Blogger Spotlight- Sarah of Chalkboard Nails!

Well hello there =]!

Does anyone think this week is going super slow? The last couple days have been absolutely dragging over here...but at least I have blogging to look forward to each day =]! Today, we have another round of...

 

This time around, I had the honor of interviewing Miss Sarah of Chalkboard Nails! This is a truly talented blogger, nail artist, and photographer! She is constantly creating GORGEOUS, unique manis that have leave me oohing, ahhing, and incredibly inspired. As if that isn't enough, she takes the most detailed, incredible photos of her nails I've ever seen! I also love her distinct hand poses, they are totally recognizable. In fact, I would venture to guess that most of you know the exact poses that I'm talking about (given you have read her fabulous blog before) =P! Without further ado, here she is, Sarah of Chalkboard Nails! 

Hello! Please introduce yourself and your fabulous blog.

Hi! My name is Sarah and I write Chalkboard Nails. I'm just a regular girl who happens to enjoy doing her nails and sharing my experiences! 

Give us a few key words that would describe your blog/blogging style.

My blog is focused on unique manicures and polishes. I love to showcase nail art when I have the time to do it, and I  love trying creative techniques like needle marbling and sponging. I also place a lot of value in taking good quality photographs. 

What (or who) inspired you to create a blog of your own?

I was very much inspired by the beautiful nails that I started seeing on Pinterest from blogs like Lacquerized and Chloe's Nails. But actually, the true catalyst was seeing a leopard manicure tutorial on HelloGiggles. I tried it for myself and I was immediately hooked!

What has been your favorite mani thus far?

I think it is a tie between my eyeball nail art and my watercolor manicure.

 

Click here for original post!

 

Click here for original post!

Do you have a favorite polish brand?

I love the beautiful colors that China Glaze releases, and I love OPI's formula and brush. I have also been really impressed with Wet N Wild lately, as they have been coming out with some really beautiful and affordable polish. Oh and Zoya, I especially love their mattes! I think I have officially failed this question. You asked for a favorite brand and I gave you four!

What is THE most beloved polish in your stash?

I would probably say that my Clarins 230 is my most beloved polish, but not just for the obvious reason. I treasure it so much because it was a gift from my boyfriend -- and the only polish gift I have received from him to date!

What blogs are your favorites and what do you like about them?

Rebecca from Rebecca Likes Nails was one of my first close polish friends and her crazy stamping skill always makes me want to bust out my plates. Jane from Nailside always does such clean work and is very talented, plus I love her photos. Michelle at Sonoma Nail Art amazes me with how detailed her nail art is! I always look forward to the intricate nail art manicures that are posted over on Copy That, Copy Cat. I'll stop there, but there are SO many more blogs that I enjoy!

Any parting words for us =]?

Well of course I want to thank you, Lindsey, for having me participate in this series! Stay passionate and polished everyone!

How sweet is she =]? This is someone who is very obviously super passionate about nails and blogging. I thoroughly enjoy each and every post of hers! Here are a few of my personal favorite manis...

 

Click here for original post! 

 

Click here for original post! 

 

Click here for original post!

A huge thank you to Sarah for allowing us the honor of learning more about her and her amazing blog! Please, go visit it if you haven't already (click here!). Until next time, lovelies =]!

<3,

Lindsey

Flakie-fied Hearts Mani!

Hey everyone =]!

I was going to save this mani until it was at least February...but I just LOVE all these Valentine's nails I've been seeing, so I had to join in on the fun =]! I did this cute heart mani a few days ago when I was in the mood for something bright and fun...this did the trick =D! I used Petites French White, OPI Pink Flamenco, OPI Ogre The Top Blue, Zoya Maisie, and Zoya Chloe. Check it out =]!

 

 

What do you think =]? I like how bright it is, yet so simple and clean cut =] Also, you can NEVER go wrong by adding a few flakies =]! I hope you love it, I can't wait to see more of everyone's lovey-dovey nails =]! See ya later =]!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*

SinfulColors Cinderella!

