Sally Sale Haul...

Hey again!
A friend from school (who knows I'm crazy about polish) called me and told me about a sale going on at Sally's Beauty Stores. Buy 2 Get 1 Free on all nail polishes. So I went today with my friend (and studying partner / law school partner in crime) as a reward for all this studying we've been doing. Here is what I got:

FingerPaints (L to R)

Hue Left A Message?

Laugh My Art Off

Sketch N Etch

Please ignore the pictures crap-tastic quality... I took it with my phone. LOL!

Be sure to run to Sally's and take advantage of this sale!

NOTD - I didn't have a choice!

Hey Ladies!

Still studying for finals like my life depended on it (and it does)! But I had a chance to change my polish.

So, I didn't have a choice but to paint my nails with "Bella's Choice" from H&M! I have been wanting this polish for soooooooooooo long. Hooray for International Swaps!

This is 2 coats. Again, I don't have time to Konad now with all this studying. But its ok because this color is simply gorgeous on its own! I am in love!

And a small rant that has nothing to do with polish: I'm annoyed that I can't make a category/label called "H&M" for this post because it doesn't allow the "&" symbol. Instead I have to put "H and M." How ugly! I don't know why this annoys me so much.

Happy Polishing!

You have NO idea!

*sigh*

I was just txting Lissi to tell her... I think soon, hopefully very soon, I'll be able to start posting again. Since my move earlier this month and the 6 breaks out of 10 fingernails I've been trying my hardest to take care of my nails. All the breaks and the splitting and my all-time favorite, PEELING, has left me uninspired, to say the least. All I want to do is walk around with my hands in my pockets. :(

A little peel, some OPI Nail Envy, then at the end of the week the peel kinda grew but was still a peel, so I pick and peel away and then buff, and then the whole process starts again and I want to SCREAM! I tell you, it's an endless cycle. They're still sooooooo short and I have a long way to go to get them in shape how they USED to be.

Anyway, I think this weekend I might finally be able to do some manicure hands and hopefully, by the following week I can do a "real" manicure with color and decor. Let's pray!

I've been keeping up with all the posts from you lovely ladies, but I've missed posting myself.

Soon. Hopefully.

Mari

My First International Swap

As you all know, I'm studying for finals. That puts me in a bad mood. Who wants to study and suffer through law school exams for 3 weeks? Not me! So the sight of a box in my mailbox brought a much needed smile to my face!

The lovely Mirjam from Colour Victim did a swap with me. By the way, check out her blog! I sent her Claire Mood Polishes and Sinful Color Polishes. In exchange, I got my very first bottles of Catrice Polishes and H&M Polishes. I can't wait to use these!

From Left to Right:
Catrice:
     270 Blue My Mind!
     260 Blue's Brother
     240 Sold Out For Ever
H&M
     Sinful Señorita
     Creme De La Creme
     Material Girl
     Just A Fling

Most importantly, I am able to say that I no longer have to stare at other bloggers picture of Bella's Choice and turn green with envy. I have my own bottle! So gorgeous! I can't wait to use it!

It's funny how something so small can make you so happy!

Also, a special thanks to Clementine!

I look forward to swatching all of these and posting them up soon!

Happy Polishing!

NOTD - Hungry For Some Grapes

Green Grapes.... Better yet, Gargantuan Green Grapes!

Hey! Again, sorry for my absence. I've been having a rough time these last 2 weeks. And it's only going to get worse because finals start on Monday and I've been studying ever since. But I will try my best.

I had a presentation to do last week where we got to play lawyer and argue our case in our school's courtroom in front of a panel of 3 judges/lawyers. We had to wear a suit and everything. I wanted to look professional so I didn't do crazy nails. I painted them with China Glaze's "Good Witch" but I completely forgot to take pictures. But it's ok because I changed the color again 2 days later.

This is 3 coats of OPI's Gargantuan Green Grape. At certain points in the sun I realize that I should have done 4 coats. But it's still good.

I feel weird with just polish on my nails. I want to stamp something. But my time is going to be limited for a bit. I rather have polish with no stamping done than nothing at all. Right?

Happy Polishing!

Be Green and Save Green

Straight from Zoya's website:

Zoya Nail Polish Exchange

Keep the planet a little bit greener one bottle of nail polish at a time!

Announcing the 2010 Zoya Nail Polish Exchange. For a limited time, kicking off on Earth Day (April 22, 2010 - 12 PM EST), Zoya Nail Polish will exchange your old, out-of-style, unwanted nail color and replenish your nail polish supply with fresh Zoya fashion colors. Simply send in six or more bottles of old polish - any brand other than Zoya, Qtica or Nocti, new or used - and we'll send you the new Zoya colors of your choice in a bottle-for-bottle exchange.

