Nice Nails

   A good friend of mine told me once that the key to looking your best was to have perfectly groomed eyebrows but I think to look perfectly polished you must have clean nails! I really do think this is true. Ill see women with their nails chipped and just think "wow she must not be very clean" before I even can stop myself. On the other hand I see people with perfectly polished hands and cant help but think how put together they are. This doesn't just include polished fingers but even bare nails that are clean and even. Iv found some nail tips to keep your hands looking perfect!

1st.
 Chipped or uneven nails are never pretty.

These nails need love

I don't care how long you want them to be. If your nails have jagged edges or you have several different lengths on all your fingers it looks like you wont spend a little time loving yourself. I'm guilty on this one! However, spend a few minuets one time a week making sure you pamper your hands and nails I mean they do so much for you every day!

2nd.
Long nails aren't for everyone.

Cute, clean, short nails

Sadly this includes myself. why you ask? If you have thin, or dry nails they just break easily and its a lot of work to grow them out. You can always try treatments but sometimes it is best to work with nature instead of against it. Also, did you know it has been a trend to have short nails?! They look more clean and less stripper-ish than a 2 inch nail!

3rd.
Are you one of those ladies that cant grow their nails out but  just has to have long nails?

There isn't a problem with that either! There are a lot of styles that you can accomplish with acrylic nails. Round and squared edges are the most popular but lately I have been seeing a lot more nails coming to a point.

Rounded

Squared

Stars are sporting pointed nails

When getting acrylics keep in mind a few things. Are you gonna do them your self or go to a nail salon? If you do them yourself make sure to practice and have to routine down. I have several friends who have cosmetology licenses and still prefer to go somewhere to get them done. When you go to a salon you need to choose someone who has some kind of license to do them. They have been trained to properly do your nails as well as keep their tools clean.

A clean and organized salon

 Next, you need to think about the commitment you are going to make. Acrylic nails cost money and it is a routine you will be repeating often for fills and replacements. If you do decide to take them off your nails underneath with not be perfect and will need extra love until they grow out. Acrylics can be very damaging to your real nails. Last, Think about how long you want them. This is actually a big deal. How do you want your nails to make you come across? Sometimes your acrylic nails can actually be too long for you. When you cant pick up small objects and seem to be stabbing people its time to trim them down. What ever the case nails should never be longer than the width of you thumb pad. You don't wanna look scary to children!

How long does the polish take to dry on those?

3rd.
Gel nails and gel polish is a new fad that I am loving. A lot of the same rules apply as the do for acrylics when looking for a salon but gels are not as damaging to your nails. For gel nail services beware! If the salon uses a powder to apply a gel nail it isn't a true gel. Another problem is that some products are rumored to melt and make strange wrinkles in gel.

Gel nail

 I personally like gel polish. I works the same as nail polish but it makes your nails stronger and it lasts for 3 weeks. I had some that lasted so long I had to take it off finally due to my nails growth! The gel polish does leave the nail underneath dry sadly and can't add any length to the nails at the time of service. It is kinda hard to find if you wanna do it yourself but I think its worth it. Gel polish also doesn't work like traditional polish either. It should done useing a curing method so once your done curing no dry time is needed. Good bye messed up polish!

Gel polish

4th
To make any manicure look its best you need a clean canvas. Make sure you spend time taking care of those hands! Cuticles need to be pushed back and hangnails need to be cut.

 Also soften your hands with a good lotion to keep hands soft ad smooth

Clean hands

Here are some nail design ideas that I love!

Golden lace

Cherry Blossom

News Print

Splat!

ANI<3

Photo Contest

   Photo contests are everywhere. They look for breath taking photos of so many different things. Many contest judges have different interests in the style of photography they like and they usually set a theme about photo content. National Geographic likes to have a contest  for photos with people, places, and nature. Here are some of the best photos from the last photo contest.

PLACES

Anuar Patjane

Bhaktapur rains.

Hung-Hsiu Shih

 

 Fire fishing ritual in Formosa.

PEOPLE

Lisa Clarke

 

 

Family dresses as zombies in Queensland to raise money for  a good cause.

Alessandro Citti

Women at the last supper.

NATURE

Shikhei Goh

 

 Dragonfly in the rain.

dafna ben nun

 

Beluga whales.


Want to see more photos?!Look at the  Photo Contest page of National Geographic. While you are there roam around the site. They have tons and tons of amazing photos. Maybe you can even submit your own  entry into the contest. Not for you or not your style? Try a smaller contest in your own town! You can probably find a contest that is looking for photos that look just like the ones you take!
ANI

Sushi

    I have noticed alot of people in the last few years who are crazy about sushi. I am not as exctied about it but I try to taste the different kinds and have begun to like sushi that incorporates shrimp. I found a little guide to help you make sushi at home!

Sushi making step 1

The first thing you need is a roll matt.

If you cover it in cling film before use it will last much longer.

Place a sheet of nori on the matt with the shiny side facing down and the lines in the nori running vertical.