Hello there =]!

Have you caught wind of this new AMAZING SinfulColors polish that just came out!?!? As soon as I heard about it, I hopped in my car, headed to the nearest Walgreens, and almost cleared the shelf! Not only is it BEAUTIFUL, it named after a Disney Princess!!! It's a no brainer that I simply HAD to own it. Also, considering the affordable price of SinfulColors, I didn't feel the least bit guilty =P Here she is, 3 coats of the gorgeous SinfulColors Cinderella =]!

 

 

 

 

 

This incredible light blue is reminiscent of Princess Cinderella's beautiful ballgown with a dash of pink/gold sparkle.The shimmer is slightly more pronounced in real life that it is in the pictures, but at least I was able to capture it for you guys =]! Now...who's grabbing their keys and heading to Walgreen's right now? I won't judge =P

<3,

Lindsey

HITS Cutie Pie and Birthday Pictures!

Hey Lovelies!

Today I have an AMAZING swatch for you of one of my new Llarowe goodies, HITS Cutie Pie =]! This is SUCH an awesome multichromatic polish...it's primarily green/turquoise in the light, but it shifts to purple, royal blue, pink, and even copper! This is 2 coats of Wet N Wild Black Creme with 1 coat of Cutie Pie. I did my very best to take perfect pictures for you guys...but please understand that it's sometimes difficult to capture all of the colors in a polish that has so many different colors in so many different lights! Btw, I went ahead and told you what lighting was used for each picture...I had to change a lot to get the colors to shift =P The stupid AZ sun picked YESTERDAY as one of it's 3 annual days not to come out...so I apologize, but the pictures had to be taken when it was cloudy =/ I think they still looked nice though =]! Take a look =]!

 

Outside, no flash

 

Outside with flash

 

Outside, no flash

 

Outside, flash

 

Outside, no flash

 

Inside (desk lamp), flash

 

Inside (desk lamp), no flash

 

Inside (desk lamp), no flash. You get to see the pink flash here =]!

 

Inside (desk lamp), no flash

Wooooooah nelly! There are a LOT of colors going on in this baby! I LOVE it! I've heard somewhere that this is a potential dupe for Ozotic 505, but I don't have it to compare unfortunately. If you are interested in this or some other awesome international brands, go ahead and check out Llarowe! I love that site! You can expect to see this again, I think I've added a new favorite to my long list of all time favs =P! Btw...wanna see my birthday presents =]? Here's what my awesome family and boyfriend got for me =]!

 

At the casino...wooo! No, I didn't actually waste all that money, it was just for the picture =P

 

My mom got me something I've wanted FOREVER, a Tiffany Bow Necklace =D! I LOOOOVE it =D!

 

Nail Poliiiiiiiish! Brandon got me these two pretties, OPI Significant Other Color and OPI Swinsuit...Nailed it! =]

 

Brandon also got me something SO thoughtful! This is a complete DVD set of my favorite classic Disney character cartoons, Goofy =]! Apparently this is quite a collectible set (only 125,000 were made I believe!), so it's worth a lot. It's worth even more to me, though =]!

 

And finally, my sister Mandi got me this ADORABLE bow ring! Can you tell I have a thing for bows =P? I LOOOOVE this so much, it'll go nicely with my bow necklace =]!

I had such a great birthday, and thank you all for the well wishes =]! Until next time!

 

<3,

Lindsey

Jamberry Nails Giveaway Winner!

Hey there!

My Jamberry Nails Giveaway just ended and a winner has been selected!

 

The winner will receive 1 full sheet of the Jamberry Nail Shield design of their choice! And the winner is.... 

 

Samantha!

She has already replied to my email and has chosen a GORGEOUS design, blue damask =]! Thank you to everyone who participated =]! 

<3,

Lindsey

Boyfriend Nails!

Howdy!

