floral manicure [the nail files]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmltMAdqfAFlFpuQ7BripO7IcJCZihONCCfv4wGYJvRWSBdr-vE4Ij8nYBXBGA0SnzxnsJ1rYFSnvTtJnUuXM6jodoD3rhSFlxrISxXtHmpH22goSx4FEGB0mMhzKAfi5M_foKZGkFfHU/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmltMAdqfAFlFpuQ7BripO7IcJCZihONCCfv4wGYJvRWSBdr-vE4Ij8nYBXBGA0SnzxnsJ1rYFSnvTtJnUuXM6jodoD3rhSFlxrISxXtHmpH22goSx4FEGB0mMhzKAfi5M_foKZGkFfHU/s640/IMG_0557.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I'm kindof in love with manicure. it looks like roses. or something floral. or maybe raspberries. I made the flowers by dotting using a cotton swab: once with a solid light pink and again with that pink swirled with a darker pink and white. then I added the leaves with a tiny brush. I haven't seen a ton of blooms out and about here lately, so I think wearing them on my fingers is the perfect solution to bring some spring.<br /><br />[colors used: OPI <a href="http://www.opi.com/" target="_blank">alpine snow</a>, essie <a href="http://www.essie.com/Colors/Pinks/cascade-cool.aspx" target="_blank">cascade cool</a>,<a href="http://www.essie.com/Colors/Pinks/big-spender.aspx" target="_blank"> big spender</a>, and <a href="http://www.essie.com/Colors/Greens/pretty-edgy.aspx" target="_blank">pretty edgy</a>. ps: I'm in love with the new essise site design]<br /><br />how does this relate to the <a href="http://storyofmylifetheblog.blogspot.tw/2013/04/blog-every-day-in-may-challenge.html" target="_blank">blog every day in may challenge</a>? well. it might be a stretch, but here's my advice: take a break. treat yourself. do something that makes you feel pretty or happy or just good. whether that's painting a pretty manicure, taking a walk, or holing up in Starbucks with a soy tea latte to write non-blog stuff for four hours. <b>be good to yourself <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">♥</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"> </span></b></div>

floral manicure [the nail files]

I'm kindof in love with manicure. it looks like roses. or something floral. or maybe raspberries. I made the flowers by dotting using a ...

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nail news update [the nail files]

it's been a while since I've posted any nail art, but of course that doesn't mean my digits have been going around town naked. there's been plenty of painting documented by iPhone. here's a few fun nail art attempts I've done over the last few months.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6n6i7DO3QGCrQphZFhRG91FCyWRg2Zd_ZvD6BfO6vlj3qXn0gmeXIEDvUpfIouai4iRVxhA89J7V6-7OqEQqTw6RA6BBomYwWdga_UP6uFY1nhU8irn05uwN2y4bajrmP-4YxV-i4hJOk/s1600/IMG_4340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6n6i7DO3QGCrQphZFhRG91FCyWRg2Zd_ZvD6BfO6vlj3qXn0gmeXIEDvUpfIouai4iRVxhA89J7V6-7OqEQqTw6RA6BBomYwWdga_UP6uFY1nhU8irn05uwN2y4bajrmP-4YxV-i4hJOk/s640/IMG_4340.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've tried a few different dot patterns: dots all over, dots in lines, etc. but the overlapping dots along the edge was really fun. I've been doing more dots lately, since I bought a dotting tool! bobby pins and toothpicks and pencils will totally work. that's what I've used in the past. but. I find the dotting tool to be much easier to get consistent sized dots, and that it gets less gunk-y while you're working.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXtiQtyK2uTbQeqSyjLhkvWYRQnJsHYosi5q2ikPkHQSJSWlfQszBYCnTic9AKh_I10NSVP8oN-BvjlS38AQ8-ur9dKi91qif3pBDA2VgEQd0jB4ME1-Rsg9dKe9T6IRyeEnn64Smr8fh/s1600/IMG_4510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtXtiQtyK2uTbQeqSyjLhkvWYRQnJsHYosi5q2ikPkHQSJSWlfQszBYCnTic9AKh_I10NSVP8oN-BvjlS38AQ8-ur9dKi91qif3pBDA2VgEQd0jB4ME1-Rsg9dKe9T6IRyeEnn64Smr8fh/s640/IMG_4510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I finally tried water marbling. it's just as messy as everyone says. I tried it a few times with differnet colors, swirling them different ways [or not swirling] this stripe effect was my favorite attempt. it definitely had a zombie/halloween/beetlejuice vibe to it. [and yes that's my Iron Maiden tshirt in the background] I still haven't perfected my dipping method, but water marbling is definitely fun to play with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4QM71dMCjVxZ3c26RyD3rWBTNRNdpWMk2hXtAm6pkSjlk7YvE0DQb_pppvQE9BLn7lTNNA-zVtQE0M7wlM7CgFMj8Hsv2WG7zNKHrSXIUGgvROGQ1n66LsedxjJ5ubajgM-PVUt2WiIh/s1600/IMG_4582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4QM71dMCjVxZ3c26RyD3rWBTNRNdpWMk2hXtAm6pkSjlk7YvE0DQb_pppvQE9BLn7lTNNA-zVtQE0M7wlM7CgFMj8Hsv2WG7zNKHrSXIUGgvROGQ1n66LsedxjJ5ubajgM-PVUt2WiIh/s640/IMG_4582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />for this manicure I bought some heart-shaped stickers at the stationary store and cut them to use as templates on my nails, instead of tape. sort of DIY nail stickers. I didn't let the base color dry enough so I had to touch up a bit and the lines aren't super clean, but you get the idea. I'm actually really in love with the bare cuticle look... and your manicure lasts longer since it doesn't "grow out".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5rqvR9DD9dGrMlr7Ee-qXm7NGmlcmeXcDVjLOptmFv4mRnsHM_WvkibN3ze0kkCPqC_z7dB6G6d9_V5ML-y04OvXLdNP7-VYK1WwjtfA30XNg2Gbnp003ChROOwQlMEfJAuv9L70rFzW/s1600/IMG_4390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5rqvR9DD9dGrMlr7Ee-qXm7NGmlcmeXcDVjLOptmFv4mRnsHM_WvkibN3ze0kkCPqC_z7dB6G6d9_V5ML-y04OvXLdNP7-VYK1WwjtfA30XNg2Gbnp003ChROOwQlMEfJAuv9L70rFzW/s640/IMG_4390.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhCdgN7foLgIzLS8J8CMaeWKSMKflKg1vG4f_q02enLcPS0FCGY-6uhjuHUL61m1rxEuJL1CKkU4La54dAsQhWferemHVvROgH98V8W0IGia4gBioJjFXm7klFRaGWHkx_S7Q2nTPASAu/s1600/IMG_4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrhCdgN7foLgIzLS8J8CMaeWKSMKflKg1vG4f_q02enLcPS0FCGY-6uhjuHUL61m1rxEuJL1CKkU4La54dAsQhWferemHVvROgH98V8W0IGia4gBioJjFXm7klFRaGWHkx_S7Q2nTPASAu/s640/IMG_4411.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">last but not least: I discovered a local beauty store that carries a limited selection of OPI, and a ton of random Asian nail brands. I was so excited to find a solid white [Alpine Snow] and the neon pink was just calling to me. usually I don't like to risk buying a brand I don't know, but the bottle said it was 3-free and the color was just so awesome I couldn't resist. I'm so glad I took a chance on it because the formula isn't bad and I'm in love with the color <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0067; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">♥</span></div>

