Phenomenail

I'm Still Here!!!!

2009-12-03T20:49:00.000Z

I am soooooooooooooo sorry! The play finished on Sunday and I have come down with the sniffles. Plus that and having to go to Uni at five in the morning PLUS organising my Brownies' Christmas Party!

Me and hubby (who was also in play)

The play was a huge success! We all had such a wonderful time and it got a great response. The piccie above is me, on stage, in my 80s outfit. I was wearing Essie's Pepperoni on my nails. I haven't worn that colour in such a long time. Sadly I forgot to swatch it. I have had it for about four years and I can report that it still applies beautifully and it lasted for three days before it chipped ... but then I was climbing up and down ladders several times an evening! Back to normal swatching real soon ... I promise! I missed you all! xx

China Glaze - Pure Elegance and Happy Thanksgiving to my American Friends x

2009-11-26T00:08:00.000Z

I had a mani yesterday at may favourite manicure place as a little treat to myself before I get too exhausted with this play! So this play I am in is set in the 80s. When my fab nail technician asked me to choose my colour, could I decide?!? My head was saying pinks/reds but my heart was saying fab purple glitter. So I chose Pure Elegance by china glaze thinking that it would satisfy .... something! Although it is a yellowy pink it does have an iridescence to it. However, after a day of wearing it I had to take it off! This polish is like eating sweeties. After a while you overdose on sugar and you get a stomach ache! It's all right in small doses. Plus I don't think it goes with my 80s outfit also. I am now wearing a red which I will post tomorrow. Plus do come back to see me in my costume!!

Before I go I want to say something to my friends in America:- Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. We don't celebrate it over here but if we did then I would be thankful for my blog because through it I have met some wonderful women.

The Final Set!

2009-11-25T12:38:00.000Z

Isn't it fabulous! The house is based on a 16th Century cottage. We were able to get on the stage and rehearse properly for the first time last night! However, it is a lot smaller then we are used to and I have ended up with bruises everywhere and a twisted ankle! If you look upstairs to the right, you'll see that it goes off to the "attic" which is actually a fabulous little cubby hole which I camp out in for about 10 minutes. So I have put some stuff in my cubby hole such as a magazine, my make up, hand cream (of course!) and a can of gin and tonic! It's a little bit naughty but hey with all the running around I have to do up and down the stairs (in heels no less!) I deserve a little drinky-poo to keep me going! It's our first performance in front of an audience tonight. It's what we call an open rehearsal. We invite old age pensioners to come and see us for free. It's like a warm up before the real thing! Anyway we were rehearsing until midnight last night so I am pretty pooped today.
I am sorry for the lack of nail pix but I do have a mani that I will post later.
Lots of love
x

Our Fabulous Set!

2009-11-23T23:36:00.000Z

I can't believe that a small amateur dramatic group like us can actually build a fabulous set like this. I am so amazed. We have a wonderful team and they have worked so hard on this. I know it doesn't look much - it's not been dressed yet and there are ladders everywhere! The whole set is on a revolve as well so it spins around. Our first night is Wednesday night. I'm not sure if we would have a complete run through by then because the set isn't ready yet. Only because we don't have nearly enough people to help and it has been a huge project. Having said that everyone has worked well together. Tensions are running high as well. I told the stage manager at the end of the rehearsal that my vase that I carry and threaten to smash over someone's head (in the play) was the wrong one. It was far to big and heavy for me to carry. Well I thought I was going to have to sew my head back on after she bit it right off!! I mean really, we are all in this together and we all want to put on the best show so there is absolutely no reason to snap at someone! We are all feeling the pressure! Anyway I am having a nice manicure tomorrow so will post some pix of that. My hands are suffering as I have to climb up and down a ladder ... in heels!!! I will post some pix of the complete set and us rehearsing as well. OK I need my beddy byes!! Night all x
PS Despite everything I really enjoy reading your blogs, it really takes my mind of the stresses! Thank you everyone xx

The First Time

2009-11-21T22:47:00.000Z

Hello my sweeties! I am so sorry for not posting. I am so behind on all my swatching. My play is all next week (ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!) and we have all been busy building the set and rehearsing. I am so pooped I can't tell you! Anyway I have been wearing OPI's "You're a Doll" which I bought after seeing it on Katie's blog over at What Katie Did Her Polish (Thanks Katie!). I haven't worn a "subtle" polish in such a long time. It is so pretty and I absolutely love it. Please do go and see what it looks like over at Katie's blog (see my blogroll). I love the creamy colour with the tiny red flecks in it. I call it my secret polish! I feel like people see it as a neutral colour but I know that it has this little secret! OPI's "You're a Doll" has now become a new favourite. I love it. I can't describe how it makes me feel. Yes I can ..... it makes me feel like I have just discovered nail polish for the first time.

So I've been thinking. I want to know that last time a polish has made you feel like that. Do you remember when you discovered nail polish? Every so often I find a polish that replenishes that wonderful feeling. OPIs "You're a Doll" has totally recaptured that for me. So, what polish has made you "recapture that old feeling"?!

Naive Nails Competition

2009-11-20T00:10:00.000Z

Check out Naive Nails (listed on my blogroll) She is having a fabulous giveaway. Two hand creams and ESSIE MINT CANDY APPLE!!! Which I am dying to get my paws on! I've entered and I have my manicured fingers crossed!

I'm Seeing Spots! - Children in Need Mani

2009-11-19T23:27:00.004Z

Friday night is Children in Need night which is an annual charity event. The whole country gets involved including celebs, news readers, sports personalities and so on. The event is covered on TV and is lots of fun. There are plenty of products to buy and fundraising ideas so that everyone can get involved to help children who need it the most. I got all my Brownies involved and tonight we raised money for this wonderful cause by having a "Danceathon". We danced non-stop for an hour and a half. I know that doesn't sound long but believe me it is! NON-STOP!! My feet are killing me! We have raised over £200.00 (approx $320.00) which I am really pleased about and my girls were brilliant! They did it! So because we were getting involved with Children in Need, I had to do a Children in Need manicure! Now the mascot for Children in Need is Pudsey the Bear who has a spotty bandage over his eye. So I put his bandage on my nails.

