Teach Me Something Thursday, Volume Four.

The fourth post in the TMST series comes from my friend, Lauren. She has been making killer nail art for quite some time, + I asked her to create something special for the blog. Lauren is going to teach us how to create an ikat pattern nail art manicure!

This nail art tutorial is for an ikat pattern nail art manicure.  Ikats are patterned textiles and fabrics produced by tying and resist-dying threads before weaving, similar in process to tie-dying.  Ikat nail designs are fun and easy to do and you can use just about any colors.  Also, this mani is great because it doesn't have to be perfect!  This is always a plus, especially when trying to paint your non-dominant hand.  When doing an ikat pattern, I personally prefer to use bright contrasting colors but neutrals will work too.  The options are endless!  

Suggested materials:

ANY brand is fine, but I will tell you which brands and colors I am using for this particular mani

  • Base coat - Seche Clear

  • Top coat - Seche Vite, which is very quick drying and super shiny

  • White nail polish - Sally Hansen Insta-Dry in "Whirlwind White"

  • Black nail striper - Kiss brand Brush-On Nail Art Paint striper  "Black"

  • 2 different colored nail polishes, a base color & an accent - China Glaze "Turned Up Turquoise" as the base color, Sinful Colors "Fusion Neon" as the pink accent color 

  • A clean, small paintbrush or cotton swabs, for cleaning the cuticles afterwards (optional)

  • Nail polish remover (optional)

Before you begin painting your design:

These steps are totally optional, but definitely recommended!

  • Put down some paper towels on your work area, in case of any spills. 

  • Be sure to remove any old nail polish.  

  • Gently file nails into desired shape and remove any deep ridges with a buffer

  • Push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher or orange wood stick and trim if desired.

  • Put down some paper towels on your work area, in case of any spills. 

  • To make things easier to find (and because I'm super neurotic) I always set up my polishes in the order that they will be used.  

  • Apply a base coat to protect from potential staining from color polish; wait for it to dry completely.

Step 1:

Apply 2 coats of the base color and allow to dry.  

It is important to allow all polish to dry before applying a different one over it, otherwise the colors will bleed.

Step 2:

Apply the white polish in an oval-type shape.  It doesn't have to be perfect, just a general oval.

It is better to make the ovals going up and down the nail, instead of across, because you will run out of room.

Try not to keep too much polish on the brush, because you don't want the color to accidentally drip on the nail in a spot that doesn't look good.

Wait for the white to dry.

Step 3:

Apply the accent color over the white ovals.  This can be done any way you'd like.  You can leave more white showing or less, it's up to you! 

Paint the accent color in a similar fashion as the white, not using too much polish on the brush to avoid drips.

For the sake of variety, on some ovals I did a smaller oval-ish blob in the middle, others I did 3 smaller blobs and some I made a C or G shape.

As always, let it dry!

Step 4:

Using the black striper, begin to paint multiple thin lines lengthwise, thus creating a border on the white ovals.

Don't worry if your lines aren't perfect and the same length.. varying and imperfect lines actually look better and more "textured" and fabric-like!

Personally, I found that starting with the longer lines on the side of the ovals was easier to get the desired shape.

The side edge borders can be as thick or thin as you'd like, just paint more or less lines.

Step 5:

Once the 2 longer sides are done, paint shorter lines lengthwise, very close together until you've made lines all the way across the top and bottom.

As in step 4, varying lengths look better than using the same length line over and over.

You can make your end borders as short or long as you'd like, just by painting shorter or longer lines.

Step 6:

Using the black striper again, and in the same manner as the border, paint thin lines lengthwise somewhere in the center of the oval.  

This will create an imperfect center dot.  The center dot can be as big or small as you'd like and it doesn't have to be perfectly centered.

Allow to fully dry, and apply top coat.  

Step 7:

This step is completely optional, but if you are as neurotic as I am, it will help achieve that perfect neat manicure.

You can use either a small paintbrush or cotton swab, dip it in nail polish remover, and use it to erase any excess polish on your cuticles and skin.

Be careful not to use too much remover, otherwise you will risk ruining your design.  If you opt for the brush, be sure to use brushstrokes in the same direction, don't "swish" the brush around, it tends to spread the excess polish rather than remove it.

