Starting over

I had mentioned in a previous post that I got a new phone and I would try to post more on the blog. That obviously did not work out. I am now sitting with a brand new iPad, any guesses on how many posts I will make with this?

I have been a busy bee, a new salon and trying to create a clientele that I can be proud of. I have created a lot of new designs and have really been inspired by Robin Moses to step up my game. Her tutorials are amazing and if you have never seen any of her work I recommend going to robinmosesnailart.blogspot.com and checking it out. You will not be disappointed!

Now hopefully I can figure out how to upload pictures from here do I can share some of my work. Wish me luck!

And I figured it out!

New Android phone

I got a new HTC Evo, so I am honestly going to try to post more frequently.

Image from my Blackberry

This is the new Katy Perry polish called The one that got away with a *shatter* topcoat. Beautiful!!!!

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

My weekend polish haul

My Zoya order came today! They are so beautiful, very happy with all of my choices. I also got my hands on the entire set of Katy Perry polishes from OPI. The *Shatter* is amazing!

Todays shopping trip

I went out today and picked up a few things that I have had my eye on for a while.
I decided to get a starter electric file. Just for now, until I get better at using one.
I also wanted to get a new acrylic brush, my other one is still okay, but this way I can decide which ones I like to use more than others.

I picked up some of OPIs Bondex2. I haven't used it yet, but as soon as I do I will post what I think.

I wanted something to preserve my nail art a little bit longer as well as the swatches I will be doing in the next week or so. I got these.


I found that the light is sufficient for what I need it for, but the smell of the top coat is disgusting after it is cured. I will definitely not be using this on any clients.
I picked up few other odds and ends, orangewood sticks, lint free towels, things that I know I will run out of before my next trip to the beauty supply store. Hopefully next time I got out I will be able to get a real UV light and a set of Axxium gels!! *fingers crossed*

My Zoya order

I placed my Zoya order for my 3 free bottles of polish. I very excited to use them. I already have 2 other bottles from the matte collections and I am wearing the Veruschuka today and the color is pretty amazing. These are the two colors I have...
Veruschuka
Harlow
These are the ones I just ordered...
Savita
Crystal
Adina

Reece
Ki
Dovima
Now I wait for my order to get here!! So excited!! Thank you so much Zoya!

Free nail polish?!? Yes, please!!

You have to pay shipping and handling so technically it's not "free", but it's still a fantastic deal!!

Here are all the details. Thank you Zoya!!







Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

We have the best fans in the world! As promised, the code is listed on the image above. The code is good for 3 Free* bottles of polish. The code is now active. (Because we love you guys and didn't want to make you wait until the 4th!) The code will be active until January 7, 2011 at 11:59PM EST.

*Restrictions apply. See Facebook page for complete details. Online offer only. Valid Credit Card or Debit Card with sufficient funds needed to process orders. Offer valid in continental US only. Offer not valid in conjunction with other offers, discounts or specials. Code to be released January 3, 2011 on www.facebook.com/zoyanailpolish. Code valid January 4 - 7 2011 only. The offer is void if 20,000 "Likes" is not reached by January 3, 2011 at 11:59PM. Consumer orders only Offer good for 3 free bottles of nail polish per customer. Valid email, contact and address information required to process orders. S/H charges apply.

Shown: Zoya Nail Polish in Jo

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See the original post below.



Press our Like button!

Zoya Nail Polish wants 20,000 Facebook fans!

20,000 Likes equals 3 Free Bottles of Zoya Nail Polish*!


We like our fans, well actually, we LOVE our fans.

We are a small, independent cosmetics company that understands and values the importance of each and every one of our customers. Zoya views our fans as ambassadors of our products. Your dedication and feedback via our social media outlets has helped shape us into the successful company we are today. We continue to grow with your input and support. During this holiday season we would like to show you our appreciation with an incredible offer to start off the new year.

Please, allow us to share our wonderful nail polish and treatment products with your like-minded friends! We are hoping for 20,000 "Likes" on facebook by January 3, 2011, and if we get them, we will provide a code for 3 free bottles* of Zoya Nail Polish to all fans and followers in the Continental US. Yes, we love our international followers too but due to international regulations and restrictions we can only offer this in the continental US at this time.

"Like” us on facebook and make 2011 a year of nail polished perfection.

Heres what you need to do...

Not already following us on facebook?
Do you love nail polish? Then you should follow Zoya for daily updates, special offers and fun on facebook! Simply go to www.facebook.com/zoyanailpolish and press "Like"! With over 300 colors and treatments to choose from, there is always something for you and your fellow nail polish lovers to talk about. While you are at it, make sure to spread the word about Zoya to all of your friends.

Already following us on facebook?
You "Like" us - we LOVE you! You already know about the great giveaways and special offers we do! Don't keep Zoya to yourself! Spread the word! To help reach the 20,000 tell 4 friends (or more!) to like Zoya!

