Nailed Essie as my New BFF

When I found out we were going to be poor I momentarily flipped out like any normal person. Not that I am way materialistic, but I realized I would have to give up certain luxuries i.e. shopping, getting my nails done, and getting massages (not that I got those often ... I just now knew I probably couldn't get any and we were moving to Spa City aka the Retirement Community). I decided that I probably couldn't learn to cut my hair so I definitely couldn't give up trips to the salon, but I could learn to paint my nails. Before I gave up my luxury, I mostly stuck with the normal shades of pinks and reds. Now that I wasn't spending as much money on getting my nails done, I could experiment more with colors. I walked into Ulta and thought, this must be what Heaven is like ... all the stunningly captivating colors. I was an OPI snob but quickly became addicted to buying Essie's new colors. I wasn't sure if some of my colors were work friendly, so I started scooping out everyone's nails at work. I decided that if the librarian could have alternating candy corn and jack-o-lantern nails for halloween (I do not recommend this color pattern to anyone), I could pretty much paint them whatever color I wanted. Let the fun begin!

Start with the basics.
The Miracle Workers

Essie's Fill in the Gap is a miracle worker! I have ridges in my nails and you'd never know when I use that as a base coat. My second miracle worker is Essie On the Go! I can begin my life again in about 2.2 minutes after painting my nails! If you have ever experimented with tips or shellac then my third miracle worker is Essie's Grow Stronger.

Welcome to the Family.
Don't get too adjusted because if I don't like you, I give you away.

COLORS, COLORS, COLORS

Electric Blue for an Electric Summer

A pop of color for the Fourth.
Note: I chickened out because I felt like
a 16 year old PLL wannabe. 

A day of Teal. Nothing says Be Jealous,
 I'm Chilling Poolside like Teal.

Penny for your thoughts! Metallics are in this Summer!

On a day of Green, Purple stands out!
My husband will love that I posted this.

Orange you glad I didn't wear an Orange dress.
Cheesiness at it's finest.

This was an, "I think I should get this as a present picture."
Purple and Brown look good together ... just saying!
In case you were still wondering, sadly I did not get this as a present.

Lilac ... and this my friend is what it looks like to go to the movies in a  Retirement Community.
Your ticket stub is a stinking receipt ... and it wasn't even cheaper! 

Off the Shoulder, Playdate, and Turquoise and Caicos
Playdate is one of my absolute FAVS.
It is purple, yet looks
completely neutral.

I always envied Lauren Conrad's black nails, but I quickly realized that my nail beds were way too long to go black. I then envied Lauren Conrad's short nail beds until I came across this fun paint job. I bring you summer's tie die.
Step 1: Paint nails white and let dry.
Step 2: On a wedged makeup sponge paint three color stripes. Your choice. Similar colors look good but will blend together and will look more ombre', which is still in style.
Step 3: Roll the wedge completely across nails and skin and let dry.
Step 4: Paint a clear coat top coat.
Step 5: Clean up your messy skin. If you don't roll across skin, you will have white edges on the side.
Step 6: HooRay! You have fun nails!

I can store my new hobby neatly in my closet.

If I can't find another job... and let's face it job hunting is not my favorite past time ... I think that I would love to become a nail polish namer. I would rock that job out!