Hello lovelies!! I KNOW it’s been an incredibly long time since I’ve written, but I wanted to get back to something else I love to do-talk and polish! 🙂 A lot has been happening since we last spoke. I gave away hundreds of my polishes, I started my business, Dark Moon Esscentuals, my coworker retired and I’m doing both of our work for who knows how long, and I’ve suffered through a severe bout of depression. And that my friends is what I wanted to talk to you about today.

If you’re new here to Mental Breaks and Manis let me catch you up. I’m a Indie Polish Addict with a pretty much life long case of severe Clinical Depression. So when I say I get it- I freakin’ get it! I used to like to say I suffer from chronic Clinical Depression with occasional breaks of sunshine!! But it’s truly no joke. As young as I can remember I’ve suffered from low self esteem, no self worth, etc. And the insidious part of depression is it’s ability to make you feel so desperately alone in a room full of friends/family/people. And recently the nail community lost another sister to depression and she will be missed!

I was on the periphery of people who knew her, but listening to those who did, she was bright, funny, caring, thoughtful, and so much more! So what makes men and women like this now angel end it? What makes them feel that there is nothing left, that not one more day can pass? What does? Depression! In all forms and levels this is exactly what I called it before- F’ING INSIDIOUS!!! And sometimes we don’t realize just how many people care. And at one point, we stop caring.

Is it Fate that chooses who holds on or who doesn’t? Is it a Higher Power? Who the hell knows, this isn’t a debate on who’s beliefs are better. But can you find solace and strength in your religion, or spiritual beliefs? YES! But beating back depression is not as easy as some people think! I’ve heard “snap out of it” “why are you this way?” (that one I’ve asked myself several times) “this is your fault, you just have to pray”, and many other ridiculous things that someone in the throes of a bout of depression does NOT need to hear! You just don’t! So what are the magic words? Are there any? For some there is. For others, ending your life seems the only answer.

I’ve put an IG group together for those of us (right now it’s just us nail addicts, lol) who suffer from depression of any form. What goes on in Safe Haven stays in Safe Haven! And I founded it because I realized that so many of us “creative types” suffer from depression, bi polar, etc. and that the common theme was we all suffer alone most of the time. And I didn’t want to suffer alone. I’ve been in and out of the Mental Health system off and on since I was 12, and until I found my recent therapist, the so called therapists and counselors I saw did not help at all! One therapist I had expressed my plan to end my life- how I was going to do it, and everything- and she just looked at me said “yeah it’s hard sometimes” and let me walk out of the room!!

Now at the time I had no idea that she wasn’t supposed to let me go and that I could have been put under Mental Health arrest, but I know now. And one therapist kicked me out of the practice because he wanted me to participate in DBT therapy-which I had unsuccessfully done before-and I didn’t want to because DBT did not work for me, and I politely told him that I did not feel that the therapy would work because it was unsuccessful before. So guess who got kicked out?! That man was a JACKASS!!

My point with sharing that is even if you have a therapist, they can be very detrimental to your Mental Health. Especially if they’re overworked, underpaid, or just don’t give a general fuck! My current therapist is the BOMB!! She’s amazing! And when I looked at her and said “will this work? Can I be helped?”, she not only said yes, she proved to me how it would work and set my expectations accordingly!

I was in crisis mode recently, I felt alone, I felt worthless, and I just wanted it to stop, so I went onto Safe Haven and I spoke with people who reminded me I’m not alone. We celebrate each others’ accomplishments and support each others’ lows, and that’s what saved me this time. That and getting back to my therapist. And my friend Inge, from another world away-she sent me this:

And I didn’t feel so very alone anymore….

Hello my lovely friends!! I’ve missed you all!! It’s been so long since I’ve written anything. I’ve had quite a few months of drama, and finally it seems to be settling down. Thank Gods! I have to be honest, it’s been pretty rough the last few months mentally, and it’s been a challenge battling back depression. I lost a lot these last 3 months, things that were very important to me, but that’s why it’s so important to do things to distract yourself when you’re battling depression.

Keep yourself busy, do things you enjoy- although sometimes the thought of it takes too much energy, you don’t want to obsess to much over the thoughts that race around and around. So, sometimes take that last little bit of energy and do something for yourself! YOU DESERVE IT!!!

Which brings me to my next subject. After a long time of thinking about it, and formulating, and testing and having things tested I decided that I wanted to make things that help with the care of nails, and the skin that surrounds them. And after more than a year I decided to make my nail care products more than a hobby!!

So I proudly announce the grand opening of my store and my brand Dark Moon Esscentuals!! I’m incredibly excited about this!! For now I offer my Cuticle Crack, a super moisturizing, non-greasy cuticle/nail oil that is specially formulated to soak in quickly and not leave you with a greasy feeling that can happen with some products. In my own personal experience this oil saved my nails after taking off my gel extensions and trying to get them back into some semblance of health. And my nails are in the best shape they’ve ever been!

Is it just my Cuticle Crack? You decide! 🙂  I also offer an acetone additive, and Moon Dust. Moon Dust can be used as a soak during a mani or pedi, or you can use a larger amount in your bath. It’s a luxurious, fizzy, skin softening treat!!

Now, without further ado, I present….

Dark Moon Esscentuals Shop

http://www.darkmoonesscentuals.elementfx.com

I hope to see you there!!! Until then, take care of yourselves. Pamper yourself, live and love to your fullest!!

On July 15th 1 year ago, Sassy Sauce burst into the Indie World!

And since then this brand has garnered a steady following and evolved into a brand to be watched! Ever since Carrie contacted me to start swatching for her brand, and I’ve watched as she has, collection after collection, brought some beautiful thermals, and ‘mazing magnetics to life!

The July release is no different! Set to release July 28th, 10 AM CST the complete set of July’s releases is $54. Sassy’s got a lovely thermal and went back to basics with a linear holo! So, without further delay- Sassy Sauce’s Indieversary Collection!

This beauty is The House Began To Switch ($10). This is the over pour from the Indie Shop Seattle’s VIP bag. This shimmery black thermal “switches” to a silver/baby blue with blue sparks and holo flakies and glitter. This polish goes on smooth, not bumpy like some polishes that have glitter can be. Shown here is 2 coats and a quick dry topcoat.

