. But then again, neither am I!

I have had a bunch of people grab my hands in public this week - 2 of which then proceeded to ask me if I have heard of the REAL snakeskin manicure.. Which I have! Despite how creepy it is, I would do it.. Just sayin'!

Then, of course, I did some shopping this past week. Mostly textbooks, but, who really wants to see that? Not me! Particularly the bill! Anyways..

I stopped in to The Bath Goddess while in Regina (we also have one here in Saskatoon) because I was told I could make them mix my scent concoction and that it would smell like Root Beer! I also got to pick the colour.. Now, to me, it smells more like the 'White Cake' scent that was a part of the mix, but I still love it! And it is light green.. Still a win! Also while I was there.. I noticed the bin of half price lip balm, I immediately grabbed 'Pumpkin Pie'.. Then at the til they had all the others.. Buy 2 Get 1 Free. Le sigh. Red Velvet Cake, Butt Naked and Raspberry Lemonade were quickly added.

I have been loving the L'Oreal Day/Night Cream, so I figured I would get the Day Lotion with SPF 30 to be smart.. The excellent skin I have been experiencing lately has exploded.. I think I am going to have to ditch the lotion.. Or test it out for a solid 10 days and then toss it.. Ugh. I hate breakouts! I also snagged another lip balm while out.. I bought Burt's Bees 100% Natural Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Blossom - side note: love.

Ahh nail polish.. I just HAD to stop in at Chatters yesterday.. They had the China Glaze Metro collection up for grabs.. There were a few more that I wanted, but I stopped to think about it.. And now I THINK I will get more.. Maybe tomorrow?

Anyways, we have: CG In The City, Midtown Magic, Westside Warrior and Cracked Medallion. I did swatch all of them, but only CG In The City didn't photo 'blurry'.. I will rectify the situation soon and post up the other photos!!

The first swatch is just the polish on its own - 2 coats. Then we have it over CG Liquid Leather (1 coat), CG White Out (1 coat) & CG Evening Seduction (1 coat). Obviously black and white are always safe bets, but I love it over the murky purple that is Evening Seduction!

Whelp, that is all for today! Look for another post hopefully within a couple of days. I have a wealth of front desk shifts coming up - so I plan to have a few looks of my nails to share!! Take care until then!!

Minty - Thank you very much! Glad I chose that hand to show (;
Claire - It is pretty genius! She has some other amazing tutorials! I will have to copy asap as I love the clean lines!!

I'm A Bad Blogger + Guest Nails

2011-08-13T11:23:00.003-06:00

My last post was 12 days ago!? What the freak have I been doing!?

Oh, right. Not my nails (too often).. I have been working mostly in the dish pit and have no reason to do my nails. Plus, when I do paint them, I haven't really been doing anything fun. I slap a crackle or shatter top coat on and go.. So, for that, I do apologize!

I do have a wealth of photos to share though.. Let's get started!

First, my nails. I have always enjoyed the look of what Nailside was doing, but was too scared to test it out as I wasn't sure if myself and tape would get along. I followed the Mummy Mani tutorial.. And, I liked the results! I went a little crazy with tape placement and sizes, but I really do like the outcome and will definitely try it again (and again, and again, etc).

I used OPI A Grape Fit as my base followed by CG Avalanche.

Then, last night, I went to my bestie's baseball games right after work. It was excellent! I had wanted to go watch some games this morning before working the evening shift, but I slept in.. Whoops! I hope her team is doing well!! THEN after the games, we returned back to the city and went straight over to the Exhibition!! I have not gone in 11 years, so that was quite fun!

We did some rides, played some games, etc.. My sister and some of her friends were also going, so we met up with them! One thing I really like about my friends and her friends, we all get along really well, we're like a large set of blended sisters (or family members).. It always makes for a great time! Oh, and, we all won domo dolls, nbD or anything..

Now go back a day.. It was 'Jersday', and my good friend had asked me to do a French Manicure for her as she had a wedding coming up the next day? Or maybe it is today? I cannot remember! But, she came over, I did my first official French Manicure and we watched Jersey Shore. I forgot to snap a photo of her nails! THEN, another good friend popped in.. She has been working on growing her nails up a bit, and they finally had reached a point that she found suitable for me to paint them up! She had mentioned before that she really liked how I did my ma's nails at one point in time, so I decided to do that very same design for her!

For that design I used CC High Society on four of the fingers and for the dots on the ring finger; OPI Ogre-The-Top Blue was used on the ring finger and for the dots on the other four fingers; followed that up with some WnW Black Creme for the leopard/cheetah spots.

I have also been thinking lately that I should somehow start incorporating more about make-up items in to my blog so then I don't go 12 days without posting anything.. So, I give you a photo of some new items I am putting to the test.. Then, probably within a month, I will show photos from purchase date to that point in time and see if there are any changes.. Hopefully that will be all right with everyone! Oh, and I will toss in a photo of Bennie cuteness and call this blog post a wrap!

Have a great weekend everyone!!

Audrey L - Most people never know what I am talking about.. Then they see a photo of him and are like 'oh, so, a rat?!' - haha, they can think what they like! Those two are adorable together though! And thank you, I love that combo SO much, I am currently sporting it on my toes!!
Minty - Hahaha, yes, YES he does!!

Kelly Meets Latticed Lilac

2011-08-01T21:40:00.001-06:00

And got totally destroyed by a mini-monster who has an affinity for shiny items.

Quite the intro, wouldn't you say so?

I know I would!

Now for some explanation.. It was 2am.. I had an appointment at the bank at 10am.. I needed to have SOMETHING on my nails.. And I needed some sleep in there somewhere. THEN I remembered my newly acquired bottle of CG Crackle Latticed Lilac. I also remembered testing it on the nail wheel over Zoya Kelly. PERFECT!

Not going to lie.. I love this combo.. So, before I could capture it in a photo AND do cleanup.. I visited with Bennie.. He is a degu and has shown up on here many times before.. Anyways.. Apparently degus like shiny things (or he does, at least).. My nails happened to be quite shimmery.. He tried to steal my nail.. It wasn't like the time he bit me out of anger, he didn't even do any damage to my nail.. Just the polish..

You can plainly see the damage that was done.. Rascal! Ohh well. It was only going to be a one day thing anyways as I had to do dishes the next day. Though I do think this will be the next combo for my toes - I love it!

Now, even though Bennie was a nail wrecker, I still allowed him some hangout time with Fonze. I, of course, nabbed a photo for all of you to enjoy..

That is about all for now.. OH! Except hello to my new followers (: 261?! WHAT?! AWESOME! I appreciate each and every one of you, always!

Hopefully I will have something rad on my nails mid-week to show. And I am hoping to film another tutorial soooon!

Have an awesome start to the week everyone - I know I am!!

OH! Also, I know I shouldn't ask.. BUT.. If you don't know anyone else entered in that Styled On contest (on facebook), or, you like my entry, please vote for me!! That would be great!! VOTE HERE

FOREVER '92 - Ohhhh wow! I totally know the candies you're talking about! That is awesome!! And seriously, you should get it! So worth it! In fact, I think I will have to pick up a bottle or two for a future giveaway...
Kayla Shevonne - Pretty much every post you have made is in my inspiration folder. If only I was able to originally create something.. BUT! I will happily copy and try to make something look half as amazing as what you post up!!
beachgal - You should give it a try! It isn't overly difficult, but it one of those manis where people are shocked and think it took you forever to do! I think it is just because of all the different colours (: AND, I cannot stress this enough, BUY WHITE CAP! You will love it!!!!
rebecca - Thaaank you! And it might be one of my faves now!!
Minty - You so should! You would do such an amazing job of it!!
Super Cute Super Easy - Yay! Hello and thank you for choosing to follow my blog! Much-ly appreciated! You really should, and, thank you!!

