Moore Swatches: September Polish Pickup – Horror Movies

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Hey Sugas!! A few months ago in a different post I told you all that I don’t do haunted, horror, scary, creepy or spooky. I’m am the biggest scaredy-cat, yes I said it and I’m not ashamed…lol. In my early teens, my aunt would have sleepover with my cousins and I and they would watch Jason and Freddy Krueger movies. Meanwhile I’d be in the corner petrified and afraid to go to sleep. I guess I just never grew out of it.

The September theme for polish pickup (PPU) was…. you guessed it, horror movies. But there is nothing scary about these polishes, in fact, they are quiet spectacular. Today, I have 13 polishes – how lucky is that, inspired by movies like Jurassc Park, Carrie and The Shining, just to name a few. 

Enjoy…

August 31, 2018September 3, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: Necessary Evil – Facebook Group Customs, Monthly NERD and Once in a Lifetime

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Hey Sugas!!! Today’s post is my 500th Queendom Post!!!! WOOHOO!!!

To be very honest and transparent, I never thought I’d make it this far. There have numerous times I wanted to give up and walk away from the blogger scene but I had to remind myself of my WHY? I absolutely love nail polish and nail art and I have since I was about 16 years old. I started the journey not to “blog” necessarily but to document a journey – my journey, hence the “my nails, my story” tagline. Along the way I have learned many innovative techniques, created new friendships and have had the opportunity to talk about and work with polish. What could be better?

Today I just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU!!! In my just over 2 years of blogging, I am writing my 500th post, my blog has over 100k views and 33k visitors. Now to some, that may not be a lot and I respect that, but to me it’s the world. I am truly humbled and honored and I don’t take any of it for granted. I appreciate you all more than you can ever imagine.

I wanted to do something to show my gratitude soooooooo…. on August 15th, Jason, our children and I, started a business – Nema Handcrafted Designs. Currently, we offer 25mm, glass cabochons hand painted with nail polish. These pendants are attached to a 20 inch necklace or keychain. I say all that to say, I will be giving away a necklace or keychain to one lucky winner. And because todays post fell on a Necessary Evil day, the winner will be able to select any Necessary Evil polish featured on my blog to paint their pendant!!! Keep reading for entry rules and visit Nema Handcrafted Designs on FB or IG for more information about our business.

Ok, I know I’ve said A LOT! On to the polish…

Today I have 4 polishes from Necessary Evil featuring 2 Facebook Group Customs, a solar polish that will blow your socks off and the July 2018 Monthly NERD.

Enjoy…

August 30, 2018September 6, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: Chirality Polish – Indie Positivity Facebook Fan Group Custom

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Hey Sugas!! As you may have guessed from the title of this post, today I have the September Indie Positivity Facebook Fan Group Custom featuring Chirality Polish. Before we jump into the polish, I thought I’d break down the word positivity for just a sec. I did a little research online and concluded with the following definition…

Positivity – the practice of being or tendency to be positive (having a good effect) or optimistic (a habit of expecting everything to turn out for the best) in attitude.

A few antonyms would be negative, unfavorable, doubtful, etc.

A few years ago, I started thinking about whether I was living a positive life, my best life or one of negativity. I think overall, 80% percent of the time, I was and still am positive. Don’t get me wrong, I am human and sometimes life can just weigh me down, but the key to that is not staying down too long – no pity parties. Not only do we have to bounce back, but we have to bounce back 10 times more – better and in a positive direction! 

I have found myself trying to be more positive, because let’s face it, who wants to be a Debbie Downer all the time? Not me!

Positive affirmations (for myself and others) 

•  I have yellow sticky notes all over my bathroom mirror and office with little “I am” sayings “I am beautiful”, ” I am talented”, “I am worthy”. I also affirm my daughter with these as well.

Smile

• Even when I don’t want to…lol. We live in a digital and technology filled world and sometimes we mis-read written messages which can send us right into a negative mood. I am learned that reading with a smile can change my mindset and if I question the emotion or intent, I can CALL the sender before attitude and defense occur.

Engage with Others

• There is nothing more positive that being around others that life your spirits and you can reciprocate. Smiling and laughing are good for the soul.

Be Kind

• We’ve all heard the saying, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” For me, this going for others and to myself.

I could go on and on but my point is, positivity is vital for healthy development.