My base is China Glaze "White Out" followed by a variety of colours. I had to franken the blue, yellow and green as I wanted to match them as closely as possible.

If you are intrigued what the whole of the UK will be up to you can check out the website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/

Plus you can see the spotty design that I'm talking about as well! It's certainly a recognizable design here and I got a lot of lovely comments.

Right, I am now going to put my aching feet up now and have a nice cup of tea!

Hope you are all well x

Pixies are Everywhere!

2009-11-19T09:28:00.000Z

So I have been donning ASOS Pixie for over day when I thought "I wonder what this baby would look like as a matte?" So I put a coat of Essie Matte About You on and look at how pretty it turned out! I love it glossy and I love it matte. I have to apologise about the quality of my lighting. It's all indoors at the moment as we are having a few storms over here. Anyway back to the nails. Well I couldn't just leave it matte, so I got my Konads out! This is from plate M65 and I used Konad Special Polish in Violet. Right I promise to take this off later and do a totally different mani!!

ASOS Paint by Ciate - Pixie

2009-11-16T10:48:00.000Z

I bought some Ciate Paints by Ciate weeks ago but as you already know we have been having postal strikes so my hauls are taking their time getting to me. I have finally got round to swatching this one which is Pixie from the ASOS Paint range. I don't know if you know but ASOS stands for As Seen On Screen. We have a website here that finds where all the celebs get their clothes/shoes/polishes/accessories etc. and you can buy them from this particular website. Ciate have produced these polishes in association with ASOS and are named after celebrities. This gorgeous jade green creme is called Pixie (I guess after Pixie Lott?)

I love this so much. I think I may leave it on for a few days then Konad it! The formula is gorgeous to work with. This application was smooth and I only needed two coats. This has become one of my favourites (I try not to have favourites amongst my babies, but I can't help it!!). It is certainly one of the best greens I have ever seen.

Hope you all had a nice weekend.

And as if by magic, my thumb nail reappeared!!!

2009-11-14T21:49:00.002Z

OK I have no patience and I can't wait for my nail to grow back especially with party season just around the corner! So I asked my nail technician to do a gel extension. It looks pretty doesn't it?! I also asked her to apply this OPI purple holo. This one didn't have a name just a number. Can anyone help with this? I would love to own it. I think it's from the Designer series. This is only two coats. Personally I would have done another coat but I had to go and pick my daughter up from school. There is still extreme VNL!!

So I Konadded this baby!

I used plate M70 with Konad Special Polish in Royal Purple. It's very Louis Vuitton!!!

Hope you're all having a great weekend! We've been having storms so I think I need to dig my Wellington Boots out and splash about in the puddles!

* I have found out and it's DS Mystery. I thought it was too light to be that but apparently it is.

I am standing up for women everywhere!

2009-11-13T12:19:00.000Z

It's official ... housework IS bad for your health! I always suspected it but now I can confirm it. So there I was putting some laundry in the washing machine when all of a sudden I caught my thumb (and nail) on the latch. I heard one of those blood curdling snaps that we all dread to hear, and when I looked down I saw this! I screamed "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" which could be heard from miles around. I felt faint and sick to my stomache ..... and there it is. Housework caused me to break a nail and subsequently made me feel unwell and, voila! Housework is bad for your health! So women everywhere it's time to put our nails/health first! Put down that iron, store that vacuum cleaner away, throw that duster in the bin ... it's not worth the stress and destruction it causes our nails and, of course, our health. I have also realised that men don't really care for nails, therefore THEY should do ALL the housework! My hubby will pitch in but I think I need to take care of myself so he should just take over all the housework for the sake of my nails/health!
Right I'm off to my therapist (my beauty therapist) to fix my nail. And as God as my witness, I shall never do housework again!

MAC - $$$$$ Yes

2009-11-12T23:17:00.001Z

When I bought Lucky Number (left) I also picked up Baby Goth Girl (right - which I have already swatched) and $$$$$ Yes (middle). This polish is a very pretty silver but, just like it's sister, it's extremely difficult to apply. I love this so much but I would love it more if it were easier to use. This little monkey is tricky! I had to let the first layer dry first before putting the second layer on. If you're not careful you could get brush drag on your nail which is a pain. I've done my best with this one. Plus, do you know who does not like this polish? Seche Vite that's who! I put a layer of SV on and it made my polish bubble!!! Can you believe it?!?! Our very own Seche Vite - our miracle product who gets rid of all the bubbles - bubbled $$$$$ Yes! When you get this application right, it does look fab but unfortunately it picks up all my flaws.

(Top two: No flash

Bottom: with flash)

Eyeko

2009-11-12T17:15:00.000Z

I ordered these three little polishes from the Eyeko website ages ago and forgot I had them! I am terrible! They came as a set and cost £6 (including postage and packaging). They are Lilac Polish, Cosmic Polish and Indigo Polish. I have to say that I am more excited about the Cosmic Polish. It's a black shimmer with coloured glitter! I do look for polishes that are a bit different and this one certainly looks like it does the trick. Well all in all I was pleasantly surprised by these polishes. They were really smooth to apply and had a lovely shiny finish. I took these outside with and without flash except for the Cosmic Polish where I photographed it inside as well because I couldn't capture the beautiful coloured glitter.
Cosmic Polish is a black polish with coloured glitter. Indigo is a deep blue with a subtle shimmer which makes it glow from inside and the Lilac Polish is a gorgeous creme with red undertones.

Cosmic Polish is so pretty especially when it catches the (artificial!) light.

Thanks for stopping by.

xxxx

Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice!

2009-11-11T15:42:00.000Z

The gorgeous and wonderful and super-lovely Kelliegonzo tagged me this award. Thank you so much sweetie! x I think I have to list 10 ambitions of mine. OK here goes:
1. I would love to write and publish a novel.
2. I want to have dinner with Colin Firth!
3. I would love to live in America.
4. I want to travel around Europe on the Orient Express
5. Visit the Caribbean and sit on a beach looking out to the sea, all by myself.
6. Learn Italian
7. I want to own my own tea room in a pretty village in Devon
8. Figure skate like a pro!
9. Sky Dive
10. Be in a West End Musical

Phew ! My brain hurts!!!

