31DC2014 – September 28: Inspired by a Flag

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I realized something today. I have never done an American patriotic manicure! So, embracing a first time for everything, I created a USA manicure…What a perfect time to use the “sugar spun” technique!

I hope you like it!

 

31DC2014 - Inspired by a Flag | The Rite of AgingI started with two coats of Milani Spotlight White as my base.

I stamped with Bundle Monster plate BM-307 and Urban Outfitters Blue Velvet.

I “sugar spun” with Wet n Wild I Red a Good Book.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

 

Don’t forget to check out the other manicures below!

#31DC2014 – September 27: Inspired by artwork

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For today’s prompt, I initially wanted to do the Picasa swirl technique. In fact, I had the perfect “pin” in mind! Then, I found out the “artwork” was a pillow!…So, begrudgingly, I scoured the rest of my pins and selected a cool one from honestlyWTF. The perfect thing about this picture is it enabled me to use the sugar-spun technique. Isn’t it weird I have not yet done a sugar-spun manicure for this challenge? Well, here it is!

 

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I hope you like it!

 

DSCF1068_fotorI started with two coats of Sephora by OPI Metro Chic as my base.

I “sugar-spun” with China Glaze Sun Worshipper, Milani Power Periwinkle, Peacock, Fast Fuchsia, Zoya Gwin, and Urban Outfitters Blue Velvet.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

 

Don’t forget to check out the other manicures below!

NAIL (September 2014) – Week Two: Sapphire

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Check the sidebar for more information on this challenge!

I am running a little behind this month because of the 31DC but I love taking part in the Link-up so I am trying to fit these manicures in here and there.

Blue is my favorite color so I was thrilled by the second week’s prompt. Sapphire is a gorgeous stone. Even uncut, it has a very majestic glow.

 

I was on a water-marbling kick but since I was not feeling too well I only did an accent. The rest was my trusty RA-friendly saran-wrap!

I hope you like it!

 

I started with Zoya Dream as my base.

I detailed with Sally Hansen Blue My Mind and  Julie G White Orchid.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

31DC2014 – September 26: Inspired by a Pattern

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Short post today because I re-started the Orencia infusion today and I’m feeling a little low. Once again, I scoured my Pinterest boards for inspiration for today’s prompt. I used this scarf from the Nordstrom anniversary sale I wanted to buy. Unfortunately, I was too slow on the uptake and the scarf sold out!

It’s a really pretty scarf that so happens to be in my favorite color!

 

℅ Nordstrom.com

℅ Nordstrom.com

I had to deviate a little because my nails were too short to combine all four colors on the gradient. Regardless, I think it came out way cool. I hope you like it too!

 

31DC2014 - Inspired by a Pattern | The Rite of AgingI used 2 coats of Julie G White Orchid as my base.

I created the gradient with a makeup sponge, Sephora by OPI Cover Me in PetalsColor Club Wham! Pow!, and China Glaze Sun Worshipper.

I dotted with the same Julie G polish.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

 

Check out the other manicures below!

31DC2014 – September 13: Animal Print

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I updated the 31-Day Challenge tab on my blog and realized I never posted this year’s animal print manicure! How did I completely miss this when I posted it to my other social media? …Well, I am posting it now!

I hope you like it!

 

31DC2014 - Animal Print | The Rite of AgingI used 1 coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Petal Pusher and 1 coat of butter London Knackered as my base.

I detailed with dotting tools, artist’s brushes, Milani Peacock and Nfu-Oh Nfu 51.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

 

Check out the other animal print manicures below!

A New Wardrobe for Fall

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This post contains affiliate links.

 

Every fall I go through my entire wardrobe and donate anything I have not worn in a year. I try to do this once every six months (and, if I am feeling extra productive, once a season). Regardless, I always, always purge before the fall semester. I am not sure why. Maybe it is just easier to stuff everything away and say “I will wear it next fall/winter!” but when the fall actually comes I realize I am not going to wear it. This is always a mix of my style and body changing. Since I increased the prednisone I battled pretty bad “moon face” or bloating in the cheeks. Certain tops, especially those with horizontal stripes or on the looser side, really enhance this wonderful side-effect.

