Category Archives: Nail Art

Dec3

Night Owl Lacquer: Holiday 2016 Collection 

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The heating repairman just showed up at our front door, and I legit stayed on the couch in my pajamas and robe because my laziness (and decorum) has no boundaries.  I mean, I don’t know if you’re supposed to put on clothes when strangers come over, but I literally couldn’t generate enough curiosity to find out.  He keeps coming in and out between the heating unit and the thermostat in the living room, and hubby keeps giving me stink eye in a have you no shame! kind of way.  NO, no I don’t have shame.  I have a blog to write, and a couch that needs sat upon, so I basically have no choice but to sit here and look as cute as possible (albeit half naked).

Well, now they’re both talking sports so I’m most likely off the hook anyway.

I have the new Night Owl Lacquer holiday collection to share with you today, and YOU. ARE. EXCITED.  Take a look:

Bling bling!  I’m so loving all these holiday collections lately.  Everyone needs a bit of sparkle, don’t they?  I sure do.  I also apparently need to put clothes on cuz the eyeballing has reached its pinnacle.  My husband is so cute when he’s trying to communicate without words.  And then I act like I don’t understand what he’s saying.  He’s either flirting or doing charades, cuz anything else just wouldn’t make sense.

First up is Twinkling Lights:

Lindsay wanted to create a polish inspired by one of her childhood loves of driving through town looking at Christmas lights.  This was one of my favorite things as well.  Every year, my family drove about an hour away to Christmas Tree Lane just to drive through it a total of 7 minutes.  But they did it for my brother and I because we absolutely loved it.  In June, it was just a trailer park with like refrigerators and cars with no wheels outside.  But in December, it was magical.  

This may be considered a glitter topper because it’s sheer enough, but I applied about three coats on top of my naked nails. Full of silver, red and green holo glitters, holographic rainbow glitter, crystal rainbow glitter and rainbow iridescent glitter.   You need this just for the amount of effort that’s in here.  That’s four kinds of glitter, people.    GET ON IT.

And here’s some mediocre nail art:

Meh.

Well, now the pizza man has showed up, so it’s literally pajamas for everyone. Never mind I’m the only one in pajamas, and it’s 2:30 in the afternoon. But whatever. Stop judging me with your eyes.  You have one job and that’s PIZZA.

Next up is Bling It New Year:

My brain has officially stopped holding my mouth shut.  What a lovely silver!  Like, it’s silver but with extra silver.  I don’t even know, except that I’m verging on hysteria over it.  Lindsay, what did you go do?!  It’s the nail polish equivalent of voodoo is what it is.

So we have a silver polish packed with silver holographic glitters and shreds and white micro flakies.  WHITE MICRO FLAKIES?!  Well, I reckon I’m gonna need a bucket full of those.

More mediocre nail art:

I used the Uber Chic Beauty Christmas 02 plate and then filled all the bulbs in with sheer polishes.  It’s called the lead lighting techinique, but I’m no expert.  As you can clearly see.  Ugh.

Oooooh, hubby just handed me a cocktail. It’s officially Laziness Level: EXPERT in here now.

Next up is Sugarplum Dreams:

This is absolutely beautiful. I see no valid reason you’d say otherwise.  This polish almost makes me wanna have my husband get the Christmas tree down from the attic and then watch him assemble it while I have a Starbucks.  Otherwise known as DREAM SCENARIO.

Goodness, that’s pretty.  That blurple base is to die for.  Look closely in that macro and you can see my meager attempt at capturing its bright violet shimmer.  However, the iridescent glitter is like BAM! and the white micro flakies are straight up seducing me.

Better nail art:

If my nails weren’t stunted little nubs, you might be able to tell these are ornaments.  However, I love them anyway.  Used ornament stencils from What’s Up Nails, and then matted the whole thing using the Lucky 13 Lacquer matte top coat, my official new favorite.

Here’s Meet Me Under the Mistletoe:

Well, how else were you going to get through the holidays without a red nail polish?  Basically, Lindsay has saved you.  This is a good one too.  Which doesn’t surprise me, cuz the minute Night Owl Lacquer releases something not amazing, pigs are probably flying and I’ve got pants on.

This is a bright red shimmering shade with red holographic glitter and green/gold iridescent glitter.  So so pretty.  Two coats, smooth like butter.  And I love it so much.  Can’t wait to stick my fingers in people’s faces with this one on.  Completely and 100 percent-ly socially acceptable.

My favorite nail art of the group:

Is this not precious?  I used the Uber Chic Beauty Christmas 02 plate again and they had this layered two step bow image.  Now, I realize I didn’t line up the black outline image as perfect as I could’ve – except on my pinky in a brief moment of geniosity .. geniusness .. geni-something.  Well, you get it.

A chocolate lava cake has appeared out of nowhere. Is this real life? Is Leonardo here too, cuz that’s the only surprise left.

Last but not least is My Love For You is Evergreen:

OMG, my love for you IS evergreen, cuz I’m so dying right now.  Cuz, GREEN.  Always, GREEN.  Forever and ever, GREEN.  This holiday collection – as well as my life – is complete.  We can all sit back down now.

Do you see all that?  Such depth and magic in one little polish.  Green shimmery base with gold color shifting fleck (yes), green micro flecks (uh, yessss) and green holographic glitter (dead).  Lindsay, now look what you’ve done.  I may or may not be in the fetal position right now.  Drooling.  With my eyes half closed.

I’m quite the catch.

Finally, nail art:

Added some fun candy cane stripes using the Lina Feeling Shapely 01 plate, plus I had this cute little charm from the Cosette Nail Shop that just went perfect.  If I do say so.  And I do.  I did!  I said so.

