Hey everyone! I don't know if anyone still checks this, but I just wanted to throw out a random update that I went back to school and am working on a BA in Arts Management. I am in the middle of my last semester before I graduate - and I'm exhausted! But also.... I have a new business!!! :)
I am now an officially insured and professional face painter in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas! I had been working for a woman painting faces and drawing henna at local renn faires. A few years later, I've started my own business, Halfmoon Body Art.
You can like me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HalfmoonBodyArt
You can also follow my new website: http://halfmoonbodyart.com
If any one here would like to hire me or recommend my services to anyone within driving distance of Pittsburgh, PA please don't hesitate to throw them my way!! I do all kinds of events: Birthday Parties, Mitzvahs, Corporate Picnics, Festivals, Bachelorette Parties, Church Bazaars, etc. (I even have a punny joke as my tagline - "The most fun you'll have is only One Stroke away!" Get it? Because we use one-stroke painting. ....okay, I'll work on it.)
Don't worry... I still have all of my polish and look forward to making more time for nail art once school is mostly over, but for now I have to keep studying and finish this leg of my journey. Happy Polishing, you all!!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
A little late... but late is better than never!
..Well, I guess that depends on what we're referring to, doesn't it?
In this case, I'm talking about a post featuring an edible craft that I threw together a couple years ago. (Two Easters past, to be exact.)
I saw these originally on a geek-focused retail website and I knew that I had to have my own.
I bought the generic molds - same that they used - the candy melts, the coloring (well, actually, I had that left over from the Birds cupcakes), and tossed them all in a magic carpet bag, yelled "accio!", and BAM! They flew right out onto my kitchen counter looking JUST LIKE THIS!
(Manic exaggeration is manic.)
In this case, I'm talking about a post featuring an edible craft that I threw together a couple years ago. (Two Easters past, to be exact.)
I saw these originally on a geek-focused retail website and I knew that I had to have my own.
I bought the generic molds - same that they used - the candy melts, the coloring (well, actually, I had that left over from the Birds cupcakes), and tossed them all in a magic carpet bag, yelled "accio!", and BAM! They flew right out onto my kitchen counter looking JUST LIKE THIS!
(Manic exaggeration is manic.)
Friday, March 22, 2013
First World Problems
Where do I begin?
I'M HANNA! AND I'M ANGRY ABOUT THIS!!!!!
- Issue #1: I want to participate in a world-wide social revolution, but the agency that I work for has decided to re-block all social networking sites. (Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. - not that anyone uses Myspace anyway, but just to be sure.)
- Issue #2: Smart phones are fine usually for light tasks, but for anything intense like blogging or composing paragraph-length replies it's like trying to ram yarn through a sewing needle. Additionally, phone generally don't have spell check or grammar check without having to add a bunch of extra apps and crap.
- Issue #3: Revolutions weren't always fought via the internet, but what else can you do when you're obligated to sit behind a desk for 8.5 of the 12ish hours that you're awake each day and have to "single parent" when you're not working or sleeping? WHICH IS ONE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT I DESIRE TO REVOLUTIONIZE!! D: (See upcoming rant about why I think feminism failed and why I also think TWRA stances have at least one valid point - or would if it weren't wrong.)
- Issue #4: Basically everything is becoming integrated into/via Facebook these days. For example, just for a moment, consider how many sites you regularly frequent that are not giving the option to "Log in with Facebook". Yeah, it's a lot. Sure, you don't NEED a facebook to use these sites, but if you already have one and the option exists to allow you have a consistent and convenient (okay, "lazy", stop judging) access to multiple forums and venues .... why would you not want to use it?!
- Issue #5: I'm annoyed that I'm upset about these things. Which just does wonders for my general outlook and greatly improves my interactions with other people. (Then again, that's more of a personal problem / symptom rather than a direct result of a situation.)
I'M HANNA! AND I'M ANGRY ABOUT THIS!!!!!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Isn't it ironic?
