New Golden Dew Cuticle Oil and a Teal Holo Preview

Hi Ladies!

Is your summer going as smoothly as mine is?  I hope so.  It's been great so far.  My big teen is on vacation, due to come home today, and my little teen has been the perfect angel in his brother's absence.  I think there's a correlation there, but I dare comment on it.  Big brother away = little brother being a perfect little angel.  Hmmm...is this a precursor to how life will be when the oldest goes away to college?  If so, I'll help him get packed tonight.  Just kidding. 

Well, with my free time I've been busy making and testing polish, preparing to release a few more colors for the summer season.  Here's a little glimpse at a teal linear holo that's scheduled to come out in a small collection near the end of the summer.  I can't wait.

But that's not what this post is about today.  Nope, today I'm announcing the release of Golden Dew Cuticle Oil.  It's a fruity scented cuticle oil designed to nourish, and hydrate your nails and cuticles.  You can find it online here.  LBD also has a night time cuticle butter called Beauty Sleep Cuticle Treatment that will release in July.  The daytime oil and nighttime butter together will keep your nails nourished, pampered and in great condition to show off your pretty manicure. 

Until next time,

Ciao Bellas!

Golden Dew Cuticle Oil



Beauty Sleep Cuticle Treatment

Peacock Pretty

Hi Ladies,

Even though we're moving towards the winter season, I got this idea in my head to paint a peacock manicure (more specifically, stamp a peacock manicure).  I set out with a few peacock-like colors and had fun.  Perhaps a turkey mani would have been more appropriate, but at least I stayed in the foul family.

Ciao for now!

A Non-political Manicure. Did You Vote Today?

Hi there friends!

If you're in the good old U.S. of A, and age 18 or above, I have a question for you.  Did you vote today? Or do you plan to vote before the polls close tonight?  I hope you do.  It's your right as an American citizen.  OK, so, all politics aside, let's get to today's manicure.  

I played with a few techniques for this one.  Stamping, reverse stamping, and double stamping.  And since I didn't use any glitter, holo, or shimmers, I added a charm on my ring finger for a little pizzazz.  I was going for a floral plaid blanket look.  So,  no straight lines.  

That's it for today,  now I'm off to my library to place my ballet.  Now, go vote.  

Ciao Bellas!

Serenity And A Splash Of Orange

Hi Ladies, 

A little peace is not too much to ask for is it?  I don't think it is.  So grab it when you can. That's what I did with this manicure.  I used a serene blue polish by Little Black Dress called Serenity Pantone 2016, and added a marble accent on my ring finger using a few other colors by Little Black Dress.  

These are the polishes used for the accent nail. 

Ciao for now. 

I Said No No No: Polish By Little Black Dress

Hi Ladies,  I'm finally getting into the swing of things this school year.  Of course we're about a quarter in, but better late than never right?  In my desperate attempts to pull myself together,  I started wearing one manicure for two weeks at a time rather than my usual two manicures for one week.  And with no nail art!  Not a single stamp or rhinestone.   Not even glitter.  It's a travesty!   Although the world did not disintegrate, the cosmos was definitely unaligned.  Yeah, my head is still spinning.

What's been keeping me so busy, you ask?  Well, aside from my kids' usual extra-curricular activities, I've been wrapped up in senior year activities to get my oldest into college next year.  He's excited to go away and experience college life, and I'm excited to get another room. I might be more excited than he is.  The other thing that's taken up so much of my time is my latest nail polish collection.  It's called Back To Black, inspired by one of my favorite singers, Amy Winehouse.  This unadorned manicure showcases one of the polish sets from the collection.  For more pics and detail about the polish or the collection, visit the listing here.

Ciao Bellas!

A Midnight Design For Midnight Polish

Hi ladies,
I have to admit, I've been in a dark mood lately.  I want to say that I chose this manicure design because the color of the polish reminds me of a midnight sky, but truthfully, it reminds me of a charming little nighttime children's book by Adam Mansbach called Go The * To Sleep. Yes,  it's a children's book,  but not one you want to read to your child (although I've read it to mine... several times. My teenager, relax ) .  If you haven't read it, and want a laugh, get a copy.

