The Manicured Monkey Presents: Nicole Gets Nailed

Your name:  Nicole

● Blog link:  http://nearlynailed.blogspot.ca/

● Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/nearlynailed

● Twitter:  @nearlynailed

● Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/nearlynailed/

● Tumblr:  http://nearlynailed.tumblr.com/

● Instagram:  nearlynailed

Your name:  Nicole

Blog name:  Nicole gets Nailed

Favorite polish brand/color/finish:  Anything that's under $10, I haven’t been doing this very long and would rather have a lot of options, rather than quality polish – this may change as I progress.  Right now, I’m changing my polish daily, so buying expensive nail polish doesn’t seem financially responsible!!  There is one exception to this and that is I will pay for a quality base and top coat.  I was having issues with my mani chipping  the next day, so bought some Orly Bonder, this has worked pretty good so far, it's quite pricey, but it's worth it.  My favorite top coat is Seche Vite, this stuff is like liquid gold, I swear by it and I'm willing to shell out the cash to make sure I always have a supply.

Why did you start your blog?:  I had been posting my daily manicures on facebook for a couple of weeks and my buddy suggested I start a blog.  I thought, hey why not, hopefully I can provide inspiration to other nail polish/art enthusiasts or just get some validation that my hobby isn’t a complete waste of time!

What do you think is your specialty mani?:  I don’t know if I’ve been doing this long enough to have one.  When I look at my labels on my blog it appears that a modified French manicure may be something I do often, but I really love Leopard print (which I’ve been calling Cheetah print in error) and it’s so easy to do – love it!

Where do you look for inspiration?  There are so many creative nail bloggers out there, it’s amazing!  I’m not going to list them, because there’s so many and I don’t want to leave anyone out.  I’m usually trolling the internet or following nail bloggers or nail enthusiasts on the various social media outlets I’m linked into like:  Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumbler, Facebook.  If I’m super stuck, I will search google:  for example if I have a new blue polish, I will search for blue nail art or blue nails.  I find that there is a lot of pressure to come up with new ideas, but I’m really trying my darndest to do what I like and not worry about the number of followers my blog has.  I blog about my nails because I want to share, if someone doesn’t like my ideas, oh well!

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt?  Framed Manicure.  I love this trend, I think it looks so cool.  I don’t know if I have steady enough hands to complete it successfully, but I’m gonna try – oooo maybe even tonight!

One nail trend you are not on board with:  This is a toughy!  I love the idea and look of stamping, but one thing that really bothers me is that everyone has the same stamping set so there’s only so much you can do to differentiate yourself from the pack.  It took me a long time to decide to buy any stamping plates and I still haven’t successfully used them or posted about them.  I want to, but I want to be different – oh I hope I don’t get hate mail for this one!!

Do you have a nail care routine?  Yes, I’m obsessed with keeping my nails looking pretty even when naked (that doesn’t sound right....).  I’m not a professional and most of the stuff I’ve learned, I’ve learned from trolling the internet, but I do have a routine.  I’ve got eczema, luckily not on my hands, but it does cause some dryness around my cuticles so I’m always rubbing some Healthy Hoof on my nails throughout the day.  I change my polish every night, so first I will take off my polish, I’ve given up on regular nail polish remover, I use 100% acetone baby!!  Then every couple of weeks, I’ll slather on some cuticle softener (I have no idea what brand – I need new stuff, any suggestions?) and push back my cuticles with an orange stick.  If I’m not pushing back my cuticles, I’ll use Healthy Hoof and moisturize my nails before I clean them and apply polish.  I’m trying to grow my nails, so filing has been few and far between lately, but I make sure everything is the same shape and length, I use a low grit file and buffer to make sure there are no snagglers left behind.  I probably do some stuff that other nail bloggers would cringe at, let’s just say, I love my clippers (that I think are really toe nail clippers)....

 

What you hope readers take away from your blog:  I would love if I could inspire someone to start doing their nails or get into blogging.  I hope that folks enjoy my sense of humour and my love of nail polish!