I am tagging -
Evil Angel
Nihrida's Blog
Glammed Up

x

Latest Haul!

2009-11-11T14:52:00.000Z

I have been waiting ages for my haul to arrive. We have been having postal strikes here in Ol' Blighty so everything is delayed at the mo. I have quite a few new additions but I will start with these three. The first two are from Paul and Joe. Now I have to be completely honest and say that the selection of colours are not that inspiring. They're good if you need to have a "subtle" day, you know, if you need to go to work or an interview .... that sort of thing. However I did buy them purely for the cute bottle! I love this vintage chic style! So I purchased a gold one (no 27) and a corally-pink one (no. 15). Both these are very sheer and both needed 4 coats would you believe! And even then there was slight VNL!

(Inside no flash)

(Inside with flash

The gold one has silver glitter in it. Not quite Chanel Gold fiction but it's still quite pretty.

(inside no flash)

(Inside with flash)

I liked the coral one more than I thought I would. This would make a good base for a Konad! The formula is easy to work with and application is smooth but sheer. What I also liked about these polishes are the smell. Now I don't know if these are officially scented but when these dried they smelled like Cerruti 1881. Gorgeous!
The next addition is Ciate Paint Pot - Shaken Not Stirred. This is an iridescent purply pink colour which needed three coats.

Again I think this would make a good base for a Konad. I'm still on the fence on this one! Do I like the colour or do I not like the colour?!?

(Inside with flash)

(Inside no flash)

Maybe I should add some glitter?! The bottle's pretty cute though!

MAC - Lucky Number

2009-11-10T11:07:00.000Z

I went out the other day and I picked up MAC's Christmas releases. This one is Lucky Number. At first glance it looks like a pink shimmer. Now I wouldn't go out especially to buy a pink nail polish but I thought 'why not? I'll give it a go!' And well I was completely surprised. I put this on two days ago and I still have it on. I loooooooooove it! It's not a shimmer at all, instead it is a dusky pink chrome!!! It is so pretty. However...... be warned, this is not the easiest polishes to put on. In fact it took me a couple of attempts to suss out this little baby! It is a thick and sticky formula and you need to use the brush lightly because it will streak. In fact my application still looks a little streaky. I also recommend you use a ridge filler such as Barielle Camouflage to cover any dips or bumps in your nail as this little monkey will pick up any nail flaw (my nails are full of them!) My pictures of Lucky Number do not show how pretty this colour is but trust me it is gorgeous! Plus my pictures highlight all my application flaws!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr!

MAC Baby Goth Girl

2009-11-08T20:32:00.000Z

I am so sorry for not posting, I had a manic day yesterday. I took my Brownie pack to Legoland yesterday and now I am completely shattered. Anyway I have bought some new polishes recently so I will find some time to swatch my new babies! So first up is MAC's Baby Goth Girl. I was so surprised to find it as I had been having some trouble tracking it down. Of course I purchased it immediately. This is a beautiful dark, vampy winey colour (Gee I am so technical!) It also has some glitter in it as well.

(Outside no flash)

I do love these colours but I especially love the glitter in it. I've had BGG on for 2 days now and I can tell you that I am fade and chip free. However, I will be taking it off now to do another swatch!

With Flash

Anyway I hope you are all well. I do enjoy reading all your posts.

I've Been Tagged!

2009-11-06T12:34:00.000Z

I was tagged by the gorgeous Heather at Lambchop Mobile and I can tell you that I am totally chuffed to bits. It means so much to me since I am a newbie and all! So thank you Heather, I am completely honoured. x So now I have to share 7 facts about me. OK here goes:

1. I was brought up in Hong Kong. When I was 5 months old my family moved over there for my Dad's job. Although Mum and I evenutally came back to the UK, my Dad is still over there. Having my childhood over there totally rocked!

2. One of my guilty pleasures is 80s movies especially ones directed by John Hughes. We're talking Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles etc. Movies that I love that aren't John Hughes are Labyrinth and Back to the Future!

3. I am a huge I Love Lucy fan.

4. I was born with a small stump on both my hands which doctors said would have grown into a sixth finger (aahhhhhhhh she's a witch! A witch!!!) I did have them removed but how cool would that have been for swatching nail polish!!

5. I hate gardening. I get the whole watching something you've planted flourish and grow, but I have no patience and want to see the fruits of my labour immediately. I get absolutely no enjoyment from gardening. I kill plants. Plus it ruins my manicure!

6. When I'm down, I dance. Seriously, even if I'm standing in a queue for something, I will have a little shuffle. If I'm at home however, I will put my music on and DANCE!!!!! It always helps.

7. When I was 7 months pregnant, I went to a New Year's Party at my hubby's work. At the time he worked at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in Covent Garden. It was during the time when The Witches of Eastwick was playing and when Ian McShane played Darryl. (Ian McShane has also been in Deadwood and voiced Mr Bobinsky in Coraline). At the party Ian McShane came up to me and put his hand on my big belly and started talking to me about my pending arrival! I tell Abi that Mr. Bobinsky tickled her toes whilst she was in my tum!

Now I have to tag 7 people - I hope it's ok to tag people who have already been tagged.

1. Lambchop Mobile

2. Kelliegonzo

3. Evil Angel

4. Gilded Angel

5. The Diva's Polish

6. Gladys - Nail Fanatic

7. KONADomania

Latest Haul

2009-11-05T23:06:00.001Z

Ok I am better now! I have signed myself up to do the other exam. To hell with it, I've come this far why give up now? I'm sorry for moaning!! Anyway I went out and bought new polishes which I will share with you in my next post. I want to show you my haul that I received yesterday. I realised that I don't have nearly enough sparkles in my collection and considering that the Holiday season will soon be upon us, I thought I should supplement my collection! So from left to right in the above picture: China Glaze - Glam, OPI - Glitter Ball, China Glaze - Pom Pom, Color Club - Snow Queen. I will swatch these. I'm very excited about Glitter Ball. For my NOTD I used Color Club - Snow Queen. When I first put this on I did think 'Oh no not another Chanel Rouge Noir wannabe' but I must say that it's a little more purply than winey. Very dark and gorgeous. I did find the formula a little tacky to work with but I got there in the end. My mani didn't stop there though. I was desperate to use some glitter so I put a coat of China Glaze's Pom Pom on. It is a pink sparkle with some fine glitter and slightly bigger bits. It looks gorgeous I have to say. The glitter cheered me up! (Glitter usually does!)

