The Nail Files - Week 18

I love Fridays!  It signifies the end of the work week.  And this week it means I get to go home to my hubby!!

This week I'm linking up with Tara and Vicki for another week of The Nail Files!! (no button because it keeps jacking up things and is too much trouble to edit right now)

I kept my nails natural most of the week.  Not by choice, sort of, but mainly because I just didn't have time to paint, dry, paint, dry, paint, dry...the cycle that is bottom coat, color, color (if needed), and top coat.

But last night I decided it was time, in honor of going home, to put some color on my hands.  So, after a quick jaunt to Target for lotion and contact solution (and, of course, more nail stuff besides what I brought with me), I did my nails before bed.

Essie's Trophy Wife.  I kind of wish this color had been around 6 months ago for my wedding because it's a pretty good match to my colors! (and if it was, I totally missed it)  I like it...a lot!  Only problem is that, because I've been handling a suitcase, backpack, or purse today...it's already started to chip as I knock my fingers against zippers and the like.  Oh well...it's still mostly in place and I have no one I need to impress today.

IT'S FRIDAY!!!!

Nail Files - Week 15

It's time to link up again:

This week I got my first Julep Maven Box!  So excited for the lovely colors (Charlotte and Jennifer) that are perfect for spring time.

Jennifer was a little pale for me for this week, so I went with Charlotte.  Since I'm traveling again next week I'll put on Jennifer when I change out my nail color on Sunday.

This is the color I should have done for Easter, especially since my dress was purple!

And for those that have always wondered (all none of you, I'm sure), this is what Goof Off does to your nail...with out any effort at all!

And here is my left & right hand this morning (previous pictures were from Tues & Weds)

There's only been a bit of chippage on two nails on my left hand and on one on the right (index finger is also a victim of Goof Off) despite me being right handed.

Thanks for bearing with...

Nail Files - Week 14

This is 4 days late, but I still wanted to do this.  So here is last week's installment of

Linking up with Tara over at Fabulous but Evil.

Those of you who know me know my struggle with keeping a mani longer than 24 hours.  That's why I don't pay for them (unless it's gel polish).  It's also why I don't usually have color on.  But last week I decided to try something new...actually using a bottom AND a top coat (usually only did a bottom to keep my nails from getting stained).  Well, here are the results from a pain job I did on Monday the 2nd:

Essie "Grow Stronger" for my base
Sinful Colors: Mint Apple is the bottom color (1 coat)
OPI:  Sea You Later, Sailor is a shimmer top color (1 coat)
Essie "No Chips Ahead" for my top coat

This is what they looked like on Thursday afternoon!

Just one chip where I broke the nail hauling luggage.  I was very excited about how long it lasted.  And it was a great color for spring.  Maybe not so much as a professional color, though.

Thursday I tried the process again, but with Essie "Devi's Advocate" for the color (2 coats):

This is what they looked like an hour ago!

I hate to admit defeat, but all of you preaching bottom & top coats were right!  The color lasts longer with both, even if it takes a little longer to dry.  It's all worth it in the end.

So I'm in process of changing out my color again...I got my Julep Maven box in the mail yesterday with two new colors:  Charlotte (which is what I'll be posting on Friday) and Jennifer.

Until Friday...