tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11318388957966860182024-03-05T15:25:33.801-08:00Knits and Polish with The NailventuressJoin me as I traipse through the wonderful world of Nail PolishMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-26007407215169114082014-04-02T18:10:00.001-07:002014-04-02T18:10:26.668-07:00The Rhinebeck Sweater?Is it too early to start talking about the Rhinebeck Sweater? After all, it is only April and Rhinebeck is still 6 months away. At the same time, it is April and Rhinebeck is 6 months away!<br />
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Last year I had the brilliant idea to knit a sweater for Rhinebeck 11 days before the festival. Was it crazy? Yes, however, it was a bulky weight pattern that I had knit before. In the end, I finished the knitting in the hotel room after we had set up the booth at Rhinebeck and brought the sweater to the lobby to seam up while my comrades tried to get some sleep. <br />
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This year, I have many options for my Rhinebeck Sweater. <br />
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1: I could knit a sweater with the sweater yarn I bought last year at Rhinebeck. This option must be checked off the list already, since it has happened as of this past Sunday! Miss Babs Yowza knit up into a lovely Bedford. <br />
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2: I could attempt the spin/knit a sweater with the wool I purchased last year at MDSW or NHSW. This was a loose goal of mine from last year but I never had time to process the fiber. Last month, I sent out the fiber to get processed so all I'd have to do would be spin/knit the sweater before Rhinebeck. Doable? I'm not sure. I love a challenge but I'd need to step up my spinning time quite a bit to reach my goal. On the other hand, this is the first year I think I can actively participate in the Tour de Fleece so maybe I'll attempt an insane amount of spinning for my project.<br />
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3: I could knit sweaters with my remaining stash of sweater yarn (DK or above). I have 5 sweaters worth or yarn left. The rest is fingering weight that may or may not be used for a shawl so it can pass under the radar for now. This goal seems a bit more plausible that goal #2 for the following reasons. a: I've started sweaters with 2/5 bundles of yarn so technically I am on my way to being 2/5ths of the way there. b: All of the sweater bundles have been assigned to projects. (The Dream in Color and O-Wool are already cast on and the Cascade, Verdant Gryphon and Shibui are waiting impatiently). c: The sweater mentioned in goal #1 was so fabulous that I am back on a sweater kick. d: I've been using our upcoming shows and festivals as motivation to finish projects (Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival was the goal for the Bedford!). <br />
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As you may have guessed by now, goal #3 is the most appealing out of the two applicable goals. Perhaps, if I have an incredibly productive year (as I did in 2012 (12 sweaters in 2012)), I can meet all three of my goals. Only time will tell. <br />
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I leave you with the sweater mentioned in goal #1 (and the boyfriend's Christmas sweater). <br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-17311577805980075662014-03-01T19:52:00.000-08:002014-03-01T19:52:20.165-08:00Knit the Stash Update and Olympic ReviewBelieve it or not, I am still going strong with my Stash Down goal for 2014. With the closing of the Olympic ceremonies, I am happy to report that 6 more skeins have been knit. I used 2 skeins for 2012 for a shawl, 2 skeins from 2012 for a sweater and 2 skeins from 2013 for a hat. I just cast on for a sweater with 2 more skeins from 2013. The Olympics are always a fun occasion to follow, and for the past 3 games, I've competed in the knitting Olympics which follow the games. The first year that I competed, I was mainly crocheting. My goal was to knit a pair of sock since I had never knit anything besides garter stitch scarves before. The next games, I challenged myself to knit a Nordic Ski Sweater. This time, I started with a bulky cowl and a fingering weight sweater. Since I finished both of these projects with more than a few days to spare, I also knit a Nordic ski hat and finished a WIP shawl. <br />
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It is safe to say that challenging myself with the games has given me the "Knit Everything" bug so I promptly cast on for a new sweater. If this knitting bug continues, I may just knit through all of my sweater stash (which at the moment is about 7 sweaters worth). In the event of total sweater stash down, I am lifting my 2014 yarn diet on sweaters and allowing myself to purchase more sweater yarn. <br />
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Things that I have learned so far:<br />
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I really really need to purchase more grey/black/natural/brown yarn. <br />
Knitting from the stash has resulted in some really fun and creative ideas for yarn usage. Also, my mind has been opened to different types of pattern to accommodate the yarn I've already purchased. <br />
There are some really lovely hidden gems that have been hiding in my stash.<br />
There are some really lovely fancy yarns that I have been saving for nothing in particular and have now been turned into something spectacular.<br />
It is really satisfying seeing holes appearing in my stash shelves. <br />
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Now, I am not going to lie and say I have not been tempted to purchase any new yarn. The knitting Olympics have exposed me to an endless amount of new yarns, patterns, and fibers. I am particularly smitten with the Little Prince Opal sock yarn that was released last year, however, I have been forcing myself to stay away. <br />
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I am thinking about adding another revision to the goal and allowing for Rhinebeck to be the only show that I am allowed to purchase yarn at to give myself something to work towards (besides endless amounts of finished projects with long loved yarn). Why Rhinebeck? It is my "birthday" show, one of the largest shows in the fiber world and the show that has almost all of my favorite vendors in one spot. The other purchase I may allow myself is the Little Prince collection of Opal yarn since it is a limited edition line and would only continue to increase in price until it completely disappears. (I stalked the Harry Potter Opal yarn for months before deciding to purchase the lot on Ebay and now you can't find it anywhere).<br />
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My only yarn related purchases to speak of are 2 sets of sock needles (one pair broke on vacation) and a couple of patterns on Ravelry. <br />
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I leave you with my current project.<br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-54738529038088991602014-01-07T13:27:00.001-08:002014-01-07T13:27:59.896-08:00Knit the stash: day 7The first week of the new year is over...I've no clue where it went. So far I've stayed true to my new years resolution of no stash enhancing. But, its only been a week so it is not like that is a huge accomplishment. I do have to admit to some yarn finding its way into my stash though. Recently, I moved to a new apartment and the change of address has delayed all of my parcels from the Post Office. The yarn that arrived on the 3rd was supposed to be here in time for Christmas, having been sent to me from my dad as Christmas presents. Therefore, is does not count as stash enhancing and instead counts as the last new yarn to enter my stash for the next 358 days!<br />
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If you take a look at my current stash, you'll see I have a large variety of bright colors in my sock yarn shelf and a mixture of jewels and neutrals in the sweater shelf. Taking a moment to quickly reevaluate my stash based on my knitting tastes, I realize that I shop for one thing and knit another. I lean towards neutrals when it comes to choosing knitting projects. Most of my favorite sweaters are either cream, grey or black. I love multicolored scarves and socks, but I would rather knit shades of grey than Butternut Squash yellow. 2015 New Years Resolution: Buy yarn in shades that are practical...do not fall for the shiny factor. <br />