I like a bit of sparkle every now and then!

At a crossroad ..... AGAIN!

2009-11-05T09:38:00.000Z

There I was all happy and smug as I had worked out what I wanted to do with my life when 'smack' it all comes tumbling around me.
I am in my final year at University, studying for my degree in Education. After which I planned to go on to do my Teacher's Qualification and go into Primary School Teaching. That was the plan.
I have been so focused and have been doing really well. I'm heading towards a First Degree in case you were wondering! It has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. For two and a half years I have stressed over my work, panicked because I don't understand something, stayed up to 5.00 in the morning to finish an essay and I have worried and felt guilty over feeling like I am not spending enough time with my daughter.
Now I am on the verge of applying for my Teacher's Qualification when now I am being told that the qualifications that I have aren't enough. The experience I have is not enough. I need more. I had checked all this out when I started this course and my exam results were enough. Now everything has changed. Plus now I don't have enough "days" in a school. When I told them that I run Brownies which I started FROM SCRATCH..... that counts for nothing. I am devastated because not only do I now have to do yet another exam (I've already started studying for one) I have to join schemes and work in a school again. Do they not understand that I don't have time for all this? My husband has said to take a year off to focus on the 2 exams I need to re-do then go on to do my teacher's qualification. I said that I can't do another year. It's too much. I want to get back into work. I want to start my career. I have put myself thousands of pounds in debt for what? I am exhausted. Instead of being encouraged and supported for changing my life and wanting to put back into the community I come across yet more barriers and hurdles. I am so frustrated.
Well there's only one thing for it. I'm going out to buy nail polish!
x

NOTD - Butter London "Muggins" and Konad

2009-11-03T09:38:00.000Z

I think I have just about recovered from the Halloween party. I've been made to take off my purple wig as well. Not a happy bunny! That wig rocked! So yesterday I was giving myself a day off (although I had work for university to do!) and did this Konad. I used Butter London "Muggins" as the base. I used the swirl print off IP no. 51 using Special Polish in black. I am also off my "No Buy" scheme so of course I was on the internet all day Sunday and yesterday! I've ordered some more Konad plates which I am really excited about! I've also ordered some glitter polishes from OPI and something from Color Club. I'll give it a few more days before I order some more. I think I might be back on the "No Buy" scheme before I know it. Oh well.....it's totally worth it! x BTW I have loved seeing all your Halloween costumes and nail designs. You all looked fabulous. x

Last Halloween Nails

2009-10-31T22:43:00.006Z

I changed my mind about my Halloween nails. I loved the red flakies but I really fancied something more green. So I did exactly the same (China Glaze - Liquid Leather) but this time I put Nfu Oh No. 52 (aka Distraction) over the top. This created a wonderful 'sea-serpent' green. Every so often the light caught the green flakies which looked absolutely stunning! (yes I am holding a cuddly bat!)
That's it now! No more Halloween nails until next year. Boooooo!
And just so he doesn't feel left out..... this is Arthur the Spider.....

I hope you all had a fab Halloween.
x

Halloween Costume

2009-10-31T22:37:00.000Z

Thought I should show you my Halloween Costume! I am keeping the purple wig on forever!

I forgot to say something ....

2009-10-31T13:59:00.000Z

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!

Hope you have a fang-tastic day!

Here are some pix of my party preparations!

Chanel's Trapeze

2009-10-31T09:04:00.000Z

OK I'm feeling better today! I think my problem is is that I'm overtired and things always seem a lot worse when one is overtired! Right so back to what I love to do....... I went out on Thursday with my BFF and saw Chanel's Christmas release. There were three polishes in the release including two pinky and coral-like colours and then this one called Trapeze, which I had to have! (Yes I know, I know ... No Buy Until November ...blah blah blah!) At first glance it looks like a dirty silver colour but when it's on it's more of a silvery beige colour. It's a very pretty colour but I can see a fabulous Konad coming on! Watch this space! I used 3 coats to get good coverage.

(no flash)

My Halloween Nails

2009-10-30T21:50:00.000Z

I was throwing some ideas around as to what to do for my Halloween nail design. Do I do all black? Or should I do a vampy red? Or what about "bloody nails" or how about white with some black bat designs.... oh the decisions to make! So I thought about my costume. I am going as a Morticia/ Vampy princess type lady with a dress that has fabulous long sleeves. I also have a purple wig (which, I have to say I want to wear all the time... or at least dye my hair that colour!) I'm going to do heavy eye make up and wear black tights with purple sparkly spider webs! So my nails? Well I've tried this combination of China Glaze's Liquid Leather with Nfu Oh's no. 60 on top. The light catches the red in the flakies which look amazing. I apologise about the pix but I have been preparing the party all day and have had no time for my nails. I have had to do these at night! I might try Liquid Leather with Nfu Oh's 52 (aka Distraction) since my dress has green in it. We'll see if I have time tomorrow before the party!

(No flash)

I don't know why but I'm feeling a little under the weather tonight. My hubby has been working hard the past few days (obviously trying to fund my polish habit!) and he doesn't get home until 10 tonight. He's working all day tomorrow until 7 and then all day Sunday. I feel quite lonely at the mo. I know that sounds really sappy... I apologise. I don't feel under the weather because he's working but he's usually so good of making me feel better and he hasn't been here to do that. I love that I have my blog and, although I'm new, I have felt very welcomed into this community.... so thank you all.x Anyway sorry for waffling, I just needed to get that off my chest! I'll feel better tomorrow xx

Halloween Party

2009-10-30T09:20:00.000Z

I want you all to think of me tomorrow and pray for my safety. I have sixteen 8 year olds coming over for a party. Need I say anymore!
I'm going to the supermarket to finish off my food shopping and stock up on my wine supply! I won't be drinking when the children are here of course...... I mean I have to be responsible after all, but boy will I be tucking into that wine after the party!!!!!