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Walk In My Eyeshadow

Your name: Natalie Elise

Blog name: www.walkinmyeyeshadow.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WalkInMyEyeShadow

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/WalkInMyEyeShadow

Twitter: http://twitter.com/WalkInEyeShadow

Pintrest: http://pinterest.com/walkineyeshadow/

Favorite polish brand/color/finish:
I love China Glaze and OPI, I’m a bit of a snob that way and need to start expanding my collection. I live in Australia so I don’t have access to as many polish companies as I would like to have. My favourite colour to wear is purple. I LOVE flakie finish polishes but I tend to stick to wearing creme finishes mostly.

Why did you start your blog?:
I started my blog to go along with my Youtube channel (WalkInMyEyeShadow) where I post makeup tutorials. I began posting more nail related posts on my blog more than I posted on my Youtube, but I’m trying to get back into the routine of filming tutorials again



What do you think is your specialty mani?:
I don’t really have a specialty but I love nail art stamping, I have a large collection of image plates (with more on the way lol) and I love using those to add pretty and delicate designs to an otherwise boring manicure

Where do you look for inspiration?
Nail art blogs and Pintrest. I also get a lot of inspiration from nail related groups on Facebook

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt?
As I said, I’m pretty boring when it comes my polish application. I’m thinking of doing a series on my blog where I try out all the different application techniques (eg. water marble, splatter, etc) so if anyone has some good suggestions, please let me know

One nail trend you are not on board with:
Caviar manicure, I just don’t get it. Its pretty from a photography angle but I would go ape as soon as one ball fell off and I’d have to remove the whole thing

Do you have a nail care routine?
Yes and no. I attempt to keep my cuticles moisturized every day, and file my nails when they look haggard but when it comes to a full out manicure/nail care I only do it when I need to (or I feel like I need a little pampering)

What you hope readers take away from your blog:
I hope that they learn a thing or two and gain a little inspiration. I love hearing from my readers what they like and dislike about my posts because it helps me to improve my application techniques. I hope to inspire people and give them another way to look at nail art and beauty and maybe step out of the comfort zone once in awhile.

The Manicured Monkey Presents: The Little Canvas

Your name:  Alaina
Blog name: The Little Canvas (http://thelittlecanvas.blogspot.com)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thelittlecanvas

Twitter: www.twitter.com/thelittlecanvas

Favorite polish brand/color/finish:

Favorite Polish Brand – Sinful Colors/Sally Hansen/China Glaze (too many to pick!)

Favorite Polish Color – Mint Apple by Sinful Colors or Luminary by Sinful Colors

Favorite Finish – anything Shimmer - I typically add a glitter top coat (such as China Glaze Fairy Dust) to my creams to make them less flat.

Why did you start your blog?:

I started my blog after being inspired by so many other lovely nail bloggers.  After becoming addicted to nail art, and being told by many people in my personal life that I should photograph and share my photos, I decided to take a leap and start blogging.

What do you think is your specialty mani?:

Anything nail art is my specialty!  I rarely and I mean RARELY do a simple manicure, and if you ask anyone who knows me, the simple ones drive me insane.  I’ve been told that I’m really good at flower and animal manicures.

Where do you look for inspiration?

I’m inspired by a lot of things.  Sometimes I will see a shirt or a dress with a pattern I like and think “I need to have that on my nails.”  Nature, pictures, and colors have inspired me as well.  When I’m feeling un-inspired, I surf pinterest or look at other nail blogs.

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt?

Galaxy nails!  I’m going to attempt them in the near future, but it’s the one thing I have really yet to try.

One nail trend you are not on board with:

Magnetic nails.  Don’t get me wrong, I think they’re really cool looking, but they aren’t for me.  I purchased a magnetic polish and quickly returned it after it didn’t work out.

Do you have a nail care routine?

This is where I’m not 100% like other bloggers.  Cutting and pushing my cuticles back freaks me out.  I can’t do it.  I’m not sure why but I can’t.  I will push back a cuticle if I have to and it looks awful, but other than that, I let them go.  I typically cut my nails and file any sharp weird edges.  Then I typically moisturize my hands/cuticles with regular hand lotion.

What you hope readers take away from your blog:

I hope to inspire others to attempt nail art like so many bloggers have inspired me.  I never knew I had this ability, and wouldn’t have if it weren’t for this amazing community.  Painting and blogging has become a huge joy for me, so I hope that someone may find the same joy!

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Life In Color!