On January 3, 2011
...or sooner, when we hit the magic number
of 20,000, Zoya will release the 3 FREE
BOTTLES of Zoya Nail Polish code
on facebook.

Shown: Zoya Nail Polish in Jo

Has it been almost a month already???

I feel really bad for not being more active on my blog, and I could give a million reasons...the last month of school, the damage to my roof, family obligations. It happens to all of us. Hopefully the worst is past and I can get back to regularly posting again. Maybe if i can figure out how to post from my phone...hmmm

One step forward.....then you're pushed down

I had a confrontation with an instructor today.
I was working on a client with a mental disability. She did not want me touching her hands, which is difficult when you are trying to give the person a manicure. Anyway, I had just earned her trust enough that she would let me just touch her hands for a moment before she pulled away, when my instructor walked up and started talking quite loudly startling my client. I was then aggressively instructed to just "grab her hands and hold them". I simply asked if my instructor had been working with this client for the past 20 minutes to earn her trust or if she had ever worked with these clients before. I have plenty of experience working with challenged clients and told her so. I probably could have worded it a little better, but at that point I was frustrated with the fact that she thought she knew better after only seeing the client for 3 seconds.
I was the better woman and apologized for how I said what I did, but I did NOT apologize for WHY I said it. I have said this before, and this incident is a prime example. When someone is DESTRUCTIVE instead of CONSTRUCTIVE, then that person should NOT BE TEACHING OTHERS!!!!!!

Finally.....

learned how to apply acrylic nails today. Not that I hadn't tried it on my own first. Here is what I have so far.

The plumbers house always has a leaky faucet

And my nails always need to be painted! I never get around to doing it during the week. I am always so busy with other things. Manicures, pedicures and the nail art for other people make it hard to find the time to pamper myself. Not pamper even, just paint! So last night while I was watching T.V. I finally painted my nails. I used the Designer series Mystery. It's not as purple as I would have liked it to be, but it is still a nice fit for my hands. I do like the dark colors, and it has just enough shimmer to make it look classy and not too "teenage goth". Don't get me wrong I love the new Goth line as well, but I am in my 30's and have tried to step away from the plain old glossy black. Maybe this weekend I can find a few minutes to get my toenails painted too!

Test scores and tummy trouble

90% on the Diseases and disorders of the nail! I was worried and I hardly had time to study, turns out I'm super smart!


Now onto the tummy trouble, Coop (our dog) was up half the night with an upset tummy. He was sooo sick today that I left school at lunchtime to take care of him. I feel so bad for the guy :( He's sleeping now, I hope it's nothing serious. If it keeps up any longer I will have to take him to the vet.

11 hour day

One of the longest days I have had in a while. I clocked in at 8am and got home around 7:30pm. My plan was to study nail diseases tonight for my test tomorrow, but that didn't happen. I did get to the grocery store, then stopped at Subway to pick up some supper. It's now 9:20pm and I should be sleeping. The morning comes way too fast these days. Okay, off to wash my face and brush my teeth before my head hits the pillow.

The yuckness

Today we studied nail diseases and disorders. It was disgusting, to say the least. Honestly, most of these things can be avoided by simply taking care of yourself and practicing basic hygiene. I can not believe that some of these things get to such a degree. Please, if you have questions about your nail care, or what you should do if you notice something out of the ordinary. Do not hesitate to ask. Feeling a little discomfort or embarrassment now is worth it when you don't have to have your nail surgically removed later!

Nail art & manicures/pedicures I have done in the past week

Most of my days are eventful, full of manicures and pedicures from other students who want me to do some sort of nail art for them. I don't mind at all, I'm actually really flattered when they ask me. I love to do it, and I get my numbers in for my practical sheets. Here are a few more pictures of what I have been doing.

Some of my work so far

Leopard print on fingernails.

Leopard print on tonails.

Grapes

Jack and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Sally was a tutorial.

Marble technique close up.

Marble technique on ring fingers.

The face is from last months tutorial on NailPro.

Strawberry thumbs!

Just testing mobile posting ability.

Starting school

I finally started nail technician classes. I can not believe everything that we have learned so far. When I first started thinking about becoming a manicurist I had a very small inkling that it would be so elaborate. I never really grasped how in depth it would actually go. I'm glad that it is though, knowledge is power! I have emmersed myself in everything nails. I search forums and websites for more and more information. I browse Youtube for new tutorials. I subscribed to NailPro, and I even have the OPI App for my iPod. I'm just this side of obbsessed...okay I've crossed the line, but I'm really okay with that.

A beginning point

This is where I will share ideas, advice and opinions about nail care, polish colors, nail art techniques and anything else regarding manicures & pedicures.