LGBT Pride Month Manicure #7: Rainbow Stripes

Here comes manicure #7 for you guys!

Loving all my rainbow nails lately, so I had to play with my acrylic paints and do rainbow nail art again!  I even pulled out my striping tape!

Ready to see it?!

Alrighty, here it is!

LGBT Rainbow Stripes

For these nails I started by putting on my striping tape, after my base coat of course.  For each nail I used five strips of striping tape (which took FOREVER i might add lol).

Then I painted each nail with two coats of OPI Sapphire in the Snow, a deep eggplant purple creme polish. 

While the purple was still wet, I peeled off the striping tape and let the polish dry then. 

Once the purple base was dry I went into the striped with my acrylic paints.  The difference in thickness between my bare nail and the purple made it a bit easier to stay in a straight line with my paintbrush (though as you can see it didn't always stay that way).

I do love how the rainbow stripes pop against that dark purple background!

What do you guys think?

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Today, instead of sharing a song, I want to share a story, one that breaks my heart.

It's something I think a lot of people don't realize of if they do don't understand the significance of it, so I'd like to pass it along.

Love is love, and whether an individual likes it makes no difference, all consenting adults in loving relationships should be allowed to love how they want without interferance from someone who has no right to say otherwise.

Leave me comments and Like and Follow me!

Hugs & Kisses & Great Polishes!

~ Cat

P.S.  I'll be out of town for the next week or so so I probably won't be able to post regularly but I will be doing my nails for Pride still and taking pics, so I'll do a catch up post when I get back if I can't do them while I'm gone!

LGBT Pride Manicure #6: Rainbow Dot-icure

Hello all!

I have more colorful Pride nails to share (of course)

Today I have my 6th manicure for Pride Month and if I do say so myself, this one is cute and fun!

The inspiration for this particular manicure came across my Pinterest (as so many GREAT manicure ideas do).  So when I saw the photo I knew I'd have to do something similar for this month of rainbows!

Rainbow Dot-icure

I really enjoy doing dot-icures, there's something about them that's so abstract but still cute...if that makes any sense at all.

For this particular one, I of course had to have fun with the rainbow theme with this one.  Doing it was simple, and quick.  I just picked three shades of each color I needed and used two different size dotting tools to place random dots of each polish on my nails. 

I found it was easiest to start with the medium shade, then the darkest shade, and ending with the lightest shade so it would pop on top of the other colors more.

Now, since I have fifteen colors (not to mention my base color which was OPI I Theodora You), I won't waste your time by listing them all, since you can customize this manicure to whatever you'd like.  However, if there is something you'd like to know, feel free to ask!

And be sure to let me know what you guys think!
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Today I have another song for you!

Sorry I'm a music lover, do I like to pick music to fit certain moods and I keep hearing songs that I think fit the spirit of Pride and have messages the world needs to hear right now.

Like this one for example!

Hope you're all having a great week, and a great Pride Month!

Leave me comments and Like and Follow me!

Hugs & Kisses & Great Polishes!

~ Cat

LGBT Pride Month Manicure #5: Purple with Rainbow Trianlges

Manicure #5 time guys!

For today's manicure, I wanted to go a bit more literal with the symbolism and really just play up the Pride element that much more!

Plus I was able to have some fun with my acrylic paints and do a little nail art!

Essie Play Date

For this manicure, I started with three coats of Essie Play Date, a beautiful springtime purple/lavender creme polish. 

Then, to do the rainbow triangles, I took some scotch tape and taped over the part of my nails I wanted to keep the purple color, leaving a triangle space bare.  Then using my acrylic paints and a very fine brush, I painted the rainbow stripes in the triangles.  I removed the tape and topped it off with a layer of top coat, and voila!

I'm actually really proud of this one, and just love how it came out!

What do you guys think?

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Today I want to share another song with all of you.  It's one of my new favorites and I just can't stop listening to it.  The lyrics are beautiful and are so powerful.