Your name: Gosia

Blog name: Life in Color! , also known as ColorfulCrack (www.colorfulcrack.com)

Other links:  Twitter @ColorfulCrack

                   Pinterest: ColorfulCrack

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: I have so many brands that I love that I couldn’t really pinpoint one! I do love blues however! My favorite finish is anything with shimmer.

Why did you start your blog?: As my collection was growing I wanted to show it off to the world. I often get polishes based on swatches seen on other blogs, so I was hoping to inspire others to do the same!

What do you think is your specialty mani?: I do a lot of simple nail art that includes one or two accent fingers. I feature manicures appropriate for work!
Also, my specialty ‘theme’ is Thirsty Thursdays where I feature a drink/cocktail inspired by nail polish!

Where do you look for inspiration? Fellow nail polish bloggers of course!

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt? Gradient nails! They look awesome but I still haven’t gotten around to yet! Also watermarble, that one looks pretty intimidating =)

One nail trend you are not on board with: “Caviar” nails. You’ll never see them on my blog! =)

Do you have a nail care routine? My cuticles would be trashed if I didn’t!! My staples are Lemony Flutter by “Lush” (I use it at least twice a day) and Burt’s Bees Cuticle Cream (I use it very often at work where I use a lot of drying alcohol foam)

What you hope readers take away from your blog: That nail art can be office/work friendly too! I really hope to inspire other people to get some nail polish based on my swatches =)

The Manicured Monkey Presents: A Little Polish

Your name: Stephanie

Blog name: A Little Polish and on Facebook!

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: Favorite Brand: China Glaze, Favorite Color: Pink, Favorite Finish: Glossy

Why did you start your blog?: I was posting a lot of nail polish photos on my personal Facebook account and one of my friends mentioned that I should get a YouTube channel to do tutorials. I am NO GOOD at making videos, but it did spark my interest in creating a blog to show off my mani's and help inspire my friends (and now followers too!)

What do you think is your specialty mani?: This is a hard one! I would have to say that my “specialty” would be striped mani’s. I like to think that my freehand striping work is pretty good!

Where do you look for inspiration? There are so many other talented bloggers out there that I get my inspiration from a lot of those girls! They do something amazing, and I need to try it for myself. I also see ideas on Pintrest and try to get creative when doing challenge mani’s.

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt? I have yet to attempt the “Spun Sugar” look mani that so many girls have done in the past – I think I’m not patient enough to let my polish get “stringy”.

One nail trend you are not on board with: Holographic. I have a couple holo polishes but I just can’t seem to get on board with the trend, what can I say, I prefer “cream” polishes.

Do you have a nail care routine? I am pretty bad with my nail care routine I must admit. I use strengthening polish remover and cuticle oil every now and then, other than that I try to just not pick at any hangnails (It was a bad habit until I started getting into blogging and realized they look horrible on the computer in close up pictures!)

What you hope readers take away from your blog: I would like my readers to take away that I am just a fun loving girl who has the blog for fun! Not everything will be perfect, but the blog reflects my personality and who I am, and I hope my readers enjoy it!

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Bee Polished

Your name: Bee

Blog name: Bee Polished

Favorite brand/color/finish: It's so hard to choose a favorite brand but right now I think it's probably Barry M. I love cremes and greys, blues and teals.

Why did you start your blog: It originally started as a way for me to show my family and friends my nail art without clogging up their facebook feeds! And it became a way to share my passion with people who shared it.

What do you think is your specialty mani: I probably do a lot more leaopard than anything else. It was a mani I resisted for a long time but ended up falling in love with.

Where do you look for inspiration: Everywhere. I love to use patterns for inspiration and also abstract things like nature and food. :P

What's one mani you have yet to attempt: I haven't done much with flocking yet. Just one little stripe down a nail during my Harry Potter challenge. I like the idea of it but hate the exectution.

One nail trend you are not on board with: Duck nails. Or really acrylics in general. I love my natural nails and to me there's such a fine line between enhancements being fake and being narural looking.

Do you have a nail care routine: Not really. I try to use cuticle oil everyday but I mostly fail at that and I give myself a manicure probably once a month which is not nearly as often as I should.

What you hope readers take away from your blog: I'd like people to leave feeling inspired. I would hope it encourages them to look at the things around them in a different way and to see all the art the ordinary things around them have to offer.

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Work Play Polish!