And that's it!  I hope this tutorial has inspired you to try ikat patterned nail art!

Check out more of Lauren's awesome nail art on Instagram + her brand-new blog, Bad Luck Barbie.

Skrillex, Dark Chocolate and Seaweed Salad.

Today was a good day. Here are a few things that made me smile today (besides this gem).

Draw Something rules so much. I've drawn Skrillex twice - once for Dubstep, once for Skrillex. I like drawing Skrillex, even though I'm horrible at it. I also had to explain to my former college professor on how to play, because he didn't read the directions. 

Dark chocolate is good for you. This was no exception. I am a sucker for dark chocolate. I also did my nails in the wee morning hours. My thumb already chipped. Damn you, Sally Hansen.

Eating my greens, in the form of leftover seaweed salad. I need to learn how to make my own, because every time I get to the end, the seaweed is swimming in oil and vinegar. That part totally creeps me out.

What made you smile today? 

So, I decided that I'm running a 5K.

When I had walked back to my computer yesterday evening, I had this message flashing at the bottom of Facebook:


Liz: Do you want to do Couch to 5K with me? Then do a 5K at the Bronx Zoo April 28?


This message could not be answered via social network, this required pseudo human interaction. I grabbed my phone, dialed, and when Liz picked up, I was like "What is this about a 5K?' Inquiring minds wanted to know what spurred this out of the blue request.


1. Couch to 5K = 9 week running regimen for those who haven't ran since... ever, I guess? The last time I really ran was when I was late to marching band practice in high school, and I had to do laps around the football field.


2. WCS Run for the Wild at the Bronx Zoo is a 5K that helps raise money for animals. This year, funds will be used to help WCS help animals at the zoo and around the world. The focus this year = the lion.


So, after hearing her out, and taking about thirty seconds to think about it, I said sure, what the hell. I've always wanted to run in some sort of organized event, and accomplishing this before the big 3-0 would be even cooler. We decided that training had to start this weekend, so securing proper running shoes was imperative. Sayville Running Company is a local specialty running store, which I have heard nothing but good things about.


Upon entering the store, a gentleman greeted us and asked what we needed help with. I told him we needed serious help, and told him what we had planned on doing. He told us we were in the right place and told us he would help us find the right pair for our feet. In order to do so, we had to get on a machine that assesses your feet. Unbeknownst to me, I have high arches. After the machine test, I had to walk, with my pants rolled up, so the gentleman could see how I walk. I was told that I was overpronating. I was shown which shoes are the best for my feet. All in less than four minutes.


Seconds after I was shown the shoes that best suited my needs, I had found my dream shoe. Ladies and gentleman, feast your eyes on the ASICS GEL-Noosa Tri 7.

Now, for those who know me, this shoe is an absolute given. I mean, I walked into the store wearing yellow ASICS. I own Doc Martens covered in Sanrio characters. Jeffery Campbell Litas splattered with paint. I like loud, probably because I am loud. Liz smiled and said, "Those shoes are obnoxious, just like you!" While she was teasing me, but there is a bit of truth to that statement. Within fifteen, maaaaybe twenty minutes of walking in the store, we were out the door, new running sneakers in tow. I am stoked beyond repair. How often does a gal have an actual legitimate reason to buy new shoes? I haven't had one in years. 

I signed up for the 5K last night. Between now and April, I will be collecting donations for this cause. If you have a few bucks to spare, you can donate on my page. No donation is too small and all are greatly appreciated. If you're broke, but know a family member who likes donating to worthy causes, pass the link onto them! I'm hoping to raise at least $1,500. I know that is a lot of money, but animals need us to use our voices to help them.

Now, onto other things. My obsession with Greek yogurt has gotten even more delicious. I found some local raw wildflower honey while grocery shopping the other day. Tonight, I drizzled some onto 0% Plain Chobani Greek yogurt. 

I love this wildflower honey so much, I decided to spread some onto a stoned (yes, stoned) wheat thin.

I found out that using locally sourced honey actually helps regarding colds and allergies. It has something to do with the pollen in the area where you live. Not the most technical explanation, but when I read it, it made total sense. Plus, supporting local businesses is one of my favorite ways to give back to the community. 

