Friday, October 30, 2015

40 Great Nail Art Ideas - Halloween

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Hi all! Hope you're having a great day, where ever you are! It's almost Halloween and that means Halloween nail art! The ladies of the 40 Great Nail Art Ideas crew are all taking on the Halloween theme! I've really enjoyed doing Halloween nail art this month and today's mani is sort of a mix of a bunch of different Halloween things.


Thursday, October 29, 2015

Themed Thursday - October 29: Trick or Treat

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Hello, hello! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! We're just two days way from Halloween here in the states and today is also the last day of our first ever Themed Thursday month! I'm so proud to have gotten through the challenge and it's been so awesome to see all the creative manis from my fellow nail artists - you guys are rockin' it!

The final theme of the month is "Trick-or-Treat" which I wasn't entirely sure how to handle. I contemplated doing some of my favorite Halloween candy for today, but I also loved the idea of the actual act of trick-or-treating...the process of getting dressed and asking strangers for candy ;)


Saturday, October 24, 2015

40 Great Nail Art Ideas - Orange, Purple & Green

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Hello, hello! Time for another round with the ladies who contribute to the 40 Great Nail Art Ideas posts! This week we're doing another color + pattern challenge and it was a bit tricky for me to come up with an idea for it. It's pretty cool though because everyone is creating manis with Orange, Purple, & Green and then the pattern is different for almost everyone.

So today, I bring you Orange, Purple & Green decals!...and I've never done decals before. As you probably know by now, I am not a stamper. I tried it a couple times (literally) when I first got into nail art, but I was never good at it and my true love lies with freehand nail art anyway so I never tried to get better at stamping.


Friday, October 23, 2015

Themed Thursday - October 21: Blood & Gore

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Hi, guys! I'm really excited to share today's mani! So much so that I'm staying up late to edit and write this! Glad it's Friday tomorrow (er, today?) ;) I'm speed typing so I can finish this up before my melatonin kicks in and I pass out on the keyboard!

In yesterday's post I promised (well, I said I'd try!) to get caught up on my Themed Thursday posts and fortunately, I had a huge stroke of inspiration when I got home from the gym and painted my Blood & Gore mani!


Thursday, October 22, 2015

Themed Thursday - October 15th: Monsters

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Hi all!

How sad is it that I'm a week behind on my own dang challenge!? I've got a quick post today to share my Themed Thursday Monsters mani! Last week was a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me I wasn't able to focus my energies on nail art. I also struggled a bit with what exactly to paint for today.

My initial thought was to paint the traditional Halloween monsters - vampires, mummies, zombies, and the like. But when I sat down to paint these, I couldn't find inspiration. I didn't know how to put my own spin on these and so I just sort of sat on it and mulled it over for far too long. After over a week of sitting with 100+ monster related tabs open on my computer, I finally decided to "eff it! I'll just do this!"...and painted little monsters inspired by this pattern.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Cirque Colors - Metropolis Collection, October: Swatches & Review

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Hello, all! I have the October Cirque Metropolis polishes to share today...are you as excited as I am?? :D

The Metropolis collection is a running collection created by Cirque where each month, 1-3 new polishes from that collection get released. Not only do I love the idea of this type of collection, I can't get over how beautifully crafted each and every one of these cremes are. The formulas are always incredible and make me want to paint nails forever just so I can keep enjoying the application process.

There are two cremes in the October release, so let's take a look!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Doctor Lacquer - Chromahedron Collection: Swatches & Review

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Hello, all! I have a very exciting set of polishes to share with you today! The fall collection by Doctor Lacquer is available now and I've got swatches! This collection is named Chromahedron and is inspired by the lesser known semi-precious gems. I have to say, if any of these gems are available, I might just have to go one of each because they're beautiful!

The collection consists of 8 holographic polishes packed with tiny shimmer flakies. Each color handles the holo and flakies differently which makes the collection so much fun. I'm really in love with the look of all these together!

Monday, October 19, 2015

Pear Nova - Fall Ready to Wear Collection: Swatches, Review & Nail Art...plus a Giveaway!

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Happy Monday, everyone! Hope you enjoyed your weekend! I have the new Fall Ready to Wear collection by Pear Nova to share today and I'm also excited to announce that we have a great giveaway opportunity as well! Read through to find out how to enter.

I was immediately drawn to this new collection - the colors are striking yet very much what you hope and crave to see in a color palette for fall. Pear Nova takes inspiration from current runway trends and creates what I think are some really nice polishes. Let's take a look!


Sunday, October 18, 2015

The Digital Dozen does Autumn - Day 3: Fox n' Leaves

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Oh hey, me again! :D

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday (or Monday morning, depending on where you're at in the world!). I spent the day trying to figure out some storage solutions for various hobbies (nail art, planners, hand lettering, painting...the list goes on as my feelings change!) and I've hopefully found something that will work better for me! I will share photos once it's all figured out :)

Anyway! I had a bit of a busy week last week and wasn't able to keep up with my Digital Dozen postings like I wanted so I'm double posting for the next few days to catch up! So, today brings you my day 3 of Autumn! I'm so excited about how this one turned out!


