Features
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Nail art stencils – An easy way to look as if you’re very clever {NailLinkUp}
How random is my post title? Well that’s how I feel this morning. Random. But anyways, I’m here to talk about nails. Actually, nail art stencils, to be more specific.
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NAILLINKUPSA – New Years Eve
Today’s nails are the final prompt of the Nail Link Up SA challenge. This weeks theme is aptly named New Years Eve and I was going to go with glitterati galore but I thought “nah”. Literally. That’s all I thought. No clever explanation.
I decided to follow my heart (as one does with this kind of thing 😉 and use my new Sinful Colors polishes (Christmas gift from my sister). One is a lovely dark brown polish called Nirvana and the other a pretty turquoisey green called Mint Apple. I really love this teal polish. It has a bit of a shimmer and it goes on so nicely!
Here’s a pic of the colors in a more natural light:
I painted the brown on my pinky, thumb, pointy and the teal on my ring and middle.
I then used a toothpicks to make the dots. I found that a toothpick works so much better than a nail art tool. What do you think?If you’d like to check out the previous prompts, follow my links:
Pink Christmas
Wrap all the presents
Let it sparkle
Oh Christmas treeHappy New Year to you and yours!
Be safe! -
How to make your own nail art stickers! [The DIY Tut that almost never was]
Going through my old Blackberry photo folder (ag shame) I found a bunch of pics that I took while attempting to make a nail art sticker using a baggy and nail polish. I remember not using the pics (or ever posting the tut) because, let’s face it, my Blackberry pics are terrible. But a bunch of people have been asking me about nail art stickers, so I thought: Oh what the hey! Let’s post the terrible pics today! Tra lala lalaaaaaaa.
It’s pretty easy to make these stickers and I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that I am no artist, but if you are, then you are going to have a ball with this! I have met a ton of really talented nail artists and I am sure that they are super duper pro’s at this kind of thing. But you and me… not so much pros. So this is what could work for us, normal civillians.
I start by making sure my plastic bag is clean. I use a Glad bag because the plastic is thicker and if I wanted to trace my image from normal paper, I could just slip the paper into the bag and seal it. Clever! I know, right! (and so modest too).
I then thickly apply my base color of choice. Most people prefer using a clear polish for this, but I prefer matching it with the base color on my nail. I’ll explain why later, but basically this polish will be the “canvas” for your drawing or image. I always apply one coat, allow it to dry, and then another on top of that – it should be nice and thick so that the image will be able to peel off easily.
Once that’s dry I use my nail art brushes and other polishes to paint my image onto the base. I sometimes use koki pens, just because it’s easy and I aint no Picasso. I am sure that there are a ton of things that you could do!
While waiting for the artwork to dry I apply a protective base coat on my nails and then my base color of choice. (You can check out the polishes I used in these pics and why I did this particular mani in this post). I then use a tweezer (or my nails, if they are nice and long) to carefully peel the entire sticker from the baggy. At this point you could either use a nail art scissors to cut your image out (which is why using a clear polish would work for you) before applying or, if you’re lazy like I am, apply the entire sticker to your nail. I apply it slowly and neatly to my finger of choice and use my finger to smooth it out over my nail. The edges peel off quite easily once the entire sticker is on your nail.
Top coat.
And that’s that!
Really easy!
If my blurry pics hurt your eyes too much, please check out Youtube for some more step by step tuts!Happy Nail Arting!
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NAILLINKUP SA – Oh Christmas Tree
This weeks nail link up posts are centered around the theme Oh Christmas Tree. For my main color I had to try out this festive red Sinful Colors polish, called Sugar Sugar.
So pretty! So Christmassy!![IMG_20151222_130353[1]](http://spreadsheetbrain.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_20151222_1303531-768x1024.jpg)
I painted all my nails with Sugar Sugar except for my pointy which I painted with my old faithful Essence 157 My Fortune Cookie which is a fabulous gold color. I then used another Essence polish to paint the Christmas tree on my middle finger. Look, it’s not a perfect tree. Its a bit lopsided. But this is real life yo! My tree has fallen like, 3 times already. Haha.