BUCKLE UP BABY($10)!!!! This limited edition polish is Carrie’s ode to the years to come! Full of unknown possibilities, this linear holo has chameleon micro glitter and several different duo chrome shifting flakies. This polish WILL NOT BE RESTOCKED and there are ONLY 30 bottles available! So make sure you get yours!

Here’s To You($10) a Metallic Blurple with some aurora shimmers and 3 kinds of duochrome shifting flakies. This polish was created as a sort of toast to everyone who has has any part of bringing Sassy Sauce to where it is today!

Ask and you shall receive!! In my last blog post for the June release of Sassy Sauce you’ll notice I pretty much begged for some more stamping colors! And TADAAA!! Lilac Stamping Sauce ($7.50) is a one coat stamping sauce you can use to stamp or as a one coat polish.

Shiny Disco Ball($10) is a linear holo base packed with every size holo glitter they had and a bit of aurora pigment to add flare. The polish is textured and may require a couple coats of topcoat ( I used one coat of Seche Vite, but that could have been because it’s pretty thick because it’s at the end of the bottle lol). It may also be a pain to remove, so you may want to use it as an accent nail, but it’s well worth it! Hey! Every great party has a disco ball right? 😉

Leapin’ Lizards($10) is a beautiful, shimmery, olive color with aurora shine and blue, purple, and green shifting flakies. Just look at it!!! In the second photo, I thought the dinosaur plate from CJS (Clear Jelly Stamper) that I received in the June(?) My Mani Box (https://my-mani-box.cratejoy.com/) check it out, they have some great boxes!

MY MAJOR GIVEAWAY!!!

There is nothing I like more than a good giveaway! Other than to WIN a good giveaway (hahaha). Actually, there is something I do like more, and that’s hosting a major giveaway!! In my next post, I’ll be posting some photos of just a few of the polishes I have for my giveaway, as well as listing some other things I’m planning on providing. I absolutely LOVE hosting a giveaway. Of course there’ll be rules (booooring, but necessary), but they’ll be pretty simple. No one is sponsoring the giveaway, but there are a lot of generous sponsors!

And, I’ll also be providing some of MY OWN products!! Yes, ladies and gentleman as a result of a lot of research, and repeated testing, I’m launching Dark Moon Nails Dark Moon Esscentuals!! I’ve always been obsessed with long nails, and unless I had on extensions I always got hang nails and couldn’t get my nails to grow! Not to mention as you get older and you don’t drink a lot of water or take many vitamins your skin and nails can suffer!

With constantly changing my polish, and swatching more and more, I found myself going through a TON of cuticle and nail oil as well as acetone additive. And while I liked them, I needed something that addressed the specific issues of my nails, and my skin. Dark Moon Esscentuals is a result of that. Check out Bees Knees Buzz for a chance to win one of five sets of my cuticle oil and acetone additive. Starting 7/24/18.

Until later, have a wonderful day and take care of yourselves!!

Polish Con or Bust!

“OH MY GOD ALY! LOOK AT HER POLISH!!!” As you all know I love to put random sentences to music. I’m not sure why, it’s just the way my nutty mind works. So this was brought to you by Sir Mix-a-Lot. Hahahahahaha! Yes, I’m THAT old! Anywho, I am still basking in the afterglow of Polish Con. If it weren’t for the hotel having the event I would have been happily broke right now. As it is, I’m not happily broke, I’m just broke.

The hotel made a HUGE boo boo and took hundreds out of my account it should not have! Mind you I’m still super mad, but I just chant “Glisten & Glow, Girly Bits, Bees Knees” over and over and I feel better! So, without further ado I’ll get to what you came here for! I have tons of NYC pics, but I’ll just put in the Polish Con and polish pics and you can see me mugging in NYC on my Facebook page- Dark Moon Nails.

First up, we have the highlight of my day! This is my must have Polish Con selfie with Jill of Glisten & Glow Polish with a special guest appearance from Krystal (Queen of Nails 83)!! I couldn’t believe it when I saw her standing at the check in table!! I have to admit I fan girled it with Krystal  and since I’ve never seen Krystal doing anything but sitting behind her nail desk, or in her vehicle I had no idea how tall she was. But sitting or standing Krystal is beautiful inside and out!

And Jill, her heart just glows!! (get it??hehe) Shown below from L to R is Jill, myself, and “The Queen” Krystal. We had some issues with our first selfie. LOL

Next up is a shot of the AMAZING ladies of Girly Bits Cosmetics. OMG!! I never wanted to stop shopping at their table! The gorgeousness of their polishes just sucked me in! These ladies have a customer for life!! Shown below is (first photo) the ladies hard at work setting up for the Polish Con rush and (second photo) the ladies were kind enough to take a moment to pose for me!

I got to meet a lot of wonderful people that I talk to on IG, or do collabs with them, or- as with the lady below- drooling over her live swatch videos, or her “stunnin'” photos! This lovely lady here is Tiffany (@stunnin.nails). She was part of the Glisten and Glow team and was also selling the BEAUTIFUL, little flowers that had petals painted in the colors of the various Glisten and Glow collections.

Oh man, were these flowers pretty! I believe Tiffany still has a few for sale! Contact her to get them, you will not be disappointed!! I struggled to pick just one! It was wonderful to meet you Tiff!!! And you’re not too far away…hehe 😉

I want to say a special CONGRATULATIONS to this lovely lady (shown below)!!! I have been IG friends with Susie for over 2 years now. Not only is she a super, fabulous, wonderful, sweet, and a million other adjectives…. She just graduated nail school and is on her way to be licensed!! You’re on your way Susie Q!!! It was great finally meeting you!

I was super excited to be able to co-host the watermarble tutorial table with Fiona Coen-Tunca!! Watermarbling is something I TRULY LOVE TO DO!!! And co-hosting with someone who’s a teacher by trade means handouts and tips and tricks! Fiona put together a great tips and tricks sheet (which I didn’t get one haha) that she handed out to our participants full of great info. I love showing people how to watermarble! It’s a skill that can be difficult because there are so many factors that contribute to a successful watermarble, that if just one is off you end up wanting to throw your polish across the room!