Oh the things we do for our children!

x

Spooky Eyes!

2009-10-28T16:59:00.001Z

I used to love Scooby-Doo as a child and since Halloween is coming up I thought I would do some nail art in tribute to the spooky eyes that you see whenever the team investigate somewhere haunted! I used 2 coats of China Glaze's Liquid Leather then, using a yellow Barry M, I dotted some eyes with a thin brush and dragged the sides out to form a cats-eye shape. Afterwards I dotted some black in the centre to make it look like cats-eyes.

Spooky!!!

My Play - Noises Off

2009-10-28T09:59:00.001Z

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I am in a play. I belong to my village amateur dramatics group and we're doing Noises Off by Michael Frayn. We've been rehearsing since the end of August and now we only have four weeks to go!!! I've only just learnt my lines...tut tut! I have had so much fun doing this play and have never laughed so much. We may only be am-dram but our standards are pretty high and we do have quite the reputation! I feel very lucky belonging to this group. They are such a bunch of great people and they help me achieve what I love to do.
The play is about a professional theatre company who are putting on a play called "Nothing On". The cast consists of a variety of people including a sickly-sweet woman, a veteran actor who is also keen on the old sauce!, a young man who is dating one of the cast ... who happens to be old enough to be his mother! A young airhead lady! A sappy man who keeps getting nose bleeds, a useless stage hand and a stage manager who is having an affair with the grumpy director ... who, by the way, is having an affair with the young airhead girl! The first part of the play sees the cast rehearsing the night before they open. It is then that the director's affairs surface! In the second act the stage is reversed so that the audience can see everything that is happening back stage whilst the play is going on. This is hysterical as you see people trying to keep the drunk away from the bottle of whisky that keeps appearing, the director comes on to make it up to the airhead but the stage manager keeps getting in the way! Also the sickly-sweet woman has a crush on the nosebleed man. The older woman is also trying to get her claws into him as well as she and her young lover have had a spat. I won't go any further as it is confusing!!! But as you can see, it is very farcical. Finally, in the last act, the stage is reversed again and the play goes on. Except this time the cast have all fallen out with each other and they can't be bothered to do the play... so things go badly wrong!
I play the sickly-sweet girl called Belinda who always ends her sentences with "my sweet" or "precious" or "darling".
Sorry if I have bored you with this. I just enjoy doing these plays so much that I wanted to share it with you.
I've been doing Am-Dram for 5 years now and have done a variety of plays. I shall post some other pix if you want. I love doing plays that are set in the 20s, 30s or 40s because I love doing my hair and make up in that style. I will try and find some photos of my hair that I did for the last play I was in.
Anyway I will stop waffling now!
x

Gold Fiction - At Long Last!

2009-10-27T16:25:00.003Z

I can't believe it! It has finally arrived! After years of searching (OK slight exaggeration!) I finally have Gold Fiction! Now I know this is probably old news to some since Chanel has released another gorgeous colour in the form of Jade, but I cannot tell you how long I have wished for Gold Fiction! I could not wait to get this on to see how fabulous this colour really is. Boy I was not disappointed! It really is as gorgeous as everyone says it is. Actually it's better! It was certainly worth the wait. For those who are wondering what happened to my "No Buy" until the end of this month, I ordered this before I was put on the "No Buy" scheme! We've been having postal strikes which have delayed it.... honest! Anyway I am now going to go off and sing "Gold Finger ... mwah mwah mwah... she's the gal, the gal with the midas touch ...."!! x

Top: Outside no flash

Bottom: Outside with flash

I Can't Believe it's 'Butter' !

2009-10-27T09:51:00.003Z

I am so sorry for not updating yesterday. Had rehearsals again and I need to learn my lines!

So yesterday the good old faithful wonderbra worked! I bought myself two new polishes!! Both from Butter London.
I am a fan of Butter London but they are at the top end of the price range scale so they are a rare treat (looks like my boobs haven't lost it!!!)
I spent a while choosing my colours as I probably won't buy Butter London again now for a while...... well not until Saturday!! The colours they have are fabulous and I want them all but I decided on 'Muggins' (left) and 'Thames' (right). I do love the name of these polishes as they are focussed around London and being a London-gal, of course I'm a big fan! Thames, which is the teal one, is a strange name for this beautiful colour. Last time I checked the Thames was a murky, dirty, muddy colour and not the colour of the sea in paradise! However, I love love love this colour. It is a shimmery teal which goes on like a dream. I only needed two coats for this application.

This was outside with no flash. It looks a little creamy but it isn't.

This was outside with flash.

I apologise for the bad pix but our weather is pretty yuk at the mo. No gorgeous autumn days for us anymore. We are straight into winter!

Next is 'Muggins'. I made such a good choice! For those who don't know, when you use the word muggins you are describing yourself as being a bit silly or gullible. For example: "He told me that I needed to spend all that money on replacing all my windows and old muggins here fell for it!" Does that make sense? And here ends your lesson on London Lingo!

Anyway I digress..... back to the polish. This one took three coats to get good coverage. It is a gorgeous lavender creme. It is slightly different to OPIs Done Out In Deco as Muggins does not have any red tones in it. It's more of a dusky purple. Again my pix do not do it justice.

Top: Outside with flash

Bottom: Outside no flash

So those are the newest additions to my polish family! As soon as this month is over I will be out there picking up all the ones I have had my eye on!

To buy or not to buy!

2009-10-26T10:27:00.000Z

Hi everyone! I'm about to pop into town in a mo to pick up some Halloween stuff (one of my fave times of year!) The problem I have is that we have a small department store that stocks nail polishes from Nails inc to Jessica to Butter. I will be going in there to have a look BUT my husband has put me on a strict NO BUY until the end of October. Which sucks! However, if I show a bit of cleavage I might be able to change his mind! But then again we have been married for 10 years and is probably bored of my boobs! But then he is a man!