Last year, I was on a stripes kick so I got rid of most of my shirts and sweaters! Thus began the fall wardrobe hunt!

Check out the items at Nordstrom I’ve been eyeing! I tried to keep in mind I needed clothes to teach in. I work with grades K through 5th so I need something professional but young, me, and easily cleanable!! (hehe, I learned the hard way when I wore my good jeans on wet clay day…)

 

The links below are from left to right, top to bottom. 

Nordstrom Fall Favorites - Clothing | The Rite of Aging…Early

What is my favorite color? Heh, don’t worry, these items come in more.

 

I snagged this Halogen Cotton & Silk shirt (on sale) in store! I rarely find my size, favorite pattern, sale items in store so I did not even think twice before purchasing this. I debated between this or the grey/lime combo but decided the maroon was more fall-ish.

Halogen is also a favorite brand and I own a few of their button downs. They have a few patterns but I really like the lime green accent on this Modal & Linen Tee (on sale)

This Caslon short sleeve (on sale) is a great basic for early fall. Caslon is one of my favorite brands. Their shirts are great quality. And, they frequently go on sale!

Recently, I have been into the see-through tops I can wear over basics. However, I am kind of the fence about this Burnout Stripe sweater (on sale) because of the horizontal lines. I do LOVE this color, though.

I love the subtle tie-dye on this Caslon Space Dye sweatshirt. I have been on a sweatshirt kick lately for the laid-back, no fuss, easy to put on vibe.

 

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I am itching for a new handbag and I fell in love with the hot-pink tweed on this Christian Lacroix Agnes satchel.

This Jessica McClintock Tweed clutch reminds me of Chanel, without the exorbitant prices! However, I rarely go out so when would I use this? But then again, what if I do go out and do not have a cute clutch? Hm….

The Funfair Fashion collection from Butter London came out during the Anniversary sale. It is still available for anyone who wants to get their hands on it!

I love cute make-up bags but never spend money on them because I always, always spill something inside! This Catseye London cosmetics bag looks identical to my Marmalade for less than $20!

I may or may not want this Shambolic nail duo just for “Lovely Jubbly” which has been on my wish list for ages.

Okay, so I am not buying this…I probably would never spend this kind of money on a bag unless it was Lord of the Rings related, but it did make me smile so I included the Moschino Spongebob wallet! I am not going to lie, I absolutely loved this show when it first came out.

 

So, these are my top picks for the start of fall. I hope something on this list caught your eye!

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

31DC2014 – September 25: Inspired by Fashion

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Pictures link to original blog post.

I scoured my Pinterest boards for today’s fashion inspiration prompt when I happened across a Mickey Mouse jacket I saw on HonestlyWTF. I immediately decided to base my nail art on this pin because my new Mundo de Unas’ stamping plates came in and they had the perfect designs!

 

from HonestlyWTF - Child's Play

 

Initially, I wanted to layer two types of stamps to mimic the fabric’s pattern but the dark blue totally covered the lighter blue underneath. I then decided to just layer parts of the nail. Sorry for the stamp smearing, for a fast dry black this Milani polish does not dry very quickly. And I waited a good five minutes before adding top coat!

I hope you like it!

 

31DC2014 - September 25: Inspired by Fashion | The Rite of Aging EarlyI used 2 coats of Julie G White Orchid as my base.

Stamp pairings:

  • Milani Power Periwinkle, Bundle Monster plate BM-315
  • Sally Hansen Blue My Mind, MoYou London plate 09, Suki Collection
  • Milani Black Swift, Mundo de Unas plate CF-02

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

 

Don’t forget to check out the other manicures for today’s prompt!

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