We had close to 20 people who braved the watermarble tutorial table, and since the hotel didn’t want the smell of polish all through the building, they said we couldn’t have a “hands on” class. Well, what we ended up doing is demoing how to watermarble, giving our advice on watermarbling and then each attendee who wanted to was able to take a pop stick and try their hand at watermarbling. Everyone did a wonderful job!! I painted my sticks white ahead of time (so the colors would really pop) and they got to keep their pop stick to remind themselves that they really can watermarble! WAY TO GO LADIES!!! P.S. If any of you ladies who attended watermarbling were able to get photos and/or videos, could you PLEASE send them to me??

Sassy Sauce… At It Again!!

I probably say this each time that Sassy Sauce releases a collection, but it’s true each and every time! Carrie-creator of Sassy Sauce Polish continues to outdo herself! Carrie has come a long way in the last few collections. She comes up with beautiful, unique creations and has a fabulous formula!

Carrie is participating in this months’ Lacquer Collab Box is available for preorder June 22nd 1 PM EST thru June 26th at 11:59 PM EST with Mocha Mintini. Yummm! $12/bottle.

Mocha Mintini is a mocha thermal with sparkling aurora shimmers and duochrome shifting flakies that when warm it will transition into a gorgeous mint green. $12/bottle.

Dreams really do come true with the June Dreams Come True Collection by Sassy Sauce. In Sassy Sauce Sistas FB page we were asked what our dream polish would be and this month Carrie made some lucky ladies’ dreams come true!

I want to thank Shirley Johnson for dreaming up and naming It’s My Party. This glittery, bright, pink has a blue shift, silver and aurora shimmer with just the right amount of holo glitter. Hell, who am I kidding, what amount of holo isn’t the right amount?! $9/bottle.

Next up is Across the Universe. WOW!! is all I can say about this magnetic polish! Julie Holt I LOOOOOVE your imagination!!! She dreamed and it came into being! This gun metal magnetic holo is- just- WOW! As per usual, magnet is included while supplies last. $10/bottle.

Get Your Pidge-on (isn’t that the cutest damn name??! Melanie Saville dreamed up this grey based duo-shifting magnetic with a green. blue, violet shift. Looks just like the pigeons you see with the iridescent feathers, right?? $10/bottle.

Now, though not a part of the Dreams Come True collection, these next polishes are just WOW!

Razberry Lemonade is a mauve thermal with aurora shimmer, Rose Gold and duo-chrome shifting flakies that shifts to a sparkling yellow. In the first photo you see, you’ll see the bottle is really light. I wanted to show you a warm bottle shot- ok, ok I didn’t really want to do that, but after holding the bottle for so long, staring at it’s loveliness, I warmed up the bottle. Hahahaha! But seriously, it is beauteous!

Just look at this SEXY BITCH!!!! Gypsy Diva is a holo base with a lavender shimmer and LOADED with multiple duo-shifting flakies! The shimmer is absolutely STUNNING in any light, however, I do love it in the lower light. You catch just a glimpse at it out of the corner of your eye and BAM! the holo hits your eyeballs and you’re mesmerized until your coworker comes up and says if she catches you staring at your nails again she’s going to scream! Bahahahahahahaaa! So, I just looked back at my nails (if I hadn’t told you I can be a real biotch) LOL.

And now for pièce de résistance!Also this month, you’ll see that Sassy Sauce has extended her stamping polish offerings to a new trio. If you like crisp, clean lines, amazing opacity and just damn awesome stamping polish, this trio is for you!!

Carbon Stamping Polish (far left) is a black one coater stamping polish. I also used it to polish under a mani and it’s opaque as hell!

Scrambled Stamping Polish is a yellow one coat stamping polish.

Marshmallow Stamping Polish is a white one coat stamping polish.

Each polish is $7.50 or get the entire trio for $21.

Below I’ve shown you what each polish looks like on both black and white polishes so you can see the crispness of the lines, and opacity of the polish. I can’t wait to see what more stamping polishes Carrie comes out with!!

Dear Lord just look at that yellow on the black! In my experience, a lot of times you’ll stamp over black or a darker color with other colored stamping polishes and the stamped color fades. NOT with Scrambled! It’s AMAZING!!! Gee, it sure would be great if Sassy Sauce came out with some NEON stamping polishes, or a sky blue stamping polish, or something like that… hint hint Carrie (if she doesn’t read this someone tell her I hinted please) LOL.

And Sassy Sauce’s Matte Top Sauce ($6) is shown in the above photo. You can see the stamping after the matte top coat has been put on. I don’t normally use matte top coat much. I tend to like shiny manis, but this matte top coat is wonderful! The formula isn’t too thick, or too runny. It goes on great, and mattified this mani in ONE swipe!!

GET $500 To Do What You Love?? YES!!!

And here’s how…

Back with her first collection since the hurricanes last year, Monique from Boii Cosmetics (famous for their watermarbling capabilities) has released 10, yes TEN brand new polishes!! And get this…. THEY’RE THERMAL AND THEY WATERMARBLE!!!! Whaaaaat??!! YES! Monique has knocked it way out of the park with these polishes!

This is the  Girl Power Neon Thermal Color Changing Collection. And woah is all I can say about these polishes! Now you might not know this but I have a watermarbling fetish that I don’t get to indulge in as much as I want. But with these polishes you can watermarble to your hearts content and STILL get many different looks out of just one mani.