My boyfriend, Brandon, is the TOTAL package. He is all boy-like with his weight lifting and video games...but at the same time, he is so supportive of me and my hobbies =]! A few nights ago, he was at my house and I was having a suckish day. I jokingly asked if he would paint my nails (sadly, they were naked), expecting him to shudder at the thought...but he excitedly said "Sure!". I took him to my stash and told him to pick whatever colors he thought would look good, and he actually came up with a pretty cool combo =]! He picked Zoya Holly as the base (2 coats) and topped it with Wet N Wild Correction Tape (1 coat). Take a look =]!

 

Action shot =]!

Now, I'll admit, his technique needed some help...but who could expect absolute perfection from a dude who's never done nails, though =P? There was some clean up needed, which I went ahead and did for him...but take a look at his mani =]!

 

 

 

 

Not too shabby, right =]? I was really proud of him, but I'm even MORE proud that I've been blessed with such a sweetheart of a boyfriend! I guess you could say he's sort of my Prince Charming...tee hee =]!

Just a few hours left to enter my Jamberry Nails Giveaway! Click here!

<3,

Lindsey

Last Day To Enter Jamberry Nails Giveaway!

Hey everyone!

Today is the very last day to enter my Jamberry Nails Giveaway (U.S. only, sorry folks =/), so if you haven't entered yet, go do it! It technically ends at 12:01 AM EST tomorrow....but we all know that basically means it ends today =P Haha, good luck!

Click here to enter!

<3,
Lindsey

Blogger Spotlight- Karine of Nailderella!

Hey there!

I'm baaack! Did you miss me? I apologize for my short absence, school sort of whacked me upside the head this week and I've been BUUUUSY the last few days, I hope you understand =]! Anyway, it's time for yet another...

 

This week, I chose a blogger who is CONSTANTLY making me add to my wishlist, haha! Miss Karine of Nailderella has some of the most beautiful swatches (and nails) I've ever seen! I would lovingly grant her the title of "Multichrome Queen" because she has the BEST pictures of all of our favorite multichromes, such as Ozotic and Ludurana. Now sit back, munch on some popcorn, and enjoy this lovely interview with Karine =]!

1. Hello! Please introduce yourself and your fabulous blog.

Hello! This is Karine from Nailderella! First I would like to thank Lindsey for this nice interview! As my blog title says my blog is all about nails. I especially love special and uncommon polishes, such as mulitchromes, holographic, flakies or suedes. I also love stamping because it gives such a unique and personalized touch to your mani.

2. Give us a few key words that would describe your blog/blogging style.

Unique and trendy polishes, swatches, information on new collections by European brands (e.g. Essence and Catrice).

3. What (or who) inspired you to create a blog of your own?

I gradually became obssessed with nail polish and started taking pictures of my polishes to share them with friends and keep tracks of what I wore. I think I became a polish addicted through nail art first because I watched so many YouTube tutorials and I discovered there were a lot of different kind of polishes. I didn't realized that before.

4. What has been your favorite mani thus far?

I think I have 2 favorite manis. The first one is a mani where I stamped with a mulitchrome polish (Ludurana - Show). I really loved how the colors of the pattern kept shifting from green-blue to purple!

 

Click here for original post!

 

The second one is my remake of the famous Unicorn Puke polish by Cult Nails. I used different flakies from Nfu Oh, glitter/crushed flakes from OPI (I Lilly Love You) and also added a base shimmer. I think it turned out quite pretty and it reminds me of a galaxy!

 

Click here for original post!

5. Do you have a favorite polish brand?

I used to be a huge OPI fan, I'm still but now I also love other brands like Ludurana, Glitter Gal, A-England, Lynnderella and Ozotic. I also really like Nubar!

6. What is THE most beloved polish in your stash?

What a difficult question!! At the moment, I would say Lynnderella - Connect The Dots because it's so unique!

7.  What blogs are your favorites and what do you like about them?

I have a lot of favorite blogs!!

http://www.fashionpolish.com because her swatches are amazingly beautiful! It's pure art!

http://www.thetracefacephiles.com I also love her swatches. You can see all the details of each polish!

http://imfeelingnail-venturous.blogspot.com because she always presents gorgeous polishes and her nails are really pretty!

http://www.esmaltesdakelly.com/ I really appreciate her blog a lot. She is a Brazilian blogger and Brazilian polishes are always amazing. Morever, her swatches and nails are so beautiful. And she is a sweetheart!

http://www.kaylashevonne.com Her nails are also really beautiful and so are her swatches. She always comes up with pretty nail arts and great polishes!

