40 Great Nail Art Ideas: Geeks

As you can see, this is a late post. To be honest, I had almost thrown in the towel on blogging this week. I really thought I was done. I had even created a mani for The Digit-al Dozen Does Autumn Week, but I couldn't get it to turn out the way I wanted it to and so I became anxious and gave up. I told the DD ladies that I didn't know what to do anymore. 

But! I woke up this morning with an idea for a mani! A mani that fits both themes that I needed today! I needed a Digit-al Dozen Autumn mani and I needed 40 Great Nail Art Idea: Geeks mani.

And I did it! I did it! I can't believe I did it! Yay! (Hahahahahaha, I hope someone sung that song while reading that).

I am hoping you all can tell where I got my inspiration. (pssst, my own blog!) 

Owl and colors I used = Autumn. Steampunk and Owl = Geek (because that's me!). Boo-yah! I tried to match the colors as close as I could (thought I did a pretty fantabulous job). 

My blog designs were all created by a dear friend of mine Missy (from Gnarly Gnails) (girl, I wish you were still blogging!I miss your face!). Looking over the icons and avatar and header she created got me thinking about the past couple of years. I realized that though I myself haven't grown so much as an artist (I think this is as good as it gets) but I do know that I have grown as a person. You all have been there for me, complete strangers, and yet we are all connected. And that is why I love the nail polish community!

So I chose my own blog design because the prompt was Geeks and I am a big huge Geek (with a capital G)!

I used BarryM Chai for the base of three of my nails (actually, this mani was a full mani....yep, all ten! Woot woot!). My accent finger is Pretty & Polished In the Buff (a gorgeous dusty mustard! Yummy!). I stamped using BarryM Cancun and Barry M Mustard using Messy Mansion MM43 for the Steampunk aspect. I used Konad Black and Born Pretty BP-L019 for the owl (I think he looks a lot like my little tab avatar guy). I used HK Girl Top Coat.

Guess what. I did this mani in an hour. All ten fingers! All with first try stamping! I think the polish gods were smiling down on me. I think I should take this as a sign. ;)

This is the collage for last week's 40 Great Nail Art Ideas: Teal (+ a pattern). I love these collages!

Don't forget to check out the other DD Ladies and their Autumn manis!

An InLinkz Link-up

Also don't forget to check out the other Geeks among us! :)

An InLinkz Link-up

40 Great Nail Art Ideas: Teal (+ Skittle)

It's another Friday and that means another challenge from Crumpet's Nail Tarts 40 Great Nail Art Ideas. But this week starts something different with the challenge. Last week we did a theme. This week it's a color prompt (Teal) and a pattern prompt (with each of us doing a different pattern prompt!). So many ideas to be inspired by!

Ok, so funny story. Well, sort of. This past week has been kind of crazy, just a lot of drama and a lot of stress and anxiety (wait? like that's something new? hahahahaha!). So I didn't get to create my mani until today. I had the idea but not the time. 

So this morning I woke up and got ready. I had to take a conference call for work and when that was done I knew I had three hours before work and could get my mani done. So I started and was doing everything, painting and stamping away.

I happened to look up at the time trying to calculate when I needed to start my lunch so I could eat before I went to work. By now I am finishing up my last few stamps when it dawned on me.

I work an hour earlier today than my normal time! Yikes! I had 20 minutes to finish getting dressed (I had on comfy pants and not my work pants), eat, and get to work which is ten minutes away!

I slapped the last two stamps on, grabbed my camera took some photos (because I knew my mani wasn't going to last through work with it being a truck day and all). Got dressed and flew out the door. I made it just in time!

So the quality of my photos (or lack thereof) is due to being rushed. But, it still kind of fits my mani.

Didn't have time to set up my light box! My mani represents Anxiety Awareness. A teal ribbon represents (among many of things) Anxiety Awareness. As most of you know, I suffer from both anxiety and depression. I know that it will always be a part of me and I am ok with that because having anxiety and depression have made me who I am today. I am stronger than I would have been. 

Even today with all of our technological marvels there are some who still believe that mental illness isn't real. Because we can't see it or touch it directly it can't exist. But we can't see the wind or touch it directly, and it exists.

Mental illness can be seen in the faces of many on this planet; it touches nearly 1 in 4 Americans annually. How can people not believe that it exists?! It is an illness, not a weakness. You can't just buck up and all is good. Would you say that to someone with a broken arm or cancer or diabetes? No, you wouldn't. So why then mental illness?

