MUA: I need to express my sadness & frustration

I really don't know exactly what happened. In fact it was my DH who initially noticed there was much drama at MUA a few months back, since MUA nail board used to be my home page on my lap top. It no longer is...

 I can tell you what appeared to happen in my mind.

 I used to enjoy going to NB. It was like a non-stop party. Even on the weekends, in the evenings we'd share advice & pictures & stories & hauls, crack jokes, have a lot of fun and almost never at other's expense. The kind hearted ladies there never picked on others or teased or made fun of people. Not the usual mean-spirited fun you often find on the internet.

 Apparently, though, there are those who feel so lousy about their lives’ and themselves, that they can't stand it if other people are not miserable as well. So, they came and they trolled NB and complained. Not because they even cared about the community, atmosphere, or content of nail board. They did it, because they are truly miserable people who couldn't stand that we were having fun, something they don't know how to do.


 So, yea I'm pissed off. They went and ruined something good, something that gave me joy.

 Yea I've been using message boards and the like for around 15 years now... and nothing good ever lasts forever in cyberspace. I guess I ought to be used to it by now. It’s so trivial and petty, but I just needed to say it somewhere where I am allowed to say it without being censored.

OPI Midnight In Moscow

OPI Midnight In Moscow, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

OPI Midnight In Moscow

OPI Midnight In Moscow, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Newborn fitted diapers

Newborn cloth diapers my sister made, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

My sister made me these adorable diapers. I'm 37w 1d and ready for baby to come at any time.

ChG Cheers to You + Tinsel + Nubar Silver Glitter

ChG Cheers to You + Tinsel + Nubar Silver Glitter, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Cheers to You + Tinsel + Nubar Silver Glitter

009.JPGChG Cheers to You + Tinsel + Nubar Silver Glitter, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Cheers to You + Tinsel + Nubar Silver Glitter

005.JPGChG Cheers to You + Tinsel + Nubar Silver Glitter, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

ChG Cheers to You + Tinsel + Nubar Silver Glitter

ChG Cheers to You + Tinsel + Nubar Silver Glitter, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

I'm taking a little break

I just haven't felt like taking any photos of my nails. I've been polishing them once a week or less. It's amazing how hormones can change your interests and energy level so easily. Plus, I'm more than a bit distracted with everything going on in my life right now. I never like to say good-bye forever... so let's just call it a break for now.

Biggest Giveaway I've ever seen!

Late notice, but if you haven't entered Mon Coin a Moua's 1000 follower giveaway, go now!



Wow!

Speaking of giveaways, I've got something planned for you guys in celebration of my blog's 100+ followers. I've been pretty sick lately and not up to blogging. Hopefully, I am on the upswing.

Fresh Air Fund, nothing to do with nails, everything to do with giving a kid a break

Can you imagine never, ever having spent a day outside of New York City? Never once playing in a back yard? Imagine not knowing the joy of catching fireflies on a summer night.

Recently, I was contacted by Sara Wilson of The Fresh Air Fund about sharing a way you can help a kid enjoy a vacation away from the city. You can donate or offer to be a host family depending on where you live. It sounds like a really great experience and a good cause. I'm seriously considering hosting a child in 2012.

Swatches

Swatches, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Borrowed this idea from a fellow MUA'er. I hot glue toe nail tips onto popsicle sticks. This is a few Zoya, a few Essie and almost all OPI. I have a lot of painting ahead of me.

Essie Better Together

Essie Better Together, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Part of Essie's latest bridal collection for 2011. I like it! It is pretty even after 3 coats. A little sheer, I wish I'd used something under it to keep my discolored tips from ruining the look.

What do you like to use as "underwear"?

Dot Art FAIL

Dot Art FAIL, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Not very happy with this one. Too many colors I think. Don't even recall what I used. Mostly Nubar Pastels and China Glazes spring collection from 2010. That grey polish is fantastic, though. Its SH Xtreme Grey Area. Love it!

Zoya Marley

Zoya Marley, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Pretty, pretty color. Love the result. Getting it on the nail isn't as easy. The formula was goopey and thick. I got some bubbles on the left hand, too. Zoya and bubbles seems to be a reoccurring theme for me.

Essie Body Language

Essie Body Language, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

This polish is awesome! I'm very happy I finally bought it. It applies great (3 coats) and looks great! There's something so edgy and fresh about these sorts of colors. Fashionable without being flashy.

Zoya Nikki

Zoya Nikki, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

This polish was just eh. It just has that mauve-grandma look. It has a subtle green flash in it, but not enough to make it exciting.

China Glaze BFF

China Glaze BFF, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Never wore this one before. I have a bunch of the OMGs, but I've sort of ignored the pinks in my collection. This one is fabulous! Cool, girlie pink.

Starry Night Franken

Starry Night Franken, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Very happy with this franken, It looks jelly-ish and sparklie! No idea what Essie Starry Starry Night really looks like, but I like this!

