The Erin Files - Anxiety Central

Good Evening y'all!

Deviating from the polish for a post. I need to vent and get some stuff out there. I hope this doesn't seem like a sob story. This genre of post seems to be common in the polish world.

I don't know if anyone has noticed that the url of my blog is 'neurogalaxy', which has nothing to do at all with polish. That's because this blog was originally for my personal use, and it was called 'A Neurotic's Guide to the Galaxy'.

I've spent my entire life being reclusive, introverted, and generally speaking a pariah. Ever since I was a small child I was a square peg in a round hole of 'normal' children. I always knew internally that something was wrong with just my attitude.  I refused to speak, in fear I would be saying the wrong thing, insulting people accidentally, or making myself look like a fool. My parents would tell me by not speaking it made me look 'snotty', and that I was being plain rude. No amount of my protests would change this. I kept very few friends, and kept people at a distance. I never felt worthy, or valued.

When I was in university and had more control of my life, I sought help for my anxiety (as I now know that's what it was).  I was put on medication, and it's marginally helped. Then the roller coaster of depression started.

When I started university, I found friends that seemed to get me - that quickly changed. Looking back, I chose to keep friends that weren't in my best interest because they added fun to my life. They weren't the people that would be there through thick and thin. In my last year at school I completely shut myself out of everyone's life. I never left my room except to eat. For some reason no one I was living with noticed this, and I spiraled out of control.  At the end of the semester I finally reached out to my mom in a letter, and they got me out of there ASAP. I can't thank her enough for saving my life.

After this happened, I took a year off. I worked and lived at home. I had no one but my parents. It was almost worse than the scenario before. I slept a lot. A LOT.

When I was still at home, in April 2011, I discovered polish. It was something that made me happy again. It started as a crutch, to convince me to go to work. Knowing I would get a package convinced me internally that the work day was worth it. That getting up out of bed was worth it. It caused my parents lots of ire, because it was a lot of money spent - but I think it was well spent. I mean, I don't buy as much as I used to, but I still imbibe now and then.

The polish community has been a very accepting and safe place for me. I mean, by nature I am not a group joiner or an active participant. However it has gotten me out of my shell and I am very thankful for that! I even got the nerve to join a Secret Santa group - naturally I think I didn't give enough. I swap with wonderful people. I meet creative people who inspire me and give me ideas. I like being unique in my classes and having something that makes me stand out. I like reading blogs and knowing there are people out there just like me.

Thank you polish, for saving my life.

Day Eight - Gradient

Here's my first attempt at a glitter gradient using Color Club's Take Me To Your Chateau and Deborah Lippmann's Today Was A Fairytale. I liked the end result, but next time I think I'll use a glitter that doesn't have a tinted base.

Next time I'll use Crown Me Already - I didn't remember that Fairytale had a tinted base :( I do still like it though.

Day Seven - Lines

Just in the nick of time!
It's nice to be back on track in this challenge. I really hate being late.

I kept it simple for this challenge, because I have a test to study for. I got a blog sale parcel today, and in it was Cult Nails Annalicious! I used it as the base, and let me tell you it's gorgeous!!!! I have a lot of reds, but I don't think I have one quite like it. I stamped a fishnet design to serve as the lines in black.

I think it's kind of classy looking....what do you think?

Day Six Finally! - Inspired By Another's Nails

Well, I've been sick all weekend - like in bed, no voice, fever sick! Nails were kind of the last thing on my mind, but I didn't want to give up on this challenge!
Erica graciously allowed me to get this up when I can, so I'll link myself in and edit this post later :) It's too bad, because I know exactly what I'm going to do! It's just a matter of doing it.
I'll give you a hint...I'm doing something I saw on Love, Varnish, and Chocolate! I'm a little bit in love with her and how she takes her photos!
Here's her version...

It's a base of For Audrey, stamped with China Glaze Adore.
Now for my try!

Eh? Not bad!

Day Five - Failed Freehand Half Moons

Sorry, very little words today - I used OPI Glitzerland and Zoya Veruschka, and a matte top coat. I didn't have tape, so I had to freehand the moons. Now I'm going back to bed, as I am le sick.

