Pond Pumpkins!

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We are in the home stretch of the 31 Day Challenge! Tomorrow is the last day - it's happy and sad all at the same time! But, we can talk about that more tomorrow. Today's prompt is "follow a tutorial." I decided since it was getting close to Halloween I would do my first Halloween mani for the year from a tutorial that I've wanted to try since last Halloween!

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Grimm Inspired Nail Art

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It's "supernatural" day in the 31 Day Challenge and I have some nail art inspired by one of my favorite shows - Grimm! 

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Super Mario Brothers - Take Two

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Good evening! Today's prompt in the 31 Day Challenge is "inspired by a flag." Today is my youngest nephew's 4th birthday and he wanted a Super Mario Bros theme. I always make my nephews special cakes on their birthdays, so while I was creating this one I was inspired by the Mario flag at the end of each level!

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Tree of Love

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Good evening! Today's post is going to be a little mushy and more personal than most. Today's theme for the 31 Day Challenge is "inspired by artwork." I decided to dedicate this post to my baby cousin because she got married today! (Also, you might notice a drastic change in my nail length from yesterday's post. I was cleaning like a madwoman today and my nails didn't appreciate it at all.)

I wasn't able to be at the wedding but I was there in spirit. I ran across this lovely painting on Etsy and thought it would be great to try to recreate it, especially since their wedding was outside under some beautiful trees. 

I decided to change the color scheme to coordinate with the colors of the wedding.  It didn't turn out exactly as I had pictured but I still like it. I think I could have done a better job with more room to work with, but I can't change that! Haha I used Zoya Mira and Rocky along with butter LONDON Matte Top Coat.

Shaina and Lane, I hope you have an amazing life together! Love you both! ♥

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Cotton Candy Diamonds

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Happy Friday! Today's theme or the 31 Day Challenge is "inspired by a pattern." I didn't really have anything in mind so I took to Pinterest and started browsing. I ran across this pattern and thought it was very pretty and different than anything else I've done in the challenge.

To create this look I used the following polishes:

Elevation Polish Wagagai - base and tip color (from the upcoming Africa Collection for October, swatches coming soon!)

Zoya Kirtridge and OPI Mod About You - pink (layered)

OPI Rumples Wiggin and KBShimmer Hugs & Wishes - purple (layered)

Wet 'n Wild I Need a Reresh-Mint (blue)

After I created the gardient I added top coat. Once it was completely dry I used KBShimmer Nail Vinyls and butter LONDON matte top coat to create the diamonds. 

I love the way this turned out! When I told my mom I was using pastels to create my nail art look today her reply was, "that's so not you." Hahaha! She's right. Pastels aren't usually my thing but I do love this mani.

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Christian Louboutin High Heel Inspired Nails

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Good evening! I knew exactly what I wanted to do for today's  "inspired by fashion" prompt. I remember when Adele did the Louboutin nails a few years ago and the design took off. My nails have always been to short to attempt it but they were long enough today!

Source (shoe photo)

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Winnie the Pooh

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Hello! Today's prompt in the 31 Day Challenge is "inspired by a book." I love reading and I had several books in mind but I was struggling with how to translate them on my nails. I decided I was probably over-thinking it and realized it would be so much easier if I did a children's book. I love Winnie the Pooh so it seemed like a perfect choice!

So from index to pinkie we have Eeyore, Tigger, Pooh and Piglet. Unfortunately you can't see Piglet very well due to a glare. I attempted one of the newer characters, Lumpy (a "heffalump", or elephant), on my thumb. He turned out just looking like a generic elephant and it's late so I had to call it quits.  Once again, if there is a specific color you would like to know please ask me in the comments. 

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Phantom of the Opera

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I am a big Phantom of the Opera fan. It was one of those things that I  wasn't sure I would like before I watched it but I fell in love with it. I haven't gotten to see the live version yet, but I will one day!

Source (top right photo)

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Monster Mash

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Well I am officially "late" today. It's 1:35AM right now and I have to get up at 5 - if nothing else, I am dedicated! LOL! Today just wasn't my day and I didn't get started on this look until very late and then I decided to do an all freehand mani that, for me, took a while. But I am happy to say, I am really happy with this one! It's a Monster Mash!

For inspired by a song I really wanted to do Monster Mash. I've loved this song since I was a kid (who hasn't?!)  and with Halloween right around the corner, it seemed perfect.  

