Shellac removal

I wish someone had told me that removing my shellac manicure was going to be a challenge...
I went to the salon and enjoyed my hour of pampering. The gal told me it would last longer but didn't say how long. A friend told me 2 week. Wow! I was so excited it would last so long. I never get manicures because the polish chips off in 2 days. After about a week, I began to wonder how it was going to come off at all. This same friend said she goes to the salon to have hers soaked off. So I got online to find out what exactly I had had put on my nails.
The best step by step I read was from The Pioneer Woman. She soaked her nails in actone and had pictures showing the process. Then I read the comments which were filled with people saying actone was poison and would ruin my nails and shellac would also make my nails a mess for weeks. Uh oh. My nails are already brittle and weird, I do not need more problems! And soaking my nails in poison, especially when I'm pregnant doesn't seem smart.
So I trimmed my nails and decided I would just be growing them out. Thankfully prenatal vitamins make them grow like crazy so it shouldn't be too bad. But then the bottom started peeling and catching on everything. So I decided to do some light soaking in just regular nail polish remover. Here's what I did...

1. I used regular nail polish to soak my nails for 8-10 mins. I tried to keep out as much of my fingers as possible to avoid my skin getting too dry.
2. Then I used that metal scrappie thing to scrap the shellac off my nails. They still looked awful and had chunks of polish on them when I was done.
3. So I pulled out this nail kit I got in PA from a very convincing nail lady at the mall. First time I've ever been thankful for this! I used the handy file/buffer to buff off the remaining polish.
4. Then I used some cuticle oil and hand lotion to save my skin. I've done this step a couple more times over the following week.

I suppose they look like their normal selves now. As dry and peeling as ever. I hate my nails. I think I might get a shellac manicure again. But I won't get it while I'm pregnant and only for a special occasion. And I seriously think you should get a disclaimer or at least an informational brochure when you leave the salon!!

Shellac nails

I can't believe it! On Saturday, I used my Living Social deal to get a mani and pedi. I got a shellac french mani. I never get manicures. Never. One time I went in to a salon to get a french manicure for a special occasion and they wouldn't do it. They said my nails were too short and brittle. Thanks. Just take my money people.
So I never get manicures because they chip immediately, and so it's not worth the money. But my shellac nails are still perfect. Perfect! It's been 5 days!
Yippee! I love it and totally recommend it.

Mirror Mirror

I can't tell how many times I question the mirror...
"How do I look today?"
"Does this fit right?"
"Is this attractive?"
In fact when I have a real fashion dilemma I contact my mom and my sister.
I have trouble with new clothing or accessory trends. I look in the mirror and can't decide if I like the new look or not. I recently texted them a picture with options. I started with a plain blue tee and a short sleeve grey cardigan. I ended up adding a skinny black belt to perfect my outfit. Thanks sister.:) If not for my fashionable family members I think I'd be stuck in a t-shirt rut.
I think the biggest question I sometimes forget to ask my mirror is...
"Is this God honoring? And does my appearance deserve as much time as I give it?"
Thankfully I have a good sense of modesty that my parents instilled in me, but I think all women struggle with vanity or image or body issues somedays. While I strive to be a beautiful reflect for my Savior on the outside as well as the inside, I strive to make sure the inside is still my priority.

God's Canvas

Psalm 19:1-5 ~ The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
I took these amazing pictures in August. J called me on his way home from work and said 'look outside! the clouds are amazing!'. So I did. Beautiful!

To the East was this big thunderhead reflecting rays from the sunset. At first I thought there would be no way I could get a good picture of it. So I put our new(ish, still to me) little camera on auto and lo and behold, there's a sunset setting. Thank you smart camera design man! J is so good at looking at the settings and picking the best one. I just click and get whatever it's already set on. I love the auto setting! Anyhow this thunderhead just ratiated sunlight from within and looked amazing! I love my great God and His handiwork is beyond my imagination!

To the West was a beautiful sunset. I wished I was at my parents so I could have an unobstructed view. Sunsets are not the same with other houses in the way!
Isaiah 40:12 ~ Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, Measured heaven with a span And calculated the dust of the earth in a measure? Weighed the mountains in scales And the hills in a balance?