- What I learned,liked,loved about this challenge
- What I did during this challenge
So firstly, I loved everything about this challenge. I especially loved that I was finally interacting within the nail community on Instagram. Every day even before I posted my own picture I was checking out that tag to see what everyone else's nails looked like. I even went out on a limb and even commented (gasp) lol. But the amount of support I received from strangers was so encouraging and uplifting. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that people took time out of their day to follow me and comment on my pictures. Like today, @theconcretechic featured my TV test screen nails in one of her posts. WHAT. So awesome. I just really love the new people I found that I can share inspiration with. And that's really what this challenge is about right?
Also, I learned a few things about myself. I really pushed myself to new levels with this challenge. I was always surprised that some looks came out looking better than I could have ever expected. I also learned that the most loved nail looks (for me at least) are the least planned ones. I couldn't believe that some of my most simple looks beat out my more detailed and planned looks in terms of likes. Nonetheless, I loved all my looks. I also learned about what kind of lighting looks best for nails and that Brock's Galaxy S phone takes the best pics out of our two phones. :P
I really got through this challenge through meticulous planning. The second I knew I was gonna do this challenge, I was already putting ideas together in my brainstorming notebook. My Blue Meanies and Betsey Johnson looks were all sketched out in that book before I even pulled out my polishes. I honestly don't think I would have lasted if everyday I was just starting out with a plan. I also had the convenience of getting off early enough to get a head start on my looks before having to start dinner or something. I get off everyday between 3 and 4 pm which gave me at least a solid hour to remove my nail polish, clean and scrub my nails, let them air out and add a basecoat before I had to start dinner. I tried really hard to stick with my schedule, and of course Brock let me slide a couple times on dinner. When we went out of town, I did three looks in one evening, just so I didn't have to do them while we were enjoying family time and visiting.
What I did during this challenge
Ok so let's face it: sitting and doing your nails for at least 3 hours every day can leave you with some serious downtime. My brain has to be stimulated with sound if I'm doing something, whether it be music, TV, talking, etc. I think at the beginning I was so focused, I just had the TV on in the background, or some YouTube videos playing, but after a week or so, I was ready for something different. I had listened to an Audible book during work because we had an open Wifi connection in the office (sigh. the good ol days) So I started exploring audio books on YouTube, and lo and behold! a wealth of books at my fingertips! and for free I might add! So I started off with the popular titles, just to see what all the hype was about. I listened to The Giver, Gone Girl, and The Fault in Our Stars.
I started The Giver while I was at work and finished it in one evening. Gone Girl took about ten days and OOOOMMGGGG. Them people are crazy. It was hard just to restrict my listening time to just when I was doing nails I totally wanted to hurry and find out what happened. -.- I still haven't convinced Brock to take me to go see the movie, but I was sooo pumped to see it after reading (listening to) the book. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves suspense and doesn't mind being on an emotional roller coaster. Seriously, I felt like I needed some medication to get through to the end!
The Fault in Our Stars was sensational as well. Definitely worth the hype. I fell in love with the characters and the quirkiness of their personalities. I also have not seen this movie, I'm waiting for Netflix to come through for me on this one, so hopefully soon. I can totally see how it was a tearjerker! I didn't cry listening to the audiobook thankfully - I was probably too detached with everything else going on.
So after listening to these first two, I did some exploring and decided to find something suspenseful Unfortunately, the pool became slimmer after a while, probably after someone flagged them for copyright issues (?) But I came across The Shining by Stephen King. I looooooove the movie, but I heard that it was a loose interpretation of the book and I wanted to see for myself. It turned out to be pretty freaking awesome. I have read a lot of Stephen King and so has Brock, so he really can do no wrong, I'm just glad I had an opportunity to delve into this book. If I could choose the movie or the book for being better, I would probably choose the book. First because it really gave a background for the characters before coming to the hotel and second because Mr. Hallorann lives at the end! haha oops spoiler!
So after The Shining was over and I couldn't get Doctor Sleep on audiobook, we conveniently got Netflix and hooked up the TV in the mani cave. So with the help of Google Chromecast,, I started streaming TV seasons to the TV. Damn I love technology. There is a pretty sweet setup in there now!
So anyway, I delved into the American Horror Story seasons. I had always been intrigued by the show, but I never for some reason settled down to watch it. I've never been a loyal TV program watcher. But I definitely settled down for this show! I fell in love with it after the first episode. I am shamelessly head over heels for Evan Peters. Especially thanks to Tate Langdon. Unfortunately I could only watch seasons 1 and 2 but I finished in time to watch Season 4 on FX :)) We might have to save my true feelings for this show for another blog post.
I think I did a great job of exploring not only nail art but other popular books and shows. I definitely didn't stay idle during dry time that's for sure!!
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