What were we talking about?  Right, the nail polish. This polish is a newly released polish set by Little Black Dress Nail Lacquer.  The set includes a dark teal base color (appears black) and a holographic topper. More polishes in this collection will be available next week.

Ciao for now.

Sneak Peak: Orly Sunset Strip Holiday 2016 Collection

Hi ladies,
Orly went semi-nontraditional for their holiday collection this year. We're still seeing the typical red, green, and silver which is fine.  But they're of the standard variety. This collection has 6 colors including a red, green, silver, pink, purple, and blue.  I'm not giving a lot of description here because only a few colors appeal to me. But take a look for yourself.


The collection is due to come out right about....now.
Ciao Bellas!

Sneak Peak: China Glaze 2016 Seas And Greetings Holiday Collection

Hi cuties,
I am so happy to see that some polish companies are doing something a little different this year for the holidays. Who would have thought of a holiday beach theme collection? China Glaze, that's who.  I think I love the collection simply because its not typical. Who can resist names like Sand in my mistletoes, Let's Shellebrate, Eat Pink Be Merry, Partridge In A Palm Tree, Tis The Sea Sun, Good Tideings  and Twinkle twinkle little starfish. Kudos to you CG.


The collection of 12 polishes releases some time in October, and you'll be able to find them at my favorite beauty shop, Ulta. There's also several mini sets.
Ciao for now!

Photo downloaded from Pinterest

O.P.I. 2016 Holiday Collection Breakfast At Tiffany's - Not Just Polish! There's More

Hi ladies,

I have exciting news about the latest holiday collection by O.P. I.  It's called Breakfast At Tiffany's and you can probably guess what and who inspired it.  Audrey Hepburn and the all time classic Breakfast At Tiffany's.

Like the holiday collection by China Glaze, this one doesn't scream CHRISTMAS or NEW YEARS. Instead, it includes a more sedate and classy selection of colors. I like that they've pulled away from the traditional Christmas colors.  

And wait,  there's more.  A set of lotions!  Has  O.P.I. don't this before?  Not sure,  but I don't think so. Six scented lotions that I'd love to try.  At least two of them can be purchased in singles. I don't know if the lotions are sold in stores yet, but they at least ships to the UK.

The polishes come in an array of mini sets, duos and trios. There's even an On The Go Kit that includes one nail polish, a cuticle oil, hand and nail cream,  and an acetone free polish remover wipe. O.P.I. might have outdone themselves this time.

Ciao for now.

A Splash Of Blue For A Monday Morning

Hi Ladies,

Today is Monday, so I thought I'd post a manicure with a touch of blue. Monday blues, and all.  I did this one a while ago, and I don't remember what colors I used.  I can't even tell you if I used an MdU stamping polish (almost the only stamping polish I use).  All I can say for sure is that I polished my nails with two unknown colors and used a stamping plate (also unknown), with an unlnown blue stamping polish.  That's pretty descriptive, right (I'm being sarcastic of course).

Hopefully my next post will be a little more informative.  But, hey, it's Monday.  And it's 7:30 in the morning for me, and I'm not quite awake yet.  This was he best I could do.  Perhaps if I had my Starbucks I'd be able to say something interesting.  Next time, right?

Ciao for now.

Hi Ladies,

Today is Monday, so I thought I'd post a manicure with a touch of blue. Monday blues, and all.  I did this one a while ago, and I don't remember what colors I used.  I can't even tell you if I used an MdU stamping polish (almost the only stamping polish I use).  All I can say for sure is that I polished my nails with two unknown colors and used a stamping plate (also unknown), with an unknown blue stamping polish.  That's pretty descriptive, right (I'm being sarcastic of course).

