Growing up, there was an abundance of things to do during the summer break from school. One of of them was NOT saying 'I'm bored!' Those two words strung together were simply not allowed in my house. What did this mean? You went outside. Yes, I grew up before video game consoles were in every household (we DID have a Nintendo and B/W Gameboys as we grew older and a super awesome Texas Instruments game/keyboard thingy though), we didn't even *GASP* have cable TV. We had 4 channels: ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS, and if it wasn't on one of those channels, you didn't need to watch it. You relied on your brain and creativity to keep yourself busy. As long as the sun was out, my sister and I managed to find something outdoors to do...luckily, we grew up in the middle of a forest, so there was an abundance of things to do and discover. We shot BB guns, rode 4-wheelers (we weren't supposed to), rode bikes, built forts, hiked through the woods, played in the yard, played with the dogs, even went fishing in our neighbor's pond. Luckily, we weren't girls that were concerned with getting downright filthy. I rarely wore shoes, and could run barefoot on gravel. Anyway, one of my favvvvvorite things to do in the summers growing up was pick all the wild berries growing around the house, we had wild strawberries (which are teeny tiny), raspberries (my favorite), and wild blueberries. I loved walking through the woods, pulling berries off the bushes and popping them in my mouth, now THAT was summer. (That and begging our parents to take us for ice cream at the local ice cream parlor, Zanner's, which was in one of the oldest buildings in town.)
Because I'm feeling nostalgic and admittedly, missing home, I decided to do blueberry nail art! I used the new polish that I got as part of a Klout Perk from Essie - Bikini So Teeny, a periwinkle blue with a barely noticeable hint of silver sparkle. You may also notice that my nails are a very different shape than usual, too. :) I was bored I guess, I've had the same (or similar) nail shape for as long as I can remember - at least 10 years or more. It was time for a change, right?! I'm still undecided whether I like this new shape or not, hoping it grows on me or grows OUT fast! :) What do you think of the new shape?
I used:
Light Blue: Essie Bikini So Teeny
Dark Blurple: American Apparel Mount Royal
Blurple Highlight: American Apparel Cameo Blue
Blurple Shading: American Apparel Passport Blue
Now, I usually use the padded files from CND, they're my absolute favorite. However, I recently became a part of the Tweezerman Ambassador program, and in the kit they sent were 3 different types of files (amongst some other pretty fantastic stuff, but that will come later), so I thought I'd give one of them a go. I selected the Sansational nail file, a Coarse/Medium grit file that made seriously quick work of my nail reshaping. Another great thing about this file is that is can be washed and disinfected, which is always a plus. This file is a bit too gritty for regular filing, but for reshaping, it was absolute perfection.
Disclosure: Some products in this post were provided as a Perk through Klout Perks, or were provided for consideration by the manufacturer. My opinion is my own.
This shape suits you so well, can't believe you haven't tried it before! Rounded nails are less prone to break, which means I don't have to throw a fit when a corner is chopped off =D I love this manicure and your current nail shape, please keep it this way! =)
ReplyDeleteThank you!! I actually didn't know that they're less prone to breakage- that's awesome!! I feel your pain about the corner chip. lol I'm hoping this shape grows on me... it's starting to! :) I wanted to change because looking back on recent designs, I felt like my nail shape was 'clunky'. We'll see how this one fares. :D
DeleteIt's interesting how when you support square/squoval nails for a long time, your oval nails just look odd to your own eyes, and then the other way round =) I've had oval nails for the last month, now my square nails look so weird when I look at my own pictures =)
DeleteI love your blueberries, so delicious looking!
ReplyDeleteYou are right growing up without all that has so many advantages, you learn to use your imagination. I'm somewhat older than you, we didn't even have a TV until after I started school, and I think there only were transmissions during the weekend back then LOL
PS: Do you know that you have the annoying word verification turned on..?
I just bought Bikini So Teeny and I loooove it! Your stories of growing up reminded me a lot of my own, especially the four channels on TV. My parents still get the same four channels! :) How about updating you other blog, about life in India? It's really fascinating!
ReplyDeleteWhat an idyllic childhood! I loved the story just as much as the nails. I had one of those keyboards too! We had a balloon popping game and one I don't even remember that sang "La Cucaracha". I really like your new nail shape! It's good to change things up every now and then. I'll bet you'll have this one for the next 10 years!
ReplyDeleteSo cute!!! Amazing detail!!!! I too would run around outside without shoes as much as possible meaning my feet were always black underneath!!! I think the nail shape is good! Keep it!
ReplyDeleteLove the blueberry's! Very cute design
ReplyDeleteI agree!
Deletesuch a cute design
ReplyDeleteyes what happened to those days where kids just went outside and played, and that was so true about only having the 4 channels... oh how things have changed! love this simple yet stunning blueberry mani! and love how you used the roundness of your new nails shape for the berries! cute
ReplyDeleteFunny you have changed your nail shape to a rounded version. I have had your new shape for...well, ever! I keep trying to square them off, but my nail beds are so rounded that I would almost have to make the tips concave to make them "appear" square. Also, the shape is very forgiving on short nails because it makes them look longer without actually having daggers! Personally, I love have daggers :) Love the blueberries too! Hope you stay with the shape! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorites yet!! Although, the Instagram was pretty hilarious.
ReplyDeleteGREAT WORK!
www.600sqftandthecity.blogspot.com
i loved this nails, they look so artistic..!
ReplyDeleteI'm not into round nails actually, i like squared nails and very short, so I can write into my smartphone (don't blame me, I'm a community manager ahaha)..
but I think that they look good with the flowers and everything..
I adore your blueberries, they are perfect!
ReplyDeleteI think your new nail shape suits you very well :)
This is super cute!
ReplyDeletenice berries!!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteLove your berries. But to be honest I don't know what to think of your new rounded nails. I'm more a squoval type I guess.
ReplyDeleteThe shape you're rocking is trending right now. : )
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete(I made a writing mistake, oops!)
ReplyDeleteI love your nails oval! A nice change indeed. :)
The blueberries look so yummy too...
You are such an amazing nail artist. Seriously, the detail in your manicure just blows my mind. Those blueberries look good enough to eat!
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty and detailed! I love them!
ReplyDeleteI just LOVE these! The berries look so realistic! You did such a lovely job! I also pinned that photo, and shared this on my FB page as well ♥ I couldn't resist because they're just so awesome! http://www.facebook.com/LuminousLacquer/posts/323541684403648
ReplyDeleteAKA ReaderRita
ReplyDeleteNow I want blueberries...
Beautiful detail!
ReplyDelete