nail news update [the nail files]

it's been a while since I've posted any nail art, but of course that doesn't mean my digits have been going around town naked. t...

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handpainted hearts [the nail files]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9quzwOGyDBBwNwwZFrlHdPdFZBBI70jgvQEgXtdssDoCfaz8NYHz0ulVTDC7hxRq7Ut2QeES_fShIoC8fnncx88WC-p5lEWkQtZADx35OXbX2tlvQ5FPl3wOijIPQqsrDAFlkSaucskdN/s1600/IMG_8704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9quzwOGyDBBwNwwZFrlHdPdFZBBI70jgvQEgXtdssDoCfaz8NYHz0ulVTDC7hxRq7Ut2QeES_fShIoC8fnncx88WC-p5lEWkQtZADx35OXbX2tlvQ5FPl3wOijIPQqsrDAFlkSaucskdN/s640/IMG_8704.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm still chugging away on those vacation photos [I told you it would take a while] but seeing as later this week is a certain holiday revolving around matters of the heart...<br /><br />no, not Valentine's Day. ok, maybe for <i>you</i> it's Valentine's Day. but me? Husband and I celebrate the 13th of February, not the 14th. why? because it's the anniversary of the night we met. he fell down a flight of stairs, I gave him a bloody nose, he walked me home and I kissed him under the Beaumont Tower. it's a somewhat romantic story, believe it or not.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPofZyzEdoay9vmtyZb7KVA0VE7MIvRF31_hc0ou7n-yu3ejoYa2ZUKYFfNneSH7byX4FLqCYLuxPk1C7qCFEfiPxf6GkFmgOYYVhSLR-oMZj0h8JWG03e372ItA3_mMtZUJnhncCje2sX/s1600/IMG_8668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPofZyzEdoay9vmtyZb7KVA0VE7MIvRF31_hc0ou7n-yu3ejoYa2ZUKYFfNneSH7byX4FLqCYLuxPk1C7qCFEfiPxf6GkFmgOYYVhSLR-oMZj0h8JWG03e372ItA3_mMtZUJnhncCje2sX/s640/IMG_8668.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />whether you celebrate Valentine's or not, a manicure is a great way to show yourself a little love. <br /><br />I've been seeing a lot of tutorials around the net for how to make perfectly shaped hearts for your nails... using hole punches, tape, ziplock bags. but you know what? love, like life, is not perfectly shaped. and that's what makes it real. so I have for you a handpainted heart manicure. a little bit sloppy is ok. [and you can always touch things up with a qtip and polish remover if you need to]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-04febceffc27ec15-10476" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dza_BU1p4BImoJUQrsaKDkp5c1na2PV-Uf8TUWgr8Z08Dow_MHddTbK0SI7kdqTkWm9C3k9ruCdHpaSlJw_-cEX_mdlZmEyqrj07ZnkCQfPzWonAnFO1Q8DtkZZyg9jsNV9MlQ8&origin=arthomediy.blogspot.com" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><br />here's a little "how to" video I posted on vine the other day. basically, you start at the center of the base of your nail, and swoop up + out to make a "v" shape. the polish will naturally make a rounded edge.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xNWd6mx041sQXjSxsrFwF_zBbM-OhP_UWjcWLzYQ5qHTD51OJjV4NpnSM969nZ7ek-xWWZh8P5yZw-lxbpj_MJQO0Yvc0v0y5dgvetSwVVWS1Dxt2hJrNux7N0Q5f6ot-4JOehqQngm4/s1600/IMG_8679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xNWd6mx041sQXjSxsrFwF_zBbM-OhP_UWjcWLzYQ5qHTD51OJjV4NpnSM969nZ7ek-xWWZh8P5yZw-lxbpj_MJQO0Yvc0v0y5dgvetSwVVWS1Dxt2hJrNux7N0Q5f6ot-4JOehqQngm4/s640/IMG_8679.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4RvbBRXd8bQkEcUzI-gOwDqrJKwCKYxnvY5kO3VHTRy_F85IXxJ_tQJWq480jxpuPtnpGdqD8IaC_dQDCCADwJcK_AthlebfsS_PIKgZwOE6KMEkROM5lMsg7FkMHTFTfwKbNpRNXkC3/s1600/IMG_8680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4RvbBRXd8bQkEcUzI-gOwDqrJKwCKYxnvY5kO3VHTRy_F85IXxJ_tQJWq480jxpuPtnpGdqD8IaC_dQDCCADwJcK_AthlebfsS_PIKgZwOE6KMEkROM5lMsg7FkMHTFTfwKbNpRNXkC3/s640/IMG_8680.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM-qc2Y9Cx3i8M_OOlAAVC-rpzTSR_61uuP3Qhyphenhyphen6FvDaAxOgJQMq0PkcKb5QcrRrKgmaNaHWhIQ-nNfer3YRDcHFuN_Q9xpSwqdejQSCb93qfa9Gs-hd23DEtcHrpok9t8l8atKe6yLs4/s1600/IMG_8700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM-qc2Y9Cx3i8M_OOlAAVC-rpzTSR_61uuP3Qhyphenhyphen6FvDaAxOgJQMq0PkcKb5QcrRrKgmaNaHWhIQ-nNfer3YRDcHFuN_Q9xpSwqdejQSCb93qfa9Gs-hd23DEtcHrpok9t8l8atKe6yLs4/s640/IMG_8700.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I chose to mix + match different reds, pinks, wines, and berries I have on hand: <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/recessionista-p-450.html" target="_blank">recessionista</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/big-spender-p-86.html" target="_blank">big spender</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/head-mistress-p-448.html" target="_blank">head mistress</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/no-more-film-p-419.html" target="_blank">no more film</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/leading-lady-p-466.html" target="_blank">leading lady</a>, and <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/size-matters-p-404.html" target="_blank">size matters</a>. I think it adds to the handpainted charm. [and also makes me feel better about having so many similar colors in my stash.]<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99MrAPirFD5n265Rk17-l1gvlw96qXYmsJIx7MYCipYAXgiRqPNoBISTmXWdv7BJN0gFG921qi3yc17Sy5nHBT81rOHOrTH5w6pPzsgLzmE9z3cqgDSCRS3IbvZphZQIBAB6VuhpYbCaO/s1600/IMG_8702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99MrAPirFD5n265Rk17-l1gvlw96qXYmsJIx7MYCipYAXgiRqPNoBISTmXWdv7BJN0gFG921qi3yc17Sy5nHBT81rOHOrTH5w6pPzsgLzmE9z3cqgDSCRS3IbvZphZQIBAB6VuhpYbCaO/s640/IMG_8702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">♥ </div>

handpainted hearts [the nail files]

I'm still chugging away on those vacation photos [I told you it would take a while] but seeing as later this week is a certain holiday r...