Although there is some contentious debate on the use of the term "irony" in the song, I shall use it here to denote the fact that I am anti-Ed Hardy, and yet here I am with "tattoo inspired" products... which may not be ironic, but it is definitely silly, isn't it?
Yes, I'm publicly revealing in a (very tongue-and-cheek) shameful way that my nails currently match my lighter. [No judgements on my smoking habit. If you've never smoked you have no idea how hard it is to quit. Fact.]
Anyway, here's the "show" of my "show and tell":
(Okay, over it)
Monday, May 23, 2011
OPI Austin-tatious Turquiose Review
OMGWTFBBQ! A post!? (I know!)
And it's a review. Holy crap, right?
I was a little dissapointed in Austin-tatious. It's one of the most beautiful and lusty turquioses in the bottle. On the nails?.... *5* coats to bottle opacity!!! Yes, 5. I guess I was so charmed by Catch Me In Your Net... I was expecting (hoping?) for something on par.
Nope.
Also, and this is slightly not as much of a BFD, but there's a slight purple duochrome in the bottle that just does not totally translate to the nail. No big, but still.... *sad panda face*
On the bright side, I bought Austin from Amazon as part of a two-pack with Black Shatter for only $10 and some change. Such a steal that I caved and splurged on Silver Shatter from the same seller (another $7). S&H was $2.31/bottle... I want to suggest that maybe she could have combined shipping a little bit, but I'm not really going to complain. My order total was only $23.80.
Not really complaining.
I will say this though... If you have an extra bottle of Catch Me In Your Net laying around and would like to get your hands on Austin-tatious (Swatched Once!)... please, feel free to contact me. Swapping now! :)
And it's a review. Holy crap, right?
I was a little dissapointed in Austin-tatious. It's one of the most beautiful and lusty turquioses in the bottle. On the nails?.... *5* coats to bottle opacity!!! Yes, 5. I guess I was so charmed by Catch Me In Your Net... I was expecting (hoping?) for something on par.
Nope.
(*Raw pics because Picasa and Picnik are being weird)
On the bright side, I bought Austin from Amazon as part of a two-pack with Black Shatter for only $10 and some change. Such a steal that I caved and splurged on Silver Shatter from the same seller (another $7). S&H was $2.31/bottle... I want to suggest that maybe she could have combined shipping a little bit, but I'm not really going to complain. My order total was only $23.80.
- Silver Shatter
- Black Shatter
- Austin-tatious
- Shipping + (All brand new and quickly shipped)
Not really complaining.
I will say this though... If you have an extra bottle of Catch Me In Your Net laying around and would like to get your hands on Austin-tatious (Swatched Once!)... please, feel free to contact me. Swapping now! :)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Go Stillers! Getchur nailz auhn!
I'm wearing an official jersey for the very first time. Yeah I know... I've lived in Pittsburgh for almost 28 years and have never worn a single jersey???! Yes, I might be slightly retarded. (But that's a whole 'nother post!) In fact, I'm so out of the Enthusiasm Loop that my jersey was bought *for* me (not *by* me) at the Goodwill and it's of a player that hasn't been a Steeler since 1997. Thigpen, anyone?
Anyway.... we're having a pizza party at work and I thought that for the sake of fitting in I'd sport the jersey... and of course - paint my nails! (In fact, my favorite part of today has been showing people my nails saying, "See! Even my middle finger has The Spirit!" but really just flipping them off. I know, I know, I'm terrible.)
Anyway.... we're having a pizza party at work and I thought that for the sake of fitting in I'd sport the jersey... and of course - paint my nails! (In fact, my favorite part of today has been showing people my nails saying, "See! Even my middle finger has The Spirit!" but really just flipping them off. I know, I know, I'm terrible.)
Pardon the mess... I just wanted to make sure that I posted these pre-game. You know, before I get too distracted ["drunk"] to redo them.
I'm secretly supersitious, so I hesitate to show any Team Spirit for fear that if I do it'll subsequently *screw* our team's chances at a win.... Well, this year I just can't help myself. So when the Steelers lose, it will be my fault. You can all blame me.