China Glaze BFF

China Glaze BFF, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Essie Sugar Daddy

Essie Sugar Daddy, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

This has to be the least streaky sheer pink I have ever used. It leaves a nice clean look. This must be at least 3 coats. I just wish my tips were so yellowed.. makes them look like a cheesy orangish yellow, ewwww!

Navy Holo franken

Navy Holo franken, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

This is fabulous! They just don't make holos like they used to :( Its Pink Rose Diamond plus WnW Nocturnal

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Nubar Meadow Sparkle + Nubar Grass Green Glitter + NOPI Brilliant Idea, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Nubar Meadow Sparkle + Nubar Grass Green Glitter + NOPI Brilliant Idea

The other day at Target I picked up Nicole by OPI's Brilliant Idea. This is part of the Target Exclusive Spring Collection. I really am liking these Target Exclusives! On its own, Brilliant Idea is a monochromatic glitter, made up of mostly micro glitter and a pinch of larger particles in a clear base. Its a spring green color that is leaning very yellow. Its pretty all on its own and can be worn by its self in just 2 coats.

I, of course, wasn't satisfied. In this manicure I layered one coat of Nubar Meadow Sparkle, which is very close to Brilliant Idea, perhaps slightly less yellow and more cool in tone. Then 1 coat of Nubar Grass Green Glitter, which is a bright, true green emerald color. Then I put NOPI Brilliant Idea on last.

The combination gives it a lovely depth. Its all green, but varying shades.

Nubar Meadow Sparkle + Nubar Grass Green Glitter + NOPI Brilliant Idea

Nubar Meadow Sparkle + Nubar Grass Green Glitter + NOPI Brilliant Idea, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Nubar Meadow Sparkle + Nubar Grass Green Glitter + NOPI Brilliant Idea

Nubar Meadow Sparkle + Nubar Grass Green Glitter + NOPI Brilliant Idea, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

SH Xtreme Purple Pizzazz

SH Xtreme Purple Pizzazz, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Here it is looking more indigo or blurple. Lovely jelly polish.

SH Xtreme Purple Pizzazz

SH Xtreme Purple Pizzazz, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

This is a purple jelly with fuchsia microglitter. 3 coats. It tends to look totally different in different lighting. Sometimes you do not see the glitter at all and it looks like super shiny purple glass. In bright light it looks indigo or "blurple" with sparkling glitter. I love the jello-y look.

Misa Date Night to the Twilight

Misa Date Night to the Twilight, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

I wasn't head over hills over this polish. It looks different in different lighting. Its something of a frosty foil. I guess I'm sort of on the fence on this one. It can look less blue depending on the lighting.

Essie Lapis of Luxury

Essie Lapis of Luxury, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

This polish applied and wore really well. I had it on for almost a week, no chips!

China Glaze Pelican Gray

China Glaze Pelican Gray, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Notice the hidden shimmer

These is the coolest nail art tutorials ever!

The other day I was checking out some blogs and stumbled onto a blog and some You Tube videos that are awesome! Robin Moses is incredibly talented! Her blog can be found here: Robin Moses' blog

Obviously, she is an artist. I will never, ever be doing the amazing portraits she does on a nail. She is very energetic and passionate about her art. She generously shares her knowledge and techniques. I found her use of pigments and foil adhesive very interesting. If you check her blog she will tell you where to find the adhesive. I ordered myself some and ended up getting some foils, too. I'm really nervous and intimidated to do any foils, but maybe... I'm sure I'll have to work up to it.

Check out her shattered glass tutorials

Ulta Limelight + dots

Ulta Limelight + dots, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

I got a set of 5 dotting tools on Ebay for $4.38. I've been wanting to try some nail dot art. I used Limelight as the base and for the dots: ChG Lemon Fizz, OPI What's With the Cattitude?, OPI Ogre-the Top Blue, Essie Little Brown Dress, and Essie Sew Psyched.

I'm happy with it. I have a scrub top that has these sorts of colors that inspired me.

Ulta Limelight + dots

Ulta Limelight + dots, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Ulta Limelight, ChG Lemon Fizz, OPI What's With the Cattitude?, OPI Ogre-the Top Blue, Essie Little Brown Dress, Essie Sew Psyched

Ulta Limelight + dots

Ulta Limelight + dots, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Ulta Limelight, ChG Lemon Fizz, OPI What's With the Cattitude?, OPI Ogre-the Top Blue, Essie Little Brown Dress, Essie Sew Psyched

Ulta Limelight + dots

Ulta Limelight + dots, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Ulta Limelight + dots

Ulta Limelight + dots, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Ulta Limelight, ChG Lemon Fizz, OPI What's With the Cattitude?, OPI Ogre-the Top Blue, Essie Little Brown Dress, Essie Sew Psyched

Ulta Limelight

Ulta Limelight, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

I hesitated to try this polish, because I expected to be disappointed. Ulta polishes are sort of hit or miss. Many are glopey and streaky and have poor formulas. This one is excellent! 3 coats were needed due to the sheerness, but the results were superb. It isn't really what I expect lime to be... its more of a soft spring green.