Oh my god, shut up, brain.

The round up:

This holiday collection retails for $42 or you can get single polishes for $9 each.  However, if you’d like to save a bit of money, come join the Facebook fan group and get yourself a little discount.  Click here.  The current code expires on 12/9 so no rush or anything, but GO NOW.

If you miss that coupon, you can get free shipping on a $50 order using code FREESHIP50.  I love free things.  I’ll buy a billion dollars worth of product just to get something for free.  Click here to order. 

Well, I suppose it’s time to get myself off this couch and do something today.  A nap sounds good.  Then after that, Netflix.  Then nail polish.  And probably Starbucks.  In other words, var var busy.

Later, loves! 

Nov29

Posh Paints: Holiday 2016 Collection 

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Someone needs to come take my internet away.  Ugh.  Who else spent all their husband’s paycheck on nail polish?  In my defense, I wanted them all.  And I was wearing pajamas.  A dangerous, dangerous combo.

I mean, how easy is it to shop from home? (Very.)  Stores never close.  I can do it in the bathtub or with one eye watching a Full House marathon.  And there’s zero shopping carts, zero elbows, and zero karate chops in the throat.  In other words, no crazy people and an extremely successful Black Friday (depending on your definition of successful; hubby may disagree).

While we wait for the mailman to stuff my tiny mailbox with a hundred different packages, let’s look at some pretties!  I received the Posh Paints Holiday Collection to review for you today.  We’re about to get in a festive mood!

As much as I do not enjoy winter weather, I do love a pretty holiday nail polish.  All that red and green and BLING.  My heart can’t take it y’all.  I’m gonna need some smelling salts and a Victorian fainting couch.  And prolly a Starbucks, just to be safe.

First up is Win-Tree Weather:

Green, oh glorious green!  Has there ever been a lovelier color?  Of course a holiday collection wouldn’t be right without a green in it.  (Seriously.  I checked.)  And nobody wants to break rules this close to Christmas, now do they?  Stay on your best behavior – at least until after the gifts – is a wise rule to live by.

So we have a beautiful green jelly base filled with micro holographic flakies and gold shimmer.  Formula was super easy and effortless – two ridiculously smooth coats – and now you have time to go run your errands, drive your kids around, be Parent of the Year if you damn well please.  I, on the other hand, will just go sit over here and pick cat hair off my sofa for a minute.  In other words, var var busy.

Then I did this nail art thing:

Sometimes I do cute things.  I like this star mani!  Used some silver and gold stamping polish from Powder Perfect and a cute star charm from the Cosette Nail Shop.  Very quick design, which is hands-down my favorite kind.

Next up is All That Glitters is Snow:

My eyes, my eyes! Man, that’s sparkly.  This is definitely a party polish.  Perfect for people that have a life and go “do stuff.”  Or the opposite of me, if you’d rather.  I’m sorry.  I’m well aware that doing nothing doesn’t make you skinny, but it does give you an excellent manicure, which is a good trade in my opinion.

I mean, see?  Laying on couches has its advantages and now you have proof.  Pajamas for everyone!

Base on this one was clear but so full of holographic flakies and glitters, that the coverage was excellent.  No undies, no sponged coats.  Just apply like a regular polish and get your party on (or your Netflix marathon; whatever).

More nail art:

Just some simple stamping.  Used the Make Your Mark 02 plate from Lina Nail Art Supplies and made a surprisingly un-Christmasy design. In my head, this looked much more festive.  Naturally that’s the case.  My daydreams are always better than my reality.  You should see how young and thin I am up there. Oh, and Leonardo!  Such a good husband.

Now here’s S is For Sledding:

What a sexy little thing!  Phwoar!  Or a fat santa suit.  Either way.

I’m telling you: these polishes are all so dang pretty.  If you like sparkle, these are your new best friends.  And normally, I don’t gravitate towards red.  But throw in a few holos and flakies, and I’m basically a puddle of goo.

Same formula here as the green one. Jelly base.  Ultra easy to use.  Effortless.  What more could you ask for?  Well, besides a warm blanket and a lap full of kitties.  Maybe some butterscotch schnapps in your coffee.  But after that, nothing.

Someone’s feeling festive:

This is the holiday mani I intended to do, but my brain got sidetracked.  Well, Leonardo was holding a Starbucks and a Visa gift card up there, and so obviously nothing else mattered at that point.  Gimme.

Next up is ‘Tis the Season:

How the momentum just keeps going and going is beyond me.  Another beauty.  Another heartbeat, skipped.  Lordt.

Again, perfect for parties or other social events.  It’s times like these that I wish I cared enough to put pants on.

So. Much. Bling.  There’s loads.  Gold base, gold holo glitters, holographic pigment AND gold shimmer.  If it was any more gold-er, you could use it to barter with. You know, in case you have a need for raccoon pelts or a goat or something.

OMG, what am I even talking about? Shut up, brain. I almost deleted all that, but I’m keeping it in there as proof of my lunacy. Cuz in case I spend all my life savings on nail polish, I have evidence of my medical condition and therefore JUSTIFIED.

The only snow I’ll ever accept:

Okay, I love this one.  It’s super simple, but I love the gold and black contrast.  I used the B. Loves Plates Let it Snow plate, and I highly recommend it.  Lots of cute snowflake images.  Comes from Poland where I assume it snows year round, which probably isn’t a very sound assumption (cuz NAIL POLISH not geography, ugh), but regardless, I’m pretty sure they’re experts on snow.  Thus excellent snowflake stamping plates.

