I have a job!

I started a new job this week as a retail assistant in HMV. For my first day, I painted my nails to match the uniform and I thought I'd do a quick post to show you! 

From a conversation I had on Twitter, I gather that HMV definitely exists in Singapore, Canada and obviously here in the UK, but there are no stores in the USA so apologies if you don't recognise the imagery!

I used A-England Lancelot* as a base. For the lettering and logo, I used white acrylic paint and Nails Inc Shoreditch. The lettering was all done with a dotting tool. My pinky is a stamp from Bundle Monster plate BM225 using Sally Hansen Chrome Anemone.

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Day 27: Inspired by Artwork

On Thursday night, I found myself deep in conversation with a friend of mine who's spent some time travelling around Australis we got on to the topic of Aboriginal Art and suggested I do some nails in the same style. At the time, I didn't catch on to the fact that today's nails had to be inspired by Artwork but when she sent me a link to some images it was like... *lightbulb*!



This is a piece by Colleen Wallace Nungari and was my main influence today.







Click over to see Rie and Cristina's Art inspired nails today!

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Video Tutorial: Simple Flower Nail Art

Here is a quick tutorial for the flower nails I created on Day 14. I had so many lovely comments and the design is just so simple to create so I thought I'd show you how I went about it.

All you need is to create this look yourself  is a few colours of your choice; a base colour and however many colours you decide to use for the flowers, and a dotting tool. And if you don't have a dotting tool, bobby pins make a great subsitute!

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Day 14: Flowers

I have something very simple for you guys today... I used a dotting tool to create this simple flower print and I think it turned out really pretty. There's definitely a retro, 60's vibe going on with this mani.

Don't forget to check out Cristina and Rie's flower nails too!

Barry M Cyan Blue
Barbara Daly Tattoo
Barry M Gold Foil

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Day 11: Polka Dot Nails

Polka dots are so fun and easy and yet they make your nails look completely amazing!

When I first got my dotting tools I hated using them and was just never happy with my results but after a bit of practice, I absolutely love them and they're SO versatile. I use them for all kinds of nail art, not just dots.

Today's nails are in my favouritest colour ever - purple, purple and more purple!

Head over to see Rie and Cristina's Polka Dots challenges too!

Polishes used

Base colour: Barry M Berry Ice Cream

Dot Colours:

Nails Inc Victoria

Collection 2000 Minx

Barry Bright Purple

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Criss the Cross and Dot the Dot

I have a little confession to make today. I've been sitting on this for a long time because I wasn't really sure if it was a topic I wanted to talk about on the blog. I guess this has come up now because September has hit and everyone is back to the grind. School, work, whatever.

Some of you may know, or be vaguely aware, that I was studying for a degree in Accounting and Finance and the academic year approaching would have been my final year. However, during my second year (the one just gone, 2010-11) I became really discouraged in school. I didn't enjoy my subject any more, I couldn't find any motivation to put effort in to my work and as a consequence, I failed the year. 

So... I won't be going back to University this year. I'll really miss the people and the place but I'm so glad I don't have the constant worry and stress hanging over my head all the time. I'm currently 'temping' in a little office where I get on with my co-worker and there's little to no stress. All the while, searching for a permanent position to take up when this is finished.

So for now, the only question playing on my mind is 'What do I want to be when I grow up?'. Lots of people say I should study hair/nails/beauty but I don't want to go back to school for a while and I also think that take all the fun out of my hobby. I would love to pursue a career in childcare but, again, that means going back to school. For now I just plan on finding a job that I enjoy (or at least don't mind waking up for every day) and saving enough money to move in to a flat or house with my friends. I'm taking things one step at a time.

Konad Plate: Bundle Monster BM203
Base Colour: Rimmel - Electric
Konad Colour: GOSH Metallic Purple
Nails Inc - Paris
Top Coat of NYC

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Payday. Payday. Gotta get down on Payday.

Tomorrow will be my first payday for almost two years so I'm super excited! While I was in Uni I was lucky enough that I didn't need a job (just to be clear, I wasn't sucking on a silver spoon the whole time, I was just very scrupulous when it came to spending the money that I did have!).

My eBay watch list has tripled in size this evening and I have a post-it stuck to the wall in front of me with a list of stuff I want to buy! The first thing on that list is the Babyliss Big Hair styler which I have been drooling over for months. If anyone's tried it I'd be very interested to hear what you think of it.

Konad Plate: Bundle Monster BM212
Base Colour: NYC - Prince Street
Konad Colour: Collection 2000 - Moonlight Shine
GOSH - Metallic Purple for the dots
Top Coat of NYC

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I'm a bit of a Copycat

The inspiration for this mani comes from Alice over at Nails By Alice. Click the link to see how to create this mani yourself. I saw her amazing mani a while ago but I needed some practice at dotting.

It's W7 Black on BYS Fools Paradise with a top coat of NYC.