Rainbow Polka Dots Nails Inspired By Kayla

2011-07-25T19:20:00.001-06:00

A while back, the genius Kayla, blogged about her amazing rainbow polka dots manicure. I knew, as soon as I saw it, that I HAD to copy it.. It was stunning! Then, last week, she posted up a tutorial. I already knew how I was going to go about doing it.. But having a tutorial always helps (:

And, I'm not going to lie.. I absolutely love how it turned out! - And side note: It took a smidge less than 25 minutes from start to finish. Love that!

I used: CG White Out, CG Rich & Famous, Orly Sol Cabana, Orly Spark, Color Club Twiggie, OPI No Room For The Blues & CG Spontaneous.

I also used a dotting tool, which was sent to me from Born Pretty.

I figured I would finally blog for a few.. Especially since I want to be around the computer right now. My sister and I ordered some feather hair extensions that are less than impressive.. I am currently in contact with the seller trying to remedy the situation. It has kept me from looking through my F21 order that came in today. Le sigh.

OH! I also bought a polish (the other day..) that I have kind of wanted for awhile now.. And once my friend told me that Essie polish was on sale at Shopper's.. Well, I jumped at the chance to own Essie Turquoise & Caicos.

The evening I bought it, I knew I had to wear it immediately. BUT.. I don't do so well with just polish.. And it was late and I had to work in the morning.. Ohh right. White Cap. LOVE this combo!

I actually loved this enough to use this combo for my toes. I think it looks fantastic together.

Now I think I am going to go try the newspaper mani that my best pal was talking about AND sporting last night! My rainbow dots are too chipped to get another day of wear :(

I hope everyone is having a great night!!

Claire - Thankies!! (:
Irishenchantment - Thanks doll! They worked well together!
ABOP - I agree!!

Summer Zebra Sponge + Apothica Gift Card Winner

2011-07-16T18:38:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone!

Two posts in a row.. I must be on a roll! That and I was kind of excited to share these gems with you all!

Last night I was desperately seeking inspiration, so I decided to just search 'nail art' via tumblr. Found a few other awesome photos for inspiration, but a colourful zebra manicure caught my eye the most. I knew it was what I wanted to do, colourwise, etc, but I didn't want 'stripes' of colour.. I wanted some sponge action.. Done & done!

I apologize for my nails being greasy looking. For whatever reason, my cuticles have been 100% super dry lately.. This leads to me picking at them constantly and them being even worse. Today, after work, they were grossly dry and I started picking.. So I decided to slap on some cuticle oil.. Then I figured I better snap some photos as I already have some signs of tip wear.. And I was doing easier work today.. That is my only complaint with sponging.. It looks incredible, but it always wears so quick!

I didn't snap a photo of what I used (sorry, I was overly excited to post this up!!), but I will tell you.. I mean, you've seen most of these bottles a time or three on my blog anyways!

I started with a base of Seche Vite Porcelain (I was practicing a French Manicure before actually doing my own nails - so it was handy!), I followed that with the sponging of: OPI No Room For The Blues, Zoya Pippa, OPI Who The Shrek Are You? & CG Rich & Famous. Once the sponging was done, I striped on some CG Liquid Leather with my trusty little brush.

I am kind of in love with my nails right now. Not only do I really like this, I am really enjoying the length they are at.. They will be monsters within another week.. Sigh!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend thus far! It is barely after 6:30pm and I am seriously contemplating bed.. So. Sad!

OH! I can now announce the winner of the Apothica contest!! First off, thank you to all that entered! I wish I had a prize to send to everyone.. Maybe some day I will have the funds to do so (:

Anyways! The winner was Zara over at Never Unpolished. It was weird/funny, as I was putting the numbers in to the generator over at random.org, I was like 'I bet the number 1 is never picked.. I mean, that would be kind of interesting..' and sure enough...

Again, thank you to all that entered! I am hoping to set a cap on a number (I am thinking 300.. It should take some time!!) and then I will hold my OWN contest.. Which means I should probably start collecting prizes asap here!

July Luxe Box

2011-07-15T18:07:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone!

Today I am bringing you something not really nail polish-y, BUT, cosmetic-y that still does tie in with nail polish - you'll see!!

I am going to talk about the Luxe Box by Loose Button.. Last month I received my first box from them, but I didn't blog about it, but I did film a VIDEO. This time I decided to snap photos as I opened it so I could share it with all of you!!

During the month of May, I kept seeing mentions of something called a Birch Box.. Of course I had to look in to it.. I was so excited!! Deluxe make-up samples sent to you every month?! For $10?! SIGN ME UP! But, of course, they do not ship to Canada. Lame.

I didn't stop my quest there. I googled for a Canadian equivalent... and found one! It was Loose Button that introduced me to the Luxe Box! At the time, you had to sign up and be sent an invitation email to join. I received one within 24 hours and I put my order in for June, July & August. I also get to be a part of the 'founding members' section, so that is kind of neat as well.

Moving onwards.. I have been counting down the days since my last box was delivered. I was happy when my sister told me that it had arrived today.. Right after work (aka NOW) I snapped some photos and wanted to share with all of you asap!

If you're Canadian and are still waiting for yours and don't want the surprise ruined, x out now! Or, if you want spoilers/are just curious, continue on! Also, apparently, you lucky Americans will eventually get a chance to get your mitts on these gems as well. Not going to lie, if Birch Box ever became available to us, I would order both.. I'm like that!

This is what you're first looking at.. Gorgeous packaging.. And this time I didn't cut off the ribbon when cutting open the bubble packaging! Yay me! Then, once you remove the lid, you see the little "notes". I really like that it is personally addressed to you.. And that they spell my name correctly. Nothing bothers me more than when I fill out forms, and my name is still spelled incorrectly! Thank you Loose Button!

The little letter just mentions great products for the month and that they will contact you later to get feedback.. Then the note will give some information on the products you have received for the month..

I took two shaky photos of the note. They are quite blurry, so I will just tote down the information after the product photos!

YAY nail polish! And an Essie to boot.. It was basically worth it to me right then and there! Anyways, the products received are:

Essie Nail Polish in Silken Cord: "Today Essie Nail Polish has grown to be one of the industry's most popular professional polish brands. Due to Essie's long-lasting formula, Essie Nail Polish has been worn by many celebrities including Princess Kate Middleton on her wedding day." - Really? Well, despite almost throwing up with Kate Middleton being brought up (seriously, the Royal Wedding biz has been really annoying!), I was still happy with the polish! Nice colour too.

Next is a product by Proclaim, and it is Hair Oil Treatment: "Proclaim Argan Oil Hair Oil Treatment is uniquely formulated with Argan Oil and natural ingredients that condition, help repair dry, damaged hair without weighing it down, eliminate frizz and infuse brilliant shine." - I already use Moroccan Oil (same stuff) - so I know I will love this item! The stuff is incredible!!

Then it is a Stella perfume called Two Peony Fragrance: "Light and sparkling Pink Peony spiced up with black pepper comprise the top notes, while the base notes of amber, cedar wood and patchouli leave a warm and decidedly sensual dry down. A great spring/summer choice to add to your fragrance collection." - I smelt the bottle but didn't actually spray it yet.. I didn't like the scent, but maybe that will change once I actually legitimately try it.. It smelt too "adult" for my likings. I like sweet/fruity scents. Ehh.. If it doesn't work, the mother can have it!

Lastly, there is a product by Trucco and it says Pro Lip Liner: "Pro Lip Pencil can be used to sculpt, color, outline, and reshape the lips. Outline lips before applying lipstick to create shape and help prevent lipstick from feathering. Or use this product to fill in the entire lip as a base for lip color." - I was really excited about the lip liner! I have one that I love (from a different brand) so I have never felt the need to have another kicking around.. But if it is SENT to me.. That is another story..

I check the name.. It is called 'Ivy'.. Weird name for a lip liner, right? Ohh.. sadface, that is because it is an eye liner instead. AND it came like this..

After a quick sharpen, I was able to swatch it. It is a gorgeous green (this coming from someone that thinks every shade of green is gorgeous!) - yeah, it might not be a lip liner (for me, anyways..) but I am still happy with it!

All in all, I am very happy with my Luxe Box this month! Now to wait patiently for August.