 

Day Four - Delicate Print

Back on track! I had ideas for all the other days in the challenge, and now I am rejuvenated!
I've been trying to go through my polish stash and use polishes I've only used once. To start the delicate print day, I used a base of Zoya Jo. It's beautiful cornflower blue! I don't know why I don't wear it more often. I then stamped using BM 310 and white stamping polish and came out with this...

 Much love for these nails! I tried stamping in silver first, but it didn't show up the way I wanted it to. I think the white looks even better though! It reminds me of porcelain plates!

Day Three - Inspired by a Tutorial

This was incredibly difficult for me. I could not find anything I had the time to do. I'm in the middle of second tests and projects at school, and I nearly forgot to do this day in the first place.

 I used the Nailasaurus' Simple Flowers tutorial - I used Girly Bits Cu Blue, Zoya Jancyn, and white stamping polish. I don't have a dotting tool, so I used a bobby pin.

Well...I like my thumb....my ring finger not so much. This is my first ever 'dotting' attempt, so I guess I can't be too upset. I flipping love Cu Blue though - that copper shimmer is to die for!!

No H8 - Zoya Savita

Bullying is not funny.  It is not cool.  It is not right.  And more importantly, it is not okay.  

Most of us are thankfully residents of countries that support tolerance and many of our families have settled in these places simply for that reason.  Generations later, it is our responsibility to perpetuate that message of tolerance across our new social platforms, including the internet.

As members of the nail polish community, we all share a love of beauty, color, and lacquer.  Other than that, we are remarkably different: from our race to our religion to our hair color and even to our polish application techniques.  To look down on anyone because of those differences is completely unacceptable and today I take a stand against that.  I refuse to allow other people's view of "normal" dictate how I behave, believe, and blog.  

In solidarity with a multitude of bloggers linked below, my purple manicure represents my proud commitment to the No H8 movement.  Today, November 8, I dedicate my post  to ending bullying of any kind and to encouraging diversity and imperfection among our colorful community

I chose to use Zoya Savita - a purple matte polish for this great cause.
When I was decided whether or not I wanted to blog, I was so worried I would be judged because I wasn't good enough. My cleanup is spotty, I can't freehand, and my photos are subpar. Eventually I decided to do this for me, because I wanted to. It makes me happy, and since I deal with depression and anxiety, I'd do just about anything to make me happy.

It's not perfect, but it's me, and that's what matters :)

Please note that Llarowe will be donating $2.00 of every purple polish sold on her site from 12am Thursday, November 8 through 12am Friday, November 9 to Pacer.org, an organization devoted to anti-bullying education.
 
If you or someone you know suffers from bullying, there is help.  Please visit the following sites for support and encouragement:
StopBullying.gov
Report Cyber Bullying
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 800.273.TALK (8255)
Eradicate H8

Day Two - Polka Dot Nails

Finally - nails I am in love with!
I have issues finding a light purple that looks good on me. China Glaze Sweet Hook is probably the closest I've gotten, so I used it for the base, and used my Konad stamp to do the dots.

 

It is so preppy, and I love that. It's clean and classic. They may get 2 days wear, which is a biggie for me.

Erica's Nail Art Challenge Day 1 - Rainbow

I gone done it again!
Erica at Erica's Nails and More is hosting another challenge!!!

This one takes the whole month, and gives three days to perform the requirement.
For rainbow, I decided to 'try' a tape mani. Now, I don't have striping tape, but I used painters tape cut into little stripes. It's messy, and I added top coat too fast, but I like it.

 The yellow was a disaster, but I like the overall effect.
I used (from L-R) OPI Funky Dunkey, Zoya Robyn, Zoya Pippa, Zoya Jancyn, and OPI Friar, Friar, Pants on Fire. I then put the tape down and used NOPI Razzle Dazzler.

Last Pink Wednesday - Zoya Kimber

Warning - this is a mess
I have been super busy - the aftermath of the hurricane caused a car accident, and I`ve been dealing with insurance and body shops :( I didn`t want to miss the last one!
I used Zoya Kimber, and stamped using white Konad polish and BM 310

I`m a fan of Kimber, and the Zoya Surf Collection as a whole. I shelled out my money to get all of them - that`s something I rarely do.

