"Hazard"-ous Leopard

Good morning, lovelies!

I want to start by saying hello and welcome to my new followers :)  Yesterday afternoon, while I was at work,  OPI discovered my little blip on the interwebs via Instagram.  Not only was I surprised, I was overwhelmed by the overall response. 100 new followers in an hours time... holy canolli!  So thank you all for making my day!

Today's post is a kind of "palette cleanser" for me.  I needed something clean an simple...

 Colors Used:Sinful Colors - Hazard, Daisy Nail Lacquer - White Diamond, Rimmel - Black Satin

It's been a long time since I've done a leopard print mani.  I know a lot of people feel like it's over done. And while I'm not a huge fan of animal print, I occasionally like to dabble in the wild ;)  This is 2 coats of Hazard.  I used a medium sized dotting tool for the white splotches and my striping brush to create the black "c's".

I think I like it!  Hahaha :)

How do you  feel about animal print mani's?  It is time for them to go?

Until next time!

Stef <3

Born Pretty Drop Studs

Good evening, lovelies!

As promised, here is my second product review of the day!

 Colors Used: Julep - Blakely, Kylie, Sephora by OPI - Spark-tacular!, Orly - Dazzle

I was contacted by a rep from the Born Pretty Store about a month ago and it was an OMG moment.  A lot of the major nail blogger that I admire have done a plethora of reviews for Born Pretty and I was definitely taken aback.  I decided to start with something simple to review...

I applied these studs the same way I do any other stud, with clear/top coat.  I put a dot of top coat down with my dotting tool, apply the stud and then top it with a coat of top coat.  Once it's dry, it is stuck.  Like really stuck!  I have not lost a stud yet using this method.  And I have no fear of ruining my natural nails with nail glue :)

  As you can see above, these studs are pretty flat.  No pointy edges to snag on anything.  This is a plus for me, because I'm totally a weirdo when it comes to textures and if something sticks up on my nail too much, I freak out lol.  These studs have a lot of potential when it comes to nail art.  I kept this mani simple to showcase the stud, but I definitely see art deco in it's future ;)

 Name: Drop Stud Rhinestone Acrylic UV Gel Nail Art Decoration #2

Item #: 6880

Quantity: Approx. 150 pcs

Cost: $4.99 USD

These studs came be found here at Born Pretty's store!

How do you feel about studs?  Something you'd rock or something that would drive you crazy??

Until next time!

Stef <3

* This product was provided to me for review.  I received no payment or other compensation for the review of this product.  The opinions stated here are completely my own.  The contents of this review are based on my direct experience with this product.

KKCenterHK Plaid Bow

Good morning, dolls!

I have a couple of product reviews to share with you today :)  First up is a product that I received back in June.  I tried it, took photos, edited them and then never got around to posting them *slaps hand*....

Isn't this bow super cute??  I decided to stick with the "Burberry-esque" design and I really love the way it turned out.

 Now, as adorable as these are, I have to say I had a hard time making them stay on.  Because it's such a large bow, there is a lot of exposed free edge (as you can see above).  I tried nail glue, but after about an hour I snagged it on something and it popped off :(  I think when I re-use them again, I'm going to put them closer to my cuticle so that they are more secured in place.

Name: BLUESEA Bow Shaped Brown With Checkered Nail Art Decorations

Item #:  BLUESEA-CB01E

Quantity: 2 Pieces

Cost: $4.00 USD

       

These bows, and others like them, can be found at KKCenterHK's online store!

I'll ba back later this afternoon/evening with another product to share with you :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

* This product was provided to me for review.  I received no payment or other compensation for the review of this product.  The opinions stated here are completely my own.  The contents of this review are based on my direct experience with this product.

Back to School Again!

Good morning, dearies!

Well, class has resumed at my job and I just had to do my nails for the occasion...

I used A LOT of colors in this mani, 12 polishes in all.  I'm going to skip the colors used this time around lol...

