May the Fourth Be With You & Revenge of the Fifth

Hey everyone

Can you tell what today's theme is? Star Wars!!! Yesterday was Star Wars Day and today is a little special too. I could not think of anything to do for these nails. I almost went with a Lego Star Wars theme. Until I thought of my nephew. He's obsessed with Angry Birds. He's played since it first came out and he's so much better at it then me. If I can't beat a level I had my phone to him and he beats it with 3 stars. He's a true genius. He became obsessed with Star Wars once they released Angry Birds Star Wars so why not!

I love how they turned out! I used a lot of polish for this one. 

1. OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls
2. Zoya's Ibiza
3. Love & Beauty's Midnight
4. Zoya's Sooki
5. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear's Blue Me Away
6. Pure Ice's Kiss Me Here
7. Art Deco Long Brush's Black
8. Art Deco Long Brush's White
9. Sinful Colors' Star Fish
10. Nail Art Long Brush's Cocoa
11. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear's Sun Kissed
12. China Glaze's Trendsetter
13. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear's Black Out
14. Zoya's Trixie

So many polishes. I ended up having to go onto Youtube to see how to draw out the birds. Took me quite a bit to finish, but I'm so happy with the results. My sister showed my nephew and he said, "Oh my god. I can't believe she can do that. She needs to make Minoauk Pig and Boba Fett." Totally felt like a rockstar. Hope you enjoyed the nails! 

Cheetah, Leopard, whatever...

Hey everyone

I recently did 3 different cheetah manicures in the span of 2 days. I had to go on a business trip to Ohio recently. Before I left I watched the Devil Wears Prada and I was inspired by Andie's coat. That's where this first mani comes in.

This is a half moon mani using Revlon's Jaded Night, Sinful Color's Nude and Orly's Prince Charming. I love how this turned out so much. It made my nails look so long and I have little nubbins! I also took my son to his very first zoo as an early birthday present, so that's also why there's an animal print theme. 

Next my friend Courtney came with us and wanted me to do her nails. So I packed a bunch of neon colors and did a different cheetah design. 

This is using OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls, Wet N Wild's Limelight, Zoya's Paz, Essense's Wanna Be Your Sunshine, and Pure Ice's Celestial. These turned out super cute and she loved them. So it was perfect.

This last one is one of my favorite manicures I did for the month of April. This features Sinful Color's Nude and Zoya's Phoebe. I just love the color combo and I'll have to use it again. 

Youtube Tutorial Tuesday: The Lorax

Hey everyone

I have a real treat for you today. This mani is actually a live update. There's 40 minutes left of Tuesday, I just did this mani and am currently still wearing it. I also really don't like the way these turned out. Typically I'm pleased with everything. Not so much this time around. And it's of no fault of the artist. I suck today. :P Today's video comes from TotallyCoolNails.

The video is wonderful. I love the way her nails turned out. I think my biggest problem is she is using paint and I'm using polish. And my striper is getting old, I need a new one. 

So much smearing. I'm really disappointed by these. And I though the trunk of the tree looked so great. It's the top of the trees. Look at my middle finger! That's like some Chucky Finster hair. 

Polished Used:

1. NYC's Tudor City Teal
2. NYC's Midtown Mimosa
3. Zoya's Jancyn
4. Kiss' Pink
5. Kiss' Lilac
6. Art Deco Long Brush's Black
7. Orly's Snowcone
8. OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Wales
9. Orly's Prince Charming

I'm also going to include some full swatches of Jancyn. 

These are some old swatches. Look at that old watermark. I also got this color on sale. I thought it was Arizona when I first grabbed it. Then I saw it wasn't, but was still on sale. Close enough for me.

I will say it can stain a bit, so always make sure you were a basecoat.

What do you guys think? All right comparison or epic fail?

Smelly Cat's Pocahontas Litter Box

Hey everyone

Double posts today! I've been trying to find inspiration for Kayla Shevonne's Indie Nail Art Contest. I couldn't think of anything for the longest time. A lot of my polish is glitters and that can be difficult to make art with. But I've got a Friends themed collection (The One With The Witty Puns) coming soon. One of those polishes is called, "Smelly Cat's Litter Box". I instantly knew what I was going to make.

The glitter polish is "Smelly Cat's Litter Box" and the blue polish is Pocahontas from my "No Ordinary Princess" collection. Both indies! The gray is Pure Ice's Kiss Me Here. The black is Art Deco Long Brush's Black. The green is Wet N Wild's Limelight. Lastly the pink is Kiss Nail Art Paint's Pink.

Here's a secondary shot featuring the bottles. I love how these turned out. I even did a rimming to show a litter box. I really hope I win one of the prizes. They are seriously fantastic. Wish me luck! Check out the other participants HERE!