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The reason I've ended up with so many brights is incredibly obvious. 1: I love bright colors in every aspect of my life. 2: I'm more willing to splurge on something that is one of a kind, unique to the dyer, new to me, eye catching, etc. Why would I want to buy a sweaters worth of grey yarn here when I can get grey yarn from everyone else anytime I want? At the end of this past year, I purchased a few projects worth of yarn in neutral colors and I am so happy to have them in my stash! If only I had stocked up on neutral sock yarn before my stashdown...that would have helped with my neutral shawl cravings.<br />
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Neutral Stash Project Ideas:<br />
1. Cascade Eco Tarnish: Ranger for Me!<br />
2. Miss Babs Yowza Into the Void: Bedford for me!<br />
3. Shibui Alpaca DK: Snowbird for Me! Shortened?Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-73827592418318867352014-01-03T13:28:00.000-08:002014-01-03T13:28:08.723-08:002014 goalsI'm keeping it simple this year. My one goal of 2014 is to knit from my stash for the entire year. There are a couple of rules that go along with this. 1: I can purchase 4 projects worth of yarn throughout the year. These are emergency purchases that I will hopefully not have to take advantage of. 2: projects requiring Holiday Yarns yarn do not count as stash enhancing due to the fact they are usually knit before they make it to the shelf. 3: if I seriously manage to knit thorough my stash, I can start purchasing yarn again! 4: pattern and buttons don't count as stash building (I'm not a button collector and patterns will help get me through the stash).<br />
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I'm starting the year off with a new sweater. The pattern is Woodstove Season by Alicia Plummer and the yarn is Local by O Wool that I bought at Stitches East 2013.<br />
-MMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-21899301206178321572013-02-16T15:51:00.000-08:002013-02-16T15:51:26.057-08:00Valentines with Dollish Polish and an Apartment Addition16 February, 2013<br />
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Valentine's Day is usually pretty exciting. Dinner with the fiance and a movie or something of the sort. This year the fiance was back in IL and I was in NY so it was a bit different. The 13th saw me falling into a melancholy mood due to the thoughts of being alone the next day without the fiance, but it turned out to be a most marvelous day! It started with a productive day at work. Then, I went to knit night which was really fun and uplifting. I followed that with take out for dinner, a bottle of Shiraz and The Fellowship of the Ring. To top that all off, I was rocking a gorgeous sparkly red polish in the holiday spirit!<br />
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Dollish Polish is one of those great indie brands that I love to wear. Combined with the fact that the polish is named for Trueblood, I can't go wrong! This is 5 coats of "I wanna do bad things to you." I really should have thought to put a red base underneath so I would't need so many coats but in the end it was worth all the coats. The red has a hint of orange to it and there are a few holographic glitters thrown in is well. I can't stop looking at this polish and I fully intend to keep it on for another week (I haven't had any tip wear or chipping yet!). The only thing I am worried about is removing the glitter but I think it will work out alright. <br />
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In apartment news, I decided my apartment was too boring and after 2 months of living here, it was time to add some more of me! Luckily I had a Target gift card and a vision and the next thing I knew I was lugging a ridiculously heavy box up to my apartment. I made a second trip out to grab a hammer and screw driver because I didn't plan ahead. After an hour or so of tinkering around the bookcase was assembled and ready to go. I added my yarn, knitting/cooking/reading books and some tea mugs. The final product is fantastic and I am really proud of myself for getting it all set up!<br />
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Last but not least, I finished my Watson sweater. Since finishing the sweater, I have worn it every day. It is warm and thick and gorgeous and Watson so I am a very happy person! Now I am working on the sleeves of the Tinder cardigan. I hope to finish it this weekend so I can wear it to Montreal next weekend!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
happy crafting and painting!<br />
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The Nailventuress a.k.a. MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-69101223551858041742013-02-05T19:47:00.000-08:002013-02-05T19:50:00.384-08:00Apparently, I still haven't gotten over The Hobbit...5 February, 2013<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really do have his insignia<br />
tattooed on my leg!</td></tr>
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I love JRR Tolkein. I have JRR's insignia tattooed on my leg. It's safe to say I am a fan. I've read the LoTR trilogy twice. I've read The Hobbit 5 times. I've see the trilogy so many times I've lost count. I saw The Hobbit 6 times in theaters (this is what happens when you have multiple families to see it with). I thought that after the 3rd time of seeing the movie, it would start to lose it's appeal but apparently it hasn't. Here is how I figured it out. Since seeing The Hobbit I have watched Love Actually, North and South, BBC's Robin Hood, The Vicar of Dibley, BBC's The Office, BBC's Being Human, and Captain America (and the LoTR trilogy again...and again...). All of these shows/movies feature at least one actor from The Hobbit. On top of all that, I've picked up a sweater that has sat un-knit on for almost a year simple because it is a Martin Freeman sweater. So, apparently, The Hobbit is still on my mind. That's alright with me. I've got to find some way of passing the days until the DVD is released, right? And, I have not been disappointed with any of these finds (except for Captain America). But, I do believe they were the cause of the episode of ennui from last week (as I finished most of them and then felt hopelessly lost on Netflix. Such a sad life I lead).<br />
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Speaking of ennui, my attack of Netflix ennui from last week has gone away thanks to some helpful recommendations (thanks again!) and some further research of my own. I've started BBC's Shameless which has some great British humor and 100+ episodes...so I think I'm set for the next little while. <br />
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As for manicures, I've still got on the manicure from the last post. It has faired so well that I haven't felt like taking it off just yet. So, instead of a new manicure, here is an old one that I wore the first time I came to Syracuse. It was a bunch of fun, pastel colors that are more suitable for Spring but I wore it in Autumn like the daredevil that I am. The mint is Orly's Jealous Much and the pinky peach is Orly's Cotton Candy. The glitter was from a Color Club mini set from a few years ago and I believe the white is OPI's Alpine Snow. I absolutely loved this manicure so I might have to recreate it come Spring.<br />
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Back to the aforementioned sweater... I am a huge fan of BBC's Sherlock, so, of course, I had to knit the sweater that John Watson (played by Martin Freeman) wears in the first season. I started it last year and for some reason, put it down after the split for the front and back. However, on Saturday, I was hit by a huge desire to pick it up again...so I knit...and knit...and knit. By Sunday night I had finished the body and was casting on the sleeves. Needless to say, I am glad I acted on my urges. Now I've got just got to keep knitting away on the sleeves. Normally, I hate sleeves. Sleeves are not friendly. They are awful things that taunt you endlessly. However, I have come to the realization that the sleeves on this sweater are sleeves with a purpose (of course, all sleeves have a purpose, serving to keep our arms warm, but these are purposeful sleeves). Specifically, the gorgeous chevron pattern and 6 stitch cabling from the sweater is also knit on the sleeves. Therefore, I've got repeat after repeat to keep me happy. These sleeves make me smile every time I cross off a number on my notes sheet. I feel like I am actually making progress when I sit down and knit three rows. Why? Because the crossed off numbers on my notes sheet tell me I am! No more endless stocking knit tubes for me (on this sweater...). Nope, I am knitting purposeful sleeves with purposeful repeats. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i> In all reality, these sleeves are probably going to take me longer to finish because of all of the patterning. Do I care? No!</i></span><br />