Halloween Nails #1

It's a widely known fact about me that I'm not a fan of Halloween. I haven't dressed up in years. It's just another day for me. I have a bizarre phobia of wigs as well, which doesn't help. It's just not a good time.

But I decided that I like Halloween colours, so I'm showing this mani I'm wearing and am in LOVE with.

I started with a base of Zoya Tanzy - which was the first Zoya I ever bought and am in love with to this day. So bright and sparkletastic! I then dabbed on some Colorblind, and topped it off with the matte top coat.

Ugh, I just love it so. I wore it shiny for almost a day, but I wasn't as stuck on it as I am now. It will break my heart to take it off.

Pretty and Polished Sand Art

What fresh hell!
It's sunny!!!!
I can finally take a photo of what my nails are wearing!!
I've had Sand Art for about a month, but I ended up moving it around in my polish closet and it was out of sight, out of mind. When I went and rearranged some stuff - I grabbed it and put it on right then and there.

I used Zoya Robyn as underwear, and put three coats of Sand Art over top.

This is a serious love for me - I love the colours in this polish! I also like that I can layer it over anything my heart desires :)

I never got Sand Art as a child, but I'm sure glad I have it as an adult! This may have to be in my top 10 for 2012.

Go Pink Wednesday - Zoya Renee and OPI I Lily Love You

Oh hai there!
I'm doing this a bit early, but I actually did my pink mani the day before and I wanted to put it up before I inevitably chip it.
I love Zoya Renee - it's hot pink, but its deeply saturated and has more of a medium pink hue. It's more of a red-pink than blue-pinks, which I usually prefer.
To add some zazzle to this boring creme, I topped it with my new arrival - I Lily Love You! It came in a swap yesterday and I just had to incorporate it into Pink Wednesday!

It seems that London has become a complete storm cloud - it has rained here for at least a week. My indoor lighting does not really work so well for taking pictures.

I also took a shot of my whole hand in hopes to get the colour close - although in the photos I'm using it's actually right! Huge victory!

Go Pink Wednesday (aka my latest nail art fail)

UGH
That's all I can say about this stamping fail.
It seemed like such a good idea in theory....but I hate the way it looks.
I used a base of OPI My Very First Knockwurst, and stamped using a BM plate and OPI Dim Sum Plum.

I thought roses would be a lovely manicure for pink Wednesday, but Dim Sum Plum is so close to the colour of the Konad stamper that I could barely see it. I used my right hand, even with the nubbin pinkie, because my left hand was just that bad.

 It's just not good.....not good at all. But I didn't want to post nothing - I like Pink Wednesday.

OPI The World Is Not Enough

Hey! Late post tonight because I went and saw Marianas Trench tonight!! I love me some whiny bands! They were seriously awesome though - the lead singer arrived on stage via a harness, popping out of a jack in the box!
The second polish I got from the Skyfall collection thus far was The World Is Not Enough, which is a golden bronze sparkler with rose glitter in there as well. I love this polish! It's like the love child of last year's Muppet polishes - Designer, De Better and Warm and Fozzie. Since I love both of them, it was logical that I'd love this one too.

 I forgot a bottle shot :( Sorry guys

Since I'm so pale, It looks a lot darker on me than I expected it to. This is actually what I wanted Designer De Better to be when I first saw it.

It's not a great picture, but you can *kind* of see the rose glitter here. I love when I can see that flash in the polish.

OPI Live and Let Die

Today's polish comes to us from the new OPI Skyfall collection, which is based on James Bond. I picked up two so far, and Live and Let Die is the one I'm going to show you today!
Live and Let Die is a dark DARK green with gold specks of shimmer running throughout.

Uh...yeah - bottle shot makes it impossible to see what's going on in there.

Aha, we're getting there. Since today in London it is raining, I didn't get the best pictures. The most colour accurate one I got was taken with a flash, in the dark.

Yeah, that's pretty close! I was hoping the gold would be more prominent, but I like it just the same. Most people are on the fence with this polish as far as I've read. It's definitely unexpected. I think I'd like it more if it was a tad lighter, but it works for me as a vampy dark colour. I may do some nail art with it for my Marianas Trench concert on Monday :)
Anyone else own Live or Let Die? What's the verdict for you?

Lacquistry Winner~!

Drumroll please!

The winner of Golf Socks is..............

