Awesome Giveaway from Lacquered Lover!

                 Hey Packer Fans. I am bringing you an awesome giveaway from Lacquered Lover!

It features some cool polishes from Laqa & Co. and I know I am racing to check them out. 

Go PACK GO!

Lacquered Lover: LAQA & Co. Nail Polish in Chubs, Ankle Biter and P...: Good morning my fellow lacquered lovers!  Happy Wednesday to you all!  I hope you're having a lovely week so far.  The holiday season is st...

World Diabetes Day

Hi All! I have a very special post for you today, it's World Diabetes Day. Diabetes has affected my entire family in some way or another. I have many cousins and great-grandparents who are diabetic along with my mom and even my baby kitty. 


From the World Health Organizations website:

Diabetes is a chronic disease, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to an increased concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia).

World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes - its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO, the Day is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.

WHO estimates that more than 346 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention. Almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Once again the nail community has banded together in support of a good cause. We are wearing blue today in support of World Diabetes Day. 

My mani is a simple one, Peripera 019. It is one of my favorite polishes ever. Flawless application, a wide brush, super cute bottle and its scented on top of all the other good things about it! On to the pics!

Now it does have a tealish tone to it but I assure you the blue is stunning!

Please feel free to visit my page on facebook and leave your blue mani of the day!

For more information on Diabetes and World Diabetes Day:

WHO

International Diabetes Federation

WebMD

November 8 for No H8

November 8 for No H8: Eradicate Hate in the Nail Polish Blogger Community

Bullying is not funny.  It is not cool.  It is not right.  And more importantly, it is not okay.  

Most of us are thankfully residents of countries that support tolerance and many of our families have settled in these places simply for that reason.  Generations later, it is our responsibility to perpetuate that message of tolerance across our new social platforms, including the internet.

As members of the nail polish community, we all share a love of beauty, color, and lacquer.  Other than that, we are remarkably different: from our race to our religion to our hair color and even to our polish application techniques.  To look down on anyone because of those differences is completely unacceptable and today I take a stand against that.  I refuse to allow other people's view of "normal" dictate how I behave, believe, and blog.  

In solidarity with a multitude of bloggers linked below, my purple manicure represents my proud commitment to the No H8 movement.  Today, November 8, I dedicate my post  to ending bullying of any kind and to encouraging diversity and imperfection among our colorful community.

Bullying has touched the lives of some people close to me. It is senseless and cruel and has no place in today's society. The sad thing is it is still difficult to get the assistance of schools and parents and the behavior is left to continue until it's too late. Whether it leaves a child in so much despair they feel no other recourse than to take their own life as in the sad case of Amanda Todd, or the child is able to turn it around and build their self-esteem up in spite of it as in the case of Whitney Kropp, bullying has got to be addressed and society needs to be educated.

My mani today uses one of my favorite polishes, Nerd Lacquer Eight Gates. It is overa base of Layla 64 - African Violet. 

Please take this seriously, you may think you are "just teasing" someone or joking but it is easy to let "teasing" get out of hand. Bullying is not funny, it's not acceptable and it will NOT be tolerated. 

If you or someone you know suffers from bullying, there is help.  Please visit the following sites for support and encouragement:

Stopbullying.gov

Report Cyber-bullying

National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 800.273.TALK (8255)

Eradicate H8

Super Awesome Deal on Butter Londons!

There is a new cool site called Coterie that is having an amazing opening deal! you get 3 butter londons(choose from 6 colors) and a matte topcoat for 11.00! Follow my link here and use the code OBSESSED-VIP as your access code to register. Then choose your polishes, they start at 36.00. Use code VIPMEMBER for 25.00 off and free US shipping! Simple, no? Enjoy!

The Liebster Award!

Hey guys! I have the coolest thing to share with you all. Last week I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Apple Lacquer, you must check out her blog!
For those who don’t know what it is, here’s a bit about the award:

1. "This little award is all about discovering new blogs and helping those with less than 200 followers to get recognized."