Sorry.  Lunacy.  We’ve discussed this already.

Last but not least, here’s Meet Me Under the Mistletoe:

Told ya this collection was festive.  Absolute perfect holiday polishes.  And this one is a straight up glitter bomb.  Top photo shows the separate glitters, but it’s the one below under direct lighting that takes it to the next level.  Look:

Sparkly!  The base here is holographic glitter (obvs) and then loaded up with green, red and gold glitters of various sizes.  Very easy application once again.  I love that!  I want this all over my body like stat.

TMI?  Not in this blog!

Ummmm…

WTF is this one?  Dunno.  Lithuanian flag probably.  Sorry, guys.  I ran out of steam.

The round up:


Ooooh, don’t those look so pretty lined up like that?  You guys gotta get this collection.  Each polish is $9 or you can get the collection for $40.  That’s a discount for those not mathematically inclined.  You can buy them by clicking here.  Available December 1 at 12pm EST.  Set an alarm!  (Cuz I’m the boss of you, that’s why.)

And then you have some Instagram obligations to take care of.  It’s the right thing to do.  And this friendship is reciprocal whether you like it or not.

Posh Paints – click here

Me – click here

Now that’s the holiday spirt.  Later, loves!

Nov23

Glam Polish: Wizardly Ways

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I’m about 17 hours away from mashed potatoes, and I. CAN’T. WAIT.  I don’t even care about the turkey, or even any of the desserts for that matter.  I want one big plate of mashed potatoes and a bunch of quiet time.  This is my Thanksgiving wish.

Well, that and some Black Friday nail polish.  I got my list of discount codes and my shopping hand ready.  Are you prepared?  Did you make a spreadsheet?  There is never a time like right now to let your dork flag fly.  Without that spreadsheet, you are adrift at sea.  And you do not want that, trust me.  Cuz I’ve been snorkeling in Mexico without a lifejacket, and THAT is no bueno.

Here, let me help you.  I received the gorgeous Glam Polish Wizardly Ways collection to share with you today, and I hope to Baby Jesus you have a chair to sit in and one hand on your britches – cuz these are about to blow you away.  Get ready:

Line #1 on your spreadsheet.  Write it down.

Can you believe these beauties actually exist?  They are mesmerizing and magical and jaw dropping, drool-inducing, speech-stealing dreamboats.  I don’t know how I can even attempt eloquence at this point, because half my brain is a bumbling idiot.  Uhhhhhhnnnnnnnnnnn.

See?  DUMB.  I will carry on the best I can, as I feel a dire responsibility to make sure you have the best Black Friday experience possible.  At home, in pajamas, where you belong.  No sense getting poked in the throat from a crazy person, if you ask me.  (And you did, otherwise, why are you here?)

This collection is inspired by wizards in film and literature.  First one up is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:

Well this is starting out well.  You already want them all, don’t you?  I could literally delete the rest of this blog post, and it wouldn’t even matter.  You’re sucked in, you’re done, you’re dead.  This was the very first one I pulled out of the mailer, and I had to take a second to catch my breath.  Purple lovers, pay attention!

Base on this one is a dusty violet, and I almost love it as much as I love those shifting iridescent glitters. Almost.  It’s hard to ignore anything that calls itself iridescent but when you are glitter, it’s nigh on impossible.  

Macros to love:

And then I did some nail art.  Here’s a pretty simple design using some marbled zig zags from What’s Up Nails:

I used a matte top coat so those glitters really stand out.  I love the look of this.  I love everything about it.  Is there a horn handy cuz I’m about to toot it.  Sometimes I make decent nail art, that’s why.

Next is The Dark Crystal:

I’m already fearing the possibility of sounding repetitive cuz what else can I say that hasn’t already been said?  Maybe ho hum pigs bum, but after that, nothing.  The glitters in this one look like they are on fire, just glowy and glorious.  Are you still upright?  Prolly not.  An old timey fainting couch would be appropriate right about now.  Preferably ones that come with cute boys holding big leaf fans and trays of grapes.  I don’t know about you, but why pass out if you can’t enjoy it?

Base on this one is a plum jelly, although I think it pulls more red-toned on me.  Regardless, it’s lovely and that’s really all you need to know.

Macro time!

An attempt at more nail art:

I don’t hate this, but my stamping skills could use some work.  However, I would like to point out how amazing this gold stamping polish is.  It’s from Powder Perfect and one of the best I’ve ever used. And I’ve used a lot, with varying degrees of failure.

Now here’s Oz the Great and Powerful:

Y’all know this one has a special place in my heart.  Cuz, GREEN.  I’ll never get tired of green.  That’s how you know it’s true love. Not the obsessive, stalking-like behavior that I assumed before.

The orange part of the iridescent glitters really shows up well against the green.  This fact makes me the happiest of all things happy, as orange is my second runner up favorite color.  Fall orange, specifically.  I could wear this combo forever.  I’m not even going to joke about it cuz that’s how serious my love is.  But let’s move on real quick before something stupid slips out (as it is wont to do).

You know what’s next:

Dreamy, right?  I want it all over my body, HR policies notwithstanding.

(And there’s that stupid thing you were waiting for.)

Let’s do nail art:

Who doesn’t love this? (Crazy people.)  Kind of reminds me of Formula One racing stripes. I used Night Owl Lacquer’s Jack-o-Lantern, which is a really gorgeous orange.  Squeeeee!