MSMD Monday: Basketball

Hey everyone

How are you this wonderful Monday morning? Hating the world? Not me! I'm on vacation for the next week! Yes! So I'm super excited. Today's nails are from the vault. I did these originally for Selection Sunday, but history was made today so I had to bring them out. 

Today NBA star Jason Collins came out as gay. He is the first active NBA star to come out. This is such a huge deal to me. Usually a gay sports star doesn't come out for fear of losing his fan base or even locker room issues. To see Jason Collins come out gives me hope that others will stand up for themselves and come out, regardless of their professional statuses. 

Now on to the nails. Leslie over at Polish Art Addiction did these nails first and I totally copied. I couldn't resist, they are so cute. 

I'm going to be honest, I'm not for certain which polishes I used. I know the brown is Pure Ice's Magic and I think the stamp was from a Bundle Monster plate, but that's pretty much all I remember. Leslie's wonderful post is HERE. I hope you guys enjoyed her design as much as I did. 

MSMD: Cloud Mani

Hey everyone

I have a new Monkey See Monkey Do Monday for you. This week I'm attempting to tackle Nailside! It's a lot of pressure believe you me. But the cloud mani is one of my favorites. It looks like it would be difficult until you see her tutorial and then you all but smack yourself in the face because it's so easy. 

One of my favorite cloud designs of hers is called Fancy Clouds. So I had to replicate it. I'm going to be in a wedding in October and the bride had just decided on her colors, yellow and gray. 

The silver I used is my go to, Silver Mercedes from Pure Ice. The white is My Boyfriend Scales Walls from OPI and the yellow is Splendid from Hard Candy. 

It's certainly brighter than her Fancy Clouds, but a similar effect. I really enjoy doing cloud manis, you should expect to see more from me. I hope I did Nailside justice, let me know what you think!

ACNC Day 18: Classic

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Today is a day 18 and it's Classic. This really took me a second to figure out what I wanted to do. Then I decided I wanted to do a half moon, but what kind? I didn't want to just do a plain one. So I looked through a folder of my favorite nails I've seen on the web. I then found The Nailasaurus' half moon she did for the Tadashi Shoji Nail Art Challenge. I knew I had to try them. It's very rare for me to see a stamped design and actually have the stamp these days. I still need the 2012 Bundle Monster collection. This mani features Bundle Monster Plate BM21 from their 2010 collection. Today I'm going to also show you step by step how to do this mani. I'm quite excited and I hope you are too!

Start off with your base coat. Then cut hole reinforcers in half. Put them on your fingers one at a time right above your cuticle line. I used OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls to cover anything that wasn't covered by the hole reinforcers. 

I then used Pure Ice's Celestial along with BM21 to stamp the design on my nails. Pure Ice is the go to polish when it comes to water marbling and stamping. I'm not sure what makes them so different from the bigger brands, but they are perfect for these techniques. I couldn't recommend them enough. And they are so cheap too! 

Once they stamp is done remove the hole reinforcers. This will give you a clean line. If you have any leakage from under the tape use a little bit of acetone and just wipe it away with a Q-Tip or brush.

Now you can leave it like this if you want. If you have longer nails you could even do this as a french manicure instead of a half moon mani. But I wanted to smooth everything out. So I then used a nail brush from my Bundle Monster nail brush collection and traced the line of the half moon with Celestial.

I'm quite in love with these nails. I know I've said that a bunch throughout this challenge, but I'm quite happy with myself. I haven't really done my nails a whole lot since I had my son, so I was worried I'd lost my touch. I think I'm only getting better. I hope I've done Sam justice and you guys like these! If you attempt this mani using my tutorial please send me the link to your nails, I'd love to see them! 

ACNC Day 17: Christmas Movie

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I'm past midnight, I'm behind! Oh well a few minutes is better than not at all. Day 17 was Inspired by a Christmas movie. I don't know if you remember, but when I did my lights I said the Grinch would be making a comeback. And comeback he did! I'm so pleased with how my Grinch turned out this time around. He's much more Grinch-like.

Now you may be asking yourself, "What is that other polish she's got on?" This just wouldn't be my blog if there wasn't shameless self promotion! The other polish I'm wearing is 2 coats "Pucker Up and Kiss It Whoville" by Tara's Nail Polish over 2 coats of Exotic Ocean by Sinful Colors. Pucker Up and Kiss It is a red, white, green, and black glitter polish in many shapes and sizes. When worn alone it has predominately clear base with a hint of green.

If you would like to purchase a bottle of "Pucker Up and Kiss It Whoville" you can at this link here. Just don't forget to use the code HAPPYHOLIDAYS for 15% off your entire order! 

