Mish Mash Challenge: Seasons

Hey Y'all!!  I'm so sorry I've been missing this week, but last week kicked my butt!!  Here's last week's weather:

Monday: 60's

Tuesday: Ice (3 inches)

Wednesday:  Snow (6 inches)

Thursday: Snow (1 inch)

Friday:  Earthquake

Saturday:  30-40 mph winds

Sunday:  Earthquake

And today??  70's!  WTH??  I think someone is really hating Georgia right now!!  We must have been really bad, huh?  But the weather made the week nuts, not to mention getting the now-a-teen to all of her dance classes that were switched all around.  But I made it!

Today is the last Mish Mash Challenge :(  I'm so sad :(  But, after a little time off, I'm sure we will all be back with another new challenge!  Everybody just needs some time to recoup.  But on to the challenge!  This week's theme is Seasons!  And if you can't tell by all my blog rants, facebook rants and instagram rants....I'M SICK OF WINTER!!!  I want Summer!!!  I want to be hot!  I want the sun!!  I wanna wear shorts!  Uh-hum, so I chose Summer.  I went with a water marble to reflect the beach:

I Used:
China Glaze- Fast Track (beige with gold shimmer)
China Glaze- Turned Up Turquoise (neon turquoise shimmer)
Orly- Teal Unreal (dark teal crème)
China Glaze- White on White (white crème)

I was so frustrated with this design!!!  I used 4 different teals/turquoise and they all bubbled!!  And I was determined to do this design with these colors.  The China Glaze Fast Track is for the beach, then two shades for the water.  I love the actual design....hate the bubbles!!

I hate that my last Mish Mash design was a fail, but after three different attempts...I just ran out of time...and patience!  I think it's the weather's fault.  I know I've lost patience with the weather!!

Be sure to check out all the other fabulous ladies and they're seasonal designs!!  And keep your eyes open for the next challenge.  Meanwhile, if anyone knows of a challenge I can join, let me know!  I'm already having withdrawals!!  LOL!  Happy Polishing!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Mish Mash Challenge: Black & White

Hey Y'all!!  We survived the great ice storm of 2014!!  We have been so fortunate!!  We didn't lose power or, so far, any trees.  Yay!!  Now just hoping it warms up enough to melt the snow so the hubby can come home.  

So I'm a day late, but I have this week's Mish Mash Challenge theme ready, Black and White:

I Used:
Sinful Colors- Black on Black (black crème)
China Glaze- White on White (white crème)
Orly- Tiara (small silver glitter in a clear base)

I started with three coats of China Glaze White on White.  Once that was completely dry, just using the brush that came with the polish, I painted the black French tips.  This doesn't have to be neat or tidy since you're just going to cover the line up with silver glitter.  It did take two coats of Sinful Colors Black on Black to get complete coverage.

Then using a make up sponge, I dabbed on Orly Tiara to blend into the white and black, giving it a gradient effect.  Then I went back and using the brush that came with Tiara, I dabbed the polish at the line between the black and white until the silver was completely opaque.

I hope y'all enjoyed today's post!  Be sure to check out every one's black and white designs in the links below.  I can't wait to see what they came up with.  Happy Polishing!!

An InLinkz Link-up

Mish Mash Challenge: Favorite Nail Art Technique

Hi Y'all!!  So the eastern part of the US is in a deep freeze....again!  I can't begin to tell you how much I'm looking forward to Spring!  All I know is that the stupid groundhog better not see his shadow, or he and I are going to have some words!!

But, at least I don't have to leave the house and, it's Wednesday and that means it's time for the Mish Mash Challenge!  This week's theme is Our Favorite Nail Art Technique and if you know me, you know that my fave is Water Marble!

I Used:
Orly- Teal Unreal (dark crème teal)
China Glaze- Pelican Gray (very light gray with a silver shimmer)
China Glaze- Charmed, I'm Sure (dark, smokey purple)

Click HERE for my water marble tutorial!!!!

I LOVE water marbles!!  They were one of the first techniques I learned and the possibilities are endless!!  Using different color combinations and how you draw your designs....just so much goodness!!

And of course, these are my favorite colors!

Please join me in checking out every one's favorite technique!  I can't wait to see them!!

Stay warm and Happy Polishing!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Two Colors You Would Never Normally Pair Up

Hey Y'all!!  It's Wednesday and that means it's time for the Mish Mash Challenge!  Now, I've said before that I was born with an incredibly strong tacky gene...meaning I love what other people find tacky.  According to my mother, it came from my grandmother (her mother-in-law, lol).  For example, there is no such thing as too much sparkle! 

