Monday, April 28, 2014

Pastel rainbow

Hello! Today I have a mani I did as part of a "pastel rainbow" collab! I originally was going to do a watermarble but it was such a complete fail :( I let it go for a while then discovered the dry brush technique. I just fell in love with it doing the blue version last week I thought I'd try it again with these. I really really love how it came out hence the elleventy billion pics!

Last time I was really liking how it looked and then after I added topcoat I immediately wished I hadn't. It really blended the colors together, which it's supposed to do, but I was liking the textured look of it. So this time I made sure to get a pic before adding topcoat!

It really came out looking very watercolor-ish, which is usally totally not my style, but man I am digging this!

sun, without topcoat


shade, without topcoat

Here it is after adding topcoat. See? blended. Hmm. 


sun, with topcoat


shade, with topcoat


Then I added a matte topcoat, because I can :) and because I REALLY love muted pastels!


sun, with matte topcoat
I left them matte and wore it for several days! Swoon!


sun



Saturday, April 26, 2014

ACM Vegas Trip nails round-up!

Hey guys! This is just a little roundup of my trip to Vegas! Most of these I posted on Instagram so if you follow me there you probably already saw them ;)

I started out with Zoya Aurora. There are no words to describe her sparkle! I had some free time when my husband was working (this was a work trip for him and I just tagged along) so I decided to go exploring along the strip! First up I made the trek to the Bellagio from the MGM Grand to see the fountains, my favorite thing in Vegas. A quick google helped me find out the times they went off, since there are no signs! (crooked ring-doh!)


Aurora + Bellagio

After seeing the fountains I continued on to Caesar's, which is right next door. You have to go in a door to the Bellagio to get to the above-road walkway to cross the street. There are so many of these now, even more than when I was last there 3 years ago. One of the cab drivers told us they are building them and building barriers so you can't cross the streets on foot because people were getting hit by cars all over the place. It's good, but man does it add to the hike!
 
Anyhoo, right inside the door I went in was a little cafe with baked goods and gelato. It was about lunch time, so I figured, what the heck?! I chose Tiramisu and it was AWWEESSOOMMEEE.



Aurora + Gelato

 

This was crossing over one of the main walkways over Las Vegas Blvd. Cool!

Let it be noted, that, I got exactly zero weird looks for taking pics of my nails all over the place. Because, Las Vegas.


Aurora + Las Vegas

Saturday afternoon I switched out to Zoya Song, since we were going to see Elton John that night. (ZOMG.) It was the first time I've worn it, and man is it pretty! Super opaque, this is one coat! I got a tiny bit on my skin and my crap remover I bought there (didn't want to travel with it) didn't get it off so I was way worried about staining. It didn't though! Point Zoya!

Song + tinted hotel room window
I was lucky enough to have access to the red carpet for the ACM's Sunday. It was a first for me and SOOOOOO fun! 
access band plus favorite bracelet

After the carpet cleared out I snapped another pic in the daylight because the light in our hotel was terrible. So pretty! (straight ring-lesson learned)


Song + Red Carpet

This bag holds all my loot I bought for my self and my giveaway! Yay free stuff!

loot!

Friday, April 25, 2014

Puzzle piece nails inspired by NailStorming!

Hey guys! Today I have something a little different. I usually pride myself on being original and coming up with new designs, but the tag for today on IG is "nailspiration". Which sounds a little silly, but something told me exactly what to do....isn't that weird? Same thing happened with my Easter nails. I may or may not start doing something like this monthly...I just haven't decided yet. 

The lovely Gianna of the wildy popular NailStorming account on IG did these a few weeks ago. She is totally awesome at being awesome and I love her for it! I knew recreating them was going to be really challenging and I wanted to be as close as possible! Puzzles have been on my "to-do" list for a while. They aren't as good as hers but I don't totally hate them so I'm filing that in the win column :)


sun

They matched my royal blue jeans I wore that day. yay for blue!


sun
Polishes used:
base color: Sally Hanson Pacific Blue
red: OPI Thrill of Brazill
Yellow: Sally Hanson Mellow Yellow
light blue: OPI Can't find my Czechbook

Gianna has a tutorial on her account if you want to see how it's done!


sun

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Picture Polish Honeydew

Hello! Today is a simple swatch. One of my favorite brands is an indie from Australia called Picture Polish. I only own glitters and such from them but no cremes until now! I've heard rave reviews and finally decided to get one with an e-gift card I won from a contest on Instagram :)

I chose Honeydew as my first one, because back in my zoo days I cared for a Lowland (Baird's) Tapir named Honeydew. She was my pride and joy, she got so excited to see me every day. I miss her!

As far as the polish goes, it's great, as expected! This is 2 coats of perfection. I can't wait to get more!