Your name: Leslie

Blog name:  work / play / polish (http://workplaypolish.com)

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: Hands down, my favorite is Zoya. I love their buttery formula, small brushes and range of modern colors. Something about Zoya…they are always current, never dated. My favorite finishes are creams and very fine glitters. I haven’t jumped on the indie glitter bandwagon – but I’m dipping my toe in the water.

Why did you start your blog: I’ve always loved doing my nails. In fact, during college I went to cosmetology school and got my managing manicurist license. After college, I entered the office-bound workforce and forgot about my nails. Then my daughter asked me about it and I was hooked once again. I got my license renewed and started the blog completely for fun. I wanted a place where you could find fun nails, but also looks that you could wear to the office.

What do you think is your specialty mani: I’m really into dots lately. Perfect dots. Big. Small. You name it. I don’t know if that’s my specialty…but I’m certainly doing my share.

Where do you look for inspiration?: Everywhere. It’s ridiculous. I have a 30 minute commute to and from work. During that time, I’m looking at road signs and car finishes. At work I’m inspired by a stack of post-it notes or a box of pencils. And of course, I’m inspired by all of the established bloggers out there who do beautiful work.

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt? Water marble. It just seems like sooooo much work. I’m afraid it won’t work. I’ll try it eventually.

One nail trend you are not on board with: Claw shaped nails. Sorry. Can’t do it. Plus, it seems like an occupation hazard! I’m a square girl – in many ways!

Do you have a nail care routine? I don’t do any routine consistently. I try to keep my cuticles pushed back and moisturized and file sharp edges or snags immediately. I keep my nails polished ALL the time. It’s the best advice I can give anyone trying to grow long nails.

What you hope readers take away from your blog: That nails can be a hobby. Some people scrapbook, some people bake or decorate or garden. Me? I do my nails. It’s my creative outlet and no one should be ashamed of it! It’s a great stress reliever and the journey (hunting for a rare polish or cataloging your stash) can be just as important as a well-manicured hand.

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Joyluscious

Name: Joy 

Blog name: joyluscious (blog.joyluscious.com) joyluscious (on pinterest)

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: At the moment, Nubar and OPI, pinks/reds/purples,/blues, Duo Chromes

Why did you start your blog?: I just turned 36 and got addicted to nail polish. There is just so much to learn, so much to see, and so much new tools/toys to play with. Manicure/pedicure and blogging have given me a new medium to express my creative side with the little “me” time that I have as a wife and mom of twins. 

What do you think is your specialty mani?:

Skittles and time laps manicure. I get bored looking at the same manicure everyday so I like to change things up a bit on daily basis. So on my blog, I show how my manicure changes throughout a period of 3 to 5 days. So far, I’ve tried, french manicure masking/taping, layering, tie-dye, and frankening. I just place an order for some stamping supplies and hoping to add it to my repertory.

Where do you look for inspiration?
My twins, my friends, blogs, magazines, colors, nature, fine art paintings, music, fashion/clothing, and new polish that I've purchased that week.

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt?
Stamping is on the top of my list.

One nail trend you are not on board with:
Crazy 3D (or just over the top pointy nail art) just not going to work for a practical mom.

Do you have a nail care routine? I have a post nail polish removal routine of Trader Joe’s Aloe gel then follow by Vitamin E oil. I also have a nail shaping method and also favorite cuticle balm and regiment for my (used to be very cracked but “crack no more”) dancing feet. However, I misinformed and used nail hardener (when I really needed was nail strengthener) so now nursing a couple split nails… live and learn.  I am still searching for some treatment and products that works well with my body/nail chemistry.  I am going to be posting some of the products that I like to use in the very near future.
What you hope readers take away from your blog:
My blog really is a journey, an adventure. I hope they find it honest, informative, fun, and want to try something new for themselves.  Beauty within everyone and all you have to do it bring it out. It doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming, just try and show that you care.

Photos provided:Skittles manicure wore three ways. You can have it plain. You can make it flower. Or you can have it under the Click Clack Moo.

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Polish My Mind!

Your name: Basia, although I use name Bazzia 

Blog link: http://polishmymind.blogspot.

se/

No nail-facebook got only my own (Basia Bandych - that is just if you wanna use it)

"Getting to know you":

Your name: My name is Basia although I use name Bazzia. Yes, very strange but Im a bit strange person too :)

Blog name: http://polishmymind.blogspot.

se/

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: Hm, when it comes to colors Im a sucker for purples and blues, I love creme finish but then again glitters are awesome too. Brand? OPI, ChG and IsaDora but the last one mentioned have in their polishes very big brushes and painting my baby nails is tricky.