It was a short list of the blog I stalk! lol There are of course a lot of other blogs I really enjoy!!

8. Any parting words for us =]?

Thank you, Lindsey for giving me this nice opportunity! That's really sweet from you! <3


Thank YOU Miss Karine =]! Isn't she just a lovely person, everyone? She just writes so eloquently, I love reading what she has to say =]! Here are a few of my personal favorite manis she's created...

 

A super helpful and beautiful comparison of Ozotic 504, 505, and 506! Click here for original post!

 

Click here for original post! 

 

Click here for original post!

Thank you, Karine, for sharing your passion with us! Go visit her blog if you haven't yet...its incredible! Click here!

Until next time, lovelies!

<3,

Lindsey

Happy Birthday To Me Mani!

I'm another year older (and another year wiser) today =]!

I'll answer the question before it's asked...I'm turning 21 today! Before you all do the stereotypical "WOOOOOOO, PAAAARTY!" that this landmark birthday normally gets, I'll tell you right now that it won't be like that. I decided several years ago to not drink alcohol because, long story short, my father passed away from alcoholism in 2009. I saw it's horrible effects on him and since I believe that alcoholism has the potential to be hereditary, I made the choice to live my life happily and alcohol free. I don't have a problem with drinking (excessive drinking, though, is something I don't agree with), nor do I look down upon ANYONE who does choose to drink...it's just a personal choice and standard I hold myself to =]!

Anywho, to celebrate my special day, I made this super cute birthday mani! I've been staring at my nails ALL weekend, I absolutely fell in love with this mani =]!!! I was actually inspired by 2 different manicures I found on Pinterest (this one and this one) and I decided to merge the 2 into one uber awesome mani with flags and cupcakes =] Lookie!

 

 

 

Cute cute CUTE!!! I love how these turned out and I hope you all do, too =]! Now...time to go do birthday things, see ya later =]!!!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*

The ORIGINAL OPI My Private Jet!

Hello Ladies and Gents!

Most of you have seen that one of my 500 Follower Giveaway prizes is OPI Blue Moon Lagoon...what I didn't tell you is that in the same dusty hunting trip when I found that beauty, I also found one of the most HTF polishes EVER... the original OPI My Private Jet...HOLY COW! I almost had an aneurysm right there in the salon when I found it, I bet any of you would do the same thing =P! There are so many versions of this polish, but the original formula is a charcoal gray jelly with a linear holo. For this swatch, I used 3 coats and no top coat. Hold on to your hats, everyone, this one will blow you away!!!

 

 

Indoor shot (directly underneath my light box lamp)

 

 

 

Helloooooooo gorgeous! I feel so lucky to have found this one, I honestly NEVER thought I would be able to find it! It's one of the best feelings EVER to find a really HTF polish, and this one makes me soooo happy =]!

Check back tomorrow for my super cute birthday mani =D!

<3,

Lindsey

Dry Brush Technique Variation!

Hey there =]!

It's my Birthday weekend, hooray =]! My birthday mani will be SO cute...I'm excited to show you guys =]! In the mean time, I came up with a cool variation of my dry brush technique using a flat brush! Instead of adding squiggles or only covering part of the nail, I went straight and my strokes covered the entire nail. It might sound weird...but I think the end result is pretty neat! I used Zoya Kristen as the base color and topped it with Dr.'s Remedy NOBLE Navy! Check it out!

 

 

 

 

I think this still looks smoky like my other dry brush manis, but in a different way. What do you think of this variation? Would you like to see this again with different colors?

Have you entered my giveaways?

Click here to enter my 500 Follower Giveaways!

Click here to enter my Jamberry Nails Giveaway!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*