Sushi making step 2

Wet your hands with a little water mixed with vinegar, then pick up around 200g of cooked sushi rice.

Sushi making step 3

Evenly spread the rice over the nori sheet ensuring that you do not compact it too much.

Wet your hands with a little more water if necessary.

 

Sushi making step 4

Spread the rice right out to the edges of the nori and leave a 2 cm gap at the top of the seaweed without any rice on it.

 

Sushi making step 5

Make a horizontal groove in the rice running down the centre and then place the fillings of your choice on it. We recommend: cucumber, Japanese omelette, BBQ eel, tuna mayo ir avocado.

 

Sushi making step 6

 

Carefully begin rolling the matt from the edge nearest you by placing your thumbs under it and your fingers on the filling. Press down a little as you roll, but not so tightly that the rice and filling comes out the sides.

 

 

Sushi making step 7

When the top of the roll matt reaches the edge of the rice, pull out the end of the matt so that it is not rolled up in the sushi.

Sushi making step 8

Holding the matt away from the sushi, flip the roll over one more time so the the seaweed is totally wrapped around the rice.

 

Sushi making step 9

 

Gently press the sides of the roll with fingers to flatten, and carefully remove the matt from around the sushi.

Sushi making step 10

Cut the roll in half using a sharp knife that has been dipped in a mix of vinegar and water. Then place the two halves next to each other and cut into thirds.

Sushi making step 11

 

Your sushi is ready. Enjoy with some wasabi paste and soya sauce.

 

There you are sushi lovers! If you liked this how to check out The Good Food Channel at http://uktv.co.uk/goodfood/homepage/sid/566

 

Ani <3

Running late? Time save tips.

  I hate when I am going to work, classes, or even an event that requires me to be there on time but I am running late. What do you do when you are running late? I decided to find some of the best tips that will get you ready fast but still seem like you took time on yourself.

Don't be this girl! You will ruin your shoes!

    Lets talk hair. How many mornings do you start off your day with amazing perfect hair? Not many?
Know your simple updos. A really cute updo that looks great on anyone is the top knot. They usually only take a few minuets to throw up too. For days you are running late I suggest that you go for a messy casual bun so later if a few pieces fall out it is only adding to your look.

So messy but so pretty.

   Another good go to style is a simple pony.  These can be great time savers but have variations on how to wear them.They look great high or low. Messy ponys look great for casual days and smooth ponys for more serious days. A little volume to any up do at the crown or bang never hurts!

High on the head and high on volume.

   Want to add a little extra something to your hair when its up? Take a small section of hair from the bottom and wrap it around the elastic, pin it back underneath and done. I get complements every time I do this.

Low pony with a simple wrap.

    Don't know how to do these styles? Check on youtube.com for tons of videos on how to do these and many other styles.

 Next lets talk makeup. When you are running late you might not have time to do your full makeup routine. When you cant know which products you use make you feel the best and limit your self to 2-3 of those. A look I really usually fall back on when I am in a hurry is a simple eye and light lip. Just coat with a few sweeps of mascara or eyeliner and bit of lipstick. Its quick and everyone has pretty lips so pull attention to them!

If you aren't used to lipstick start with more neutral colors so that you feel confident. Confidence is what makes you stand out. Also make sure to start with lip balm! 

Simple eyes light pink lip.

    Another good thing to try is a powder or cream blush. Pop it onto the apples of the cheeks for a clean look.

Clean and simple blush.

   Last we need to talk about clothes. Usually when I am running late its because I am lazy and had a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. Days like these I suggest wearing something comfortable and simple. Nothing worse than being tired and messing with your outfit.Know where those outfits and pieces are that make you feel the most comfortable.

Fashionable and comfy.

Simple every day of the week pieces.

    This is my biggest piece of advice. Choose your outfits a week ahead of time! Do it every weekend. It may sound time consuming but compare that to all of the time you will waste trying things on in the morning. I have been doing this a long time. I already know what I am gonna wear and I know it is something I am gonna feel good in. I also don't have to get up that much earlier to try and plan an outfit. That has saved me so much time when I am running late because I just throw on what I planned and out the door I go. After a while you kinda look forward to planning your outfits and its not a hassle. If you really feel like this wont be for you then just lay them out every night before you go to  sleep. Think about it, could you use the extra 15minuets of sleep in the morning?!

Simple class outfits.

Work Casual

     Some week planners such as myself take it to the next level and have photos of all their clothing and make a photo planner. Personally, that would be too much for me so I lay them out in a closet organizer.

Hopefully these tips will help you get ready when you are pinched for time.

Ani<3

Animals

Have you had a bad day? Take some time to enjoy these wonderful photos of animals to make everything better.

Mr. Monkey

Donkey

Piggies

Bunny

Cotton Ball

Elephant

Horse

Lazy Dog

Duck

SWING!

OWL

Happy dog

Penguin

Chameleon

Me

Want more cuties?! http://www.cutestpaw.com/ has tons of heart melting photos.
ANI