OPI Funky Dunkey

OPI Funky Dunkey, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

I've had this polish since last summer and never wore it. Its a great medium purple cream! It applies really well, this is 2 coats. The name is sort of lame... I guess donkey doesn't rhyme with funky.

China Glaze LOL

China Glaze LOL, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

They might be laughing out loud, because this is the least holo color in the OMG Collection. Its a fabulous purple, but the holo is just a hint. These are linear holos, meaning the particles are tiny and the rainbow reflection is very tight and organized. These are my favorite holos. I do wish they would come back again. The Tronica China Glaze collection, this spring, is a scattered and dull holo. I didn't buy any. They're exclusively at Sally's and Cosmoprof.

China Glaze LOL

China Glaze LOL, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

ChG Empowerment + NOPI Love Your Life

ChG Empowerment + NOPI Love Your Life, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

3 coats of Empowerment. The polish looks better in these photos than it looks right now in shade. I don't know if it changed colors or if its just the different lighting. It looks so pale and soft in the photo, but currently its a less flattering (for me) warmer, louder pink.

The formula on Empowerment was a little thick and goopey. I thinned it, but it got goopey again by the next coat.

Love Your Life was thick. Not the easiest to apply, but it worked out. It seems to have tiny pink and light blue glitter in it. I wonder if this is a dupe for the UK Valentine's 2009 polish, Be Mine You're Fine!

I think I need to find a cooler pink cream that looks like Empowerment to make me happy! Hmm maybe one of those OPI Hong Kong pinks?

ChG Empowerment + NOPI Love Your Life

ChG Empowerment + NOPI Love Your Life, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

ChG Thunderbird

ChG Thunderbird, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

This just glows! A very sexy polish. I Loved it at first, but by day 2 it just looked ordinary. Maybe red shimmer is just too 'normal'.

ChG Empowerment + NOPI Love Your Life

ChG Empowerment + NOPI Love Your Life, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Happy Valentine's Day

CND Just Red + Red Sparkle (Red Hot), originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

CND Just Red + Red Sparkle (Red Hot)

This is the Valentine's Day CND Duo, Red Hot. I love the Just Red polish. It is a jelly, this is 3 coats. I love the way it applies. The Red Sparkle is nice for layering. Its a little sparse, but sometimes I like a more subtle glitter. It really does look a bit like a candy cinnamon red hot!

Go Steelers!

OPI Black Shatter + Gift of Gold, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

OPI Black Shatter + Gift of Gold

OPI Gift of Gold -Ulta Exclusive Christmas 2010

OPI Goft of Gold -Ulta Exclusive, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Only gold polish I've ever truly loved. I think its the multi hues of gold in there. Coppery and pale gold glitter. 1 coat.

Go Steelers!

OPI Black Shatter + Gift of Gold, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

OPI Black Shatter + Gift of Gold

ChG Underground Pink + CG City Lights + OPI Teenage Dream

ChG Underground Pink + CG City Lights + OPI Teenage Dream, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

I get a little crazy with the layering. I'm just trying to make a good polish better. Often, if I put on a polish and it just doesn't have the wow factor I will make it better. I like to experiment on nail wheels first, also.

I did 2 or 3 coats of Underground Pink and it just wasn't doing it for me, with the tone of my skin. I added City Lights, a fine holo clearcoat, but it wasn't enough. Time for Teenage Dream! The result: a sweet subtle pink with "in your face" sparkle. Like pink cupcakes with sparklie sugar sprinkled on top! Nom nom nom

ChG Underground Pink + CG City Lights + OPI Teenage Dream

ChG Underground Pink + CG City Lights + OPI Teenage Dream, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Look what I just got!

Clarins 230, originally uploaded by kennasmomma.

Clarins 230. I paid way more than I have for any single polish, ever. They call it Unicorn Pee, because it is magical and full of rainbows.

Here's the folklore. Supposedly, after the original runs of this polish, the supplier of the magical pigment mysteriously ran out of it. Clarins knew they had a problem. They tried all sorts of substitutes to recreate 230, but alas, the results were never the same. The polish could not be reproduced, so Clarins discontinued it.

NP addicts speculate that someone associated with Clarins knew of the sadness this would bring to the NP world. They stashed away a few cases of the magical Unicorn Pee and are now making some money. Insider trading, anyone?

I decided to grab it before it disappears forever. Not a great investment, but I love it and now it lives with me.

What I can't figure out is what is this pigment made of? How is it not reproducible? As much as I love NP, I know very little of the science involved in the pigments. You know me and my need for knowledge. I need to know more!