I am going to be trying to French Manicure up my nails this evening.. For practice purposes! My good friend is a bridesmaid in her friend's upcoming wedding.. She wants all her bridesmaids to have French Manis.. She asked if I could one for her (saves major $$ from getting it done at a salon!) - of course I never sport them, but I can try! Any tips!?

The Nail Buff - Thanks! I thought so too.. I mean, I love me some full out animal print, but sometimes little hints here and there are pretty classy as well!!
Minty - Me too! And thank you!
Persnickety Polish - Haha! Ok, I will agree.. Super long talons encased in a gold nail polish MIGHT look a touch cheap.. To some people.. I suppose to the sport-er, they look badassed! Thank you (:
Halifax @ Sparkled Beauty - Apparently.. I will go back to the salon I bought them at during the sale.. I can check out what they have in there and let you know!!
Claire - Thank you, me too! It got a wealth of compliments!!

Lighthouse Action + A Couple of Hauls

2011-07-14T00:17:00.000-06:00

I honestly did not know what exactly to call this mani, so, I am calling it 'Lighthouse Action' only because it uses CG Lighthouse. I know, I'm clever! PLUS, I feel like I haven't posted up anything in forevvvvver and I owe you all!

Sooo, for this look I used: CG Lighthouse & WnW Black Creme along with a BM plate (I will put the exact plate number here.. Once I find where I put the plate.. ugh!)

It was something really easy. I was working as acting manager all weekend and realized at 10:30pm the night before that I needed my nails painted. Genius! That and I was trying to finish a movie that I fell asleep during a few nights before. I had heard many times over (via blogs!) that WnW Black Creme is a good black polish for stamping.. You know, you amazing bloggers never let me down! LOVE!

Now for some hauling that I have done recently. I don't believe I have mentioned any of these yet.. And if I have, I do apologize!!

I finally decided that I needed OPI Sparrow Me The Drama. When I bought a few other colours from the POTC collection, I picked up that colour for my 'bff' C, but not for myself. HUGE mistake! I went to the Chatters closest to me.. THEY WERE SOLD OUT of just that colour. Ugh. BUT of course the sales lady told me that OPI was buy 2 get a free top coat.. I always try to collect random top and base coats for the ma and sis (I keep shell out the money for the good stuff, so they belong to just moi!).. Anyways. OPI I Lily Love You & Over The Taupe called my name. Love them both! Then I went to another Chatters, the larger supply store that we have here. Thankfully they had OPI Sparrow Me The Drama.. And I spotted CG Lighthouse before I went to the till. I never turn down a yellow!

Then, last weekend here in S'toon was the 'original sidewalk sale' downtown. After my shift on Saturday, I hit the action with my sis, her bestie/my other little sister and we met up with C.. Of course I purchases nail polish.. And a couple other items.. Anyways!

The first three gems do not have colour names. They are by a company called Golden Rose.. I first nabbed the two blues and had to have both of them.. Mostly because they are beautiful! Then, my sister's friend HAD to point out that gorgeous green glitter. The photo doesn't do it any justice. It is seriously brilliant! Since this sidewalk sale was downtown, that meant we were by Midtown mall.. They have a Chatters within the mall that houses some Zoya polishes (thanks for the tip A!!)

Like I said before.. I can never turn down a yellow. I grabbed it first and saw it was 'Pippa', I hear that polish name mentioned so much.. Funny I rarely look at Zoya swatches because I know I don't have immediate access to them. I wish I would have looked at it more. I LOVE IT~ And next to it on the counter was 'Kelly', which I also needed to have just because.

I also grabbed CG Crackle in Latticed Lilac while I was there.. And then slapped it on over Pippa and Kelly. Gorgeous! I might have to actually get some more of the metallic crackles!

One more quick photo.. OPI I Lily Love You over some nail wheel swatches from before..

Here it is over: SH Silver Sweep, WnW Black Creme (love!), CG Rich & Famous (love!) and CG Lemon Fizz.

Phew.. Alright.. Enough of that for now.. I need to go get some sleep before work! I hope everyone is having an excellent week! I had two fabulous days off! My brother actually had today off (they were rained out.. Well, it was too damp for them to work).. So we had an impromptu day of mini golf (I won, but he won the free game!) and Ruckers action.. We picked sequins covered hats as our prizes!

I work the next 6 days, but 4 of them are managing shifts, so I should have my nails painted! Despite all the images I have saved, I lack motivation lately! Any ideas?

ALSO, I contacted the winner of the Apothica contest. Hopefully hear back on that soon so I can post up the winner!!

Take care.. I'm off to bed!! I will answer comments next time - I promise!!

Just A Quick Reminder

2011-07-08T21:28:00.000-06:00

That you have until Sunday night (11:59 pm GMT) to enter the Apothica Giveaway - sooo remember to get your entries in!! You have a chance to win a $25 gift card, I mean, that isn't too shabby, right?!

No nails to post up yet. I need to paint my nails before bed.. I have work and then a wealth of activities planned for tomorrow and do not want naked nails! I might have a post for you all tomorrow.. Buuut I would probably say to look for it on either Sunday or Monday!!

I hope everyone had a great week and will have an awesome weekend! Talk to you all very soon!!

Golden Leopard + Goodies + A Question

2011-07-04T02:43:00.003-06:00

Hello everyone!

It is nearing 2:30am, and I had to listen to a certain song at least 10 times before I attempt sleep.. But I didn't want to sit hear and bop around in my chair.. Then I remembered I could put together a post. PERFECT!

A & C - these nails are for both of you! I had my nails painted this way last weekend, but totally forgot to snap a photo. I had used CG Rich & Famous with OPI Mod About You for the spots.. I said I would recreate them. I just had to use gold as a base.. I was around some girls the other day that said gold nails look cheap. I tend to disagree.

I am extremely brilliant and forgot to take a photo of what was used, but, I will just tell you and hope for the best! I used: CG Midnight Kiss & Essie Mink Muffs. I also used my black Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen and a dotting tool I got from Born Pretty.

I have had some other nails looks for the past few days, but it was stuff just using shatter polishes and a sparkly gem, etc, nothing spectacular hence the long wait in posts! You may have also noticed that my nails are chopped right off. I had a bad break on my thumb nail, but kept the rest longer.. Well, that lasted about a week.. Then yard work came in to play. My fault. I refused gloves 3 different times. Busted off my ring finger nail and that sealed it: the rest could be chopped off. Now we can watch these bad boys grow back!!

Here are some of my new goodies.. Well, two of them are just replacement bottles as mine are basically out. Anyways, we have: OPI Turquoise Shatter, SH Silver Sweep, WnW Black Creme, CGs Rich & Famous (second bottle) & Lemon Fizz (second bottle). Also just some gold glitter I bought to possibly use for who knows what - but something!

I also bought two packages of nail wheels to practice some stuff as well as swatch my new goodies - that way I can share them with all of you in a better fashion than just randomly months after I bought them.

I have more to share, but didn't snap the wheel photos of them. Next time, I promise!!

Remember to scope this POST and enter the giveaway!

And lastly, my question. I was looking at the Butter London polish page the other day. There are 3 that I really want (I won't mention names to sway people or to make people like them and MAKE me order them).. BUT! I want to know what all of you think about them. Even though our sweet baby Canadian dollar is one strong bad boy these days, the polishes will set me back $17 a piece, which is fairly (ok, seriously!) steep.. But I kind of want them. Worth it? Yay? Nay? Let me know!!

Hope you all had an amazing weekend, a good Canada Day - and I am hoping that my American readers have an excellent fourth of Joo-lie!!

EDIT: I will get these gems up as I feel like a jerk for having neglected these lovely awards I was given!!

“The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and

creativity inspire others in the blogging world.

The Sunshine Award is given by bloggers to bloggers

as a way to spread the bloggy love.”

Thank you so much to One Chic Bella & Anutka for this award! You're both too sweet!!

One Chic Bella also awarded me with the Best Blog Award, the Blog Luxury Award and the Inspiration Award - THANK YOU!!!

