Fun and Random

Lightening Bug Nail Art Inspired by Chalkboard Nails

9:00:00 AM


Hello polished world!  How are you all doing today?  It's Sunday, which means the weekend is almost over....yet again.  I would say that I wish I had another day this weekend to relax, but I pretty much spent 90% of my Saturday lounging around.  It was by far the laziest I have been in a long time, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Summer is coming to a close, and it's a perfect time for me to share this perfect summer manicure with you all.  A week ago or so I decided to re-create Chalkboard Nails firefly nail art!  It was such an awesome manicure that I fell in love with when I first saw it, but I never had the guts to actually attempt it.  Finally the day came and I gathered up all my courage and re-created her awesome manicure.

Let's take a look!




Normally this is where I tell you what colors I used to create the look, but I honestly cannot remember!  I think the purple is NYC New York Color Jacaranda Flower, but for the pink and coral I used for the gradient, I cannot remember to save my life.  This is why I need to write down the colors as soon as I finish my manicures.  Maybe draft the post up right then and there?  That would be the smart thing.


Anyways, to get the look, I started off with a base of white polish.  When dried, I went through and added my gradient.  I then created the grass using my black striper.  I then added the fireflies glowing halos using acrylic paint mixed with water.  I then went through ad added the yellow lil fireflies.

I added a quick dry shiny top coat, then went back over it with a matte.  I find that if I were to just add a matte top coat, the art ends up smudging.

What do you think?  Like this manicure?  I think Sarah's is a million times better.

Until next time, <3.

Bestie Twin Nails

Bestie Twin Nails with Fashion Footing! Round 15!!

9:00:00 AM


Good morning polished world!  How are you all doing on this fine Thursday?  It's getting cooler and more fall like around here.  I'm not complaining, but I feel like summer flew by.   Hopefully it warms up before Labor Day so I can wear my work dresses at least one last time this season!

Today I am posting along side with Fashion Footing for Round 15 of Bestie Twin Nails!  This month we decided to re-create this manicure by Plump and Polished.  Amanda and I both love floral nails, so we quickly agreed on this one to re-create!

Let's take a look!




Colors Used:
  • China Glaze - Flip Flop Fantasy
  • Orly - Liquid Vinyl
  • Orly - French White
  • FingerPaints - Sterling Sculpture
I love this color combination!  I've owned my bottle of Flip Flop Fantasy for about three years now.  I saw a long time ago that they re-formulated this polish which made a lot of bloggers go into a frenzy.  I honestly thought it looked the same, until I was in Sally Beauty and I was checking out the China Glaze Wall.  The one I have is a lot more pink than the one that is currently for sale.  Kind of a shame, but honestly, I wouldn't have known the difference unless I saw it on my nail and then saw it in the store.  It's not going to stop me though from buying a back up.  Both formulation colors are unique to my stash and a must need.



I'm super proud of my stripes I did using my striper brush.  I was going to use tape but became beyond lazy.  I already owned a black striper, but to get the Flip Flop Fantasy lines, I had to dip and old striper brush into my main bottle of polish.  I need to do this more often, or even maybe do more waterfall manicures.  Remember when Amanda and I did that for BTN once?

What do you think?  Like this look?  Fan of this version or the new version of Flip Flop Fantasy?

Don't forget to check out Amanda's manicure!

Until next time, <3.

Dot Mani

Orly Skinny Dip Kitchen Sink Manicure

9:00:00 AM


Good morning polished world!  How are you all doing on this fine Monday?  The weekend went by way too fast, yet again.  Oh well, what is one to do?  Back to the work grind.

Today I am sharing with you a bright blue manicure I did last week with one of my all time favorite polishes, Orly Skinny Dip.  For years I searched for the perfect neon blue, and finally last year stumbled upon Orly Skinny Dip.  It's such a pretty neon blue with a subtle shimmer.  I just love it.  Currently I have it on my toes and I can't stop looking at my feet!

After seeing this manicure done by Young Wild and Polished on Instagram, I had to re-create it with this gorgeous blue.  Let's take a look!