That's right - no exceptions, no questions. All you pay is $3.50 per bottle to cover shipping and processing. Choose from over 300 formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) free, long-lasting, award winning, healthy colors to replace your old color! Zoya will properly dispose of your old polish according to EPA guidelines.


* Any brand other than Zoya, Qtica or Nocti. New or used, empty or full. Minimum of six bottles. Send with the required shipping, processing fees and documentation to have the old color disposed of according to EPA guidelines and to qualify for NEW Zoya Nail Polish at no charge. Shipping and processing fees required for exchange. Restrictions apply. Available in continental US only. Limited time offer. Exchange ends June 30th, 2010.

FYI: Blog Awards

As I said earlier, times a little tough now. But I just want to say that I haven't been ignoring the Blog Awards we have received. I have a reminder set so I can post them all up and tag everyone in return. So please don't think that I'm ungrateful and haven't acknowledged them. I have seen them and have appreciated every single one. It's nice to see that our little blog is noticed by others! I'll be posting up those blog awards as soon as can. Thank you to those who tagged us! =)

Happy Appellate Brief Completion To Me!

Hey again!

LOL, I didn't post for 6 days and then I spam you guys all in one night! 

I just wanted to post this. I got my reward for working so hard on my Appellate Brief two weekends ago. I present to you Nfu-Oh #65.

I officially own 2 Nfu-Oh polishes. LOL! I fell in love with this color after Lacquerized blogged about it (here). I'm obsessed with blue and I've seen plenty of blue holos. But I've never seen a baby blueish holo. My dreams had come true when I saw this! I received it in the mail on Saturday. Ignore my thumb, I didn't really paint my nails with it. I was just testing it on one nail over the mani I already had. LOL!

Again, sorry for the crappy quality picture. Took this with my phone in the car before the sun was completely gone.

Can't wait to paint my nails with this beauty!

NOTD - Aliens Invaded My Nails

Hey!

So my last manicure didn't last a full 2 days. But you have to look at the positive in a bad situation... Right? A chip = Polish Change! And I did just that.

This is Zoya's "Adina." To me, this color reminds me of Aliens. I know, I'm weird... I've swatched this color before but have never actually worn it as a mani. I wasn't feeling very creative so I didn't stamp anything. I tried to take the best picture I could to capture all of its tones.

Happy Polishing!

P.S. - Yes, that is homework on the background of one of the pictures. LOL! What can I say... When the lighting is right, you have to go for it.

Crimes Against Nails

Dear Nail Lovers,

Please be on the lookout... There is some "thing" viciously attacking nails while you aren't looking. This assailant is heartless and out for blood (or paint). He hides in the shadows and will stop at nothing to ruin your perfect manicure. He can attack without your knowledge. Be cautious. Please provide the proper authorities with any information to his whereabouts. 

Don't mind the horrible quality picture. I took this with my iPhone when I noticed I was missing an entire nails worth of paint!

KOTD: Teal My Flowers Bloom

Hey!

I know I haven't posted as usual this week but I haven't abandoned the blog! Life is just dealing me some cards I don't like. I'm trying my best to handle it all but its tough. This semester is ending and we are getting close to finals. That alone is stressful and crazy. On top of that, I've had some unexpected family issues going on. My father isn't in the best health but I don't think I'm ready to fully discuss that issue on the blog. I've barely been able to keep up with all the blogs I follow but I've noticed a wave of other bloggers having issues with family members and their health. I simply ask that you keep us in your thoughts/prayers and be understanding of any time lapse you notice in my posting. This has all had an affect on me, bigger than I thought. I'm going to try to keep my sanity during this rough patch but it isn't easy with everything that is on my plate. I promise I'll try to keep up with blogging. But at the end of the day, school and family are #1. If you see that I disappear for a few days, don't give up! I'll always come back! I'll keep doing my nails and taking pictures so I can post it ALL up.

This is the mani I did on Sunday!

This is 2 coats of Sally Hansen's "The Real Teal." Then I used two of the flower designs on M51. I used the larger flower image and stamped that on the top of my ring fingers at an angle. Then I used the smaller flower image and stamped that on all my other nails. I used Konad's Special Polish in White but for some reason it didn't look so white in person after I applied topcoat. It looked more like a very very pale yellow. LOL! I don't understand what happened. Topcoat has never changed the color of the Konad White Polish. Maybe the Teal made it seem yellow.