The rules for this one are are:
• Link back to the person who passed you the award
• Complete the form below
• Share 7 random things about yourself
• Award 15 blogs
• Drop them a line and tell them about it

Name you favorite color – Green! Any and all shades!!
Name your favorite song – Bah.. Way too many! I am really loving ‘Moves Like Jagger’ by Maroon 5 right now, though.
Name you favorite dessert – I don’t really have one.. Umm.. I do really like cupcakes.
What makes you mad? – Work? Not having to work, but sometimes the people that you work with.. Just their ridiculousness at times. Such is life!
When you’re upset you… – I blast tunes and clean/reorganize my room; go for a stroll/work out, etc.
Your favorite pet – All of my pets are my favourites! There are the rabbits: Fonze, Cow & Lakai. And of course Bennie, the degu.
Black or white? – BOTH!
Your biggest fear is… - Driving. But seriously, losing any one of my immediate family. I would have to be institutionalized for a little while.
Your best feature is… – People always compliment my skin.. They must not be getting close enough, but I’ll take it!
Everyday attitude – Sarcastic.
What is perfection? – Non-existent.
Guilty Pleasure - Movies, books and nail polish!

The 7 random things about myself:
I am going to try and post 7 random facts that I haven’t mentioned before.. Let me see..

I broke my right leg in 3 places when I was 6 *almost 7* years old. I had a full cast all the way up to my hip for many, many months. It was brutal.
Apparently (before people actually get to know me) – I come off as snobby. I honestly do not mean to be that way.. I think it is my way of protecting me? I have no idea! I swear I am actually really nice and have nothing to be snobby about!
I go through phases in the gaming world. I like violent games, then more strategic, nerdish, sims, etc. Right now I divide my time between Railroad Tycoon 2 and The Sims 3. I am a RT2 champion as far as I am concerned.
I am the most disorganized organized person ever. It could be a large stack of mixed up papers, but if you told me the document you were looking for, I would know exactly where it is in said stack.
I think I am a clever comedic mastermind, yet in reality, my jokes are fairly lame. Or really pervish.
My True Blood watching crew and I fist pump near the end of the theme song. We just started it, but I feel it is going to be an ongoing occurrence and I could not be happier!
I am going to listen to ‘Move Like Jagger’ for the 15^th time this evening and then go to bed! Awe yeah! I get to see Maroon 5 in concert in September.. And I’m overly excited for that!!

Phew! Alright.. You all know how terrible I am for tagging people back. I read so many blogs and love each and every one of them.. I can never just choose 15. My lists always get too long!! If you're reading this and are following me, then I am probably following you back (at least I better be!) - SO - consider yourself tagged if you made it this far! I want to know 7 new facts about you! And if you don't feel like making a full post - leave it as a comment and I will love it just the same!!

Minty - Thanks, I thought it was such a cute and colourful idea when I saw the ad! Figured it would be fun to recreate on thee old nails! And no, we definitely cannot be!!
Claire - Please do!! And WHEN you do - definitely send me some photos/post it up - would love to see it!!
Miki - I am going to go and do that right now so I can add them in on my next post (:
Angela - Thank you.. Ahh well, you cannot please everyone (:
Anutka - Yay! Thank you!! I will go scope out that award right away here!!
shortwidenails - I have been loving all animal print nails lately. You cannot go wrong with them!! My best buddy has a wealth of cute elephant figurines and such around her apartment, I can understand the appeal! I did change it - and thank you! I have been trying to take photos when I feel good about myself.. So that on my "down" days I can gaze at who I am now.. I look forward to exchanging more emails with you, as you're such a sweetheart!! And I think you should do it - would love to see!!

Blue Giraffe Nails + Tutorial + What's In My Purse

2011-06-24T10:49:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted in a freakishly long time!! That is pretty upsetting! I didn't post up anything because I wasn't really wearing anything exciting polish-wise. I was up at the lake last weekend and was just sporting OPI Miami Beet with CG Fairy Dust over top.. And before that I think I was wearing OPI Skull & Glossbones and before that CG Flying Dragon.. So, just polishes and to me that is boring (for me to post, I like looking when other people post up their swatches of polishes..)

Anyways!

I had wanted to film another video tutorial, so I found a look via a magazine advertisement, and knew it would be perfect to do!!

What I used was: OPI What's With The Cattitude? & Essie Mesmerize. I also used my trusty little detail brush.

This is the photo that started it all off.. Well, a photo of a photo.. Anyways.

And there, you can watch all the magic take place!

I also have been scoping out different blogs doing the 'What's In My Purse Tag' - and I really had to wash mine yesterday, so I figured it would be fun to do that because I had to empty it anyways. Now, I spared all the random receipts that were in there.. And I present to you: the contents of my bag!

I actually forgot to take a picture of my bag.. But seriously, it is the most boring and huge bag ever. It is plain black cloth and I cannot find anything to take its place. I have this thing about the length of straps. Ugh. Maybe when I'm out and about today, I will find a replacement. Also note my wallet.. I desperately need a new one! That bad boy is probably 7 years old. I buy new wallets, switch over, then switch back. Sick. I have also found out that I have a sickly obsession with lip products.. I know, compared to some it is nothing, but here is the problem: I never use them. Other than the blistex and lip smackers. AWKward. Or, I remember to apply some when I first leave the house and then not again for the rest of the time I am out. I will have to just pack a few back in to my bag and go with that.

I also just wanted to share these quickly. My sister was in Calgary a couple weekends ago for a Bachelorette party.. They went to the zoo and the zebras were actually outside for once. I sobbed when she bbm'd a photo to me. BUT! She bought me that adorable zebra necklace! Yay! And an added bonus is the gorgeous green and gold leaf necklace. She knows me all too well.

That is all for now. I have some fun news coming up for you all on Monday.. So, have a great day and weekend and I will talk to you all soon!!

EDIT: I just wanted to address this comment now.. Instead of waiting for my next entry.. Anyways..
"hey, love the look, but is there a reason you don't clean up the imperfections before you take the finished look photo? they sell these nail corrector pens which are very handy. or like.. a q-tip dipped in nail polish remover works just as well. the look would be so much more complete without the random little specs of nail polish on your fingers.

keep up the great work!"

The reason I don't, usually, is because I'm just excited to post up what I have done. Sometimes I do take the time to clean up my nails/cuticles, but, those products are extremely taxing on my mitts. I already have excruciatingly dry eczema-y hands, so the less harsh I have to be with them, the happier I am. Also, I find that it seems "fake" to me. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that people take the time to do clean up, but that doesn't seem real to me. I am just strange, this I know. Don't worry, I have my bottle of acetone and paint brush for clean up purposes, I just try to let the warm water from the shower do its trick so I don't have to do damage to my hands. Thanks for your concern about the looks of my completed manis!

FOREVER `92 - Thankies! I figured the yellow background would be kind of fun (:
rebecca - Haha, glad you're ok with it! My wallet isn't so happy about it though!!
Tierney - Yay! Thank you!!
Minty - Glad you like it - and thanks, I figure if I have the time to film them up, might as well share them!!
Miki - Thanks - I figured I could toss in some fun!!
Claire - You really should! It gets a lot of attention!! Haha, I know I really should wear them, I mean, they are provided to me at work, but they are annoying and I drop everything..
Meeka - Ouu, thank you so much! I will go check that out asap!! Yeah, steel wool can be quite the jerk!!
chicnight - I did the ring finger on one hand (first one) and was like 'everyone does this.. need to do something different' and index it was! Thank you!!

Cherry Nails + Tutorial

2011-06-08T23:23:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!

I finally did it.. I recorded another video tutorial!!

I bought a lovely new yellow polish the other day.. Like I said, Rebecca is basically my muse.. Actually, maybe her blog is a dangerous place for me as I really like every polish she uses.. Anyways..

I was really excited to use this yellow.. But how?! Ohh wait, I have been loving things with Cherry prints lately.. Why not do that to my nails?

Of course I couldn't just do an adorable cherry print.. I had to add a cherry print in reverse...