Now, Monique wants to give you $500 to show off your skills with this collection! Prove you’re the TOP Nail Artist using the Girl Power collection and follow these rules:

1. You must submit a Thermal Color Changing Neon nail design. This design isn’t limited to water marble designs. You can use ANY nail art technique to make your design using polishes from the Girl Power collection. Your design may include white or black for stamping, or accenting, however, 90% of the design MUST be done with polishes from the Girl Power collection.
2. The competition is open to everyone over the age of 18. If you are under 18, you must have your parents give a written, notarized letter in order for you to collect the prize if you are the winner.
3. Contestants can submit either a video or a photo of their own nail art design.
4. Contestants must post boiicosmetics logo in their video or photo. When posting photos please post with our nail polish bottles. If posting videos please include our nail polish bottle in your video.
5. Contestants MUST tag boiicosmetics in video/photo submission.
6. Winner will be chosen by the owners of Boiicosmetics. This decision will be based on the most creative nail art thermal design.
7. All contestants must submit work before 11:59 pm September 20th, 2018.
8. Contestants can submit multiple times.
9. Contestants must follow us on Instagram.
10. $500 will be given to the winner September 30th. A winner will be chosen September 21st.
11. Repost the challenge on your Instagram page and tag 3 people in the comments below the post.

Now, in my next post, you’ll see all of the designs I’ve come up with so far. And unlike me, this polish reacts quickly to change (that’s a good thing) hahaha. The colors are absolutely fabulous, and like I said, you’ll see that in each mani you can get at least two manis from it!

So…RUN, don’t walk to your Instagram and give a follow to @boiicosmetics and GET. THIS. COLLECTION!!!

Deets for this collection will be in my next post coming soon!! Until then, as always take care of yourself first if you want to be able to take care of others! It’s OK to take time for yourself, to reset yourself, to do for you.

And POLISH ON!!

As I’m writing this post, I’m watching my polish wall and wondering what it is that compels me to continue to buy bottles of polish when I have probably 800 that I haven’t even tried yet! So I’m determined to use each polish at least once, those I don’t I just have to destash whether I like it or not! Not is winning out!

What I have for you today are some GORGEOUS neons that will blow you away! Not only are they neons, they have a gorgeous complimentary shimmer and the best part??? THEY WATERMARBLE!!! (I’ll be showing you my watermarbling skills in the next post).

Yes ladies and gentlemen you heard that right- they watermarble!! And I can’t wait to show you the results! Now, as I’ve told you before All Mixed Up Lacquer was one of my first Indie polishes I purchased and I have never been disappointed. When I opened up this particular swatch package I jumped up and yelled “Wohoooo!” to which my son almost had a heart attack and gave me the dirtiest look ever!! I have myself never seen neons like these. And I’m not just saying this because I’m swatching these beauties, I’ve not come across neons with this kind of “shimmah” in it!

**Let me just say that I received this package of polish to swatch, but I have not been paid for my opinion, nor would my review be different on any polishes by any companies if I was paid. My opinions will ALWAYS be honest because as someone who looks to swatchers for a true opinion of a polish, I would not want to be misled because they were reimbursed for their review. Nor do I believe the ones I follow or idolize would do that, and I want to be the type of person you can come to count on for an honest review because I would want the same!

Now onto the part we’ve all been waiting for All Mixed Up Lacquers Drink On My Nails Collection releasing June 15th for $7.50 each or just $43 for the entire set! And once you see what’s in store MARK YOUR CALENDARS and make sure you get yours! I have a feeling LJ’s going to have a hard time keeping this collection in stock! Her neons are AMAZING!!

This first neon is Watermelon Margarita. This gorgeous pink neon has a blue shimmer that sets off the pink and is absolutely striking even in the bottle! This makes me want to be a “pink kinda girl”! The formula is smooth, levels incredibly well, and best of all I’m undie-less!!!

You have it right! This is 2 coats plus Seche Vite quick dry topcoat. No white polish underneath and it still POPS!

Next up, we have this yellow neon, more of that bright vibrant yellow/green tees that really hot construction workers wear so you can see them(or an electric Mt. Dew). BAHAHAHAHHA!! Anyway back to the important stuff. This beauty is Citrus Dream. Creamy and dreamy for sure! This polish also has a gorgeous subtle red shimmer that makes this polish positively glow!

Shown below is 2 coats with quick dry topcoat. And to reiterate, none of these neons have any white polish under them, they’re strictly the neon polish and quick dry top coat. Not a lot of neons can give you this kind of pop without a white polish underneath.

Mmmmmm… Tequila Sunrise is the name of this lovely orange neon. This neon has a very pretty subtle blue shimmer as well. I don’t think there are enough adjectives that I haven’t used yet to describe the beauteousness (yes I know it’s not a real word) of these polishes. The formula is so opaque that I only needed 2 coats of this polish. I wasn’t even tempted to put on another coat!

It’s hard to say which of these polishes are my favorite, but every time I look at this polish on my shelf (and I seem to find my eye wandering there A LOT!!) I find myself drawn to this beauty! (INSERT NAME HERE) is a soft neon green with a gorgeous blue shimmer! Each time I swatched these neons I wore them to work and I have to tell you this polish and Watermelon Margarita got my hand grabbed the most times. LOL.

Now, what could you possibly name a blue drink- let alone neon Blue nail polish??  How about Electric Smurf? This polish is a neon blue crème with a red shimmer. To me it comes off as almost a pink, but however your eye interprets it, you’re going to love it!

“It was a one eyed, one horned, flying purple people eater! It was a one eyed, one horned, flying purple people eater!” HA! I loved that song as a kid and that’s the only line I can remember! Anyone else know this song?? PLEASE say yes!

So, if you haven’t already guessed, this lovely polish is Purple People Eater. This is polish will be one you can wear on fingers and toes with some pretty stamping, or you can make watermarble decals with all of the colors of the collection for an incredibly striking nail art!

So make sure that you’re ready June 15th for the release of this stunning collection!

“‘Cause You Were Born Pretty Baby!”

Recently I was asked by Emily to do a review of some of their new products, and some new to me products. I’ll be giving you something I received from them in their new packages, and in my next post I’ll be sharing the items they sent me to review. You’re going to love the items I’ll be reviewing.

So here’s a quick and dirty on this next item, part of Born Pretty’s new Flowers in Sunshine Series. This is BP-FS01- Recall.  They have repackaged their products in this very classy packaging, that’s more like something I will like to have in my collection. Their old packaging was simple and clean, but these bottles are classier, sleeker, and I like that the packaging  isn’t plain, but it’s not gaudy either. It’s just right!

