Another Three Design Manicure

I know I did just do one of these but I really like them and I have been seeing a lot of these types of manicures on celebrities and even some newscasters so I think it is going to be a big trend this spring and summer and them with textures coming into play the possibilities are endless.  I do have one I am going to post one with a texture this week.  It is just fun to have three designs that are really cool on your nails.  For this manicure I used just a regular black polish.  I know it was butter London’s Union Jack because somehow I got it for something and wanted to try it out.  I had ordered Scoundrel and somehow ended up with two and as much as I love butter London they do have a tendency to chip at the tips.  My therapist had been asked me about them so I told her I think they chip but that I had found a topcoat to use so it wouldn’t which one from a Zoya sister company Qtica that works really well to keep BL from chipping so I had an extra bottle and she said it made the world of difference.  For Xmas I gave her a Zoya dream box but with a Whimsical polish and two Zoya’s and she just loved it.  I love to give people indies.  So, what I used to stamp on this one was Girly Bits Dick in a Box.  (I will have a review on it within the next two posts)  It was great for stamping and the glitter bomb is from White Owl Lacquers called Mooney.  I don’t know if it is still available but there really are so many dupes of this polish.  I used Bundle Monster’s new stamping plates, which have some really cool designs, the plate number was BM423 and that was it.  It was easy and fast and if you want to create looks like this polka dots and lines are always perfect to put in and then most plates you will find at least two images that kind of go together and everyone has glitter toppers so if you think “oh, I can’t do that”  you can and you will have people think how creative you are when really the plate does a lot of the work for you.  So, get out of your comfort zone and give one of these a try you don’t even need stamping plates as long as you can do polka  dots you can come up with something.  Have fun.  Isn’t that what it is all about?

Ciao,

Patty

Who Is Your Favorite Princess?

What is it with Princesses?  Little girls all want to be princesses and I don’t know many little girls who are not referred to as Princess in their family.  Some of us are obsessed with monarchies.  People were mesmerized by the wedding of Princess Diana to the frog of a Prince, Prince Charles.  The same happened when Prince William married Kate.  I am saddened to hear that Prince Henry might get married.  He so much fun.  I want to party with him.  When I was growing up the monarchy of the gossip was that of Monaco.  Princess Grace and her children mainly Stephanie and Caroline.  Now, they have pretty much just faded out of popularity or was it that Princess Diana came into the picture and we were all mesmerized by her?  Either way so many of us think what the life of a Princess is like.  I was thinking the other day we are all princesses even Queens.  Now, I know that not everyone had this type of childhood and I let me say in advance that I know how you feel that is why  I became a social worker to help children and families.   The reason I say we are all princesses is because we grew up in a home (the kingdom) and it was ruled by a King (our father) and a Queen (our mother).  So, doesn’t that make me a princess?  Some of us might have been like Cinderella having so many chores but she still got her prince.  Snow White married into her princess position because she really was a peasant living in the woods of her kingdom and boy did she come with luggage 7 little men.  Ariel was already a princess and was bound to have to marry into royalty and she did.  Mulan was a princess, more of a modern day princess.  She joined the armed forces and fought for her country.  Then their was Belle the intellectual who overlooked the ugly prince but her love turned him into a handsome prince.  My favorite princess is Sleeping Beauty.  Hiding out in the woods with three fairy godmothers but it was her fate to touch that needle and sleep for years only to be awaken by the kiss of a handsome prince.  I know there have been other Disney princesses but Mulan was as far as I went.  I think we all personally relate to one of them and that is why we favor one over the other.  So, when you are feeling down remember you are a beautiful princess.   No one can take that away from you. 

I just had to tell that little story because sometimes I do feel down and while it is fantasy it just makes me feel better and makes me laugh. 

Today I have a-England’s Briarwood.  It is exactly what I expect from a polish from a-England.  I looked at a lot of lists and I can’t remember anyone choosing an a-England polish.  They really make great polishes with such a great consistency and long wear.  I remember the first bottle I bought was Dragon and I haven’t even done a post on it.  I have so many of them and love all of them.  I remember when they were only available through their main website and they had a free shipping sale.  That is when I bought my first one.  I do treasure my collection.  The thing I love about a-England is that there is rarely a surprise you know what you are going to get.  They are consistent so you never really have to worry about the quality.  You can purchase a-England polishes at their website if you are in the UK.   Stateside you can get them at Ninja Polish or at Llarowe.  They cost $10.00 on both sites.

Ciao Bella,

Patty

 

 

 

OPI 's Brazil Collection Spring/Summer 2012

I've been a little depressed with the recent OPI Collections.  This one has peaked my interest.  

