Blogger Friends Forever: City

For my second challenge day, I chose cities!!! When I came up with it, I though of doing New York City, but then I remembered my favorite city in the world!

When I studied abroad in Rome I didn't like it all that much. Until I went to the Vatican. I absolutely LOVED it! I want to live there. Swiss Guards actually live in the Vatican and their families can too, so my plan is to marry one. This, as well as their requirements for the job make them match up almost perfectly to my list of desired qualities in a spouse. To symbolize Vatican City I painted Pope John Paul II's papal crest (Totus Tuus!), the Vatican flag, a spiral representing the spiral staircase in the Vatican Museum (or any of the many spiral staircases leading up the cupola, and the Swiss Guards' stripes!

I couldn't find a decent key that faced the other way for the gold key :/ Otherwise, I think it turned out pretty well!

Check out these virtural tours to see parts of my favorite city!

St. Peter's Basilica

Sistine Chapel

Here are the fabulous bloggers participating in this challenge:

Thiamere of On Beauty Stuff & What Else's

Pram of My Nail Polish Addiction

Bec of Lacquer Dreams

Kerrie of PishPosh and Polish

Caitlin of Caitlin's Creative Corner

Emma of Manicurity

Sally Of Nail Pron

And here's what we have in store! (My week is August 23-25)

Blogger Friends Forever: Movies

It's finally my week! I thought cities was first, so I had it all planned out with no ideas for movie yet, then realized I was wrong haha. So I had to think about what movie I wanted to do since there are tons that I love, but I finally picked one. Can you tell what it is?

It's The Sound of Music! I absolutely love this movie. It makes me happy just thinking about it. The thumb and ring finger go together as one image (shown below). It's the lovely green field Maria spins around in at the beginning with the mountains in the background. The index finger is music notes since music obviously plays a huge part of the movie. The middle finger is an abstract version of raindrops on roses. For the pinky I recreated the curtain outfits the children wear as play clothes. I really love how this came out and how it reminds me of the movie as I wear it :D

Polishes used: China Glaze Kinetic Candy, Elephant Walk, Sally Hansen Whirlwind White, L.A. Colors Circuits, Orly Emberstone, Essence Julia, China Glaze Starboard, Color Club Object of Envy, Zoya Pippa, Sinful Colors Athens. Plates used: Fauxnad M73 and Mash 43.

Here are the fabulous bloggers participating in this challenge:

Thiamere of On Beauty Stuff & What Else's

Pram of My Nail Polish Addiction

Bec of Lacquer Dreams

Kerrie of PishPosh and Polish

Caitlin of Caitlin's Creative Corner

Emma of Manicurity

Sally Of Nail Pron

And here's what we have in store! (My week is August 23-25)

Guest Post at Karine's Blog!

Hey guys! I have a guest post at Karine's blog today! Go check it out here :)

Teal Tuesday: Jelly Sandwich

It's jelly sandwich time! I don't have a teal jelly, so I had to brainstorm how to make this work. I started with a base of Blackheart Mint to Be. It's an awesome creme that glows under a black light! I'm really impressed with the Blackheart polishes I've tried out.

Then I topped it with Milani Hot Pink, OPI Don't Touch My Tutu, Essie Stroke of Brilliance and another coat of OPI Don't Touch My Tutu. I kept going back and forth on whether I liked it while I was wearing it, but I like it in the pics :)

Check out these other Teal Tuesday blogs! If you'd like to join us, click on the badge at the top of my page!

Missy at Gnarly Gnails

Rhonda at Nails Beautiqued

Kirsten at Geeky Owl

Amanda at Mandy's Polish

ColorSplash Nails

Simple-and-Beautiful

Aimee at Persistently Glittery

Nat at No Holos!

