Give-aways ahoy!

Hi everyone!

This is a quick post to make mention of these fantastic giveaways:

Abigail has these goodies on offer in celebration of her recent birthday.  Please visit her blog and check her out.:-)

Brittany has a massive give-away in honour of the New Year. Have a look!


xx

I love lilac

Hi friends, how's your weekend going so far?

Just to remind you, there are only a few more days left for you to vote for your good friend, moi, in this competition! 

Today I am wearing Barry M's Berry I/C (I'm thinking that this stands for 'Ice Cream' but they couldn't fit it on the sticker at the bottom of the bottle, lol!).  This manicure took forever; not that it was complicated, but because the stamping patterns I chose were wonky after I'd applied them, or I smudged something etc. I wasted a lot of nail polish remover last night :-(.  Finally happy with the end result, here I am!

The white lines were painted on free-hand, Rimmel's 'Pompous' and BM plate 11 was used for the stamping and China Glaze's 'Flying Dragon' was used for the dots...which were put on with a cocktail stick.

Boots No.7's Milan and butterflies

Hi everyone (hello new friends *waves*)

Today I thought I'd show you what I bought recently but hadn't swatched yet. This is No.7's Stay Perfect in 'Milan'.

 Pink and silver glittery shimmery wonderment. Yes, I like to make up words to express my bamboozlification.

 BM plates 04 and 06 were used, alongside Konad M4 and M9. I didn't use a top coat because I always seem to get smear. The black is by MUA.

Reverse accent nail? Nah, I just messed up this nail and decided to re-polish it and leave it stamp-free.  I'm really trying to utilise my BM plates before I buy any more, so you WILL see some image repetition from time to time.

Mmm, shimmer...

Have a beautiful day. Oh, by the way, I intend to run a giveaway at the start of February; just because I love you.

No creativity tonight...thank goodness for Nfu-Oh 51!

Friends! How are you?

Thank you to those who have been voting for my design in this competition. For those of you who haven't had the chance yet...don't forget me, lol!

I had a bit of a mind blank today - zero creativity I'm afraid :-( I shall endeavour to remedy that, but meanwhile, I will show you what I'm wearing today...

Two coats of black polish and two coats of Nfu-Oh 51.  Yes, I know that it's been swatched by hundreds of people already, but for those who are new to this thing of gorgeousness, I shall indulge you a little. Again.

 This has to be one of my favourite toppers. It's multi-faceted and it makes me want to stare at fingers constantly. That's why I don't wear it much - I've got too much to do!

Of topic slightly, I've been thinking that I should cut my nails down a bit. I already did that before my previous manicure, but it didn't make much of a difference.  What do you think?

Toodle-oo
x

Nail art contest. Pictures are up, time to vote!

Hi everyone. Are you well?

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a few days, but I'm still wearing my last manicure because it hasn't chipped yet.

I said that I'd let you know when the entries for the nail art contest I entered with this design, were up.  Here is the link to the competition. There are so many nice designs and two winners will be chosen (so you can vote for two designs). If you look in the comments section, you can actually see who has been voted for already.  I haven't visited the page too many times because I won't be able to stop myself from counting votes...I've already done that this morning and vexed myself!! Voting is open until 31/01/2011, or 01/31/11 for my US readers, lol.

Take care for now friends. I'm off to iron school shirts, do the on-line shopping and then choose my next mani.

x

15 minute mani. I'm sponging...again.

Evening everyone, I hope you are all well.

I just wanted to show you what I'm wearing on my nails today. I was pretty busy with a load of stuff  (life) so when I got the opportunity this afternoon, I spent 15 minutes doing this manicure. Seriously, that's all it took - from application to drying.

 I sponged  Nails Inc 'Clarges Street' on to my nails after applying a clear base coat.

 Next, I stamped on the image found on BM stamping plate 11.

 Here it is, with a flash.  Hope you like it.

x

Blog awards -I'm tagging 'The Usual Suspects'. You know who you are!

Hi everyone. And hellooooo new readers :-)

I'm still wearing the same manicure so no pics tonight :-P

I've been tagged for a few awards recently (they've been doing the rounds - and quite rightly so...I've seen a lot of gorgeousness since I've been on blogger)

The 'I like your blog' award is from Blu
The rules are: copy the picture, answer the questions and send it to your favorite blogs! So, here goes:

1. Why did you start this blog?
What better way to indulge in my hobby and communicate with like-minded folk? I don't know any other people as nail obsessed as my readers and others that I follow so the blogosphere was the best place for me to be.
2. What kind of blogs do you read?
Primarily nail related blogs.  I read some make-up/style blogs but only tend to wear make-up on an evening out...or when I have spots. I'm too lazy to re-apply during the day.
3. Do you have a favorite make-up brand ?
I don't have one! I would love to use 'drugstore' make-up but I can never find a good foundation for my skin-tone. At the moment I'm using some mineral foundation by ELF.
4. What about the favorite clothing brand?
I wear what I think looks good on me (but I do tend to find myself in H&M quite a bit!) I'm not into designer brands but I will go all out when I have a wedding to go to!
5. What piece in you make-up bag is the most important to you?
MASCARA!! Only Max Factor will do. So maybe I should change the answer to no.3?
6. Your favorite color?
Pink...and green.
7. Favorite perfume?
That depends on how I feel on the day, but I've nearly finished my Theirry Mugler 'Angel'.
8. Your favorite movie?
I have no idea!
9. What countries/islands would you like to visit?
Hawaii (for now, because I've been lucky to have visited several places so far).