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Until next time,<br />
happy painting and crafting!<br />
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<br />
The Nailventuress a.k.a. Melanie<br />
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Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-16396705668375169232013-01-26T20:13:00.000-08:002013-01-26T20:13:48.868-08:00Netflix Ennui 26 January, 2013<br />
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I really like to have something on in the background when I am doing things. Be it podcasts, radio, music, television shows, it doesn't really matter but I like it there. Recently I've been on a Richard Armitage kick, (I blame The Hobbit followed by North and South) which has led me to some interesting shows on Netflix. But I am still not satisfied. Back when Doctor Who was all new to me, I was set for a few months. I continued onto Torchwood and some other shows but it seems I've run out of things I truly am excited to sit down and knit to. Sometimes I want to watch something rather than listen to it and I can't seem to find that something. So right now I am settling for the original Star Trek series. I figured, if I get into it, I'd be set for a while with all of the series to watch. After all, I was raised by a Trekkie so I know the characters, I just haven't fallen in love with it yet. This ennui has taken over my knitting time. Instead of knitting, I spend time watching the first few episodes of shows to see if I'd like to continue watching. I'm sure something will turn up but for now I am stuck in my Netflix ennui!<br />
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I am sporting a new manicure that promises to make up for the failure of the last one. (Did I mention that after 3 days the polish went dull (which hasn't happened to for years) and chipped/peeled like crazy! Total disappointment!) This is 1 coat of Barielle's Berry Blue and 2 coats of Finger Paints Motley which is from their flakie collection. That collection was so fabulous and I cannot believe I have waited so long to wear this polish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiEUDPBX-xStlNe0Kk5qjkTFhJBOzc5OjIbiaqtaQtj5hMq9mwgPBVYf7kZjSL2xbuzL4Wl9onjGGl8W_MwIAJaxI23pCYfS1WiK-78lwbr7PmyQDkATjs-6cX_r30qHijTPzxm9uv7Te/s1600/flaky1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYiEUDPBX-xStlNe0Kk5qjkTFhJBOzc5OjIbiaqtaQtj5hMq9mwgPBVYf7kZjSL2xbuzL4Wl9onjGGl8W_MwIAJaxI23pCYfS1WiK-78lwbr7PmyQDkATjs-6cX_r30qHijTPzxm9uv7Te/s320/flaky1.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVqY5Q8vLbyMlJgDwHTySJoy5BZp0isgl1Mp5Jygd6ljaSn7jQm7AiCo9Xu7u8c48Hd955h4fPFPLMD5nL3yOL5qmeEndDVnh07illZtCxg61BnkB7KlICkopbymQECHjp8q3pYE5GzBh/s1600/flaky2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVqY5Q8vLbyMlJgDwHTySJoy5BZp0isgl1Mp5Jygd6ljaSn7jQm7AiCo9Xu7u8c48Hd955h4fPFPLMD5nL3yOL5qmeEndDVnh07illZtCxg61BnkB7KlICkopbymQECHjp8q3pYE5GzBh/s320/flaky2.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
I've also been somewhat productive on the knitting front. My vest, which took up the first 3 weeks of January, is finished and now up on display in the local yarn shop. I've also done a bit of spinning with some fiber I got from work. It is absolutely gorgeous and I've no clue what to knit with it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrm5fr-zW7ZtfLeJhMSGE7BcdrJ18DTaMXJSdvnr3Pvj8htAxw-O4dP8aZu4bCQeOacXIYcnKw_yaWxMTmIBS2y2pGMxHGsmlLYOHGf172FUp-eBM7-V-hcUDXn-2T7tExn0PAultYhzU/s1600/yarma_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrm5fr-zW7ZtfLeJhMSGE7BcdrJ18DTaMXJSdvnr3Pvj8htAxw-O4dP8aZu4bCQeOacXIYcnKw_yaWxMTmIBS2y2pGMxHGsmlLYOHGf172FUp-eBM7-V-hcUDXn-2T7tExn0PAultYhzU/s320/yarma_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7L0mAjEHID0ZSm8scXNvXXFbG60eCJU2lPuJcoZgA6JAqhLo7RI6CWn-XxmHpoUVBPPdrd0TkbBfeWyZdvRaWEfF-F7ozsyf8qYBn7dK4tHsEnc4RChiVYwi3EbCfUsnV_NivMQbKYyVK/s1600/spinning1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7L0mAjEHID0ZSm8scXNvXXFbG60eCJU2lPuJcoZgA6JAqhLo7RI6CWn-XxmHpoUVBPPdrd0TkbBfeWyZdvRaWEfF-F7ozsyf8qYBn7dK4tHsEnc4RChiVYwi3EbCfUsnV_NivMQbKYyVK/s320/spinning1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hopefully this ennui clears up soon!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Happy painting and crafting!<br />
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The Nailventuress a.k.a. Melanie</div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-15665231087357179852013-01-20T12:23:00.000-08:002013-01-20T12:23:11.138-08:00Down time20 January, 2013<br />
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It seems this weekend I have had more down time than I have had in past weekends. Of course that means that I have been entirely unproductive, unless you count a walk to one of the local yarn shops yesterday. The weather has been nice, although incredibly windy, and it hasn't snowed since Friday so perhaps I'll venture out again today. <br />
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I did take advantage of an earl arrival home on Friday to paint my nails. Of course, they needed to be trimmed due to the cold making them weak (my lack of conditioning and increase of using my hands underwater doesn't help either). I threw on a dark, barely purple purple that looks fantastic, but was a pain to apply. The color is Elizabeth by Julep, this is my first time using a polish I own from Julep, and, while it looks great on the nails, the bottle shape, brush and formula were such a nightmare, I don't know if I will be using the other polishes I own from them. The bottle is so long and thin, it won't stand up on its own with any sort of stability and there is basically no polish in the bottle itself (how is this worth $14?). The formula was thing and gloopy and didn't spread well on the nail (and it took forever to dry). The brush didn't assist the application at all, instead, it helped to keep the polish congealed in one spot. And, after just over a day of wearing it, I've got tip wear. Needless to say, I am not impressed. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qSSlLSmJr8JW2ZyFd23m6HWsm4k7sa37ljG3c3I3TA9BSjqp2Nx_TSZSD1z4eHn2prq8OyUkIMbdJ64JPcPdSzgOZq4nPlztIyLGFjeqC6X1PrShBazbI8xgk6L2vHMICrDnVPffFLfn/s1600/julep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qSSlLSmJr8JW2ZyFd23m6HWsm4k7sa37ljG3c3I3TA9BSjqp2Nx_TSZSD1z4eHn2prq8OyUkIMbdJ64JPcPdSzgOZq4nPlztIyLGFjeqC6X1PrShBazbI8xgk6L2vHMICrDnVPffFLfn/s320/julep.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8ny9KQKq7XPhE-s_2Nfi-W95YTFCEjKdDdBta1QgT6RKtexzF5tyih96XvwDJWB26B0zcyw3PRW0NjDRVWpjw1KrxYt07AlR8OEUHDQNBzQn9FgQ0H6RD8Mzyh2AIcu2MRillMiDwcrv/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8ny9KQKq7XPhE-s_2Nfi-W95YTFCEjKdDdBta1QgT6RKtexzF5tyih96XvwDJWB26B0zcyw3PRW0NjDRVWpjw1KrxYt07AlR8OEUHDQNBzQn9FgQ0H6RD8Mzyh2AIcu2MRillMiDwcrv/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
On a happier note, I purchased some spectacular looking sock yarn during my walk yesterday. I've never heard of, or tried, this yarn before but it looks and feels great so I may be casting on for some socks later today. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotT_pZMeQDswaGjeJqztPQv74cEjtv1sQhxZn28M9B9YeurJfKBoxm3rbd4AiwYkYC2ivSe7f8ssYDz_Opg-ZMlsp2BxoX4KtDMy4CFaK2J6dRYuoo1q744w_HtQ4Z4ft2MGRJyvli45Z/s1600/frolocking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotT_pZMeQDswaGjeJqztPQv74cEjtv1sQhxZn28M9B9YeurJfKBoxm3rbd4AiwYkYC2ivSe7f8ssYDz_Opg-ZMlsp2BxoX4KtDMy4CFaK2J6dRYuoo1q744w_HtQ4Z4ft2MGRJyvli45Z/s320/frolocking.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I've also nearly finished the vest that I have been working on for my class. I have an inch more of the back to knit, then it is just finishing up the button band and arm hole ribbing. Perhaps I'll finish the back today and the rest tomorrow? This also means I can get back to knitting other things again! Like the 2 shawls and cowl I'm currently working on. That also means, I can cast on for the previously mentioned socks, a cardigan, and a shawl or two. I have found the pattern for the shawl that I want to knit for my wedding, I've just got to get the yarn for it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QAhneFB80gIvJXXRpwwj8uyIcym8lYDmVAKThx71s0mfFIZrKjDPgXRNg2eiGpX8n7vKRXNmqxM-G0wOZoMO9HMf0QLXchTRoUodeDOg54di2Zhyphenhyphen4C4xz_5jMQ-s7TdNc3Rp6VT7Lz87/s1600/vest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QAhneFB80gIvJXXRpwwj8uyIcym8lYDmVAKThx71s0mfFIZrKjDPgXRNg2eiGpX8n7vKRXNmqxM-G0wOZoMO9HMf0QLXchTRoUodeDOg54di2Zhyphenhyphen4C4xz_5jMQ-s7TdNc3Rp6VT7Lz87/s320/vest.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Below, I have posted a little blog auf Deutsch. This is for me to practice my German more than anything else so I'll just leave it there for now. <br />
