Friday, August 31, 2012

Day 31 - Inspired By A Challenge

We made it!!!

For this final challenge, a number of us in the group who were doing the 31 day challenge, decided that instead of redoing one of our own past challenges, we would pick one from someone else in the group and redo that mani.

For my redo of a fellow challenger, I chose the Delicate Print challenge, done by Cristina from The Clockwise Nail Polish. You can view her original mani HERE.

I liked this mani, because it was very delicate, and pretty. I hate to admit it, but I have kind of been waiting for the challenge to end so that I could finally have a mani for more than a day. Also since I have a party to go to tonight (well its really more of a group of us who get together once a month for food, drinks, and games), I figured this would be a nice mani to have.

So without further ado, here is my final mani of this challenge. I will worn that there are like 6 pictures because luckily they all came out non fuzzy, and I really like how this came out, so you get to see both hands, enjoy!








Colors used:
Background: "Rose Petals" by OPI
Pink Sparkle Color: "Princesses Rule" by OPI
Stamp Color: "French White Creme" by Wet n Wild (wild shine)
Image Plate: "BM 11" by Bundle Monster
Hex Glitter Taken From A Purple "Bon Bons" These Don't Seem To Have Names

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Day 30 - Inspired By A Tutorial

For today's challenge, I knew from the start which tutorial I was going to try and do. There is this wonderful nail artist named Robin Moses at http://robinmosesnailart.blogspot.com/, who did an awsome mani using the technique of marbaling without water. Here is a picture of her mani.


Now, she does a lot of these types of mani's, and has 100s of mani's on you tube, but here is the link for this one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlK0yrIOq4c

So, I don't think mine are any where close to her's, plus I don't have any gold glitter stripers or polish (will have to fix that), so I could not add that, but here are the pictures of how my nails came out.





Colors used:
Background: "Mademoiselle" by Eddir
White: "French White Creme" by Wet n Wild (wild shine)
Toup: "Nirvana" by Sinful Colors
Black: "Liquid Leather" by China Glaze

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Day 29 - Inspired By The Supernatural

For the supernatural challenge, I pulled some inspiration from my 4 year old daughter. She used to love (and still kind of does) Tinker Bell, so I think Fairies!

Luckily I just got some new stamping image plates, and they had some grass, and fairies, so I think, Woo Hoo! So here is what I came up with... unfortunately when I put on the top coat, it made the fairies (the whole point of this challenge) basically disappear... I have never had this happen before and am very confused and upset by this... oh well, other than that, and the fact I need some better stamping greens, I am happy with this mani. Enjoy!




Colors used:
Background: "French White Creme" by Wet n Wild (wild shine)
Grass Stamp Color: "Exotic Green" by Sinful Colors
Red Flowers Stamp Color: "Crawford's Wine" by Orly
Blue Flowers Stamp Color: "Midnight Blue" by Sinful Colors
Purple Fairies Stamp Color: "Let's Talk" by Sinful Colors
Image Plate (grass): "RA-105" by Red Angel
Image Plate (small flowers): "BM-311" by Bundle Monster
Image Plate (large flowers): "BM 06" by Bundle Monster
Image Plate (fairies): "RA-112" by Red Angel

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Day 28 - Inspired By A Flag

We have all seen mani's out there that are of the American and British flags. These are probably the most common ones to do, so me being me, I didn't want to do something every one else has done. Even though I was born and raised in the United States (actually never been out of it... Sad I know, but it is actually worse than that, but we don't need to get into that now) I wanted to do something different.

So for this mani I am drawing out my heritage and doing mine for the country my grandmother came from. Slovakia! When we were growing up, we always had (and still today) eat the traditional foods at holidays, say the traditional things, and many other things. I would love to go there one day, and am very sad that I don't really know the language. Even with that, I am proud of my heritage and where I come from, and want to show that with my flag. Hope you like it!

Here is a picture of the flag that they use today.


Unfortunately I didn't think I could pull that one off with the crest, because with the kids, trying to get anything done is bad enough. So I went for more the flag that they used when my grandma's family was there. This is an unofficial flag (guess they didn't have an official one then).


And here are the pictures of my mani, I wish I had done it cleaner, but oh well it works.




