Science Experiment Meets Art Project.

Hiya Folks! Hope all is well among my thrifty tribe? 

First off....let me begin with some apologies for my long hiatus. After the wedding, I took a minute to breathe...and then it was back to the daily grind...and then it was: the holidays, a hectic work schedule, a busy home life, and some personal tragedies that made anything except being sad all too difficult to do, especially writing. Blogging was not in the cards for the past few monts. Now that that’s all over...here I am. Ready to rumble with all my thrifty finds. 

And I know technically I haven’t written a drop since September, I still have been actively investigating all my blogging needs. Here comes the research. Lots and lots of research! Hahaha.....I actually love the research aspect of this and given all that has occurred between then and now, this process as been a well received forced journey. Sit back, take it all it, learn what I can and ultimately write about it later. 

Over the weekend, I decided to try out a fun nail tutorial that I discovered on Instagram and today while trying out a natural face mask I found on Pinterest, it became no better time than the present to present to you the results of one of my many budget babe friendly findings. 

In recent years (the last six or so) I have become more of a do-it-yourself type of gal so this nail process seemed right up my alley. I will get into the lovely face mask next blog entry. 

Anyway, I spotted a video about a splattered/speckled, splotched, "easter egg" type of nail design that a) was no only festive for the spring season but b) seemed doable given my skill set. It also seemed quick enough and besides, I wanted to use the LED nail drying light my husband bought me. This little magical light has become a nail painting dream. 

Seriously, I love this gift and suggest it to any do-it-yourself nail type of person out there. It truly is a game changer! 

 *husband brag 

My husband is exceptional at gift giving:99.9% of the time he is given no directions, expectations, or hints. He pays attention to the things I talk about and I feel lucky in that regard. Prior to this gift, I had told him, “I wish I had one of those LED lights to dry my nails like they do at the nail salon. I’d do my nails way more often and on my own!” 

That was it: a passing conversation that turned into one of my favorite gifts of all time. 

*enough bragging about my sweet pea and back to the task at hand 

So here it goes: I’ve got my colors picked out, I’ve got my light and the example video. I'm ready to do this! 

The tutorial went as so: 

What You Need: 

A bowl of hot water. 

Nail polish.

Tape.

Hairspray. 

How Tutorial Went:

Heat water.

Wrap skin around nail in tape.

Drop a dab of nail color in water and spray with hairspray.

Dip wrapped nail in polish and presto first splatter layer. 

Repeat process with second color. 

Remove tape. 

Polish with top protective coat. 

Dry under light. *I added this because again...I have the light...that magnificent little light. 

Without a mess, this woman’s nails came out flawless. 

Mine not so much-although today I am much happier with the results. Ha. Novice vs. veteran...but you know what they say? Practice makes perfect.

How IT Went For ME:

Followed tutorial and kinda got the same result. 

I use the word “kinda” very loosely. Yes, I’m happy with the outcome and am glad I gave it a go but to be honest, my version was nothing like what I saw. LOL. 

For starters, I didn’t have tape but decided to go purchase some. Inevitably though and after only one finger, I ditched the tape altogether. It didn’t really work out for me and was more of a hassle than actually helpful. Regardless, don't let my experience sway you from adding the tape if you decide to try this out. 

Secondly, this was an extremely messy process for me unlike what the video showed. Then again, most projects are messy for me. I'm the queen of #nailedit. However, knowing this tidbit about myself though...I was prepared. I just used an extra cutting board we had to do this over-which saved my dining table and lots and lots of napkins-which made my earth mother goddess cry with every rip from the roll. 

Next go round, this part will get tweaked some how. 

I also noticed that my hairspray didn’t have the same effect as the hairspray shown in the video and in addition to that, my dabs of polish mostly ended up at the bottom of my bowl. 

I’m wondering if this is the result of both the type of hairspray and nail polish I used? 

Again, these will also be tweaked next time I give this a try. 

All in all, it was the perfect union of a science experiment meets art project. 

One nail came out very much (almost exact) like what the video showed while the other nine looked just speckled enough for my own liking...and like I said, after a few tries I hope to get it down. In fact, I know I will. It's too cute not to give it a few more chances! 

Yes, yes. I was very pleased to

say the least about how this all turned out for me and would I recommend trying this at home to all of you? 

Drumroll please.....

Absolutely! You must partake in this adventure. 

I know I could totally just take the picture to a nail salon and say, “Can/Will you do this for me, please?” 

But, I don’t want to. 

I want to learn these trades myself....and as stated above-I’m a budget babe, a DIYer and you can’t claim to be both of those things when you aren’t actively doing either. 

I’m a lady on a mission to save money or to at least use my money on more important things...like...NOT monthly nail upkeep at a pricey salon. 

That said money can be allocated to different goodies. *rubs hands together 

And sure...I like to feel pretty! Who doesn't? I enjoy girly/self-care days and things like: makeup, gettinh my hair done, and getting my nails done...but...when I stopped worrying so much about all the ways I could look like a polished up version of my real self is when I truly began to feel more beautiful about who I am on the inside as well as the outside. 

I've switched out the heels for flats. I stopped throwing money away for more makeup I don’t wear. I've gotten rid of and out of the habit of buying for a closet that only caters to up-to-minute fashion trends and exchanged them with timeless pieces. 

I've learned the fine art of being my own fashion guru instead of taking advice from all those self-proclaimed fashion gurus. 

That picture perfect persona isn’t what truly matters to me anymore. I’m a woman who’s comfortable in her own skin....and that skin comes with flaws, imperfections, and a much smaller allowance for such insane and expensive expectations. 

Social media is filled to the brim with ideas from people like me...and in the past few years those are the gurus I want to listen to. Normal folks trying out what inspires them and molding it to fit their own lives. 

Inspiration is inspiration-it doesn’t have to be a carbon copy of what you see. Add your own flair to it and learn what works for you! It’s an idea not the exact way. Enjoy the process and share with the group. 

I could have chosen to omit the picture of the final result or decided to opt out of writing a review on this experience but that doesn't seem fair and I am a writer afterall. Plus, I believe reviews-like real life reviews-are absolutely necessary in today’s filtered type world. 

Overall, this budget babe was excited and happy with my version of this nail design and once again....I recommend giving this a whirl yourself. I'm interested to know if and how it came out for you. By doing this myself, I saved some cash and still look cute AF. 

That's all for now my thrifty folks. Next up-my review of the all natural face mask-along with other all natural beauty tips.