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Until next time,<br />
Happy painting, and crafting!<br />
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The Nailventuress a.k.a. Melanie<br />
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Dieses Wochenende habe ich nicht so viel gemacht. Ich habe ein Wolle Geschäft besucht und dann habe ich gestrickt. Auch habe ich Star Trek von 1966 und Doctor Who von 1973 gesehen. Jetzt möchte The Hobbit noch einmal gesehen, aber es kostet viel Geld und ich muss mein Geld für andere Sachen benutzten. Vielleicht nächste Wochenende kann ich den Film sehen, weil ich das Hollywood Theater besuchen kann. Dieses Theater kostet nur $2 pro Film und das ist billiger als Regal Cinemas, obwohl ich habe The Hobbit 6 mal gesehen, immer bei Regal Cinemas. <br />
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Morgen ist es nicht so kalt wie am Freitag, aber diese Woche soll sehr kalt sein. Ich glaube, dass das Tageshochtempuratur ist um 12 Grad. Vielleicht gibt es keine Schnee, wenn es so kalt ist. Viele Pullis habe ich gestrickt, aber ich denke, dass ich Handschuhe und dicke Socken und einen warme Schal brauche. Ich kann diese Sache stricken und ich habe viele Wolle aber ich wollte an meinen anderen Projekten arbeiten. Auch wollte ich meine lila und grüne Wolle spinnen. Am Wochenende habe ich sehr viel Zeit, aber keine Lust diese Aktivitäten zu machen. Habe ich ein Problem? <br />
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Diese Idee gefällt mir! Ich kann ein Blog auf Deutsch jede Woche schreiben, damit ich mein Deutsch üben kann. Ich habe kein Deutsch Zeit 1. December gesprochen, weil ich keine Deutsch Klasse oder Pratikum hatte. Auch kann ich deutsche Filme auf Netflix sehen. Da gibt es viele Filme, die ich in meiner deutsche Filmeklasse gesehen habe, zum Beispiel Metrolpolis und Der Untergang und Der Baader-Meinhof Komplex. Ich muss sehen, ob es lustige Filme auf Netflix gibt. Mal sehen. <br />
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Bis später,<br />
MMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-49461913967532729142013-01-11T19:28:00.000-08:002013-01-11T19:28:17.469-08:00It's Friday!11 Jan 2013<br />
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It's Friday again! Who doesn't love the weekend (although, weekends aren't as desperately needed as they used to be with such a fantastic job to keep me busy!)? Especially when it means the fiance is coming to visit. To celebrate, I am spending the night before he comes with a pot of my favorite tea (Samurai Chai Mate from Teavana anyone?), the last few episodes of Gossip Girl and some knitting. The rainy chill that has plagued the day only helps to add to this perfect Friday!<br />
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For now, I will leave you with a manicure and some knitting!<br />
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This was a pre-christmas manicure that I ended up wearing for close to two weeks. I love glitter nails but I hate the clean up, so...I settled for glitter tips. Saves on the clean up and still sparkles. The glitter is Twinkle Lights from the China Glaze Holiday 2011 collection. The green is Jolly Holly from the China Glaze Holiday 2010 collection. I have a history of not caring for green nails, however, this combination was pretty fantastic. If only the holidays lasted longer so I'd have more time to paint more glitter combinations!<br />
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On the knitting front, this is my first <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/color-affection" target="_blank">Color Affection</a>. I've since knit one for the fiance and I'm currently working on my third (using yarn from <a href="http://www.holidayyarns.com/" target="_blank">Holiday Yarns</a>, my fantastic job!) However, that will have to wait while I finish a vest I'm working on for a class. My magpie inspired mind seems to think multiple works-in-progress isn't enough as I've made plans to stop in at the <a href="http://www.yarncupboard.com/shop/" target="_blank">local yarn shop</a> for some yarn for yet another project. Well, at least I'm meeting one of my goals for 2013...knitting from my stash? Who am I kidding...At least I'm knitting more, which was one of my unspoken goals. </div>
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Enjoy the weekend!</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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happy painting and crafting!</div>
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The Nailventuress a.k.a Melanie</div>
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-36900563425773499832013-01-05T08:02:00.001-08:002013-01-05T08:02:24.562-08:00Internet!5th January, 2013<br />
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I finally have internet installed in my apartment! How exciting! It is great to be back in Syracuse and now, I will have less trips to the library to take advantage of the free wi-fi. This also means I should be able to start working on one of my 2013 goals, blogging more.<br />
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There will be lots to talk about of course. Knitting, polish, adventures in New York. 2013 is going to be a great year! And, for starters, I think I'll make a chili for dinner. <br />
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Until next time,<br />
happy painting!<br />
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MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-79436355228841675672012-12-31T15:58:00.003-08:002013-01-20T12:23:27.727-08:00Melanie 201331 December, 2012<br />
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I don't usually create a list of New Year's resolutions, but, as 2012 comes to a close, I find myself thinking of fun goals I'd like to set for the next year. So perhaps I shouldn't call this a resolution list, but rather, a list of things I'd like to see done in the next 12 months.<br />
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So, without any further ado, here is my list of goals for 2013 (in no particular order):<br />
1. Improve upon my spinning skills<br />
2. Spin and knit a sweater<br />
3. Prepare a fleece for spinning<br />
4. Spin a project from prepared fleece<br />
5. Compete in the Tour de Fleece<br />
6. Add FO pictures to Ravelry<br />
7. Design something knit or crocheted<br />
8. Improve upon my weaving skills<br />
9. Blog more often<br />
10. Start a podcast<br />
11. Knit more from stash<br />
12. Eat healthier<br />
13. Go skiing<br />
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There is my list. It focuses on more on the crafty areas of my life, but that is where my life is focused so it makes sense. I guess that leaves me with 13 goals in 2013. Personally, I think they ae fairly attainable, but will make for an exciting year all the same.<br />
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Hope everyone has a fantastic New Year's Eve and New Year!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Happy painting!<br />
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The Nailventuress a.k.a MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-42092253141962547122012-12-09T12:06:00.000-08:002012-12-09T12:06:47.425-08:00The Big Move...December 9:<br />
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Well, it has been quite some time since I last posted. Let's say about 6 months, and it was on the eve of my graduation. Fast-forward 6 months and I am now settling into the tiny but incredibly cute town of Manlius, NY.<br />
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I am very much enjoying my new location! Moving into my own apartment has been fantastically fun. Setting up my kitchen, living room, etc. has been even more exciting. I've been able to do/cook/listen to whatever I want without disturbing anyone else. <br />
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It has also been fun to get out and explore the town for a little bit. After a grueling 12 hours drive from Bolingbrook, IL to Syracuse, NY, I managed to convince myself that I had missed my exit just before getting to my final destination. This realization prompted me to take the next exit, which, in turn, ended with a nerve-wracking 15 minute drive through the dark streets of Syracuse, all while Gangnam Style was playing on the radio (which in itself was an odd experience). It was a...memorable way to arrive in the place I plan to call home for the near future. <br />