Colors Used:
  • Orly - Liquid Vinyl
  • Orly - Mirrorball
  • Orly - Skinny Dip
  • Orly - French White

Skinny Dip applies perfectly in two coats.  Like most neons, it dries matte.  With a top coat though it becomes so shiny.  Looking at the colors I used in this manicure, I have to say all four of these are my all time favorite polishes.  The black I have written post after post about.  Mirrorball is pure perfection.  And the white is the sister of Liquid Vinyl.

Oh Orly, you make perfect polishes.  I have yet to find one that I hate.


Seriously, they are beyond perfect and worth the extra price.  They are amazingly bright, bold, and have perfect application.  They work amazing for nail art.  And they don't dry up until you get to the very end of the bottle!

What do you think?  Fan of the design?  Something you would try?  Do you love Orly also?

Until next time, <3.


Dot Mani

Daisies Inspired by Wondrously Polished

9:00:00 AM


Hello everyone!  How are you all doing today??  I cannot believe that it is already August 21st!!  Where did Summer go??  I hate to say it, but I'm kind of getting a little tired of wearing all neons all the time.  I need some change.  Something dark.

So for today's manicure, instead of going with neons, I went with this lovely black based daisy manicure inspired by the lovely Wondrously Polished.  I'm such a fan of Lindsey's work!  All of her manicures are beautiful, and sometimes I just stare at them and wonder how she did them.  Just gorgeous.

Let's take a look at my re-creation of her design!




Colors Used:
  • Orly - Liquid Vinyl
  • Zoya - Thandie
  • White/Yellow Acrylic
I started off with a base coat of Liquid Vinyl, my favorite black polish.  Two coats and you have full, shiny, gorgeous coverage.  My latest bottle is a tad goopier than the previous ones I've had, so I'm hoping that they didn't change the formula.  Maybe it's just the weather.

When my base was dry, I went through with my dotting tool and Zoya Thandie and added all the dots.  I sat back looking at the black with green dots and kind of didn't want to add the daisies.  It was such a pretty base.  Something different and unique!



Once the green dots were dry though, I did go through and add the daisies.  I'm happy I did because I really really loved how it looked.  I received so many compliments on these nails.  Everyone loved the unique base.  I thought that it was going to look too busy, but it for sure didn't in the end!

What do you think?  Fan of this design?  Something you think you would try??

Until next time, <3.

China Glaze

Hibiscus Flowers Inspired by NailStorming

9:00:00 AM


Good morning polished world!  How are you all doing today?  I'm doing well!!!  I've gathered quite the back log of manicures again, so that's always a good thing.  The only downside is that I'm not sure which manicure I should share with you all first!

After much deliberation with myself, I decided today I would share with you a hibiscus flower design that was inspired by NailStorming.  I feel in love with Gianna's manicure as soon as I saw it.  When she did a YouTube tutorial for the design, I knew I had to try it.

I'm so happy I did!  Let's take a look!




Colors Used:
  • China Glaze - At Vase Value
  • Light Pink Acrylic
  • Zoya - Rooney
  • Zoya - Josie
  • Zoya - Thandie
  • Yellow Acrylic
I love how these turned out!  The base makes the flowers really pop!!  And they were easy to do!  After I did my base coat (which was three coats - aka kind of annoying), I used the light pink acrylic paint to draw the base of the flowers.  When the base pink was dried, I used a nail art brush and lightly swiped on Rooney.



After the flowers were dried, I went through and added the details of the middle of the flower, and the leaves.  Finished off with a fast dry top coat and admired my work.  I was rather sad when these chipped because I was in love with how bright and cheerful they were!

What do you think?  Fan of this look??

Until next time, <3.

China Glaze

Another Water Marble Accent!

9:00:00 AM


Good morning polished world!  It's Saturday, which usually means it's sleep in day for me, but I have to be up and out of the house early.  Not too happy about it, but whatever, that just means I'm going to have to go to bed earlier.  I'll hold my breath on that happening though.