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galaxy nails [the nail files]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzpDuTGmUGgxxtmzRXQsHIsUPi2bQ3PU0IyYAbR1CRoMMlLIB4EEzCmAkFIfLSnuNphXehLCkhMOgseWQI9_R5KA3xxwgm4r6Qh7OmLWRccIJ3MIu4OThv7VHEAlSPwwCK_z76mM77_Y6/s1600/IMG_5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHzpDuTGmUGgxxtmzRXQsHIsUPi2bQ3PU0IyYAbR1CRoMMlLIB4EEzCmAkFIfLSnuNphXehLCkhMOgseWQI9_R5KA3xxwgm4r6Qh7OmLWRccIJ3MIu4OThv7VHEAlSPwwCK_z76mM77_Y6/s640/IMG_5565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...a blogger made a terrible Star Wars reference when posting about galaxy nails.<br /><br />I first spotted this manicure on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/118430665170649667/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> but have seen it pop up on several blogs across the internet. after some research, I decided I wanted to try something that wasn't <a href="http://www.copythatcopycatnails.com/2011/11/31-day-nail-challenge-day-17-galaxy.html" target="_blank">too literal</a> but had more definition <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.tw/2011/09/galaxy-nails.html" target="_blank">than these</a>. the best tutorial I found came <a href="http://polishandpearls.com/how-to-galaxy-nails/" target="_blank">from here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOZP2OG09BpioWCGLJhSO8pVWTxETtsqS_1Z5AwfPuoEv673ZjQDcqpeZm_wchR_C5oMSHtbO1e9Nsz8A71V9j3HpDb4zc6ht0mXVjD4SJNWRAcz1Tm6Wt9yVJb2d5PH84tgQBDizqXgj/s1600/IMG_5520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOZP2OG09BpioWCGLJhSO8pVWTxETtsqS_1Z5AwfPuoEv673ZjQDcqpeZm_wchR_C5oMSHtbO1e9Nsz8A71V9j3HpDb4zc6ht0mXVjD4SJNWRAcz1Tm6Wt9yVJb2d5PH84tgQBDizqXgj/s640/IMG_5520.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPGHYWppLbvUXEHuDEP2-wyD_EZnDdvuTr-m9LtFkUt5fjKRMAfm8jWuztFEZ9DrU4cGscc2J7xwbE6c5kzr8EupuNeM3x8Ycjn6V51L9G7Q3ND7wNzETWFirt4x3fbtsAh9nwbxP_rnh/s1600/IMG_5508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPGHYWppLbvUXEHuDEP2-wyD_EZnDdvuTr-m9LtFkUt5fjKRMAfm8jWuztFEZ9DrU4cGscc2J7xwbE6c5kzr8EupuNeM3x8Ycjn6V51L9G7Q3ND7wNzETWFirt4x3fbtsAh9nwbxP_rnh/s640/IMG_5508.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I started with an essie black <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/licorice-p-30.html" target="_blank">licorice</a> base coat [since I don't own a navy - wierd, right?] and just went crazy sponging on different colored blobs to make nebulae and constellations. I made sure to use the light gray color to give it a "milky way" feel. links to the colors used: <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/go-overboard-p-406.html" target="_blank">go overboard</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/no-more-film-p-419.html" target="_blank">no more film</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/mezmerised-p-31.html" target="_blank">mezmerised</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/tour-de-finance-p-416.html" target="_blank">tour de finance</a>, and <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/master-plan-p-14.html" target="_blank">master plan</a>. oh. and that one really <a href="http://www.target.com/p/sally-hansen-xtreme-wear-nail-color/-/A-13943222" target="_blank">random sally hansen gold</a>. you will definitely get your fingers messy with this manicure, but that's the fun part! just use a cotton swab and some polish remover to clean up when you are done sponging.