In the most frigid of temperatures a warm and sunny email has arrived in my mailbox with a sneak-peek at OPI’s Spring/Summer 2014 Brazil Collection.

Carnaval of Color!

OPI Launches Brazil Collection

~

For Spring/Summer 2014

Brazil by OPI brings the colors of tropical rainforests and warm sandy beaches to nails and toes for Spring/Summer 2014. This new collection features a palette ranging from bright hues of red, pink, coral, orange and yellow to earthy tones of taupe, sienna, mocha and jungle green. In addition to 12 nail lacquers, the Brazil launch includes a set of four limited edition Beach Sandies Liquid SandTM mini neon nail lacquers in bold purple, pink, turquoise and yellow shades with a textured, matte finish.

“With sun-soaked shores, tropical fruits, and lush flora/fauna, Brazil is such an inspiring locale,” exclaims Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder & Executive VP. “I wanted women around the world to embrace the energy and playfulness for which Brazilian women are known. Through theBrazil collection, with shades drenched in color and charged with shine, women can express themselves, showing off their sexy, mysterious, fun and exciting natures.

“On spring runways, models were seen wearing lots of black and white, with bold accents of orange and yellow and muted elements of taupe and clay,” continues Weiss-Fischmann. “Brazil by OPIprovides vivid hues to add a pop of color to a neutral-toned wardrobe, as well as earthy tones that easily transition from day to night.”

Brazil by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

Next Stop…The Bikini Zone

This amethyst-toned pewter suits me just fine.

Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around

Nobody can stop me from wearing this creamy nude!

Taupe-less Beach

There’s nothing optional about wearing this enticing taupe.

I São Paulo Over There

He was sipping coffee with this mocha-toned beauty.

OPI Scores a Goal!

Make your point in this winning shade of rich chocolate.

AmazON…AmazOFF

I’m making the switch to this deep jungle green.

I Just Can’t Cope-acabana

Nothing lifts your spirits like this sunshine yellow.

Where Did Suzi’s Man-go?

He went to fetch her this delicious mango smoothie.

Toucan Do It If You Try

You have talent to achieve anything in this confident orange.

Kiss Me I’m Brazilian

Plant this warm luscious pink on me!

Live.Love.Carnaval

This vibrant and festive coral is the life of the party.

Red Hot Rio

A ruby red as hot as the most exciting city in Brazil.

Brazil Beach Sandies Liquid Sand mini pack includes the following shades:

Samba-dy Loves Purple

Well, who wouldn’t find this vivid textured violet irresistible?

I’m Brazil Nuts Over You

And I’m crazy for this textured matte pink.

What’s a Little Rain Forest?

I’ve got this textured matte blue and an umbrella for two.

You’re So Flippy Floppy

When I found this bright textured yellow, I just flipped!

Brazil nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWideTM Brush for the ultimate in application. Liquid Sand nail lacquers should always be worn without top coat. Brazil by OPI will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas beginning February 5, 2014. Nail lacquers will retail for $10.95 CAN each at professional salons and spas across the country. Beach Sandies Liquid Sand mini pack will retail for $14.95 CAN. GelColor is an in-salon, professional service only.

Zoya Color the World 2014

Wondering about what colors to get from the Zoya Color the World Promotion.  You might want to consider this one after all the Pantone color is Orchid.  This one has such a soft and feminine feel.   I love this color.  It can be worn with almost any color and look nice and it is Zoya my top nail polish pick.

 

 

 

 

 

Have you taken advantage of the wonderful offer Zoya has right now and seen the great colors coming for spring with a great glitter topper?   If you haven’t this is what Zoya is offering 3 polishes for a flat rate of $12.00.   That is $4.00 a bottle and you can order from anything in the line.  That is a steal.  You can’t even get that deal at Ulta with their coupons.  So, head to Zoya.com and check out this wonderful deal.  The code is COLOR2014.  All this information is on the website.  There are two days left so make sure you place an order.

 

Ciao,

Patty

Julep Elaine WARNING Pic Heavy

I have this post that has been cropped and ready to go but I forgot.  Sometimes I wish I had someone to just crop my pictures and then I would post them so much faster.  That is the thing I like least about blogging.  Editing and all I do is crop and I have a little retouch button that  just found but it doesn’t really do that much I have Photoshop but that thing is like out of this world so I get to cancel it soon. 

So, this is Elaine with no top coat instructions were given to wear with or without a top coat.  This is no top coat.

 

 

Here is Elaine with topcoat.  It just pops.  I love the shine on this one.

