Nails - Chain Link

I received a new nail art book for Christmas. I already own both of the WAH ones, which I absolutely love. Upon receiving this book, I did wonder if it would have the same old designs, but there are actually some I haven't tried before. And I've done a lot of nail art!

This is the first one I've tried - the chain link design. In the book it is shown being done with a gold pen, but I used my trusty barry m silver nail art pen over 17 Lasting Fix in Midnight Sapphire, which is such a pretty shade. This is such an simple design to create, and I love the fact you can customise it by doing bigger chains/different shaped links and using different colours. You could even add little gems!? What do you think?

Nails - Daisies

Inspired by WAH, I recreated their lovely daisy nails. These were so easy to do - I only needed a dotting tool and a nail art pen. I used Models Own Black Magic as a base and used my dotting tool to add little dots to the nail which made the daisies. I used L.A. Colors French White and Models Own Lemon Meringue for this. I also added little lines to the petals with my nail art pen. I love how cute and dainty these look, and think they'd look good in lots of different colour-ways - especially pastels!

Nails - WAH Inspired 'Earthquake'

I really love these 'Earthquake' nails. I follow wah nails on instagram, and have seen this design come up on my feed quite a few times. So I thought I'd try my hand at it! The colours I went for are Models Own Jade Stone and Sinful Colors Nail Junkie. Nail Junkie is one of my favourites;it's the perfect mermaid glitter!
I started with a coat of Jade Stone and then applied Nail Junkie to half of the nail. Then I used my black wah nail art pen to do the messy little squiggly bit (great description there) in the middle.

What do you think of this design? Are you a fan of WAH?

Nails - Tartan

I've been wanting to try out a tartan nail design ever since Autumn hit. I attempted it a few weeks ago and it went terribly wrong, however this time I decided to make it a bit less complicated! Just simple stripes. I think it's quite effective. I messed up my right hand completely, so had to start again - these nails took me a good couple of hours in the end! Not the type of nail art you should do if you're impatient with nails drying...

I used barry m Blood Orange for the base coat, and used L.A. Colors French White and Models Own Lemon Meringue and nail art pen for the stripes/black squares. What do you think?

I've got today off, as well as Monday - so a four day weekend for me, yay! I'm starting it off with some Auntie-Nephew time with Ethan this afternoon :) Happy Friday everyone!

Nails - Autumnal

Some Autumn inspired nails from last weekend. A pretty mix n' match of nail art - fallen leaves, flowers and ombré. Colours I used are Models Own Black Magic and Utopia, barry m Blood Orange, 2true in shade 8 and Nubar 2010. I also used my barry m nail art pen. I love the Nubar 2010 'fallen leaves'...the light reflecting flakes really do remind me of Autumn leaves - so pretty!

Nails - Classic Outlined

I love this simple nail art. It's so classic and 'chic' and would look great with different colour combinations. For this I used Models Own Utopia (a firm favourite of mine) and my barry m nail art pen for the outline.

I hope everyone is having a good week! I'm glad it's Wednesday - middle of the week! I am looking after my handsome four month old nephew (seriously, where has the time gone? It doesn't seem like that long ago since I posted this!) all day on Saturday and I actually can't wait!

Nails - Watermelon

I love these fruity nails. I've wanted to do them for so long, but didn't have the right shades of green for the job. The other day I was shopping with a friend when I spied the 'Sinful Colors' collection in boots. The nail polishes are only £1.99 each so I grabbed a couple in the shades of green I needed. I think these nails are so cute - and it seemed I wasn't the only one! People on my photography course at the weekend were taking photos of them and all!

Nail polishes I used - Models Own Raspberry Crush and Utopia and Sinful Colors Exotic Green and Pistache. The watermelon seeds were drawn on using my barry m nail art pen.

What fruity nail art have you created? Link me up, would love to see it!

Nails - Mermaid's Dream

This Deborah Lippmann nail polish is so, so pretty. Seafoam green with blue glitter, it's absolutely perfect for Summer.