Today I am sharing with you a fun watermarble manicure I did a week or so ago.  Since I posted a photo of it in the Jord Watch post, I thought it was time to actually share the full look with you!!  As I said in my birthday post, I might be becoming obsessed with water marbling, especially now that I've done three successful manicures using the technique!  Maybe someday I will do all ten nails!

Let's take a look at the manicure!




Colors Used:
  • OPI - This Crown Needs a Gown
  • OPI - In True Stefani Fashion
  • China Glaze - Violet Vibes
  • China Glaze - BoHo Blues
  • China Glaze - Too Yacht to Handle
Awesome right??  The China Glaze's have to be my all time favorite color combination.  Purple, to periwinkle, to teal?  It's so fun!!!  The water marble was a little lighter than what I wanted it to be, but it still came out rather pretty!  When I realized it was so light on the ring finger, I opted for a gradient on the thumb.  Plus I didn't want to waste a lot of these pretty polishes.  Thankfully two of the three are part of the China Glaze core collection at Sally Beauty.



I love how the silver accents this manicure.  I should have sparkled the gradient to at least make it match.  Although looking back at that first picture, it kind of is nice just having all creams then the one glitter nail accenting the craziness!

What do you think?  Fan of this look?  Think I am finally getting water marble??

Until next time, <3.

Flowers

#JordWatch Review :)

9:00:00 AM


Hey everyone!  How are you all doing today?  I'm doing quite well, thank you very much!  I have a different post for you all today!  A few weeks ago I received a beautiful Jord Wooden Watch!  That's right, a watch made out of wood!  Isn't that cool?? If you know me, I'm not much into jewelry.  I wear the same necklace, same earrings, and sometimes a ring if the mood strikes me right.  I'm a creature of habit and I don't like to add anything that is out of the ordinary.

There was something about the uniqueness though of this wooden watch that drew me to it.  When I was asked if I would review one, I couldn't bring myself to say no.  It was a different piece that for sure was going to take me out of my daily jewelry comfort zone, and I was rather excited to try it!

The watch I will be sharing with you all today is the Ely in Maple.  I grew up in a neighborhood where maple trees were left and right, so I thought it would be really neat to own a watch made out of maple!

Picture heavy post, so please click to read more!

Birthday

It's My Birthday Weekend!

9:00:00 AM


Good morning polished world!  How are you all doing today?  I'm doing fabulously since it is my birthday weekend!  Yesterday was my actual birthday, but since it fell on a Saturday, I'm claiming the whole weekend.  I've been laying low and just relaxing.  Today my friend is taking me out for ice cream.  Kind of an awesome birthday weekend if I do say so myself.

Of course I painted my nails to celebrate!  Now that I feel I have semi mastered water marble, I've been on a water marbling kick.  I love doing different accents with different colors.  For today, I did something festive, fun, and bright!  Let's take a look!




Colors Used:
  • China Glaze - Too Yacht to Handle, That's Shore Bright, Highlight of my Summer, Glow With the Flow, DJ Blew My Mind, and Home Sweet House Music

I really love how bright and festive these are!  The cupcake accent is adorable if I do say so myself.  Every year for my birthday I tend to do a cupcake, and I wasn't going to let this year be any different!


I picked the China Glaze neons because they're pretty much the brightest and most fun polishes that I own.  I saw online that they water marbled fantastically and they do.  I have had no problems with them not spreading or drying up too fast.  Then when I put my finger in the water, it always applies perfectly with little to no bubbles!

What do you think?  Think this is a fun birthday manicure??

Well I am off to enjoy the rest of my weekend!  Have a good day!

China Glaze

Neon Retro Rose Manicure

9:00:00 AM


Good morning polished world!  How are you all doing today?  As you can see from my lack of posting on Tuesday, the Twinsie's are taking a little break for the month of August so we can all enjoy the rest of our summer and re-group.  I'll have an update about the group in another post today.  This post is going to be dedicated to the nails!

Today I am sharing a manicure I did using Orly Cake Pop from the Sugar Rush collection.  I wasn't sure about this polish when I first saw it and passed it by.  After seeing some swatches and base for nail art, I decided it was time to purchase it.  I snagged one of the last bottles at Sally and it got lost in my collection and almost forgotten about.