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The next few days passed by fairly quickly. I jumped into my new job, working with yarn (a dream come true!!!), and visited a few locations that would prove to be most helpful. Specifically, supermarkets. <br />
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Friday came, and with a cup of tea to send me on my way, I made the short trek to Manlius, NY to sign the lease for my apartment. This was rather thrilling and terrifying at the same time. I am 22. I have never lived on my own, unless you count Germany. I am not from this town, or state, and I have no clue what I should and should not do when signing a lease. Fortunately, the manager was incredibly sweet and I was signed with keys in hand in no time. That was the easy part. Next came the actually moving.<br />
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Observation 1: Moving<br />
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Packing and loading up a car can be very misleading. One has time to add to a pile of goods meant for transportation to the new living location. This pile can be shifted into the transportation vehicle at the owners behest. The door to the house, through which the owner must exit and enter to move said goods, can be propped open so that the owner may easily descend, or ascend, the two steps into the house whenever needed. Simple. <br />
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Upon arrival at the new apartment, many issues with moving became apparent. There were 3 doors through which I had to pass before I could deposit my belongings on the floor of my apartment. 2 of these doors required a key. There was also a set of stairs that I needed to climb in order to get to said apartment. A plan of action had to be put in place. The apartment door would remain unlocked leaving on the entrance door to be dealt with with a key. Unpacking would occur throughout the unloading process so that my poor arms could have a break. Snacks and water would be readily available when a small burst of energy was needed. The floor was available for quick breaks before heading down for yet another load of goods. This plan worked quite well, although the well-being of my upper-left arm was sacrificed for the rest of the day. <br />
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Observation 2: Driving<br />
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Then there was the matter of driving around Manlius at night. While the town has cute holiday decorations (I say holiday because for every christmas tree, there is a menorah), they do not offer any aid when attempting to locate streets listed under your directions. The streets also prove to be more foe than friend due to the lack of a left-turn signal. Yes, one may turn left in Manlius, however, one will not receive a friendly green arrow with which to do so. Instead, one must patiently wait/creep forward, until there is enough of a break in cars, or a yellow light, that will allow you to turn left. Of course the left turn could have been avoided had the driver known where they were going the first place. Perhaps said driver will try a new method of transportation widely known as "walking" seeing as the town of Manlius has an area of only 1.78 square miles. <br />
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Fortunately, Manlius has become much more manageable in recent days.<br />
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The same can be said about the originally terrifying drive to The Best Job Ever. The Best Job Ever is 15 minutes away from my apartment in Manlius. The drive is basically a straight shot west on 173 (Seneca). Simple, check. Terrifying, check. For a girl living in the region famous for its rolling hills and jagged, death-defying mountain roads, otherwise known as the Midwest, for the past 15 years, the change to driving in actually hills with actual fast speed limits was a different experience. Yes, I was born in Pennsylvania...but I never drove there. I left when I was 6. Driving from Manlius to Syracuse was, therefore, an incredibly uncomfortable experience. <br />
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The wonderful state of New York has these things called hills. These hills have roads upon which people drive. These roads have a habit of going up-up-up before stopping and seeming to drop off. Yes, the before cresting a hill, it looks like one will simply continue on only to plummet to their deaths far below. Of course, this is not the case and the road continues on down the hill before it starts to climb again. The first 3 times on 173 resulted in sore hands and white knuckles. After that, it became increasingly obvious that if there was going to be a sudden drop to one's death, or an s-curve, that state of New York would place these brilliant, blinking, bright, yellow signs that would at least alert the driver. This is made the commute to The Best Job Ever much easier.<br />
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Observation 3: Free Time Activities<br />
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So that brings us to the matter of things to do when alone in Manlius. One may drive around town for 30 minutes attempting to locate the grocery store. One may locate the other entrance/exit to the apartment complex. One may cook dinner for one's self while singing at a level just loud enough to echo but not disturb the neighbors. One may also find time to partake in activities such as hand-washing dishes. As it turns out, the last activity can make one feel quite accomplished. Of course, there are classic activities to fall back on, such as knitting. In fact, one can be quite accomplished in this area as well. There is also the matter of painting one's nails, which I intend to do after I leave the library. <br />
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One may also contemplate what to do with the amount of free time in the new location. This was the activity I chose to partake in for a good part of last night and this morning. The options were: walk to the library; drive to the library so that a stop can be made to buy cheese; drive to the small mall; drive to the large mall. Driving to the library won out, of course.<br />
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That brings me just about to the end of my entry pertaining to the first days in the new location. They have been fun, scary and always quite the adventure. After leaving the library, I intend to go make myself a delicious lunch and curl up with some knitting, manicuring or Lord of the Rings...we shall see. <br />
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<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-43386619538847101252012-06-09T05:14:00.001-07:002012-06-09T05:15:43.892-07:00Graduation Nails!So I meant to have some knitting to attach to this post as well but I finished my nails at 2:00 am and my graduation is at 9:00 am. After four fast years of college, I am graduating with a B. A. Of German!<br />
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This is my first ruffian manicure and I chose the colors to match my dress. I think there will be many more ruffians in my future but I need to watch the thickness of the coats I use to avoid bubbles. This is one coat of China Glaze Refresh Mint and two coats of The Face Shop BR80. <br />
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Until next time,<br />
Happy painting!<br />
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The Nailventuress<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3RNc0L2tZYWGX77ub-qhSWq6YJThfkpr5MwBJrB2EMFv7qbeFk0vMKv6mSfVDgAWit94TY_obLFpn24f5-OnGkJYZ1WA2CmvqvskY7Qerxj-BjXxX53mV4jjjlCkZCq01A2eLDv4hN82/s640/blogger-image--1030747911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3RNc0L2tZYWGX77ub-qhSWq6YJThfkpr5MwBJrB2EMFv7qbeFk0vMKv6mSfVDgAWit94TY_obLFpn24f5-OnGkJYZ1WA2CmvqvskY7Qerxj-BjXxX53mV4jjjlCkZCq01A2eLDv4hN82/s640/blogger-image--1030747911.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24Ig3KmRrXdSaoNUwSpFwAUaDR6EUCnuRcvu4ZP3U362e_-kmE9zr1uVcEgkY9CXiJUdsTj-YUsN8R_Xyh0crG-fYVSxHH_UYKNx_Je6mP5HA9N5-GM0EkFAg8Xtd-iDq6SmtYQqBq5-R/s640/blogger-image-1810811198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24Ig3KmRrXdSaoNUwSpFwAUaDR6EUCnuRcvu4ZP3U362e_-kmE9zr1uVcEgkY9CXiJUdsTj-YUsN8R_Xyh0crG-fYVSxHH_UYKNx_Je6mP5HA9N5-GM0EkFAg8Xtd-iDq6SmtYQqBq5-R/s640/blogger-image-1810811198.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d0uFJgVDYAmCDxfG-1f75dZNoxQvFhUBe1PX8-fjYS6FIbCH7Q9Wc80oQxbLGb9jZLgktAoXDQFa5JUOWkd6DYiB5JSWOgdgasVnn1uj8CYdjwmyJg_hga1gF7mak9wKTucTrCbHLVV-/s640/blogger-image-1852459579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3d0uFJgVDYAmCDxfG-1f75dZNoxQvFhUBe1PX8-fjYS6FIbCH7Q9Wc80oQxbLGb9jZLgktAoXDQFa5JUOWkd6DYiB5JSWOgdgasVnn1uj8CYdjwmyJg_hga1gF7mak9wKTucTrCbHLVV-/s640/blogger-image-1852459579.jpg" /></a></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-20704122234555354902012-05-03T06:56:00.001-07:002012-05-03T06:56:21.479-07:00New Blog Title!Time has yet again escaped me. I blame school, as always, but I have found a solution to kick start my blogging again. Combining pictures of my knitting and polish. <br />