Unlike a lot glitter polishes, Mermaid's Dream onky needs 2/3 coats alone to be opaque - no base coat is needed, however I used Models Own Applie pie and applied Mermaid's Dream to the tips to make it look like I'd dipped my nails in glitter.



I purchased my bottle on ebay and I think I now need all the others in the collection. I'm sure I can squeeze them into my nail polish stash!

Nails - Pretty Paisley

Models Own Peach Sherbet with a pretty paisley design created using my WAH nails art pen. I'm always a little aprehensive when trying a new design out, but this was actually surprisingly easy, and only took me about half an hour. I didn't even muck up my right hand which is usually the case as I am right-handed.




Do you like this design?

Nails - The Little Mermaid.

You're never too old for a bit of Disney. I have a few favourites, but if I had to pick my ultimate it would probably be The Little Mermaid. I wanted to BE Ariel when I was 5. Hell, nearly 23 years later, I still do.

So when I was browsing ebay for nail art supplies and came across some Disney-themed nail decals I had to get some Ariel ones. I actually got these sometime last year, and can't seem to find the seller. But there are other similar ones available.



I'm still in awe of my Jessica Hologram Chic nail polish. It's difficult to capture how pretty it is. I added some block colours and dots using Models Own Apple Pie, Blooboo and Utopia, with Ariel on my ring finger. The decals are applied by soaking in water for a few seconds, slipping the transfer off the backing and then placing on the nail. Wait for it to dry (it can take a while, but it leaves you ages to place it exactly where you want it) then apply a top coat. It's so easy. I find water decals a lot easier to apply than nail wraps.

Nails - Edgy Lace

These were actually my nails last weekend. I absolutely love this colour - Models Own Raspberry Crush...



I used my Models Own black nail art pen and a dotting tool to create the lace design on my ring finger.

So glad it's the weekend! It's been a hectic week at work, trying to get things finished in time for parent's evening next week (really don't see the point in it for 2-3 year olds!?), so I'm looking forward to relaxing for a couple of days. What's everyone up to?

Nails - Ciate Very Colourfoil Manicure

It's not often I go for 'Limited Edition' nail sets, and this is actually the first ever Ciate purchase I have made. When I saw a photo of the Very Colourfoil sets, I fell in love. I had a discount code for the website so it wasn't long before it fell into my basket!



There are three sets - Carnival Couture, Kaleidoscopic Klash and Wonderland. I went for Kaleidoscopic Klash, as the colours in this set appealed to me the most. I really like the other two sets as well, but I must try to resist. Plus, I've since found lots of pretty foils on ebay which are bound to end up in my hands at some point.

The kit contains a paint pot in 'Pepperminty', foil fix glue and metallic foil sheets in six shades. There's a few of each shade, so there's plenty to keep you going. A nail wheel was also supplied in the kit - a great bonus as I'm always after them for practising my nail art.



It's super easy to use. After painting your base coat, dot some of the foil fix where you want the foil to be. Select a foil and place it over the nail, pressing down. Remove the foil away from the nail swiftly and you're left with a splash of colour!

I decided to do a smash up of colours on all my nails. I used MUA Frozen Yoghurt as my base coat. A slick of top coat and they were done.




Have you tried any of Ciate's 'WOW' kits?

Nails - Models Own Scented

Scented nail polishes are a complete novelty; a novelty which I gave into during a visit to Boots the other week. Models Own have recently brought out a collection of 5 Fruit Pastel shades, and I bought Apple Pie and Grape Juice. I very nearly got Strawberry Tart, but swapped it for Grape Juice at the last minute as I thought it would go lovely with Apple Pie for ombré nails!



I added a leopard print design later as I love ombré with leopard spots!

I absolutely adore these colours - especially when put together like this. As for the scent, it does smell pretty nice although maybe not as strong as the handy scratch n' sniff on the bottle lid. But who goes around sniffing their nails? Exactly. That would just be weird.

Loves of late...

This post was inspired by the lovely Victoria, who recently kindly gave my blog a mention in her 'What I am currently loving' post - so thank you, Victoria! I've been loving lots of things lately so I thought I would do a little post.