Okay. FOCUS.  Next up is Chamber of Secrets:

OMG, did you just die?  Cuz I sure did.  What a gorgeous bright and fiery shade.  I have a feeling this is going to be the favorite of the bunch for a lot of people.  There’s just something about turquoise and orange, isn’t there?  A bit summery, which is what I need so much.  Cuz it’s 44-degrees outside right now, dreary and hideous.  Would it kill someone to make it June again?  Okay, thanks.

It’s sunlight on the Caribbean Sea.  Check out these macros:

Told ya.  Someone better be taking me on a vacation soon.  Hubby or Leonardo DiCaprio, it makes no difference.

Here’s the nail art I did on this one:

Went very simple using some chevrons I got from Polished Vino, and I think it turned out nice.  The black looks good against the turquoise.  Excellent contrast work on my part, in case you weren’t sure.  Gimme that horn again.  Toot toot!

Next up is this moody beauty, Dungeons & Dragons:

If you were waiting for something vampy for Christmas, this be it.  What a sexy little thing!  Dark and mysterious; a hot little potato.

Mmmmm, potatoes. (Okay, clearly I have a problem.)

Base on this one is a deep indigo blue/purple and full of the same color shifting iridescent glitters.  I think it looks like a midnight sun or some kind of brilliant galaxy.  It’s stunning just like all the rest of them, and if you don’t buy this collection, well then you are WRONG.

Take a look at these:

I could get lost in there, it’s just too pretty.  Dark polish lovers, this one’s for you.

Here’s the nail art I came up with:

I don’t remember where these circle swirl vinyls came from, but I thought this was the perfect thing to do on top of this polish.  I used Indigo Bananas Synonym Bun, one of my most favorite copper holographic polishes – and look how well it matched those glitters.  I made a masterpiece, guys!  Go me!

Last polish in the collection is perhaps the most beautiful, An Unexpected Journey:

Like fairy wings!  Or a winter sunrise.  I really am going to need that fainting couch now (and the cute boy with the grapes, to be clear).

This one is set in a clear base, so you can absolutely swipe this on top of a colored polish.  The darker the polish, the more shifty the glitters are.  However, I wanted to see what it would do over naked nails.  Turns out, MAGIC.  Two coats of this and it’s pretty opaque.  No sponging required; just swipe on like normal. It’s effortless, and that’s all we really want in life, isn’t it?  Well, pajamas too, but that’s a given.

Last of the macros:

Ugh.  So perfect.  Here’s more nail art:

I stamped on a lovely lace image using the Moyra Lacelove plate I got from Cosette Nail Shop.  If you don’t own any Moyra plates, fix that stat.  They are some of my favorites.  

The round up:

I’m posting this blog early so the collection isn’t available yet. But you only have to wait until 3pm EST tomorrow to snag your pretties.  You’ll need to set your alarm so you won’t forget.  Here’s a list of why:

1)  Each polish is a smooooooth two coater and a true pleasure to apply

2)  If you’re one of the first 75 people to place an order of $50 or more, you get a free full sized Limited Edition polish

3)  I’m the boss of you

Now who’s gonna argue with any of that?

Other promotions in effect:

Glitter For Breakfast & L-O-V-E  Save $3 total when purchasing both of these Glam Group Exclusives together (ends 11/28 1159pm EST; must be a member of the fan group to get the coupon code – link below)

Wizardly Ways Collection  Save 10% when purchasing the full collection (no code required; ends 11/28 1159pm EST) – and in case, you’ve already forgotten, this entire blog post was about Wizardly Ways.  I know, it’s okay.  Iridescent glitter does it to me too.  Brain = goodbye.

Black Friday Sale  Save 10-55% off selected shades (already marked down; no code required; while supplies last)

For full terms and conditions of the black friday sale and promotions, please join/visit the Glam Polish Fans Facebook group (click here).

Well that’s it guys.  You are officially the most informed person in the world, all because you read to the very bottom of this blog post.  Kudos and high fives for you, then.  And a Starbucks for me.  Okay, thanks.

Later, loves!

Nov19

Frenzy Polish: Fall 2016 Collection 

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What happened to the weather?  It was like 80-degrees yesterday, and then poof! just like that it’s freezing.  Couldn’t we have eased into it at least?  Like, maybe have a month or two more of nice, balmy days before gradually slipping into ONE solitary snow day, then we can bound back like lions into spring.  Who’s got the power to make that happen?  Let’s call him.

I might’ve mentioned it before, but I am not a fan of winter.  And fall isn’t much better due to it’s unfortunate proximity to winter.  I realize we’ve had an unusually warm fall this year, which has been great, but since I’ve had roughly 12 hours to get used to this 40-degree temperature difference, I’m feeling winter weather is rearing its ugly head and the end of the world has begun.  Am I being a skosh dramatic?  NO.  It will never be warm again, I just know it.

At least I have these six pretty polishes, though.  Won’t keep the snow away or bring back summer, which WHY NOT is the real question, but I still love them and will wear them and force them upon everyone I know.  Get ready:  here’s the fall collection from Frenzy Polish:

Is everyone okay?  Anyone need a chair, a cold rag?  Cuz these polishes are downright knee-buckling beautiful.  I swoon, I swoon!  The colors here are the only reason why fall is bearable.  This is not a typo:  the ONLY reason.  And since I don’t go and pumpkin everything like 97.8676% of the rest of the world, you know what I’m saying is true.

Speaking of, here is Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice:

Who wants a candy bar?  I do, I do!  What a lovely brown holo.  Makes me sigh out loud just looking at it.  But get her under the lamps, and she transforms into something so much more special:

See those deep orange undertones?  Squeeeee!  It’s a good thing I’m by myself right now, otherwise people would be very very concerned by how much my mouth is hanging open right now.