Ana at Cherries Sweet

Caitlin at Caitlin's Creative Corner

Ariane at The Frenzied Polisher

Kia at Lacquered Libra

Belén at Nail Polish Lane

Sam at  Polished Art

Jess at Once Upon a Polish

Jasmin at Subtletyisoverrated

Elysse at Elyssian Bauty
Laurie at My Rusty Nails
Gisselle at Ms. Meow's Nails

Adventures in Stamping: Can't Wait for Fall

Usually we stamp on Sundays, but I'm bringing you a late installment. I've been super busy the past two days coordinating Welcome Week for my student organization so I didn't have time to write up the post (or take photos of it at its best). I wasn't really feeling fall colors but since it was Welcome Week and the start of the fall semester, I used my school colors! 

For this mani I used Blackheart Amsterdam, Sally Hansen Whirlwind White, L.A. Colors Circuits, Sally Hansen Wet Cement, Spoiled Shuffle the Deck, Lush Lacquer Midnight Affair, Jade Magia Negra and Jade Vermelho Surreal. I used Bundle Monster plates BM322, and BM301, and Mash plates Mash 47, Mash 45, and Mash 49.

Blogger Friends Forever: Texture

Emma's second choice for her week was texture! I've done a caviar mani before, so I wanted to do something a little different. I though sugar might be cool, but knew I'd probably be sleeping with this manicure on and didn't want to invite anything to a fest while I was sleeping. Blech! So I did salt instead.

I dipped my nails in salt one by one after painting them with OPI Call Me Gwen-ever. As the pictures tell, I was kinda scared to do clean up because the salt didn't stick very well. I think this looks kinda cool, but isn't very flattering to my nub nails. It reminds me of sugared fruit. This didn't last very long because it kept catching in my hair and I wound up just rubbing them all off after a short time. It sure did spice Gwen up a little. She was kind of boring at first.

Here are the fabulous bloggers participating in this challenge:

Thiamere of On Beauty Stuff & What Else's

Pram of My Nail Polish Addiction

Bec of Lacquer Dreams

Kerrie of PishPosh and Polish

Caitlin of Caitlin's Creative Corner

Emma of Manicurity

Sally Of Nail Pron

And here's what we have in store! (My week is August 23-25)

Blogger Friends Forever: Coffee

It's Emma's week! I had no idea what to do for coffee, so I looked on Google Images. I found some awesome cappuccino designs, so I decided to water marble.

I tried to replicate the cool designs, but my nails are far too short for any of the designs. I water marbled using China Glaze Mahogany Magic and Kalahari Kiss. I'm not exactly sure what's up with the middle nail, but it has some bubbles and a weird scratch or something. The pinky is by far my favorite :)

Today is all cool and rainy. These nails are perfect and make me want to go drinks lots and lots of coffee.

Here are the fabulous bloggers participating in this challenge:

Thiamere of On Beauty Stuff & What Else's

Pram of My Nail Polish Addiction

Bec of Lacquer Dreams

Kerrie of PishPosh and Polish

Caitlin of Caitlin's Creative Corner

Emma of Manicurity

Sally Of Nail Pron

And here's what we have in store! (My week is August 23-25)

The Feast of the Assumption

Hey guys! Today is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics. On this day we celebrate the assumption of Mary into Heaven. I decided to do my nails for the occasion because I really wanted to use my Mary stamp!

I used a blue and white color scheme, which it pretty common for anything Marian. I started with two coats of Dollish Polish Expecto Patronum. This polish is amazing! Seriously gorgeous. This is the second time I've worn it.

Then I stamped the opening words of the Hail Mary prayer (which conveniently are both four letters) with Konad M17 and M18 using Sally Hansen Thinking of Blue, which is freakin fantastic for stamping. Then I used images from Konad S3 for the praying hand and Mary on my thumb.

I really like how this turned out and it was a pretty big hit with my Catholic friends :)

Teal Tuesday: Copy Cat

This Tuesday our assignment was to recreate someone else's mani in teal. Yesterday my friend Helen at Nail Newbie posted this awesome mani. I loved how sweet and simple it was so I decided to recreate it :)

I used two coats of Weird Indeed I Speak Whale, then topped it with Orly Shining Star. Then I painted with letter with a dotting tool and Color Club Worth the Risque. I really love the glitter over I Speak Whale. It reminds me a lot of the orange/yellow/green flakies, but in glitter form.