 

 

 

 

Now here is Elaine stamped.  Ok, I used a plate from the third bundle monster series.  I don’t know what it is and if you really want to know I can tell you tomorrow.  I have put everything up for the night and did not even plan a post so I don’t have the number of the plate but if want to know shoot me an email and I will let you know.  Also top it off I won this ring in an auction from someone in Anaheim, CA. who sells really neat rings good quality.   It all came together perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

So, there is something from some picture folder.  I really like this but like I said editing not so much.  Do you have help editing your pictures or a easy process you would be willing to share?

Ciao bella,

Patty

Best of 2013 and things I Just Did Not Like

So, this is my last post of best and things I just did not like.
The best thing that happen was that gay marriage was approved in California!  Yeah!  I'm telling you I am dying to get out of this stick up your butt state in more ways than one.
So, I'll get to that.  This is what I hate about this year: Texas COPS.  I hate them after what happen that I haven't said anything about I swear even if I get stabbed or someone breaks in my home those are the last people I am going to call.  Never in my life has cop protected me and I hate them.  This summer I was feeling depressed and couldn't remember the number of the crisis hotline so I called 911 and before I knew it I was in the corner of my polish room crying while five cops were in here asking me all types of weird questions.  They were making fun of me because of all the polish.  I was just crying  and explained I had bad PTSD especially around them if they could just please leave me alone.  They started blaming me for calling them.  Then I uttered.   I just don't want to be here.  That was it they handcuffed me and threw me in the back of a police cruiser.  I had been in my pajamas and was not even given the chance to at least put the proper clothes on.  They took me downtown where I was stripped searched in front of three women an one man and no privacy.  I felt raped then I was taken like a criminal to this holding cell where they placed a bed in front of the bathroom and told me I was to sleep there.  Men and women were not segregated.  This isn't the end of the two day horror but this is how our state treats individuals with a mental illness.  We've come a long way haven't we.
I should have left that for the end because I really can't think of anything good.  So who is to say you don't get the same treatment in California?  No, they don't do that they are much more liberal and have better trained staff to deal with a crisis.  So, what I do like is my husband's company is in negotiations to buy some restaurants in California and he'll be first in line to ask for a transfer.  So that is a good thing.

I think I'm ready to start a great 2014.  I hope you do too.
Ciao,
Patty


I would like to add this while yes I do have a diagnosis of depression and PTSD.  That doesn't mean I am not totally functioning.  I take medication because my depression is of the clinical type where my brain does not excrete the proper amount of endorphins needed to be happy.  If something was to happen to Goldie my reaction would be like anyone else who lost and care for a dog.  

My Favorites of 2013

I bought a lot of polish towards the end of 2013.  So many, I have not even posted or swatched.  I have both the Zoya collections (Zenith and Naturel).    I have about 15 Cirques I have not posted 3 Marc Jacobs.  I have the a-England Ballerina set.  Right now looking at six new Contrary.   And others I can’t even begin to talk about.  So, if you have want to see a swatch that you can’t find.  Shoot me an e-mail it is likely I am might have it.  I am selling half of my OPI and China Glaze nail polish on eBay.  It is just too much for a blog sale and will be getting my indies together to sell.  About fifty.  How has this happen?  I’ve been collecting for three years now and take really good care of my polish.  Sometimes I spend an hour going around just shaking bottles.  Even my husband helps but Goldie?  I don’t know.  You notice she has been absent for a long time that is because since my bursitis is so bad she has chose the soft bed in the master bedroom.  I need the firm bed in the polish room.   I should be getting my shots next week finally (Read more about that in my post Best of and I Really Did Not Like That Post Coming before the end of the month)

So, I am only going to show the polishes I posted.  They are in no particular order.

Deborah Lippmann Shake Your Money Maker

 

I just liked the colors in this one.  It was done in the Mish Mash Challenge for grey.

Deborah Lippman Stronger

Girly Bits  Jini Goes Indie

Chanel Alchimine

Zoya Amy

Chanel Azure

Illamasqua Raindrops

I loved this picture and the polish which is Cookie Monster by Whimsical Ideas by Pam

Black nails with laser tape and Cult Nails Doppleganger Over it.

And last but not least Marc Jacobs Petra.   I haven’t even worn it except for this picture.  But it is stunning.  So, that wraps up my year.  I found a lot of nail art that I did not post so,  I might try to post a couple of really good ones during the month.  I’d really like to start with a clean slate in February and go to a format I have always wanted to do and that is recycling.  I want to wear the polish I want to wear that day and show it rather than wearing something because I am going to swatch it.  I feel that is why I have not put out as many posts because I was wearing polish I felt I had to show.  No, I am going to be posting what I wear on a certain day, maybe what I wore and how I would recycle.  Now not all posts are going to be like that because I still want to do reviews.  Like I am going to review the Infinity ProCurl Secret because I think it is a product that so many people are interested in but don’t know much about.   I’ve been using it about two weeks now and feel I can give a good review.  So, I just want to change it up a bit and make it livelier for me.  My Spanish soap is getting a lot of attention and I am having a lot of fun writing it.  I hope someday it will be on television.  So, that is it for now.