On my index through ring finger I've got some of the monsters gathered to do the Monster Mash - Wolfman, Dracula and, of course, Frankenstein. On my pinkie are the chains you hear in the background and on my thumb, which you can't see very well, is the "potion" (representing the bubbling potion sound you hear in the background). All of these were done with a nail art brush except for my thumb. For my thumb I used the spray water marbling that I've used several times already, except in this mani I used a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. I love how the different products make diferent patterns for the spray marble! 

And now, for your earbug of the day...

I used so many polishes for this mani and it is super late so if there is a specific polish you are wanting to know just leave me a comment and I will happily answer!

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Holographic Flames

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Good evening!  Today's theme in the 31 Day Challenge is "Inspired by a color." There are so many different ways to interpret this theme. The last time I did this challenge, in 2012, I used the colors of Fall as my inspiration (post link here). I had an idea rolling around in my head for today's manicure but I wasn't super in love with it. 

I received the new WitchEE Collection from Darling Diva a few days ago (swatch post coming soon) and I am absolutely in love! I decided to use the colors in this collection as my inspiration for today. This collection is inspired by The Witches of East End. I have never seen this show but when I Googled the show flames showed up on a lot of their promo images; so I decided to do holographic flames today! I used this tutorial by Robin Moses as a guide to create my flames. 

 This photo does not do these gorgeous polishes justice. I will have my post up soon but, in the meantime, you can see swatches at the links below.

Pointless Cafe

Jen's Polish Wonderland 

Set in Lacquer

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Pink and Black Water Marble

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Oh water marbling, why are you so beautiful, yet so difficult for me? This is the day I have been dreading most out of this whole challenge. I had plans of getting started on this early this morning but that didn't happen. I didn't get a chance to start it until a little before 6 PM. I tried (and failed) for over 5 hours until I settled on this manicure. I'm not 100% happy with it, but it's the best I could do, at least today.  I was really happy with my middle nail - until I bumped it and messed up the corner. That was just how my day went today! LOL

I used OPI Mod About You and a plain black creme. I saw Nicole over at Nail Polish Wars do a freaking amazing marble using these colors (you can see her post here) and I knew I just had to try the same combo. I only wish I could marble half as well as she can! But I will continue to practice. I did troubleshoot several issues I was having so hopefully in the future I will do one I'm happy with. 

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

Galaxy Nails

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Happy Friday! Today's theme is galaxy nails! I was pretty excited because it's been a long time since I did any galaxy nails, and those I wasn't thrilled with them. I am very happy with these though! It's one of those "can't stop staring at my nails" kind of days!

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Cozy Sweater

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Good evening! Today's prompt in the 31 Day Challenge is "half moons." I love half moon manis on other people but I've never been very fond of them on myself. They just don't look right on me for some reason. But I decided I was going to try something I've never tried before and really push myself - freehanding the half moons. And then I decided to take it even further and make the curved stripes extend all the way down my nail. It ended up reminding me of a cozy sweater! Not that I get to wear those here, in Arizona, but a girl can dream!

I started off with a base of Elevation Polish Cerro Torre 2 (nude) and then worked from the base to the tip with my striping brush. I am quite pleased with how this turned out for my first attempt at so many curved lines! I am not usually the best at working freekand and creating curves and circles. Maybe I just need more practice!

Polishes I used in this mani are (from base to tip):

Elevation Polish The Arches (rust)
Elevation Polish Cerro Torre 2 (nude)

Zoya Louise (brown)

Zoya Dree (green)

Pahlish The Wish of a Golden Fish (orange holo)

Zoya Ryan (blue)

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Random Stripper Stripes Again

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Happy Hump Day! It's "glitter" day in the 31 Day Challenge and I just had to use one of my favorite glitters again, Girly Bits A Stripper Has Been Sleeping in My Bed. And what better to pair it with than a vampy red?!

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Diamonds and Chevrons

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Super quick post tonight before I try to get some rest to get rid of this sickness that has decided to kick my butt! I had something else planned for today that I was pretty excited about but I just did not have the time, or the energy, to do it. I will do it in the future though!

Even though this isn't what I had planned, I do really like it! I used two newly released KBShimmer polishes - Up and Coming (teal holo) and Hugs and Wishes (lavender creme) - as well as KBShimmer Nail Vinyls. I will have full swatches of the polishes for you soon!

You can purchase KBShimmer products - including nail polish, nail vinyls, scrubs, lotions, remover and more - atKBShimmer's website for US orders and at Harlow & Co. for international orders.

Also make sure to follow KBShimmer at the social media links below!