Which brings me to this week's theme, Two Colors You Would Never Normally Pair Up.  Ummmm, such a thing exists?  I love weird color pairings, purple and red, blue and orange, I even love brown and black together!  So coming up with two colors that I don't think go together was pretty much impossible for me.  I decided to go with two colors that aren't my favorite together:  orange and purple:

I Used:
OPI- Vant to Bite My Neck? (dark purple crème)
Orly- Flicker (deep orange shimmer)
Make Up Sponge

And you want to know something?  I like this!  I didn't think I would, but...guess my tacky gene is still going strong, lol!

Be sure to join me in checking out everyone else's challenge mani.  I know they are all amazing!  I'll see y'all tomorrow!  Happy Polishing!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Inspired by a Decade

Hey Y'all!!  So I'm a bit late getting this up today, but I had another night of 2 hours of sleep :(  So let's get right to it!  I'm finally back doing the Mish Mash Challenge!!  I missed a couple of weeks because of schedule and then a couple of weeks because of Inlinkz issues, but I'm back now!

And this week's theme is Inspired by a Decade (50's, 60's, 70's, etc.) and I went with the 70's.  I was a itty, bitty VERY young thing in the 70's, but whenever I think back on that time, my mother's wall comes to mind.  In our guest room, she had painted three walls white and on the fourth was this fabric that was indicative of the 70's.  It was huge white and yellow daisies on a black background. Did I mention the flowers were huge? Anyway, here is my rendition:

Y'all know the 70's were tacky right?  LOL

 

I Used:

China Glaze- Liquid Leather (black crème)

Yellow and White Acrylic Paint

Small Brush

Large Dotting Tool

Whether you like it or not, this does look exactly like my Mom's wall, lol.  I used the largest dotting tool to make the flowers.  Simply drag the dotting tool to make the petals.  Then I used a fine brush to paint the leaves.  Then top everything with top coat.

Be sure to check out all the other fabulous designs inspired by a decade in the links below!  Happy Polishing!!

 

Mish Mash Challenge: Nature

Hey Y'all!!  I'm back doing the challenges!  I missed them.  And since today is Wednesday, it's time for the Mish Mash Challenge!!  This week's theme is nature.  Hmmm....that's broad.  I instantly thought of water, mainly because I love teal/turquoise, water, the beach, etc.  So after a lot of thought, seriously, a lot, here's what I came up with, but it needs an explanation.  Have you ever been on a cruise in the Caribbean?  When you stand on deck at night and look down at the moonlit water, it's just mesmerizing.  There's all these swirling shades of turquoise.  Love it!  That look is what I was going for in today's design.  I tried it two different ways.  This first one is my favorite:

I Used:
China Glaze-Aquadelic (light blue/tiffany blue crème)
Wet-n-Wild- Sea Change (dark blue with teal shimmer)
Orly- Teal Unreal (dark teal crème)
Maybelline- Sparkling Water (dark teal shimmer with blue and purple micro glitter)
Cotton Swabs
100% Acetone

For the top mani, I started with two coats of China Glaze Aquadelic. I then topped my nails with one coat of top coat to prevent the acetone from removing my base color.  Then, I put a couple of drops of each color (except the Aquadelic) on my nail.  Dipping a cotton swab in 100% Acetone, I swirled the colors together.  Me likey!!

The second mani was done in a similar manner (brain freeze...I can't remember what this technique is called, but the directions can be found here).  I really like how this looked, but it didn't look like swirling water.

So the first picture is my favorite for this challenge.  Be sure to check out all my fabulous polish sisters and their incredible nature designs!  I bet there are a lot of Christmas looking ones!  Just click on the pictures below.  And I'll see y'all tomorrow!  Happy Polishing!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Gray

Hi Y'all!!  So happy to be back!!  I know I've been missing for a few days, but I have a really good reason.  As you may know I have 2 fur babies, Chinese Chins that weigh 9 and 12 pounds.  My now-a-teen has a rescue fur baby that weighs 55 pounds.  All three dogs.  Well when the hubby and I went to get their food they were having an adoption and one little girl caught my eye.  I just knew she needed me!  So meet our newest fur baby, she's just a tiny thing (please forgive the blurry pic):

Ok, maybe little is an exaggeration!  My daughter is 5' tall if you're curious.  LOL  Meet Tilly, my 70 pound new fur baby!  Anyway, keeping all my jealous babies being nice to each other has been a full time job!  But things are getting better.