This is a light, mint green creme with a red shimmer, holo, and small flakies. I liked the formula of the polish. It went on smooth, and leveled well- this is 3 thin coats and a quick dry top coat. The first photo you’ll see the full mani and I’ve followed it up with a macro.

In the macro you can see the gorgeous holo as well as the flakies. Go to http://www.bornpretty.com to check out this and other polishes that they’ve re-branded. You won’t be disappointed!! I can’t wait to show you the other things I got from Born Pretty!!

Polish Con or Bust!

It’s my third Polish Con in a row and I’m just as excited now as I was the first time! As soon as tickets came out I got my VIP Plus ticket and started saving for all the gorgeous pretties I just KNOW are going to be there!! Oh man, oh man, oh man I cannot wait to ogle all the polishes!! I’m trying very hard to make a shopping list and stick to it! I, for the most part, have in the past.

I may have bought a few more than was planned, but honestly I blame it solely on the makers!!! If they didn’t make such gorgeous polish I wouldn’t have to depend on my self control! That being said, I’m already boring my coworkers with talk of Polish Con. Most of them didn’t even know it existed!! THE HORROR!! ha ha ha! So, I took it upon myself to educate them. Kind of me, no? lol

I also have some SUPER exciting news! I will being co-hosting the watermarbling tutorial table with Fiona Coen Tunca, so if you’re going to Polish Con, please make sure you stop by!!! We’ll be super excited to see you! We’ll be covering techniques, tips, and tricks for all levels from beginning to advanced. Except I haven’t mastered the triple watermarble yet….maybe another year. LOL.

If tickets are still available I suggest you grab one! Even if you can’t do a ton of shopping there will be tutorial, socializing, polish, polish, polish! And if you aren’t from NY it’s about an hour train ride into the city for sightseeing! All in all Miranda Kraft (Ever After Polish) has done an AMAZING job putting this all together. And whoever helped her-they all deserve a round of applause!!!

I HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

Now to get a little serious, as I am wont to do sometimes. Not often, because life is often too serious as it is. But, part of the reason I started this blog was to not only bring you pretty polishes, or occasionally get you to laugh at or with me, but to keep Mental Health in the spotlight.

The other day, Kate Spade was found hung in her Manhattan apartment with a letter written to her 13 year old daughter as her suicide note. Or at least that’s what’s being said. If you’re struggling, if you’re in despair, if you want to end it, PLEASE reach out to someone!! Friends, family, anyone! But please reach out. That little girl will probably live the rest of her life blaming herself whether or not her mom said not to!!

It’s overwhelming sometimes, the urge to just let go. To give up the fight, and end it. But you have to keep going, especially if you have children! They need their parents! Having struggled with depression most of my life, I’d like to let you know that I’ve been there.

Wrapped up in my pain so much so that I couldn’t see my way past it, and wasn’t thinking of my children. Until I was… and even if you feel you have nothing to live for, look into their eyes when they smile at you, soak up their energy when they hug you. Do what you have to do to live for them because you will FOREVER be altering not just your life but theirs! And guilt and feeling you failed someone is one of the hardest things to overcome and that’s what your children could be struggling with if they lost you!!!

So I’m going to leave you with this: If you ever need to talk, I’m here. Even if you want to send me an anonymous email, unsigned from an email address that doesn’t identify you, I’m here for you! I’ll do what I can to help and get you the help you need. And it will stay between you and I!

And if you can’t talk to me or anyone else you know call this number:

The National Suicide Prevention Line- 1-800-273-8255. And if you just don’t have it in you to stay alive for yourself, do it for those of us who love you!

Until next time, stay polished!

The polish world and the world in general suffered a great loss over the weekend. On Friday, April 27th Molly Watson of Shinespark Polish was murdered. May her family find peace! And may Molly rest in peace. I spoke with Molly a couple of times and each time she was sweet and funny. And for that type of woman to be ripped from the world is extremely tragic!!

I’ve heard Molly spoken of as sweet, caring, creative, funny, and down to earth. And she leaves behind Shinespark as her legacy! A beautiful polish, from a beautiful soul. No one knows all the details, like was she in an abusive relationship? Did she know about his wife, etc.? But I’m not here to speculate, and truthfully as an outsider it’s none of my business. But I am a caring person and I’m here to say that if YOU are someone in an abusive relationship, if you are with someone who degrades you, lies to you, is mentally and physically abusive- you have to get out!

It’s easier said than done for some, but speaking from experience you need to leave. ESPECIALLY if you have children! There is a lot of support for abused women. And I know it’s hard, but for your safety and the safety of your children you have to leave.

You ARE worth something. You ARE loved. You deserve better, and you can’t let anyone tell you differently! You can’t “fix” your partner! You can’t be/do better and therefor make them happy! It doesn’t work like that. They’re broken and you didn’t create it, you can’t make it better. No matter what you do, he/she will never be satisfied!! Never! Like I said, I’ve been through it. There is hope, and help for you.

If you need help it’s a click or a phone call away! I’ve had to leave a bad situation, and it took a while to get out, but I did. I struggled with self worth, and self esteem. But I work on it daily. And you can too. You’re not stupid for getting yourself into the situation- some people blame the victim- they’re dead wrong!

Reach out, help is there!! You are stronger than you think!

If there is a Go Fund Me for Molly Watson, please let me know and I’ll be happy to share it here on my blog, my IG, or FB. And normally I’m not one to put hate out into the world, Gods know there’s enough to go around! But may that man get back to him ONE THOUSAND times the pain and anguish that he has caused!! But for now, please take care of yourself, and please if you need ever to talk, I’m always available. And again- YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!

Until next time, take care of yourselves!!

Get it??! Instead of the song “Blinding You With Science”, it’s Blinding You With Vibrance!! Only old people like me, and kids with parents like me will get it, bahahahahaa! This morning’s (at least it’s morning when I’m writing this) post is brought to you by Sassy Sauce’s April Collection releasing Saturday April 14th, 10 AM CST. And as with each new collection Carrie releases you can’t miss it!