As always, a macro:

And then I did some nail art:

It’s pretty basic, but I think it’s cute.  I call it Leaf French Tips cuz somehow that makes it sound fancier and more complicated.  But I just stamped on a simple leaf image from the Lina Nail Art Supplies 4 Seasons-Autumn 01 plate.  And added some really terrible freehand leaf veins.  Cuz it wouldn’t be MY nail art if I didn’t muck it up in some way. 

Next is Sapphire Skies:

Don’t you just love blues like this?  What a rich, intense shade.  Looks exactly like a winter night sky or the deepest part of the ocean.  And those flakies!  Look:

Just floating in there right under the surface.  I die!  They practically glow and I can’t get enough of it.  I’m struggling here to express myself more eloquently, but this collection has got me stupid.  I’m like a little kid in a room full of office supplies, which is my DREAM SCENARIO cuz I’ve never been normal, not even back then.

Macro time:

And more nail art:

Decided to do a snowflake mani since I got this little charm from Cosette Nail Shop and kinda felt it went perfect.  Again, a pretty simple design.  Just some stamping using the Let it Snow plate from B. Loves Plates.  I managed to not go overboard and stamp all the things like usual.  Go me!  I deserve a gift card.

Now here is Shadow Dahlia:

The name of this polish alone makes me want it.  What is a shadow dahlia?  Dunno.  But it sounds mysterious and lovely.

(It’s a burgundy flower.  I googled it as you knew I would.  I am nothing if not thorough.)

Under the lamps: 

Oooooooh.  Even better!  This one has a beautiful burgundy base and loaded with red, pink and gold flecks and holo glitter.  It’s stunning.  If I didn’t already own this collection, I’d be all over it at this point.  Also, you’re buying this.  I’ve decided for you.  I don’t know if you were on the fence about it, but honestly, the fence is no place for a lady.

I love this macro:  

Goodness, that’s pretty.

Here’s some mediocre nail art:

I am quite aware I went too far.  I like the bronze strip, but after that, I should’ve just walked away.  Damn me and my experimental moods.  Not that I did anything too drastic.  Once, in 7th grade, I wore a record in my hair, so I’ve most definitely done weirder things.  I was a strange child.

Now for my favorite, Sage Advice:

Oh, green.  You never fail me.  My favorite color at all times, but fall green is my favorite.  Such a bold, deep, warm little soul-soother.  It’s all the happy words poured in a bottle.

Under the lights, it just gets more ridiculous:

Gah!  I’m done.  Dead.  A puddle of goo on the floor.  The blue iridescent flakies have ruined me.

But then I went and failed all over it.  Utterly and completely.  Just scroll right past this nail art, thanks.

Ugh, you stopped.  In my defense, I was doing nails at 2am, and although the eyes may be open, sometimes the brain has already gone to sleep.  Let’s unsee this, shall we?

These last two polishes are revamps from last year’s fall collection.  Rachel redid them, replacing the large glitters with flakies instead, making the formulas on these so much smoother and more delicious.  First, here is Falling Leaves II: 

I get it; white crellies can be scary.  A lot of times they are too milky, uneven, streaky and dumb.  However, give this one a try.  It is flawless.  Three thin coats here, and effortless.  And those autumn colored flakes and glitters:  divine.

Here’s two lovely macros so you’ll know I’m serious:


The other revamp, and the last polish in the collection is Fireside Therapy II:

Want.  NEED.  This is your mantra.

Those flakies look exactly like a crackling fire or crushed leaves.  This is the ultimate autumn polish.  I can’t think of anything more appropriate for this collection.  This and a pumpkin spice latte (well, and prolly some Uggs), and you win at fall.  Congratulations, you may get back in pajamas now.

A parting macro:

And some nail art I’m actually proud of:

I used both Fireside Therapy II and Falling Leaves II plus some stamping using the Uber Chic Beauty Lovely Leaves plate and B. Loves Plates Leaves of Happiness.  I went all out on this one, and luckily it didn’t turn into a scary hot mess.  Every once in a while, things work out.  The Fall Gods are watching.

The round up:

Here they are, guys!  Look how lovely they are all lined up like that.  How are you able to walk away?  (Spoiler Alert:  you can’t.)

Each polish retails for $9 or you can get the entire collection for $50.  If you’re any good at math, you know that’s a pretty good deal.  Every one of these was a two coat dreamboat except for the white crelly but that’s expected of a crelly – and the formula was fabulous anyway so we’re all good here.  The colors are so lovely and you need them in your life.  Go ahead and click here to order, and make yourself happy.  Then go buy me a Starbucks cuz we are best friends whether you like it or not.

Later, loves!

Nov18

The Digit-al Dozen: Color Contrasts (day five)

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Well, we’ve made it to the end of another Digit-al Dozen week and once again, I’m amazed I’ve thought of something to talk about in this blog for five days straight.  Because watching Netflix and wearing pajamas doesn’t contribute much to a riveting story.  In fact, if I leave the house at all, you might as well assume I’ve been kidnapped cuz I don’t go anywhere unless someone is paying me.  In money or Starbucks, it makes no difference to me.

I really should be more social, I know this.  It’s just hard, you guys.  After sitting at a desk all day, getting up like once or twice to go to the copy machine, walking down the hall to get popcorn and a soda – I’m just dang tired.  I mean, I just checked my fitness app on my phone and there are 823 steps on there.  823 STEPS, PEOPLE!  Ugh, now do you see?  Someone just needs to come put the pajamas on me at this point.  Body = broken.

