Patriotic Inspiration

First, I want to say Happy Canada Day to my Canadian friends and family! Although you may think today should be inspired by all things Canadian (red & white, mounties, maple leaves, syrup, loons, moose, etc.) but all of my "Canada Day" manicures were bad (read: VERY embarrassing). So we're traveling back to my homeland-USA, my current state of residence-PA, and back over 100 years...

This week is the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (American Civil War). More specifically, 150 years ago today, this memorable battle began. I created a simple manicure to commemorate this event. It can also be translated to a 4th of July manicure which is also this week.

Polishes used: Sally Hansen unlabeled white, Revlon Delicious, piCture pOlish Orbit (polka dots were created with a bobby pin)

It's Delicious...

...but you really shouldn't eat it;)

Here is Revlon Delicious (which I picked up a while ago). Last summer I was searching for a vibrant orange/red. You know, the color when you really don't know whether to describe it as orange or red. That is what I wanted. And I wanted it to be BRIGHT not a brick or burnt red. I solved this problem with Revlon Delicious.

The Verdict:
I adore this color and this polish (my camera freaks out a bit though). It's a r-orange crelly and the above pictures show three, high-gloss coats of this beauty (not top coat). I wore this a lot last summer and I plan on wearing it a lot this year too. It's one of those colors that makes your nails look perfectly manicured. My mother-in-law asked me where I got my gel manicure done. That is how professional and beautiful it looks:)

This is the only Revlon Colorstay nail polish that I have tried and I really like it. I would love more recommendations on others from this line that you love.

Time Warp Challenge--Day 5

Today's challenge is...

We can do it!

This manicure is in honor of an influential woman in history.  As is only natural, names of these women flooded my mind, but I didn't know how to accurately communicate what they had done to change and influence our "today."  In the good old US of A we learn about so many of these women from Betsy Ross, Sacajawea, and Susan B. Anthony to Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, and Harriet Tubman.  I looked beyond these history class favorites and chose Irena Sendler.

 Irena Sendler smuggled about 2,500 children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.  She was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

I'm pleased with this manicure.  I think it effectively communicates what Irena Sendler did to impact our history and the lives of many children. 

Polishes used: Zoya Purity, SinfulColors Black on Black, Revlon Delicious, SinfulColors Ruby Ruby, China Glaze Champagne Bubbles.

Which woman would you have chosen to showcase in a manicure?

Time Warp Challenge--Day 1

I'm doing another challenge!  Lindsey at the Neverland Nail Blog has done it again with her creative challenge ideas: "Let's do the Time Warp".  Once again there will be 8 days that feature this challenge.  The challenge posts will be posted twice each week, so look out for them over the next 4 weeks!

Today's challenge is...

Should have been born in...

This challenge is supposed to inspire us to channel the year or decade which I wish I could have lived in.  I chose...

The 1950s!

There are so many reasons I should have lived in the 1950s.  I don't even know where to start.  I love the fashion, makeup, and femininity associated with the decade.  I remember at one point, years ago, I took a quiz about what decade I should have lived in and mine said 1950s.  1950s fashion is known for its clean lines and emphasis on creating an hourglass figure with cinched waists, peplum, belts, a-line skirs, and straight pencil skirts (love it all). I tend to gravitate toward a more traditional classic style when it comes to my clothing, styling, and makeup so this is totally me.

I took my inspiration from the iconic Vogue cover that started off the decade (I actually have a couple original Vogue magazines<--LOVE) and the feminine silhouettes of the decade.  Here is my attempt at 1950s inspired nails:

I adore this!  I plan on painting my nails red, black, or navy (possibly with polka dots) and doing that stunning abstract face accent nail.  LOVE.  I'm pretty happy with how this turned out.  I just wish I had a steadier hand:)

Polishes used: Zoya Purity, Revlon Delicious, SinfulColors Black on Black, and SinfulColors Ruby Ruby

What do you think?  What decade would you have chosen?