Monday, January 31, 2011
CVS Haul :)
Sally Hansen French Neutrals: $.75 x 4...
Chrome Polish Pens: $2.50 x 4...
Nail Art Pen Gold: $2.30...
Quick Care Pen for Brittle Nails: $2.60...
Physician's Formula: buy $10 get $7 ExtraCare + Felt Liner Pen Brown: $1.87
*The only things that I paid full price for were the SH Complete Manicure (Naked Ambition) and Mineral Wear Correcting Concealer.
Total: $33.51
(Boo...YAH!)
Reds, Reds, Reds!
So... Exactly how many ways can you make "Red"?
What's your favorite red polish? What makes it your favorite?
Some Reds (off the Top of my head!):
NARS: Rouge Andalou
Essie: Really Red, Red Nouveau, Jelly Apple
China Glaze: Ruby Slippers
Sally Hansen: Right Said Red
Revlon: Revlon Red
BTW, I'm probably going to franken a dupe of Love, Beverly Hills xx.
To be sure, you all will know how that turns out. ;)
What's your favorite red polish? What makes it your favorite?
Some Reds (off the Top of my head!):
NARS: Rouge Andalou
Essie: Really Red, Red Nouveau, Jelly Apple
China Glaze: Ruby Slippers
Sally Hansen: Right Said Red
Revlon: Revlon Red
BTW, I'm probably going to franken a dupe of Love, Beverly Hills xx.
To be sure, you all will know how that turns out. ;)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Inque Nails Review - Update
Last week I posted my initial reactions to Inque Nail Stickers. Now for some followup.
I got bored with them after just a day and a half. They still looked decent, with just a little bit of lifting at the tip which I filed down, but I just though that they needed a little extra "something".
I added some stud-like decals from my stash and threw on some Seche to not only try to keep the decals on, but also maybe protect the tips from further wear/lifting.
Well.... let me tell you, maybe common sense should have told me or I ignored that part of my brain, but vinyl doesn't like to allow polish to adhere to itself. Also, I don't know if it was the stickers or the topcoat, but there was noticeable lifting at the cuticle area. And the decals were falling off after only a day, so I just said "screw it" and removed them all.
Also, it felt like I was wearing band aids on my nails. It was weird.
All in all, they're pretty cool. I stand by the opinion that they're a novelty and unique in that you can custom create your own designs, but don't think that this will replace nail polish because they're just not nail polish.
That is all for now. :)
I got bored with them after just a day and a half. They still looked decent, with just a little bit of lifting at the tip which I filed down, but I just though that they needed a little extra "something".
I added some stud-like decals from my stash and threw on some Seche to not only try to keep the decals on, but also maybe protect the tips from further wear/lifting.
Well.... let me tell you, maybe common sense should have told me or I ignored that part of my brain, but vinyl doesn't like to allow polish to adhere to itself. Also, I don't know if it was the stickers or the topcoat, but there was noticeable lifting at the cuticle area. And the decals were falling off after only a day, so I just said "screw it" and removed them all.
Also, it felt like I was wearing band aids on my nails. It was weird.
All in all, they're pretty cool. I stand by the opinion that they're a novelty and unique in that you can custom create your own designs, but don't think that this will replace nail polish because they're just not nail polish.
That is all for now. :)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Angry Birds Cupcakes
Alright, first off, I'm a little tipsy as I type this, and normally I'd draft this then wait until I was sober to post, but I'm in a hurry to get this on the internet since I'm *quite* proud of myself and I'm in a hurry to share.
I LOVE THESE!
They're made of rolled fondant, shaped with specially made cutters via my metal-working brother, detailed by hand, and assembled by myself, my brother and my husband. It was truly a labor of love.
I made them for my son's birthday. I bought the cupcakes then used royal icing to "glue" on the birds & pigs.
Okay, I'm done. I don't know what else to say, so I'm going to stop typing and go back to my zinfandel blush. :)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Inque Nails Review
What are they?
Vinyl nail wraps (=stickers) for your nails.