I hope you enjoy it!

Be sure and leave me comments and Like and Follow my social media!

Hugs & Kisses & Great Polishes!

~ Cat

LGBT Pride Month Manicure #4: Rainbow Ombre

Manicure #4 is here you guys!

These Pride manicures are so much fun!  (Helps that I LOVE anything rainbow and/or purple of course).

I decided I wanted to try a bit more focus on the rainbow today I went with a look I saw done on CutePolish's YouTube channel!

So now, I give you my attempt to do this technique.

Rainbow Ombre

For this manicure I started with a white base of OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls.  Then over that, I followed CutePolish's instructions for sponging on my three colors.  The polishes I used were Julep Bethany, Nikki, and Taylor.

Now, my sponging technique isn't nearly as flawless as hers is obviously, but I do like how the ombre turned out.

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Today I want to share a song with you guys, one that I heard a while back and thought the message was great. 

I've heard a lot of songs lately that mean a lot to me, especially during this month, just because their meanings are just lovely and strong and so positive.

So, instead of giving a huge schpeel i'll just share the song!

Leave me comments and Like and Follow me!

Hugs & Kisses & Great Polishes!

~ Cat

LGBT Pride Month Manicure #3: L.A. Girl Quicksand and Tie Dye Nail Foil

It's time for another Pride manicure for you all to see today!

I'm getting more and more excited about this month one because I can finally burn through some of my unused purples (of which there are many) and I get to try things in my nail art arsenal that I've wanted to try and just haven't been inspired to use before now.

Today for example, I was able to use a new polish I found at my local grocery store and some of the nail foils I'd gotten a while back!

L.A. Girl Quicksand and Tie-Dye nail foil

For today's manicure I started with my main color, L.A. Girl Quicksand from the new Sand Blast collection that I just found at my local grocery store.  Apparently the textured trend has started hitting the less expensive drugstore brands, which is fine with me!  This one is a very pretty violet purple (i know it shows more blue on film, but trust me it's a very grape violet purple color).  I used three coats, but I probably could have gotten away with two since it's quite pigmented. 

One thing I really like about these L.A. Girl textured polishes is that the grit of the texture is a lot finer than some of the other brands like OPI or even the Sally Hansen.  Obviously, every brand is trying to have a little bit of unique quality in their textured polishes, and the coarser grit isn't bad by any means, but this one is probably a bit more tolerable for those still a bit wary of the sandy texture.

Then, to tie in the signature rainbow of Pride, I went to my Dollar Nail Art nail foils and pulled out Tie-Dye Surprise, a fun tie-dyed pattern foil with a holographic hex pattern among the colors.  I decided to stick the foil on over a base of white polish (I think the base coat helps it stick better) and I was even more excited when my top coat didn't ruin the tie-dye pattern!

I'm really loving this manicure!

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Today I just have a happy note to make, a story that made me smile this week.

I'm sure some of you have seen the article about the gay couple who were awarded Cutest Couple in their New York high school, but just in case I thought I'd share.


http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/04/us/new-york-same-sex-couple-yearbook/index.html

I just loved seeing this story for so many reasons, but the biggest one being that this simple story, of a high school overcoming hate and acknowledging the value of love no matter who it's between gives me hope that the younger generations are already overcoming some of the prejudices we're still fighting now.

Let me know what you guys think about today's manicure and well anything else really!

Also, don't forget to Like and Follow me!

Hugs & Kisses & Great Polishes!

~ Cat

LGBT Pride Month Manicure #2: Lush Lacquer Sugar Daddy

I'm back with my second manicure for Pride Month!

I'm getting more and more excited as I'm thinking of ways to incorporate Pride into my nails.  I have so many ideas, I hope I can pull them all off haha.

For today I wanted to have a little more fun with the theme of Pride itself.  It's a not so secret dream of mine to go to a huge Pride Parade and just meet a bunch of people and just have fun dancing and laughing with everyone.  Sadly I still haven't gotten to at this point in my life, but that didn't stop me from bringing the Pride Parade to my nails!

