Glitt-A-Licia Guest Post: Storms Never Last

**Warning--some images contain pictures of injuries that may not sit well with the squeamish.

This is the post I have dreaded the most. (Yes, I am a poet and didn't know it.)
Pity Party Time!!!

You know everyone loves to throw themselves a good pity party! Heck I bet Kim Kardashian has a pity party every time her face is not on the cover of a magazine. I bet that girl thinks "Woe is me! That magazine has my sister on the cover!! What am I ever going to do?! Sigh...Take me to McDonald's and get me a Happy Meal!".

Any-hoo, I have somewhat introduced myself in previous posts, but in this one, I will get to the nitty gritty.

My life was perfect. I was a happy newlywed blissfully in love renting a cheap house without a care in the world. Then my husband asks the biggie...no, not which type of frozen pizza tonight, pepperoni or sausage? It would be the sausage because we ate the pepperoni last night, but I digress. I am talking about the REAL biggie question...which also happens to come in a tiny package.

So we decided to buy a house move closer to his job and maybe start a family in a year or two. You know, once everything gets settled in our new house. Ten months later, I have a 9 pound 2 ounce little boy. Then, a year and half later,  a very vocal little sister was born.

Within two years, I quit my job, get another job, buy a house, have two babies, gain and loose almost a HUNDRED pounds, quit my new job and get a different job...and guess what?!! The real fun has not even started yet. If you thought that was crazy, you have no idea!

Both of my kids had colic so bad that I thought I was going to go insane. My son would scream nonstop sometimes 16-18 hours a day every day for the first 3 months of his life. Made me question if I wanted that kid much less more kids. So of course, I get pregnant while actively taking birth control. There I was at a new job, with a screaming kid, working nights while dealing with a difficult pregnancy which would produce another difficult screaming kid. Sigh...

Well, life started calming down. Things were actually going great...a little too great. Then on March 7th, the real nightmare happened. I was on my way to pick up my babies and a great song was on the radio. I was singing out loud and actually enjoying my horrible singing. Then without warning, I was upside down. My car had become a roller coaster of twisted metal that I was afraid would be the last ride I ever took.

If you have never been blind sided by another car and it causes you to loose all control, let me tell you it really is in slow motion like the movies. Everything slowed down like in the The Matrix. I could see the little things that were in my purse hanging out in mid air.  

(After flipping 3 times, we went to the salvage yard to get my stuff out of the car, and my shoe was still on the break)

My car flipped 3 times and landed upside down. The fear and anxiety that followed was almost unbearable. I actually wanted to become a hermit and never leave the house. I thought I was going insane.

Then a funny thing happened. I decided to do something for myself to make me happy. Since I like to sparkle like a disco ball, I decided to start painting my nails with glitter. Not just any glitter, I'm talking glitter so in your face that I- would-not-want-to-be-fishing-cuz-I-would-catch-friggin-Jaws-kida-glitt-A!!!

It really helped. I forced my friendship on bloggers and polish makers. I basically gave them no option. Get over it, you will love me, or I will bug you till you do just give up and accept that I'm not going anywhere.

Then, the unthinkable happened again on August 14th. I was on the same highway going to pick up my baby. A lady tried to go across the same intersection without looking and I don't have to tell you what happened.

While I am ok, in the past five months I have had 2 totaled cars, 2 concussions, bruised ribs, chest contusion and a very unattractive thumb.

Let's just say I have had better years.
I know this post is long but I am getting to my point, just hang with me.

Through everything I have been through, a huge amount of support and comfort has come from people in the polish community. It really touched my heart by the out pouring of love from people I have never actually met. Thank you so much for just being there to listen to me.

So tonight, I used my rewards at llarowe.com to purchase a special Crows Toes polish so perfectly named "Storms Never Last." (http://www.llarowe.com/products/Storms-Never-Last.html)Then, I took a hot bath, slathered on my special discontinued BBW lotion "Hawaii Coconut", and sprayed every inch of me with my absolute favorite discontinued perfume "Victoria's Secret Breathless". (Trust me, I have been hoarding these scents for Brad Pitt coming for dinner because they smell THAT sexy.) Then, I take my tired, bruised, sexy smelling self to bed.

I wish you sweet dreams dear reader. It's nice knowing that even though I will most likely still wake up tired and definitely bruised, I am just happy to wake up :)

With All My Love Sparkle On Reader,

Licia

KBShimmer Fall 2013 Swatches & Review

* I received the following products in exchange for my honest review by KBShimmer.

The September 1st release date of KBShimmer's fall collection is fast approaching! I have 3 of the polishes in the fall collection to share with you today. As usual, KBShimmer nails (pun intended) it with this collection. There is a great mix of satins, jellies, crellies, and shimmers that is sure to please everyone.

