Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Lesson No. 8: A little dottty/ditty about nails

Ok. I've decided to jump on the bandwagon that is N.O.T.D. Although truely this is more like NailS of the Day as I've decided to roll two nail 'designs' into one post.

I truely believed I was a failure when it comes to nail art. Please refer to my Valentines Day venture.
My hands shake.
I sweat a little.
I forget to give adequate time to drying.
You get the picture.

On Friday, inspired by musings on various blogs, I felt a stab of bravery. The result of this dart of creative energy and the adopting of a more carefree attitude towards the trial that is nail art (hence a steadier hand) is the following:

Barry M Mushroom

Speckled with this Model's Own Beauty
Having serious issues with camera so using Mobile phone camera. Results aren't so hot with this either though






I can't lie. And in general I'm not prone to boasting. But god was I proud of these.

And imagine my delight when I was shopping in Awear on Saturday and the girl behind the counter noticed them and complimented them. And ACTUALLY said 'did you really do them yourself?'. Well I nearly fainted with happiness.


So time finally took it's toll on these beauties today. Dare I try it again.....Could it be repeated twice in one week????

This is the result of tonight's efforts:

The reliable Model's Own grren shade again
Dotted with Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Polish in the Charcoal Grey

***In case you're wondering what I used to do the dots/spots, I discovered that a wooden cuticle stick with a pointed end acted as the perfect tool for the job.

*** Oh and  I put out a pool of the polish that I was using for the dots on to a piece of paper before I started!!! This helped me to better judge the amount of polish I had for each dot. Alot less messier than when I initially was probing the bottle of polish and its hidden depths with the cuticle stick.

Mission Accomplished ladies. Who knew such a small achievement could bring such pride!!!!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Lesson No.7: How to set the Fruit loose


Let me start by saying Nom Nom Nom Nom Nom.......(can be translated into: Yummy Yummy Yummy and is used in the context of describing food).

Fruit is not my friend.

It could be something to do with my childhood.
As a child/teen I adorned myself with that oh so fashionable teen accessory which were a set of traintracks (ahem).

Anyone who has had to suffer this will know not only does one have trouble with one's appearance, particularly in photographs, but also the inconvenience of food getting lodged behind the wires.



It was at this time in my life that my relationship with the Granny Smith apple came to an end.
(I must add this was coupled with a fear of choking on a giant apple piece, presumably influenced by some medical drama scene).


Eating a banana whole has also been known to make me gag......(I know what you're thinking ladies and take your minds out of the gutters ;) )


 

Once, I ate a plum which also was double jobbing as a home to a worm as well as its day job of being a source of nutrients and vitamins. There ended another 'fruitful' relationship....(excuse the pun).

worm


Bearing all this in mind, it will come as no surprise to you that I've never, yes never, had a fruit smoothie; unless you count a sip out of one about 6 years ago.

Imagine my own astonishment when as I walked past the juice bar in the shopping centre on Tuesday I found myself gravitating towards it. Shock Horror.

I am guessing that the staff never saw someone peruse their menu for quite so long!!

Finally I settled on a Raspberry Rush....a mix of raspberries, oranges, banana, and low fat natural yogurt.

I can safely say that here begins a new chapter in my relationship with fruit.



The lesson here ladies and gentlemen is to squash / blitz / blend / liquidise or whatever it takes to pulverise the fruit into submission until it resembles this DELICIOUS 'treat'. If I can be converted, anyone can.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Lesson No. 6: Just Say No!

I am an addict.......

My addiction began approximately 10 years ago.....

There is no therapy which has succeeded in curing me.....

I attend regular sessions of exposure therapy........

But it has yet to work.....

My mother has coached me.....she says the solution is simple....Just say no....to myself......

I must be strong in the face of temptation......

But how can a girl survive..... in a world of such allures....



I am addicted to jewellery.....

Beads, jewels, feathers, stones....you name it....whoever said "All that glitters is not gold" (that would be Shakespeare) was completely wrong. In the metaphorical sense all that glitters is very much gold to my soul.

In no way am I a jewellery snob. My collection ranges from the jewels of Penneys (Primark) to Newbridge to Guess to the craft stalls of the various markets in my city.

I have photographed some of my earrings for this piece to show you the range of quality and material.


Courtesy of Penneys




Courtesy of Oasis

Courtesy of Magpie and Button
http://www.etsy.com/shop/magpieandbutton


Courtesy of Silverwood

Couldn't resist including my watch....I wear it everyday and is the mainstay of my Jewellery Collection


I should say as a rule and  admittedly it is one that I don't always abide to : Bigger is Better.

Storage is becoming an issue however. And money is not always as freeflowing as one would like. As a result, because I am one of those adults who resides with their parents still, I have been reduced to smuggling my goods into the house.


I need to learn how to say no...... I am a magpie. But I think the first step is to acknowledge the problem and move forward.... Who am I kidding - I could be addicted to worse things.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day !!

It's nice to actually celebrate your Irishness with all the doom and gloom lately in our country!!!!


Choosing my shade of greenery for the day!


Nails courtesy of Claire's Accessories

My city post-parade

My nails up close


Went for this shade in the end...which actually looks far more like teal in this photo...hmmmm