ACNC Day 15: Cozy

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Today was day 15 and the challenge was Cozy. I was super confused on what to do. I didn't want to stuff like everyone else was doing. And then it hit me. It's Red Cup Season. Only the best time of the year for Starbucks. So I decided to do a mani based solely on the red cup design.

I'm so excited with how they turned out! They may not look exactly like the cups (I don't think anyone could draw the Starbucks Logo that small!) but you can tell what they are. I started off painting half of my nails with Zoya's America. Then I took my Art Deco Long Brush in White and drew the rim of the cup and then a triangle on top for the whip cream. I then took Julie G's Chic Cipro and drew in the caramel syrup. I used Revlon's Espresso for the Chocolate Syrup. Lastly I used Zoya's Veruschka for the Starbucks Logo. I really enjoyed these nails and hope you did too!

ACNC Day 13: Snow

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Day 13 is SNOW! I'm really excited for this one. I started off by painting my nails with OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls (Because I use it constantly, oh my goodness!). I used 2 coats to build up a strong base. Then I used Sinful Colors Cinderella in 3 coats to make a nice soft winter blue skyline. I took a makeup triangle sponge and did a soft gradient at the tip with MBSW. Using a dotter I made 2 snowmen on my thumb and one on my ring finger. I lastly used Art Deco in Black for the arms and Zoya's Reva for the scarf.

I took Essie's Matte About You and finished off the gradient on my index, middle, and pinky nails. I think these nails were very pretty and soft. Excellent for a quick winter mani on the go. 

ACNC Day 9: Pine

Hey everyone

Day 9 was Pine. After completely my Starry Night I was in need of a easier manicure. I've done something similar to this before, but to be honest I was almost midnight when I posted this so I needed something fast and easy. 

I started off with 2 coats of Pure Ice's Silver Mercedes. I then did an open half moon mani with Zoya's Veruschka. Lastly I used Zoya's Reva and did little ornaments hiding in the pine. I very quick and easy mani using 3 polishes and a dotter for the ornaments. A nice beginner's mani.

ACNC Day 8: Starry Night

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Day 8 was Starry Night and it was easily the one I was most excited about doing. Way back when I attempted a Starry Night mani and once I realized how tough it was I only did it on my thumb and then quickly removed them because I didn't like it. Fast forward 2 years and I'd never attempted it again. I love the painting and new this would be the time to retry and earn my title back as a nail artist. Freelance of course but who's getting technical? 

I started off with a base of Orly's Sweet Peacock. Then used Sally Hansen Insta-Dri for the swirl. I accented the swirl using OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls and Orly's Mysterious Curse. I used Essence Be Your Sunshine for the stars. I did a tip with my Art Deco Brush and added a top coat. The other nails I used Blue Away and Milani's 3D Holographic in Cyberspace for give it that extra shine. I was so pleased with this manicure. Sadly it was my day off so I didn't get to show it off like I wanted. I do have plans to redo the design on nails for sale in my Etsy shop, so be on the look for those soon!

And just for fun here's 2 years ago's design. Hope you're as pleased with my progress as I am. 

ACNC Day 7: Ornaments

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I've gotta say I miss color coding all of the days. Now we get to the fun parts, actual nail art! Day 7 was Ornaments. I was inspired by a design I saw on Tumblr. I can't remember the exact design now, I should have bookmarked it so I could credit them. It was ornament balls but the balls were at the tips. I have little nubbins right now so I decided to turn them into half moon manis!

I started off with taping my nails with hole reenforcers. Then I did 2 coats of Julie G's Chic Cipro which I have featured here.Then I went back in and carefully filled in the nude area with different colors. The above picture shows Zoya's Trixie, I will be going back and doing a complete mani of this design, I adore it so much! 

On my thumb I used Zoya's America. On my index I used Zoya's Ibiza. On my middle I used China Glaze's Lemon Fizz. On my ring I used Zoya's Trixie, and on my pinky I used Sally Hansen Insta-Dri's Jumpin Jade. I love how half moon and french manicures always make my little nubbins look longer. 

I then used a long brush from my Bundle Monster nail brush set (that you can purchase here. It comes in a fantastic carrying case and has dotters!) with OPI's MBSW and made the top of the ornament. Lastly using a black striper I made the tread. Slap on a top coat and you are done! I loved how these turned out and I got quite a few complements as well.

ACNC Day 1: RED

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It's December 1st so that means it's Day One of the Advent Calendar Nail Challenge. Today's challenge is RED. I've recently become obsessed with Chevron print so I couldn't resist.