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First up:<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hemlock-ring-blanket">The Hemlock Ring Blanket </a> Which I have turned into a shawl. Knit with size 10 Needles, 1 skein of Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool in Natural Brown, using steel colored glass beads.<br />
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Polish: Butter London's No More Waity Katie in celebration of the royal anniversary! 3 coats.<br />
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Until next time,</div>
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happy painting...and knitting!</div>
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The Nailventuress</div>
<br />Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-47144399903945841332012-01-20T20:24:00.000-08:002012-01-20T20:29:07.090-08:00New Knitting Pattern Posted!20.1.2012<div><br /></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: center; font: 24.0px 'Corsiva Hebrew'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">The Never Ending Scarf.....</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><img src="webkit-fake-url://6537BEFA-778B-4449-8D86-459734997E9B/pastedGraphic.pdf" alt="pastedGraphic.pdf" /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b>The Never Ending Scarf.....</b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">When I was younger, one of my favorite movies was <i>The Never Ending Story</i>. Rowan’s Romance reminded me of that film and I knew it was the perfect yarn to knit myself an infinity scarf. This scarf is a simple knit that is great for mindless knitting at the end of the day. The instructions require no memorization and can be altered to fit a variety of yarns, textures and gauges. And I promise it is not a never ending knit!</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b>Materials:</b></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Size 15 Needles</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">3 Balls of Rowan Romance approx. 180 Yards. (Supplement with any super bulky yarn. When using a different weight of yarn, cast on more stitches to account for smaller gauge).</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">2 yards of scrap yarn (for the provisional cast-on)</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Crochet hook (any size for provisional cast-on)</span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><b>Instructions:</b></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Using a<b> provisional cast-on</b>, chain 30 stitches with crochet hook. Pick up and knit 25 stitches with knitting needles. There should be left over stitches on the provisional cast-on, it is easier to rip out at the end.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b>Row 1: </b>Slip1 at the beginning of the row; K1P1* repeat till the end of the row. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><b>Row 2:</b> Slip1 at the beginning of the row; P1K1* repeat till the end of the row.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Knit until scarf is desired length. Remember, the scarf should not be the same length as an actual scarf if you want it snug against your neck. <b>Mine is about 3.5 feet long. </b> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Taking the needle currently not in use, pick out the provisional cast-on as you pick up the now live stitches. There should be 25 stitches on each needle. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Make sure scarf is not twisted before starting the <b>kitchener stitch bind-off</b>. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'; min-height: 15.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Times New Roman'"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px">Sew in ends and enjoy!</span></p></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-82102696632509641032012-01-15T21:02:00.000-08:002012-01-15T21:09:24.578-08:00Christmas 2011 Nails<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr2jvZWzZojK-FRhOoaLt9drIV1oE7wTFEINvMLkYPDLhfDu8L_t7eTGNpqj9NOASyF7OvnF4gawsypGPJ3wJW2uppYtHzYjz90IHEEkSaO-u4-fg3ySGIjjcpA0hsdAPyszWs4fdkN4v/s1600/IMG_1720+2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>15.1.2012<div><br /></div><div>This is an old manicure but I never posted it and absolutely loved it!</div><div><br /></div><div>I used Illamasqua's Base Coat and then applied China Glaze's "Holly-day" for the green and OPI "Thrill of Brazil" for the red. Then I added a line of China Glaze's "Twinkle Lights" to add some sparkle and topped it all off with some Seche Vite. This was so much fun to wear for the holidays :D</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Kr2BvacAUWcoAKn2fruGmlSkELgpbVscLUj5kc7e1Tsu54zvl66UMDl-p6iLMV9n26D9rzTDCCsZQKVYBJ-dtwLAW0-Lerlkis1zzjicxpP738FnmV7EIRmhLsyn8dJWxtqSYKnq-Lo7/s320/IMG_1720.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698092364879857874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr2jvZWzZojK-FRhOoaLt9drIV1oE7wTFEINvMLkYPDLhfDu8L_t7eTGNpqj9NOASyF7OvnF4gawsypGPJ3wJW2uppYtHzYjz90IHEEkSaO-u4-fg3ySGIjjcpA0hsdAPyszWs4fdkN4v/s320/IMG_1720+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698092368169028530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 245px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div>Until next time,</div><div>Happy painting!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Nailventuress</div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-79826512202271843732012-01-08T08:57:00.000-08:002012-01-08T09:09:59.506-08:00Finger Paints Flecked<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfaOMZZFdDsRgKj0WoBAg74mFZneR0Ui9MNEZkR1Kp4JiEHj3Jq-pAQoWDUyER7urr4Okw2ccHuJVHAvB-BcJBHaMGAJbfP3EKRhx28ScjNZ8N8UVqawfWfBl_3iTqwV-zR6lLqv7aMIU/s1600/IMG_1803+2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>8.1.2012<div><br /></div><div>Imagine my surprise when I walked into my local Sally's and actually found the new flakie effect collection from Finger Paints. I had gone in so many times before and never found it that it wasn't expecting it to be waiting for me, practically untouched. I grabbed Motley, Flecked and Twisted, three flakie combinations that I do not own. Asylum and Flashy were to similar or boring for me to justify picking them up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Although I already had Orly's Androgynie on my nails, I topped it with a coat of Motley and then a coat of Flecked. Motley was a bit hard to see at first, but Flecked is absolutely perfect! M is a gorgeous blue gree duochrome shift that is so intense it does not require much movement to see. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCftY7yTFPJ7cK9yGIcuI8jrbTJemyzfXxS4D8sEyom1fBfbd2V2v2W17qMA9Xjms4tAezRe8FWLP4qUjjzlKuQ6qDflO9piMS932fcb6gpWgsY2FMZ05SDKuk_UA3blCgcs6tnN9j_suv/s320/IMG_1803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695309252388476322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfaOMZZFdDsRgKj0WoBAg74mFZneR0Ui9MNEZkR1Kp4JiEHj3Jq-pAQoWDUyER7urr4Okw2ccHuJVHAvB-BcJBHaMGAJbfP3EKRhx28ScjNZ8N8UVqawfWfBl_3iTqwV-zR6lLqv7aMIU/s320/IMG_1803+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695309258398947538" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 157px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div>To add to the excitement of this manicure, I took pictures with my new camera (a Canon Rebel T3)! I still have to play around with the setting when taking nail pictures but I am pleased with these first pictures!</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time,</div><div>Happy painting!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Nailventuress</div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-4550959393035226392012-01-03T18:54:00.000-08:002012-01-03T19:03:18.050-08:00Revlon Facets of Fuchsia<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>3.1.2012<div><br /></div><div>Any time I see a dupe for a pricier polish I end up hunting it down. Luckily Revlon's "Facets of Fuchsia" was easy enough to get a hold of. This polish is similar to China Glaze's "Mummy May I" from the Halloween 2010 collection, however, I think it is a dead on dupe for Deborah Lippmann's "Bad Romance." Unfortunately I do not own BR, but looking at pictures confirms it for me. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QrquHNX9MQcreUMgRUns2af4xmyBsqbQvz_Wx72JXlHQfhwm3pSnp3asSsMhFaLJGAjiFc1chiBeukLiFRZAOygSOf5lKGlfmdQP3_zYmoJeD-DV0IVJakLP8PTVGYjoe5aHiJc9TNpd/s320/IMG_3928.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693606183656519442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw36CSy2iw2mF5IXAg6jigEC2ftjr-dteqIfPvnnpI-X0jHU5PjTcGMUEmKK6zlup6tc_EsbK9MJErmDYnKW9Ez5P53phwhkJxIz__lWrsuA8t5jtLAbXRilmt4RXn7OhZYQ15aXGdsAVS/s320/IMG_3923.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693606178170641602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>FoF took three coats for full coverage. Next time I would layer it over a creme black to save polish. It dried relatively smooth and was absolutely gorgeous on my nails (I was sad to take it off!). </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinmA05_zVIzrYO3EIhyktQfsyCE-9KqTTojN32rUAni3VPAKte65nVPm__7bD1x29iI1WZBd6jViVv7W8xuDBguAJeKVAr7sW7uL8cXWGRgw4Cp1PRQkgO77S0iDZj5R2xI2sOwA_ujvbq/s320/IMG_3910.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693606173177024338" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Until next time,</div><div>happy painting!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Nailventuress</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-50097187159140750782012-01-03T18:49:00.000-08:002012-01-03T18:53:32.844-08:00Update!3.1.2012<div><br /></div><div>It has been really hard to keep up with my blog these past few months. Between travel and school I have had barely any time to read, let alone write, blogs. This week is my first week back at school and it looks as if I may have a bit more free time than last term (knock on wood) so I will try to do a weekly update with manicures of the week! I guess I am making a new years resolution to do so, lets hope it works :)</div><div><br /></div><div>In other news, I have bought a lot of nail polish recently. Three weeks ago I got back from a school trip to Germany and ended up with more polish than I thought, then I bought some Christmas collections and other odds and ends. Plus I got a new camera for Christmas that is asking to be tried out with my manicures. </div><div><br /></div><div>Look for some posts in the near future!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy painting,</div><div>The Nailventuress</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-64284072711248857382011-11-20T07:30:00.000-08:002011-11-20T07:38:40.350-08:00Nails Inc. Magnetic Nail Polish<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>November 20: <div><br /></div><div>Magnetic nail polish is one of those things I have wanted to try since I've seen it pop up on European blogs. Thanks to Nails Inc. being sold at Sephora, I have finally gotten my hands on some. It is just as amazing as I thought it would be (even more so when I found out the design shifts on nails to look 3-d). </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vnGi9c82yaVXfXVA9QdqaQBCIiYPceQ4fBu2o_Nbs2GqgAmRZw69qaOK2l4NtCD8vY7jS75eFWDu7E47-M9jOEvp0z8XMMrMqj2HIHWPcygumJXCXiFdNehVRVMX6qLaA1Y2QfR3hiSp/s320/IMG_4113.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677102580129110530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>Here is two coats of Trafalgar Square. The way this works is you paint on coat of the polish (or any base color you want) without using the magnet. Then on the second coat you go one nail at a time. Polish, magnet, polish magnetic, until all nails are complete. I'd let this sit for at least five minutes before adding topcoat because I got some dragging (thought nothing too terrible). This polish dries really really fast and is great for an out the door manicure, however, I found it to be very chippy. It wasn't as bad as holo polishes but be warned it is not a good choice if you want something to last (like going on vacation without painting your nails would not be a good idea).</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2fvbxvFjL3gzALqh-1gLuYSD3crVS9lXJOBY_B8LAWTFf5RDdtBuBTe4jKj0ltCzEmH39WDMOnIvHjsIfI28_pjRfX_zkJr8HOJYKup4ltJ-JqAlGDHXlIzNMfWxx-KLfnqBOz87t80e/s320/IMG_4126.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677102750104227874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Overall, I am in love with this. I bought both shades Nails Inc. had to offer and I cannot wait to try some more!</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time, </div><div>Happy painting!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Nailventuress</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-69429349509175696082011-11-19T07:07:00.000-08:002011-11-19T07:17:34.855-08:00Butter London Wallis<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>November 19: <div><br /></div><div>School classes are done, now all I've got left are finals. To celebrate I've been listening to Christmas music and wearing glittery nail polish, however, I feel as if I haven't paid my fall polish colors enough attention!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is Butter London's Wallis. This is a gorgeous bronze-y green that I picked up while on a mini-vaction. The color always appealed to me and I figured if I was ever going to buy it, it would be on a shopping trip! I am so glad I did bring this polish home because it just glows.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-uDQQ0qiqzE_05tsR70hjNifvFDzJ4NmaiSpVaSqHS7KlddHt3v7ktSUlNgAMWBouu0-isSYM43umcRhdEOoM8UuIwLrVjuO0Ld0lNLjPZKrtENhsjEzGqc8126zr6Xaor6AlmHnFcVx/s320/IMG_4053.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676726164810952610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXC5C4HtO8B1I3Vt90ugvXqjAaDHocoAH7L6osbkvn_9yzsBJiGaH5jNmDTwLe2RzeFmebFWVzAkm5-BNRV754Otyx67d44eR2NigoLIbO5gNROLpIRg1kddXDyWytQBu9x67hZ9FrAJ9f/s320/IMG_4052.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676726159138576610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div>This was three coats to be safe. It lasted a long time, was very easy to apply and really stood out on my nails. This was also my first Butter London to try and I am so happy it was a good experience. Luckily, I have two more Londons to try (they had a buy two get one free sale but I split it with my mom and then got one for my birthday). </div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time,</div><div>Happy painting!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Nailventuress </div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-40417228272387962612011-10-18T15:03:00.000-07:002011-10-18T15:12:20.305-07:00Neon Red, Oh How Wonderful!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRWNg0iBS8Yw5dvxTuPr5tvwiO2UOoT43-O1Uf5GzpmJXG-XdEEoWgcPK_vAlI2JS60N-c77vz2M0pc-c0WIBx-CAf1YqjKAC4Vw0mutmKpYvjrsaHe0wDwDJ99OBh-WzXwGedeY-UE2q/s1600/IMG_3656.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTviuGeBAuanOpowGMPMb_kgd9vUX52wtcOXmAO_8uEPIu-LxjFyNbKkURfEXdoro7K3iNQU8OsgJHJZXb3Ke8KXwMyNSsezAUtRfJGpXKILTb8KpsAlsEZWOcRx8onQ4SgvzzCNPf9xE/s1600/IMG_3586.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>October 18<div><br /></div><div>A while back I headed over to Sally's to take advantage of a coupon that I had and picked up some China Glaze nail polish. One of the polishes I picked up was Rose Among Thorns. To my surprise it is a bright red jelly neon. In Sally's I thought it was going to be a florescent pink but its more orangey red. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTviuGeBAuanOpowGMPMb_kgd9vUX52wtcOXmAO_8uEPIu-LxjFyNbKkURfEXdoro7K3iNQU8OsgJHJZXb3Ke8KXwMyNSsezAUtRfJGpXKILTb8KpsAlsEZWOcRx8onQ4SgvzzCNPf9xE/s320/IMG_3586.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664958062063206066" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>The application was one of the best I have had with a neon. This was three coats and it lasted for almost two weeks with minimal chipping! Can you believe it? Any time I don't have to apply 5+ coats of neon over a white I am happy. The non-chipping was a big bonus. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRWNg0iBS8Yw5dvxTuPr5tvwiO2UOoT43-O1Uf5GzpmJXG-XdEEoWgcPK_vAlI2JS60N-c77vz2M0pc-c0WIBx-CAf1YqjKAC4Vw0mutmKpYvjrsaHe0wDwDJ99OBh-WzXwGedeY-UE2q/s320/IMG_3656.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664958328117999682" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>At the end of the manicure I added some grey crackle on top and got a look that reminded me of lava. This was a total win of a manicure as far as I am concerned. </div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time, </div><div>Happy painting!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Nailventuress</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-27041363688434898592011-08-25T13:30:00.000-07:002011-08-25T13:40:19.932-07:00Manicure catch up!August 25:<div>