Unfortunately, this mani didn't last a full 2 days. I suffered some unknown violent attack on my index finger and all the paint came off!

Hope you gals like it!

Piggy Paint

Quick post!

I have been catching up on all the blogs I follow and Polish Galore posted something that caught my attention. Piggy Paint! It's nail polish safe for children! I love seeing things like this so I just wanted to quickly help spread the word!

Has anyone else tried their polish yet? Any opinions?

Random Questions!

So, let's strike up a random conversation! Can you gals tell that I'm bored? I figured this could be fun! Feel free to jump in and answer or add whatever you'd like.

What made you gals start painting your nails?

Which is your #1 favorite brand?

Where do you gals get most of your polish from?

How many bottles do you proudly own? LOL!

Where do you gals get your fauxnad image plates from?

What made you gals take the leap and start a blog?

If you have a blog, why did you pick the name that you did?

How many blogs do you all follow?
... I apparently follow 152 blogs via RSS Feed. I didn't realize I had that many until I counted them just now...

KOTD: The "Queen" of Blues!

Hey Addicts!

So my attempts to make my prior mani last longer failed miserably. I had put a coat of white polish underneath OMG. Yeah... that didn't work. LOL! I had an encounter with the edge of a table and suffered two massive chips. So you know what that means.... New mani!

It's funny because people at school notice how often I change my nail polish. I had one mani on Monday, another on Tuesday-Wednesday, and another one today. So one guy in class is like: "You changed your nails AGAIN?" Boys, they just don't understand!

I present to you, in my honest opinion, the Queen of all blue polish!

China Glaze's "Frostbite"

I applied 2 coats of China Glaze's "Frostbite." Then I stamped the crown from image plate M40 with Konad's Special White Polish. I put the crown because this blue is the Queen of them all for me! These pictures don't do this color justice. I've caught myself staring at the color on my nails all thoughout the day. It such a vibrant electrical blue. Simply gorgeous!

Happy Polishing!

Update: I forgot to mention that I did only 2 coats because it looked solid last night. But now I see in the pictures that there is a little bit of a VNL in the sunlight. Oops! LOL!

ChiChi Strikes Again

Hey Addicts!

So I mentioned in an earlier post that I did my nieces nails yesterday (Monday). I spoke to my sister early that morning and she told me that ChiChi (my niece) had lined up her little nail polish bottles and had said that "TiTi (me) was going to pick her up from school and paint her nails." She had even decided what colors I was going to stamp with... Of course, I wasn't aware that I was going to do this yet. I love the way toddles are innocently demanding. Although I was beyond exhausted and in a desperate need of sleep, I thought that was simply adorable! So I picked her up and painted her nails. Here is what she decided on:

She wanted blue polish... But since she is only 4 I picked Essie's "Looking For Love." (2 Coats) Then I stamped stars (M3) using Sally Hansen's "Twisted Pink." Her nails are so small that I only stamped two stars from the image.

It's so cute though. She was sitting there, not moving, and continually asking: "Is it dry yet?" I love seeing how proud she is of her nails. She shows everyone! My sister told me she ran into the daycare this morning and was showing everyone and saying "Look at my nails. Look at my stars!" Ohh... To be young again. LOL!

I also forgot to mention something in my earlier post. "Jo.Frougal" from Frougal commented on my Giveaway Winner post. She recommended celebration and suggested some "retail therapy" as a reward for the crazy paper I worked on ALL weekend. And you know what... That was a great idea! It seems the nail polish Gods decided to grant my wish. I wanted to get Nfu-Oh #65 since they were all on sale. But by the time I got around to it last week #65 was Sold Out. I was so sad. So I checked it again a little while ago and it wasn't sold out anymore! I placed my order immediately! So that is my reward to myself. I can't wait to get it! Thank you Jo.Frougal!

Happy Polishing!

KOTD: OMG, Konad Black is a mess!

Hey Addicts!

If you've already read the post about the giveaway winner, you already know my sleeping dilemma. I'm still sleepy!

So I chipped a few nails during my typing frenzy this weekend (final Appellate Brief due yesterday). But I managed to do my nails once it was all over.

Ignore the smear on the tip of my ring ringer. 

And ignore the burn on my index finger... damn curling iron!

I know some holo's tend to chip rather quickly so I did a base coat with China Glaze's "White On White." (1 coat) Then I did two coats of China Glaze's "OMG." Application was a little bit of a pain but totally worth it. Then I used the the image on M57 with Konad's Special Black Polish. What are these spots anyways? Leopard? Cheetah? Whatever... LOL!