Hopefully my next post will be a little more informative.  But, hey, it's Monday.  And it's 7:30 in the morning for me, and I'm not quite awake yet.  This was he best I could do.  Perhaps if I had my Starbucks I'd be able to say something interesting.  Next time, right?

Ciao for now.

Blue Stamping Over A Deep Gold Base

Hi friends,

I enjoyed my nature walk last week. Or rather, a walk to the CVS.  There were leaves, trees, and foliage along the way, so does that count?  In any case, it did the trick.

I'll tell you what inspired this manicure. No, there's no deep philosophical meaning behind it.  I just wanted to see how blue stamped over a dark metallic color would look.  Yup, that's it. So now I know.  There is a philosophical meaning behind the beautiful little bird, though. Just kidding, I had nature on my mind, that's all.

Maybe next week I'll ponder something philosophical and post a mind blowing revelation.  I doubt it, but it could happen.

Ciao for now!

Sneak Peak: China Glaze Rebel Fall Collection

Yay, fall is coming, fall is coming!  I love warm weather, but I still look forward to the changing seasons. Soon, we can switch out our summer wardrobe for warmer clothes, boots and sweaters. And best of all the polish companies come out with their latest fall collections.




China Glaze came up with a really terrific collection this year. Most of the colors are on the cool side which strikes me as a little different. When I think of fall, I think Thanksgiving, orange, yellow and brown leaves, hot apple cider, Halloween, orange pumpkins, cornucopia... you get it. All of these inspire warm tones.  But this year China Glaze broke out of the box and went cool. The collection has twelve colors. The cooler tones consist of  two blues, a teal, two purples and a green.  There's a warm red, a pink, a few neutrals.  A couple of the colors might be used best as toppers. No black, orange, yellow, deep brown. I'm impressed at the selection of colors.  And, like always, I have to critique the names. I think China Glaze is giving OPI a run for their money.  Will we have to consider passing the polish naming award over to China Glaze? Well, not just yet. Here's a few.  Jagged Little Teal (Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morrissette), Purple Fiction (Pulp Fiction, perhaps?), Pearl Jammin' (Pearl Jam).  Good job China Glaze.  I have to admit that I've seen very similar colors in previous collections, but that's OK.


If you pick up a few, let me know how you like them.
Ciao for now.

Boy or Girl??

Hi ladies,

I got some exciting news last week. My coworkers niece is having a baby! Yay! In her honor, I decided to do a baby themed mani. We don't know what the gender of her little ball of joy will be, so I used both of the traditional baby colors, blue and pink.

I can't wait for the baby shower.  I love shopping for baby stuff.

Till next time,

Ciao Bellas!







These polishes will be available soon at  Little Black Dress Nail Lacquer 

Fuchsia and Teal Manicure

Hi friends,
Summer vacation is slowly coming to an end. Some kiddies are back in school or counting down the days until school starts. Parents are picking up schools supplies and shopping for new uniforms and school outfits.  I have done none of these things.  Not because my kids aren't going to school soon, and not because I'm a super mom and already have everything ready to go.  I'm just trying to hold on to this last week of freedom. We took a second mini vacation last weekend, and today I'm playing hooky from work.  By Friday, I'll be ready to start shopping for school supplies and uniforms.

I have very mixed feelings about the fall.  My schedule picks up and I'll find myself back in the rat race again.  On the plus side, however,  a return to normalcy comes with a sense of familiar security.  Are you ready for fall?
Ciao for now.

New Collection by Little Black Dress Nail Lacquer is...Dazzling

Hi Ladies,
I have a terrific new collection to show you by Little Black Dress Nail Lacquer.  The collection is called Dazzlers, a collection of eight super glitter polishes. Perfect for the pretty princess in you. The polishes in the photo above are (from left to right),

Shimmering Silver White
Exciting Gold
Tantalizing Tangerine
Captivating Crimson
Smashing Grape
Alluring Azure
Tranquil Teal
Enticing Emerald

Try them out.
Ciao Bellas!