<br /></div><div>Has it really been a month? Woops.</div><div>
<br /></div>Here are some manicures that I have sported recently!Fourth of July Manicure<div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qhFMlQ5l4cLG9r-QZCU0L_y3XZIPpNmYZ76B5ygToLCyT3zsKx-Upqf1BRtrcQ3LaVFnW2TFyWqic58zKX7sQ9jQ9PAt4rUYJJD9a-PX1KMMgVaz8NM2AeLyigku2iJ-J3xL5c1zWZNK/s320/IMG_3237.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644894932904222658" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;">
<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJZGCzl-fl3A55tMgJoCdBgTN5m7lbrgMsBattHNuUh_Rn3UlKDqDKChm2nSqmw6ecPYP3jo8yHT16kok6y2VtXdwxUs1re1HpCOaLF8cJBe8r64soABbzHQSPqKP_4o3SMoCMqRa4mw2/s320/IMG_3238.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644894941996409634" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>Zoya Areej (a gift from Rita, thanks!)</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lRGRzc4n530JwmqXlWMKx13nF2QOPLnBsPm4oiWUPMp58dzmUxKJn_f0HyernLFSScAZmQbDXb4ECtFEsOhZkyQAlg2CFAzRJVocFASYXXUokbBn-CCZHgw9FwL3SplCXzETm7Pn1cjA/s320/IMG_3467.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644894976833250610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwNnbbpTokNhz4BEvleWO_8OOyE2n0-5w4LDn8my49dp6lK3xDC3x7Y8XH9XpRkVXD7dtxfQwh83R7p-kWb4ViOpXB3AltjXV9SiW1HgIK1WhkhdpOQLrKLu74NaXoMHrHwdO9_Q8A8yn/s320/IMG_3453.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644895149949941586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>Milani Cyberspace</div><div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-wB6GThK8VRspai2VjgLqOvqyYyG6dJXXs1wpZeBtYIsOkUdzYk-2DZhdWBoTsHqY9mDez4usHXWcLVIf4OG-Btz6-G4xmL5zk3y2zDNSzYU9TpqFlxm5GYpZX58iz9x3QA9Mly_pqvO/s320/IMG_3299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644894952018286402" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">
<br /></span></div><div>Sally Hansen Cafe Au Lait</div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5XRe7kRwck_wKZ9s5cHXVbFnefwQmLiE1WSff1UBNfE4gbKjgAldZ6EZgdfRUj4JzcKStWdNjc2LnkXx7QzCCITQiqjs8TS7YjXBgQs_WATiiT97W9nt8Wk6OoNqodTTuaeKL8MJq3fW/s1600/IMG_3424.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5XRe7kRwck_wKZ9s5cHXVbFnefwQmLiE1WSff1UBNfE4gbKjgAldZ6EZgdfRUj4JzcKStWdNjc2LnkXx7QzCCITQiqjs8TS7YjXBgQs_WATiiT97W9nt8Wk6OoNqodTTuaeKL8MJq3fW/s320/IMG_3424.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644894964935932258" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div>Until next time,</div><div>Happy painting!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The Nailventuress</div><div>
<br /></div></div></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-20381736268159621032011-07-15T17:51:00.000-07:002011-07-15T18:13:45.981-07:00The End of an Era: Harry Potter Nails (Pic Heavy)<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>July 15:<div><br /></div><div>I can't believe that the Harry Potter series has come to a close. I started reading the books when I was ten and now I am twenty. It was hard waiting for the last installment of the movie, however, I kept telling myself to enjoy this anticipation because that meant the series wasn't over just yet. Now I've seen 7.2 and it was everything I could have ever hoped for in a Potter movie...well it was missing Peeves but what were the chances they were going to include him after leaving him out for the other seven films. Anyone else think Peeves was the best character (besides Fred)? Anyone? </div><div><br /></div><div>For my manicure, I painted images from all seven books as well as Harry Hedwig and Harry's scar. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdEfZwfhZfVG_JmZIFglo_X3ExICBuDI88a9feTPyEJig_U7gcNJcZYF9Mpn5gQmrP7zaCzEBPkhVQJ-S9ZEFEsSDMQkH3tSzBgI1HZJIBtEvO8oGEI1mHoBO4hk83jR0kfcBEKNZsiQG/s320/IMG_3346.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629747328753475586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIKgI-4q-xf9WIjBDFvLNPwHeGxgOQ9KXXhonQiL3vVwM3htkNc1RwlWO180DbUV_OkyIqoAvPX3Kc2NvIzRI6KzoeVc41WGUT2niPvuWagsIjoje9Yzpfjl_hqu0ItstW9UITu1seHZh/s320/IMG_3347.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629747219342493346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKesDJ8TEjcZLS5fHqY1ZjfvzxJktWYH3ym12828G4mQssTXYOUN4WuGcJLf9Ddyg_00IbJX5mu9ZQfI7HxIJjwOGiUVTk81Nscz9tM-5FS2gY1p9z7d9qlwWRH0GtEzMZOd5avvJ6SvzL/s320/IMG_3356.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629747182072715074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4v0JAiytTJDzsFLY1TYnQbU4EQrBQ1CjXpsM7nsatAtZTvHriKbA38NM9EKHhEJf46X1dC0isqhf8eLwuOI2FlR0FhHEDmycmrc29ZdYgAE99wBrHfwzGSC9BnEpPMFk0o0BKv0ORyPv_/s320/IMG_3352.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629747200216800498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1CTjJKZjDw8dpYp5c46oJOZDF5RfUykXHICyCu5ViEcyKk8g3f0zfCEu9n1SfpNsbfsQ7Vq1py5FXuTyZjY0cAKBPF7tP2nFrKzqyWfqCbnfCX2arZRqIkOyeKkUwf-_LgoylPFN1UBS/s320/IMG_3348.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629747205383885570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktU7LJa0AyuQPMFJuZ9feBL6wdR8kg7U-4BVKaJ6bcg60BWQhlpe6O0c6HPN_WpQqvzfQk8bhG_Mqvsq6wlBBZbZ6vRUztBw-alAa0hcErumuQWHg4d4_d6Nch6_SsuGub3ivmcTNMUyP/s320/IMG_3355.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629747190856619890" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div>Left:</div><div>Pinky- sorcerer's stone and mirror of erised</div><div>Ring- Tom Riddle's diary and the sword of Gryffindor</div><div>Middle- Buckbeak and the time turner</div><div>Pointer- the goblet of fire and three wands to represent the triwizard tournament</div><div>Thumb- Harry Potter</div><div><br /></div><div>Right:</div><div>Pinky- Harry's scar</div><div>Ring- Voldemort's eyes and the Deathly Hallows symbol</div><div>Middle- the Half Blood Prince's book and the horcrux locket</div><div>Pointer- a Phoenix to represent the Order of the Phoenix and 13 for 13 Grimwald Place</div><div>Thumb- Hedwig</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone else go to the midnight release? I can't believe it's all over but I truly loved the last film and the whole series! Oh, I totally cried through most of the film and then got teary-eyed when the credits came up, good thing I had water-proof mascara.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time,</div><div>Happy painting!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Nailventuress</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1131838895796686018.post-56384781166556641942011-07-06T01:36:00.001-07:002011-07-06T01:50:58.139-07:00Do Zombies exist?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwItJREd-Iq03bviIZy_nv4snk-_xwKXpXzbAmPhUE8YJwNHfsyrf4__EgVdP-Q5c7IU6dy7QudhV9TVeBcRGp94ypckkQoFQTwQ8lupO-S8skEqQO3GRHWek5TOU82atg3T0ni-NIv_yl/s1600/IMG_1456.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>July 6:<div><br /></div><div>I am sitting in bed contemplating this question right now. See, I watched a horror movie and now I can't sleep because I've frightened myself into thinking I am going to fall victim to a random zombie attack. This is why I shouldn't watch horror films. Anyone else get like this? (Perhaps I am the only one haha, I get scared much to easily)</div><div><br /></div><div>The one positive outcome of my zombie scare is I can post pictures from my China Glaze "Zombie Zest" manicure which I forgot to do a while ago. Perfect timing, no?</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwItJREd-Iq03bviIZy_nv4snk-_xwKXpXzbAmPhUE8YJwNHfsyrf4__EgVdP-Q5c7IU6dy7QudhV9TVeBcRGp94ypckkQoFQTwQ8lupO-S8skEqQO3GRHWek5TOU82atg3T0ni-NIv_yl/s320/IMG_1456.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626157098559772210" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div>This was three coats of ZZ. I was lucky enough to grab ZZ and Ick-A-Bod-y for $1.99 at Sally's a while back. ZZ is gorgeous polish and quite a bit different from my other green polish. I think ZZ gave of some yellow flashes but I don't know if I would go so far as to call it a duochrome. The lack of opacity in the formula surprised me. I assumed it would be a two coater, though three is fine with me, but in the end I think being a sheer polish helped add to the overall effect. This is exactly what I think of when I think of Zombie skin...creepy? Just a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Later today I am going for my first professional pedicure (or nail treatment) since I started on my nail polish obsession. I don't trust anyone with my fingernails but I figure a pedicure should be safe. Wish me luck!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Until next time, </div><div>Happy painting!</div><div><br /></div><div>The Nailventuress</div><div><br /></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02597882884796252705noreply@blogger.com2