The 'Blog with Substance' award was also given to me by Blu, with these rules:

1. Thank and link back to the giver of the award.

2. Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using 5 words.

3. Pass it on to other bloggers that you feel have substance in their blogs

I'm not good at summing things up. I like to ramble. So no.2 is:
Impossible to do in five.

From Blu, Biba, Kristina and Amanda

1. Thank and link the person who gave you this award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers to tell them about this award!

1. I wear glasses and contact lenses but would never have corrective eye surgery. I actually like my glasses.
2. I intend to take a nail tech course this year.
3. Pushing back cuticles makes me feel physically ill. Can't do it to myself, can't do it to anyone else because  I feel faint. Can you imagine me passing out when the nail tech tutor tells me to clip someones cuticles? Pass the bucket please. Seriously, it's an irrational fear that I'll just have to get over.
4. I have weird nicknames for my daughters. The five year old is 'Flummoxine' and the five month old is 'Bombashers'. They are just so scrummy that real words couldn't go far enough to describe them.
5. I like Disneyland but I'm scared of the people dressed up as cartoon characters. There could be an axe murderer hiding in that Minnie Mouse costume...*shudder*.
6. I'm trying to grow my hair to my (natural) waistline and I'm about 3 inches away when my hair is stretched.
7. I'm in my early 30's (you'll know exactly how old if you've been reading my blog in the last few months), but I can pass for, and probably act like, someone a lot younger. My eldest thinks that my husband and I are like teenagers and she considers her grandparents to be 'real' adults. In my heart I'm still in my early 20's and I don't quite feel like a grown-up, despite having kiddies, a husband, a cat and other adult responsibilities. My job role commands respect from service users and I have had people initially questioning my ability at first glance because I look a lot younger than I am. I've been told by plenty that I'll appreciate it one day...I'm still waiting. Jokes aside, it can be quite frustrating.

Truth be known, I've been working at this post for over an hour and as there are so many of the bloggers I like who have either got these awards or gave them to me, it's hard to make a list.

I therefore tag all of you - 'The Usual Suspects' - who visit me and/or regularly comment on my blog posts. I'm not going to list you all because you know who you are *wags finger at you*. I know that some of you ladies already have these awards so please don't feel obligated to answer questions or whatever. Just know that I really do appreciate seeing your names and your lovely comments. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO YOU NEW FOLLOWERS WHO HAVE BEEN VISITING AND LEAVING COMMENTS TOO. PLEASE ACCEPT THESE AWARDS AND PASS THEM ALONG WHEN YOU ARE READY. 

I seeeee yoooooou!

x

Color Club - Wild Orchid and a bunch o' stamping

In a continuation of my Color Club polish theme...

 Wild Orchid - this is a grey that I was given a little while back but hadn't swatched. There are the tiniest silver shimmer particles in it.  I'm wearing two coats here.

De-Luxe-Cious - one coat.

Purtty, but I think it needs a little something more...

So I did this with BM plate 20.

 Maybelline's Midnight Blue.

I think this looks a bit like computer circuitry but it won't last for too long. My fingers are itching to use a striping brush.  This nail artistry malarkey is pri-tee addictive!

By the way, is there anything that you'd like to see me try? I'm always searching for inspiration so if you think of something, please let me know?

See you, friends
x

Color Club Swatch-a-thon

I'm feeling a lot better today (a big 'thank you' to the ladies who were wishing me well last night). I also finished the entire slab of chocolate and don't feel in the least bit guilty.

Here are the pics for the gorgeous Untamed Luxury - Covered in Diamonds collection:

 De-Luxe-Cious - three coats of holographic glitter in a blue/grey base.

 Ms. Hautie - two coats of grey with pink shimmer particles.

 Snakeskin - three coats of grey and gold/green shimmer.

Resort to Red - two coats.

Red Velvet - two coats of red glitter suspended in a black base.  This is my favourite.

I forgot to swatch 'Untamed Luxury' *slaps forehead*. That one will have to be done another day because I have a feeling it will be a 'stainer' like Zoya Charla.

x

New Polish. Drooool!

Hi everyone (and a big welcome to my new readers x)

A few days back I receive a package of goodies from a swap with Kristina.  Not only did she send me some yummies, she also sent me some the 'Slamming Red' that I have been banging on about for a while. I nearly shed a tear of happiness but my hubby was looking at me funny, so I sucked it up.  Thanks again, Kristina!

 L-R: Purple Medallion, Slamming Red and Lovin' It.

 L-R: Ms. Hautie, Red Velvet, Resort to Red.