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft9UKOjPfoHyXXUHdqwvQAQXbZJUg-ZXUw6vzi8CJi1AfWijTWLxa9WJsLiXP9qMYHQJXKUYWmCHFiIXvt2wdGsLsfVE7yD3b0USZ-6uVQlTVT4wRSDN8cOwhxF851sZccPWoSauT05DH/s1600/IMG_5543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgft9UKOjPfoHyXXUHdqwvQAQXbZJUg-ZXUw6vzi8CJi1AfWijTWLxa9WJsLiXP9qMYHQJXKUYWmCHFiIXvt2wdGsLsfVE7yD3b0USZ-6uVQlTVT4wRSDN8cOwhxF851sZccPWoSauT05DH/s640/IMG_5543.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I swiped and swirled on some <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/set-in-stones-p-411.html" target="_blank">set in stones</a> glitter so it looked like a few defined stars, and topped it with a coat of <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/vanity-fairest-p-58.html" target="_blank">vanity fairest</a> which gave everything a super sheer coat of teeny tiny pink sparkles.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRXfpX4jtIJSYfaOy1z8HlqQjsXca0-U4HZl7Cv7yooZffz4KxAwiZN7sxbWouEoDbZhy9YodQosTxsLetWzcqgxsHMHDRaeL0zQBxUaWorVcymvQoxd8P7okaggZUDxme7HXVpf9wgRn/s1600/IMG_5530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRXfpX4jtIJSYfaOy1z8HlqQjsXca0-U4HZl7Cv7yooZffz4KxAwiZN7sxbWouEoDbZhy9YodQosTxsLetWzcqgxsHMHDRaeL0zQBxUaWorVcymvQoxd8P7okaggZUDxme7HXVpf9wgRn/s640/IMG_5530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJujfq1G5i8odbYQu1Asm39qRI58rRbP0KW4uk4Vrl3GAWfu7y9m4FLykpSzuJDaJiKxvvQxE8T93jsFp9KRtpwwLHtg0LY80qvBytlW7YiDq_aUsL4sxhOxHC2a-8yBwDTp1TB75zDBj_/s1600/IMG_5552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJujfq1G5i8odbYQu1Asm39qRI58rRbP0KW4uk4Vrl3GAWfu7y9m4FLykpSzuJDaJiKxvvQxE8T93jsFp9KRtpwwLHtg0LY80qvBytlW7YiDq_aUsL4sxhOxHC2a-8yBwDTp1TB75zDBj_/s640/IMG_5552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8-qf9MBqErCIIvxSVv3S7wjZGDYPfX-TiDq0GVzPemtEDKcXE-2DKfJNJHKY9CmwNlMd2QMQ1XT1D-7qEDg2r4FnwqKvoYazfGwt4cJ8T6HmWlHr6C8YPnlsMdZz7E5IlyZ8THIu03OF/s1600/IMG_5556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8-qf9MBqErCIIvxSVv3S7wjZGDYPfX-TiDq0GVzPemtEDKcXE-2DKfJNJHKY9CmwNlMd2QMQ1XT1D-7qEDg2r4FnwqKvoYazfGwt4cJ8T6HmWlHr6C8YPnlsMdZz7E5IlyZ8THIu03OF/s640/IMG_5556.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I love the way this milky way manicure turned out... so dreamy.  the design is subtle enough that it works with just about everything in my closet. and even though it uses a lot of colors and glitter, it's not too flashy. I'd love to wear them with a little black dress to a fancy party [maybe new years?] I hope you try them out too, because I know I definitely will be rocking galaxy nails again!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gEtKotYTYu2KeaRclBYSCVcczGtL5NgRknqL8LlmA0HMSh_BCFwv3h20GrmA5mz3fGR5ihyQBKsDlKxAgXzsg_6HxxlmTIdNp1c19W6CxAgA2WW3IfJIj9ze6HK4auws3ANB5GuxZWTZ/s1600/IMG_5532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gEtKotYTYu2KeaRclBYSCVcczGtL5NgRknqL8LlmA0HMSh_BCFwv3h20GrmA5mz3fGR5ihyQBKsDlKxAgXzsg_6HxxlmTIdNp1c19W6CxAgA2WW3IfJIj9ze6HK4auws3ANB5GuxZWTZ/s640/IMG_5532.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />

galaxy nails [the nail files]

a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...a blogger made a terrible Star Wars reference when posting about galaxy nails. I first spotted ...

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a little bit of bling [the nail files]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKytY1XFOyb-CdZQnMUIE6NLlDGZxqTyy_NcJeUFXroB0yCdgpL62yNRe6EwQkMVpnCM-2KytaKJwe4zH272jGZxrykF1t3xZTK2ITPEzzlLAblnaWAx_v5RxO9MDl9nZuR7dI2m7gkr5/s1600/IMG_5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKytY1XFOyb-CdZQnMUIE6NLlDGZxqTyy_NcJeUFXroB0yCdgpL62yNRe6EwQkMVpnCM-2KytaKJwe4zH272jGZxrykF1t3xZTK2ITPEzzlLAblnaWAx_v5RxO9MDl9nZuR7dI2m7gkr5/s640/IMG_5270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qtQWl45Ysl6D9bRZ7m85E1xwW62Rv_tV90Rm64vIVdAU2cUzAwc1V3-5NQ9sUse6czrlEGJTy3o6_RYZN3pl3TGrjyO5yEayOf4Mam9OAS7QuSR5YSh5FZujt4vUpPM7Gv0aBpfnNlWV/s1600/IMG_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qtQWl45Ysl6D9bRZ7m85E1xwW62Rv_tV90Rm64vIVdAU2cUzAwc1V3-5NQ9sUse6czrlEGJTy3o6_RYZN3pl3TGrjyO5yEayOf4Mam9OAS7QuSR5YSh5FZujt4vUpPM7Gv0aBpfnNlWV/s640/IMG_5248.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaf-AIPGzwQiV2GDJl8TNrfbJ2lc5Z47e4dHGfaiLHN_rksfQyQj-LPMUjC0V_2Er2BSUjOKfbTUIew4z79e_g1UVaORtRmGiSN5nYTrEm-KURSp-_vMPnKDkaNZy4r9G-wuPMQ_HlE4X/s1600/IMG_5229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaf-AIPGzwQiV2GDJl8TNrfbJ2lc5Z47e4dHGfaiLHN_rksfQyQj-LPMUjC0V_2Er2BSUjOKfbTUIew4z79e_g1UVaORtRmGiSN5nYTrEm-KURSp-_vMPnKDkaNZy4r9G-wuPMQ_HlE4X/s640/IMG_5229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceGJ9-_cQWkSX3ikJ_SfG17dCtYFWzfDeJXqIJ7bzYH8rE7ktOa6tpV3zJQAupybCeAfoDH7LgFWyY8pmULo8aIYggTAgcPycgSZbXVjgjpqAQKG_PqOSV1nUIwiAeKF0Vbhckl6h9eDU/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhceGJ9-_cQWkSX3ikJ_SfG17dCtYFWzfDeJXqIJ7bzYH8rE7ktOa6tpV3zJQAupybCeAfoDH7LgFWyY8pmULo8aIYggTAgcPycgSZbXVjgjpqAQKG_PqOSV1nUIwiAeKF0Vbhckl6h9eDU/s640/IMG_5277.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />it's not that I'm opposed to plain, solid, one-color nails. until a year ago, that was all I did. I just find that sometimes things are better with a touch of pattern, a little bit of bling.<br /><br />enter: the accent nail. [or in this case, nails.]<br /><br />I started with a base of creamy beige <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/sand-tropez-p-366.html" target="_blank">sand tropez</a>, and coated my right thumb + ring fingers and my left pointer with <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/set-in-stones-p-411.html" target="_blank">set in stones</a>. and that's it! just a small accent to bring a big impact to a neutral manicure. [though I guess it helps when the glitter in question is described as "disco mirror ball chaos"]

a little bit of bling [the nail files]

it's not that I'm opposed to plain, solid, one-color nails. until a year ago, that was all I did. I just find that sometimes things ...