♥ The Primrose Bakery - it was my boyfriend's birthday yesterday and we popped into the one in Covent Garden for tea and a cupcake. Ben, typically, got a chocolate cupcake and I went for a rose one - which was so yummy. I would definitely recommend a visit if you're ever in London. I have the Primrose Bakery book, which I have tried a few recipes from - now I am desperate to try the rose cupcakes, as mine was so lovely!



♥ Illamasqua speckled nail polishes - my boyfriend got me the lilac one and now I'm after the whole collection! Who doesn't want mini egg nails?!



♥ Saving - bit of a funny one, as I love shopping and spending money in general. Although I have made a few little purchases this month, and treated Ben on his birthday, I have been a lot more sensible and not as quick to spend money as I usually am. It feels good! I just hope I can keep up Frugal February for the rest of the month.

♥ Crafting/DIY-ing - always a love of mine, but I have done a fair bit lately - namely some floral bunting [which I am yet to finish], jewellery making and a little DIY which has been on my list to do for a little while - post soon!

♥ Baby clothes - every time I pass by a baby/kids clothes shop I have to stop and take a look. My nephew isn't due until May but I've already bought him a couple of onesies, and I'm finding it hard to stop there! Spoilt little munchkin.



♥ This quote which I found on Pinterest. I think it's perfect for my boyfriend as he is so fussy and he always says I should feel privileged as he is with me, ha ha.

♥ The Walking Dead - I love this show and I'm so glad it's back on! I have a few US shows I watch each week - is it sad that I get excited at work, knowing I have something good to watch at home in the evening!? It's the little things.

♥ Summer holiday planning - we've booked to go to Malta and I am super excited - especially as we are planning to do the dolphin swim whilst we are there! We almost did one when we went to Portugal in 2011, but couldn't afford it. So I think it's a must this time!

♥ Blogs - I couldn't end this without mentioning a few of my favourites! Lily Loves Lola, A Rosie Outlook, Sail boat, A Million Dresses, Sweet Monday, Cold Knees and Little Winter - these are just a few of the blogs I've been loving for a while now. I'm always on the lookout for new blogs to follow so please feel free to recommend your favourites!

Hope you all have a beaut weekend. x

Frugal February - a wishlist.

I decided that this month I would attempt to cut back on my spending and save a bit of extra money. I haven't picked the best of months - my car went in for its MOT tonight, booking a holiday soon, Valentines day [not a big deal to us but we still do little presents] as well as my boyfriend's birthday on the 15th. But it's a shorter month...I can do it, right? And why not just torture myself with a wishlist!?

I have been so close to ordering one of the new Illamasqua Speckle nail polishes. I have a feeling I'll end up giving in, especially as they're limited edition! I'm all over statement necklaces at the moment, this one from Zara is just gorgeous. Another temptation!
I have bought a few more pieces of druzy since making these pieces of jewellery. Yet I still want more. It's just so beautiful!
The main thing I'm saving for right now is a DSLR. I'm trying to keep a little aside each month for this baby. I'm still looking around a bit, but I have heard excellent things about this camera so I'm pretty set on it!

Are you having a Frugal February? What are you currently lusting after?

Nails - Rose nail art decals

I just had to share these gorgeous pink rose nail art decals. I originally bought some for the lovely Fiona, who then instagrammed them on her nails - when I saw her photo I decided I needed some for myself!




They are so easy to apply. You cut them to size, place in water for around 30 seconds then slip the decal off the paper and apply to the nail. Once dry, apply a top coat.
I only tried it out on my 'ring finger', but if I'd have had more time I would have done the whole lot! I painted the rest of my nails with my new barry m glitter nail polish in Rose Quartz, which I layered over Models Own Utopia [favourite!].

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. Ben and I attempted some Christmas shopping yesterday. I say attempted - we only managed to get a couple of gifts. I got a few bits and bobs from Primark [hello cat onesie, you are amazing] and some goodies from Lush. Hoping to go out today and actually do some proper present shopping! That's if I succeed in dragging Ben out of bed. Happy Sunday :)

Nails - Frills

I wasn't too sure what to call this - but it looks like frills, so I settled with that. I went a bit pin crazy the other day and pinned a load of nail art inspiration. This being one of them. I'd not seen anything like it, so thought I'd try it out!