Lush Lacquer Sugar Daddy

For today, I decided to wear Lush Lacquer's Sugar Daddy, a sheer white based polish packed with rainbow hex and bar glitter!  With the base being so sheer, I decided to paint two coats over a two coat base of OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls.  And for this one, when I say packed with glitter...I mean PACKED! 

I just had to use this polish for Pride because all it makes me think of is rainbow confetti raining down on the fabulousness of a Pride Parade (or so I assume it looks).  Who doesn't want to be covered with rainbow confetti rain and have a grand old time at a parade?!?!  Exactly, no one.

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Now for my moment of being more topical.  After my first post, I decided I wanted to add something to each post that was uplifting and affirming, or just plain supportive.  Today, I wanted to share a speech from a show that I just recently have become OBSESSED with, Queer As Folk (I know I'm super behind.)

I adore this show and how it addresses all the diversity and similarities in the LGBT community as compared to the straight community, making it a point to show that there is no difference, people live their lives how they want whether they're gay or straight.  But of course there are always moments of deep emotion and one of these moments hit me hard simply because it was one of the few times that anyone, let alone a tv show managed to voice my personal beliefs so well, so I thought I'd share here.

I couldn't agree with these words more.  I am the apparent anomaly of a Christian Ally (more common than most might think).  So as such, I want to say that I don't for one moment agree that the God I believe in hates anyone, especially for a reason like their sexuality.  We were created in love and anointed as the children of God, no matter what, completely unconditionally.

Now, I know a lot of people personally who have been persecuted by so called "Christians" simply for being themselves and loving who they wished, and I want to apologize.  No one has the right to judge you, especially for something that isn't wrong. 

So for this Pride Month, I say be proud and if someone decides to tell you you can believe what you believe because of who you are, reply simply that you'll be praying for them and wish them love.

LGBT Pride Month: Kick off manicure!

Hi all!

So today is June 1st, and in case you didn't know, it is the first day of National LGBT Pride Month in the US!

Now, if you haven't noticed my Proud Ally sticker on this blog, then I guess it's high time you know that I am a proud (and rather emphatic) supporter of the LGBT community and it's causes.

So, when it's Pride Month, I can't just sit idly by with normal manicures, NO!  When I have so many color options at my disposal, it's only fair that I use my polishes to show my love and appreciation for all things rainbow and purple and for my friends and family that are a part of the LGBTQQIAAP community.

So for today, I have my first LGBT Pride manicure in what will be my MONTH OF PRIDE series of posts!

Megan Miller Velvet Lounge and rainbow gems

I thought I'd start of with something simple and straightforward.  Now some of you may have seen the manicure I took inspiration from (after all it's all over Pinterest haha).  In that image the base is a black with the rainbow gems, topped off with a matte top coat.

For my manicure, I wanted to have a little bit of a change so I first decided on a purple base (it is Pride, right?).  For that I use Megan Miller Velvet Lounge, a nice deep eggplant purple color that is basically a jelly-creme, sheer enough for some but buildable.  Then I simply added my little rainbow nail gems, off center and stuck on with a rather thick line of quick dry top coat and a toothpick dipped in top coat to make it sticky enough to pick up the gems.  I also decided to stay with the gloss finish instead of matte, simply because I prefer how the gems catch light with the shiny finish rather than otherwise.

I'm really excited about this manicure, and I'm even more excited to experiment with more rainbow and purple options as the month goes on!

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Now, I want to be serious for a moment.  LGBT rights are a very important subject for me and at the moment, for the world.  I have a very large soft spot on my heart for anyone and everyone involved in the changes that are being made everyday to ensure that we can truly say we are the home of the free. 