My last color contrast mani takes a page from the modern color wheel where they say red and cyan are the new red and green.  And I’m not sure if this polish could actually be considered cyan cuz I’m almost certain cyan is a just a color Xerox made up so we’d buy more toner.  But here it is anyway:


It’s cute, right?  I kinda like it!  When my hubby and I were in Louisville, we ate breakfast at this really neat restaurant that was done up in this exact color scheme.  I want wallpaper just like this all over my house.  It’s super chic, and y’all know that’s just me in a nutshell.

CYAN (or, close enough):  Glisten & Glow Bunjee Jumping in the Bahamas 

RED:  All Mixed Up Lacquers A Good Book

STAMPING:  Bundle Monster BM-XL07 plate

Next month, the prompt is December and I’m already thinking of things to do.  I’m not a fan of winter AT ALL, but I can appreciate a pretty snowflake manicure.  But that’s as far as my love goes.  I’m pretty much a shell of a person until April rolls around.

As always, click the button below to see the rest of the manis.  And thank you thank you thank you for hanging around.  Y’all make my ridiculous life infinitely better.

Later, loves!

Nov17

The Digit-al Dozen: Color Contrasts (day four)

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Get To Know Your Blogger:  Episode 32

If you’ve been reading this blog for any given amount of time, you may have already deduced I have an extremely obsessive personality, and I’m very (VERY) easily persuaded. But because I have all the best and excellent Virgo qualities and tend to over-explain every story I ever want to tell, let me tell you (once again!) all the ways this is horrible, terrible, very bad news.

In a word: infomercials. And a lack of willpower. Ok, that’s two words. This story sucks already.

But that’s exactly how I ended up with two Olde Brooklyn Lanterns, a ShamWow, and one of those little vacuum hoses that suck lint out of your dryer. Did I need any of that? NO. But the tv made a pretty dang good case of it.

And it can happen anywhere. Back when I was getting acrylic nails done, I ordered a couple of those As Seen on TV motorized brooms because my nail technician was running behind and there was a tv on. But did you see how quickly those brooms sucked up a whole bag of cereal off the floor?!  That’s pure voodoo right there – and how OCD will getcha each and every time.

Now if I’d ever use any of these products, that’d be great. I mean, the motorized broom got a bit of use. But I never even took the vacuum hose out of its box. As for the Olde Brooklyn Lanterns? They’re under the house in the crawl space just in case a toilet pipe needs a good whack with a wrench (i.e. how you fix things).

I’m getting better though – or trying. Not with nail polish, mind you, but this blog doesn’t happen by itself now does it? In other words: JUSTIFIED. 

Digit-al Dozen day four is upon us! Here is my black and white mani – the most color contrasting combo of them all:

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I like it! So much better (and less Christmas-y) than yesterday’s. A little take on galaxy nails, although would you be surprised it took me like eight tries to come up with this pretty basic design?  Being a perfectionist is a pain in the ass sometimes. Another one of those obnoxious Virgo traits that people have loved about me since roughly never.

BLACK: Pretty & Polished Galax-E

SMALL STARS: Bundle Monster + Kelli Marissa collab plate

LARGE STARS: Lina Nail Art Supplies Make Your Mark 02 plate

That’s it for today friends. I’ve got one mani left and I haven’t even done it yet. So it’ll be a surprise for everyone. Hooray!

Don’t forget to click the button below to see all the rest of the girls’ pretty nails.  And then follow me on Instagram cuz I’m the boss of you that’s why.

Later, loves!

Nov16

The Digit-al Dozen: Color Contrasts (day three)

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What is sleep?

Sleep is that thing I used to do when I used to do nothing. I’d come home from work, put on pajamas, get caught up on my tv shows. Maybe sit out on the back patio and enjoy the last bit of the afternoon sun. But that was basically it. Come 10:30 or 11, I’d head to bed like a normal person. 

Fast forward to now: come home from work, put on pajamas, polish my nails for six hours. And that’s not even a typo. 

Don’t get me wrong: I looooooove doing my nails. I wouldn’t write in this blog if I didn’t. But I will admit to it being a skosh time consuming.  And I do hobbies like there’s a million dollar prize at the end of it:  full speed ahead, with all the parts and pieces, probably a pie chart thrown in for good measure. I am the best (and worst) at doing what I love. If I’d exert that much energy into other facets of my life, I would be having tea with the Queen of England right now, passing laws in Parliament or something. And I’m not even British. Or a politician, but that point is moot nowadays anyway.

So welcome to month number 18 of my life with no sleep. Someone’s got to do the nails and write a blog and govern Europe, so might as well be me. But because I am so tired, my posts are utter nonsense. The sleepy sillies are alive and well on this end, my friends.

It’s day 3 of the Digit-al Dozen color contrast manis, and I have no idea what the hell this is:

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Red and green are opposites on the color wheel and therefore true contrasting colors, but try using red and green and not somehow accidentally make it look like Christmas. Nothing against Christmas, mind you, but I just want summer back. 

GREEN: Contrary Polish A Walk in the Park – an older polish in the stash – a green with red shimmer (clever!)

RED: KB Shimmer Ruby

ROSES: Moyra Vintage 05 stamping plate from Cosette Nail Shop

LEAVES: Uber Chic Beauty Lovely Leaves plate

Since I don’t love this mani, I’m just gonna go away until tomorrow. But don’t forget to click the button below so you can see other manis from other people who did such a better job than me. Waaaaah! Who stole my mojo?!

Later, loves!

Nov15

The Digit-al Dozen: Color Contrasts (day two)

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My husband has gone off on yet another business trip just in time for the house to be haunted.  Cuz I’m 97.65867% certain my cats didn’t rearrange my meticulously placed pile of nail polish by themselves.  Granted, the polishes were laying in a little foam tray on my bed, and Chloe gets her claws stuck in everything (blankets, my hair, possibly foam trays) so I suppose there’s a minute chance she might’ve had something to do with it.