 

So, I know that everyone and their mom has done this manicure.  I'm not claiming originality in any way, shape or form.  I've just wanted to do this since the beginning of my nail journey and I've never had the confidence in my ability to until now.  It's still not "perfect" (something I always have to tell myself is just fine lol), but I really do like the way it turned out :)

Lots and lots and lots and lots of patience/work but it was well worth it :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

Oriental Oaisis & I'm So Sari!

Hello, dolls!

As I mentioned last week....

First up is the polish I wore to church this morning...

 

  Crystal International - Oriental Oaisis

   I recieved 6 Crystal International polishes from my mother.  She works in the supplier diversity industry and is mentoring a small minority company that makes polish.  The owner of the company gave my tom-boy mommy a product that she will never ever in a million years use.  I am the lucky benefactor lol.  They will be my church mani's for the next couple of weeks ;)

Anywhosy, I don't know much about the company but I can say that this polish is of amazing quality.  Practically a one coater, my mouth was hanging open during application.  A deep raspberry creme is how I would describe this color.  This is 2 coats with OPI Rapidry Top Coat.

Retail: N/A

 Sephora by OPI - I'm So Sari!

Time for the fun stuff!  I picked up this polish a couple of weeks ago when Sephora was having a clearance sale on their polishes.  One of the sales reps told me that they are discontinuing the polish line.  Altho it made me a little sad, I appreciated the discount.  

This polish is described as an "opaque turquoise with fine and chunky iridescent glitter".  I luuuuuurrrrv it!!  Because it's so sheer, I did 2 coats of I'm So Sari over a teal creme polish.  I topped it with OPI Rapidry Top Coat.

Retail: $4.50 (was $9.50)

 I meant to do bottle shots, I don't know where my head was at.  Next Sunday you'll have them :D  I hope all is well with you ladies!

Until next time!

Stef <3

Luck Schmuck!

Hiya dolls!

I'm feeling like a bit of a Grinch today.  I'm very glad that it's Friday and I'm very very glad that I get to take the day off of work.  But it's work that has made me slightly cranky.  Not just my school job but my music jobs as well.  Bah-humbug!

 Colors Used: Revlon - Posh, Sally Hansen - Green With Envy, Color Club - Gingerbread

They say that green is the color of luck (who are "they" anyway??).  I haven't felt very lucky while wearing this mani but it did last about 4 days, chip-free. Ok...I was a little lucky....

It's 2 coats for each color except Gingerbread, which was 3.  I applied the crystal while the polish was still wet and then topcotaed all of my nails with OPI RapiDry.

 Sometimes simple is nice right?

Happy Friday to you all!  I hope you have a fantabulous weekend :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

Making Work Fun

Hiya!

Soooooo my mani today has an obvious inspiration lol.  Today we had a staff team building event before the new school year starts and my team was the "Red Angry Birds".  Naturally I had to do a mani for the occassion....

 Colors Used: China Glaze - Hey Sailor, Daisy Nail Lacquer - White Diamond, Rimmel - Black Satin, OPI - "It" Color

Alright, I can't take credit for this design.  It was late last night and I was ready for bed but I wanted something fun on my nails.  I Googled "angry birds nails" and found this tutorial.  Simple and cute :)

I have to admit that I have never ever in my life played angry birds.  I also know very little about the logistics of the game.  Gaming Apps aren't really my thing haha.  I do love that I've found another way to make birdies :D

That's all for now teehee...

Until next time!

Stef <3

Sunday's Are For Swatching!

Hello, lovelies!

Today I am launching a new segment on the blog.  I recently recieved an email from the logistics manager of my church choir (along with everyone else).  It basically reiterated our dress code policies on Sunday mornings and it stated that while we are allowed to wear nail polish it must be a "normal" color.  Wah wah wah.  So to keep myself from getting in trouble and to continue what used to be my "Church Mani" series, I'll be swatching!  There will be a swatch of my "normal" churchy polish and then a fun color to mix things up!  I may not be able to post every Sunday (brunch is a favorite of mine haha), but at least this way I can get thru my untried polishes quickly :D

Annette

First up is Annette!  Julep has described this beauty as a "light dove grey crème".  Personally, I think it looks more mushroom/taupe in color.  Either way I absolutely love it!  I received it in the most recent Julep Mystery Box that came out this month.  I didn't think it looked like anything special in the bottle but once I got it on.... I couldn't stop staring at it.  It's just so elegant and beautiful :)  This swatch is 2 coats with OPI RapiDry Top Coat.