I used my LA Girl nail studs to deck the halls of my ring finger. Tralala lala lala la laaaaa.
![IMG_20151222_130401[1]](http://spreadsheetbrain.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_20151222_1304011-768x1024.jpg)
I used a no namey glitter polish for the Christmas tree bedazzlements.
Finished and kla 🙂
Still one more week left for you to join the link up! -
How to get rid of that “I ate too much” feeling
Let’s be honest, when it comes to December, the last thing you’re thinking is “Ooh I really can’t wait to stick to my diet!” In fact, most days I feel like I ate too much. And it’s a crying shame!
I totally hate the discomfort one feels after indulging in the rich foods that this time of the year brings around. In my heart of hearts I know that prevention is the best solution. Instead of “I ate too much”, I could rather eat until I’m full. But we are not living in a perfect world, are we, Susan? So here are a few practical tips on how to beat the indigestion blues:
1. TimeÂ
Waiting for the feeling to pass (and your food to digest) is pretty much the most effective solution. While waiting, try to resist the urge to lie down (and groan about how full you are) because laying down will only cause more discomfort and may lead to acid reflux and heart burn.2. Move aroundÂ
Try to stay upright and go for a walk. I’m not saying run a marathon or jump hurdles, Bob. In fact, strenuous exercises should be avoided after a huge meal. But a lovely, brisk walk, can only do you good.3. MedicationÂ
I don’t do medication unless really needed but I’ve heard that antacids are a must for combating indigestion and other digestive system qualms. They neutralize stomach acids and can assist your body with breaking down all the fatty foods you shoved your face into an hour ago. Charcoal tablets and powder are also recommend since it absorbs excess gas in the intestinal tract. But we shouldn’t be popping these on the daily.4. Have a drinkÂ
Water is the natural way to flush your system and aid digestion but chamomile tea and other natural caffeine-free teas are also a great way to get things going on the digestion front.5. Hula HoopÂ
I heard this advice and now I really want to eat and then hula hoop just to see if it works! Hula hooping is a great way to tone your abs but it also aids with getting your body into digestion mode. Repetitively moving your hips and abdomen stirs up your internal organs and reduces the discomfort that overeating gives you.6. Stretches
Another suggestion is to do a couple of easy Yoga stretches to get your body to respond. So when all else fails, you could always try out these gentle stretch techniques.And friends, while enjoying your  festive meals, please spare a minute for those in need. Your “I ate too much” syndrome can be managed but their hunger cannot. You are blessed to be a blessing to others!
Merry Christmas!
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NAILLINKUP SA – Let it sparkle
I’ve been going through a bit of a blogging slump in that I’m tired and lazy and I don’t feel like blogging about it. I think the fact that I am working right through December plays a big role in this current brain malfunction. Fortunately, I still have the drive to do my nails every few days, or else I’d be missing in action, Jackson!
This weeks Nail Link Up prompt is called “Let it sparkle.” (Remember, I chatted about the link up the other day). Can I just throw a quick shout out to whoever decided not to call this one “Let it snow”. I never get how South Africans buy decor and ornaments that suggest snow, when December is in the midst of the heat of Summer, for us. I’d much rather add sparkle, thank you.
So that’s what I did, with my lovely mint green Essence Colour and Go 190 Kiss me, Freddy (on all my nails except the ring finger). I know that the Color on the Go range is totally outdated, but that just shows how top notch these Essence polishes are. I mean, I got these a long time ago and they still go on like a charm and look amazing.
The bedazzlement you see on my middle finger are the gold foils I received in the LA Girl Gold Studs pack that I blogged about before. And as always, I chose my ring finger to be my accent nail, painting it with the Essence Nude Glam 01 Cotton Candy.
The little squiggly Christmas tree was painted in Essence Colour and Go in 157 My Fortune Cookie and it went on fairly easily, with my nail art brush. I topped it off with the Essence Gel Look 06 Space Queen. All in all, twas a joyful experience!
