Polka Dots

It's Manicure Monday time. Okay so it's only that time when I get the chance to paint them. Working mom here, cut a little slack. So we got a chance to finally put up our tree yesterday and since Analiese was so excited (and distracted) I was able to swipe on a few coats of polish. When my parents came over I was able to get crafty. After I slapped on two coats of "Brick Wall" by Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear, I got this idea from my Kenneth Jay Lane inspired bracelet. I grabbed a paper clip, dipped it into "Mirror, Mirror" by Orly to create polka dots. I started with just the ring finger and then got a bit crazy. At least they look a bit festive and not the hot mess my hands looked like in the morning. Geez, I couldn't even stand the sight of these digits.  

XOXO

Little Red Riding...

Had a little time before I headed out to paint my nails finally. I had just enough time for one coat and no top coat. Shame on me I know but I needed them red. This is an OPI I got a year ago when I renewed my InStyle subscription. It is called InStyle Red, clever (note the sarcasm). It is one of my favs though.

 I was going to see my bestie perform. She works in real estate by day, neo-soul singer by night and full-time single mom. Seriously, no one works harder than my friend Teresa. Check out what I wore tomorrow and please no one comment on the brows. I had perfectly beautiful, thick full brows and well, this happen (total freak accident). Oh yes, let's document my journey back to normal brow-hood. Hasta manana!

XOXO

Make that Mani Last!

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Doesn't this look great*? I wish I could do this every week. Oh, how nice but unless you are Kourtney Kardashian and have an entourage to watch your offspring, this is more of a "blue moon" if that type of deal. Instead, make that DIY manicure last so you can have the "Dash" style nails. Here are my tips for my longer lasting manis.

• Find quiet time, if you are lucky (like me), they may take a nap. You take advantage. Forget the laundry and household duties. When they wake up, they will recreate that mess anyway.
• At salons, they let your nails soak to take care of your cuticles. Simply push them back but keep your nails DRY. Use a plain acetone, skip the moisturizing ones that leave residue on your nails.
• Use a base coat. Not a top/base coat mix. Trust me, it will be worth the extra step. This acts like double sided tape when you put your polish on, it will STAY on.
• Wait at least 25 mins so your nails can dry completely, hence the quiet time.
• Before bed or a few hours after your mani, apply one more coat of topcoat. You may want to do this twice a week if your polish tends to chip.

Try these tips and see how much longer yours may last. Anyone else have any helpful tips to add. I'm a sucker about my nails!

*This image is from a getaway I was browsing at. I think it would be nice for the hubs and I.