Here are the rules:

1. Each person tagged must post 11 things about themselves.

2. They must also answer the 11 questions the 'tagger' has set for them.

3. They must create 11 more questions to ask bloggers they have decided to tag.

4. They must then choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers and tag them in their post.

5. These lucky bloggers must then be told.

6. There's no tag backs.


Ok so here are 11 random things about me:
1. I work in IT
2. I have 2 cats
3. I love fresh-brewed coffee
4. I am a makeup junkie
5. I love kayaking
6. I am fairly shy
7. If I ever moved from Wisconsin it would be to New Orleans or San Francisco
8. I love taking pictures but hate to be in them
9. I have a great fear of snakes
10. I am always cold
11. I love football and hockey



Ok now to answer my questions from Apple Lacquer

1. How did you get started with blogging?
I got into a couple of nail polish facebook groups and it sounded like something I could include my nieces on. We love to do each other’s nails.
2. What is the landscape like where you live?
Lots of farms, some hills
3. What is your favorite type of pants?
Sweatpants
4. What are your pet's names?
Riley


Java


5. What is your dream job?
CEO of my own company where I have a great staff that allows me to travel at my leisure
6. What is your absolute least favorite polish?
Anything nude
7. What is your dream date?
Wine-tasting and dinner in Napa Valley, in a limo of course
8. What is your least favorite TV show?
The Simpsons
9. What was your biggest nail polish fail?
I did a mani with Chanel Peridot and apparently grabbed the bottle of Seche Vite instead of Seche clear base. It peeled off in sheets within 12 hours.
10. What was your first boyfriend or girlfriend like?
It was seventh grade and his name was Chris. He was the class clown, totally hilarious and cute in a Ron Howard way.
11. What's your favorite color for toe nail polish?
Anything teal

My questions for my 11 bloggers :
1. What is your go-to, can’t live without, beauty product?
2. What is the most you have ever spent on one bottle of nail polish?
3. What is the last book you read?
4. What is your favorite dessert?
5. Name a guilty pleasure.
6. How did you get started blogging?
7. What is the story behind the name of your blog?
8. If you could take the vacation of a lifetime, where would you go?
9. Who is the 1 beauty personality, living or not, you would die to meet?
10. What is your Sunday lounge outfit?
11. What is your favorite beverage?


My 11 tagged bloggers:

1. Teen Polish Junkie
2. Mani Curiously
3. Adore A Polish
4. Ooh La La Polish
5. Lisa’s Nail Obsession
6. makeupmaniac16
7. Love my Nails
8. Patty and Goldie’s Day Off
9. The Beauty Think Tank
10. Glitter Puke!!
11. Mama FAsHioNista

Its Giveaway time!

Ok I have been blogging almost a year so I decided its about time for a giveaway. What better prize than the new Ninja Facets Trio! You can win this trio of gorgeousness before its available!

This first beauty is Color-changing Garnet! I think its my fave!

The next one is Alexandrite, also pretty.

Last but certainly not least is Zultanite, its just fun to say!

This giveaway is open internationally! I will contact the winner by email and they will have 24 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What a haul!

I have been such a slacker lately, I decided to share my latest haul and what a doozy! I am in indie heaven!
I have really fallen in love with glitter. WHAT? I know, I know I always protested when everyone was showing glitter bombs my response was "I hate glitter". But the indie craze has caught me and I seem to wear glitter all the time. Now it is still a pain to remove but I guess I can put up with it. On to the pics!

The first three are from very talented ladies who never cease to 

amaze with their color choices and naming conventions!

Pool Party is from Chelsea at Pretty and Polished. It is a gorgeous 

blue with multi-colored glitter that makes you think of a day at the pool. 

Go to Napa for auto parts and Mustard fields comes from Michelle at Sonoma Nail art. 

Not only does she make some of the coolest polishes, her artistic abilities will amaze!

The polishes I have from these two are the highest quality and a pleasure to apply.

The next two are my first from Rainbow Honey. They are from the Equestria Collection.

Mare of the Moon and 20% Cooler and beautiful polishes and again the application was flawless.

Mare of the moon is a blue/purple shimmer with crescent moon glitter. 

From the Rainbow Honey website 20% Cooler is A shimmery and sheer light blue base

 with a veritable rainbow of glitter.  And their packaging is so cute!

Now I have been waiting to place this order forever. Whimsical Ideas by Pam

makes some of the most beautiful polishes I have ever seen. The first is

Kismet's Pajamas named after her kitty, Kismet. Second is Seuss which is a 

cool blue with red and white glitter reminiscent of the colors in Cat in the Hat.

