Pink LadyBug

For as long as I can remember, I've always been one to keep my nails done, either by going to a professional and spending upwards towards seventy-five dollars every two or three weeks on a mani and pedi or by my own hands. As a child in elementary school, I set up a 'Nail Shop' to which case I had my parents spend all sorts of money on all the materials I needed to make my extra dough. I had polishes, acrylics, files, clippers, brushes, decals and stones...everything. And I charged my friends five to ten bucks a piece to get their 'nails did'.

I was pretty good too. I had appointments for after school, on the weekends, and all throughout the summer. I didnt limit myself to doing nails. I did hair as well. And I've always been very well-versed in the art of both hair and nail care. For that reason, I have always kept a bit more supplies than the average female in regards to hair, nails, and skin care. One day I'll write more on hair...but today, we're talking NAILS.

In high school, I always kept my nails done. When I started working at 16, part of my money was spent on dance (and during my team's competition season [and even during the regular season at times], it was against the rules to have my nails done), another part was spent on fashion, and the other part was spent in the nail salon. I did the designs and the decals and back when airbrushing was in style, I did that too. However, when I got to college, I mainly kept my nails clear or in a french manicure. I found I was too busy to keep it up myself, not to mention the nail salons in my college town were wack, so I didn't even bother even when I found the time.

After college, however, I was back on my nail regimen routine. I stayed in the salon every three weeks (gel sets are the best and last much longer) for manicures and pedicures. I haven't done acrylics in years and opt for my own nails. Plus, acrylics are a little harder to function with in the office. My nails even grew out to several inches past my fingers and I cut them down last summer after getting frustrated with the increased cost of paying for 'long nail' treatments.

The past few months, however, in the midst of the current state of the economy, have left me regressing back to my elementary days of doing my own nails and I've gotten far more interested in the art of nail design. Plus, I've got more priorities, which means I've got more money, but more things to tend to with said money. In February, I started really getting into designing and have found it to be a really relaxing hobby for me. Though I've been prompted by many friends, I've promised not to post any pictures of my designs until I was more confident in my work. Here is my latest design. My friend calls it, "Pink LadyBug". Enjoy.

When I finally give in and buy a new laptop screen (it's broken :( ), I hope to one day do a tutorial blog. Til then, I'll just post pics! :)

Happy Thursday all.