If you’d like in on the challenge, check out the prompts below:
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Gift ideas: What to put under the tree this Christmas {featuring Ruth Abercrombie}
I love Christmas! But I don’t love “uhmming” and “ahhhing” about what to get my family and friends for Christmas. So I’ve called in the experts! As a build up to the most wonderful time of the year, a few of my blogging buddies have agreed to share their ideas on amazing Christmas gifts for the whole family. Check out their picks and please, by all means, feel free to choose something special to put under MY Christmas tree too 😉Â
I fell inlove with Ruth’s honest writing (over at Pursuing Purpose) when I stumbled across something she had written with regards to choosing faith over fear. She had decided to start blogging as a form of therapy in the brink of taking on her new role as divorcee and single mom to daughter, Jaz. It has been amazing to watch this lady grow and share… I’ve learnt so much from her already! Besides for being a deep well, she is also quite creative and I thought it would be interesting to see what she has up her Santa sleeves this Christmas!
Here are her favorite Christmas gift list picks:
For my loved ones
This year I’m getting my parents a family portrait, my dad has been asking for it for the longest of times and just gave up talking about it recently, and my mom speaks of filling the empty space on her wall so I figured this would be the perfect gift! Seeing that we have an ohk quality camera, I’ll just give my friend a few tips then booking a photographer won’t be necessary (I’m not stingy, just cost effective)
For the kids
Jaz is 6 years old, and it’s so easy these days to find age appropriate toys for your child. I always strive to buy educational toys, (two birds with one stone- play and learn at the same time) I recently came across the cutest gift for girls at CNA for under R90.00. It’s a box of beads with strings, paint and other decorative things. This crafty gift is sure to keep her busy and fun is guaranteed. Maybe she can sell a few of her jewellery pieces to our family members and make gifts for her cousins. I love doing crafts, and currently I’m going through a beer cap – fridge magnet craze, which all of my family member will be getting this year. Mass production, coz my family is HUGE!! I print Bible verses / motivational quotes or even use photos, buttons etc. to decorate it with.
For me
I would absolute love to unwrap Purple / Lime green Earphones or a Blender this Christmas. Seeing that I love smoothies and trying to live a healthier life style.Special mentions
Sometimes we lose focus of what/who this season is really about. It’s nice to give & receive presents, but let’s remember the gift of LOVE in John 3:16. I wish everyone reading this a merry Christmas and I pray God’s hand of protection over you and your family during this festive season.What are your favorite gift ideas, this Christmas?Â
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NAILLINKUP SA – Wrap all the presents
If you have kids and a husband and you’ve been getting into the Christmas swing of things AND managed to find the time to blog then I salute you. While giving you a side eye. How do you do it?!
My halls have been decked with bows of everything besides holly and I am so looking forward to a couple of days off soon. My boy is currently mid air as I type this – en route to Cape Town to spend Christmas with his dad and their family. My girl is taking a nap. And me? Im just chin-chilling on the couch, no shoes, messy hair coz I dont care (and all the other cool things teenagers say for “I’m doing nothing”).
Anyways, so herewith, please find my entry for the second Nail Link Up prompt, “All the presents”. Now, I know that my entry only reflects one present. But let’s just pretend that ‘all the presents’ are in that one present. Surrrrpriiiiiiiiiiiise!
For the challenge I used my newest Essence The Gel polish, the wonderful 48 My Love Diary, which is a beautiful shade of pink.As you may notice, I took way to long to actually snap pics of this mani, hence the tell tale signs of “wear and tear”. Sorry. Do you still love me?
Back to the mani: I did an accent nail using my oldie (but goodie), Woolies Passion Fashion purple, and then I used a dotting tool to make dots on top of that. (Mind you, I think I prefer using a tooth pick over a dotting tool) I then used a nail art brush to paint a bow (of sorts) on top of that. I could’ve been neater. But hey, let’s not be fussy, shall we.