Check out these other Teal Tuesday blogs! If you'd like to join us, click on the badge at the top of my page!

Missy at Gnarly Gnails

Rhonda at Nails Beautiqued

Kirsten at Geeky Owl

Amanda at Mandy's Polish

ColorSplash Nails

Simple-and-Beautiful

Aimee at Persistently Glittery

Nat at No Holos!

Ana at Cherries Sweet

Caitlin at Caitlin's Creative Corner

Ariane at The Frenzied Polisher

Kia at Lacquered Libra

Belén at Nail Polish Lane

Sam at  Polished Art

Jess at Once Upon a Polish

Jasmin at Subtletyisoverrated

Elysse at Elyssian Bauty

Adventures in Stamping: Two Stamps

Today's Adventure in Stamping challenge is to use two stamps. I thought this way a perfect opportunity to try a lace mani!

I used Orly Nite Owl then stamped with BM 07, BM 209 and L.A. Colors Circuits. I had some weird issues with the first stamp from BM 07 but I didn't stress too much since it was going to be covered by the fishnet design. I really like how this turned out!

If you're interested in stamping, I highly encourage you to join the Adventures in Stamping facebook group. Just click the badge at the top. There some awesome people there that can help you with any troubles in stamping as well as enable you. And you can check out their awesome manis for inspiration. We'd love to have you :)

Blogger Friends Forever: Black & White

Today's challenge is Black & White. I was really excited about this one because I absolutely love black and white designs. I'd also been itching to try out this stamp!

I started with one coat of Sally Hansen Whirlwind White. I found 3 bottles of this last night on clearance and I could not be more excited. It's great for stamping and covers really well. Then I stamped with L.A. Colors Circuits and BM 314.

This stamp and my polish was doing some wonky things. Definitely not one of my best stamps, but I'm still pretty satisfied with it :)

Here are the fabulous bloggers participating in this challenge:

Thiamere of On Beauty Stuff & What Else's

Pram of My Nail Polish Addiction

Bec of Lacquer Dreams

Kerrie of PishPosh and Polish

Caitlin of Caitlin's Creative Corner

Emma of Manicurity

Sally Of Nail Pron

And here's what we have in store! (My week is August 23-25)

Blogger Friends Forever: Music

For once, I was going to do today's challenge mani the night before I had to. And then tragedy struck! 

I was too mad to be inspired to do anything. I've since trimmed them all down to nubbins :( Then I could not come up with anything I wanted to do. In the shower this morning Barbed Wire and Roses by Pin Monkey got stuck in my head and I remembered Bundle Monster plate BM 323.

I started with two coats of Orly It's Not Rocket Science, which is more gorgeous than I expected. Then I stamped with Sally Hansen Rapid Red and China Glaze Passion. I didn't think these colors would work super well together, but I think it turned out awesome!

My black and white mani is sloppy, so I'll be redoing it tomorrow :)

Here are the fabulous bloggers participating in this challenge:

Thiamere of On Beauty Stuff & What Else's

Pram of My Nail Polish Addiction

Bec of Lacquer Dreams

Kerrie of PishPosh and Polish

Caitlin of Caitlin's Creative Corner

Emma of Manicurity

Sally Of Nail Pron

And here's what we have in store! (My week is August 23-25)

Teal Tuesday: Braided Mani

I was super excited when we voted on braided manis for this week's Teal Tuesday. The one I did before wasn't so hot and I was itching to try it again. I started with one coat of a England Galahad.

I then used a fine paint brush and painted the braids with a England Holy Grail and Sally Hansen Jumpin' Jade. These pictures are funny because I think my middle and ring finger look best in real life, but they look the worst in the pictures lol. And these pictures are doing A LOT of favors for my pinky nail. It's a hot mess in real life.