Shall report back later!

Right where's my wonderbra!

NOTD - Barry M "Vivid Purple"

2009-10-25T20:37:00.001Z

One of my favourite polish brands is Barry M. I love the colours that they come up with. It's a lovely polish and most of the time the formula is one that is easy to use and gives a smooth application. What I like about this polish as well is that it lasts. I can go quite some time without it chipping. Plus Barry M is on the cheaper end of the polish scale which is a bonus!! This polish is Vivid Purple (3 coats) which I have had for a while but is an old favourite. Of course, the camera lies! Although there are red tones in this polish it is quite deep.

Most Haunted Live - 2009: First Report

2009-10-25T19:10:00.067Z

This is the first review of Most Haunted Live Halloween 2009

If you're not familiar with Most Haunted it's a show in the UK where a team investigate haunted locations ... a bit like TAPS I guess. However, all the team get involved, from the camera man to the sound man to the make up artist. It's a great show and the team start to feel like members of your own family. I've been watching it since it first started, I think it was 2000 or 2001 (Please correct me if I'm wrong ... I really can't remember!!!). Every so often the Most Haunted team do a live show. Some nights nothing happens but then other times there are incidences that occur which really have no explanation. Love it! So here's the first night review.

Morecambe Winter Gardens

After introductions, the Most Haunted team started off with a seance in front of a large audience. Yvette then walked around the theatre with a psychic. All the way through people were reporting the sound of whispers and whistling but no one could confirm who or what it was. This is difficult to draw any conclusion from as the theatre was filled with people so noise is inevitable. Yvette and the psychic reached the balcony area of the theatre. The psychic explained that there was a gentleman figure up there who used to work in the theatre but had an alcohol problem. Quite a number of people reported the smell of alcohol in a particular area. As they were talking one member of the audience reported that her throat had gone tight and her heart was beating rapidly. Yvette asked her if she wanted to go out to get some water and helped her out of her row. The audience member then passed out. Of course, it is hard to say if it was paranormal activity. The audience member could have been coming down with an illness or it could have just been all the excitement proving to be too much. Who knows!

There was an incident where Yvette opened a door and a gust of wind pushed the door which subsequently slammed shut. It had been confirmed by the crew that the weather conditions outside were pretty poor and that it was extremely windy outside. However, I can't help but wonder if wind can cause a suction and make the door slam? At the end of the show the team did a ouija board and a few of the team reported on feeling unwell. Keiran O'Keefe (the parapsychologist) confirmed that there was a infra-sound in that particular spot. Once someone came out of that area they felt better.

Anyway it was a pretty quiet evening considering the many other incidences the team have encountered in the past. I'm sure it will get even more spooky as the nights go on!

The clip below shows the end of the show where Kieran O'Keefe (the parapsychologist) and Karl (the producer) discuss what has occurred during the investigation. At the end, highlights of the investigation are shown.

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Harrrrrrr Me Hearties!!!!!!!

2009-10-25T13:18:00.001Z

Whilst getting some spooky ideas, I decided to do this Konad. It's very simple but I think it's very effective. This is a fab Halloween Konad.

I didn't clean up very well because I was only having a play-about! Now who wants to walk the plank!!!!

PS I will be posting my review of the first night of Most Haunted later. I have rehearsals today and that takes me away from my beloved blog

Halloween/Most Haunted Nail Art

2009-10-24T20:59:00.001+01:00

I've been messing around with some ideas for a Halloween/Most Haunted Live design. I came up with this mani using black, green, white and purple colours. I call it "Witches Potion"!

Colours:
China Glaze - Liquid Leather
China Glaze - White out
Barry M - Vivid Purple
Nails Inc - Ascot

Do you like my egg timer?!?!

Funky Spider Web

2009-10-24T20:42:00.000+01:00

Before I take a nail colour off I always like to mess around with some nail art. I find that I come up with some good ideas and colour schemes when I'm just messing around. So before I took off Zoya's "Ki" I got my neon pink nail pen out and did this spiderweb. It's not the best spiderweb I've ever done but I still think it looks pretty fab. It's certainly a twist on this Halloween favourite!

Don't forget - Most Haunted is on right now!

Happy Pix!

2009-10-23T23:15:00.000+01:00

I've had a pretty rubbish week this week. I feel absolutely exhausted. Plus the weather here has been cold and damp which doesn't help. So I was looking through some photos of our summer holiday and found one that made me feel a little better and I wanted to share it with you. Looking at it, I felt like I was right there in the warmth! This was taken on a beach in Portugal and it was HOT!!!
If you're feeling a bit under the weather then I hope this makes you feel better.

And I thought I would throw this fabulous beach photo in for the hell of it! I have this as my screensaver and it helps me to chill! Back to normal nail swatching tomorrow ; )

Beware of the Cats!

2009-10-23T19:23:00.002+01:00

I have a problem! I could be sat watching the TV, doing my nails and I will look down to see how my polish is drying when I notice ..... cat hair in my polish!!!! Grrrrrrrrrrr! I love my kitties but their fluff gets everywhere! It's not their fault. I mean they can't help it ... they're just so bloomin' cute!!

This is Joe - He's a big cuddly boy who likes to try and climb on my lap when I am doing my nails!

And Jessie (Joe's sister) who is teeny-weeny compared her brother.
She sneezes a lot when I have the polish out!

Don't forget - only one more sleep until "Most Haunted" starts. Keep checking back for my report on Night One!

x

NOTD - Zoya "Ki"

2009-10-22T15:15:00.002+01:00

Is it a dusky purple shimmer? Is it an olive green? Is it grey? No it's Zoya's "Ki". This polish was in my latest haul and I couldn't wait to put it on (Yes that meant taking "Distraction" off!!) And Wow! this polish has a bad case of Jekyll and Hyde going on! A gorgeous duochrome where one minute I look at it and think it's a purple next I think it's a green then I think it's grey! Fab! Application was smooth and even which made it a really nice and silky formula to work with. I did need three coats to get complete opacity which meant I had to sit still and not use my hands for a couple of hours!! I had to get my husband to make me tea all night! What a shame. No wonder he hates it when I do my nails! (Yes I have heard of quick dry top coat but he hasn't so shhhhhh!!!!!!)