 L-R: Snake Skin, De-Luxe-Cious, Untamed Luxury and Covered in Diamonds.

Amour 'Rain Glitter' and Orly 'Out of This World'.

Last night I commenced a swatch-a-thon and even managed to do a manicure that lasted overnight (O.M.Gosh!). Unfortunately I am currently nursing an awful headache and don't have the gumption to start watermarking those pictures tonight (have you noticed that most of these pictures aren't watermarked?)
Whilst I wait for these painkillers to kick in I'm going to settle down and watch Glee whilst eating a huge bar of Cadbury's Fruit'n'Nut.

Nitey, nite friends
x

Beauty UK Green/Colour Club Covered in Diamonds

Hi everyone.

I'd actually decided to post something else today but my daughter erased all the photographs on my camera and I was loath to take them all again tonight. Instead I thought I'd show you what I'm wearing now.

Beauty UK 'Go green' and BM plate number 19.

 I layered with Color Club 'Covered in Diamonds' - this is one of seven polishes in the Untamed Luxury Diamond Collection. I received these, amongst other things, in a swap with Kristina at My Lucid Bubble. She was so generous and I'd intended to show off my goodies tonight...but those photos got wiped. I'll have to post them another day.

This 'flakie' polish is marvellous and the slivers of opal flake are so huge. Admittedly, as this is the first time I've used this polish, I hadn't banked on this effect. I'm not sure it suits the manicure, but I like it nonetheless.

Disclaimer: I know that I use Beauty UK quite a bit, but this is because so far I have found that they are of good value and quality (I've not been paid to use their products folks!).
If you are a regular here, you will know that I do like a bargain and I also like to showcase UK brands.

TTFN (ta taa for now) x

My entry for a nail art contest.

*Waves*

Did you miss me? I felt a little out of sorts the other day, but I'm back with a smile.

Today, I'm here with an abstract manicure lovingly hand painted by moi. I did this for a nail art contest being run by the lovely lady at Nail Art Express.  She wanted pictures inspired by the Chinese New Year so below is my entry. I've already submitted it so I'm not worried about anyone trying to copy...although if it was copied I'd be shocked! If you want to enter, check out her blog and get designing. The contest closes on 23rd Jan and all entries will be posted on the blog on 24th. The winning design/s will be open to public vote. Cough, cough.

I don't have any acrylic paints yet so everything was done with plain ol' polish and a delicate hand!

In case you can't tell (lol!), on the index is a Chinese lantern, on the pinkie there is a rabbit; signifying the year of the Rabbit sitting under the branches of a Cherry Blossom tree (I know it's Japanese and not Chinese, but I like them).

My thumb sports a fan with a dragon on it.

I enjoyed creating this manicure and I'm going to have to search out some more contests to enter. If you know of any, please let me know?

Ta x

Queenie revamped...

Hello friends.

I don't have much to show you today and as I'm feeling a little out of sorts at the moment, this post will be pretty short.  I decided to doctor my No.7 'Queenie' manicure last night because I got bored with seeing a plain manicure.

For this I sponged on Eyeko's Vampira Polish, used some silver polish to stamp the images from Bundle Monster plate no.2 and topped it off with a little holographic glitter polish.

 I'd been waiting for an opportunity to use the lips images.

Until next time, kiss kiss...geddit?
:-)

Blog Awards

A few days ago the very lovely Biba received some blog awards and decided to share the love and pass them on to her all of her readers. She was insistent that each of her readers accepted these cute awards, so who was I to decline?

I haven't been 'tagged' yet so I have no questions to answer right now, but I'll happily accept the awards from her anyway :-p.  Once I'm clued up, I'll also tag/nominate or do whatever to pass the awards on (cor, I sound like such a newbie don't I?)

Thanks again Biba xx

Okay, enough chatter from me for now :-)

Bargain Polish...Boots No.7 Speed Dry - Queenie

How's everyone doing today?

Today I have a few pictures of a new polish I bought for a bargain.  No.7 is a brand of skincare and cosmetics that is exclusive to Boots the Chemist in the UK. Every so often if you spend over a certain amount of money, you'll be given a voucher entitling you to a discount on a specified range of products. This weekend I went looking for a polish that AnnKiins had recently swatched. I found it and I also found 'Queenie'.  I thought it looked lovely but wasn't convinced by the £7 price tag so I left the polish and paid for the rest of my shopping.  I then received a £5 off voucher for a range of cosmetics, including No.7. Now, I usually just throw the vouchers away (because they tend to be for something I wouldn't normally buy) but I noticed the '7' on it and asked the sales assistant if I could use the voucher immediately. I then went back to purchase said polish for only £2.  You know me, I love a bargain and this was no exception.  Hubby then handed me another voucher when I got home...so you know I'm going back, right?

 Queenie has very tiny glitter particles in it. Very subtle.

 This is three coats. You may notice what looks like 'tip wear', but it's actually shrinkage from my Nails Inc fast dry top-coat :-(  This is the true colour of the polish here.

Oooh, pretty shiny.

Until next time!