I'm very excited to have bought these. I got them for 5/$30 with a current promotion. I picked three designs then decided to create my own custom set with Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night. Their design editor was a little awkward to use, but I managed to play around with it enough that I felt mostly satisfied with the layout. Unfortunately, it looks like my nails aren't quite as long as I'd thought... I may not be able to use those sheets until my nails grow out a little more, at least not without losing the top of the sky. That's the risk you take when you're hasty like me! Inque does provide a service called "Sizing", but naturally, I couldn't wait and just guesstimated.
Anyway, here is the set that I chose to test drive:
I chose them mainly for the fact that I could never (in a million years!) manage something like this by hand/konad/whatever. Also, there's a distinct coincidental similarity to a certain "Booty Camp"... JUST PLUS SKULLS!! WITH LITTLE HEART-SHAPED EYE SOCKETS!!! *squee*
(I tooooooold you that I am excited!!)
Vinyl nail wraps (=stickers) for your nails.
- Pros: Custom Orders, Quality Prints, QUICK SHIPPING!, Easy to apply (however, see Cons).
- Cons: Some prints are a little on the dark side (Over-saturation), Vinyl (not polish), Tricky to apply (wrinkles), Admit to only lasting for seven days or less (as opposed to 10 or more.
- Over all: Fun, Novelty, Possibilities are endless with custom orders.
I'm very excited to have bought these. I got them for 5/$30 with a current promotion. I picked three designs then decided to create my own custom set with Van Gogh's Starry Starry Night. Their design editor was a little awkward to use, but I managed to play around with it enough that I felt mostly satisfied with the layout. Unfortunately, it looks like my nails aren't quite as long as I'd thought... I may not be able to use those sheets until my nails grow out a little more, at least not without losing the top of the sky. That's the risk you take when you're hasty like me! Inque does provide a service called "Sizing", but naturally, I couldn't wait and just guesstimated.
Anyway, here is the set that I chose to test drive:
I chose them mainly for the fact that I could never (in a million years!) manage something like this by hand/konad/whatever. Also, there's a distinct coincidental similarity to a certain "Booty Camp"... JUST PLUS SKULLS!! WITH LITTLE HEART-SHAPED EYE SOCKETS!!! *squee*
(I tooooooold you that I am excited!!)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Winter & Xmas Themed Nail Art (and some seasonal kvetching)
Winter... I have such mixed emotions about it.
We have Christmas, my birthday, New Year's, and snow that is magical.
It's also very very cold, which leads me to desire hibernation.
I'm so very very tired. In fact, I'm pooped.
I currently want nothing to do with anything that requires me to change out of pj's. Honestly. But at least we're past the solstice, so the days are getting longer now and it can only grow warmer. In fact (!) I see the sun shining outside. Right now! Yay!
Also, some awesomeness (for me): A friend of mine just posted to my FB wall a link. Yay! That's ME!!! :D
Anyway, here are some pics:
We have Christmas, my birthday, New Year's, and snow that is magical.
It's also very very cold, which leads me to desire hibernation.
I'm so very very tired. In fact, I'm pooped.
I currently want nothing to do with anything that requires me to change out of pj's. Honestly. But at least we're past the solstice, so the days are getting longer now and it can only grow warmer. In fact (!) I see the sun shining outside. Right now! Yay!
Also, some awesomeness (for me): A friend of mine just posted to my FB wall a link. Yay! That's ME!!! :D
Anyway, here are some pics:
I hope you all have had a wonderful and magical Holiday Season... Let's get back to the grind and ROCK THE SOCKS OFF THE NEW YEAR 2011!!!!!
:)
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Yummy Holo-ness! XD (And picture spam & polish pr0n)
Lucked across some Sally Hansen Magical. This is Copper Cauldron.
Shade:
Sun:
mmmmm...... *drools*
Also went on an Ulta bender last night... bought TWO large train cases (Buy One Get One 50% Off).