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pellegrino on the rooftop [the nail files]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIG0bIiVuUyi_nD-rH3dpd9ETPX5dqVOFfk3DdkC6dOIHTZFDQlzHU8RRirqGEvASkrdjTw604W_bLMUYooXmBUQZmk5XhAHQItHZjH3h1mEAobahyVQoJQyGMKY96BmFWKsABq2ypaoU/s1600/IMG_5148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCIG0bIiVuUyi_nD-rH3dpd9ETPX5dqVOFfk3DdkC6dOIHTZFDQlzHU8RRirqGEvASkrdjTw604W_bLMUYooXmBUQZmk5XhAHQItHZjH3h1mEAobahyVQoJQyGMKY96BmFWKsABq2ypaoU/s640/IMG_5148.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEqZYk4E6bDikTc4yeQbnwV46maSg3UnGaJ6TcgzeHv_-s8-0f0l_d0t263Kt6W8lxjcXlcEPX9d64uMcYsBC7DQIA165Pry9SRNq-njvugOphyphenhyphengdlfiKmd_auaHU2RNORaIKxYvrPNBS/s1600/IMG_5158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEqZYk4E6bDikTc4yeQbnwV46maSg3UnGaJ6TcgzeHv_-s8-0f0l_d0t263Kt6W8lxjcXlcEPX9d64uMcYsBC7DQIA165Pry9SRNq-njvugOphyphenhyphengdlfiKmd_auaHU2RNORaIKxYvrPNBS/s1600/IMG_5158.JPG" /></a></div><br />the other day I went up to the roof of our building to explore. it's all tiles and cement with a few piles of random junk. oh, and one piece of driftwood [not joking]. I brought my camera and a bottle of Pellegrino up with me. it was hot, but breezy on the roof. and the light was just about perfect.<br /><br />I took a sip out of the bottle and looked down at the condensation and it just stunned me for a minute how beautiful something so simple as drops of water could be. and the water on the bottle next to my watercolor manicure and all the blues and greens... of course I had to photograph it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY37H84WLqCkdOoaElxNg82v4F7708IZlct7H1Wf20FEBKjdUwhoSEXrQ8uq5dwKrS-abd8Q7pkXe0EmODacVDoYu3gDlCVzE7bfpQvvrghEG4dRIgjMt490xgfmJqtI3mg2onoYcrlOny/s1600/IMG_5138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY37H84WLqCkdOoaElxNg82v4F7708IZlct7H1Wf20FEBKjdUwhoSEXrQ8uq5dwKrS-abd8Q7pkXe0EmODacVDoYu3gDlCVzE7bfpQvvrghEG4dRIgjMt490xgfmJqtI3mg2onoYcrlOny/s640/IMG_5138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAZSdm7GNjzkoR20P9JspPz3h4bh62H0AKuK460jY3ypWlPUvGwOvCZvB5d-HM2AzzGREHb2uQTB0_OMUn3pfC5sXM0YHaPhlETZMBA8IIcwRenqwTuEIrakBo6bdmdULC8wi5kkcFCh3/s1600/IMG_5165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAZSdm7GNjzkoR20P9JspPz3h4bh62H0AKuK460jY3ypWlPUvGwOvCZvB5d-HM2AzzGREHb2uQTB0_OMUn3pfC5sXM0YHaPhlETZMBA8IIcwRenqwTuEIrakBo6bdmdULC8wi5kkcFCh3/s640/IMG_5165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />to create the watercolor manicure, I used <a href="http://polishandpearls.com/watercolor-nail-art-step-step-pinterest/" target="_blank">this plastic bag technique</a> with a base color of <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/navigate-her-p-413.html" target="_blank">navigate her</a>, paint smudges of <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/mezmerised-p-31.html" target="_blank">mezmerised</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/pretty-edgy-p-292.html" target="_blank">pretty edgy</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/go-overboard-p-406.html" target="_blank">go overboard</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/turquoise-caicos-p-347.html" target="_blank">turquoise and caicos</a>, with a coat of turquoise and caicos on top. it's probably the messiest manicure I've ever tried, but a qtip and remover will take off the extra. I almost quit this one halfway in because it looked so sloppy. thankfully I tried to embrace the mess and once it was done, <b>I loved it</b>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjztmTrvSSIqRYTLp4ZGuhdFJHFQp4D14T8lN-Npupk6KOCWsFuJ1vNlquHdhNFHVhhRMGbQD768-eQASFs6qIv-bmHx6yIWsr7gDkz0sPu8pt0jHXYfZbc3r4FNkayBAvyz5o6Kwn8OP/s1600/IMG_5126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjztmTrvSSIqRYTLp4ZGuhdFJHFQp4D14T8lN-Npupk6KOCWsFuJ1vNlquHdhNFHVhhRMGbQD768-eQASFs6qIv-bmHx6yIWsr7gDkz0sPu8pt0jHXYfZbc3r4FNkayBAvyz5o6Kwn8OP/s640/IMG_5126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>

pellegrino on the rooftop [the nail files]

the other day I went up to the roof of our building to explore. it's all tiles and cement with a few piles of random junk. oh, and one ...