We need to end the stigma. We need to catch up to all the amazing technology we have because if we as a society think that mental illness isn't real, then why should advance with anything else? Why then are not still just treating our humours and blood letting and using leeches?

End the stigma. #IAmStigmaFree

I used BarryM Cancun as my base. On my index finger I chose the butterfly as a representation of becoming more beautiful through our challenges. I used BarryM Cotton and A England Saint George with UberChic 3-01. My middle finger is also from (as are all the rest of the stamped images) from UrberChic 3-01. The words, stamped with A England Saint George talk about fighting the good fight, never face your fears alone. My ring finger is also stamped with Saint George and simply says: Faith, Hope Love. Because it helps to have all three of those when you are struggling. My little finger has a stamped image of Konad White and UberChic 3-01. I used this image to represent confusion and stress. The teal ribbon (Saint George) is stamped over it to create awareness.

The rushed feeling of these photos helps to portray a bit of anxiety.

Here is last week's collage of the theme: Hobbies

Amazing huh!

If you want to follow us, you can find our Pinterest Board here - all the members will also be sharing the collages on IG and Facebook with the above hashtags. I hope you enjoy and find it as useful as we're finding it fun!

And don't forget to check out the other Teal prompts!

An InLinkz Link-up

40 Great Nail Art Ideas - Hobbies

Hello Owlets! I have a new adventure to share with you, a rather grand adventure! It's a new nail art challenge from Crumpet's Nail Tarts called 40 Great Nail Art Ideas.

It's a fabulous new challenge with prompts for each week, we post on Fridays, with a huge link up! So many fabulous ideas to be inspired by!

Today's prompt is hobbies! Besides nail art and polish my other (ok, one of my many other) hobby is makeup. I love it, I work with it, I buy, I hoard collect it! My job is being a Prestige Manager at Ulta I get to play with makeup all day helping others find products and color matching them so they get the right items. I get to go to classes with the brands and learn about their products!

I get to help change a life when I am able to cover and conceal imperfections that they do not like. To hear them gasp and see their face when they look into the mirror and love what they see.  To see a guest leave with their head held high warms my heart!

One of my favorite brands is Urban Decay. This is most of my Urban Decay makeup, what's missing is the palette I created from depotting other shadow palettes (and it's full!). My goal is to own every single eyeliner they make as well as the Moondust shadows (they are the light silver circle shadows that you can see in the photo). I am way pumped to see what Urban Decay and Gwen Stefani have created! Can't wait to see that line!

So I decided to create a mani that is inspired by the Vice 4 Palette, specifically the bag it comes with.

I used Color Club Harp on It as my base. Needed the silver holo to match the holo lines on the bag! I stamped using Konad Black and Pet'la Geomatrix, the image was perfect for it! I used HK Girl topcoat to make it shine!

I really loved how this turned out! Sorry for some tip wear, really hard to wrap tips with nubs! >_<

If you want to follow us, you can find our Pinterest Board here - all the members will also be sharing the collages on IG and Facebook with the above hashtags. I hope you enjoy and find it as useful as we're finding it fun!

And don't forget to check out the other hobbies that we all love!

An InLinkz Link-up

Empties: September Empties Plus Some

Say what!? I'm caught up with my empties! Can I get a what! What! I really thought I'd never catch up, but I did! And now my empties bucket is.....empty! Yay! So these empties are from July, August, and September.

AG High & Dry: I really like this finishing spray. It gives great volume without a ton of shine. It even can create a bit of curl in my very non curly hair. I bought a few of these as AG was redoing their packaging so I got them for cheap! :)

Kenra Shine Spray: Hahahahahahaha! I love that I put a matte hair product with a shine spray! I've reviewed this product in previous empties and still love it. But, I really don't like the price, kind of expensive. I am on the look out for a similar item.

Sexy Hair Get Layered: Ok, this is one of my favorite new finds (though I did show a small one last empties post). I love this hairspray because you can so totally layer this product.....a lot! And it stays soft and holds all day! I'm working on my next bottle already. :)

Kenra Volume Spray: Meh. I had to finish this, but I don't like this spray anymore. A few empties ago I loved it. But now, I realize it dulls your hair a lot! And you get helmet head. That 25 on the bottle? Hair holds up to 25 miles per hour wind. Yep, and it looks it.

Sexy Hair Spray Clay: I've had this for a really long time and forced myself to finish this. It's a texturizing spray, and yes it adds texture. Cruddy stiff texture. Yuck. No more to this one.

Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray: Got this in a little kit to try it out. This spray was good, was it the holy grail? No, I don't think so. It is a bit pricey so I won't be repurchasing because the one I do like (Sexy Hair Layered) goes on sale where this doesn't.