Here is the first one - holding all my polish:
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Nail Art - More Autumn Layering
**Now with "Step by Step"!**
My husband felt that my last manicure wasn't "autumnal" enough... *blows a raspberry at him*
And since I can't back down from a good challenge I had to re-do my last nail art using lighter and warmer colors... So, here it is:
My husband felt that my last manicure wasn't "autumnal" enough... *blows a raspberry at him*
And since I can't back down from a good challenge I had to re-do my last nail art using lighter and warmer colors... So, here it is:
(sorry for the uber glare... I'm not sure what that's all about.)
Step #1:
Base: Seche Ridge Filler
Wet n Wild - Gold and the Beautiful
Top Coat: Out the Door
Step #2:
(On top of Gold/Beautiful)
2/3 OPI - Rising Star
3/3 (tip) OPI - Take the Stage
Top Coat: Out the Door
(Side note: the TONALITY of Gold/Beautiful and Rising Star is almost dupe,
however, RS has far more foil sparkle to it.)
Step #3:
Fauxnad:
Bundle Monster Plate #bm04
Konad Special Polish - Burnt Orange
(Just fyi: this stuff stamps weirdly.)
Step #4:
(pictured above)
Added accent details with L.A. Colors Nail Art Brush:
Red, Yellow, and Neon Orange
Lots and lots of Seche!!
^_^
PS: I want to thank everyone who has commented on and/or read my blogs. I really appreciate it! And I'm sorry if I don't always respond or comment on yours, but as most of you with your own blogs know... it's HARD to do BOTH!!! But really, those little morsels of encouragement are what keep us motivated and our blogs going so please don't stop!!
-hannagrrl<3
Monday, November 15, 2010
Off Topic: A Ladies' Night Out - Fairy style!
So....
I try very hard not to have a boring life.
This is some hard evidence.
Don't misquote me.
^_^
I was kinda upset that I would have to miss this year's Fairy Con, so I said, "Hey! Why not have my own??" Also, the Pirates, Mimes, and Santa's of the world get their own bar crawls, why not the fairies??! And that's what I tried to do... I made a Facebook event, sent out invites, and sat back and waited until it was time to rock out.
I hit a few snags... Like, once I made the Facebook invite, I could really only invite those on my friends list. Of those ladies, how many would want to don fairy wings for an evening? Of those ladies on my facebook who were willing to don wings for an evening, how many were actually able to make it out? Of all those lovely ladies who were not only willing to don fairy wings in public but could actually make it, how many would NOT have random emergencies or last minute changes of plans?
Answer #1: About 20.
Answer #2: About 5.
Answer #3: Only 2. Myself included. (And for a hot minute, it looked like I was going to be the only one.)
But you know what? It was totally worth it. Emily and I had a great time.
We went to one of our local gay bars, where we were bought our first round by a nice (but VERY SMASHED) gentleman who just bought us the beer on the logic that "IF you really are magical fairies, I wouldn't want to piss you off by NOT buying you a drink!"
[MY KIND OF LOGIC!]
Then we were promptly accosted by several lovely ladies who were there that night to represent the area's transgender community. And they forced us into a photo shoot.
[And for an attention whore like myself? It was FABULOUS!]
Okay, I'm done boring you all with only SOME of the details and pfft! Here are pics:
I try very hard not to have a boring life.
This is some hard evidence.
Don't misquote me.
^_^
I was kinda upset that I would have to miss this year's Fairy Con, so I said, "Hey! Why not have my own??" Also, the Pirates, Mimes, and Santa's of the world get their own bar crawls, why not the fairies??! And that's what I tried to do... I made a Facebook event, sent out invites, and sat back and waited until it was time to rock out.
I hit a few snags... Like, once I made the Facebook invite, I could really only invite those on my friends list. Of those ladies, how many would want to don fairy wings for an evening? Of those ladies on my facebook who were willing to don wings for an evening, how many were actually able to make it out? Of all those lovely ladies who were not only willing to don fairy wings in public but could actually make it, how many would NOT have random emergencies or last minute changes of plans?
Answer #1: About 20.
Answer #2: About 5.
Answer #3: Only 2. Myself included. (And for a hot minute, it looked like I was going to be the only one.)