I used: Orly Spark, Essie Lolipop & OPI Green-Wich Village. I also used one of my trusty dotting tools (provided to me by Born Pretty) and my wonderful little brush.

Want to see how I did these? Visit this LINK. I am changing my youtube channel to my own personal account. It was just too much work going back and forth with sign-ins. This should be way easier!!

Oh, and a photo of my right hand.. After ONE FREAKIN' DAY! This is what I got for not using Seche Vite.. My left hand was still in pristine condition..

The dish pit at work also took chunks out of my nails.. Good thing this isn't my "photo" hand. Stupid steel wool.. If only I would wear gloves..

Anyways, thanks for checking out my post. OH! AND! 225 followers?! WHAT?! I am seriously going to have to cap a number for a giveaway (I am going to start collecting goodies for that starting........ now? Well, the next time I am out shopping!!) - Maybe 250? That seems like a good number (: Thank you to all of the new followers.. I hope I don't bore all of you (:

Have a great night/day/evening/whatever time of day you venture over here at - have a good one!!

A Polished Touch - Ouuu - did you post photos!? I am going to go scope after I finish answering these comments! Hard wired, maybe.. I am an extreme copy-artist as well though (:
Tierney - Yay! I'm glad!!
Miki - Zebra is one of my first loves.. I often forget about it though. Glad you like the colours as well - such a good combo!!
rebecca - Well, thank you for being such a good inspiration (:
Jade - Thaaank you (:
MaryBeth - They are always a crowd pleaser!!
Minty - Haha, ugh, if only I had really been drinking.. I said that only because I felt my lines were a bit of a mess like I HAD been drinking.. Whoops!!
Swaafie - Haha, I think if I had actually been drinking, my hands would have been painted and my nails would have been left bare.. This might be a worthwhile project..
Halifax @ Sparkled Beauty - Haha - nope, I am a definite Canadian blogger. I am one of those weirdo prairie kids! You so should - I am kind of in serious like with it (it isn't love.. yet).

Colourful Zebra Fade

2011-06-07T16:00:00.001-06:00

I obviously could not come up with a better title of this bad boy..

Besides that, hello everyone!! I hope you're all doing well!!

I figure I should get a post up today as I will have at least enough content for another post sometime before the week is done. I am starting to get to a place where I don't have to paint my nails and post up the same day.. I am starting to get a bit behind.. (much to the displeasure of my bff! Sorry Gordo!)

These were the nails I have been sporting for the last few days.. I swear Rebecca of Rebecca Likes Nails is my muse or something. She used a stamp to make hers much, much better.. But I don't believe I have that particular stamp (I have another one, but it just wasn't the same..) - I freehanded it.. And I might have been drinking at the time, so please do not judge too harshly!! (:

These are the gems I used. Of course I forgot to snap a photo of another child.. But, you're all pretty familiar with him.. Anyways, these kids are: OPIs: Shorts Story, A Grape Fit, Ogre-The-Top Blue & No Room For The Blues. I also used CG Liquid Leather. Technically I should have used the sponge technique to make this look even better, but I just painted them on.. No fuss!

Speaking of my 'bff' (I use that term in quotes as, well, we ARE, but I need to find a better term for it..) - she has been working crazy amounts of overtime, so she got yesterday off.. Mondays happen to be my Saturdays, so I got to spend the whole day with her! It was awwwwesome! Of course we went shopping. I will show you the non-nail polish goodies I bought (look for the nail polish bad boys in an upcoming post..) - If you are strictly all about nail polish and do not wish to look at anything but, you can close up the window now.. BUT, I have a huuuuge love for nail polish and an almost equal amount of love for other cosmetics (make-up, bath and body products, etc).. I think most of us do, but hey, some don't! Onwards we go..

I will start with the bath/body goodies.. I went to two 'rival' shops.. For a few reasons.. I used to have serious issues with scents.. I still do, but I can handle more now.. Little bits at a time.. Anyways, we stopped in at LUSH and for once the store wasn't extremely overpowering in its scents - win! I really wanted to get a lip scrub from them as my lips have been peeling a lot, and I don't help as I bite them constantly. The items are: Dragon's Egg bath bomb that smells AWESOME! Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly (it smells like jube jubes!!), Bubblegum Lip Scrub and a Charity Pot lotion.. Notice how I went for one thing and came out with more. I'm such a sucker. Oh, the Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly is amazing! So is the lip scrub.. Tested them both out last night.

I also wanted to quickly stop in to The Body Shop.. I was visiting the shop that a friend works in the other day (I wanted to get a candle.. and I get an awesome discount!) - as I was leaving, I noticed they had a new scent (at least to me..) LEMON! I am a sucker for lemon scented items. Of course it would be 4 bottles for $16, so you're getting 50% off. Done. I snapped up Sweet Lemon, Pink Grapefruit, Satsuma and Strawberry. All of them smell fantastic! I didn't see my good pal Raspberry in there.. I hope it wasn't limited edition.. I will have to ask my friend!! Anyways.. I love the shower gels.. They smell amazing and leave your skin nice and quite soft.

Also, while we were out.. I needed to stop at the MAC counter. The other night I used some of my Blacktrack fluidline.. I hadn't used it in a long time.. And I think it might be 6-7 years old.. Yikes! Time to replace. I was good there. That is all I bought. Then, later in the evening, the mother wanted to do a quick Shoppers run.. That is never a good place for me. I always buy some type of cosmetic. I have been wanting to get a bronzer as I do not absorb any colour during the summer (ok, maybe a shade darker.. and by darker I mean pinker).. I of course loved this one..

I did apply it a bit heavier so you could see it.. Notice the shimmer? I love shimmery products. I know they may seem silly and childish, but I don't get sick of them. I will probably be in my late 40s wearing shimmery eyeshadow (even though they are unforgiving with wrinkles..)

And that is all for today.. I hope everyone is having a terrific Tuesday! I shall talk to all of you sometime again during this week!!

Claire - Aren't they adorable!? LOVE them also. Thank you!!
The Nail Buff - Thank you very much (:
A Polished Touch - Thank you! And thank you so much for following (:
Minty - Thank you!! I love the colour alone, but I really felt it needed an extra kick.. (:
Doo - Your orange franken is sooo lovely! I love the holo action to it!! I actually think the one you made is closer to what I wanted!! It looks so awesome because of the lemons.. That is my story and I'm sticking to it!!

Oranganade Franken

2011-06-04T01:32:00.001-06:00

So, I took advantage of a contest to create a franken polish! Yay!

I told myself as soon as she posts up the photos for the contest, I will post up my entry on my blog and what I did with it.. Without further ado.. I present..

Oranganade...

It photographed somewhat 'blah', but there was actually quite a bit of shimmer to this gem..

Here is how it all started.. I used 1/2 bottle of Ulta Sun-Sational, 3/4 mini bottle of some random red OPI mini, 1/6 bottle of Color Club Turn The Other Chic, couple drops of China Glaze White Cap and ditto for China Glaze White Out...

The bottle shot sort of shows more of the sparkly goodness.. But, you all know I cannot just wear a polish..

I had to jazz it up some.. I give you.. SPARKLING Oranganade.. Yeah.. I actually think I would have gotten the results out of the franken that I wanted if I would have put Hidden Treasure in to the mix. Ahh well, live and learn!!

To make it 'Sparkling Oranganade', I used: Oranganade Franken, SH Hidden Treasure & CG White Out, as well as a dotting tool (which was provided to me by Born Pretty) and my newly acquired fimo canes (the lemons, to be exact).

I figured it would be a cartoony effect of soda pop.. With some lemons tossed in.. Yay? Nay?

Remember to head over to More Nail Polish and vote! Even if it isn't for me - there are some really amazing entries that you should all scope out!!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! I better scuttle off to bed before work.. Bleh! Goodnight!!

Freshie - Yay! Glad you agree (:
Zara - Thank you! I am finally getting inspiration from one of my favourite things: movies!
The Nail Buff - Yay! Thankies!!
Miki - Thank you very much for the award (:
Claire - Thank youuuu!!!