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Zoya Ultra PixieDusts for Fall 2014 - Swatch Preview (Skittles)

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I received my Zoya Ultra PixieDusts today and I couldn't wait to try them out and share them with you! I will have full swatches soon, but here's a quick skittle pic to tide you over!  They are kind of a cross between the original PixieDusts and the most recent Magical PixieDusts.  They have the finish of the original PixieDusts with added large hex glitters (no holo glitters).

They are, of course, more sparkly in person than in the photo. The bases are deeper and Noir and Arianna are even a bit "jelly-like" - but do not dry smooth, of course. This is 3  thin coats of each and they are completely dry.

I decided I wanted to see them shiny so I added 2 coats of thick top coat (Pure Ice Girl on the Run).

What do you think? I quite like the finish on them, although I prefer them with top coat! I can't handle that texture feeling when I'm wearing them as a full manicure. I am disappointed that Oswin dries so much darker on the nail than it is in the bottle.

These are available for pre-order at Zoya.com!

Zoya polishes are available at zoya.com and at select Ulta locations and retail for $9. The PixieDust line retails for $10 each.  Zoya is also available at Nail Polish Canada! 

Zoya has sales and specials often so make sure  you follow them at the social media links below to stay up-to-date on all the latest! And don't forget they are 5-FREE and Cruelty-Free!

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

Girly Bits: Dash Away All - Swatches and Review

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Good morning! Today I have a gorgeous holo to show you from one of my favorite brands, Girly Bits. This one was part of the holiday collection last year, but it is a year-'round stunner for sure!

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Vintage Lace

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Good evening! The prompt for Day 15 in the 31 Day Challenge is "delicate." The word delicate makes me think of lace so I wanted  to try to create some lace-themed nails today. I tried and failed at this mani 5 times before getting a look that I was happy with. Sixth time's a charm? LOL But I guess I didn't fail so much as figure out 5 ways not to do it!

I love this color combination. It's soft and feminine and reminded me of vintage lace.  To create this look I used the same technique I used in my Marbled Madness post. 

I started off with a base of Dior Palais Royal. Once that was dry I used the ruffle nail vinyls from KBShimmer to create the edge of the lace using Elevation Polish Pa'ako.  I then removed the nail vinyl closest to the tip of my nail, leaving the one at the base so that the top of my nail would not get into the water when I dipped it to create the lace. I then did the water/alcohol technique using Pa'ako and then a plain white creme. 

See you back tomorrow for more of the #31dc2014!

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Dior Palais Royal - Swatches and Review

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Good morning! I have a quick post for you today on a gorgeous Dior I purchased at the Forum Shops at Caesars when I was in Las Vegas in July. This is the only thing I purchased in Vegas and I am so glad I did! I have worn it several times already and I just love it.

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Bold Green and Black Floral

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Happy Sunday! I hope you are all having a great weekend! Today I have something for you that I don't do often, floral nails! I like florals, I just prefer to leave them to people who are better at them than me. I have mixed feelings on today's look - sometimes I really like it and others, not so much. Haha I guess I can't love them all!

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"Thor" Nails and an Introduction!

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Happy Saturday! I am so excited for today's post! With all the craziness lately I realized last night that I haven't officially shown off the new addition to my family! I showed pics on Instagram when I got him but I haven't shown him off here. So, everyone, say hi to Thor!

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Textured Stars and Stripes with KBShimmer's 6th Anniversary Collection

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Tonight I have a fun mani featuring KBShimmer's 6th Anniversary Collection. This collection is a trio of super fun colors and I think they all go really well together!

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Polka Dots in the Breeze

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I think I am learning something about myself in this challenge - I can get things done really quickly when I am under pressure! LOL Today beat the crap out of me for a lot of different reasons and I didn't even get to start on my manicure for today until about 8:30 or 9 PM my time. It is 10:45 as I type this right now, so at least it is still technically Day 11 of the challenge! 

I awoke with a heavy heart this morning, as I am sure many of you did. The tragedy that took place on September 11th 13 years ago was very much on my mind and in my heart. I thought it would be nice to do a small tribute on my nails today. Today's prompt was "polka dots." I decided to use patriotic colors and attempt to make the dots look like they were blowing in the breeze, just like our flag did that day, even after all the suffering our country had endured. 

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Vampy Gradient

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After my super bright and fun rainbow mani yesterday I was in the mood for something more autumnal and sexy. It's still in the triple digits where I live but I still love wearing fall colors and at least pretending Fall is coming soon. I absolutely loved how this turned out and I'm going to be sad to take it off! (And yes, I was sad to remove the rainbow mani as well!)