On to the polish…

As I stated before, today I have the September group custom from Chirality Polish for the Indie Positivty Facebook Group. As you may have guessed, you will need to be a member in order to purchase Stargaze. Stargaze was created with a positive, “look to the stars” vibes and to continue to spread the positivity feels, Amanda, creator and owner of Chirality Polish, will be also be offering a discount code for 13% off orders over $20. The code will only be shared in the group.

Enjoy….

August 29, 2018August 29, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: LynB Designs – September 2018 POTM

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Hey Sugas!!! I am literally sitting in my office working on this post this morning and in walks my 15 year old. He asks me if it’s ok if he makes some eggs for breakfast. Now Xavier is a lot of things – he’s an amazing son, great student-athlete and all around funny and charming guy. The one thing Xavier is not is attentive. My entire kitchen would be burnt down or up in smoke before he realized the eggs were done. I told him he needed to ask his sister, yes the 11 year old to help him….lol! The look on his face was priceless. I explained to him that wisdom doesn’t always come with age but by experience. Xylana is 11 but she is great in the kitchen, she is confidant and knowledgeable. She often spends her evenings helping to prepare dinner and looking up different recipes to try. I have full faith an confidence with her in the kitchen. So now all 3 of the children are in the kitchen helping with breakfast and I – I am just waiting until it’s done so I can partake in their hard work… lol!

Let’s get to the polish so I can go enjoy a nice, hot breaksfast…

Today I have the September POTM (polish of the month) from LynB Designs. Saturated Sapphire is a mesmerizing blue that is a must have! September babies… this ones for you and if you were not born in September, after seeing this polish you’re going to wish you were.

Enjoy…

August 28, 2018August 28, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: Colors by Llarowe (CbL) – September 2018 POTM

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Hey Sugas!! We are winding down the final days of August and if you’re like me then you either have children in school or starting next week. My 3 go back next week. 7 days. 168 hours. 241,920 minutes. But who’s counting??? We haven’t done a bit of shopping, not even a pencil. I have been putting it off because finances had to go to repairing our van twice this summer. But hopefully this last trip to the shop did the trick.

Back to school is such an amazing time of the year. Little minds being educated and prepared for the future and parents can actually keep food stocked in the kitchen…. lol! So cheers to the moms and dads that made it through another summer and to the teachers and children as they embark on another year of school and learning.

On to the polish…

So while I am excited about back to school and all that comes with it, you know it’s going to be a good month when CbL releases a polish of the month (PotM). I am trilled to feature Nude Beach in the Queendom today.

Enjoy

August 28, 2018August 28, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: Bee’s Knees Lacquer – IT-versary Collection

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Hey Sugas!!! Because we have a lot to get through today, we are just going to jump right into the IT-versary Collection from Bee’s Knees Lacquer (BKL). Because BKL launched with the IT collection a year ago, they decided to resurrect it with a 13 piece collection, 16 if you include the undies.

Enjoy….

August 27, 2018August 27, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: Zoya – Element Fall 2018 Collection

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Hey Sugas!!! Happy Friday! You know there is no use fighting the inevitable, right? It’s GOING to happen, whether you like it or not. The only thing we can do it prepare for it. After C comes D and Monday will always give way to Tuesday, it’s just the way things are.

As you are aware, Fall always comes after Summer and I’ll be the first to admit how much I love summer polish color pallets buuuuut…. truth be told, I do swoon over fall shades because they prepare me for the things ahead. Hayrides, pumpkin spice all things and apple cider, bonfires, hoodies, boots and cooler weather…lol.  

Because I already shared the Sunshine Summer 2018 Collection from Zoya, I figured the only smart thing would be to share the 12 piece Element Fall 2018 Collection. This collection features 8 creamy shades and 4 subtle shimmers.  

Enjoy…

August 24, 2018August 27, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: Zoya – Kisses Trio and Jelly Brites Trio

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Hey Sugas!!! Please excuse my manners, last week I was so excited to show off the Sunshine Summer 2018 Collection from Zoya, that I didn’t bother to properly introduce them here in Queendom.

I know Zoya has been around for awhile and by now I’m sure you have heard or seen pictures of their gorgeous polishes or maybe you have even treated yourself to a few of their beautiful and vast array of shades, but being as though they are new to the blog, I wanted to share a little bit about them. Perhaps it will help you to love them even more than you already do….. if that’s possible.

According to the About Us page…

Art of Beauty was founded in 1986 by Zoya and Michael Reyzis. They had a shared vision, which evolved from a small nail salon into a spa focusing on natural nails, skin care and alternative European herbal treatments. Today, the company has grown to become a manufacturer of the most innovative professional beauty products ever created.  Our brands include Zoya, Qtica, Smart Spa and Zoom.