You might also notice those fancy fingers holding onto that honey covered stoned wheat thin. After almost a week with bare nails, I decided to water marble my nails. I stuck to colors that reminded me of the water, which is one of my favorite places to be. 

Water marble nails are time consuming, a unique way to paint your nails. YouTube has some great water marble tutorials. I would make one, but there enough videos on the subject. I'll spend my time blogging and preparing for this 5K instead!

May the force be with you,

Michele

Fashion, Futures + Football.

On Friday, I was sent a rejection email from a major insurance company about my employment inquiry. I was more relieved than bummed. I mean, sure, I need a job, but desk jobs aren't my thing. Being on my feet, running around like a lunatic is how I roll. Most of my meals are usually eaten while standing, too (my mother has told me for years to cut it out, but of course, I ignored her). I wasn't going to let this news get me down, so I made plans with my friend, Dianna, to discuss blogs, creativity and whatnot.

I arrived at her place, armed with iced soy lattes and my artillery of nail polish. Our boyfriends were working - they actually work together, so it was going to be a laid back girls night. Dianna is an amazing stylist (she recently helped style MGMT for their appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) and accessory designer, so we discussed her latest ventures and some possible designs for her upcoming pieces. We also talked blogging, being fiscally responsible (we both agree - it totally sucks sometimes), cooking and getting our asses to the gym. 

Leather Stud Ring, custom + made to order.

While painting my nails, I also watched The Devil Wears Prada in its entirety for once - I always catch bits and pieces, never the whole film. I really enjoyed it, and realized that I am a bit like the protagonist, Andy Sachs, in the beginning of the film - clueless about how to put together an outfit. Thankfully, I have Dianna, who I have texted on more than one occasion about what the hell to do with my wardrobe. She will actually be featured in an upcoming post, helping me put together a few outfits/offering pointers, and doing a giveaway on a piece from her upcoming collection - so keep your eyes peeled.

Bright stripes, topped with black crackle.

I left that evening feeling energized about my future. Granted things were not going exactly as planned, I was making good use of my free time. Surrounding oneself with positive and insightful friends is so important! Keeping negative people/energy as far away as humanly possible can be difficult at times, but being dragged down by others is no picnic.

Saturday remained uneventful, until the evening. Erich's childhood friend, James, came over to work on the computer they had just finished building. This has been a weeklong project, so by Saturday night, I was sick of hearing about wireless cards, motherboards, fans, and whatever else those two were going on about. I mean, I love their enthusiasm about this fine piece of machinery (which is another post in the works), but there is only so much of this I want to listen to. I escaped to snag an iced soy gingerbread chai latte. Thankfully, James' girlfriend had just gotten home from work, so we decided to grab a quick bite to eat. Part of my crankiness was due to being hungry, so once I filled my belly, I was in a better mood. 

Sunday brought a job interview and the Super Bowl. The interview went well, and I should know by Monday evening if the job is mine - fingers crossed! The Super Bowl, in my opinion, is Thanksgiving, version 2.0. You stuff your face with various comfort foods until you are totally uncomfortable and watch football. As a child, my parents would always take us to a family friend's party for the game, so the Super Bowl always felt like a holiday, except with football jerseys and new commercials. Erich treated us to takeout from BOBBiQUE and we relaxed at home with our kittens. 

Super Bowl XLVI.

I must say, the commercials this year were a bit of a letdown. The only one that I liked was the Volkswagen/Star Wars themed commercial, but even that wasn't as good as the one they released last year. As for the half time show, it was better than recent bits, but thats not saying much. The costumes were cool, but lip syncing is lame. M.I.A. flipping the bird was probably the highlight of the performance. Truth be told, I didn't really care who won the game, but by the fourth quarter, I was rooting for the Giants. For the first time, my boyfriend saw me scream at the television. I got really into the game! Manningham pretty much saved the game for the Giants, and Bradshaw tried to kill time before making the touchdown, but looked like he was taking a shit in the end zone. Both of those plays will be talked about for years - Manningham's for the badassery; Bradshaw's for the most awkward touchdown ever.

Now, back to the grind to better myself!