Cirque Colors - Metropolis Collection, September: Swatches, Review & Nail Art

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Hello, all! I am so thrilled about today's posts and the posts like it to follow! I'm picking back up with swatches of the oh so stunning Metropolis collection by Cirque Colors! Without a doubt, Cirque is my go-to when I want a flawless creme and pigmented colors.

What is particularly great about the Metropolis collection, is that it's a running collection. Each month, Cirque releases 1-3 new polishes that are added to the overall Metropolis collection, so if you're someone like me who loves a full collection but also enjoys a small fun purchase here or there, this is the perfect setup - new polish every month!

The Metropolis collection took a break for July and August so we're picking back up with September today! I am so in love with these 3 polishes! Let's take a look!


Saturday, October 17, 2015

40 Great Nail Art Ideas - Geeks

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Hi, everyone! This Friday and Saturday marks week 3 of our epic series, 40 Great Nail Art Ideas! This week we're doing a themed manicure instead of the color + pattern combo that we did last week.

So, we're all tackling the theme of geeks! Now, this can be interpreted in many different ways. It could be the classic geek...pocket protector, taped glasses, super smart, geek...or maybe something that we "geek-out" on...TV series, games, activities, etc. that the lay person my deem geeky.

Aside from nail art, I really enjoy playing video games and computer games when I have the time. I've played World of Warcraft off and on for years and growing up I spent hours playing Spyro on our classic Playstation 1! However, there is one game that still holds a place in my heart...Super Mario Brothers.


Zoya - Focus Collection: Swatches & Review

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Hello, hello! Happy Saturday! It's a double post kind of Saturday! I have the second half of the Zoya Focus and Flair collection to share. This is the Focus part of the collection (check out the Flair polishes here).

I really love this set of 6 cremes. Every single one is just a stunning polish with a great formula and it kind of made me want fall weather to be here even more. They're just beautiful colors. Let's take a look!


Zoya Nail Polish - Flair, Fall 2015 Collection: Swatches & Review

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Hi, all! This is the first of two posts for this lovely Saturday that I've got to share...today is all about the Zoya Focus & Flair collections! First up is the shimmer side of things with the Flair collection...check out the Focus side here!

I never know how I'm going to like shimmers on me, but I have to say, I really like a lot of the polishes in this side of the collection. They're great for the season and a few of them will very easily be wearable year round.


Friday, October 16, 2015

China Glaze - The Great Outdoors: Swatches, Review, & Nail Art

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Hello, all! There are so many great polish brands out there but without a doubt, China Glaze is one of my favorites. Seeing their new collections each season make me giddy and this Fall's The Great Outdoors had me weak in the knees immediately. I love the color palette and the mix of finishes and the theme itself is a favorite of mine (I love the great outdoors!).

There are 12 polishes in this collection, 6 creme/jellies, 5 metallics, and a glitter topper...and they all of course have seriously clever and cute names. Let's take a look!


Thursday, October 15, 2015

ALIQUID Lacquer - Incarnate Collection: Swatches & Review

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Hello, all! I hope you're having a wonderful Thursday! I have swatches of the stunning and daring Incarnate collection from ALIQUID Lacquer today! I have gushed over ALIQUID polishes on many an occasion, but these, these just may be my favorite so far. The collection is actually inspired by a video game, the Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and as someone who has played a later game in this series, I was very excited to try these shades out.

Now, don't worry, if video games aren't you thing, no one will ever know the underlying theme of the polishes. All they'll be able to do is look at the polish on your nail and drool. Yep, these are stunners! I've said it time and again that I love the risks and unique color combos that Alison dreams up. She really is one of my favorite indie makers because she just goes for it every single time! She has a very nice sense of who she is as an artist and maker and her voice is always very clear to me in each polish she creates...but enough swooning, let's look at the swatches!

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Dark Tide - The Waterfire Saga: Nail Art & Giveaway Opportunity

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Hi all! Hope your week is going nicely! I have a fun mani to share today that is inspired by the newly released book, Dark Tide by Jennifer Donnelly! Dark Tide is the 3rd installment in the Waterfire Saga that all started with Deep Blue (I did a mani for that one as well!).

The series revolves around the struggles and triumphs of 6 different mermaids, and as an avid fantasy reader and lover, I absolutely love the concept behind strong female mermaids! This group of mermaids seek to save their hidden world and I'm excited to see what this 3rd book brings!


The Digital Dozen does Autumn - Day 2: Lakeside Reflection at Autumn

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Hello, again! It's day two of Digital Dozen does Autumn week and so, as I'm sure you can assume, I've got my day 2 mani to share with you RIGHT NOW :D

For the challenge, I basically just typed Autumn into google images and let inspiration strike where it may. I came across this image in particular and REALLY wanted to try my hand at something like it, but I was scared that it would end up looking nothing like the original. However, I threw caution to the wind and just tried my best to break down each part individually until I had a full picture. So here is my attempt at a lake side reflection at Autumn.