The third is Peanut Butter and Jelly and the name says it all, a grapey polish with gold

glitter. Good enough to eat! (but don't) The fourth is Saturday Morning Cartoons which is

a fabulous blue with red, green and silver glitter. Last but certainly not least is Kitty Glitter.

I really got this for the name, I am not much into light blue but this is a really pretty blue with 

silver and white glitter

Next is Oblivion from Pahlish. Oblivion is this deep royal blue with multi-shaped gold glitter. 

I had this on yesterday and loved it. I think it was only 2 coats and I was happy. The only 

drawback is that it was packaged in self-adhesive bubble wrap and you can see in the pictures

It left the bottle kind of gummy. Living with 2 cats you get used to hair on 

everything but a little goo gone will fix it.

And my last bit of nail mail was from a friend in the UK. She sent me two polishes from

Nails Inc and a smashing little red from Max Factor. Thanks Shel!

Well I hope you enjoyed my haul post. I am excited to try these out. If you are interested in any of these you

can find them at:

Pretty & Polished

Sonoma Nail Art

Rainbow Honey

Pahlish

Whimsical ideas by Pam

Cosmoprof 2012! Here come the Ninjas!

 The Ninjas are heading to Vegas! There is a HUGE all-encompassing Beauty/Trade show called CosmoProf North America and the Ninjas are going to represent. We are going to see if we can find new products for you guys and we want to see the latest trends in Nail Polish and accessories. 

They have a showcase for up and coming companies called Discover Beauty Spotlight and today I want to share a couple of the companies the Ninjas will be looking at:

Acquarella - USA

Acquarella is the premier water-based nail polish brand.  Our highly advanced, water-based technology in our nail polishes and removers does away with harmful petrochemical solvents and chemicals.  Acquarella is perfect for everyone, especially discerning clientele including cancer remission, asthma, allergies, pregnancy, and religious concerns. Try the truly green alternative – Acquarella.

La Couleur Couture - USA

No harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, DBP or toluene. Fashion forward, sophisticated, and urban-edgy, La Couleur Couture provides a rainbow of high-shine hues to match.  Our unique basecoat formula ensures the longest lasting protection for your nails, while our topcoat offers unmatched diamond-like shine.  Wave goodbye to brittle and yellow nails with our protective UV inhibitor, and say hello to gorgeously coloured and healthy nails.

Both of these companies look interesting and they have a beautiful full line of color choices. You can visit their websites here:   Acquarella    La Couleur Couture

See you soon!

Tough As Nails Lacquer: 100 Likes Giant Indie Giveaway

Hey indie lovers! Check out this awesome blog and fantastic giveaway!

Tough As Nails Lacquer: 100 Likes Giant Indie Giveaway: If you have liked the Tough As Nails Lacquer Facebook page , then you know I promised a Giant Indie Giveaway when I reached 100 fans, so it...

Something new for you!

Hi All! Long time no chat. I have been crazy busy this summer as I am sure you all have. Today I bring you my sleepers of the summer. These are polishes that I really haven't heard much about although their big sisters are the talk of the town. Have you guessed? I am talking about the Layla Cosmetics Ceramic Effects. Now everyone and my mother have heard of Layla Holos and Mirrors but I have never really seen the ceramics mentioned. Until now. You will be seeing them soon at the store but I wanted to give you a sneak peek.

The first one is 14 Vamp Red and you should all know how I feel about a hot, Vampy red.

The application was good. This is 3 coats and I used flash in a light box. 

Here is a little macro goodness, it's not just for glitter!

The second color is 15 Cabernet. Also a nice application, this is almost a one-coater!

I used two but if you are in a hurry you could sneak by with one. 

It is the prettiest deep eggplant and I am excited to wear it this fall.

The third color is 33 Metallic Blue. Wow is this the perfect blue. It would be great

used for a Fourth of July mani. Hmmmmm....

This is 2 coats no topcoat. Now they are a little messy when you take them off

but they don't leave a permanent stain. 

Well I hope you head over to Ninja Polish to grab your own Layla Ceramics. 

They really are the sleeper of my summer. 

(and the bottle is cute too!)