Bridget Jones's Diary Inspired Nails

2011-05-31T17:54:00.000-06:00

Actually, it was the second film, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. I was watching this movie the other night and passed out with about 40ish minutes left. Of course I could not leave it unfinished.. So I watched from about that point onwards the next afternoon.

In one of the scenes (where Bridget finds out she will be working with Daniel on his TV show...) she is wearing a light blue blouse with either black or brown dots and some peachy-pink dots. I instantly knew I wanted to paint that on my nails.

I was rather annoyed that during the painting process - well, just before I was getting ready to apply top coat.. That there was some cotton fluff attached to a dot on my index finger. Of course I grabbed it and of course it would drag across the brown and ruin my night. Ohhh well!!

I still really loved how this turned out! I also really liked all the colours together!!

I used: OPI What's With The Cattitude?, Essie Little Brown Dress, Color Club Pardon My French (I think) and a dotting tool which was provided by Born Pretty.

I should really make little labels for my Color Club polishes.. They came in a set and are not labeled on the bottle. Kind of annoying as I also have to look back to see what they are called!!

Well, I am off to go paint my nails with the franken polish I made for the contest over at More Nail Polish - if you haven't seen it, go check it out! You have until June 2nd to enter.. Plus, as this is technically my third (I basically made the same colour on my first and second tries.. Anyways..) - it was nice to have a reason to do some frankening!

I hope everyone is having a great Tuesday.. I have been cleaning. all. day!

Enigma - Yay! I am glad I am not the only one (:

Mix and Match

2011-05-31T02:34:00.001-06:00

Is basically what this post is all about!

I will start off with my nail stickers that I basically wore through all of last week..

These gems are the Sally Hansen Salon Effects in 330 Fly With Me. I honestly wasn't really interested in these, but my sister tried out a set a couple of weeks ago, and loved them! So I grabbed this set as I know that I will never be able to paint a decent butterfly on my own.. AND I have to say: love. These are great! I mean, when this photo was snapped, I had been wearing them for 4 days (3 of which were serious work days..) and I felt they didn't look TOO bad. I think one of my favourite parts was the removal.. They are real nail polish.. So taking it off was like taking off your regular old polish.. awwwwesome! I think I would recommend these for a special occasion though.. I remember seeing on another blog that for the cost of a "high end" (err.. mid-range?) bottle of polish (which does multiple manis) - you get one from these. I mean, you can accent mani to your hearts content..

My only other complaint is the size of some of the strips.. A few of them are real monsters. Oh well, all in all, I really did like them and do recommend them. Especially for designs that you know you will never be able to do on your own.. Also, SH, do something with skulls and I'll be your biggest fan!!

Speaking of skulls.. I have no idea why, but recently (ok, since like February or March) I have been OBSESSED with skulls. My bff picked up on this and bought me an amazing skull necklace for my birthday and I seriously wear it every chance I get! I will this tie in to my next photos, I promise!

The other day (read: a couple of weeks ago) I was perusing amazon.com (not .ca for once!) and really wanted to order the bundle monster plates as I see so many great manis being done using those little gems. What sold me? Skull action!

The skull bad boy is actually the very last plate. I apologize for the glare. I took 5 different photos and this is the best.

But I got something else from them as well...

Fimo canes! YAY! Although it is a strange purchase as I really am not a rhinestone wear-er.. But I figure I can stick these on to jazz up certain manis.. Maybe even pedis.. Who knows!! I then used a recently emptied out rhinestone wheel to house some newly sliced canes. I picked out a few that I would want to try to use sometime soon.. But honestly, way too many to choose from!!

Some of my cutting is a bit too thick I believe.. But it was worth a shot.. Ooh, notice the skulls! Awe yeah!!

Alright, well, that is all I have to post up for now! I did paint my nails this evening, but forgot to photograph them before uploading all these photos.. I guess that means you'll get ANOTHER post later.. (:

Have a great day/evening/night - well, whatever time you're reading this at, enjoy!! It is 2:30am.. I should probably go pass out now!! Goodnight!!

rebecca - I hope you took advantage of the sale!! I will have to scope out that shade myself!! Just in case..
shortwidenails - True, but they often have really awesome deals! And some of the stores more so than others, which is weird! Ahh I LOVE White Cap - except that I always want to call it 'Snow Cap'.. Haha, luckily I can sleep when my room is a mess.. Otherwise I would never sleep! I actually started tidying it up earlier this evening.. It took me 3 hours to basically clear off my dresser. Yikes!!
Irishenchantment - Haha I figure I might just be the only one.. Yay! Thank you for following (:
Vintage Makeup - Thaaank you very much! And I agree, they are super cute!
Minty - I cannot wait to keep testing it over other gems!! Heeey.. It only takes 1.. Right? Right! (:

The Need For Orange Nails

2011-05-21T13:55:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone!!

So, yesterday was a crazy and sad day. Most of it is work related, and I don't really want to delve in to it, but, I will just say, yesterday (during the day) sucked! My evening was a lot better.. I got to spend it with one of my favourite persons.. And we did a lot of talking before our movie watching.. Somewhere in our babbling, I excitedly said 'I have 200 followers on my blog!!' and she had said she noticed the other day I was at 196.. And that I should have a giveaway. I completely agree. We are going to be hanging out again tomorrow and we might do some shopping - either that or next weekend, SO! Watch out for upcoming Giveaway announcements!

Now on to this 200 followers biz.. WHAT?! How!? Seriously?? I remember when I first started this blog and I got to 1 follower. I thought I had really made it. AND it wasn't someone I knew.. I actually didn't start telling people about my blog for the longest time.. I am still not sure why - maybe I thought people would think I am even more weird? Who knows! Anyways, what I want to say is: thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you that has clicked 'follow'.. It means a lot to me! I honestly wish I could send everyone items to show how much I appreciate each and every one of you.. But until I start buying lottery tickets and successfully win the lottery, you'll just have to accept my sincere words of gratitude!

Geez, onwards to the good stuff already!!

Last weekend, I was at Shopper's Drug Mart with my siblings.. And saw that they had Essie Mink Muffs and Chinchilly.. Two of my lemmings.. Seeings how I only seem to find Essie polish there, I should have just bought them.. BUT Shopper's retails Essie polish at $12. A tad steep. Fast forward to Tuesday.. I am heading home from my hair appointment (buh-bye gross roots!) and stopped in at the mall.. I was looking for root volumizing powder.. Couldn't find it at Zellers, so I hotfooted it over to Shopper's.. I did get what I wanted.. But I also bought these two as they were on sale for $9! I can handle that..

I am most excited about Chinchilly - so I swatched it on last night with the plans that I would do some nail art today.. I was pumped.. Got this photo.. Went to my bed.. And tossed and turned for hours. Finally at 4am I got out of bed. I knew what the problem was. With my horrible day mixed with some massive headache, I had stopped listening to my thoughts. I wanted orange nails. I could not sleep without having orange on my nails. Has that ever happened to anyone? Not necessarily about a nail colour, but just that you need to have something so badly that you cannot sleep.. Be it a conversation, listening to a certain song, maybe having some type of snack.. Maybe I am just really strange.

I removed Chinchilly (which I loved) and slapped on Orly Sol Cabana. I am still shocked that I only have a small bottle of this polish. I love this orange. Once it was applied, however, it just wasn't enough.. Something was missing. I grabbed CG White Cap and slapped a coat on. I am pretty sure I sighed with content and then shut off my lights and went to bed. I know, I didn't do a clean up, but I was so excited to photograph these when I got up that.. Well, this is what you get!

Also, when I was outside taking this photo.. Yes, I went outside to take it - not sure if it looks better (also I was trying for a super shot!) - but I liked how the sunlight makes them sparkle! Anyways, about being outside to take this photo.. While out there, I discovered two goons...