Ciao,

Patty

Favorites of 2013. Part 1

Last year I did not do a favorites because I just really put it off but swore I would not let that happen this year.
There is a big difference between the way some people I know do their nails and the way I do.  The difference is prep.  Most people don't know about prep so I am going to tell of some products I use that work well for me.  Now just remember though, I am 50 years old ( in four months).
I don't cut my cuticles unless I see a little piece of skin that will turn into a hang nail.  I use blue cross/blue shield cuticle remover.  I just gently use an orange stick to clean and then a nail brush with Lush Sandstone Soap.  It is a gentle exfoliating soap.  Dry up and start my nails.  If my nails are stained and I don't have nail whitener.  I used whitening toothpaste or denture tablets this really works and is somewhat cheaper.  I usually use Seche Vite base coat if I am using a polish I know stains the other one I use is CDN Base coat.  I haven't found a low end brand that I like.  Then I paint and I have some tricks for glitter.
My favorite cuticle cream is a tie:  high end- Lush Lemony Flutter and CD abricot cuticle cream.
Both of these have a similar texture.
Favorite low end brand:  Burt's Butter cuticle cream.  This one has a different texture.  It has more of a lanolin feel.
Hand cream. High end-Lush Handy guguru.  This cream has like a healing treatment.  The more you use it the better you hands get.
Low end hand cream is definitely Silicone Glove from Avon.  This creme has staying power and keeps your hands soft for an extended period of time.

So now the big ones POLISH
My favorite high end polish is Deborah Lippmann .
My favorite mainstream is Zoya.  For years it was OPI  but that has changed.
My favorite low end brand is definitely Essence.
Now indie:  There is just a big tie.  My favorites are KB Shimmer and Whimsical Ideas by Pam.  They are both very different polishes and I love them both.  I usually end up getting their whole lines. Both Pam and Christy are just really honest hard working business women who I totally admire.  So, in deciding this category their work ethics played a big roll in my choice.
So, those are my favorites.  In the next part I plan to reveal my favorite posts and revisit one that just didn't get the love it deserved.

Ciao,
Patty

New from Zoya for Spring 2014: "Awaken" Collection & Special Edition "Monet" Topper

New from Zoya for Spring 2014: "Awaken" Collection & Special Edition "Monet" Topper

This just in from Zoya - the new collection looks so great I just had to share the press release with you!

New Nail Polish Collection for Spring 2014: Zoya Awaken

Just as Spring emerges from a natural Winter slumber, Zoya Awakens to a fresh season of BIG5FREE* color...

Open your mind to the beauty of color discovery; the new, the unexplored, the excitement! Awaken by Zoya - Six new, full-coverage, dew-drenched creams and gold-kissed metallic nail polish colors for Spring 2014. Full of pure pigment, intense color and modern complexity that will take you far beyond the hazy, barely there hues of seasons past into a new world of chromatic joy.

ZOYA AWAKEN - 2014 SPRING

• • ZP723 - Dillon: Green Mint Shimmer Metallic Full Coverage Formula.
• • ZP724 - Rebel: Blue Sky Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula.
• • ZP722 - Hudson: Purple Orchid Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula (Yes, it's a Radiant Orchid!)
• • ZP720 - Dot: Pink Petal Cream, Full Coverage Formula
• (originally created for fashion designer Zang Toi’s SS14 collection).
• • ZP721 - Cole: Peach Whisper Cream, Full Coverage Formula
• (originally created for fashion designer Peter Som’s SS14 collection).
• • ZP725 - Brooklyn: White-Gold Shimmer Metallic, Full Coverage Formula.

$9.00 ea. (US)

PLUS, A SPECIAL EDITION TOPPER
Create a nail color masterpiece. The multi-colored, holographic flakes of Zoya Monet lend an impressionistic color change option to existing color palettes. Never boring, this artistic topper can be applied as an accent or used as an overall color changer.

• ZP726 - Monet: Multi-Color, Cellophane Holographic Topper.

$10.00 ea. (US)

*BIG5FREE: Zoya Nail Polish and Treatment Formulas are free of formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and camphor.

Find over 300 long-wearing, beautiful Zoya colors on www.zoya.com. Each and every color has a name as unique as the women who inspired it.

ZOYA IS THE COLOR OF FASHION!
Available on Zoya.com