On my thumb, index, and pinky finger we have Milani One Coat Glitter in Red Sparkle. On my middle and ring finger we have Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Petal Pusher. I drew the chevron print on with Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in red. Then I finished the look with Essie in Matte About You. 

I'm completely pleased with these. They are wonderfully sparkly and pretty. Reminds me of twinkles on a tree so it totally works with Christmas. I hope you all enjoyed them. And if you participated leave a comment and show me your work!

31DC2012: Day 02, Orange Nails

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Today is ORANGE and an oldie but a goodie. This mani was during the big palm tree boom from Summer 2010. We were having a Luau Day at work and so I did these right before I went to work.

I'd just learned how to do the Hibiscus flower as well from Dolly's Youtube tutorial. Look at that visible nail line. Goodness. Can you tell I was obsessed with gradients? 

Normally I wouldn't post an old mani like this, however it's 11:28pm where I left and I didn't want to do a quick swatch. So old mani's here we go. Maybe I'll redo this tomorrow or something for you guys and edit the post. :)

31DC2012: Day 01, Red Nails

Hey everyone!!!

I'm going to try to do this 31 Day challenge. I can't guarentee I'll be completely on time. I'm terrible with staying on a set schedule. I feel like I say that every single time. Anyway. September is going to be a challenge month.

Thank you Chalkboard Nails for this graphic to remind us all. :)

So today's theme is RED! I thought I would show off my newest polish, You Forgot Your Thingy! This red glitter polish is from my Damn The Man Collection based off of Empire Records. In case you've forgotten where the quote comes from let's review. Corey has decided to give her virginity to Rex Manning and is going to use Gina's lucky red bra. After Corey is denied later words are exchanged with Gina and the lucky red bra is left behind. Cue Eddie who calls after the girls, "Hey! You forgot your thingy!"

This is You Forgot Your Thingy! I couldn't resist to draw on Gina's red bra. 

You Forgot Your Thingy is a red shimmer polish with red hex glitter mixed in. Nice and glittery! I hope you guys have enjoyed today's red polish post. You can also purchase You Forgot Your Thingy <here> at my Etsy store! :)

Monkey See Monkey Do: Pinterest

Hey everyone,

I'm terrible about keeping a set schedule for my blog. I have so many swatches left to still post. Bag blogger bad! Anyway, today is Monkey See, Monkey Do Monday! I found my favorite pin on Pinterest and recreated it. And it took forever to search for the original creator. It made me happy to read that the person who actually did these nails was an professional nail technician and I was able to recreate them without their training. Here's the link to the pin: <Click Me>

China Glaze's Flip Flop Fantasy has taken off on Pinterest. Everyone and their brother who likes summer neons has repinned a swatch. So when I bought it at my local Sally's Beauty Supply on sale for $4.99 I knew I'd have to use it in my design. And I'm not a fan of yellowish looking gold so I used silver gliter. Sinful Color's Queen of Beauty to be exact. The chevron nail I did freehand with an Art Deco striper and Claire's Snowball as the base. I love these nails so much!

Flip Flop Fantasy can be a little streaky. I found myself having to go over it with 3 coats and the spot checking with a very thin 4th coat. Queen of Beauty has full coverage with 2 thick coats. I was very pleased with the ease of this glitter polish. It is also smooth and not rough like Milani's One Coat Glitters. I topped all each nail off with a coat of Seche Vete to seal it in. So shiny!

All in all this is my most successful MSMD Monday yet! Can't wait to do something for next week!

Let's Bowl, Let's Bowl, Let's Rock n' Roll!

Hey Everyone!


First, 5 points to whoever gets the movie that this title came from!


Second, It's Monday, which normally sucks, but not in the nail world! Mondays are Monkey See Monkey Do Monday! I have had this one planned out the minute I saw Katy from Nailed It! post this. My hubby is from Michigan and his whole family grew up in bowling alleys. Not to mention his sister's name is Katy. It was fate people!

Monkey See Monkey Do!

Hey everyone!


Today I have a Monkey See Monkey Do Monday Mani for you! I'm super excited to copy SincerelyStephanieNails. 

4th of July 2012

Hey everyone!

I have a 4th of July mani just for you guys. I'm super excited. It's a variation of what I did last year. I'm really happy with it.

I love it! I started off with 2 coats of Claire's Snowball. Then with Pure Ice's Celestial and Bundle Monster Plate BM20 I made the blue stars. Then I took Pure Ice's Siren and Bundle Monster Plate BM20 to make the stripes. Lastly I took both Pure Ice polishes and Bundle Monster plate BM 201 to do the abstract firework design. Add in a coat of Wet N Wild's Kaleidoscope and top it all off with Seche Vite and you have this completed mani! A quick and easy mani for the 4th of July.

Hope you all enjoy it!