"OMG" is an amazing color! AMAZING! I am so glad the sun was cooperating today. I can't help but sit and stare at it ALL the time. Gorgeous! It's like a rainbow on my nails.

Insert mini rant here: Is anyone else really annoyed with the Konad Black Polish? What a pain to remove!!! I love it to stamp... but hate cleaning it up! What horror! It gets everywhere. It takes up twice the amount of effort to get rid of. My stamper is STILL stained black. Ugh! Anyone else have this issue? Or does Konad just hate me? LOL!

Giveaway Winner!

Hey Addicts!

I know I said the giveaway winner was going to be announced yesterday... but let me explain. Even though the giveaway ended Friday, I originally said I would announce the winner on Monday because I had my final massive assignment due and I knew I wasn't going to be able to count up all the entries over the weekend. Since my assignment was due Monday morning, I figured I would have time after to sort it all out. Boy was I wrong. I finished my assignment on time but I never expected that I would have to NOT sleep Sunday in order to get it done. And I don't mean the "I didn't sleep" kind where you really mean that you only slept a little. I literally mean that I never slept. I worked through the entire night, went to Kinkos to get it bound early Monday morning, and went straight to school to turn it in. So I was basically a Zombie throughout the entire day. I was so sleepy! Then I picked up my niece from school because she wanted me to do her nails. I did her nails and figured I would paint mine as well once she left. So I painted one coat and put my head down on the kitchen counter while I let that coat dry a bit.... I feel asleep! According to my mother, I was only out for like 10 minute. LOL! Anyways, later on I was watching some TV after finally counting up all the entries. However, I fell asleep again and didn't wake up until this morning. I felt like a toddler, falling asleep everywhere!

But nevertheless, I am here to announce the winner!

And I just want to add that I never expected this giveaway would generate 843 entries from 392 people. Crazy!

I had to use Random.org to pick a winner because that cute Hat program doesn't seem to work on a MAC. LOL!

So 66 is the lucky number! Entries 63-67 were held by.....








.....








~Elizabeth aka Lacquered Lizard~ from Lacquered Lizard! Congratulations! I'll be emailing you later today to get your information (unless you happen to see this first and want to beat me to it)!

Thank you to everyone who entered. We never expected this giveaway would take us from 64 followers to 490! We appreciate every single one of you!

KOTD: Barrister's Ball Mani

Hey Addicts!

First, I want to say thank you for the great advice I received in response to my "Need Advice - Part 2" post. You all had wonderful ideas.

So, after a lot of thinking... and many attempts... and many different looks... Here is the final look for tonight!

The base color is OPI's "Sand In My Suit," which is like a beige-nude. I put two coats and then a coat of Seche Vite. Once it dried, I used the Orly French Tip Stickers to mark the space for the french tip. I then used the swirl tip image on plate M56 with Konad's Special White polish. Then I stamped the little leaf image on plate M51 with Chanel's "Very Vamp" polish, which is a more brown version of Chanel's "Vamp." Then, finished it all off with another coat of Seche Vite.

Hope you gals like it. Time for me to go get ready!

Link Love 4.10.10

Looking for a color that would flatter tanned skin? Well look no further than the cheery coral goodness that Prim and Polished feels will do just that.

We all need a little break from the hustle and bustle of the real world, so join Manicure Mommas as they take us on a OPI Fantasy ride.

And once the ride is over, quick pit stop in NYC, where Polish on Digital Paper acts out a scene from a classic movie... ON HER NAILS!

Then on to France with Gilded Angel.... Parlez vous francais?

polishSWATCHES brings you an exact dupe for a color in the Zoya Flash collection. Check your stashes to see if you already have it.

And of course there are always a few giveaways...

ask yourself, "Do you feel lucky?"

Nail Addicts Anonymous is hosting their very first giveaway! Join in the celebration and win some goodies!

Prim and Polished is having a giveaway in honor of her birthday. Check out the wonderful gifts.... she's giving to you!

And then last but not least...

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PERFECT 10 TODAY!...

Everyone please leave her a comment wishing her a wonderful day!

I won a SkinMD bottle!

I'm going posting happy tonight!

So I just wanted to post and send a big "Thank You" to Nihrida and SkinMD (if they even know my blog exists). Nihrida and SkinMD had a giveaway (here) and I won!

Here is my very own bottle of SkinMD! I can't wait to continue using this product. Check back with us. I may post up a review.

On a side note, please check out Nihrida's Blog. Although I'm sure many of you already know about her! Her blog is amazing. She has gorgeous nails, a great taste in polish, and seems like an overall great person.

Thanks for reading! Happy Polishing!