Colors used:
White: "French White Creme" by Wet n Wild
Blue: "Midnight Blue" by Sinful Colors
Red: "Crawford's Wine" by Orly

Monday, August 27, 2012

Day 27 - Inspired By Art

When I look at the calendar, I realize that Labor Day is only a week away. Where I live that means soon will be the start of school (since here we start the day after) and Labor Day picnics.

One picnic in particular is a tradition where I live, as this year will be the 137th anniversary of the annual Labor Day Picnic. At this Picnic there is the famous barbecue chicken, carnival games, raffles, icy drinks, music, shops and so much more. Thinking back to when I was a child (and actually may be like 8 years ago) I always remember the spin art that I loved to do. I know this is probably not really considered art, but it is fun, and brings back so many memories. I even hope to get my 4 year old and 21 month old to do one this year.

So for today's challenge I wanted to try and recreate the end result of spin art. I don't really think it looks like spin art, but I am happy with it anyways. I think this may be my recreation one for the last challenge, and I will do the whole circle instead of just part, or maybe mix it up, we will see. Hope you like it.





Colors used:
Base: "French White Creme" by Wet n Wild
Purple: by It's So Easy Stripe Rite
Blue: by It's So Easy Stripe Rite
Pink: by It's So Easy Stripe Rite

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Day 26 - Inspired By A Pattern

So I don't know if this would really be considered inspired by a pattern. But I have this stamp, and have seen a number of people use it, and just loved it, but hadn't had a chance to use it. So when I came across this challenge, I new this would be a great time to put it to use. I will apologize for the uncleaned cuticles, and how the stamp in kind of crooked, but I was trying to do this quickly before I left the house. But even with the issues, I am so happy with this mani. Hope you like it.





Colors used:
Base: "450?" by Wet n Wild
Stamp Color: "Liquid Leather" by China Glaze
Image Plate: "BM-203" by Bundle Monster

Day 25 - Inspired By Fashion

Ok, so I had this post all ready to go, because I was going to be out of town for an overnight, and this way I could just post it quickly so it was out the correct day. Well unfortunately that didn't work, so here is my inspired by fashion post.

A while ago, I saw this bag on pintrist, and loved it. Not so much for me to own, but for this challenge, here is the original bag!


I just loved how the stripes were all jumbled and over lapping, not something you usually see but just plain awesome. So here are the nails I created from this. I will tell you I am really happy with these, and plan on doing it again. Except next time I will think better and use my acrylic paints and not polish...





Colors used:
White: "French White Creme" by Wet n Wild (wild shine)
Black: "Ebony Hates Chris" by Wet n Wild (fastdry)

Friday, August 24, 2012

Day 24 - Inspired By A Book

What book would make a good mani? I had no idea, so I was reading to my kids and we read the "Grouchy Ladybug". I have seen ladybug manis before and they were super cute, so that is what I chose to do today. I think this turned out super cute, (and sorry for the uncleaned cuticles, but they were done in a rush again... hopefully one day I will have more time to do my manis), and once again my 4 yr old wanted one too. Hope you enjoy the pictures!




Colors used:
Red: "Big Apple Red Creme" by NYC
Black: "Ebony Hates Chris" by Wet n Wild (fastdry)
White: "Hip Hip Hue-Ray!" by Finger Paints

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Day 23 - Inspired By A Movie

So yesterday I was talking with my sister, and she reminded me that we left our copy of "Cars" at her house this past weekend. Therefor when I was thinking about my Inspired By A Movie mani, the first thing I thought of was to do Lightning McQueen on my nails. I thought this would be so cute, I could do the eyes on my fingers on my thumb. Well it was a great idea, but when put into practice, it really didn't turn out that good, you couldn't tell what it was, as you can see below.



Now after that disaster I figured I needed to try something different. I decided that even though it is summer, I would do a mani for probably my favorite movie "White Christmas". So I decided to show snow (obviously), and I think it turned out pretty good. I do wish that I had some white stamping polish, because then it would have been better, and you would have been able to see the snow better (right now you have to look real close and carefully), but over all it is still pretty.




Colors used:
White: "French White Creme" by Wet n Wild (wild shine)
Blue: "Cinderella" by Sinful Colors
Stamp Color: "French White Creme" by Wet n Wild (wild shine)
Image Plate: "BM-205" by Bundle Monster

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

My New Rack!