4th Of July Glitter Glitter Glitter

Hello P&P friends,

Glitter glitter, oh how I love glitter. Red white and blue just wouldn't do.  A simple adjustment and...prefect. Switching out white for silver turned this patriotic mani into a sparkling star spangled banner.



I'm featuring a super dazzling glitter polish by Little Black Dress Nail Lacquers.  I used two coats on my pinky fingers for a bright flash of silver white. I also used it over vinyls on my ring fingers.


Have a happy 4th of July and,
Ciao for now!

Beach Vacation: Under The Sea Manicure

Hi friends, it's been years since I had a vacation.  It was well overdue. So, last week, I caught some rays at the beach. Soooo relaxing.  The kids thought it was the best vacation ever. But it's been so long since we had one that they really don't have a solid reference point.

I wanted to wear a sea life manicure for my trip, so I used a pretty teal blue glitter flakie base color with multi-color stamping, reminiscent of ocean life under the sea. And here's the shocker: I wore this manicure for the entire week! I can't remember the last time I wore a manicure for an entire week. Great achievement.

My next mani is a summery gradient with a touch of sun.
Ciao for now!

O.P.I.-athon: Memorial Day Tribute: Going My Way Or Norway?

Going My Way Or Norway?

Good Memorial Day Morning O.P.I. lovers,
Our O.P.I.-athon will not break because of holiday festivities. No, instead we're honoring the men and women who served our country.  Pools open, and the kiddies are wrapping up the school year soon, but this is the day to remember those who served in the U.S Armed Forces. I live near an army base, and here, we do just that. Which leads us to my contribution to this holiday of observance.

Going My Way Or Norway? is the perfect mannequin hand match for me. I lucked up on it by accident and fell in love immediately.  It's the perfect neutral for showcasing a little patriotism. Did I overdo it a bit? Yup, I did, but if it''s not overdone, then it just wouldn't be me, would it?

Because this short series is to delve into the world of O.P.I., here's a little not-so-well known fact.  O.P.I. is sold in more than 75 countries around he globe. Not so hard to believe, but did you know that they fill about 150,000 nail lacquers each day, about 55 million bottles a year? I'll let you know how they do it when I start working there. They don't know it yet, but they're getting a new hire soon. I just need to put in my two week notice.  Then I'm off to sunny CA.

Until next tme, Ciao for now!

Prom Revisited

Hi friends,

Yesterday's zen moment is officially over and I'm back. Got my cake face on, my hair is out of its ponytail, and my nails are once again fierce. Bold blue, a touch of holo action and of course, rhinestones (it was either that or glitter, and rhinestones won). I'm out of my drab gray sweats, and I'm totally recognizable. Looking good, feeling good, and all ready to go to...drum roll please...nowhere. Maybe the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner, drop my kid off at practice...uh, yeah, gotta fill the gas tank...yup, that's about it.

But that's ok, because I'm living my life vicariously through my kid. Prom was great!. I had ...I mean, they had a ball.  Most importantly, they looked fantastic! She was a beautiful Barbie Doll Princess, and he was all Men in Black, minus the shades and the alien demolishing weapons.

Guys, seriously, I wish you could see my dress...I mean her dress. Any description I give would be an injustice to the dress. Just know that it was fab!

The afterparty at D&B was so much fun. We...I mean they hopped from one game to the next, wining so many tickets until we couldn't...I mean, they couldn't hold any more.

I can't wait for next year's prom.  I'm going to...no, wait. I'm not really going. They are. Well, another chance for me to look back at my proms and dream about the good old days. Ugh, I sound like I'm a hundred.  That's ok, because one day I will be, and I'll look back at the good old days long ago, when my kids went to prom.

What do you remember about your prom?  If you haven't gone yet, then what are you planning to wear? How will you do your makeup.  Most importantly, how are you doing your nails?

Ciao for now.

Earth Day 2016

Hi Friends,
Today's manicure is in celebration of our beautiful planet.  Let's be kind to Mother Earth, we need her.

Ciao for now.