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Congratulations! I've emailed the winner. Thanks for entering and visiting The Colours!

Go Pink! Wednesday - Zoya Shelby and Rainbow Honey A Little Kindness

Ack - I've been sicky sick since Monday! So this will be a short one, since my head still thinks it weighs 100lbs.
I started with a base of Zoya Shelby, then added 2 coats of A Little Kindness. From my recent Rainbow Honey haul, I love this one the most! The shimmers are great but they are wayyyy to thick for my liking. So until I get polish thinner, you won't be seeing them here :(

 A Little Kindness adds epic sparkle and 'zazzle' to this creme base. I usually hate cremes, and only use them for layering. It has a pink shimmer in the base, and large pink and gold hex glitter

The Itty Bitty Lacquistry Giveaway!!

Well, simply put, I am super stoked that I have reached double digits in my GFC followers. I also have this new polish burning a hole in my helmer waiting to be given away...sooo....

 

Golf Socks anyone?

 Step right up! This is a brand new Golf Socks from Lacquistry!!! It was my freebie after she fixed the formula.

It's a teenie tiny, easy as pie giveaway! It ends on Oct 11th!

Good Luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Girly Bits Daddy's Little Girl

I wanted this polish so badly for so long. I always managed to miss it when Pam restocked. I got lucky and got it in a swap last month!
I used Zoya Song for underwear - and it is the perfect colour match!

Daddy's Little Girl is a mix of blue and purple glitter in a clear base. This is two coats on top of one coat of Song.

It was hard to photograph, because the purple glitter never seem to want to show up.

It is super gorgeous though!  It was also very easy to apply. A but messy, but I'm always messy when I paint my nails....

Go Pink! Wednesday and September Haul!

Well well, after a week of devastating midterms, I am back to posting!
There is a blogger named Andrea over at the blog Finger Painting Fingers who is doing a Go Pink! challenge to support breast cancer. At her site, there is also a link to an indie polish brand (Perception Nail Lacquer) who is selling a polish she help create. Part of the proceeds go to the New Mexico Cancer Center.
So in honour of this, today is Go Pink! Wednesday and we are to paint our fingers PINK! I didn't do nail art because I was pressed for time, but I used Zoya Happi.

Happi is such a pretty colour! It is a bubblegum pink with serious gold flashes.

I actually got it by mistake, thinking it was Reece. Lucky for me, because I actually like Happi better. It's part of Zoya's Reverie Collection, which I happen to own all of :)

Now on to my September haul....which after I took all the photos was much more extensive than I thought it would be.
First, the polishes I actually bought.

 At Trade Secret, I had to get Everybody Loves Oktoberfest - it's an epic polish. I also grabbed Myrta and Elisa on sale in the half off bin. I think Elisa being in there was a mistake, but I'm not complaining!

 To my surprise, Winners had the OPI Germany Collection as well. I grabbed Deutsch You Want Me Baby? (sorry for the crappy light in the shot) and China Glaze Unpredictable, both for awesome prices.

 I'm really digging these new Essence Colour and Go polishes my Shoppers Drug Mart has. I didn't buy the old ones, but Chic Reloaded and Grey-t to Be Here really spoke to me. You can kind of see the pink flash Grey-t has!

I got my two Pretty and Polished Lemmings from a FB sale group! Here's Sand Art and Jawbreaker.

 I originally just bought Polished Perfection Leaping Lizards from Epic Nail Time's blog sale, but she sent me Polished Perfection Easy Peasy and Fever Lacquer There Is No Odyssey as well! Much love to Caitlin!

And then there was Rainbow Honey! I picked up some mini's since I'd never used them before, but I love love LOVE them! This is A Little Kindness, Ephemeral, Wistful and Celestia.

I also did a wee bit of swapping, and I'll save the best for last :)

On MUA, I swapped and got Girly Bits Daddy's Little Girl and China Glaze Sweet Hook.
Drumroll please.............

CATRICE!!
A great swapper in Belgium picked me up some Catrice polished I'd been lemming for quite some time!
We have Captain Sparrow's Boat, Steel My Heart, Steel My Soul, Dirty Berry, George Blueney, and Essence Just In Case!

Wow...that was a lot of polishes. Anything you guys want to see?