Zoya, originally a classical pianist in Russia, earned her Cosmetology license in 1979 when she and her husband Michael immigrated to the United States. While pianist jobs were limited, the world of cosmetology offered a new profession and a means by which to build a new career. Through Zoya’s hard work, and a demand for quality and healthy, natural ingredients for her clients, it became evident that there was a need for the perfect products. Responding to his wife’s requests. Michael, an advanced chemist, developed and patented unique products such as anti-wrinkle treatments and shampoo and conditioning treatments for the salon & spa. He also created the first working fast drying topcoat and the longest wearing, toxin free natural nail polish, revolutionizing the nail industry.

Today, Zoya, Michael and everyone at Art of Beauty focus on creating the highest quality products available to professional salons and spas. Through brands like ZOYA Nail Lacquers, QTICA Treatments and QTICA SMART SPA, Art of Beauty offers salons and spas superior quality, convenience and incredible value. As the first to remove toxic ingredients such as toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from its formulations, Art of Beauty maintains its focus on the health and well being of salons, spas and consumers.

Art of Beauty also manages http://www.artofbeauty.com, http://www.zoya.com, http://www.qticasmartspa.com and http://www.qtica.com.

You will find Art of Beauty brands in the world’s best salons, spas and resorts; not in discount stores. Our products continuously receive praise from top fashion magazines and year after year are voted #1 by our users.”

The Art of Beauty corporate headquarters is located in Cleveland, Ohio.

Isn’t that just the best?! See, I DO love this brand even more now! ❤

Enjoy…

August 23, 2018August 23, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: Night Owl Lacquer – Pluviophile Collection and September Crème of the Month

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Hey Sugas! Ring, ring, school is back in session because let’s face it, we can all stand to learn a new fun fact every now and then. It exercises the brain and who know when you’ll need a little bit of information during a family fun trivia game night.

Because I am featuring the 9 piece Pluviophile Collection from Night Owl Lacquer, I thought it would be fun to learn and test your Pluviophile knowledge.

Definition of pluvial

• of or relating to rain
• characterized by abundant rain

Definition of -phil or -phile

• lover/loving : one having an affinity or fondness for or a strong attraction
  

Combining them simply means, a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.

Rain Fun Facts:

• Rain falls from clouds in the sky in the form of water droplets, this is called precipitation
• Weather reporters use Doppler radar to detect rain, hail and other storms. This equipment can tell how much moisture is probably coming, as well as the wind speed
• Rain has more than one name: Snow, Sleet (slushy, freezing rain), Ice (tiny drops of ice that fall like rain) and Hail
• Deserts get less rain than any other type of climate except the continent of Antarctica. It is the driest continent on Earth.

Good stuff… you’ll thank me later…lol.

On to the polish….

Again, I have the 9 piece Pluviophile Collection which features 6 crèmes and 3 toppers. I’m also please as punch to show you the September Crème of the Month. It must be my birthday with all these crèmes around here!

Enjoy….

August 22, 2018August 22, 2018 by queenofnails83

Moore Swatches: Sassy Sauce Polish – August 2018 Release

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Hey Sugas! Funny story before we get in to the polish. Is that ok? Good!

This past weekend my girls and my cousins’ daughter spent a few nights with their great-grandmother. She wanted to get her great-granddaughters and “hang out” before they went back to school. My grandmother had an 11 year old, a 7 year old and a 5 year old with her and I’ll give you one guess as to what happened.

Yep, shopping!! I’m not sure where they went but my one daughter came home with shoes, the other a new purse and I am not sure what the other had. They also must’ve raided her jewelry box because they were each adorned with fashion jewelry my grandmother wears to church. Anyway, when I called my grandmother to thank her she says, “no thanks needed, anything for my babies, it was my pleasure!”

Jokingly I ask, “I’m your first and oldest granddaughter, did you buy me anything?”

Her response, “Bye, Felicia! You’re grown and have a job now. I only spoil my babies.”

Seriously?! Did she say, ‘bye, Felicia!’ LOL.

She also sent $20 to my son because he didn’t make it to the shopping trip. Luckily I have polish to heal my wounds. Speaking of which…..

Today I have the August release from Sassy Sauce Polish. It feature 6 new, stunning polishes. Speaking of Sassy Sauce…. who’s going to Polish Con Fall 2018 in MN? If you are don’t forget to stop by Carrie’s table and hey hello.

Enjoy….

August 21, 2018August 21, 2018 by queenofnails83