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Radiant Rainbow

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Good evening! Day 8 of the 31 Day Challenge features the prompt of "rainbow." I had a few different ideas in mind for this prompt but wanted to challenge myself and work on my freehand lines. I must say, I am very proud of how my lines turned out!

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Metallic Shifting Chevrons

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Day 8 of the 31 Day Challenge calls for some metallic nails! I decided to use two different metallic finishes with some chevron Nail Vinyls. I am really pleased with the finished look!

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PRESS RELEASE: Zoya Ultra PixieDust for Fall

Press Release

Who's ready for more Ultra PixieDusts from Zoya? This time they are rich and vampy!

Meet the next generation of our best-selling textured, matte and sparkling Zoya PixieDust formula ­ Zoya Ultra PixieDust! Three shades featuring both fine micro glitter and mega hex particles for tone on tone 3D effects. This easy glam nail is available in 3 shades in a gradient of red, wine and plum hues. No base or top coat required.

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Mad Mod Matte Dots

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We are one week into the 31 Day Challenge! Today's prompt is Black and White and I decided to do a "mod" look!

I found my inspiration via a Google search, you can see that here. I did do mine a bit differently but I think you can definitely see the similarities. I wish my lines were cleaner, but I am still working (and improving) on my freehand lines.

See you back tomorrow for more nail art! I am really enjoying the #31dc2014!

Thanks for reading and happy polishing!♥

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Violet Marbles

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Happy (very late) Saturday! I am barely getting this one in on Day 6, but it is still Saturday here so I'm all good! Today was a busy day and I just got through creating this manicure a little while ago. I think they came out looking just like violet marbles!

I used a technique that my friend Jacki (Adventures in Acetone) did awhile back. You can see her tutorial here. My thumb is a bit more red-toned because I added in a coral creme in the sponging stage but decided it wasn't "violet" enough so I took it out for my other nails.

The polishes I used were:

L'Oreal Berry Nice (jelly used for the base and top)

Milani Blue Jay

Pahlish Petropolis

KBShimmer Hugs and Wishes

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Sparks Fly

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Happy Friday! Today is Day 5 of the 31 Day Challenge which means it is blue day! I have known all week that I wanted to use this particular blue polish today. I received Pahlish Over the Rhone earlier this week and could not wait to get it on my nails! 

Over the Rhone (which was a limited Bespoke Batch polish) is a deep blue jelly packed with silver flakies. I will have a post up on this alone soon.

I tried several different nail art ideas with this base but nothing was turning out right. I was starting to think I was going to have to change my base color but my friend Kelly from Set in Lacquer suggested this idea and I loved it! 

I used Elevation Polish Ortler and Vinson for the "sparks" and I love how they look over Over the Rhone! 

See you back tomorrow for more of the #31dc2014!

Thanks for reading and happy polishing! ♥

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Darling Diva Polish: Fischy! Fischy! Fischy! - Charity Polish for Basset Buddies Rescue

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Happy Friday! I have a special polish for you today. This polish was created as a charity polish for the Basset Buddies Rescue of Wisconsin and 100% of the proceeds made from this polish will be donated.

More information and swatches of this beauty after the jump!

This Mani Kicks Grass

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Happy Thursday! The weekend will be here soon and I couldn't be more thrilled. I know this was a "short week" but it seemed so long! 

Day 4's prompt in the 31 Day Challenge is "green" so I decided to create one of my favorite green things on my nails. Grass! I love grass but I don't get to see it often - it takes a lot of water to get it to survive in the desert and that has caused most of the grass in my area to be taken out and replaced by gravel. So NOT the same.

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Paint Box Polish: Abigail Leigh - Ovarian Cancer Awareness Charity Polish

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I have a polish to show you today that will help raise money for a cause that hits pretty close to home for me, especially now. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and the color to support the cause is teal.   

$3 from each bottle of this polish sold will be donated to UnTEAL There is a Cure. UnTEAL There is a Cure is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for ovarian cancer awareness. 

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Marbled Madness

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Happy Hump Day!  It's Day 3 of the 31 Day Challenge and today's prompt is "yellow." I tried a new-to-me technique and I love the way it turned out!

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All Ruffled Up

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Good evening! Day 2 of the 31 Day Challenge has the prompt of "orange." I wanted to do something fun but classy and I think this manicure is both! 

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Abstract Blurred Lines

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Good evening! Today is Day 1 of the 31 Day Challenge! Day 1's prompt is red, which is good for me since I love red.  I'm getting in under the wire but it's still the 1st of September!

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