Excuse Me, I Blurped

Excuse Me, I Blurped is a blurple jelly base with blue, purple, and copper glitters.

Vicious Circles

Vicious Circles is a blood red jelly base with holographic silver circle glitter, hex holographic glitter, and holographic silver micro slices.

Turbulence

Turbulence is a satin matte slate gray with silver flakes and blue and fuchsia sparkle.

Turbulence w/ top coat

Colors: Beautiful mix of colors here. What I love is that KBShimmer has taken traditional fall colors pumped them up, and made them unique and special. This is something the mainstream brands have failed us on this year, but KBShimmer made it happen. I love the richness of these colors.

Formula: The formula on these was easy to use. The jellies require a bit of patience. I suggested waiting a little bit between each coat, so you can achieve an even look. I used 3 coats for each of these swatches.

Price: These will be $8.75 each. The release date is this coming Sunday (Sept 1st) on KBShimmer's website.

Overall: Beautiful, unique, and well made colors. I love these, and continue to adore KBShimmer creations. Be sure to check out the full collection of colors being released. I will definitely purchasing the rest of this collection on the release date!

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Be sure to follow KBShimmer on Facebook.

* I received the above products for review. 

Happy Friday!

OPI Eurso Euro

I think it's safe to say cobalt blue has been an "it" color for the past 2 years. It's popular in fashion, makeup, and it has clearly made its rounds throughout every nail polish brand. I'm big lover of cobalt blue, but do you think it has run its course? I don't want to say it has run its course, but seeing every brand with a version has definitely lightened my appeal. That hasn't stopped me from obtaining every version that exists though. This is one of the many.

OPI Eurso Euro

Eurso Euro is a striking med-dark blue creme.

Color: I love this rich and vibrant blue. There are so many versions of this color out there now, but I love this one too. I really don't think you can go wrong with a blue like this. This one is from the spring Euro Centrale collection, but let's face it this color is wearable any time of year.

Formula: The formula on this was OK. I really struggled with formula issues on this entire collection. I found it be a bit on the sheer side. OPI in most places is $9 these days, they need to make the formula fit the price.

Price: I think got this one off ebay as a set, but that was back in February! This is typically $9 at most retailers. I suggest scouting ebay or Amazon for it for a better deal.

Overall: Great rich color, not so great formula. It's another great blue polish!

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Thursday!

Way-Cool Mani Wednesday: Out of this World

My favorite movie of all time is Contact. This movie is based on the amazing book Contact by Carl Sagan. This isn't your typical sci-fi action adventure. What I love about this film/book is how thoughtful and inspiring it is. The basic premise of this film is that earth is contacted by extraterrestrials, and it goes about the motions of our reaction and experience to this in a realistic way.

The grandeur and awe of our vast universe, and how precious and tiny we all in comparison, is just one of the beautiful and humbling concepts in this film/book. I cry every time I watch this film because it gives me hope that humanity will not only one day learn to love each other, but that we will continue to push ourselves to discover and explore our universe. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.

In honor of my favorite movie and Way-Cool Mani Wednesday. I wanted to do mani inspired by it. The easy choice would be galaxy nails, but "I ain't got time for that"! Instead I chose to something that didn't involve nail art, but I think is clearly inspired by space.

Polishes Used:

China Glaze 2NITE, Claire's Galaxy, and Shimmer Polish Astrid.

Manicure Description: I pained my thumb, index, and pinky finger with ChG 2NITE. I painted my middle finger with Claire's Galaxy, and I layered 2 coats of Shimmer Polish Astrid over Cult Nails Nevermore on my ring finger.

I love my mani! I think I also captured a lot of the colors in the film cover.

I love a great galaxy manicure, but I think if you don't have the time or patience to recreate that, you can always look toward holographic polishes, holographic glitters, iridescent glitters, and black glittery polishes to help give off the space-themed without all the work!

Happy Wednesday!

Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat- All Yarned Up

Sidetrack-story time....

I would have to say years before my polish obsession kicked in, I had a pretty definitive "nail polish is freaking amazing" moment in the late 90's. I think I was probably between 10-11.

I was vising family in Atlanta, GA. I had brought with me this awesome new nail polish I found with pink-toned holographic bar glitter. The polish was Revlon Street Wear, Psychedelic (second photo, far right). I was staying at my grandmother's and my Aunt Barbara came to visit. I showed Aunt Barbara my new polish, and she kindly offered to paint my nails.

This polish was sheer, but she patiently layered on the coats so I had a blingtastic pink holographic glitter nails. I remember staring at my nails afterwards thinking how amazing my nails looked (and what a great nail painter Aunt Barbara was)! While, this wasn't the moment I fell in love with polish the way I do now, it is a clear and fond memory I have.