Why did you start your blog?: Since I remember I liked painting my nails, creating (read trying to create) cute manis. One day a friend of mine sent me a picture of some sort of mani, sadly I cant remember what it was, but I thought to myself "Hey! I could do it too, it looks awesome!" So I did! I started to search for nail blogs to read more about how to do all of this amazing stuff and get more inspiration! After some time I decided to start my own blog. I wanted to share my thoughts, my sometimes miserable manis and of course get to know more crazy nail polish ladies out there!

What do you think is your specialty mani?: My specialty mani? I dont think I even have one! haha But if I were to chose I'd pick water marble and gradient. Im not a master of either of those manis but they dont cause me trouble when I do them.

Where do you look for inspiration?: My fellow bloggers! I often find myself stuck with ideas when it comes to manis so I check around about million blogs to find some inspiration. I do not steal ideas but the more different manis I check out, the more ideas I get. Gets easier to combine some of the stuff I like into a great mani! I like to look around myself too, when Im with friends (their clothes often provide some cute pattern or color combination that I later transfer into my mani) or even when I take a walk, our great nature is beautiful!

What's one mani you have yet to attempt?: Well, nail wraps, Im kind of afraid of them. They can be very costy here in Sweden and Im afraid that if I dont like the result or Ill be clumsy with putting the wraps on my nails Ill just waste money on it. I rather buy another bottle of nail polish :)

One nail trend you are not on board with: I've seen pictures of duck nails a few times and all I can say is USCH!!! >.< I cannot say more, obviously there are ladies that like it so Ill let them have it.

Do you have a nail care routine?: I nourish my nails everyday, you can call it nail care routine but I think of it as necessary moisturizing my dry cuticles and post gel nails. I fix my cuticles when its needed :)

What you hope readers take away from your blog: Inspiration and information of course! They can see swatches, nail art and some helpful tips. Im kind of new into all of it but my readers make me wanna do more, so thank all of you!

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Nail Craze With Dayze

My Name is Daysi Membreno (Dayze)

My blog name is Nail Craze with Dayze

Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram: nailcrazewithdayze (username), Tumblr

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: Essie/every color and finish!

Why did you start your blog?: To share my obsession with anyone that has the same interests as me J

What do you think is your specialty mani?:

Where do you look for inspiration? My fellow bloggers and favorite search engine google.

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt? Water Marbling

One nail trend you are not on board with: A flair for fabric. I can’t even begine to imagine how hard it would be to apply and remove fabric on my nails.




Do you have a nail care routine? YES

I make sure to clean them daily.

File and trim once a week.

Along with trimming once a week I give myself a home manicure. Taking care of my cuticles and hangnails etc.

What you hope readers take away from your blog: Pure enjoyment like I do with there’s J

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Secretary's Nail Art

Your name: Dina Ramse

Blog name: Secretary`s Nail Art

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: Blue, everything blue!

Why did you start your blog?: I started with nail art around Christmas, and I got so many comments on what I did, and they were wondering how I did it, and such. So after a while I decided to start a blog.

What do you think is your specialty mani?: I haven't done this for so long, so I'm not sure, but I do love stamping.

Where do you look for inspiration? Other blogs mostly. I follow 60-70 different blogs, reading them whenever they post, adding some to my Evernote-app in Chrome, if I want to redo them, or just really really love em. I also get ideas crashing in my head out of nowhere.

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt? Galaxy nails.

One nail trend you are not on board with: Those Velvet nails using flocking powder. To me, flocking powder is for Warhammer 40k, miniature battlemaps, not nails.

Do you have a nail care routine? Yes, I have to. The work as a secretary makes me need a lot more moisturizer, than others, since I work with papers all day.  So I have different moisturizer throughout the day. Start with a thick one, designed for dry hands, then into a lighter one with herbs, incase I get paper cuts. When I get home I often use body butter, and end the day with Hemp hand protector from The Body Shop. I also use Lemon Cuticle Cream, whenever needed.
Every 14th day I use a mild scrub for hands, and cuticles, push them back with an orange stick.