It took me forever to do this - an episode of Vampire Diaries and two episodes of Heroes, to be precise. I was originally just going to do an accent nail, but decided 'sod it', and did the rest of 'em too! So pretty [well I think so!].

All I did was paint my nails white as the base. Then I did a strip of nail polish at the bottom, by the cuticle. I then used a dotting tool to 'dot' the lines across. I waited a little while between colours, which is why this took so long! I used Models Own Utopia, Black Magic & Mystique Mauve, essie bikini so teeny and barry m lilac foil.

How have you been spending your Saturday? I took Ben out for lunch at Nando's - I know, I know, such a romantic - probably shouldn't mention the fact he gave me his loyalty card so I could use his free whole chicken on my veggie stuff :)

Also, I've recently hit 500 followers [thank you!] so am thinking of doing a little giveaway! How about it? What sort of stuff should I get together for it?

Nails - navy & holo colour block

So, despite the fact I have well over 60 nail polishes, I took advantage of the boots 3 for 2 offer and bought a couple of the new polishes from the 17 range.
I already own an awesome holographic nail polish, but was intrigued by the 17 one - so, at just a few quid, I snapped it up. I also got 'Navy Glint' - a gorgeous navy with super-fine glitter. It's a beaut!




I decided to use these polishes [along with Models Own Beth's Blue] to do a colour block design on my nails. It was really difficult to capture the holographic polish. It's not as good as my Jessica one, but it's still really pretty in certain lights and for just over £3 you really can't moan!

What's everyone been up to this weekend? I've enjoyed a quiet one. Been to the gym this morning, which now gives me the excuse to do pretty much nothing for the rest of the day! I have tomorrow off too, so am planning a trip to the shops to do some 'C' word shopping [not being rude, I just know many people don't like the mention of it before November at the earliest!]. I've normally started it by now, as I tend to work by how many pay days I have left til the big day...I'm slacking this year, need to get a move on!

DIY gold leaf nail polish

This gold leaf lacquer looks amazing - but £35? Now I love nail polish but I'm not prepared to spend that much on one! It is so very pretty, but such a ridiculous price - especially when I figured you can easily make your own for less than a third of the price.



I already had the gold leaf, having previously used it in some of my silver jewellery designs - you can get it very cheap on ebay. I also went on ebay and got a nail top coat for cheap too. You will also need a sheet of paper, a funnel [or a make-shift one out of paper, like I used!] and some scissors.



Here's what you do:

Cut up the gold leaf into little pieces, onto the sheet of paper - it's very delicate and tends to stick to your fingers so it might be best to use some tweezers to hold the gold leaf whilst you cut.



Next, gently fold the sheet of paper, being careful not to lose any of the gold leaf. Take your top coat and put your funnel [or make-shift funnel] at the top of the bottle. Gently shake the sheet of paper to funnel the gold into the bottle. You may need to use a cocktail stick to 'tease' the pieces through.




Once it's all in, give the bottle a good shake to evenly distrubute the gold leaf. Then apply straight onto your nails, or over a base coat of your choice!




These photos show it applied over Essie Absolutely Shore - such a lovely, soft minty colour - but I think it would also look amazing over a burgandy colour for Autumn.

Nails - cat!

A little bit late posting these photos, but I just HAD to share my nails from last weekend. I was so excited to find these cat nail art stickers - I actually discovered them a few months ago, but only just got round to buying some [God knows why!]. I purchased them Friday afternoon, and was very lucky as the seller was just off to deliver some other orders - so my stickers arrived on Saturday.



They are so easy to apply [they come with full instructions] and, being a big cat lover, I got ridiculously excited over having a CAT on my NAIL.

I also used my new GOSH nail polish in Miss Minty, which is a new favourite of mine. The perfect 'Tiffany Blue'.