Most Haunted Live

2009-10-21T23:31:00.001+01:00

Are you a fan of Most Haunted?

Most Haunted are going live for eight days and I will be covering the shows on this very blog. They will be running from the 24th October through to the 31st October.
For more info on the show visit:
http://www.livingtv.co.uk/shows/mosthauntedlive09/
I am very much on the fence when it comes to anything paranormal. I tend to face anything "paranormal" with a scientific mind first.

However, I love this show and I love when the Most Haunted team do live events. I find it all very interesting and entertaining.

What do you think about the paranormal? Are you a believer? Or do you think it's all a bunch of hocus pocus?

Whatever you think come and join in the fun on Phenomenail and be prepared ..... to be scared!!!!!! MWAAA HAAA HAAA HAA (That's supposed to be a scary and menacing laugh btw!!)

My NOTD: Nfu Oh - No. 52

2009-10-20T21:21:00.006+01:00

I am in lurrrrrrrrrrrve!!! I cannot stop looking at my nails right now! Don't you just love finding a polish that makes you feel like this? I long for those days when you find a polish so unique and fabulous that it changes the way you feel. I bought Nfu Oh 52 last week and finally got round to putting it on last night. I didn't take that much notice of it at first (shame on me) because I was running around so much trying to get ready for rehearsals (Oh did I mention I'm in a play? I'll tell you more in a mo). Well, anyhoo when I got to rehearsals I noticed this amazing sparkle coming from my nails. Guess what it was?! Yes it was my Nfu Oh (My God!) no. 52. I'm nick-naming it Distraction!!! I could not stop looking at my nails all last night and all of today. But do you know what sucks? I could not, for the life of me, get a good piccie of this

fabulous polish I went inside, no flash, inside with flash, outside no flash, outside with flash etc.

No photograph does this polish justice AT ALL!
The polish is a beautiful purple jelly base with teal flakies in it. This application was two coats. I have a little smudgie on my middle finger and I am about to deal with that! I don't know what else to say about this polish. It's.....Phenomenail!
So it got me thinking .... I want to know what polish you have worn that has totally 'distracted' you ...

Manicure Mommas Competition

2009-10-19T22:26:00.001+01:00

Check out the competition over at Manicure Mommas Blog. They are giving away OPI's "Ulta Glow Get a Treat" mini polish set - which is phenomenail! Loving those beautiful colours. Unfortunately this competition is only open to bloggers in the USA but I thought you all would like to know.

Click on the link on the right to go straight to the blog.

Good Luck!! If you do win let me know what they are like.

x

Nubar - Prevail

2009-10-19T17:10:00.003+01:00

I recently received my Nubar haul and I finally got around to putting Nubar's Prevail on. It's a beautiful plum matte. I put two coats on a found that this was enough to achieve a really nice finish. This is a gorgeous Autumn colour.

The next day I couldn't resist! I Konad-ded this mani! (IP M57)

I used Konad Special Polish in Violet Pearl. It wasn't easy to get the Konad print on the matte polish but if you do it really slowly you should get a good transfer.

A Quick Konad

2009-10-18T21:17:00.001+01:00

So I was just about to take my polish off to do another mani when I decided to do a quick Konad. This was using IP no. M9.
Pretty cute ; )

Nihrida's Big Giveaway!

2009-10-17T09:48:00.001+01:00

Nihrida, over at Nihrida's Blog is holding a competition where you can win a huge load of goodies! You do not want to miss it!! Check it out! Just click on Nihrida's Blog over in "My Favourite Blogs" and click on the icon that says "Click to Enter My Giveaway".
I am definitely entering this comp as I want those goodies!!!!

Good luck!

Mummy/Daughter Day!

2009-10-16T16:01:00.001+01:00

So Abi and I have returned from our mani/pedi session and I must say that I am impressed. In all honestly I am somewhat dubious about the nail bars that appear from overnight! However, I have heard nothing about good things about the salon I went to today. They were absolutely brilliant with both me and Abi. Their hygiene standards are also up to my standards as well (which is extremely super high!!!!) So I sat in the vibrating massage chair whilst I had my mani and pedi and Abi had nail art done on her nails. We had a blast! I will definitely be going back to that salon. If you are in the Windsor (UK) area go and check out New York Nails Fashion on St. Leonards Road. I highly recommend them.

Here's a picture of Abi's nails.

Abi has been to a Henna Party today as well!

I think her nail art looks so pretty. I'm afraid I forgot to ask what the nail colour was. All I know is that it's an OPI colour.

And here's mine:

I had OPI's Done Out in Deco from the South Beach range on my nails. On my toes I had Gargantuan Green Grape. (The above photo is without flash)

With flash

So I love the purple A LOT! I can only describe this as a lavender creme colour. Very pretty. I've not had the chance to try this range out but it definitely is more of a Spring/Summer collection. As for the Gargantuan Green Grape, I'm still not sure about it. It's very light and sheer. My technician put two coats of the GGG on and personally I would have done another coat. I have taken a picture of it on my toes but I don't want to freak anyone out as I know feet and toes can make people a little squeamish. If you would like to see it then please let me know and I will post it. Anyway GGG is a very bright, sheer lime colour. At the moment I feel like and Easter Egg. Think I'm going to be Konading later!!

Done Out In Deco

Gargantuan Green Grape

Me TIme!!

2009-10-16T09:29:00.000+01:00

I have finally found some time all for me!!!! Today I am finally getting a professional mani and pedi. My daughter, Abi is coming too so we will be having some Mummy/Daughter bonding time!

I haven't had a professional mani/pedi for quite some time as I can be a bit fussy! But my nails and cuticles are in dire need of some help and it is beyond anything I can do so I have called in the pros!