And even though I'm WAY later than normal for my challenge post, it's still Wednesday somewhere in the USA!  This week's prompt is gray, and I did a dotty gradient:

I Used:
LA Colors- Lost Soul (light gray crème)
China Glaze- Hook and Line (light gray with silver shimmer)
China Glaze- Concrete Catwalk (dark gray crème)
China Glaze- Liquid Leather (black crème)
Dotting Tools

I started with two coats of LA Colors Lost Soul (depressing name, huh?).  Then using a dotting tool I created the gradient with a small and medium dotting tool.

For originally doing the wrong prompt and having no idea what to do for gray, I like how these turned out.  It's fun.  .

Be sure to check out what the other lovely ladies have done for gray, or grey depending on how they've spelled it, lol (grammar lesson: they are both right, Americans spell it gray and Europeans spell it grey).  I'm going to bed so I can get back to refereeing the little fur monsters tomorrow!  Happy Polishing!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Faux Stone

Hey Y'all!!  First, be sure to enter our Metro Atlanta Beauty Giveaway for a $150 e-card giveaway to the site of your choice!!  You can even have it sent to your paypal account!!  How great is that?

Ok, now it's time for the Mish Mash Challenge.  This week's theme is faux stone and I went with one of my favorites, goldstone:

Love it!!!  And here is my version:

I Used:
Zoya: Pepper (rust colored crème)
Sally Hansen Triple Shine- Dream Sequins (small copper colored glitter in a clear base)

The second I saw Zoya Pepper I thought of goldstone!  Knowing this challenge was coming, I set out looking for small copper colored glitter.  It took a while, but I finally found Sally Hansen Triple Shine!  Yay!  It takes so little to make me happy!  Pictures show two coats of Pepper and one coat of Dream Sequins, with top coat.

I'm so excited this turned out.  Way better than my amber mani, lol.

Be sure to check out the incredible manis from the ladies below.  Happy Polishing!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Holographic

Hey Y'all!!  Happy Hump Day!!  (I know everyone is tired of Hump Day, but I love it!  I also love The Fox" song, so :p)  LOL.  I hope everyone is having a fabulous week!  We're in our busy time of year when the now-a-teen is constantly rehearsing for "The Nutcracker".  This is her first year to dance en pointe in a company production and I'm one proud Mama!  But it means being out of the house every night for hours.  Do y'all know how hard it is to paint your nails in a car??  It's really hard!!

Ok, to the challenge.  I love holo polishes and would have had a hard time choosing.  But, the ladies and I recently had a Halloween swap, and I received the most incredible polishes from Raquel at Sunshine Nails!!!  LOVE HER!!  And I'm using two of them today:  Perfect Holographic polishes in H4 and H6 (I'll explain the names after the break):

How much do you love holographic polishes???  And how much do I love Raquel for these fabulous polishes?? 

I Used:
Perfect Holographic- H6 (a beige/peach linear holo) from Raquel
Perfect Holographic- H4 (sky blue linear holo) from Raquel
Perfect Holographic- H7 (purple linear holo)

I used Perfect Holographic H4 for all of my nails except the ring finger. Then on my ring finger I created a water marble using all three Perfect Holographic polishes.

These polishes are amazing!!  The holo effect is extremely obvious, even inside and under low lights.  Love these so much!! Thank you again Raquel!!  Be sure to check out all the ladies' holo manis below.  Happy Polishing!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Pink

Hey Y'all!!  I'm so excited!!  It's Wednesday so that means it's time for the Mish Mash Challenge!  And this week's theme is PINK, which is perfect since it's Breast Cancer Awareness month.  So with that in mind, here is my challenge mani:

I Used:
Finger Paints- Brushstroke Blush (very pale pink crème)
Orly- Oh Cabana Boy (shimmery bright pink)
China Glaze- 108 Degrees (dark glass fleck pink)

I love how this water marble turned out.  The colors really worked well together. 

Click here for my water marble tutorial!

I especially love 108 Degrees by China Glaze.  It is such a pretty pink or probably closer to fuchsia.  And with the glass fleck, the glitter is amazing!

Be sure to join me in checking out all the fabulous pink manis from Kimber's Amazing (and they really are) Challenge Ladies in the links below!!  Happy Polishing!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Rainbow

Hey Y'all!!!  Guess what day it is???  Yep, Wednesday (lol, and you thought I was going to say Hump Day)!  So that means I have two posts to get up today!  First, it's Mish Mash Wednesday and today's theme is Rainbows!  I love doing rainbows, so much so that it has its own label (in the right column of the blog), but the challenge is how to do a different rainbow.