Retail: $14.00  ($11.20 Maven Price)

Peachy Breeze

There ain't nothin' peachy about this one!  As with all  Insta-Dri's the formula is very thick, creamy and pigmented.  This polish is a bright coral that leans more towards a rosy-pink than orange.  This polish is the perfect "pick-me-up" color and it has been one of my faves for the last couple weeks.  This swatch is 2 coats with OPI RapiDry Top Coat.

Retail: $4.00 

Well, I hope you all have a very wonderful evening/night :)  If you have any suggestions how I can better my swatching posts, feel free to comment below...

Until next time!

Stef <3

Musical Me

Good morning, dolls!

It's been almost a week since my last post and I have missed the community terribly!!  I have lots of blogs that I need to catch up on.  Just skimming thru my blog roll, it looks like you ladies have been busy busy busy haha :)

Well today's post is centered around a part of my life that I have never really expounded on in my blogging.  I have mentioned in passing that I am a singer.  I am currently sit on the board of (and sing in) a non-profit organization called the Paul Delgado Singers.  We are a semi-professional chamber choir that performs around Southern California.  I am also a contracted/paid singer at a church called Shepherd's Grove, formally the Crystal Cathedral.  My church produces the television show "The Hour of Power" and my church choir is often reffered to as "The Hour of Power Choir".  I have been singing and performing since around the age of 8 and since I'm going to be 28 next year.... let's just say I've been doing it a long time lol.  I'm also the director of 2 children's choirs at a private school (along with just having been promoted to Director of the schools childcare program).  All of this is a preface to the fact that I have never ever, not once, posted a musically themed mani.  Ever!

 Colors Used: Rimmel - Black Satin, Sally Hansen - Glitz Gal (Gem Crush), Daisy Nail Lacquer - White Diamond

I started with black on all of my nails except my ring finger, which got white.  Glitz Gal is on my middle finger and it was two coats over one coat of black.  I free handed the treble clef, which I see pretty much every day of my life lol.

After completing this mani, I remembered why I never did it.  Treble clefs are hard!!!  This took me far too long to do and I'm still not 100% pleased.  Bleh!

Thank you so much for sticking thru this rather-lengthy-for-me post.  It's nice to be able to share a little bit about my personal life.  It also helps bring to light my crazy schedule and why I sometimes go missing from the blog world for a week... like this week haha.  As always I truly do appreciate your support and I'm sorry I haven't been good about commenting back.  Know that I love love love your comments, they brighten my weariest of days :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

Update!

Hey there!

I'm so sorry that I've been MIA this week. A lot of changes have been going on at my job and with my life... I'm adjusting haha. Posts will start up again this weekend tho.  A big welcome to my new followers, I appreciate your support and feedback :)  Love to you all!

Stef <3

Neon Week - Rainbow Collab

Hello hello!

I'm getting this post in just under the wire haha.  Well, it's the end of my neon week and I'm going out with a bang :D  I participated in Nails Like Lace's Instagram Collab (#collablikerainbows2013) this weekend and naturally I had to make it neon...

 Colors Used: China Glaze - Rose Among Thorns, Celtic Sun and Blue Sparrow, Orly - Mayhem Mentality, Savina - Power Up, Love & Beauty - Purple

As always with neons, I started with a white base.  I then took my handy-dandy striper and started painting away.  There really was no rhyme or reason to my pattern, I just went for it...

The neon polishes I used were half jellies and half cremes.  I wasn't sure the mix was going to look alright, but yea...

This is probably one of my favorite mani's to date haha.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend :)  I am off to bed now...

Until next time!

Stef <3

Neon Week - Edgy Highlighter

Happy Saturday everybody!