Very Cool Giveaway!

glitter obsession: Is 13 a lucky number?: 1300 that is! I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who are following along this journey with me. I'm having lots of fun learning new ...

rebecca likes nails: Glitter Gal - Wild Violets

I have to share a post from a friend of mine at Rebecca likes nails. It is a fabulous representation of one of the new shades from the Awesome team at Glitter Gal! You all really need this polish!


rebecca likes nails: Glitter Gal - Wild Violets: Aloha! Today I'm gonna be showing you guys a really great polish from Glitter Gal ! Glitter Gal recently introduced some new polish lines...

Holo, Holo, HOLO!

I have some new polishes to show you from Brasil! They are called Jade Holographics and are currently available at Ninja Polish. These are highly pigmented holos and the application is amazing! I tried them with and without a basecoat and topcoat. Unfortunately it is a gloomy Wisconsin day so no sun to really make them shine but you will still get the idea! On to the pics!


                    The first color is Jade Energy, a gorgeous ocean-colored teal. These are two coats
                              with a basecoat of Duri Rejuvacote, and a topcoat of Seche Vite.
                                                            Application was flawless!

                                                     

This next color is Jade Hypnose. It is a beautiful sky-blue holo!

Application was again flawless although this was 2 coats, no base or top.

Well what do you think?

Head on over to Ninja Polish to check out the other 8 colors!

See you soon!

This is an amazing comparison of Black and white glitters! Bookmark it!

This is an amazing post by Sarah of Chalkboard Nails, one of my favorite bloggers of all time! Her pictures are to DIE for!

Chalkboard Nails: The Ultimate Black and White Glitter Comparison Po...: As some of you may be aware, I have a slight addiction to black and white glitters. I just can't get enough of them! And why just own one wh...

Midnight Manicures One Year Blog Anniversary Giveaway!

Midnight Manicures One Year Blog Anniversary Giveaway!

The Hunger Games!

Well this past monday I saw the Hunger Games and let me just say it did not disappoint! It was better than expected and if the costume designers don't win some awards I will be shocked! I wanted to do a mani in honor of the film and while I can't do great nail art, I decided to use the China Glaze Hunger Games collection to see what I could come up with. The collection has 12 polishes and I love them all but for this mani I used only 4. The base of the mani was Smoke and Ashes followed by a layer of Riveting. I used Electrify on the tips and added a touch of Luxe and Lush to top it off. They all have great formulas and the colors are to die for. Here are some pics!

Macro shot

I hope you enjoyed my little tribute to the tributes and in parting let me say

May the odds be ever in your favor!

I love a vampy red!

One of my friends in my polish group recently twisted my arm pretty heavily when it was discovered there was a bottle of OPI Vampire State Building for sale at a fairly reasonable price. VSB is a very hard to find polish that is a beautiful vampy red creme. This is MY color but I have so many vampy reds do I need one more? The answer is an emphatic YES! This polish does not disappoint, easy application, opaque in two coats and a fun name to boot! I have no regrets spending a few duckets on this polish, let me know what you think!

These are all in a flash environment, two coats with topcoat

I have been a busy girl!

Well I am sorry to have neglected you all for so long! I promise to make it up to you with some Fantastic news!
My friend Rhonni over at Polish Ninja and I have opened an internet store called Ninja Polish! We are going to try and bring you unique and harder to obtain polishes for a reasonable price! You can find us here at Ninja Polish. We have had quite the first day and a lot of things are sold out but be patient we are feverishly re-ordering so we can fulfill all of your polish needs.

 Since I haven't posted in a while I wanted to bring you something special. One of the lines we carry at

Ninja Polish is Nerd Lacquer. Amanda makes some of the most interesting and unique polishes I have ever seen. Today I have chosen a limited edition duo called Holy Grail and Carbon Allotrope. These are both opaque in 2-3 coats, maybe 4 if you do very thin layers. But they are absolutely gorgeous! 

Carbon Allotrope is a clear base with medium silver hex  glitter, small silver glitter and silver and white microglitter. The silver sand color comes from powdered diamond dust.

This is with flash.

This is without flash

Look at that sparkle and shine!

Also from the website, 

Holy Grail is a super fine grained satiny linear holo that glows in the dark. It is a dusty blue-green base with silver microglitter, medium blue-green iridescent glitter and a sprinkling of big square and hex silver holo glitter.

No flash

With flash

So once we get restocked come on over and check out the coolest nail polish on the planet!

Nerd Lacquer is sure to amuse you even if it is for the names only!

I look forward to hearing what you all think!

See you soon!