I know that after today and seeing every one's great manis I'll have a ton of manis to try.   But I've had this one idea for a while, a loose rainbow color block with black and clear water marble over it.  And since it's Fall, I went with jewel tones:

I Used:
Color Club-  (red with a gold shimmer)
Orly- Flicker (rusty orange shimmer)
China Glaze- Lighthouse (yellow glass fleck)
Hard Candy- Bity Blue (blue shimmer)
Ulta- Envy (green shimmer)
Fright Night Claw Polish- Poison (purple shimmer)
Orly- Liquid Vinyl (black crème)
Sally Hansen-  (clear)
Make Up Sponges


I really like how this turned out.  I love the deep jewel tones, and thanks to those dark colors, the bubbles in the black don't show up in real life (note: my Orly Liquid Vinyl is very bubbly, lol)

I hope y'all enjoy today's mani.  Be sure to join me in checking out the other ladies in the Mish Mash Challenge.  Just click on the links below.  I can't wait to see what they've done!!  Happy Polishing!!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Flowers

I'm beginning to think that the Internet hates me...Or my computer does...Or something does, because I can't seem to get anything to work this week.  Maybe this is a sign I need some time off, lol.

But I finally have today's mani for you (better late than never, right?).  It's Wednesday so that means it's time for the Mish Mash Challenge and today's theme is flowers.  So I came up with a flowery jelly sandwich:

I Used:
Loreal- Berry Nice (dark purple jelly)
Dotting Tools (or a toothpick would work too)
Pink and White Acrylic Paint

For the first time ever I used acrylic paint (for the flowers) because I wanted to make sure they would show through the layers of polish.  I used Loreal Berry Nice from their recent candy collection.  I started with two coats. Then a couple of flowers, another coat of polish, another flower, one more coat of polish then one last flower.  It's all kinds of squishy, purple goodness!



I hope y'all enjoyed my flowers :)  Be sure to check out the other ladies' flower manis...I've seen some incredible designs!!  See y'all tomorrow!  Happy Polishing!!

Mish Mash Challenge: Book

Hi Y'all!!  Happy Hump Day!!  It's Wednesday, so that means it's time for our Mish Mash Challenge!  This week's theme is Book!!  I've been looking forward to this since I saw it on our list.  If there is something I love as much as nail polish, it's books.  In fact, I have more books than I do polish; which is saying a lot when I have more than 700 bottles of polish!!

So now the problem came down to...which book do I do?  Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon (on of my newest favorites)?  A Wrinkle in Time, my first favorite book?  A book by J. R. Ward, one of my favorite authors???  UGH!!  This is too hard!!!  I finally took the easy way out and chose the book I was reading The Amber Room by Steve Berry:

I Used:
Barielle- I Got A Headache (beigy taupe with a peach shimmer)
Zoya- Dhara (glittery orange textured polish)
Zoya-Maria Luisa (soft gold glitter in a clear base)

First, the book.  I love Steve Berry!  His books are adventure/suspense genre, but they also include some romance, and the best part, lots of history.  I'm beyond fascinated with unexplained historical mysteries and Steve Berry never fails to deliver on it.  While some authors barely touch it, he delves into it.  Some of the subjects I've read from Steve Berry include, the Templars, the Templars' treasure, Alexander the Great's grave and murder and Genghis Khan, just to name a few. 

The Amber Room, is about, well the amber room. The gorgeous room in the Russian Tsar's palace made purely of amber.  When the Germans invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, they dismantled the amber room and took it back to Germany.  When the allies started bombing, the Germans hid the room...it hasn't been seen since.  This book is about greed, power and treachery and how far someone would go to keep the secret of the Amber Room.

And now the nails.  I LOVE amber!!!  From the milky light honey colored amber to the crystal clear dark stones, I LOVE amber!!!  Sadly, that love did not translate to my nails :(  They are an epic fail.

LOL, I tried...that's about all I can say.  Turned out I didn't have any polishes that were truly amber colored.   So I used Barielle I Got a Headache as the base.  It's kind of beige/taupe with a pretty shimmery peach color.  Then I used Zoya Dhara and Maria Luisa to try to capture the sparkle of the inclusions in amber.  FAIL, lol.  My nails:

Real amber:

Oh well.  At least you know I'll show you everything now, the successes and the failures, lol.

And just for fun, here is The Amber Room:

Isn't it amazing????  It was painstakingly recreated, down to the last detail from pictures of the original Amber Room:

Yep.  It's definitely true.  I was meant to be born a royal living in this kind of luxury.  No doubt about it.

I hope y'all enjoyed my failed mani, or maybe the brief history lesson (lol).  Be sure to check out the other ladies incredibly successful manis below!!  Happy Polishing!!