I'm Back!

Hello world!

I took a year-long sabbatical and am ready to get back in the game of polish.  Where was I, you ask?

Shortly after my last posted mani, I found out that my hubs and I were going to have a baby!  Well, if you've ever been pregnant, you know that your normal life is kinda sorta thrown outta whack.  Food aversions, smell aversions, nausea, fatigue, yadda yadda yadda.  Nine months later, my little Mancub came into the world, changing my life forever.  I have since become a stay-at-home mommy and the adjustment hasn't been quite as difficult as I imagined.  In fact, it's kind of awesome and I love seeing the dude grow and change and develop.

So, slowly but surely, I've been catching up with my nail-painting late at night when everyone is sleeping except the dog and myself.  We turn on Netflix, take out the 100+ polishes, and look for inspiration on Pinterest.

By the way, Sally Hansen's Salon Effects are AMAZING when you have a baby.  No dry time, easy to apply, minimal cleanup (I still clean up the edges and slap on a clear coat), and long-wearing.  Especially love the Salon Effects French Mani line because I hate painting tips.  They're pre-cut and easy to apply (and super cute).

Here are some little pieces of work that I've done since I've been out.

Mary Kay "Gold Leaf", Revlon "Posh", Essie "Leading Lady"

Sally Hansen Salon Effects French Mani "Excusez Moi" 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects French Mani "Polka Party" 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects French Mani "Silver Lining", Mary Kay "Radiant Red"

Mary Kay "Pink Bamboo", Essie "Turquoise & Caicos", OPI "White Base", China Glaze "Full Spectrum"

31 Day Challenge: Day 14

So, it's obviously been a while since my last post of the 31 day challenge.  It never specified to do the 31 days consecutively (although, I suppose that would make it more of a challenge, wouldn't it?).  So please forgive me from my long absence in the world of nail art/painting/etc. and let's continue this shin dig!

The 14th day's challenge is to use flowers.  I did this one back in May and never posted it.  It's just been hanging out on my camera for over a month.  I did this while on a "camping" (I use the term loosely because we were in an RV) trip with my parents.  Not my jazziest work, but it sufficed for meeting the requirements.

China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy and OPI Alpine Snow

On another note, to celebrate our nation's birthday my sister and her sister-in-law requested some nail art to reflect their patriotic spirits when I visited the weekend before the 4th of July.  We had so much fun, (even though I'm pretty sure I got high from polish fumes) and I love how both of their manicures turned out!

Carrie:  Red, White, and Blue Marbled tips with a red glitter line.  I'd give you names, but I don't remember which ones we used.

Lauren:  OPI OPI Red base with white and blue cresent polka dots, and rhinestones on her accent finger all topped with China Glaze Fairy Dust.

Hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday!

-Kris

31 Day Challenge: Day 13

It's a jungle out there!

Today's challenge was animal print and I took a stab at some leopard spots.  I actually did this all yesterday, but I just bought a new camera and was figuring things out.  By the time I was ready to update, it was late at night and my indoor pictures weren't as good as taking outdoor pictures.  So this one is a little late, but it's so worth it because it's awesome!

I did a neon rainbow leopard print with holographic microglitter on top.  Essie Instant Hot is the base because it had a little shimmer to it (although, I'm starting to feel that a stark white polish would have been better).  The neon rainbow spots are China Glaze Towel Boy Toy, China Glaze Kiwi Cool-ada, Orly Glowstick, Orly Popsicle, China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, China Glaze Purple Panic, and Kiss Nail Art Paint in Black.  Then I swiped China Glaze Fairy Dust all over it.

I name this manicure:  Lisa Frank Inspired Leopard Nails.

-Kris

31 Day Challenge: Day 12

Happy Hump Day!

Today's challenge is Stripes and I pulled my inspiration from this beautiful modern quilt seen here on flickr (Copyrighted, so I'm not going to steal the pic.  Just go check out its loveliness, please.).  I just loved it and knew that I wanted to try to recreate those funky stripes.

I used China Glaze White on White, Essie Power Clutch, and China Glaze Towel Boy Toy for my funky modern stripes.  It was kind of fun because all I had to do was cut up some tape in crooked (but straight) lines, apply, and paint.  YAY!  My lines bled a little because I put the top coat on before my stripes were completely dry, but I love how it turned out.

Hope you enjoy!

-Kris

31 Day Challenge: Day 11

Polka Polka Polka Dots!

I'm getting more and more comfortable using my dotting tool, and I loved doing my nail art today.  I did a pink, white, and gray combination with my polka dots and am pleased as punch by the result.

For today's challenge, I used Confetti Dance Party Pink, Confetti First Kiss, Essie Power Clutch, and Kiss Nail Art Paint in White.

So now that I've unwinded today with a little nail art, I've got some din to get started to feed the hungry hubs!

Have a great evening!

-Kris

31 Day Challenge: Day 10

So, today's post is a day late...  Sorry!  I hope every one had an enjoyable Mother's Day.

Today's challenge is "Gradient" and it was tough!  Not to mention I hacked away my cuticles with my new snippers (ouch).  I use Revlon Blue Lagoon (that could be a dupe to Sinful Colors Cinderella) and China Glaze White on White.  The technique I attempted can be found here at The Nailasaurus. 

-Kris

31 Day Challenge: Day 9

Every time I see a rainbow I have to stop what I'm doing and enjoy its beauty.  Fortunately for me, today's challenge is to create nail art incorporating a rainbow.  I was inspired to try this design from color-happy.blogspot.com because it was just too stinkin' cute to pass!

It was surprisingly easy to do, too.  First, I did a white base coat with Orly White Tips.  Then I rounded up the best rainbow colors in my stash:  OPI OPI Red, OPI A Roll in the Hague, OPI Lemonade Stand By Your Man, Revlon Posh, China Glaze Towel Boy Toy, and OPI Purple With A Purpose.  Then I topped it off with China Glaze Fairy Dust, a holographic microglitter.  The perfect glitter to put on top of a rainbow!

It's so cheery!  It's too bad I have to take it off tomorrow.

Happy Saturday!

-Kris