Now, you would think that as a person with the skin tone consistent with copier paper neons would look UH-MAZING on me. But being the self aware person I am, I will admit this isn’t always the case! But it absolutely IS the case with this neon/bright collection!

The set of ALL 7 neons is $59, the entire 11 piece set is $95 and this collection is worth every penny and more!! And since I’ve already offended you with my play on words earlier, I’ll get right to the beautiful polish-it will definitely make up for it!

This beauty is Pinki’s Out, a neon pink creme that applies like a dream!! No kidding! This was opaque in about 2 coats. I say about because it was really one coat that I put on a little thicker, but then put a thin second coat on. It applied smoothly and wasn’t streaky like some polishes can get. Unless otherwise stated, I use 2 coats and a quick drying topcoat with all the polishes.

“My polish is so bright, I gotta wear shaaaades!” Anyone know what song that was based on? Be the first to answer and guess correctly and win a bottle of polish! No cheating! LOL. This bright orange creme polish is called Push It Up. Now if you can tell me what song is in my head when I see this name and by who I’ll give you a HUGE gold star!!! But seriously, my camera went NUTS when shooting these polishes they’re so bright! I love the vibrancy of these colors and will be doing a live soon to see if they watermarble and stamp too! ‘Cuz seriously, who can’t justify spending money on polish that does all that and is beautiful to boot!!

Comin’ In Haute is described as a neon Salmon, but I see it as more of a neon cherry, or a neon strawberry color. It has these gorgeous, subtle blue and silver shimmahs that give it extra depth. Unfortunately, my cameras depth perception was on vacation that day so you can’t see it very well, but it’s there!  Again, the formula is divine!!!

Don’t Call Me Mellow reminds me of that REEEEEALLY OLD song that has the lyrics “They call me mellow yellow”. Again, kids won’t know this LOL however, those of us who age gracefully do! This bright yellow creme reminds me of a shirt I had when I was a teenager. Our kids think they’re cooler than us, but everything they wear- we wore first right??? hahaha kids!

Ain’t Always Greener (ain’t that the truth) is a neon green creme with a gold shimmer. I’ve actually seen grass this color before!! Anyone else? hahahahaha But seriously, it was almost exactly this shade, and no I don’t do drugs! LOL I gotta tell ya that most of the weird crap I see I’m totally sober for!

Grape You’re Busted is a bright purple creme polish. This color reminds me of grape Now and Laters, and damn I loved those candies!!! Still do!

Peace Out is Carrie’s middle finger to the cold weather. My words not hers lol. My middle finger too! LOL I live in Upstate NY and it refuses to be anything but crappy here!! This polish is a metallic purple polish with a lavender rose shimmer and a dusting of holo and multichrome flakies. This polish is $10. But remember you can get the entire 11 polish set for only $95!!

Mermaid’s Mouthwash is a turquoise shimmer polish with gold and multichrome flakies then dusted with bronze and lavender holo micro glitter to give you this fantastic polish. This polish is $10.

Now onto the thermal portion of the program! This beauteous babe is Twerple. This is a purple to teal thermal that has a blue shimmer and multichrome flakies. With both of the thermals I’m going to show you, a topcoat is recommended. I have to tell ya that as soon as I put this polish on it started shifting and stayed like this! It has a perfect shift line in this shot! Perfect for me, as this is how I like to see my thermals.

The next thermal for the April release is Purpink. This is a purple to pink shifting thermal with a copper shimmer and multichrome flakies. Again, a topcoat is recommended. $10 for the thermal polishes. And if you’ve seen March’s thermal Shadow Storm, which by the way has been restocked) Sassy Sauce thermals are worth every penny and more!!

So, that’s the wonderful polish we have for Sassy Sauce Polish! Don’t forget that the Group Custom has been restocked. Make sure you join the Facebook group Sassy Sauce Sistas to get the code for the gorgeous group custom. Also, FREE SHIPPING on orders of $60 or more!! So not only will you get your 11 polishes for a great deal, you won’t pay ANY SHIPPING!!!

Next up I’ve got some items I got from Born Pretty to review. I chose some Holographic polishes from them that I’ve been dying to try!

So read on for my opinion of the items I got from Born Pretty.

All of the polishes you see are UV/LED polishes, which I didn’t realize when I chose them. I for some unknown reason thought I was choosing regular polish as opposed to gel. All these are 2 coats and no topcoat. I thought I’d have a quick take off because I used liquid latex under it. HA! Did you know that if you put it under gel polish it’s not as easy as you think?? LOL So I ended up taking it off with an e-file until I got  down to the liquid latex then just gave a bit of a sanding and pulled it off!

The first polish is 19 from the Color Dragon Series. It was pretty thick, but after a vigorous shake it was ok. This was a polish that I’d put on top of another polish, or by itself on your nail (as shown in photo). It was very pretty on, and for people who don’t like fussy, or bright colors (I LOVE THEM!) this is perfect as a quick mani on the go, or something that goes with everything. And best of all to us “sparkaholics” it’s super sparkly!

Also, if you guys are interested in any of these, I’ll be including links for them after the review. Maybe by my next review I’ll figure out links! BAHAHAHAHHAAA!!! Seriously, I know how sad that is!

So, next up I have Crystal Glitter Gel (BP-05). This is a very soft color. It shows somewhere between a champagne and gold color. It wasn’t as thick as the first gel shown, it had a pretty nice consistency. This too has a very pretty shine to it! I cured these for 60 seconds under my fabulous UV/LED light (I absolutely LOVE my light!!)

And last but certainly not least this ruby red holo gel polish is Red Sparkle Gel (BP-08).  This is a deep red- I LOVE DARK COLORS!!! Reminds me of Dorothy’s Slippers in the Wizard of Oz. I personally am a huge fan of the Wicked Witch!! lol Anyway, as I was saying, this is a deep red gel polish with holographic glitter.

To be honest with gel polishes I prefer the e-file method of removal. I have recently acquired sensitive skin, so for me it is better to file it off than to soak cotton pads with acetone and sit them under nail caps for a while.