I want to make sure that anyone who reads my blog knows that I am a proud LGBT Ally and am always here for anyone and everyone who may need someone to talk to when they fear there may not be anyone there.  Remember, you are always, ALWAYS loved.  There is someone in your life who will be there for you, and if for some reason you can't find them right now, I'm here for you!

To all my readers LGBT or straight or anything else you may identify as, I hope you will always remember, though it may seem like the world is struggling to accept what is around them, it's their problem, not yours.  You were made to be just who you are and someone has a problem that, its just it, its THEIR problem.  But I know things can be difficult, and with the epidemic of bullying we have in the world, and especially on the internet, it can seem like there is no escape from the indescribably cruelty of human beings.  However, even though it's been said and may sound trite, things do get better, don't give up, your life and your place in this world is so valuable.

In this Pride Month, I remind you to be PROUD of who you are, no matter what you identify as, and know that there are people like myself who are PROUD to say you're in the world. 

Feel free to contact me if you ever want to talk, or just need someone to listen. (catsclawspolish@gmail.com

Leave me a comment and Like and Follow me in all your social media (check the About Me section for info).

Hugs & Kisses & Great Polishes!

~ Cat

Last Manicures of May 2013: OPI Ya'll Come Back Ya Hear with Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat Peach Fuzz, Revlon Brilliant Strength Intrigue, & China Glaze Snap My Dragon

As the title says (my way of avoiding calling this a catch up post lol), these are the manicures I wore for the last week of May that I made sure to photograph to share with you all!

Kind of weird to think that May is already over...and I'm still in my parents' house (womp womp).

Oh well, at least I have my polishes and my desperate obsessions with geeky fandoms to console me.

*sobs in the corner*

Alright...I'm back and okay.  ON TO THE NAILS!

OPI Ya'll Come Back Ya Hear & Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat Peach Fuzz

First up I have a fun glitter gradient using one of the new Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat collection polishes, Peach Fuzz.  For this manicure I started with a base of three coats of OPI's Ya'll Come Back Ya Hear, one of the sorbet shades from the Texas Collection which is a nice sheer medium orange jelly.  Over that, I sponged on a gradient of Peach Fuzz, a polish made up of peach and yellow mini matte bar glitters.

The Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat collection is essentially the "drugstore" answer to the Nails Inc. Feathers collection.  I was actually really happy to see these in stores since I was in love with the Feathers polishes but had absolutely no desire to pay at least $10 per bottle.  The colors in this Sally Hansen collection are a lot of fun and the effect of the glitters are really unique, so I can't wait to use the others I have!

Revlon Brilliant Strength Intrigue

 Next I have Revlon Intrigue from the Brilliant Strength line.  This polish is a really pretty periwinkle blue with a little sheen of purple and silver.  I've never tried this line from Revlon before, I've seen a few swatches of other colors online but Brilliant Strength FINALLY made it to my store recently so I thought I'd try this color since it was so pretty.  I have to say the formula on this polish was great, smooth and can be opaque in two coats, though I went with my standard three.  Once it was dry, I was even more surprised that it actually did make my nails feel a bit stronger than using regular typically does, so that was nice, since I never feel like my nails are strong enough.

China Glaze Snap My Dragon

Then finally, for the last week of May I wore China Glaze's Snap My Dragon from the Avant Garden collection.  This polish is a gorgeous bright red with a slight pink tinted shimmer.  It went on smoothly and looked great, no streaks even with the shimmer being slightly frosty.  I do have to say, I'm not used to wearing bright red polishes, most of the time I go for dark, vampy reds if any reds at all, so I often forget how fun these are, especially as it gets closer to summer.  I did have a little problem with some skin staining as I was removing this one, but a little extra cleaning got rid of that no problem, and the staining wasn't on my nails at all.  Just another color I love from the Avant Garden collection!

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So what do you guys think?  Are you preparing for summer months and manicures?  What do you look forward to wearing on your nails?

Leave me comments and don't forget to Like and Follow me on social media (info in the About me section).

Hugs & Kisses & Great Polishes!

~ Cat