16 Saturday Sep 2017
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I had a vision for today’s look but it didn’t quit pan out the way I wanted. However, I love the final result so much more!! I started stamping with my new Born Pretty Store geometric plate (how fitting) and away I went.
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Base: essie Blanc
Stamping: Barry M Cancun (teal), Zoya Goldie (gold), Color Club On the Rocks, Born Pretty Store plate BP-L070
08 Friday Sep 2017
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I always struggle with today’s 31 Day Nail Art challenge prompt. I don’t know why exactly except that I do not like the typical rainbow scheme. The colors just don’t match up in my eyes. I finally bit the bullet last year and used all six rainbow colors in a splatter look. I really disliked it but it ended up being my most liked photo that month! That was really weird for me because I still look and detest it!
This year, I decided to try again but by sponging. It sort of looks muddy but kind of works. I stamped some fireworks using Born Pretty Store‘s Celebration stamping plate.
Colors make me happy, especially neon colors, and with a disabling autoimmune condition I need as much “happy” as I can get.
Inlinkz down below!
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Base: Barry M Mustard
Rainbow: Milani Blue Print, SinfulColors Energetic Red, Zoya Pippa
Stamping: Color Club On the Rocks, Born Pretty Store Celebration stamping plate BPX-L013 (USD $2.99)
Don’t forget! Born Pretty Store has free worldwide shipping and extremely competitive prices. Shave a bit more off with my 10% off coupon code!
07 Thursday Sep 2017
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Every year I participate in the 31 Day Nail Art Challenge I use the same gold-olive base for the metallic prompt! I never plan but I seem drawn to that color. This year, I finally veer away from gold and go silver! I know, weird.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy this look…I use a new time/clock stamping plate from Born Pretty Store. It’s pretty cool and I know I will reach for it often.
Sometimes I wish time would stand still while I wrestle with my RA. But, it doesn’t. Another week, month, even year passes and I am still no closer to getting my DVM. Rheumatoid Arthritis. You annoy me! But, hopefully, one day time runs out and I’m there, getting my degree and living the life I always wanted.
Inlinkz below!
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Base: OPI I Drive a SuperNova, Zoya Goldie
Stamping: OPI Guys & Galaxies, Born Pretty Store Time Travel stamping plate BPX-LO23 (USD$2.39)
Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.
Don’t forget I have a 10% off code with Born Pretty Store. Save some extra moolah on already low prices and free shipping!
04 Monday Sep 2017
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It took me two days to come up with a design for today’s prompt and after all that thinking I settled on full nail water decals. I kept coming up short as I tried different color combinations…Until I realized I did not have any light blue polishes??? The actual what?? Ah well, that just means I get to do some shopping, right?? **By the way, I am sorry, I didn’t realize these water decals were no longer available!**
Today’s nail art represents my monthly inter-venous Orencia infusion. Orencia is a strong immuno-suppresant that suppresses part of the immune system. This ensures it doesn’t attack the cartilage around my joints. This medication is the most effective for me, even if it cuts out a week early and I spend the last seven days of the cycle fatigued and in bed.
Check out the Inlinkz below and use the social media hashtag #31DC2017 if you participate in this month’s nail art challenge.
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Base: SinfulColors Midnight Blue
Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.
04 Monday Sep 2017
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What is there to say about green except it represents nature, growth and health. I feel at peace and happy when I am outside and in nature. I miss the days when I could hike for hours, kayak and rock-climb outdoors. Now, it seems like a distant memory.
I really love the look I came up with for today’s 31 Day Global Nail Art Challenge. I used one of my favorite Born Pretty Store stamping plates (in general, they make some very cute leaf designs). I double-stamped on top of my new Chanel polish in Fantastic which is a funny neon. Over a white base it pops but on it’s own it is your average bright green. Though, for this look, it’s exactly the color I neede. Can you see this as a print for a bag? I definitely can!
As per usual, don’t forget to check out the Inlinkz below and use the social media hashtag #31DC2017 if you participate!
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Base: Chanel Fantastic
Details: OPI I Drive a SuperNova, Zoya Olivera, Born Pretty Store plate BPL-026
Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.
25 Sunday Jun 2017
Posted in Nail Art
Items provided for review. All opinions remain my own.
A while ago I reviewed a Born Pretty Store holographic polish called Shine in the Dark. You can see my short live swatch video here. It was a gorgeous gunmetal grey that had a great linear holo in it. I quite enjoyed the polish except for it’s brush. It was too thick and hard to maneuver on my tiny nails. Because I liked the polish I decided to give the brand’s new Metal Series polish a try as well. I don’t know what I expected but I didn’t realize “metal” meant “foiled”! Scroll through to check out my thoughts and photos on this beautiful pastel purple. P.S. The brush is exactly the same!
Heroine (USD$3.59 here) is a very pretty lilac color. As foiled polishes go, this one is pretty good. It covers well in two coats and is not as streaky as others. Of course, if you are familiar with foils you know all this is taken with a grain of salt. After all, foils magnify imperfections like you’re looking at them through a looking glass. Is this the best foiled polish on the market? Maybe. It certainly cheaper and works better than some more expensive foiled polishes. I would highly recommend it so scroll down to the end for my simple tricks for perfect application!
Personally, I don’t like using top coats with foil polishes because bumps, lumps and streaks look worse; not to mention, it can dull the shine. The finished manicure will not last as long but will look way better. Ultimately, it’s up to you and what you need: time? or beauty? Having a flare? Foiled polishes are the best because you can eliminate one step: top coat!!
So, what do you think of this color? Born Pretty Store has other “metal” polishes and a whole slew of nail art goodies for very competitive prices. Make sure you check out their website here and if you do place an order don’t forget to apply my 10% off discount!
Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.
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27 Saturday May 2017
Posted in Nail Art
Products provided for review. All opinions remain my own.
As you guys very well know, I swear by water decal nail art. Water decals are easy to use, create incomprehensibly complicated looks and make you/feel look like a professional artist. They are perfect for autoimmune and chronic pain sufferers.
Look, the truth of the matter is us Spoonies love beauty but many of us can’t manage the physical aspect of it. That’s where these great nail art hacks, like water decal nails, come into play.
Scroll down for photos and a quick review on these inexpensive and cute plaid decals from Born Pretty Store.
When I saw these plaid designs I couldn’t help but place them in my cart. I have a soft spot for water decals and for plaid so if you combine them, you have my heart!
I was very impressed with these decals. I soaked them for only a few seconds and detached them easily from their backing. I had no issues placing them and they did not move around once I did. I did not experience bunching or creasing. I did experience a bit of tearing near the edges but, given the pattern, it was barely noticeable.
The best part about these is the white color is completely opaque!! I did not need a base color, just a base coat, and I was all set. So many wins and so little polish wasted!
What do you think? Is this something you’d wear? Scroll to the bottom for my water decal tutorial!
Born Pretty Store Full Nail Plaid Water Decals
Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.
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the Rite of Aging...early 