Psychedelic had pretty large bar glitters, and at the time I thought that was awesome. Now, bar glitters are not necessarily a favorite of mine, especially the large variety. When these non-metallic bar glitters came in the scene, my opinion changed. Today, I have for you Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat in All Yarned Up.

All Yarned Up over Revlon Modern Grace

All Yarned Up is a mix of small satin pastel blue, yellow, and orange bar glitters in a clear base.

Color: This is a pretty mix of colors. I love how they're pastel, and the satin finish. I really like the effect it creates on the nail. The effect is subtle, soft, and pretty. In recent years, I found bar glitters to be a bit obnoxious and sore spot in a polish, but these glitters with their size and finish really are very nice!

Formula: The formula on this was very easy to use. I used 2 coats over a base, but I think adding more coats would create an even cooler look. 

Price: I received this as a gift, but I know I've seen it at Walgreens and CVS in the $4-$6 depending on your location. 

Overall: Love this one! I was presently surprised by this line of polishes, and I'm truly a fan!

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Tuesday! 

Shimmer Polish Astrid, Jacki, and Nichole

*The following products were sent to me by Shimmer Polish in exchange for my honest review.

I have been fawning over Shimmer Polish for long a time now. What I love about Shimmer Polish is how it goes a different route than many other indies. Shimmer Polish tends to focus on fuller coverage fine and small glitter polishes. These polishes feature many different color combinations with glitter that create the perfect glitzy look. I have for you today, Astrid, Jacki, and Nichole.

Astrid over Cult Nails Nevermore

Astrid over Sally Hansen Lacey Lilac

Astrid is described as a amethyst opal mix of glitter. 

Jacki over Cult Nails Nevermore

Jacki is a deep violet jelly mixed with navy, red, and other multi-colored glitter. 

Nichole over Cult Nails Nevermore

Nichole is a mix of red, silver, and blue glitter.

Colors: I love these glitter mixes! These stand out, the combinations are fun, and they all create very different effects. Astrid is a real stunner for me here! 

Formula: All of these formulas were easy to use. I chose to do 2 coats over bases with these. While, with some of these you can build them up on their own, I think a backdrop really helps them pop against your nails. I was worried with these being glitter bombs the formula could be challenging, but this wasn't the case at all. Easy breezy!

Price: These polishes are $12 and can be found on etsy. You can also purchase through Shimmer Polish directly via email. There are directions on her site on how to do so. 

Overall: These are pretty spectacular. I do not own any other indie glitters like this, and I have over 200 indie polishes. These have the same thing going for them like those great glitter bombs OPI had in 2010. Shimmer Polish has tons more awesome glitters, and with better formulas though. These are well made, beautiful, and I'm very impressed!

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Be sure to check out Shimmer Polish's website for a full list polishes and follow on Facebook! 

* I received the above products by Shimmer Polish for review. 

Happy Monday! 

Share With You Sunday: 8/18/13-8/25/13

Imperfectly Painted Posts:
Mon- KBShimmer Watercolor
Tues- Sephora X Ariel collection
Wed- Lilac & Nude
Thurs- Krafty Gurl Melon Mania

Posts I'm Loving:
Tunay Na Mahal shows us her damask stamped nails.
Work Play Polish swatches the Ruby Wing Cupcakes and Champagne collection.
Lab Muffin shows us her Totoro inspired nail art.
Wacky Laki shares with us her dotty tree nails.
nail loopy shows us her mani using OPI and Lush Lacquer.
Nouveau Cheap shows us the new Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear fall collection.
Varnished Valkyrie shares with us her "Copper Lady Liberty" nails.

Posts You're Loving:
The Nail Art and Beauty Dairies shows us her nail polish bottle nail art.
Polish Obsession shows us her polka dot nail art.
Fairly Charming shares with us her Angry Birds inspired mani.

You can submit your blog posts for Sunday posts here.

Reader Manis of the Week:

Name: MsEmily
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Manicure Description: inspired by twitter @TheLittleCanvas.  The holographic dots and stripes are China Glaze IDK, Astro-Hot, & Don't Be a Luna-Tic, and the black is Orly Liquid Vinyl.  I used a dotting tool, and striping tape.
Favorite Polishes: China Glaze First Mate, Essie Butler Please, OPI A Grape Fit
Twitter: @MsEmily37

Name: Liz K.
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Manicure Description: I used two coats of Barielle Elle's Spell plus a topcoat of Seche Vite over two coats of Barielle Thrilling. For basecoat I used a coat of Seche Rebuild and then a coat of Butter London Nail Foundation.
Favorite Polishes: There are so many! Mostly my favorites are whatever I'm working with at the moment -- if you love a polish you're going to get the most out of it. My collection contains more Zoya polishes than any other brand. I cherish indie polishes and think A England makes the most beautifully formulated polishes ever.
Blog: http://lacquerslackerliz.blogspot.com/ is a blog I created to share my nail polish enthusiasm with my nine-year-old niece, Eleanor.