Ok, I will apologize for the title of this post but I just couldn't help it...

Back in... I don't even know when, I was on Pintrest, and saw this idea of using an old spice rack for nail polishes. I thought it was so cute! Well I just happened to have a small spice rack that was just sitting there, and thought this would be a great way for me to get more storage, and use up the rack. Since then I have headed over to Goodwill and bought two more (that didn't really match) because I kept running out of room. 

So just recently I looked at the mess of my polishes, and said that's it! I just couldn't stand the disorganization, and lack of space anymore. Here are some pictures of before, and a lot of bottles are in a bag because of lack of space.



So, where can I buy or how can I build one for cheap? I started doing some research but all the ones I found to buy were expensive, so I started to look u how to build one cheap and found a number of videos showing how to build a rack using these display foam boards. Love the idea, but just felt that they were not that strong (or at least not to where I am comfortable), and being OCD about evenness, I just couldn't see it being even and strait enough not to make me go nuts. So why not build a wooden one? I already have wood tacks, and you can get small wood strips for pretty cheap. So that is what I did, over to Lowes I went and bought my supplies.

I start building and would have been done so much faster if the wee ones (especially the youngest) didn't keep trying to help. That being said, after the second time building it because of said help it was done.

I am so happy with it, and very proud since I built it! After a few days the hubs stopped in front of it and started to shake his head, and I was like "What?" and he said "I have to admit its a nice shelf." SCORE!

So I hope you like it as much as I (and the hubs) do! The first picture is from when it was done but not hung up yet, just to get it out of the way, and see how it looked.


This one is once it was hung and stocked.


I am so happy to finally have one place to put all of my polishes, that gives me room to grow. Hopefully now I will not have lost polishes again. Another thing I like about this is that I made a space for my tiny bottles, and my stripers at the bottom.

I have noticed that a few of the heavy shelves are bowing, but I am actually not that worried, if I choose to build another, or have to, I will use thicker wood, or add some support pieces, but I am not really that worried about it.

Day 22 - Inspired By A Song

So a while ago, when I was doing searches for different design techniques, I can across a couple of videos that use the needle drag technique (or a small brush) to make flames. These immediately made me think of a song.

So what song did this pop into my head? "We Didn't Start The Fire" from Billy Joel's Storm Front.

I have so many songs that I love, or that kept being in my head that it was almost impossible to choose one for this challenge, heck I even almost did one inspired by the "itsy bitsy spider". So luckily I remembered these videos and knew what I would do. So without further ado, here is my song inspired mani, hope you like it!




Colors used:
Base: "Ebony Hates Chris" by Wet n Wild (fast dry)
Red: "Crawford's Wine" by Orly
Yellow: "Unicorn" by Sinful Colors

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

My Liebster Award



So, I was not planning on writing any posts in the middle of the 31 Day Challenge I am doing, but a few things have come up, so that notion is out the window.

So the other weekend I was nominated for a Liebster Award by City Girl from theblogforbeautifulliving.blogspot.com. This may not seem like much, but to someone who is just starting out in the blog seen, this is a big honor! (Ok, or at least it is to me!)

To know that people read an like your blog enough to recommend it to others, just makes you feel good. When I woke up that morning and saw the e-mail I was giddy, actually it made my day (but it was difficult trying to explain in to the hubs). Unfortunately I have been working a lot lately, and when I wasn't I was trying to get things done at the house, so I had not had the time to mention it, or to fallow the directions... Until now! (I only took time to do my challenge manis and to post said manis)

So what is the Liebster Award? Well the directions I was given is that you answer the 11 questions the person who nominated you asked, Say 11 things about yourself, create 11 more questions for your nominees and then nominate 11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers with no tag backs. I have seen other variations on these directions with different numbers for each, but since these are the directions I got, they will be the ones I follow.