I hope you all are having a glorious weekend.  I just got back from a little "me-time" shopping trip and while I'm ready to do the dropping that happens after shopping I thought I'd share another neon mani with you :)

 Colors Used: China Glaze - Celtic Sun, Hard Canhy - Black Tie Optional

I tried to fudge the saturations and such the last time I snapped photos of Celtic Sun.  This time around I decided to take off the white backing of my light tent and just let the polish do its thing.  I think I'm going to stick with a black background for my photos from now one because I really like the look...

I started with a white base and then applied 2 coats of Celtic Sun (blindingly highlighter-ish in person).  I then applied 2 thin coats of Black Tie Optional.

Super simple and yet oh so fun.  Sometimes you've just gotta give yourself a creative break and Black Tie Optional is on of my favorite toppers when this mood arises.  It's just so cool!

Some news!  I will be participating in a nail collaboration on Instagram this week :D  This is being put together/run/made possible by the lovely Amber of Nails Like Lace.  I've been a fan of hers for a long time so when she mentioned the idea of starting a rainbow nails collab I jumped at the opportunity.  I will be posting my manicure soon, but you can find out more by checking out #collablikerainbows2013 :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

Neon Week - Far Out Flowers

Hello, hello!

I'm getting this post in just under the wire.  Had a bit of a family emergency yesterday and so my husband and I have been playing catch-up all afternoon/evening with chores, etc.  I am just now getting the opportunity to post *phew*!  Today's mani is inspired by the psychedelic fun of the 1960's...

 Colors Used: Savina - Power Up, Orly - Mayhem Mentality, Color Club - Almost Famous, Love & Beauty - Purple and Hot Pink Strawberry

Alright so I started with a white base on all of my nails and then applied 3 thin coats of Power Up.  This polish is blindingly green in person but like most Savina's that I own, it's incredibly streaky and needs to be built up.  Frustrating, yes, but worth it for the color...

Using my dotting tools I applied my flowers.  Big, uneven blobs was the name of the game.  I was going for a cartoonish and sporadic look.

For those who aren't following me on Instagram (I forgive you :P), I broke my middle finger nail on Monday *sigh*.  I'm not going to let it hold me back!  To heck with the nubbins!!

Sooooo.... What do you think?  1960's or "hot-mess floral"??  

Until next time!

Stef <3

Neon Week - Cosmetic Arts Explosive

Helloooooooo my lovelies!

I'm so sorry to have abandoned you over the weekend.  I had a going away party Friday (miss you Olive!!), a wedding on Saturday and a "welcome back" party on Sunday.  I'm all partied out!  I'm also very tuckered out and am in need of a pick-me-up, so I've decided to rock neons all week :D  I'm hoping to get at least 4 mani's done and posted this week, 5 if I'm lucky ;)

 Colors Used: Cosmetic Arts - Explosive, China Glaze - Flip Flop Fantasy, Wet n Wild - Nerd Alert Screech, Daisy Nail Lacquer - White Diamond, Lush Lacquer - Clowning Around

Explosive is the first neon polish that I ever bought back when I started my polish journey.  I found it at Ross for $2-$3 and figured if I didn't like it, it wasn't the end of the world.  I fell head over heels for it and that is where my love for neon began.  I have to admit that I am not into neon fashion, I think it looks ridiculous lol.  But I looooove me a good neon polish!

I started with a white base on all of my nails.  White polish just really helps neon colors *POP!*.  I've also found that it helps me to even out streaking that can occur if I were to use the neon alone.  Index finger was done with a striper and a lot of patience.  Middle finger got 2 coats of Clowning Around and the rest of my nails got 3 coats of Explosive.

On a sad note... I broke my bottle of Explosive when trying to get it open, snapped the mouth of the bottle right off (just call me Miss Hulk lol).  Thankfully I saw China Glaze's Sun Worshiper (a comparable color) at my local nail supplier the other day and since they sell CG's for $2... well, I'll call that a win!

Alrighty, I'm off to go catch up on some house work *bleh*.  I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and that Monday didn't treat you terribly :)

Until next time!

Stef <3