2 of our 4 female rabbits remain. I believe these clowns are 6 (maybe even 7?) years old.. Top photo is Cow (aptly named huh..) and bottom is Lakai. Maybe when the lone male rabbit is outside tomorrow, I will snag a photo of him. (side note: as I type this, Bennie is frantically jostling his water bottle.. I think he might be jealous).

Anyways, that is all I have for you today! I am sorry I lied about having a video up by the end of the week.. I couldn't think of anything creative to do (even my inspiration folder failed me!) - I figured I would ask if there is any look I have posted that you would want to see a video of? Let me know and I'll happily do it!

I am going to go out and transplant the pumpkin plants soon.. Wish me luck!! Oh, speaking of plants.. The SpaRitual seed card that I planted has yielded one sprout thus far..

Have a great day everyone!!

Swaffie - Haha, horrible in a lovely way - I absolutely know what you mean! Thank you!!
The Nail Buff - You should get them! And thank you!!
rebecca - Now that would be an amazing bikini!
Frankie - Yay! Thank you!!
~Leslie~ - Thank you so much! I am glad that people that have seen the shoes/purse/wallet/heels before knew exactly what it was.. Makes me feel proud!!
k - I do have a tumblr, I am just horrible for updating it! I will definitely put a link or something off to the side one of these days (aka when I start updating it more often!) Do you have a tumblr? I will happily follow yours as well!!
ThRiSzHa - I agree, thank you (:
Sandy De Luxe - Thankies!!
Chrissy - Well, perfect is too kind, but they turned out quite well, thank you (:

Iron Fist Zombie

2011-05-16T13:53:00.000-06:00

The Iron Fist Zombie (flats!) are basically what finally inspired me to do this mani. I have to say, I love Iron Fist flats.. I think I own 3 pairs and I believe my sister has 4 or 5.. Anyways! At Christmastime, I got her the Zombie flats and now she wears them all the time.. (side note: she also has the wallet and it is amazing..) ANYWAYS! Many, many months ago, via tumblr, I came across THIS image, and of course I saved it to my inspiration folder. Fast forward to Saturday night and me scoping through my folder looking for the one major 'mani' I was going to do for the week (aka a couple of days as they will get wrecked once I am in the dishpit at work..)

I will apologize for my shiny nails. I was actually already in bed, following my night routine that I had mentioned in my last post.. So I had already slicked on some Nubar cuticle oil.. Then I remembered I would be at work in the morning.. And, as far as my experiences go, work is a 50/50 killing zone for nail art/polish. (side note: I would have been ok, I was spared working with the dishes.. Every bit of paint is still intact!)

I know there is some smearing of the black paint around the eyes, but, I really do like this. I think it is something fun and it threw a lot of people off.. My favourite part to paint were the teeth.. I have no idea as to why - they just were!!

For this, I used: OPI Green-Wich Village, CG White Out, CG Liquid Leather, OPI Shorts Story and of course my trusty brush, which is why the silly yellow nail art bottle is splayed out in front of the other guys.

Now for some just day in the life chit-chat. I decided last week that I was going to eliminate online shopping for awhile. I am not really trying to save money or anything, but I figure it would be smarter to start holding on to more money.. Cause you never know what large purchase items are going to turn up, or, if you get really sick and have to miss work, etc.. So, that plan died a horrible death on Friday night.. And has continued up to today. Ugh. Two of the places I have placed orders with can be blogged about, so that will be fun! One of them isn't going to be here til sometime mid-June, so that will be a long wait.. Another should hopefully be here this week - and it is 100% nail related! Yay! The other orders placed was for clothing.. Yeah.

Another thing I quickly wanted to mention.. The other day, the dad asked me if I still was filming YouTube video tutorials. I don't even remember the last time I filmed one. That is pretty bad. I think my problem is that I didn't have it set up to my main account - which is connected to my main e-mail, etc, and I always forget to check with that other account. I am not sure if any of you watched them (don't worry - you don't have to!) but I think I am going to start filming again and have them on my main account so I can keep updated on the comments and such. Way easier! I was hoping to film tomorrow during the day, but I have a hair appointment tomorrow (I was really good and actually waited for almost 2 months! My roots are killing me slowly on the inside.. I never wait that long!) - so I am not sure yet about tomorrow.. But! Expect a new video sometime by the end of the week. Anyways.. I should probably silence myself now.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is having an awesome start to the new week! Take care until next time!

Tierney - Totally strange, but I actually thought about you with the Mermaid's Tears polish - I am not sure why it reminded me of you, but it did! I actually think if you try it out, you'll love it! I was a tad skeptical myself, but tried it and loved it! I did put Silver Shatter over the others, just to see, and none of them blew me away like it did over Mermaid's Tear!! I am glad you got the same shades though - they are all gorgeous!!
Minty - Well, thank you for the tag!! I was reading through yours and was like 'hell yes, I completely agree with that! I am stealing it!!'
shortwidenails - I am glad you like it (: I look forward to your email!!

A Little Bit Of Everything

2011-05-13T20:30:00.000-06:00

And by that I mean there is some haul action, some swatch action and even some manis I have sported within this past week.

I actually meant to post this up yesterday, but, we all know blogger was having some issues yesterday (whomp, whomp!)

I suppose I should just jump right in with some photos.

On my last post, I mentioned that I was heading out to a movie, (Side note: I saw 'Water For Elephants' and I loved it!), of course I had less than 30 mins until I was getting picked up. Usually I like to have a solid hour and then only take 30 mins to do my nails.. But beggars cannot be choosers (plus I had all day but I chose to clean all day instead.. aren't days off supposed to be about you? I digress..)

What I wanted to do was put on my base coat then apply CG Broken Hearted over top and have the pink crackle over my naked nails.. Did not work.. Looks terribad.. What to do!? Grab two other friends.

I grabbed OPIs: Teenage Dream & Black Shatter and went to work. Thankfully 1 coat of TD dries extremely fast! Then a quick coat of shatter, some top coat and I was out the door. I know, not the greatest, but whatever, it worked!

Then, the next day, a friend called and asked me if I wanted to go shopping with her downtown.. I was a bit reluctant, then I remembered that she likes to go to The Bay quite a bit.. And The Bay houses MAC. Sold. BUT! Before we went there, we were right in front of a Chatters.. I had been to a different Chatters supply store on the weekend, and they didn't have the POTC collection, so I almost didn't pop in.. But boy am I glad that I did..

Technically that lovely pink on the end (sparrow something or other..) should not be in this shot.. She is a foster child that I am only looking after until I can deliver her to her rightful owner. With that technicality out of the way, we have: OPIs Stranger Tides, Skull & Glossbones, Mermaid's Tears & Silver Shatter.

We all know I am not a swatchy person, but I decided that maybe I should start as sometimes I show you what I have bought and then I don't end up using them for months. You'll have to let my first few posts with swatch action have some leeway as this isn't really my bag. If the photos are terrifying, I apologize in advance!

This is Stranger Tides and it is the shade I was most wanting. And. I love it! I love any type of green, so it isn't too shocking. I also have no idea what it with my index fingernail. It bubbles so often.. So annoying! Anyways, I would say it is a light mossy green and that it is gorgeous.

Skull & Glossbones.. I picked up and put back this shade 3 times. Finally, as I was stepping towards the register, I quickly swooped around, grabbed it and placed it with my other gems. I am extremely glad I did. It is extremely pale grey meets beige. I wouldn't call it greige or whatever the cool kids are calling it these days.. I also thought I would hate it with my skin tone, and it had quite the opposite effect. Thanks impulse buying!

Mermaid's Tears.. I knew I wanted this shade no matter what. It is a muted jade.. And when I say muted, I mean really watered down. My photo makes it looks WAY more jade-esque than it really is. Either way, it is a really lovely colour.. And the name? Solid! Also, apparently I lost my vision when applying this colour..

Ohhh hey there Silver Shatter over Mermaid's Tears. Not going to lie.. I love this combo. I also really like the silver shatter. A lot. Applies just like the others.. quick and painless!