Check out these other Teal Tuesday blogs! If you'd like to join us, click on the badge at the top of the page!

Missy at Gnarly Gnails

Rhonda at Nails Beautiqued

Kirsten at Geeky Owl

Amanda at Mandy's Polish

ColorSplash Nails

Simple-and-Beautiful

Aimee at Persistently Glittery

Nat at No Holos!

Ana at Cherries Sweet

Caitlin at Caitlin's Creative Corner

Ariane at The Frenzied Polisher

Kia at Lacquered Libra

Belén at Nail Polish Lane

Sam at  Polished Art

Jess at Once Upon a Polish

Jasmin at Subtletyisoverrated

Blogger Friend Forever: Neon

Kerrie's second theme choice was neon! I love neons this summer so I was super stoked.

I alternated between Orly Fresh, which is bright but not quite neon, and Finger Paints Pop Art Purple. Then since I knew I was going to be swimming in the sun today, I decided to top it off with Jade Psicodelica because who doesn't love a holo? 

To summerfy it even more, I added hibiscus flowers with Bundle Monster BM 313 and Sally Hansen Whirlwind White. So much fun! I questioned the combination of the green and purple. Before I stamped it, it reminded me of Barney or the Joker, but the stamping really helped to tone that down.

Now it's pool time with my awesome summer nails!

Here are the fabulous bloggers participating in this challenge:

Thiamere of On Beauty Stuff & What Else's

Pram of My Nail Polish Addiction

Bec of Lacquer Dreams

Kerrie of PishPosh and Polish

Caitlin of Caitlin's Creative Corner

Emma of Manicurity

Sally Of Nail Pron

And here's what we have in store! (My week is August 23-25)

Blogazon Weekly Roundup 8/3

Love my Nails: Look at this awesome Dot and Stripe modern nail art with neutral colors.

Makeup Chronicles: Looking for a few new eyeshadow colors? Check out my top 10 MAC eyeshadows.

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: ORLY has some great upcoming collections - and Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom has a sneak peek!

Mama Fashionista: Take advantage of the exclusive offers at Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale! Borrow Mama Fashionista’s MAC Cosmetics wish list for the sale...

Très Beau Glamour: Are you into at home spa pedicures? If so, Nay Denise has found the perfect productthat won’t break the bank and smells absolutely amazing.

thepassengerelement: A quick swatch/review of a summer staple, theBalm’s Staniac in Beauty Queen

Beauty Product Review: The obsession with lip balms continues this week...eos Sphere Lip balms

The Science Of Chic: Find out which products had The Science Of Chic fawning over during the month of July!

Samarium's Swatches: Sarah from Samarium's Swatches is wearing some nifty nail polish jewelry from Beads Ink!

Cult of Taupe: Cult of Taupe is kicking summer into high gear with a BFTE Cosmetics giveaway!

Cosmetics Aficionado: Need a Chanel Peridot dupe? Cosmetics Aficionado has one for you with a side by side comparison.

Sincerely Stephanie: Do you have Olympic Fever?! Sincerely Stephanie shares her London 2012 themed nail art!

TheFabZilla: Give your feet some TLC they deserve. TheFabZilla shares a super cheap foot scrub that sent her feet to nirvana.

Gorgeousskin: Treat your skin to some much needed moisture with Tatcha’s Water Collection.

Lola’s Secret Beauty Blog: Youngblood’s gorgeous Lipstick in Blushing Nude might just be the perfect Paraben Free, Lanolin Free, and Cruelty Free must-have nude lipstick for this summer!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shows us the brand new beautiful Anastasia Beverly Hills She Wears It Well palette.

Phyrra: Phyrra taps into her inner Femme Fatale with the latest duochromes from Femme Fatale Cosmetics.

Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Emily Hudspeth shares the big news of the new Urban Decay professional artist discount, what it includes and how to apply.

Lacquered Lover: Come see swatches of some of the new gorgeous Layla nail polishes including 2 hologram effects, a flakie and a mirror effect!