What you hope readers take away from your blog: Inspiration, feeling that they can do this too. :)

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Beaching Nails

Hello. I'm Beaching Nails  (Sandy)

FB.. http://www.facebook.com/beaching.nails 

FB Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Beach-Nails/401039179947662?ref=hl 

Pinterest  http://pinterest.com/beachingnails/ 

Nail Blog http://beachingnails.blogspot.com/ 

Blog name: As of now I have it Surfer Girl AKA Beaching Nails. I want my blog more set up for a surfer background. Since Nail surfing is what we all do. I wanted to take with that.

Favorite polish brand/color/finish..  OOH Geez.. I have to pick just 1..Wow..umm. It really depends on the style of art of effect I am  going for. I have about 900 bottles of all different makes and colors. At the moment China Glaze has been my go to polish. It dries quickly and most stamp great... I love Pink polish That color alone I have over 100 But I don't always paint with it. I like to use colors I haven't tried yet or has been neglected and all lonely.. I don't have a preference in a finish but certain Mani's just look 1,000X better matte than shiny.

 Why did you start your blog?:.I have always wanted to start a blog but I thought I could never do it. Im not great on my blog but i do try my hardest. There's  alot I need to add to it still..I have so many other bloggers bookmarked on my pc that I have been reading on for the past 2 years or better. And I wanted to be able to share my work. I will NOT be a "nail snob" I will share my tips and tricks. I will be faithful to my word on products I use, even if they are not great. I will tell you. I am against false advertisement. I want to grow with the Nail Art World and continue to learn exciting and new things. Plus having this blog is a great way that I can see how much or less my progress is.. I have been in the girls shoes who has just started out ,and its tough. Trust me I have been there done that. Read this and that. I have put many hours searching the internet to help me. And I have learned that certain secrets people are not willing to share. I have some things down but not all. I am still learning too. And yes its difficult to stamp straight and center. And you will hear practice -practice-practice too. Trust me i wanted to be a star stamper from the beginning too. And all these things and more i want to share with all my followers and even non followers too. Over time I have gotten better :) and I am proud of my work now. 

 What do you think is your specialty mani?:..Nail Stamping..I am soon going to be pulling out my stuff for free hand art. But its difficult for my non-dominate hand. I really liked how my snake skin Mani turned out. It looked so real. But now I just did a Monroe mani and Wow that came out really good.

Where do you look for inspiration?.. I look everywhere..google, outside,stores, clothes,signs,things in everyday life. Sometimes I just go through my nail plates and get thoughts of images.

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt?..Gel polish and Shellac 

One nail trend you are not on board with: . Stiletto  nails.They are great on others but not my style.

Do you have a nail care routine? .. I do. Common things tho. File,lightly buff occasionally, push cuticles back (which I tend to get sniper happy with) And most important thing is cuticle oil.

What you hope readers take away from your blog:.. I kinda answered that above..oops.. I want readers to be like wow, omg she did that?, how?, I want to do that. How can I do that?.. And i will share :)

Also for fellow readers to see different  colors and brands of polish and how well they apply, how many coats, and how it dries, also how much too. If or when I get a chance for reviews on products I soo want to share all the ups and downs. I want my readers to feel close with me. I am hear to learn from them too. I also want them to see I am a normal person who has house cleaning/yard work and other things i do too just like them and not all my creations will be a success. Although I will try my hardest to make them all successful.Smudges happened,nails break,polish stains,cuticles dry out,acetone is tough on the cuticles,polishes thicken and can never dry right.. Trust me..I have been down all these roads and things I have learned on how to handle these crisis I want to share and problem learn more from other readers too. 

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Crazy Nail Lady!

Your name: Kelly Cooke

Blog name: Crazy Nail Lady

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: Milani/Sail Away

Why did you start your blog?: I needed to get all my nail ideas out there and out of my head.  Lord knows the world needs another nail blog :-P

What do you think is your specialty mani?: A French manicure with one accent nail.  My argyle nails are my favorite

Where do you look for inspiration? Everywhere.  I was in Target the other day and I saw a storage box and said to myself “ooo, that would be a good pattern for my nails” This is when I knew that my brain had been completely infiltrated with nail mania

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt? One of the first mani’s I fell in love with was the black matte with gloss French tips that Chloe’s nails did.  I bought matte top coat as one of my first purchases and I still haven’t used it.  Weird

One nail trend you are not on board with: I don’t like the leopard print.  Don’t know why, I just find it tacky

Do you have a nail care routine?  Yes.  Cuticle care 1-2 times a week, nail hardener, filing and the likes.  Nothing special. I sure wish I could get my nails all the same length and the same shape. boooo

What you hope readers take away from your blog: To enjoy the nail art and maybe learn a little something.  I also hope they get a giggle some days and make a connection to their lives somehow. 

