4th of July Mani - MoDiddie Style!

So this is the weekend immediately preceding 4th of July, which falls on a Wednesday this year.  So, I figured I should do the patriotic thing, and color my nails red, white and blue.

I've seen lots of really cool designs peeps have entered into nail art contests on FB for the 4th, and I did some image searches too for some inspiration.   I was really excited about the water marble American Flag mani by MoDiddie.  Click HERE to see her YouTube tutorial...she's got other cool videos too!  HERE is her blog, too! ;-)

 Indoors

 In the sun

On the car dashboard ;-)

Please excuse the poor clean-up...hubby was rushing me cuz we were leaving on a trip to San Diego.  Unfortunately, in his rush, he forgot the suitcase at home, so we are here for 4 days w/out even a toothbrush, let alone clothing!!!  The worst part is that I had packed some nail stuff so I could change my mani up.  Time to go shopping!!

Anyway, I like how this came out!  It took me a few times to get the striping right in the water marble, but it was fun.  Biggest tip I can give you for water marbling:  PUT A TOP COAT OVER YOUR BASE COLOR BEFORE YOU DIP YOUR FINGER IN.  I use a cheap fast-dry (NYC) top coat to not only help cut the time between prepping and actual dipping, but if your marble doesn't come out, just lightly swipe your nail with remover, and you're ready to try again...no need to re-prep!  Ask me how I know ;-)

Also, do NOT down a Cinnamon Dolce Latte right before trying to precisely place little white dots on your nail.  My hand was shaking like a leaf, and I came out with interesting stars on my flag ;-)

The glitter is Pretty & Polished's "Freedom Calling".  This is 3, strategically-placed coats.  You can visit her Etsy shop HERE, although you should also follow her on FaceBook HERE for updates about her stocking schedule.    

I like this one, but I have plans for another RW& B mani before the actual big day...

Memorial Day Mani!

This weekend is for remembering.  For remembering that there were men and women who gave their lives to fight for our country.  For remembering that there are families whose loved one never came home to them...there are children who will grow up without their mom or dad, and wives and husbands who are now widows and widowers.  Those men and women are the reason why we can still enjoy the freedoms we do. 

So, while we enjoy our holiday weekend, and spend time with our loved ones, please do not forget why we are celebrating...

I got my Pretty & Polished's "Freedom Calling" just in time for my manicure!  It's freakin' awesome.  This is 2 coats of "Freedom Calling" over Zoya "Diana" (red) and China Glaze "First Mate" (blue) and "White on White".  I LOVE how this came out, and I'm super-proud of my USA flags!

 I painted them red first, then used a white striper before making a blue square and dotting white stars in.  BTW, I must say that Zoya is freakin' awesomely perfect polish that went on flawlessly in 2 coats..practically painted itself on!  "First Mate" was no slouch either, and had full coverage in just 1 coat! 

I'm spending my Memorial Day weekend golfing.  And I thank my service men and women for my ability to do so.

THANK YOU!!!