I stress minute.  Because this scenario is wayyyy less guilt-inducing for my husband who has left me alone to fend for food by myself.  Someone needs to come take this family size bag of Doritos AWAY.  It’s not a proper dinner.  And neither is this brownie.

OMG, do I have no self control?! (No I do not.)

In my defense, this house is haunted and therefore JUSTIFIED.  Right?  Right.

It’s the second day of the Digit-al Dozen’s Color Contrast manis.  Here’s a little purple and yellow number I dreamed up:

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I’m totally diggin how simple but awesome this looks.  Color theory is an amazing thing.  It’s the best little accessory, if you ask me.  

Here’s what I used:

PURPLE:  Nvr Enuff Polish Cupids Crossbow – pretty sure this was a Valentine’s limited edition and probably not available anymore, but if you’re anything like me, you have 147 other purple polishes in your stash you could use instead

YELLOW:  KB Shimmer Citrine – Part of their Birthstone Collection; some of my favorite all purpose, accent nail polishes

VINYLS:  What’s Up Nails Stiletto vinyls, my new fave – such a fun shape!  Originally purchased so I wouldn’t have to learn how to freehand ladybug nails, but I’m kinda liking them now in their natural state.  I mean, I’m still not gonna learn how to freehand ladybugs though.

Well that’s it, gang.  Hope you’re loving these simple designs I’m making for you.  These are no experience necessary manis, and sometimes those are my favorite kinds.

Also, LAZY.

Don’t forget to click the button below to see all the rest of the the Digit-al Dozen ladies!  Do it now – there’s some good ones in there.

Later, loves!

Nov14

The Digit-al Dozen: Color Contrasts (day one)

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I accomplish a lot of things in the bathtub. Get caught up on YouTube videos, say hello to all my Instagram friends. Occasionally I read a magazine in there. Often though, I use my bathtub time to get a head start on my next manicure. There I am, peeling off my nail polish in that magical, addicting way that only a peel off base coat can provide. And then I lay my peels on the edge of the tub to take care of at some point before the housekeeper arrives to discover my slovenly ways. 

But sometimes I just don’t get to them in a timely fashion. I don’t know why scooping up the peels and walking five steps to the trash can is so hard, but it is you guys! I am well aware they are laying there, watching me with their flashing, glittery eyes. However, when I get out of the tub, most of the time my legs are noodles and even getting out of the tub – by hauling myself up dangerously by the spigot – is a feat unto itself. And then all the drying and the lotioning and the dressing and the towel hanging. Ugh. That is all exercise if you ask me, and I don’t take kindly to that sort of behavior. 

Why am I telling you all this? Cuz the other day while I was bathing, I knocked all my peels into the tub with my elbow. I didn’t realize it until later (possibly much later) when I looked down and noticed them, all sparkly and festive, surrounding me like I’d purposely poured myself a bath full of rose petals, but way way less romantic and sane. 

And because my laziness knows no boundaries, I just left them there. I’m sitting in a sea of nail polish peelies, finishing my YouTube and Instagram – and probably shaving my legs at some point, but who really knows? – and then getting out, letting the water drain, trapping the peelies on the bottom of the tub where it’s quite possible they might stay for all eternity. 

That’s how you know you are crazy. 

(Also, I wrote this entire blog while in the bathroom. Another sign.)

It’s time for another Digit-al Dozen week!  This month’s prompt was color contrasts, and I enjoyed creating these manis so much! I looooove using contrasting colors and how striking they look. Someone knew what they were doing when they paired these colors together, I think.

First one I did was a blue and orange mani. I kept it simple because the contrast makes such an impact, and I absolutely adore this design:

See?! It’s magical!  Here’s what I used:

BLUE: Pretty & Polished Brisky Business – part of their new Winter 2016 Collection I just reviewed yesterday 

ORANGE: L’Oréal I Like it Chunky, which is a horrible name for a polish but the glitter is so spectacular 

STRIPING TAPE: I got mine from Amazon, like rolls and rolls of it for a dollar or something stupid cheap like that

I hope you like it. I think it looks so chic and fancy!  I could wear this design a billion times over and not get tired. And I get tired easily (detailed example written above). 

Don’t forget to click the button below to see all the other manis from the Digit-al Dozen girls!  Back tomorrow with more pretties. 

Later, loves!

Nov10

 Glisten & Glow: Winter 2016 Collection

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I’ll be glad when this bowl of Halloween candy is off my coffee table.

I mean, it’s our fault, I guess.  We live in a neighborhood that no one purposely drives by unless you live here.  So it’s not actually a surprise that we get approximately two trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.  And that includes my two grandchildren.  But we bought 18 bags of candy just in case this year would be our year.

It wasn’t.  What the hell am I supposed to do with 76 pounds of Rice Krispy Treats?  If you guessed eating them, sadly, you are correct.  Ugh.  I’m fat.

So before I slip into a sugar coma, let me tell you about some nail polish.  I have the Glisten & Glow Winter Collection for you.  If you like rich, glossy cremes, you better have yourself a seat and your smelling salts handy:  it’s about to get serious.

Presenting:

I know!  Delicious!  Especially that one that looks like butterscotch pudding.  And the caramelly chocolate one, too.  OMG, I need a candy bar.

