Beauty In Darkness

I painted this manicure purely experience and mood based. I don't get into too many personal details on this blog, but I will share a small piece of me in this post. I have been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster this weekend/week due to a death in my family. Today my aunt lost her battle with cancer. It was expected, but death is always sad no matter what you think you are prepared for. Yesterday I had just come from what was, as I know now, my last visit with her. My family was in a state of wait as we did not know when her last day would be. As I sat thinking about what to paint on my nails when I came home that evening, I was overcome with mixed emotions. Sadness over an upcoming loss and what it means for my family, her children, her husband but a desire for relief of her suffering and an overwhelming sense of beauty and gratitude for the life that she lead as my second mom. Death can be both: dark and beautiful. This was my reflection of that.

Unfortunately these pictures don't do this manicure justice. I really love it, it's very beautiful. However, these pictures were taken after a full day of wear (and a long swimming pool adventure) so you can see some wear.

I painted three coats of Zoya Kelly and then added nail decals from Sienna Diamond Nails sheets NA-04 and NA-10. I then used my new Bundle Monster plate BM-224 with Konad Special Nail Polish in White. One coat of Seche Vite was used for the top coat.

Vacation Manicures

I'm back! Had a wonderful time on vacation--it was warm, relaxing, refreshing! I told you I brought my nail polish with me. I was also lucky enough to come across a Sally's Beauty Supply in Mexico. Of course I had to check it out! They had so much more nail art supplies and decals than any of the stores I frequent. I wanted to buy them all, but I restrained myself by only purchasing a few.... They also carried the brand Color Club (which I have heard lots about, but up until now never owned) so I bought two colors. It was fun! Anyway, it's great to be home with all of my tools. Here are some of the pictures I captured of nails; the pics aren't that great, but you get the idea!




Green Crackle: Three coats of China Glaze In The Lime Light and one coat of OPI Black Shatter. I coated the manicure with China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat.

An Ocean Life Threesome: Coral color is China Glaze High Hopes, Pink is Color Club Peppermint Twist, Blue is Factory Girl. I used various stickers from Cina Under The Sea for all the nails plus China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat .

Pink Flowers: Three coats of China Glaze Ahoy and nail decals from Siena Diamond Nails (I can't find the exact link to the flowers, but here is the company's site.) China Glaze Fast Forward Top Coat.