Picture Polish Honeydew

This is Honeydew. This picture is about 8-9 years old, but as far as I know she's still kickin'!! Isn't she the cutest???? She is no spring chicken and has had her share of health issues and we really bonded as she fought through them. :)


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Dry brush

Hi! This is a new trend going around in the nail world called Dry Brushing. This is my first time trying it and I knew I wanted a rainbow of blues!! Hooray for Blue!


sun

The base color is Suzy Says Feng Shui and then I just basically brushed a tiny bit of all the other colors on. Pretty easy, must say!

sun

Here are the blues I used: from L: Gargantuan Green Grape (blue version), Can't Find My Czechbook, Suzy Says Feng Shui, Keeping Suzy at Bay, and Incognito in Sausalito.

Does this pic make anyone else as happy as it makes me? Blueeeeee!!!!

blues

Monday, April 21, 2014

Earth day

Hey guys! Hope yall had a good Easter! Tomorrow is Earth Day yay! I try to be as environmentally conscious as I can! I love that recycling and composting come second nature to my kids. (Although, I did take a little break from composting during the winter bc I just haaaaaate having to go out back, down the stairs to the yard and to the compost bin when it's super cold outside. I'm human!) Since we started composting our trash output as a family of 5 has drastically reduced! We fill up on average one tall kitchen size garbage bag a week!!! ONE!! (not including diapers. And no, I don't cloth diaper. Sorry.)

Today is also my sister-in-law's birthday so HIIIIIIIIIII Happy Birthday K! :)

Here are my earth day nails. My recycle logo could definitely use some improvement! And my earth started out to be round buttttttt....yeah, not so good at that so heart it is!


sun
Another shot at trying to pose with out the bottle. Hmmmm...

sun

Friday, April 18, 2014

Easter Nails 2014

Here are my Easter nails! I hope yall have a great Easter :)

Polish:
Pink is OPI DS Opulence
Gold is OPI Love,Angel.Music.Baby


natural light, cloudy day

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Easter eggs

Hey guys!  Here are some non traditional Easter egg nails for you. They are juuuuust walking the line of being jewel-toned, which was not my intention but something I unintentionally gravitate toward!

I used all Zoya PixieDusts for these :)


sun


shade

I just wanted to say a quick note about doing nail art. Just like making cakes, the majority of it is smoke and mirrors. Make a dent, cover it up! I painted my white base in the morning and let it dry for several hours, knowing I wanted to use tape.During the course of the day I got huge dents on my first 2 fingers. All I did was move around the intended order of art to cover it up! That's another great thing about the textures, they are SO forgiving and really cover up dents and nicks ;)

before


after

Zoya Summer 2014 Magical Pixie Collecion Press Release!

Hey guys!! I have ANOTHER Zoya Press Release for you!!! Zoya is releasing 3 more of the awesome holographic Magical Pixies as a sequel to the spring ones (which I still don't have!) Check it out!


Zoya Summer 2014


Zoya Magical Pixie Summer 2014

How pretty and girly are these colors!!!

The 3 new colors are:
Bar: Nude Topaz Magical Pixie
Ginni: Pink Tourmaline Magical Pixie
Arlo: Violet Amethyst Magical Pixie

These retail for $10 and are available in May! Go to Zoya.com and pre-order yours TODAY!

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You guys know I love my texture and I CAN'T WAIT to bring you swatches (and comparisons) of these beauties!!!
 


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Color Club Green Piece

Good Morning guys! I just have a simple mani today.... When I was swatcing all the new Color Club glitters I knew I wanted to wear the green/white one over pink because that's one of my fav color combos!


sun


shade

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Boston watermarble

Hey guys.  Today is the one year anniversary of the bombing that happened at the Boston Marathon. As a runner it REALLY hit home for me, and still does. I wanted to do something to celebrate Boston and the Marathon.

This is a blue and yellow linear watermarble. Not my best work, I still always somehow manage to smudge my first finger! ugh. Still, they turned out ok! I used Sally Hanson Mellow Yellow and Pacific Blue.


sun


shade

Zoya Summer 2014 Tickled & Bubbly Collection Press Release!

Hey guys! I have something so exciting for you today!!!! Hot off the presses is the Zoya Summer 2014 Collection: Tickled & Bubbly! Take a look at these BRIGHT COLORS!!!!! Just let these awesome images sink in and then scroll to the bottom for more info!

"Laugh, Giggle, Chuckle and Smile! Welcome to a happy Summer season of long-wearing, feel good BIG5FREE nail color by Zoya featuring two new collections destined to bring out your inner Glee!"



Zoya Summer 2014
 
 



Zoya Summer 2014

In case you can't read the image, here are the details!
 
ZOYA TICKLED
No Wall-flowers here...Six pigment packed, full coverage cream shades to glide onto your nails. Be ready to Stand out in the crowd-the eyes of the world will swoon over these beauties.
 
Rocha: Folly Red Cream
Wendy: Tickle Pink Cream
Kitridge: Carnation Pink Cream
Rooney: Hollywood Pink Cream
Tilda: Mantis Green Cream
Ling: True Blue Cream
 
ZOYA BUBBLY
Six dazzling hues loaded with shimmering holographic glitter particles. This is color made to dance in the light and deliver great color well into the night! Buildable formula-great for layering.
 