Redken Guts 10: I've used this in the past and wasn't to impressed. However, my hair stylist used it on my last haircut and I saw how she used it and I fell in love! Before I was using way too much. So I blow dry my hair and when it is almost completely dry I spray a few little spurts to the crown on my hair and then finish drying it. It adds just the right amount of volume! Working on another bottle!

Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray: Tried this because I was told it had fab hold and shine. Hmmmm, nope. No hold for me. And it dribbled each time I sprayed! That's a reason I don't really like this type of bottle.

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner: Ok, I love this toner! It is super gentle and calming. I used it to clean off my face after doing my hair to get all the hairspray junk off. This toner lasted for such a long time. I haven't repurchased yet, but I am going to be repurchasing!

Dermadoctor Litmus Test  Replenishing Toner: This is the first item I ever bought from Dermadoctor. I bought this because I researched this brand for work and loved what I read about this toner. It has glycolic and lactic acid which is super fabulous (lactic acid is much better for my skin as it is a bit more gentle) and helps to exfoliate your skin and helps with skin renewal. This toner is fabulous for hormonal acne (this right here is why I wanted to try it!)! You know, those pesky chin "friends" we get? Yep, it help to calm them and to hinder their appearance somewhat. Yes! This lasted me about six months! Which is good because it was a bit pricey for a toner ($37).

Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil: I've only tired a few oils for the face and I liked this one. Granted, I don't like the fact that the dropper top broke (it's rubber, what the heck?) My skin really loved this oil and soaked it up instantly, adding hydration and nutrients to my sad skin. I also used this with my Anastasia Creme Concealer kit to have be a bit more creamier when I was applying it.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation: I don't think I need to even review this one. This is my go to foundation, always will be! Fabulous coverage, buildable, and non-irritating.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden: So, I have a confession. This product is not empty. Nope, not even close. But I need to throw it away, it is stinky! I've had it for far too long. I'm not a huge fan of the Eden version of their primer; I like the original one better. So I didn't use it that often and went to use it the other day and opened it and it stunk! Like, I've had this open for probably two years! Eeeks! >_<

Benefit Roller Lash: I love this mascara! (I hate Benefit They're Real). This mascara really does curl your lashes! It's a nice inky black, your lashes stay soft, and best thing......way easy to remove than They're Real! I lurve this a lot. But I haven't bought another because I am trying to be good and use up what I have.....it's really hard!
Sephora Express Cleansing Wipes: I bought these to get my Sephora order over $50 for free shipping. I never used this to remove my full makeup so I can't tell you how they worked for that. But I did use them for fall out and eyeshadow cleanup while doing my makeup and for these, they are fabulous!
Vichy Idealia Life Serum: I'm on a Vichy kick right now. They are a fabulous brand for sensitive skin and reasonablly priced. I had this sample size of their serum and decided to try it. This serum is lightweight and adds hydration. So it has a really cool color, white with a bit of a pink flash to it, it is that pink flash that helps to brighten the skin; it has micro glitter. I mean really small and not a ton either. So no Ke$sha glitter here. I purchased the full size and am still loving it.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Brazilian Nut: Oh. My. Goodness! I love this product so so much! It is so heavenly. It smooths out your skin so gently but satisfying (so it does have a bit of good grit). Oh but the smell, yummy! It seems like chocolate frosting! Mmmmmm! I use this before shaving and on my dry rough knees, elbows, and heels.
DrJart+ Ceramidin Cream: So, this little tube is my second sample tube of this product. I first tried it through my Birchbox and really liked how it made my skin feel. I had always wanted to buy a full size but it's a tad pricey so I kept putting it off. I was able to find another tube (this one) and got a sample from an order and I hoarded these. I used them so sparingly, more as a spot treatment and not all over my face. But Sephora had a special with getting extra points if you bought something, so I bought my full size bottle of this. I'm not using it yet, attempting to use up the rest of my skincare junk. But I love the feeling when I apply this product. I imagine it deep into my skin and becoming the mortar to hold the cells together and help to create a barrier to keep my skin hydrated and youthful. And that is exactly what ceramides do, I just actually visualize it as I am applying! :)

So, that is all my empties for now. I hope to keep current with these so it doesn't become overwhelming. (or take up as much room! I was feeling like a hoarder with a pile of empty packages stored away)

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know what products you have recently finished!

The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creation Week: The Terrific Twos - Cotton by Glowstars

Today is the final day of The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creation Week, and for my final day I chose to do a mani that was created during our second anniversary hence the use of cotton (traditional two year anniversary gift). Who's mani is it?