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summer stripes [the nail files]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9On6UuIzKbJCm3dkt_tLulwSf1gAACaJEPw8uz-LFsc1k7YhKb8lZqSDS07HZA2rJnvqNXKtaKcWNgK7HqIx-gAgO7-KnOv1isPJUXAL_-WolGxmrEJ7mGsyv25k4u2ZZ4lE2Y5js7ZM/s1600/IMG_5091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9On6UuIzKbJCm3dkt_tLulwSf1gAACaJEPw8uz-LFsc1k7YhKb8lZqSDS07HZA2rJnvqNXKtaKcWNgK7HqIx-gAgO7-KnOv1isPJUXAL_-WolGxmrEJ7mGsyv25k4u2ZZ4lE2Y5js7ZM/s640/IMG_5091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />it might be september, but summer's not over. the days here in Taiwan are still up in the 90s, and with the humidity it feels like 100+ by mid morning. I've always loved summer: the sun, the beach, the dresses, the tan lines. though I will admit a small part of me is craving a midwestern fall chill with cider and sweatshirts - it's most definitely not fall here yet. and when winter comes it will be sweatshirts [not parkas] and plenty of chilly rain. so, I will try to embrace the summer heat while it lasts. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZNewGkZzEvpSrKZ_aQRwkB0jyAziBGnrrqzWXVOTv9TPp_ajTesTsOTQwmmjnojcud1GSC34stNYT6Hf3RVaRtRHELHqiCerLUU0KZ7sH81mDEqqzrrpAvoaFQEoJFfwMnnALoV8r1cs/s1600/IMG_5084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZNewGkZzEvpSrKZ_aQRwkB0jyAziBGnrrqzWXVOTv9TPp_ajTesTsOTQwmmjnojcud1GSC34stNYT6Hf3RVaRtRHELHqiCerLUU0KZ7sH81mDEqqzrrpAvoaFQEoJFfwMnnALoV8r1cs/s400/IMG_5084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />we went to a teacher potluck friday night and everyone asked if I had my nails done local. [but once they saw there were no rhinestones or glitter, they believed I did them myself.] I've only had a professional manicure twice in my life, but I'm thinking I need to check out a salon over here if only to see what they come up with.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu_12qPUI2OCpUkOy_jyZG2ij4w9ZfMMtMEzQQ4KbXXLU7HNLBjyz2zzqg5buJsiVSx6QHUUy1blzO6PDLAFzzgBJOseFT0g-DWG1tuLvYCprOgwHO7-GBrJJjlJolOqOXHTeet564z_m/s1600/IMG_2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYu_12qPUI2OCpUkOy_jyZG2ij4w9ZfMMtMEzQQ4KbXXLU7HNLBjyz2zzqg5buJsiVSx6QHUUy1blzO6PDLAFzzgBJOseFT0g-DWG1tuLvYCprOgwHO7-GBrJJjlJolOqOXHTeet564z_m/s400/IMG_2926.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I used these essie<a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/fear-desire-p-433.html" target="_blank"> orange</a>, <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/tour-finance-p-416.html" target="_blank">pink</a>, and <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/no-more-film-p-419.html" target="_blank">purple</a> shades because they reminded me of a summer sunset. my secret weapon to diagonal stripes? scotch tape. let your base color dry completely and then tape off half your nail diagonally. paint the uncovered nail, let dry and peel off the tape. then repeat with a third color by taping off about half of the second color. I think scotch tape works better than painter's tape here because you can see the other line to make your tape parallel. dry, peel, topcoat, done.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSIKu6JZSjQYkwFP-umKFrmeNy0WAPzj6UtQ1IwIwq95WB-34VszTEzVwuJyalLOF5jkdMRZIOUlUong5yaCyaKHGosrVT2QfMvMFzzBpFj0C2F9NrCKKj4pL-p94VjhEs0Ai8pGS3lqi/s1600/IMG_2939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioSIKu6JZSjQYkwFP-umKFrmeNy0WAPzj6UtQ1IwIwq95WB-34VszTEzVwuJyalLOF5jkdMRZIOUlUong5yaCyaKHGosrVT2QfMvMFzzBpFj0C2F9NrCKKj4pL-p94VjhEs0Ai8pGS3lqi/s400/IMG_2939.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />ps. I found this metrocard in one of my wallets from the last time I went into New York and it kindof made me want to cry. there are a lot of things I love about our new life in Taiwan, but I do still have moments where something [even as small as a metrocard] will give me heartaches for home...<br />

summer stripes [the nail files]

it might be september, but summer's not over. the days here in Taiwan are still up in the 90s, and with the humidity it feels like 100+ ...