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Kel's DIY Nails!

Name: Kelly 

Blog Name: Kell’s DIY Nails (www.facebook.com/KellsDIYnails)

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: 

Essie, Escapades is my top polish. It’s the polish that started my addiction. My favorite finish would be a good cream polish. It’s hard to nail down a particular color since I get on different kicks all the time.

Why did you start your blog? 

I started my Facebook Page because I wanted to share my manis yet the majority of my friends and family couldn’t have cared less. I had originally started posting my nail photos on my personal page and got some less than stellar feedback so I decided to make a Fan Page. My page is very simple, I keep it drama free and for about 6 months of the year I work at H&R Block so while I still post a photo at least weekly, I don’t have tons of time to be on it. (Although, I do like comments and questions… I will always get back to anyone who contacts me through my page).

What do you think is your specialty mani?

I don’t think I have a specialty mani just yet, other than a bright and colorful mani. I tend to shy away from dark colors… I’m pale and dark colors don’t work too much in my favor. I’m still working up to stamping and watermarbling. I’m somewhat hesitant because I don’t like busy nails for myself. I do like looking at others’ nail art though… but usually, once I try it on myself it just doesn’t fit me.

Where do you look for inspiration? 

Either an event I’m attending or an awesome mani I spotted on a nail blog. I like my nails to be a fashion statement yet compliment what I am wearing. For example, this summer I am loving neon nails because my summer attire is usually very simple as in shorts, a tee or tank, and flip flops in neutral colors, so, it’s nice to add that pop of color. If I were wearing a neon top I would probably go with a nude or taupe nail color; which, by the way, I love neutral nail colors.

What’s one mani you have yet to attempt? 

I really haven’t done any creative manis or nail art. Still waiting to blossom in that area. J But, I just won some fantastic stamping plates from a particular giveaway (?!?) and I purchased a stamp set today so hopefully I will be on my way to doing some stamping. (I bought the set you recommended by the way)

One nail trend you are not on board with: 

Caviar Nails. Not for me; I don’t see those having much staying power and losing little beads all through the day would kick my OCD into overdrive… LOL But, I do like seeing the ones others try; Just because it’s not my style doesn’t mean others can’t do it.

Do you have a nail care routine?

I do! I am a big believer in healthy nails so I use Barielle’s Nail Strengthening Cream. I also use Barielle’s Base and Top Coats. The Hydrating Ridge Filler Base Coat is my favorite; it helps me avoid buffing the surface of my nail which keeps my nails thicker and stronger. To keep my cuticles conditioned during the day I keep Burt’s Bees’ Lemon Butter Cuticle Balm in my bag.

What you hope readers take away from your blog: 

It’s not just about the polished nail… it’s about what’s underneath. Healthy nails will give you nails that are strong and beautiful. I am also transitioning to a Cruelty-Free lifestyle and I like to post about the products I try. I encourage a compassionate lifestyle because true beauty comes from within.

The Manicured Monkey Presents: Nail Polish is My Crack!

Your name: Elizedge (Elizabeth)

Blog name: Nail Polish is My Crack recent post : http://nailpolishismycrack.
blogspot.com/2012/06/debby-made-me-do-it.html

Favorite polish brand/color/finish: 
China Glaze/Orange/glassfleck

Why did you start your blog?:
 my kids complained I was blowing up their facebook pages

What do you think is your specialty mani?:
 dots for sure
Where do you look for inspiration? 
pinterest, other bloggers


What’s one mani you have yet to attempt? 
water marble- even bought all the polishes to match one but haven't done it ye


One nail trend you are not on board with: 
crackles ewwww

Do you have a nail care routine? 
yes!

What you hope readers take away from your blog: nail polish is a fun and easy way to brighten up your little corner of the universe