Why Vic from Glowstars! I had a really good chuckle when she created this mani that I knew I had to re-create it at some point. What better day than today! For me, Vic has always been and always will be the Queen of Bling. I really did think of just putting some honking huge jewels on my nails to represent Vic, but I knew I had to do an actually mani (wouldn't surprise me if she did have a mani with honking huge jewels, actually pretty sure she does!). Not only does Vic create a lot with bling but she also thinks a little outside the box and that's why her and I get along so well (among other things). One thing she is teased about in our group is having her DD manis completed way far in advance. If only, right?!

So I only used two items for this mani (shocker I know!): BarryM Plumpy Top Coat (still not sure about this top coat, it's......interesting) and a shredded cotton round. I also decided to do this cotton mani because I had mentioned to the DD ladies that I live where they grow a lot of cotton, a lot! It seems like it's always growing, that or corn. But being in Arizona you get growing seasons pretty much all year round. (thanks nature for the allergies with that!)

I hope you've had fun seeing all the manis that everyone has re-created. I know that we as a group have had a blast! Thank you to our wonderful readers and followers! Without you we'd be left to ourselves and well........you know, we're weird! >_< We love that you enjoy The Digit-al Dozen, crazy it's already been three years! 

Like I said in my post on Monday, we've had quite a few ladies who are no longer in our group and we hope all is well with them and love and miss them all! We've embraced many new ladies over the years and love how each of them bring a new twist or take on the themes. I wish I could have re-created more manis from all the ladies (Pffft! I'm not Lindsey! Yes, yes, she did re-create a mani from all the current DD ladies. See, crazy!) Hahahahaha! Perhaps I'll try and do that, dedicate a day for DD re-creations. Hmmm, I like that idea! I think there are a few other ladies who are planning on doing just that.

It was really nice to do a full DD week. It's been awhile, but I am hoping things are looking up. Though, I've said that before! :) I am still debating on introducing a few other things on my blog, we shall see. Have a fabulous and safe weekend!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week: Grey and Yellow Floral by Pointless Cafe

Day 4 of The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week and today I have some actual free-hand nail art! For the win! I feel in love with the original version of this mani because of the colors and the simple yet complex overall idea. Who's mani is it?

Sheila from Pointless Cafe! She is so super creative and artistic in her manis and life. Oh and I totally want her amazing closet! :)

I used China Glaze Concrete Catwalk and acrylic paint for the yellow and black with Poshe Top Coat. Her dots are more nicely random (I can't do random dots, they always end up in rows, and then I fix them and then they are all crowded - nail polish problems). But I do absolutely love my first flower on my middle finger! I love the painterly quality to it! I channeled my inner Sheila for that! My second flower I made it to look like those thin nail art flowers that you can buy to glue on to manis. I wanted a bit of texture so I kept adding paint before it dried fully. I don't know, it was fun that's all! :)

I really love these colors together, really brightens the day! I love having Sheila in the group, she's a real hoot! She's all about the coffee! I love seeing her painting skills come to life on her canvases (nails and real canvases).

Thank you Sheila for your contribution to our DD family!

Don't forget to check out the other amazing ladies!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week: Black & White Day - Adipose Nail Art by Adventures in Acetone

Day 3 of The Digit-al Dozen Does Re-Creations Week and today I bring you some fat. Such cute little fatties! These are Adipose (little aliens made from fat) from Doctor Who! And who's absolutely fantastic mani do I re-create?

Jacki from Adventures in Acetone (just in case you didn't read the title!) Of course hers is free-hand with a tutorial. Mine, well, mine are a stamp because I had a feeling I would screw up their cute little faces........oh wait I still did! Hahahahahahaha!

Pretty basic on the polishes: BarryM Espresso (a matte polish) and Konad White. I used My Online Shop MJXII for the adipose. And I used my Clear Jelly Stamper for the first time. It was a bit finicky but finally I was able to work with it and love it! So nice to be able to see through the handle to where you are stamping!

I really love how each of my adipose have different personalities because of the stamping. We have (top to bottom): normal happy adipose, mean nasty adipose, girly feminine adipose (see her lashes, or she could be from the band KISS), and finally silly goofy adipose.

I love that Jacki adds Doctor Who references to her manis (like many of us DDs). And I have always loved her tutorials. She makes everything look so easy and effortless!

Thank you Jacki for your contribution to our DD family!

Don't forget to check out the other amazing ladies!

An InLinkz Link-up