Alma: Golden Peach Metallic, Holographic Glitter
Jesy: Coral Orange Metallic, Holographic Glitter
Harper: Mexican Pink Metallic, Holographic Glitter
Binx: Purple Orchid Metallic, Holographic Glitter
Muse: Mermaid Blue Metallic, Holographic Glitter
Stassi: Jade Green Metallic, Holographic Glitter
 
These beauties retail for $9.00 each and will be available May 15! You can pre-order on Zoya.com starting today!
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Look at those sparkles!!!! If you are a fan of Dream, Storm, Aurora, Payton and Blaze then you NEED these! All that sparkly goodness in superbright colors for summer! You know me, that blue Muse has my name written ALLLLLL over it!
 
The Tickled Collection of creams looks so luscious and bright! I can't wait!
 
 
 
AND........... I am finally able to tell you I am officially a Zoya blogger and I will be bringing swatches and review of these beauties hopefully very soon!!!
 

Zoya Summer 2014

 

Monday, April 14, 2014

Easter Nails 2014: Easter Bunny

Hey guys! I hope everyone had a good weekend here. It was really sunny and beautiful, which is rare for this time of year here! Today it is supposed to get super rainy and cold and we have flurries in the forecast for later this week....BOO. Go home, spring, you are drunk.

Anyway, here are some super cute Easter nails! I used a variety of Zoya Pixiedusts and OPI Liquid Sands to create these! I know I sound like a broken record but I just love using texture-it creates so  much dimension!


sun

Guys, why did I make his nose orange? I have no idea. I didn't realize it should be pink until I was uploading my pictures. Ah well!

For the green back ground I used my go-to combination for grass, which is Zoya Chita and Zoya Rina layered over top.


shade

I'm starting to branch out and try different poses with out the bottle, what do you think? Meh, looks weird.  I just love that little bunny ;)


sun

Here are some closeups of my nails. My eggs are a little wonky :/


close-ups
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Sunday, April 13, 2014

Taylor blue and taped geometric art

Hey Guys! April is Organ Donation Awareness Month so I wanted to show off one of my absolute favs, OPI Taylor Blue. It is only available on the website Taylor's Gift at certain times of the year. Please go there and get one now!!!!


sun


shade

I wore it for a full day and then the next day taped off some triangles with my striping tape. I wasn't really paying attention to the order I was doing them in, and they accidentally came out very matchy-matchy....as in my first 2 fingers are very similar and the last 2 are very similar. Oops!

The triangles are OPI Black Onyx and OPI It's Frosty Outside (liquid sand)


sun


shade

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Zoya Peter Som 2014 Swatches, Review and Comparisons!

Hey guys! Today I have the Zoya Peter Som 2014 Collection! This is a 3 piece set that was only available for a couple weeks on their website. It was offered with a free bottle of whatever plus free shipping, that's a good deal to me! That's saying a lot! I totally ordered it the first day ;) The peach colored one is part of the spring Zoya collection, the other 2 are exclusive to this set only (and the reason I bought it!) It also came in a white box...different than the black boxes they usually use. Totally love!


Zoya Peter Som 2014

First is Cole. Not one I would buy on it's own, this color is just not in my wheelhouse. Having said that, they could have put a burnt orange in this box set and I still would have bought it!  This is 3 coats, it was a little streaky for me. Still pretty for spring!


Zoya Cole

I don't have too much of this shade in my collection, the only one that comes close is one I just got recently, OPI Where Did Suzi's Man-go? It's a good bit darker.


Zoya Cole comparisons

Next is Alexa. GARSH guys I just love this color. This is 2 coats of perfection and I just love this dusty blue/green/teal color. It also looks super awesome matte in the fall :)
Zoya Alexa


shade

Here's a few bottle shots for comparison. On the left is Essie School of Hard Rocks, which is more gray. On the right is Salon Perfect Kool Kelp, which I bought because I never got my hands on China Glaze Exotic Encounters :( Salon Perfect is made by the same parent company as China Glaze and a lot of the colors are similar.


Zoya Alexa Comparisons
KK comes really close, doesn't it?


Alexa comparison
Lastly is Edie. OH, BE STILL MY BLUE LOVING HEART. This is sooooo pretty. 2 coats of perfection. It's like a bright navy/royal blue cross.


Zoya Edie


shade
Here are a few bottle shots for comparison. In the bottle it doesn't look anything like the OPI's, but as I was putting it on I was having Deja vu with Dating a Royal and I knew people would not take my word for it so here you go!

no, I don't have a problem with royal blue polishes, thankyouverymuch. They're not the same they're similar!


Zoya Edie Comparisons

I was short on  time so I didn't do any comparisons on the nail so if there's any you want to see let me know!