I need manis for September! You can find information on how to submit your manicures for Sunday posts here. 

Happy Sunday!

Krafty Gurl Melon Mania

Yes, I'm over the heat of summer, but that doesn't mean I'm over the fruits of summer. I try to have at least watermelon or cantaloupe in the fridge at all times during summer. I LOVE watermelon and cantaloupe. I can't decide which is my favorite, it changes daily depending on the particular melon. Don't make me choose! Honeydew is OK, but it's not near as good as the other two. Sorry, honeydew.

I love all melon-y things, this includes a melon themed polish by Krafty Gurl I recently purchased.

Melon Mania over Wet n' Wild Garden Hose

Melon Mania is a mix of orange, green, and hot pink glitters in a clear base.

Colors. Totally on target as far as theme. The glitters all represent cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon nicely. This is great mix of colors. The colors are fun, bright, and compliment each other.

Formula: Formula on this was easy to use. This is definitely just a glitter topper, but I like that flexibility of that. I did two coats over the base.

Price: I paid $6.50 for this on Krafty Gurl's site. Yes, you heard right..$6.50. That is very reasonable for an indie polish!

Overall: Cute, fun, and bright glitter. I love the color combo and the price. No complaints!

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

What is your favorite kind of melon?

Happy Thursday!

Way-Cool Mani Wednesday: Lilac & Nude

I've come up with a new feature "Way-Cool Mani Wednesday" The past two Wednesdays, I've done posts featuring some fun, two accent, glittery, nail art, or all three type manis. This is a change for me, as I'm usually a nail polish purest. I have to say I'm loving experimenting with different colors, finishes, and sometimes nail art in one mani!

I'd love to make this a weekly feature to show you what I've come with. Be mindful, I'm not some nail artist, so don't expect some masterpieces here. You can expect to see some fun, simple, and easy to do yourself way-cool manis! I hope you like this new weekly feature. 

Here is a mani I did using all three of the mentioned above, two accents, glittery, and nail art! 

Polishes Used: Karadshian Beauty Afterglow, OPI Do You Lilac It, and NOPI Inner Sparkle (Selena Gomez)

Manicure Description: I painted my thumb, index, and pinky finger with Kardashian Beauty Afterglow. I painted my middle finger with Afterglow, and used the Saran Wrap technique of OPI Do You Lilac It? on top. My ring finger is Do You Lilac It? topped with NOPI Inner Sparkle. 

I really love this one. I like the pairing of the colors, and how the whole thing turned out. It's a softer look, but  with something a little special! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Sephora X: Ariel Whatcha-Nail-Callit Set

I have for you today the new Sephora Ariel nail polish set. This is a set of 6 mini nail polishes that are inspired by Disney's The Little Mermaid. I might add the The Little Mermaid is my favorite Disney film so this was a must have for me. I collect Ariel/Little Mermaid thingamabobs, so this needed to join my collection. I have done one finger swatches with these, since the bottles are so tiny.

L-R: We Are in Luck Here, Hotter Under the Water, Ariel, Off the Hook, Life is the Bubbles, and Devotin' to Floatin'

We Are in Luck Here

We Are in Luck Here is a bright coral red creme.

Hotter Under the Water

Hotter Under the Weater is a deep plum creme.

Ariel over WnW I Need a Refresh-Mint

Ariel is a teal tinted sheer with a mix of iridescent glitter

Off the Hook

Off the Hook is a gunmetal metallic shimmer.

Life is the Bubbles over Milani White on the Spot

Life is the bubbles is a iridescent shimmer with sporadic iridescent flakes in a clear base.

Devotin' to Floatin'

Devotin' to Floatin' is a teal metallic shimmer.

Colors: These are not colors you haven't seen before. Ariel is dupey to Sinful Colors Nail Junkie and Spoiled Use Protection. The cremes and the shimmers can all be found in some other drugstore brand. Life is the Bubbles is probably the most unique, but I don't find it that special. Meh.

Formula: These are 0.13fl oz bottles. These are tiny. The formula on these are nice. I didn't have any issues.

Price: This set is $24.00 at Sephora stores or on the Sephora website.

Overall: The main reason I bought this was 60% for the namesake/packaging 40% for the product itself. If you are a big Ariel fan, this may be worth it to you. The 40% I had in it for the product left me very disappointed. These are not bad colors, but as a huge Ariel fan I would of expected better. I can tell you 100%, I will never use these polishes again. They will sit in my Ariel collection as a nice keepsake. Outside of them being an addition to Disney or Little Mermaid collection, I think they're pretty worthless. They're expensive, tiny, and boring. Sorry.

My Rating: 2 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Tuesday!