KOTD: Showering w/ Stars

Hey Addicts!

Here is my KOTD since Monday! I wanted to keep the Easter mani longer but my nail had a violent encounter with my car door.

This is China Glaze's "Shower Together." I did 2 coats but could have done 3. There isn't much of a VNL but sometimes when the sunlight hits it at the right angle... Then I stamped the stars (M3) with China Glaze's "OMG."

I actually got a little annoyed stamping these stars. The smallest star refused to come out. And I was suffering from a migraine while painting so I didn't feel like taking more time to clean off the small star from the stamper before stamping. A migraine has a way of making you not care about things and small details. I'm surprised I lasted long enough to even finish stamping all my nails.

I hope you guys like it. I'm off to continue debating my Barrister's Ball mani. Wish me luck!

Happy Polishing! =)

Need Advice - Part 2

Hey Addicts!

So now it's my turn to seek advice from all you nail-polishers out there. Here goes...

I'm going to the Barrister's Ball this Friday night. In case you don't know, Barrister's Ball is an event done at the end of the academic year in almost all the law schools in the US. It's like a prom but for law school and much nicer. It's also a formal event. Translation: No funky nails.

So what should I do to my nails? A french? A french with a twist? A konad french? Color? HELP!

And in case it helps the inspiration, below is my dress. Please forgive the horrible picture. This was me trying it on at the dress place before alterations were made. And I took it on my phone so it's not the best quality. And yes, I cropped myself out. I looked horrible that day. LOL! The dress is bronze. (Hope you guys like it!)

Please help me! 

Need advice, ladies....

I'm over the peeling nails. OVER IT! As most of you know from my post last week, I did some moving and broke 6 nails in the process. The breakage started because of peeling and of course I have to inspect the peel and God forbid I get a moment to REALLY look at it, then I start picking, lift the peel and off it goes! The aftermath: painful, icky-looking nails filed down to the nail beds.

I've been currently using OPI's Nail Envy for Peeling Nails but I think I need something heavy duty/maximum strength/more potent. This has been the case all my life. When I get fed up, I go the acrylic route but I really want to avoid that this time.

Any recommendations?
Thanks so much.

Happy Monday!

Mari

Easter Skittles!

Hey Addicts!

Happy Easter to all of you who celebrate it! Happy Sunday to those that don't! Either way, I hope you all had a great day!

I have been dying to try a skittles mani for the longest time. *begins mini rant* I hate Skittles candy though. Am I the only person on earth that runs away at the sight of those little evil colored candies. And are they the wannabe Superman's of the candy world with that little "S" on their chest? So, why does it have to be called a Skittles mani? Is it just because it's different colors? M&M's are different colors too! I'm going to call this my "Pastel M&M's Mani" simply because of my irrationally exaggerated hatred toward Skittles. No offense to you Skittle lovers out there! =) *ends mini rant*

Thumb: China Glaze's "Lemon Fizz" (2 coats)
Index: Color Club's "Take Me To Your Chateau" (2 coats)
Middle: Color Club's "Believe In Amour" (3 coats)
Ring: OPI's "Done Out In Deco" (2 coats)
Pinky: OPI's "Gargantuan Green Grape" (3 coats)

Hope you gals like it! Happy polishing!

Nfu-Oh's On Sale!

Hey Addicts!

Just wanted to make a quick post and let you all know (if you don't know already) that FabulousStreet is having a sale! It seems that all their Nfu-Oh polishes have some sort of discount. Supposedly this will last until the end of the month!

So if you were planning on making a purchase... Now is the time!

Happy Polishing (and potential shopping)!

*sniffle, sniffle*

moving. broken 6 nails. nuff said.

*sniffle*

NOTD/Swatch - OPI's Jade is the New Black

Hello Addicts! Hope everyone is doing well out there in the polish world!

I took off my black/flakes polish yesterday but didn't know what color to do next. I didn't want to do a crazy mani because I'm changing it on Friday or Saturday for Easter. So... I decided to test out OPI's "Jade Is The New Black." First, I have to say that I'm not a very green person. I own a few greens but I have to really really really like it before I'll get it. This color always looked nice online but not enough for me to get it for myself. So I gave it a try since I had my friends bottle in my possession. Ok... I love it! It is such a beautiful shade!

OPI's - Jade Is The New Black (2 coats)

And a minor update on us. In case anyone has wondered where Mari is, she hasn't disappeared and hasn't abandoned nail polish. She is just moving. I'm sure her polishes are in a dark and crowded box. And she has broken god knows how many nails already. But have no fear! She shall return this weekend! LOL!

Happy Polishing!