Well kids, this wraps up this episode of Mental Breaks and Manis, but before I go, I wanted to address something. You know that family that suddenly doesn’t agree with what you said or did (but it’s not really their business) or ex friends that decided that they didn’t want to be friends anymore because either someone else convinced them that you aren’t worth being their friend, or they’re just asses and don’t need/want anything from you at the moment? So if they’re family they’ll walk out of the room or house when you come in, or friends they won’t acknowledge you exist if you are out or with a group of friends because they feel slighted by you somehow?

Now, if they don’t tell you and just totally blow you off then F them! I know it sounds harsh, but if they won’t tell you what’s wrong, won’t talk it over with you, or if you actually DO know what you did and want to sincerely apologize then you can’t beat yourself up!!

As women, and possibly some men, we are consumed by guilt for all sorts of reasons. If we’re moms we can’t give our children every single thing they want. Or you’re absolutely bone tired and your kid/s want you to play games but you can’t work up the energy to do it. Soooo all the sudden we’re thinking we’re absolute SHIZIT as parents and our kids will hate us, etc., etc. If we’re wives (I’m not) or have significant others (I don’t) and we are too exhausted at the end of the day to make dinner one night out of the week when we do it 364 other days of they year, then all the sudden we’re SHIZIT as wives/significant others and we’re going to be alone forever. Or our hubbies/s.o.’s guilt us into thinking it, we believe it.

Well guess what? We don’t need to accept that guilt! We can refuse it because those who truly love us won’t make us feel like crap! Yes, in a perfect world it would never happen, but even those that love us don’t always consider they’re hurting us.

Bottom line is if your family, friends, nail art friends want to leave some place when you walk in let them go and don’t give them another thought! You don’t need their approval. And you especially don’t need their negative energy!! F them my darlings!

Well, that’s my rant for now. Until the next edition, take care of yourself, your loved ones, and above all YOUR POLISH!!!!! hahahahahaaaa

Links to the Born Pretty polish shown above:

https://www.bornprettystore.com/10ml-born-pretty-holographic-glitter-colorful-soak-manicure-nail-polish-p-40789.html

**Also let me note that for any polish/product I receive, I am not paid for my opinion. I give my honest opinions about the products I use/swatch whether positive or not. I wouldn’t want someone to blow sunshine up my skirt about something, and I won’t do it to my readers.***

All Mixed Up (Lacquers) & No Place To Go!

Bahaha!!! Get it? It’s pun day here at Mental Breaks and Manis! If you can’t laugh, you’ll cry right? This month you’ll LOVE the polishes I have for you! And since it’s related to one of my TOP favorite things- FOOD- it’s doubly enjoyable!

Releasing on April 20th at 2 PM EST is the Sugar Rush Collection from All Mixed Up Lacquers. This was one of my first Indie brand purchases and L.J. will always have a place in my polish-obsessed little heart! She was also one of the Indie brands who donated to my Instagram 500 Follower Giveaway-ahhh the good ole days!

First up from the Sugar Rush Collection is Sweet As Cherry Pie. This cherry red beauty has a mixture of iridescent flakes, purple micro-flakes and pearl flakies. This polish is delicious!

Just look at this yummy red treat!

This next one is normally not my favorite color- I’m not a girly-girl at all! This pink bubblegum beauty is Unicorn Cake. This is a medium pink crelly with a little bit of everything! We’ve got scattered holo, and different sizes and shapes of holo green, blue, pink and teal and get this- matte neon glitters in pink, blue, yellow and orange! Truly a rainbow of colors! This color is fun!

Cosmic Bites is a chocolate brown crelly with fabulous gold, teal, and emerald holo glitters and ucc flakies. This pretty is a dream!! As with all of LJ’s polishes I’ve tried, the polish goes on great!! The holo is subtle until it hits the light in just the right way and then BAM! My swatches are 2 coats plus a fast dry top coat.

This color here was SO HARD for me to capture!! Don’t ask me why, but I spent literally 3 hours trying to get just the right shot of this polish (and still not sure I accomplished it!). I think maybe because I am sheet white- no kidding either! If I was naked in the snow all you’d see is hair and eyes- I didn’t want my skin to wash out the beauty of this polish. Anywhoooo… this beauty is Mocha Mousse. A rosy beige with little itty bitty blue and purple flakes (also known as micro flakes) and small gold holo. Again, this is a creamy dream!!! I used 2 coats and a fast dry top coat- I’m currently hooked on Glisten and Glows fast dry!!!

And last but certainly not least is Rock Candy. This reminds me of that song by who knows, way back in the 80’s… “She’s rock candy babaay!! She’s hot, sweet, and stickaaaay!!” Ok, now back to our regularly scheduled swatch! This gray crelly has 2 different UCC flakies, small gold holo glitter, and purple flakies. When this baby catches the sun, you won’t be able to stop staring!!

All Mixed Up Lacquers has kicked ass with this collection! And I am honored to be asked by her to swatch it! As I mentioned before I have been a fan of this polish for a long time and LJ never disappoints!!

Interview with a Queen…..of Nails!

Alright readers and fellow polish addicts, I have something very special for you! Krystal- Queen Of Nails 83 agreed to do an interview for me. I’ve secretly stalked Krystal since I started on Instagram and I’ve worshiped at the alter of her swatches! And when I asked Krystal about swatching polishes. and how she managed to get to swatch for many of the most sought after polishes, she didn’t ignore my questions, she didn’t jealously guard her information. She gave me advice, she supported my goals and opened her schedule for me!

So, when I asked Krystal if she would mind if I interviewed her for my blog, she said she was honored to!!! Honored!! It was me who was honored, and if you don’t know Krystal then you have to give her a follow: @queenofnails83. You WON’T regret it! So, on to the good stuff! Here is my interview with Krystal:

How long have you been a blogger/swatcher?

2 years. I “officially” starting swatching in March of 2016 when I received my first press samples from Divine Nail Lacquer. Before then, I was swatching my own stash and posting to IG/FB. As for blogging, I started June 1^st

Have you always had a passion for nail polish and nail art?

I have. When I was 16 years old after begging my mom for my first full set, I was hooked.

On IG you mentioned having to go into work for the first time in a long time- what is your career?