And there you have it!
If you’d like to participate in the challenge, check out the prompts below and instructions from my previous post. It’s really cool!
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NAILLLINKUP SA – Pink Christmas
Hello you crazy bunch of people! (And the crowd goes *krr krr*)
This weekend I attempted my first prompt for the Nail Link Up challenge. I love nail challenges because they help me to get creative with my nails. Well… as creative as I can get. (Feeling limited this time of the year). Keeping in mind, I have a beautiful child who demands all of my attention 100% of the time.The first prompt of the Nail LinkUp SA challenge was to the theme Pink Christmas.
I think that the Nail LinkUp ladies are possibly mind readers.
Heloooo… 2 of my favorite things! Pink and Christmas 🙂
Here’s my entry… the Christmassy image was taken from my The Polish Diaries plate M65 and stamped with my cheapy Beauty Secrets white polish. Still works like the bomb dot com.
I had started off with 2 coats of Essence The Gel 13 Forgive Me and used a sponge to create a gradient affect, using a no namey hot pink polish. I needed hot pink and found this one hidden at the bottom of my nail polish tool box. Score. It’s like, a gift from past self, to my future self. Sigh, I love those.
BTW I found this pic of the  Essence The Gel 13 Forgive Me, to give you a better idea of how amazing this color is. *swoooon* I am totally inlove with it! Doesn’t it remind you of marshmallows and unicorns and fluffy clouds?!
Photo: Mateja If you’d like to participate in the challenge, check out my previous post and follow the prompts below.
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Gift ideas: What to put under the tree this Christmas {featuring Anniemation Floe}
I love Christmas! But I don’t love “uhmming” and “ahhhing” about what to get my family and friends for Christmas. So I’ve called in the experts! As a build up to the most wonderful time of the year, a few of my blogging buddies have agreed to share their ideas on amazing Christmas gifts for the whole family. Check out their picks and please, by all means, feel free to choose something special to put under MY Christmas tree too 😉Â
Anastasiya Meintjes from Anniemation Flo blogs part-time, like I do, and is a copy and content writer by day. I don’t know how she does it all, with a 3 year old AND a 5 month old! (I’m sure it helps that they are adorable!)
I love Ana’s blog because it’s REAL. She chats about her family quite a lot and is a bit of a randomy (which I can relate to). She say’s she has never been good at picking out gifts for others – she suffers from, what I call “Gift Anxiety”. This is the very reason why I started this series! My gift anxiety rivals others, I’m sure!
Here are her favorite Christmas gift list picks:
For my special someone
It’s quite simple when it comes to choosing a gift for him. His passion lies in rugby and he coaches at one of the clubs in our area. So anything rugby related is a winner. Since rugby is part of his passion, I know he will take the gifts to his heart.
For the kids
The oldest is really a breeze with gifts, if it has wheels on it, he’s happy. He’s also starting to take an interest in action figures and enjoys his imaginary play with them. The youngest has everything handed down from his older brother, however we do want him to feel special by giving him something that is his. He loves to cuddle so we decided to get him his own cuddle toy (he’s currently using his older brothers, who isn’t very happy with the idea).
For me
There is something on my mind that I would really like – a bookshelf. I have three boxes full of books that have been standing under my stairs for almost four years because in all reason, I can’t afford one. I’d love to be able to access all my books without having to unpack them out of a box to find the one I’d like to read.
Special mentions
Family members and friends, I look out for what they enjoy using or spending their time on. Some are shoe obsessed, others like crocheting and some like books. So it’s easy to choosing a specific gift for every person.All in all, I’m not so big on gifts. I would rather use the money to create a memorable day with my family than spend the money on gifts that will be forgotten or, in the case of kids, broken not long after receiving them. To me, Christmas is about giving yes, but it’s about giving time to each other and celebrating together. The gifts are just a bonus.
What are your favorite gift ideas, this Christmas?Â
![IMG_20151222_130401[1]](http://spreadsheetbrain.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IMG_20151222_1304011.jpg)