Will report back later.

x

"Up" Inspired Manicure!

2009-10-14T19:07:00.006+01:00

Disney Pixar have done it again! As you may or may not know I am a Disney Nut. In fact me, my husband and my daughter are all dotty about Disney. We love the films, the characters, the programmes, the music and most importantly, the parks. We always go and see the latest Disney film and "Up" is no exception. Five months after its release in the States, "Up" is finally released here in the UK. What I love about Disney Pixar is that they come up with fresh and creative stories. Think "Cars", "Monsters Inc.", "Ratatouille", "Wall-E" .... well you get the picture! All these stories are original and are told in a unique way. "Up" tells the story of a man who has dreamed of adventure all of his life. Sadly, life gets in the way and he finds that he has left it too late to embark on his dream ..... or has he? Through determination he sets out on his "once-in-a-lifetime" adventure and comes across many obstacles on the way. Once on his journey he comes across an "accidental stowaway" in the form of a young Wildlife Explorer named Russell. The relationship that develops between these two characters is not only endearing but also emotional as they form a very special bond. Disney Pixar portray this relationship between the young boy and old man as one with sensitivity, dignity and respect. Who would of thought that an animated hero could come in the form of a seventy-eight year old man? I can't forget to mention the talking dogs! Doug the Dog is a wonderful addition to the story and you immediately fall in love with his innocence and loyalty. I won't ruin it for you if you haven't seen it but all the dogs talk through the wonders of technology! Don't worry I won't give anything away. All I will say is that who ever came up with the voice for the evil doberman is an absolute genius.... I have never laughed so loud in my life! A brilliant concept and a fantastic film based around a simple yet clever story. I have heard some reviews that have said that Disney 3D Digital dims the bright colours of the animation and I'm sure it does, but, honestly, I didn't notice it at all. I loved it!
I was so inspired by this film and love the balloons which feature in the film as well as all the posters. The colours are just beautiful so I wanted to do some nail art for it and I came up with the idea below. It was all going so well until I put some top coat on to seal it and it all shmoooshed together! Oh well, I still think it looks pretty!! x

Nails Inc - Winter Party Collection

2009-10-13T22:24:00.000+01:00

I love Nails Inc. polishes. The quality of these are superb. At £10.50 a pop I would absolutely expect good quality and this brand certainly delivers. I saw the Winter Party Collection today but I didn't have time to inspect further but it is next on my to do list. As soon as I have these in my sticky mitts I will report! You can buy the collection for £25 which is a fab bargain if you ask me.

(The offer is from the Nails Inc. website btw - nothing to do with me!)

I have to be honest and say that these pictures don't make the collection look very inspiring, but in person they look gorgeous.

Nubar - Chocolate Truffles

2009-10-13T22:16:00.000+01:00

I cannot wait for the release of Nubar's Chocolate Truffles. Unfortunately there is no release date yet for the UK but I will find out!! Oh yes! I am itching to get my sticky mitts on these beauties!

All I can say is yummy!

Nfu Oh - Previous Haul

2009-10-13T22:11:00.000+01:00

I said I would swatch the latest additions to my collection. However, I have only been able to do one mani! (Shakes fist at Degree course!!) Here are are the four that I recently bought.

From left to right : 67, 68, 115, 118

115 - This is so pretty. Unfortunately this photo does not do this beautiful colour justice at all. It is a beautiful shimmering lavender with tiny multi-coloured sparkles. It reminds me of how frost glistens on the road. Wonderful! x

The Infamous Elusive Nfu Oh polishes!

2009-10-13T09:42:00.000+01:00

O...M....G!!!!! I was flitting around the internet last night looking at all the new polish releases that are coming out very soon (Can't wait for Nubar's Chocolate Truffles) when I decided to look at Affinti's website. For those who don't know, Affiniti are the only people who stock Nfu Oh nail polishes in the UK. If there are any other stockists out there then I would love to know who you are!! Anyway, they have replenished their stock and I have just ordered no. 52 and 60. I am still wishing and hoping for no. 51 as that would be a dream come true!
So thank you Affiniti! I can't wait to receive my goodies. x

A Mini Mani!

2009-10-12T15:54:00.000+01:00

My 8 year old daughter loves nail polishes and all things sparkly as much as I do. However, she is not allowed nail polish on whilst at school. Awwwwwww! So I stuck a little 3D sticker on and coated with Seche Vite. I think it looks pretty cute. Hope the school doesn't notice! x

Nfu Oh - Oh I Love you!!!

2009-10-11T11:57:00.001+01:00

I have recently hauled some new Nfu Oh polishes .. (my name is Jodie and I am a polish addict!) Will swatch my new additions later. The one below is Nfu Oh 118. I also love blue and purple polishes too! I am having trouble getting my sticky mitts on Nfu Oh 51, 52 and 60. I'll just keep on wishing!

I topped this mani off with a 3D flower, complete with tiny rhinestone, courtesy of Dawn from RadiantBabe......thank you Dawn!

Oops! A bit blurry!

So pretty x

One coat CND Stickey Start base, two coats Nfu Oh 118, 3D Flower followed by Nail Laminates Liquid Glass

China Glaze Love You Snow Much

2009-10-10T21:10:00.001+01:00

Love, love, love green polishes! I have been looking for some fab colours for Halloween and came across China Glaze's Christmas offering ... so I had to get it, of course!! I will swatch the rest of the colours after Halloween but I had to show you how gorgeous this colour is. This is Emerald Sparkle from the Love You So Much collection. Sorry for the mess I made but I am currently in my 3rd year at University studying for my degree in Education plus I run our village Brownies so I spend a lot of my time planning and studying (and being a Mum and wife!) If I had it my way I'd spend all day on my nails! So be prepared to see messy cuticles every so often!!

This was one coat of CND Stickey Start base coat followed by 2 layers of Emerald Sparkle then a coat of Seche Vite. I did use a Konad stamp later but I forgot to take a piccie. Looked pretty fab though. I used the leopard print off Konad plate no. M57 and Konad Special Polish in Gold.