Lisa’s Nail Obsession: Classy enough to wear to a wedding, yet smart enough for everyday. The Gold ‘n Peach nail design.

A Little Polish: Ever wanted to see Northern Lights? I have, and now you can see them too with Stephanie’s Northern Lights inspired mani!

The Girl with the Unoriginal Tattoo: Scoping out some new Fall eye looks? Love The Wizard of Oz? Here’s Terri’s review and swatches of Tarina Tarantino’s new Emerald Pretty eye palette

Sapphire Kharyzma: Had the pleasure of doing an expose on Hollywood’s next A-lister and beauty icon -- Preity Uupala!

Beauty Professor:The Beauty Professor has added yet another pink nude lipstick to her collection...read all about this gem from the German cult brand, Beauty Is Life!

Beauty by Miss L: Beauty by Miss L shows how she cleans up her nails after messy nail art.

Beauty Binge: Beauty Binge chooses her Top 5 DrugstoreMakeup and Cosmetics Buys

Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Liesl loves Nars Storm Bird!. Check out the gorgeous new limited edition polish here.

Polished Cousins: Anna shows off our latest Blue Monday with some great Sation blues.

Patty and Goldies Day Off: Run through the strawberry fields in this post,

Adna Cosmetic: Are you look for an excellent BB Cream, You have just found one: Have a look!

Fancy Phalanges: Alyssa celebrates Team USA’s awesome start to the Olympics with this medal-themed mani!

Geniabeme Beauty Blog: Take a look at a FOTD inspired by a Cult Nails’ mani!

Ishah x Beauty: Simple and Girly, pink and grey make a perfect combo for this mani

Polarbelle: Would you like a serum that turns back the clock of time that ravages our faces? This is it.

Perilously Pale: shu uemura will have you feeling hungry for a sweet treat with the Mint & Vanilla Palette from their Autumn Winter 2012 Chocolat Donna Collection

Midnight Manicures: Happy Birthday Julep Maven Program! Check out what Jeanie received in her August Maven Box and details on how you can become a Julep Maven.

All Things Beautiful: Check out the review & GIVEAWAY of a new type of subscription box (similar to Birchbox & Glossybox) that revolves around gourmet foods! & enter to win!

Amber Did It!: Amber shares a simple and easy stripes and skittles metallic manicure.

The Beauty Delicacy: Sharing my Summer accessory haul part 2! It’s mostly about the hair.

Beauty Apocalypse: Gives some great beauty alternatives to petroleum jelly.

Baking Beauty: Get great lipstick without breaking the bank!

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Blogger Friends Forever: Animals

Today's theme is animals! I was really excited to this one because I love animals :) I chose my top five to use for this mani. Here's the ones I freehanded:

My favorite animals are #1 Dolphins #2 Otters #3 Ducks #4 Tigers and #5 Lions. I had lots and lots of trouble with the otter and the detail on the duck was a challenge. In the end, I still think they're pretty cute. The lion is by far my fave. He just looks adorable! What's your favorite animal?!

Materials used:

Dolphin: Revlon Royal, Blue Mosaic, Bundle Monster BM 320, Pure Ice Silver Mercedes.

Otter: China Glaze Elephant Walk and black acrylic paint.

Duck: Kleancolor Neon Aqua, Zoya Pippa, OPI In My Back Pocket, black acrylic paint.

Tiger: China Glaze Desert Sun, black acrylic paint.

Lion: China Glaze Kalahari Kiss, Desert Sun, Orly Buried Alive and black acrylic paint.

Here are the fabulous bloggers participating in this challenge:

Thiamere of On Beauty Stuff & What Else's

Pram of My Nail Polish Addiction

Bec of Lacquer Dreams

Kerrie of PishPosh and Polish

Caitlin of Caitlin's Creative Corner

Emma of Manicurity

Sally Of Nail Pron

And here's what we have in store! (My week is August 23-25)