Monday, October 12, 2015

The Digital Dozen does Autumn - Day 1: Leaves on Wood

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Hello, all! I've got a short and sweet post to share with you today but I'm still very excited about it as it's the start of yet another wonderful Digital Dozen week! As we're officially into the Fall season here in the northern hemisphere, we're taking on the simple yet effective theme of Autumn!

Fall is without a doubt my favorite time of year. October, November and December are my favorite months and I'm just so thrilled that we're going to be getting cooler days and all the best holidays coming up.


Saturday, October 10, 2015

40 Great Nail Art Ideas - Teal

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Hello, my dear friends! I have the next mani for the 40 Great Nail Art Ideas challenge to share with you today! This week we start our "color and pattern" portion of the challenge which I'm excited about. If you'll recall, last week all the ladies were inspired by a specific theme (hobbies)...so basically, one week we will do a theme, then a color + pattern prompt, then a theme, then a color + pattern...and so on until we've gone mad ;)

What's cool about the color + pattern portion of the challenge is that while all the ladies will be doing teal colored manis, every has a different pattern prompt! Neat, right? You can check out the inlinkz at the bottom to see what they've all come up with for teal.


Friday, October 9, 2015

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition - Nail Art and Giddy Squealing

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Hello, all! I have an insanely special post to share with you today! You are all already aware of my passion and love of nail art, but did you know I'm also a huge book lover?? Seriously, just holding a book makes my heart pitter patter to a happy little dance. I used to work at Border's Bookstore and so I've acquired many books over the years. But I have to say, I haven't been this excited for a book release since...well, since July 21, 2007.

What happened on that date? Well, the final installment of the Harry Potter series was released on that day. I grew up reading Harry Potter and I can't say that I love any story or fantasy world more than this one. It makes my soul happy to even think about the wizarding world or Harry Potter!

And now, that feeling of pure, unadulterated joy is back because Jim Kay has lent his prowess to the book that started it all in the Illustrated Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Be still my beating heart.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Themed Thursday - October 8th: Graveyard


Hello my friends! Remember our first Themed Thursday post last week? Today is the second post of our October theme (Halloween!) and we're painting all things Graveyard or Haunted House...or both!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

LVX - Fall 2015: Swatches, Review & Giveaway!

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Hello, all! I have swatches of the beautiful new LVX Fall collection to share today as well as a Giveaway for you all to take part in! (The Giveaway is through Instagram so head HERE to check out how to enter - it's super easy! The giveaway will run for 48 hours and you must have a US postal code).

This is my second time using LVX polishes (I purchased the a fall collection for myself a few years back and loved it!), and I have to say, I still really like this brand. Their collections do a great job of representing the seasons, while also staying very fresh and unique. Like this collection, it screams fall to me, but I can't say I've seen this variation of colors together before and I'm digging that!

So, let's take a closer look!

Monday, October 5, 2015

ALIQUID Lacquer - See Spot Run (Limited Edition Charity Polish): Swatches & Review

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Hey, guys! I've got another really special post to share with you all today. You may recall that last year ALIQUID Lacquer released a charity polish (Puppy Love) in support of shelter dogs in the US. It was a huge success last year and so Alison has gone ahead with another charity polish this year! 


Ginger + Liz - Fall 15' Collection: Swatches & Review

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Hello, all! Happy Monday! I have a stunning fall collection to share with you today that is from a new to me brand called Ginger + Liz. I had never heard of them until recently and I have to say, I am incredibly impressed. I love the bottles and the caps and the formulas and the colors. My experience so far has been really positive. They are 5-Free, vegan friendly, non-toxic, and made in the USA. If you haven't check this brand out before, I think it's worth a look.

Let's dig in!

Saturday, October 3, 2015

40 Great Nail Art Ideas - Hobbies


Hello, all! I have the first of many fun posts to share with you today! I've joined a new nail art challenge (because I need more things to do) that strives to bring our readers TONS of inspired nail art looks based on a new theme each week. There are so many talented ladies partaking so each week we will be bringing you 40 Great Nail Art Ideas (and then some!).

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Themed Thursday - October 1st: Jack-o-Lanterns

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Hello, all! Hope your week is treating you well! I have a VERY exciting new challenge to share with you all called THEMED THURSDAY! My nail bestie, Kelli from The Nail Polish Challenge, and I dreamed up this weekly challenge as a way not only give ourselves inspiration for manis, but to also give you, our readers inspiration!

Before the start of each month, we'll share a graphic like the one below on Instagram (and likely on my blog as well!) that will have a theme and challenge prompts for each Thursday of the month. Our first theme? Halloween of course! We're so excited and would absolutely love to have any and all of you partake - just use the hashtag #themedthursdayoct so that everyone can see what you've created. I hope you'll join us!!