I also mentioned MAC, so I might as well post up my purchases. I kept picking up eyeshadows, but I picked up amazing palettes not too long ago.. Looked at blush, but I am just about done my NARS Super Orgasm and have Orgasm waiting to be used.. Pretty much everything I looked at, I have millions of. What I don't have millions of, however, are lip glosses and eyeliners - yay!

I bought a cremesheen lip glass in 'Just Superb', a superslick liquid eye liner in 'Defiantly Feline' and a makeup sponge. I was waiting for the Beauty Blender to get back in to stock online via sephora (of course it gets back in stock yesterday..)

I haven't officially gotten to use either item yet.. Work is not worth my MAC products.

Holy long post! I hope everyone had a super week and will have an amazing weekend!

Krystia - Thank you very much! I shall check that out afterwards (:
JQ - You really should! I was skeptical AFTER buying it, but it turns out I really do like the colour.
Minty - Thank you (:

Lauren Conrad Cheetah/Leopard Mani

2011-05-09T16:36:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!

I saved this photo to my inspiration folder a long, long time ago. As far as I remember, it was posted on a nail board somewhere and supposedly it was a twitpic via Lauren Conrad.. I'm not sure, but you can see it here.

For it, I used: SH Choco-Latte, CG: White Out & Liquid Leather. I also used a dotting tool that was provided to me from Born Pretty.

I was actually going to do something different as I painted my nails Saturday night and was working the Mother's Day brunch the next day.. I was thinking pastels and flowers.. And thinking of polishes that I use all the time.. Then I snapped out of it, grabbed a polish from my untried stash and went with that image. And.. I like it.

Although, now that I am slowly running out of time before I am going out.. I really want to paint my nails.. I wonder if I can pull something off.. We shall see!

Also, I was asked to post swatches from the Too Faced Naked Palette.. I have never done this before.. So, I hope I did it correctly. Here goes..

All of the shades I just wiped my fingertip in and did a quick smear across my arm.. I think this photo showed off some of the sheen the best, but, of course, they are much more gorgeous in person!

I hope everyone is off a great start in their week!! I should hopefully have another post before the end of the week..

Quick Update-Esque Post

2011-05-04T00:49:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone!!

I feel like I haven't updated in forever.. Which is mostly true.

I think my lack of posts is due to the fact that I just haven't really been doing anything with my nails. I know, extremely boring!!

If I do wear polish, it has to be something glittery as the glitter adds some depth to my nails, blahblahblah, I'm trying to find excuses for my laziness.

I mean, it was my favourite friends birthday on Saturday.. And I ran out of time during the day between work, picking out new glasses and showering that it came down to either taking a nap or painting my nails. Nap won. I went to an event with naked nails. I actually feel really sad writing that. Ugh. NEVER AGAIN!

These are the photos I currently have to post up. Boring, right? I am currently sporting Across The Universe.. And we're not the best of friends. There is extreme shrinkage AND tip wear all in less than 24 hours. Mer! I also think next time I use it, I will base with another polish. Live and learn.

Earth Matters. Green. Glitter. Love!

Ahh that reminds me!! I will have to snap a photo for the next post.. The seed card I planted.. Totally has a tiny, tiny little sprout! I ran around the house like a crazy person showing off that sweet, sweet baby to anyone that came in to my field of view. I'm so proud!

I think with my work schedule the way it is.. I will be painting my nails way less.. But I am going to have to designate days. I think I will have to do something Saturdays, as I work more outside of the kitchen on Sunday.. And then something again either Sunday evening or Monday during the day. Otherwise I will never paint them.. Which would break my heart.

Ok, enough sad update-ish post!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic week! This "week" is always crazy for me.. It is a week of birthdays.. My FF on April 30th, the ma on May 2nd and the sis on May 4th aka today - Happy Birthday Lee-Lee!!

OH! Something else I wanted to mention.. I went for my first ever pedicure with my FF earlier in the evening. It was an excellent experience.. One I plan to actually keep up - especially for the summer! I am sporting CG Ruby Pumps, which, oddly enough, is a polish I do not own.

Alright, now I'm done!

Lacquer Ware for Tips and Toes - I actually loved applying that polish.. I can see why it is one of your favourites!! I also cannot wait to see what that GOSH polish has to offer me.. Soon!!
JQ - I own 3 SpaRituals, but so far this is the first I have used and I have to say: love! I think you will really enjoy the brand once you get your hands on some!!
Minty - Thank youuu!! And thanks for the award! I will think of some facts and post something up soon! I appreciate it more than you'll ever know!! Thank you!!
Swaffie - I am quite pleased with what I have purchased in the past couple of weeks as well! And thank you, thank you! I will get to work on that award asap as well!! Muchly appreciated!!
shortwidenails - And swatches you shall get! Next post, I promise (err, don't totally hold me to that!) - But, what I can tell you from using both a few times: I am in love and I am extremely happy that I ended up purchasing both. In the long run, the Natural is more what I sway towards, but have been using the Naked palette WAY more!!

Dees Polish Endeavours

Sort Of Valentine's Day Nails

New Kids + Nail Fail

Domo Nails + Goodies

Make Some Noise + Shine of the Times

Lake Placid on Acid + Goodies

Framed Cheetah

Marshmallow Champagne

Bubbly Bombshell

New Years Eve Nails

My Favourites of 2011

Fish Scales

Merry Christmas!!

Nice Set of Hooters...

The Nail Polish Tag

These nails are bananas!

31 Day Challenge: Day 31 Re-create your favourite challenge

31 Day Challenge: Day 30 Inspired by a tutorial

31 Day Challenge: Day 29 Inspired by the supernatural

31 Day Challenge: Day 28 Inspired by a flag

31 Day Challenge: Day 27 Inspired by artwork

31 Day Challenge: Day 26 Inspired by a pattern

31 Day Challenge: Day 25 Inspired by fashion

31 Day Challenge: Day 24 Inspired by a book

31 Day Challenge: Day 23 Inspired by a movie

31 Day Challenge: Day 22 Inspired by a song

31 Day Challenge: Day 21 Inspired By Colo(u)r

31 Day Challenge: Day 20 Water Marble

31 Day Challenge: Day 19 Galaxies

31 Day Challenge: Day 18 Half Moons

31 Day Challenge: Day 17 Glitter

31 Day Challenge: Day 16 Tribal

31 Day Challenge: Day 15 Delicate Print

31 Day Challenge: Day 14 Flowers

Adopt A Polish

31 Day Challenge: Day 13 Animal Print

31 Day Challenge: Day 12 Stripes

31 Day Challenge: Day 11 Polka Dots

31 Day Challenge: Day 10 Gradient

31 Day Challenge: Day 9 Rainbow

31 Day Challenge: Day 8 Metallic

31 Day Challenge: Day 7 Black and White

31 Day Challenge: Day 6 Violet

31 Day Challenge: Day 5 Blue

31 Day Challenge: Day 4 Green

31 Day Challenge: Day 3 Yellow

31 Day Challenge: Day 2 Orange

31 Day Challenge: Day 1 Red

Halloween Round-Up of 2011

Zombie Zest Shattered

Revlon Giveaway

Sephora Grand Opening Haul + My Sad Start To Halloween Nails

Collective Haul Post

Concert Nails

Galaxy Nails

Goodies

Mardi Gras

Mix and Match

Easter Nails.. In August!

Snakes! Snakes? Where have I heard the name Snakes before?

I'm A Bad Blogger + Guest Nails

Kelly Meets Latticed Lilac

Rainbow Polka Dots Nails Inspired By Kayla

Summer Zebra Sponge + Apothica Gift Card Winner

July Luxe Box

Lighthouse Action + A Couple of Hauls

Just A Quick Reminder

Golden Leopard + Goodies + A Question

Sponsored Giveaway Time!!

Blue Giraffe Nails + Tutorial + What's In My Purse

Cherry Nails + Tutorial

Colourful Zebra Fade

Oranganade Franken

Bridget Jones's Diary Inspired Nails

Mix and Match

The Need For Orange Nails

Iron Fist Zombie

Tags

A Little Bit Of Everything

Lauren Conrad Cheetah/Leopard Mani