And there was never an apple, in Adam's opinion, that wasn't worth the trouble you got into for eating it.

Earlier this year, I had a birthday.  On that day, my wonderful, amazing, fantastic, awesome partner gave me a MacBook Pro.  (We're not newlyweds, I swear.)  I adore it, almost as much as I adore him.  So I've finally painted the declaration of love.

Orly Base and Top, CO2 Silver Shimmer, index finger (on left) white is Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen, ring finger white is Sally Hansen Pure White Tip.

The pen actually worked pretty well for this...  The silver is thin and dries (and chips) in a way that reminds me of paper.  I did only one coat of it, so they were completely dry by time I drew the apples.  I guess when I have the patience to let my base dry completely, the pens are pretty neat!  You can see that the color doesn't pool as evenly as a regular polish, but mostly I don't have people inspecting my hands.

The Way Money Goes So Fast These Days, They Should Paint Racing Stripes On It!

Last one in a hurry (for now), since my siblings have all gone home.

I bought some new polishes, and wanted to try them.  The color matching in the background is completely coincidental.

What I thought:  Caribbean is thinner than I expected.  Two coats and it was still shearer than I prefer, but the color is nice.  It didn't last any longer than other brands though.  I also bought Coral Bliss, which I liked better.  Pictures eventually, I just had it on my toes.  One complaint - the name of the color is listed nowhere on the bottles.  I know it's a small collection, but I don't want to have to look it up online.
The nail art pens are fun, but it's actually easier for me to draw a smooth line with a brush.  I promise I will try french tips again though.

Base and top, Orly.  Megan Miller Caribbean, CO2 Shimmer Purple, Black Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen.

By Plucking Her Petals, You Do Not Gather The Beauty of a Flower.

Another from when my siblings were here - hurried.

Freehand with no reference - look at me improving!  (And try to ignore my cuticles, which have spent way too much time with acetone!)

Orly Base and Top, Finger Paints Blank Canvas Cream, Vintage Violet, Scenery Greenery.  The jewels are glued on, and came on a strip of random colors and sizes from Michael's.

A Weed is But an Unloved Flower.

My brother and sister were visiting from other states this week, so I was in a hurry.  My sister chose my base color, and I drew the flowers with a pen.

Orly Base and Top, CQ2 Shimmer Purple, Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen Black.

Is There A Patron Saint Of Ballistics Gel?

OPI has a new-ish gel polish, Axxium.  It's fun.  The application is easy (if time consuming), and they feel great.

I'm Indi-a Mood For Love:

Admittedly, this was much more difficult to do on myself than on a client (and it took twice as long, since I can't paint the other hand while one cures), and you can see some imperfect edges as a result of my impatience...  But overall I like it.  It wears beautifully, doesn't chip (I'm a picker - I peeled them off as complete nails, along with a few layers of my natural nail).  If your local salon has it, I'd recommend it - natural nails are stronger with it, great for growing out, and they look great for a solid two weeks!  Fun!

The French Complain of Everything, and Always.

Boring as far as nail art, but I had some pictures taken that required natural looking nails.

French manicure it is!  I used Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen (White), and shimmery pink.  Beauty Secrets Topcoat.

They chipped rather quickly, but the pen was pretty cool.  It requires a light touch and several coats/dabs, but I was pleased with the result.
I didn't use a base coat because I expected to have to clean up the smile lines, but the pen did great and went on smooth - next time I'll try a base coat and see if it helps the pen polish adhere for longer.
It chipped in a way that felt like White-Out, but I'm sure I'll be using it again anyway.

Tea To The English Is Really A Picnic Indoors...

Happy 4th to my American readers!  I'll share my picnic with you:

And what's more picnic-y than watermelon?!

I have a confession.  I painted my hands at a bar.  While drinking.  (On the patio - I didn't try to kill the patrons by painting indoors.)  And I woke up the next morning and thought "woah.  I was drinking for sure, eh?"  But oddly, I thought my ants turned out really well, even though they were the last thing.  Proof:

In my defense:  I go to this bar every week.  Lover plays in a band there, so I know the staff and the regulars, and while usually I drive myself, on this day I rode with him, and I figured I had a few hours to kill - drinking and painting seemed like a great idea!  It was fun though - by the end I had a line up of staff wanting manicures, nail art, and fills.

Hands:  MK Base, Sally Hansen Black Out, Cherry Red, Pure White Tip, Beauty Secrets Top Coat.
Toes:  Base, OPI Strawberry Margarita, Lincoln Park After Dark, Green, Gray, Top Coat.