But you know what? It was totally worth it. Emily and I had a great time.
We went to one of our local gay bars, where we were bought our first round by a nice (but VERY SMASHED) gentleman who just bought us the beer on the logic that "IF you really are magical fairies, I wouldn't want to piss you off by NOT buying you a drink!"
[MY KIND OF LOGIC!]
Then we were promptly accosted by several lovely ladies who were there that night to represent the area's transgender community. And they forced us into a photo shoot.
[And for an attention whore like myself? It was FABULOUS!]
Okay, I'm done boring you all with only SOME of the details and pfft! Here are pics:
[Myself, Lisa, Emily]
[Lisa, myself, Robyn]
[myself, Lisa, and Emily]
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Nail Art - Autumn Layering
Now... if only I were ambidextrious so that I could do BOTH hands!!!
[Daily Nail... HOW DO YOU DO IT???!]
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Take The Stage!
I really like this color. It's not my favorite kind of formula... I had to be super careful with application, and when I wasn't there was drag... (what a drag!) and I had a hard time getting it to go down over the free edges. Removal is fine, but cuticle edge cleanup is challenging.
Three coats evened everything out to my satisfaction. I'd say that it is bottle opaque.
Also, the color reminds me a lot of Wet N Wild's Inferno and Goldmine.
Here are some pics.
Enjoy!
Three coats evened everything out to my satisfaction. I'd say that it is bottle opaque.
Also, the color reminds me a lot of Wet N Wild's Inferno and Goldmine.
Here are some pics.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Konadicure fail
I had an inspiration for a very pretty fall-themed konad featuring Take The Stage from OPI's Burlesque collection... and well, sometimes even the best laid plans... oh, you know the rest!
I got rid of the train wreck that crashed onto my nails and relaid the track... hopefully to start anew tomorrow. I know it's only 9pm (USA EST) but it's also the little man's bed time so by the time I get him asleep it'll be MY bedtime. (Moms, you know exactly what I'm talking about!)
Rest assured (haha, I'm so punny!) once the wheels start moving again, the results will be EPIC.
(Seriously, what is with all these references to transportation??)
Sleep tight, darlings. We'll be back soon.
^_^
W/<3,
-h
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5
I got rid of the train wreck that crashed onto my nails and relaid the track... hopefully to start anew tomorrow. I know it's only 9pm (USA EST) but it's also the little man's bed time so by the time I get him asleep it'll be MY bedtime. (Moms, you know exactly what I'm talking about!)
Rest assured (haha, I'm so punny!) once the wheels start moving again, the results will be EPIC.
(Seriously, what is with all these references to transportation??)
Sleep tight, darlings. We'll be back soon.
^_^
W/<3,
-h
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Nail Art - Layering Aqua Deco Flowers
Eyeko Vintage Polish +
Pure Ice Oooh Baby +
Konad White Pearl +
Seche +
Konad Black and dots +
[hastily applied] Out The Door
When I try this design again, I'm going to try to remember to use a dark brown instead of the black. It was kind of harsh-looking and I'm thinking that the brown will seem more sophisticated.
Also, I'm experimenting with some filters on my phone.
I'm curious as to where this leads.
Do you like it? (above)
Or do you prefer the cleaner and more professional? (bottom)
[Personally, I like that the top photo hides the mistakes better!]
But tell me what YOU think!! ^_^
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Waiting..
For my Eyeko order.
*Saucy
*Military
*Vintage
*Rain
*Vampira
Was "dispatched" yesterday. [obsessively checking USPS Track & Confirm]
Also, check it: I just got a call from my Nail Tech friend. 42 bottles of new OPI for $2/each! 0_o
(We're ALL OVER THAT!)
.jpg)
*Saucy
*Military
*Vintage
*Rain
*Vampira
Was "dispatched" yesterday. [obsessively checking USPS Track & Confirm]
Also, check it: I just got a call from my Nail Tech friend. 42 bottles of new OPI for $2/each! 0_o
(We're ALL OVER THAT!)
.jpg)
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