Hello ladies,
This past weekend was such a busy and enjoyable experience. I attended my friend Denise's wedding on Saturday. She looked absolutely stunning! The ceremony ended with Monarch butterflies being released by the newlyweds. It's part of a Native American tradition in which butterflies are said to carry wishes to the Great Spirit. Each guest made a wish for the couple's future together.
Sunday was my birthday. After brunch with my friends Lisa and Cassandra, we walked through the grounds at the Morris Arboretum and enjoyed the blossoms, fountains and the peaceful shade. The rose garden was still abloom and fragrant. I walked among the roses with my parasol. Bees and butterflies shared in our pleasure of the flowers.
I returned to the city and had Thai food with my philosopher friend. I enjoyed a spicy yellow curry dish with mangoes. For dessert, there was homemade coconut ice cream. After dinner, I visited an old flame.
I had such a wonderful birthday! I am truly grateful for the love and companionship from the people in my life.
I decided a colorful peacock manicure would best suit the occasion. I began with BB Couture Huckleberry Martini, a rich purple shimmer. The color may lean towards blue on some monitors, but it is a true purple.
I stamped peacocks from fauxnad plate H45. I alternated placing purple, blue and green rhinestones in the center body of each peacock. I decorated the crest and the feathers with miniature spheres. You will notice the color of the sphere in the center of each grouping of three matches the marquis rhinestone.
From Victoria Nail Supply, I purchased a wheel of colorful spheres . I love these as an accent. The only caveat is the shades containing red pigment aren't wholly colorfast once quick dry topcoat is applied. I had no difficulty with the green, blue, copper and gold. For $3.95, the wheel is worth purchasing even if the red, pink and purple can be problematic to seal. My only other caution is these spheres are best for patient dispositions.
I painted three coats of Huckleberry Martini. Two coats brought satisfactory opacity, but three made the shimmer seem brighter. As with other BB Couture polishes I have tried, Huckleberry Martini offers salon quality application.
This manicure was a festive accompaniment to my weekend. I hope it brought you delight as well.
Huckleberry Martini was sent to me for review. This shade is part of the Cantina Nights Collection, available at overallbeauty.com. For the opportunity to win your choice of five polishes from Cantina Nights along with a beauty gift pack from Reviva Labs, please visit the Naturally Beautiful and Polished Giveaway.
Image plate H45 was provided for my consideration. You can view the full selection of stamping nail art plates at chez-delaney.com.
Happy painting, ladies!