First up is this luscious deep forest green called Coats & Curling:

Welp, this is starting out well.  Cuz GREEN.  Isn’t it the most glorious color?  If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, y’all already know how much I love green.  And if you haven’t been reading this blog for a while, you’ve got over 200 posts to read, so GET ON IT.  Work and food are overrated anyway.

Just kidding.  Food (or just Starbucks) gets a pass.  And as soon as I can do my job wearing pajamas all day, we’ll readdress that situation then.  As of right now, though, the point is moot.

What am I talking about?  I dunno.  Where’s that dang candy bar, that’s what I really meant to say.

Doesn’t she look pretty all glossy like that?  This is two fabulously creamy coats. I love, I love!

Then I attempted some nail art:

It’s a pretty basic dotticure, but I used three other colors in this collection to make the dots.  And I tried to gradient them all nice-like, but you know I can’t handle making random patterns.  Last time I attempted something random, I spent like 2 hours and a lot of meticulous effort putting glitter in extremely specific places.  OCD really sucks sometimes.

In other words, you better love this.

Next up is Mittens & Mountaineering:

Well, who just wrapped me up in a warm blanket and handed me a bunch of kitties?  This color makes me feel so happy!  I don’t understand it when people don’t like brown.  Brown is comfy, cozy and relaxing.  UNLESS, you are brown grass under 2 feet of snow, well then I don’t like brown very much at all.  But I’ll take a brown campfire, a brown pile of crackling leaves, and lots and lots of brown food.  Like chocolate (we’ve discussed this already), lattes (duh), and gravy.  Gravy?  YES.  I would drink a mug of brown gravy if people weren’t so judgy with their eyes.

Yummy.

I probably shouldn’t blog when I’m hungry.  Although, at least there’s no risk of coming home from the grocery store with like 22 bags of Little Debbie cakes.  No, I’ll just sit on my couch, in pajamas, blogging, with Halloween candy in my mouth instead.  Success!

Did I mention these cremes stamp?  They do!  Here’s a little wheat stamp design using one of the other colors in the collection, and I think it turned out pretty good.  Showed up well over the dark base, which I find impressive as these polishes are not specificially stamping polishes.  I really love that about them.

Now we have Long Johns & Luge:

I told you it was butterscotch pudding!  Now you can’t unsee this.  I’ve put Snak-Paks on the grocery list for this weekend.  Glisten & Glow, what are you doing to me?  Why can’t I see salad in your polishes instead?  Whyyyyyeeeee?

Still two coats.  Every polish is consistently good so far.  Ultra rich, ultra smooth, ultra creamy.  Perfection in a bottle.

Sooooo, I’m pretty proud of this nail art:

I did a dry brush using three colors over the butterscotch base,  and it turned out super cool.  Added an awesome ikat chevron pattern on top, and it literally hurt my heart to remove this mani.  This is why I’m your favorite blogger.  The sacrifices, people.  THE SACRIFICES.

Next up is Flannels & Figure Skating:

What a beautiful cranberry rosy pinky red (i.e, best color description EVER).  This one looks so pretty and elegant on the nail.  Kinda girly but a bit sexy too.  It’s the opposite of a high five after cuddle time, let’s just say.

Wow wow wow.  I really love this color!  But then I did this:

And now I love it even more.  They watermarble!  Holy moly, guys.  These polishes spread in the water like a dang professional.  I’ve been on a streak of terrible watermarbles lately, and this collection has renewed my faith in myself.  They worked perfectly and effortlessly.  So very pleased.

Although don’t mind the pinky nail.  I don’t know what that is.  Looks like a nipple.  Okay, that you DEFINITELY can’t unsee.  Regardless, enjoy!

Here is the lovely Scarves & Snowboarding:

Let’s call this one a dusty, teal blue, not quite navy.  I know, that’s suuuuuper helpful.

But beautiful, so honestly, what else matters?

I can see so many winter landscape manis happening with this one, can’t you?  Looks like the perfect backdrop for a snowy night sky.

So naturally I did butterfly nail art!

Winter = blah.  In fact, my favorite thing about this winter so far is this collection of polishes.  That’s it.  Glisten & Glow, you’re the winner!

I do like this mani though.  I can’t get over the fact these stamp, and stamp well.  I get so excited when polishes do double duty.  It’s practically saving money, and therefore, you’re buying this entire collection.  I’ve decided for you, so you can get back in  pajamas now – your day is done.

Last polish is Hats & Hockey:

A deep dusty plummy purple, and all you purple lovers need to get on board.  It’s lovely!  But then I got her under the lamps and look:

Okay, gimme your smelling salts; imma need those.

Why is it I can take a picture of this mani, crop it, watermark it, post it on Instagram.  Then, and ONLY then, once I post it on my blog at the very last minute right before publishing, I notice I’ve got paint on the tip of my middle finger and now all I can see is that little smear and I just want to reach my hand into the screen with a brush and some acetone and get that shit OFF.  Oh the hives.  The hives, they are a creepin’.

Decided to use this polish strictly for stamping, which I’ve put on top of one of Glisten & Glow’s older shades, Peach Bellini (still available!).  Now, stamping over this base muted the purple color out more, but I still love what I made.  It’s so much better than the disaster I created right before this one.  The one you’ll never ever see because I have a reputation to uphold. (As a nail art genius, to be clear.)

The round up:

My, my, how pretty they all look.

So here’s the plan:

You’re gonna click here, first.  Buy all the polishes.  Toss in a couple of HK Girl top coats because I’ve used that in every single mani pic (except for the matte nail art ones, obvs), it is ridiculously glossy and all the cool kids are doing it.

Then you’re gonna go on my Instagram and click follow because we are best friends whether you like it or not.

Later, loves!