I decided to use it as a base for some fun neon flowers!  Let's take a look!




Colors Used:
  • China Glaze - Too Yacht to Handle
  • China Glaze - Plur-ple
  • China Glaze - Flip Flop Fantasy
  • China Glaze - Glow With the Flow
  • China Glaze - The Grass is Lime Greener
  • Orly - Cake Pop
  • Black Acrylic
Cake Pop is such a gorgeous nude pink polish.  It applied kind of patchy, but by the third coat it evened out.  I could have gotten away with two coats if I decided to do them a tad thicker.  Maybe next time I use it I'll do one thin coat and a second thicker coat.  Regardless, it was worth the three coats.  It was so gorgeous and shiny.  It dried fast too!



I followed my Retro Rose Nail Art Tutorial to create the design.  I fist created the polka dot background, then went through and added all the roses.  Fun fact, over the past few months, I stopped using my nail art brushes and went back to using toothpicks.  I've found it to be a lot easier to work with when drawing the small details.  The only brush I really use right now are my stripers.  They never let me down....and I don't have to clean them after use!

What do you think?  Fan of this look??

 Make sure to check out my next post regarding Twinsie Tuesday!!!

Until next time, <3.

Nail Artist of the Month

August Nail Artist of the Month

9:00:00 AM

Good morning polished world!  Happy August!  I cannot believe that August is already here.  That means that my birthday is right around the corner though!!

Since it is the first post of the month, that means it is time for me to intoduce you all to another lovely nail artist!  This month I have selected Shannon from CoffeeAndNailPolish on Instagram!  When I discovered her on Instagram, I knew that I had to feature her!  I love how she creates different nail art looks, then always poses her nails with a cup of coffee.  Such a stinkin cute idea!

Enough of my babbling, time to hand the blog over to Shannon!

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Hey everyone! My name is Shannon and I'm the nails behind @coffeeandnailpolish. I can't tell you how excited I am that Alaina asked me to be this months Nail Artist of the Month! 

I've been obsessed with nail polish for a long, long time! But it was only around 2010 I discovered nail art blogs and started trying out different techniques, some which the end result were not all that pretty! Haha. I kept at it though, and last year (on the encouragement of friends and family) I started my very own nail art blog Coffee & Nail Polish. In September I finally I joined Instagram and had the opportunity to meet and discover so many amazing nail artists. Which has definitely upped my brave factor when it comes to nails! 

One of my favourite manicures to do are chevron moons. Now, I am not very good when it comes to tape manicures--tape and I are just not friends. So I had to learn how to create my chevron moons freehand which is really now as difficult as you'd think! 


For this manicure, the polishes I used were:

China Glaze What's She Dune?
Art Club Duo in Bubblegum Pink
Art Club Duo in Neon Pink
Art Club Duo in Baby Blue 
QUO by ORLY striper in Gold
QUO by ORLY striper in White 
Seche Vite 
Gold studs (Born Pretty Store item #8644)

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To get this look it's super simple. First, create your chevron pattern. I did this by applying China Glaze What's She Dune? Let dry a couple minutes. Next, start at bottom of nude chevron pattern and start drawing your stripes using your striper in which ever colours you've chosen. Alternate colours until you've covered all the nude. When you've created all your stripes, finish with your top coat of choice to seal everything in. I added some pretty gold studs then coated everything with top coat again (I used both Essence Gel Look top coat and Seche Vite to surround my studs completely and keep them firmly in place.) and that's it! You're all done! All that's left is to enjoy with your coffee of choice! (I'm a triple shot soy latte kind of girl myself.) 



Thank you all for checking out this fun chevron mani! And thank you SO much Alaina for letting me share my nails and be this months Nail Artist! 

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Loving this pink chevron manicure!!! I don't know why I haven't though about using my stripers to create chevrons.  I always thought that since I don't have nail vinyls and I'm too lazy to cut tape that I wouldn't ever be able to do it.  I might have to re-create this manicure.

Make sure to check out and follow Shannon on Instagram!

Thank you Shannon for this awesome post!!

Until next time, <3.