11 Things Asked of Me:

1. If you were stranded on an island, what three types of food would you want with you?
      - I think I would have to take pasta, chocolate, and I am not sure on the third one.
2. What would be your ideal weekend?
      - An all expense paid spa weekend away from the family (sorry guys love you all, but I would love some me time with manis, pedies, masks, and massages, with no responsibilities!)
3. Favorite Band / Singer?
      - I love so many, I don't know if I have a favorite, but if I had to pick just one it would probably be Frank Sinatra. (kind of an old fashion girl)
4. First Concert you went to?
      - I think that would be to see The Oak Ridge Boys when I was really young with my family.
5. Favorite make-up product?
      - Don't really wear much make up, but probably my Mac eyeliner in either Engraved or Ebony (which ever is waterproof)
6. If you could be any animal for a day what would you be, and where?
      - A dragon flying in the sky (a nice one that is).
7. Favorite movie?
      - As I said I am kind of an old fashion girl, and I would have to go with White Christmas!
8. If you could have a superpower what would it be?
      - To fly.
9. Favorite time of year?
      - Winter (or if you want like holiday I would go with Christmas).
10. Favorite website or blog?
      - I am kind of addicted to Pintrest
11. What can always be found in your handbag?
      - My wallet?

11 Things About Me:

1. I love to read.
2. I love to sing.
3. I am a member of two choirs.
4. I love crafts.
5. I won first place for photography in my student art show in collage.
6. I love to swim.
7. We just got a trampoline, and have thought about getting on it after the kids are asleep.
8. Just ordered 4 more nail art plate sets.
9. I am already planing on items to give away if I get to 100 followers.
10. I am addicted to the Sims, and have almost every game and expansion starting with the original Sims, through the Sims 3.
11. I am a pescetarian

11 Questions For My Nominees:

1. What do you do in your spare time?
2. Your favorite TV Chanel?
3. Describe your favorite piece of clothing.
4. Do you have a favorite nail polish, and if so which one?
5. If you could eat any food every day (no matter the price) what would it be?
6. What one item would you take with you to a deserted island?
7. What is the strangest thing you have ever eaten?
8. Your favorite season of the year.
9. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
10. Do you have a pet, and if so what is it?
11. Are you an only child, or how many siblings do you have?

11 Blogs I am nominating:

Sorry if any of you have already received this, but I love your stuff, and hope you take it as a complement to be nominated again.

Day 21 - Inspired By A Color

Today's challenge was a little vague. So figure it is just one that you can do what ever you want.

So if you can't tell from my blog, I LOVE PURPLE!!! (but it has to be the deep royal purple) Anyways if we have the option of doing any nail art, you can bet I will use my favorite color and do purple nails.

Now the biggest problem was trying to decide what to do, unfortunately once again I didn't have tons of time, and a little one wouldn't stay out of my lap, so I decided to do a purple french, with a purple glitter being the french tip.

I don't know what it is about my camera, but every time I do purple, they always come out as more of a blue then the true color, unless I do the picture inside under a crappy lamp. So the first picture is outside in the natural light (which is what I usually choose) and the second is showing the true color, but I look orange! Hope you like it!



Colors used:
Base: "Lets Talk" by Sinful Colors
Tips: "not sure of the number (812011?)" by Sally Girl

Day 20 - Water Marbled

Ok, to start off I would like to apologize that this post is a day late, but I got home really late yesterday and before I knew it it was 8 and I had to get the kids in bed... and that was the end of the night.

Today's challenge is one that I have been looking forward to since the beginning. I was super excited because a couple of months ago I first heard about water marbling and gave it a try, well it came out Awesome. So the plan was to just recreate that mani, as I felt it only right to do a new one and not use the old one because that would be cheating on the challenge. Below are pictures of that mani, and please forgive me for the really bad pictures, but they were taken with my iPod.




First setback, the two colors I had used before, that worked so well together are currently lost in the massive messes in either my office or bedroom... What colors to use now?

Well since I couldn't do the really nice contrasting colors that I had used the last time, I decided to go with varying shades of the same color. I decided to use blue since I have a number of those, and figured some of them looked really nice together.

I don't know why but this time, I was having some problems with the colors spreading. Don't know if it was the polishes I was using, or what, but I at least got something, (once again sorry for the messy cuticles, as my youngest wouldn't stay out of my lap again, so I said forget it) so here are the ones I did for the challenge.



Orange and Yellow Colors used:
Orange: "Orange Punch" by Orly
Yellow: "Hook Up" by Orly

Blue Colors used:
White Base: "449C (french white)" by Wet n Wild (wild shine)
Lighter Blue: "Cinderella" by Sinful Colors
Iridescent Blue: "Love Nails" by Sinful Colors
Darker Blue: "Why Not" by Sinful Colors