The job that pays the bills is United Healthcare. I am a telecommuter so I work from home.

It seems your hubby shares in your love of IG and FB lives, does he share your passion for polish. We’ve seen him build your Helmer!! LOL

LOL! Not really. Jason is so good to me and he does whatever he can to make me happy. I think he took a ‘liking’ to polish for me.

How do you manage a full time career, full time mommy and being such a busy swatcher and blogger?

Wow, that’s a great question. Ummmm, I’d have to say, Jason. We really do balance each other out and he’s a very involved husband and father. I don’t think I could have started swatching/blogging when my kids were young but because they are older, 6, 11, and 15, they are more self-sufficient and require less from me. I do cut myself off from work at a certain time and all things polish at a certain time, and I don’t swatch on the weekends and holidays.

What started you down the Indie polish road? What do you think of the lengths that polish crazed people will go to in order to get their “lemming” lol

I purchased my first indie from Enchanted Polish in March/April 2016 for $30 and the rest is history. I was a newbie in the game then so I didn’t know any better. LOL. And although I still own the polish, I don’t reach for it often but because I paid $30 for it, I’ll keep it forever. But I get it, lemmings and FOMO is real and the shopping addiction is real. I think supporting indie is very important. It makes me happy thinking that I can help a family by simply buying something I love.

What lengths have you gone to for your lemming? Do you even have one?

Currently I don’t have any but I did stay up to bid on an auction for the ANIVC from PDP, cost me $100 only to have the maker re-release them.

How did you get into blogging and swatching?

Honestly, the opportunity fell in my lap. Like I said, I had been swatching my stash and posting to social media and of course filling out swatcher application on maker site and finally a brand took a chance on me. Blogging came about a little differently. I had no intention on blogging but I had been approached by 3 different people, 2 of them non-polish addicts and said that I should start a blog. I considered it and finally took the leap.

As a popular swatcher, what do you think is most important piece of advice you can give to the ladies and gentlemen that may want to get into swatching?

‘Popular’ that’s funny. I don’t see myself that way at all. I’m just a girl that loves polish. But I would say good lighting, clean, well-manicured cuticles and clear pictures, but I think that stuff should be assumed. At the end of the day, image what you want to see and do it. If you borrow an idea from someone, approach them about it first but ultimately, make it your own. I mean there are only so many hand poses you can do without looking distorted but spice it up a little and try different backgrounds. You have to stand out some way.

Did you ever see yourself doing this sort of thing say 10 years ago?

Absolutely not. I was quite content with going to the salon to get my nails done but I wouldn’t give up what I am doing now for the world.

Would you say that people in the nail art world supported your goal of being a swatcher?

I really didn’t know too many people in the nail world when I started and didn’t ever realize that so many people shared in the passion like i do. I was in 1 nail group and made great friends and I believe they supported me.

Do you find there are drawbacks in swatching for some makers? (you don’t have to mention names if yes lol)

There are differences for sure but no drawback. The differences are what keep it interesting. I have made great friends with many makers that goes beyond polish.

Have you ever not really wanted to work with a maker, but did anyway? If so, what made you choose to go ahead and work with them?

Not at all. I respect all the makers that I have had the opportunity to work with. If there ever were an issue I’d address it a sever tides.

What do you do to stay out of the drama that can occur in the nail art world?

I try to stay out of anything that does not affect me directly, not everything requires a comment. Also, if I do comment, I make sure it’s from a place of understanding and not judgement.

I want to thank Krystal for being the kind person she is that agreed to be interviewed! As busy as she is she fit this in! She also got me into blogging and patiently answered my questions! I know I’m repeating myself, however, it bears repeating! She’s an amazing person, swatcher, and blogger!

Now one thing I want to share before I go….

Find joy in something. In the middle of the darkness, find something that has brought you joy-whether it’s a photo, a book, learning something new, or a bottle of polish, FIND YOUR JOY!!! When it gets rough, and people you thought were your friends turn their backs on you, or you know you need to turn your back on someone who is incredibly toxic for you, don’t forget to find your joy!

If you need to, take a minute, and close your eyes and just breathe! Fake friends can be replaced. Turn to your real friends, or family. But don’t ever let the darkness overwhelm you. See the pinpoint of light at the end of your tunnel and know the light will grow bit, by bit. But you have to help it!

Until then, take care of yourself first, and then you can take care of everyone else that deserves it! If you need to chat I’m an email away!

Take care sunshines!!

 Hello! And welcome to my blog! This is my first time doing something like this-actually, I fibbed, Queen of Nails 83 gave me a guest spot on her blog. She gave me the blog bug! Thanks Krystal!!! Now for what you can expect.

Among my incredible whit and charm (hey! It could be true…hehehe) you’ll share my obsession with me- NAIL POLISH!!!! My love of nail art, and my constant striving for a beautiful mani. And with all that interesting subject matter I may throw in a bit of seriousness from time to time and talk about something else important to me. Mental Health.

You see, in the two years that I’ve been in the nail art community, I’ve met some amazing people who, like me, struggle. Depression is an insidious disease! Insidious because it isolates you. It makes you feel like you’re alone in your struggle, or that you have to be alone in it. Makes you feel like you’re not worthy, not talented, not loved!

And, whether it is temporary (anyone can get sad from time to time) or a life long thing, many of the people I’ve come across struggle daily, and hurt to the point of losing or having lost, hope. Remember Ane Li? An incredibly talented, yet sad soul. No one had any idea how horrible she was feeling.

Nail art came to me- or rather I to it, when I was at a point in my life where I was lost. Where I felt alone, and not worth much. Nail art, and nail polish changed that for me! So, I’d like to share my journey with you. And along the way, if you gain knowledge or I gain knowledge, or like me, an obsession for all sorts of pretty polish then I’ll feel I’ve accomplished something. So take my hand and take the plunge with me!!!!

In my next post (which will be my “official” launch of the blog, I’ll have an interview with Jenalyn Miller, owner of Lyn B Designs, a review of Wickedly Sick Nails nail glitter, some “anti Valentine” nail art, swatches and more!

Until then take care of yourselves!