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spartan spots manicure [the nail files]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlxQcvcUt5jGIZFIusFDdQOtmW806KlOE3ieHjUuGGs5EA26_12-vCVJibSwcceueAgomuys2r7yc0HOpkoaR8CtXomgdR4owD5Baw3uQjH665inb-oAyIVEkphXWA3gjK_M1T9IKmsC8/s1600/IMG_4962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlxQcvcUt5jGIZFIusFDdQOtmW806KlOE3ieHjUuGGs5EA26_12-vCVJibSwcceueAgomuys2r7yc0HOpkoaR8CtXomgdR4owD5Baw3uQjH665inb-oAyIVEkphXWA3gjK_M1T9IKmsC8/s640/IMG_4962.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />college football kicks off this weekend.  that means, I spent an hour on skype with my parents the other day trying to figure out how we can watch the Michigan State season opener vs Boise State. it also means I painted my nails in Spartan green + white for a little bit of luck.<br /><br />why yes, I enjoy both college football and nail art. I'm a complicated woman.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRGHS6T1eB3b_1HAIeMi3Br6iVj8W4cfidC_wWLqT021jckl4VMWuPcQfvgTRZn3P7wPLGhyvxgYa_S0LE0m6I9gj6jUV49m5v7qysmYN92SnHV4CkdHVbPpGLsnQhdhwkraA-scrciIb/s1600/IMG_4961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRGHS6T1eB3b_1HAIeMi3Br6iVj8W4cfidC_wWLqT021jckl4VMWuPcQfvgTRZn3P7wPLGhyvxgYa_S0LE0m6I9gj6jUV49m5v7qysmYN92SnHV4CkdHVbPpGLsnQhdhwkraA-scrciIb/s640/IMG_4961.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I used a base of <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/pretty-edgy-p-292.html" target="_blank">pretty edgy</a> and used the end of a bobby pin to add polka dots in <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/marshmallow-p-98.html" target="_blank">marshmallow,</a> and a little heart on my thumb with <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/tour-finance-p-416.html" target="_blank">tour de finance</a>.<br /><br />this won't come as a shock to you if you know me in real life [or follow me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/jamiethewalker/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> or <a href="http://followgram.me/jamiethewalker" target="_blank">instagram</a>], but I have a bit of an obsession with nail polish. in particular, essie. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3wdIl7MVy84NcrKdu5JKzogZFWLKOvy7qcB_sgwrkjCAInvUR05T3f1_fgyxgr9ZtUdocJKF37h0j2FbzqUv2oaJm3dbXjuo3HMoTyIjqRyfF8v47VK2gJi3C4BRlkF5zx3wGGpH3Q1j/s1600/IMG_4927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3wdIl7MVy84NcrKdu5JKzogZFWLKOvy7qcB_sgwrkjCAInvUR05T3f1_fgyxgr9ZtUdocJKF37h0j2FbzqUv2oaJm3dbXjuo3HMoTyIjqRyfF8v47VK2gJi3C4BRlkF5zx3wGGpH3Q1j/s640/IMG_4927.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I bought my first bottle of essie - <a href="http://www.essie.com/shop/mezmerised-p-31.html" target="_blank">mezmerised</a> - when I was getting my haircut one day. I had to wait for a few minutes while my stylist was finishing with her last client, and they had just remodeled the store. my waiting chair was directly across from the essie display. and the bright blue of that bottle just caught my eye and, well, mesmerized me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYTZacEFn6g1wy0Ak3is-fg6__HcSF4qEH9379X5xSjvQPIB4S-DCyESu2Yze-eRVO-MgYZ6V9WH8iFYbQEJGPCWfXw44hWRctugv5g-Xnae5ZVpDJwNDFRnFUvcXnfKYIiTfMvdDour-/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYTZacEFn6g1wy0Ak3is-fg6__HcSF4qEH9379X5xSjvQPIB4S-DCyESu2Yze-eRVO-MgYZ6V9WH8iFYbQEJGPCWfXw44hWRctugv5g-Xnae5ZVpDJwNDFRnFUvcXnfKYIiTfMvdDour-/s640/IMG_4937.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />I must have walked over and picked it up and put it back a dozen times. it was <b>so</b> not my typical color. until that point, I usually wore something sheer and natural on my fingers [if anything] and some pink or red or plum shade on my toes. but for some reason the blue called to me. so I bought it. and a top coat. and once I got home and used them, and wore them, I knew there was no going back to the cheap stuff.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitQdrwb2iYPc0EwTyYKJ07hDch81UneoOHS5EpTj_W_jr3fKiCpT0UxvzxmhnXIUNgUK7Nmn5mC25KKLhroYXePvfdsvhcQ4Kow2_cOPEy5ZOIgSNazTJSx2L4PeQhorDzmg-lnviBKWx/s1600/IMG_4940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitQdrwb2iYPc0EwTyYKJ07hDch81UneoOHS5EpTj_W_jr3fKiCpT0UxvzxmhnXIUNgUK7Nmn5mC25KKLhroYXePvfdsvhcQ4Kow2_cOPEy5ZOIgSNazTJSx2L4PeQhorDzmg-lnviBKWx/s640/IMG_4940.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />since then, I have amassed a moderate-sized collection of essie colors. pinks, neutrals, neons, sheers, sparkles... and of course the perfect Spartan green. 24 color shades, 2 glitter top coats, 1 base coat, and 2 top coats to be exact. [one top coat is long-lasting and the other is quick-drying]<br /><br />and... I brought all 29 bottles with me to Taiwan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjra3zSU1XncSbDBkDp0aShc5nWf8whiIHE2LKZwQSZO2ZsxhYEfmUX4rvKBMUV8a8Qm67iSq67MJ8d5idaawCYGvXcpq0eYNHY9PMrQG_7vDyHFCfuEpRlsmaLcKj6Z7gyG9iubLK-U3Ej/s1600/nailgrams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjra3zSU1XncSbDBkDp0aShc5nWf8whiIHE2LKZwQSZO2ZsxhYEfmUX4rvKBMUV8a8Qm67iSq67MJ8d5idaawCYGvXcpq0eYNHY9PMrQG_7vDyHFCfuEpRlsmaLcKj6Z7gyG9iubLK-U3Ej/s640/nailgrams.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />and it's not just new colors I've added to my collection. I love trying out new manicures- scouring the internet for inspiration, playing with different color combinations, and experimenting with techniques.  I've done stripes and swirls, classic french, gradient, two-tone, and of course polka dots.<br /><br />is it an obsession? maybe. but painting my nails has become like therapy for me. it's relaxing, soothing. I just... love painting my nails. and so, a new blog category: the nail files.

spartan spots manicure [the nail files]

college football kicks off this weekend.  that means, I spent an hour on skype with my parents the other day trying to figure out how we can...

Read more »